Dutchess is a 6-month-old cat who was severely burned in a house fire last month. She has been lovable and purring through all of her treatments and has stolen the heart of all who work with her. – University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine Illinois Vet News, October 2012
Dutchess was rescued with 2nd and 3rd degree burns from the Saybrook, IL fire of September 19 that took all of her family’s possessions, their home, and the life of the family dog. Firefighter Toni Day made the rescue when she picked up the burned kitten who was found hiding under a sofa and handed her out through a window, though she didn’t think the little pet would survive.
Dutchess was wrapped in a wet towel and taken to Central Illinois Small Animal Rescue. A few days later, petmom Jackie Jones took her to the University of Illinois’ Small Animal Clinic, where she has since remained while receiving care. Dutchess had trouble breathing because of smoke and debris in her lungs and needed care for her eyes. She was burned on her face, chest, torso, legs and paws, and a flea collar had melted into her skin. Due to the severity of her burns, the possibility of infection was a concern.
Jackie’s insurance does not cover Dutchess’ care, so the kitty’s rescuer started a Facebook page to share the kitten’s story and solicit donations for her care. So far, nearly $3,000 of the campaign’s $5,000 goal has been raised. The University has also contributed to Dutchess’ care with a $500 donation from a special fund. Dutchess’ care costs about $110 a day, and she will remain in the hospital for another week or two. Dutchess will need followup care after she returns home. Any funds raised over the amount of her care will be use to replenish the University’s emergency fund.
Donations can be made by calling the University of Illinois at 217-333-2762 and specifying that the donation to be applied to Dutchess Jones -Owner Jackie Jones. There is additional donation information, along with photos, updates, and links to a few local TV news broadcasts at The Dutchess Burn Fund Facebook page.
Dutchess is recovering well, is expected to retain much of her vision and to return to a normal life, and has endeared herself to her caregivers with her sweet and loving personality.
A feature in today’s Pantograph quotes Dr. Jennifer Herring saying, “When she first came in, we couldn’t tell what kind of cat she was. She was very extensively injured. We were extremely concerned about her.” Describing the young cat’s recovery as “phenomenal”, Dr. Herring continued, “She has been so great, so easy to work with. She purrs all the time.”
HI I commented on this it went to my time line!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was trying to be kind as I did not think it was fair on the cat.If you do not want comments *simple* do not post these articles.For my self being kind and writing a comment I find almost a day later a lot of abuse/nasty comments onto my time line from yankee doodle dandees!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have reported the said person to facebook and reported and blocked all those who liked the abuse he sent my self.He said would I leave my daughter if she was like this? I have a 14 year old autistic child…. 3 cats of my own aged 17 and 3months,aged 17months and a baby kitten aged 11 weeks oh and 13 weeks ago had to have my beautiful dalmation lop bunny aged 3 put to sleep as she got sick and could not use her legs or get about or wash herself/feed etc.
Hello Susan,
I’m sorry your comment was met with a and jarring and insulting personal attack. I have removed the comment from this post but I’m not sure if it has disappeared from your Timeline. Commenters are welcome to voice differing perspectives, but unwarranted personal attacks are not acceptable here.
The reason the comments appeared on your Timeline is that you posted above in the Facebook comments portion of the post.
I understand that you made your comment with the best of intentions. Some cats have gone through even worse burn recoveries and have become healed and happy. The decision to treat instead of PTS is often made based on the animal’s apparent will to live and its interaction with medical caregivers.
Look at Miss Berneice! she was worse off and recovered and is a happy camper!