Cody: A Special Kitty With Special Needs

setback in his young life. At 6 months old, Cody was found to have, under routine anesthesia for neutering, a rotary instability of his neck. His neutering was done in such a way that his spine would be protected. He was wrapped in plastic bubble wrap to protect his spine and was transported hours after neutering, to his specialists hospital where he would remain until the new neck findings could be evaluated and until the effects of the anesthesia diminished. He underwent cervical xrays and palpation under anesthesia for evaluation of his new neck findings. While under anesthesia his specialists were in phone contact with the Neurology Department at University of California-Davis. The diagnosis was made of Atlanto-Occipital Rotary Instability. Xrays and medical records were sent to the Department of Neurology at the University of California for a team evaluation and recommendations.In the meantime, Cody returned home with orders for strict confinement until we had further information. The opinion was that this was an extremely rare condition and a potentially fatal one if he was not protected. Later information revealed that there is no treatment for this condition due to the fact that this is so high up to the head and neck. Genetic testing was recommended to try to isolate the defect. Records were sent to various specialists in California who believed this to be a genetic collagen defect and connective tissue problem. It was then that I was told of Cody's future: cage confinement to protect him as much as possible. Devastation, fear, and heartbreak were the first reactions. Then I looked at this happy, playful, lovable little kitten and realized that he deserved the best care and chance at life that I could give him. I had to provide him with the unconditional love and protection that he required. I had no clue how to begin to make a life of confinement for him that would be one of quality. The first step was to trust my own judgement, which is not an easy thing to do when faced with a potential c

the shortest distance.His only toy consisted of a pink leash tied to his daytime cage with the end hanging inside to hold or play with. This leash was provided by his veterinarian and Cody grew attached to this. It became his "security blanket" which he grew to love. A few months later, I had a custom cage built for Cody, for his daytime use. It is made of redwood borders, steel cage sides, top, and door, and plexiglass quarter- panels slanted at the top so he could not jump up the sides. The cage is large enough for him to run and play, have his "approved toys", water, food, and litter box. I was able to get inside the cage with him and this was the first time I could lie down with him and cuddle. I didn't realize until then how very much we both had missed that. It now became part of our daily routine.

Throughout all of this, Cody continued with regular vet appointments and specialists visits. Everyone agreed that Cody was indeed a very happy, affectionate, playful boy with an uncertain future. I had no support system for myself except his team of veterinarians. No one else could understand

Cody's way of life. I did receive a great deal of encouragement and support from the people at AcmePet Cat Window on the internet. I first went there looking for information and nothing more. I came to learn that Cody found his way into all of their hearts and developed a "family" of supporters. I also learned that there are many companion animals with various special needs. All of our reactions are the same and all of our emotional highs and lows. There is no way to express how much it helps in the day-to-day care to share experiences with others who understand.Many special needs animals are too quickly disregarded for reasons of finances, lack of dedication, and certainly lack of love.

Cody is now one year old, still lives in his daytime and

nighttime cages, but is able to have brief supervised outings with me in one room daily. I have often described Cody as "my greatest joy and my greatest heartbreak". I am constantly amazed by people who write to me and ask if they can put a picture of Cody and his story on their websites. I am also amazed at the number of people whose hearts have been touched by Cody. People tell me he is their inspiration to face their own human frailties. Others believe that Cody has a "mission" while he is here on this Earth. Recently, a doctor from 3000 miles away wrote to me to tell me about a little girl who has a life-threatening rare disease requiring a bone marrow transplant. The child was depressed and not talking, and all of the hospital staff's efforts to encourage her had failed. Somehow this doctor thought to tell the little girl about Cody and his story. The next day, the doctor walked into her room and the child had written a song about herself and Cody. She called it "Cody Song". From that day on, the child became known as "Cody's Little Girl". There are now websites relating this story. I sent pictures of Cody to this child and she drew pictures of she and Cody together, wrote loving notes to Cody, and now they maintain a long-distance "friendship" and bond. The same day as the child wrote Cody's Song, her insurance approved a procedure that they had , to this point, refused. Her doctors say they are usually somewhat skeptical, but they have to think that this is "Cody Magic' at its best. What I've come to learn is that every little breath he takes is magical and a miracle to me.

All animals with special needs deserve no less than our love, devotion, and care. I no longer question why this happened to Cody. I believe he is here for a reason, and it's a reason far more spiritual than we know. He has a way of bonding with those he meets and those who he may never meet. This type of loving soul defies explanation. I am blessed to have Cody in my life. Now when I look in his eyes I see the love of ALL animals who have special needs. If I can help just one person to understand, love and care for a pet with special needs, then my mission is accomplished.Cody's mission will continue to be, simply, to love. I have learned great lessons from Cody. I have learned the art of patience. I have learned to be and to think in more gentle terms. I have learned that it is really quality, not quanity, of life that is important. I have learned the purest form of love.