“Hi, my name is Lazarus and I am a very special kitty. I was found wandering around Johnson City, Tennessee and was rescued. I have a very severe bilateral cleft palate and cleft nasal area. Because my cleft is so extensive, the doctors are shocked that I am alive. I guess you could say I am a miracle kitty. Even though I have a very noticeable disability, I am very playful, loving, and exceptionally sweet. I have learned to eat and do all of the necessary things kitties must do.”
Lazarus was rescued from the streets of Johnson City, TN in September by an Eastern Tennessee State University student who turned the then-10 week old special needs kitten over to Cynthia Chambers, a faculty member working in the school’s special education program who sometimes helps with animal rescue cases.
We told Lazarus’ story on September 28, in Lazarus: Cleft Palate Miracle Kitten Gets Help and May Help Others. Lazarus has settled himself into Cynthia’s home and has bonded with her and the household’s other cats and dog.
Initially, vets recommended that surgical procedures be put off for 5 months, giving the kitten time to grow, but Lazarus went to UT earlier this week for an oral surgery procedure to find the source of recurrent infections and deal with it. The surgery went well, and Lazarus is recovering at home.
The kitty’s Facebook page includes photos of the cute, special boy, along with updates on his life and care. Be sure to check the photo albums for lots of pictures.
After having seen our earlier story on Lazarus, HooplaHa visited Christine and Lazarus and made this video report, released yesterday.
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Nice heartwarming story! Thanks Cynthia.