Vanishing Act - The Story of Jace

He was immediately rushed to the vet. Underweight and dehydrated he sported a few marks on him from battles fought while out in the world. Matted fur and dull coat, he was tested for all the known diseases, given subcutaneous fluids, food and his mats were removed. He had gone from a robust 17.6 pounds to 11.6 pounds. After the visit, Jace went home to live with Shannon and her family.

For three months she cared for him, and loved him, trying to make up for all he had suffered. She took him back to the vets at the three-month mark to get a re-check. During that visit, he tested positive for FeLV. The test had shown a strong positive 4 minutes into a 10 minute test. He was re-tested one more time to be sure, with the results boldly showing up quickly. Shannon knew then with a heavy heart that he had reached the end of his journey. On the vet’s gentle recommendation, Jace was euthanized on June 10, 2004 ninety days after being found. He fell to sleep, peacefully resting in the arms of Shannon, the one person who truly loved him.

*Author’s note* since the time this story was relayed to me, I have struggled to write it. I could not understand how the actual owner of this cat could not have taken more of an active role in the recovery process. I wanted to write the story as accurately as I could, without passing any judgment, or having readers do the same. I have since been told that this sad episode which occurred left an indelible mark on Jace’s original owner. She now dedicates her spare time working at the local humane society. She has since adopted five cats, and is caring for them responsibly in her home.

Shannon informs me she misses Jace every day. She says she doesn’t know why she cared so deeply for her daughter’s cat (after all she has six of her own to worry about) she just CARED! She felt she had a mission to accomplish, to bring the cat home. I am sure one day in the future Jace will be thanking her for that unconditional love…

Mary Anne Miller is a free-lance writer, and member of the Cat Writers' Association. She is a web copy writer, and passionate about feral cats/kittens and bottle babies. You can read more by Mary Anne at her Feral Cat Behavior Blog.