Chessie, a purebred Maine coon, came into our lives on Mother's Day of 2000. I named her after the sleeping feline that once adorned so many railroad cars. Her meager cry as a young kitten reminded me of a helpless baby chicken, thus the nickname.
After a bout of double pneumonia at three months of age, we figured she'd survive anything and live to a ripe old age. She grew into a beautiful adult cat, and didn't meow like our other cats, voicing, "Mom," instead!
Sadly, Chessie developed an autoimmune disorder following excess shots by her former vet. Steroids, antibiotics and lots of love saw her through many flare-ups. An inflamed pancreas necessitated pricey emergency surgery and intensive care, which I hoped would gain her a few extra years. It wasn't to be. Mere months later, the pancreatitis returned with a vengeance, and I held dear Chessie in my arms as she was euthanized.
After a bout of double pneumonia at three months of age, we figured she'd survive anything and live to a ripe old age. She grew into a beautiful adult cat, and didn't meow like our other cats, voicing, "Mom," instead!
Sadly, Chessie developed an autoimmune disorder following excess shots by her former vet. Steroids, antibiotics and lots of love saw her through many flare-ups. An inflamed pancreas necessitated pricey emergency surgery and intensive care, which I hoped would gain her a few extra years. It wasn't to be. Mere months later, the pancreatitis returned with a vengeance, and I held dear Chessie in my arms as she was euthanized.
Chessie, a purebred Maine coon, came into our lives on Mother's Day of 2000. I named her after the sleeping feline that once adorned so many railroad cars. Her meager cry as a young kitten reminded me of a helpless baby chicken, thus the nickname.
After a bout of double pneumonia at three months of age, we figured she'd survive anything and live to a ripe old age. She grew into a beautiful adult cat, and didn't meow like our other cats, voicing, "Mom," instead!
Sadly, Chessie developed an autoimmune disorder following excess shots by her former vet. Steroids, antibiotics and lots of love saw her through many flare-ups. An inflamed pancreas necessitated pricey emergency surgery and intensive care, which I hoped would gain her a few extra years. It wasn't to be. Mere months later, the pancreatitis returned with a vengeance, and I held dear Chessie in my arms as she was euthanized.
After a bout of double pneumonia at three months of age, we figured she'd survive anything and live to a ripe old age. She grew into a beautiful adult cat, and didn't meow like our other cats, voicing, "Mom," instead!
Sadly, Chessie developed an autoimmune disorder following excess shots by her former vet. Steroids, antibiotics and lots of love saw her through many flare-ups. An inflamed pancreas necessitated pricey emergency surgery and intensive care, which I hoped would gain her a few extra years. It wasn't to be. Mere months later, the pancreatitis returned with a vengeance, and I held dear Chessie in my arms as she was euthanized.
