Russell Burned Kitty Improves

Russell is a burned kitty on the mend following a fire at his home, and his healing journey is being followed by thousands of well-wishers supporters. We first shared Russell’s story on Jan. 23 in Russell: Cat Burned in House Fire Gets Help.

I saw the photo above of Russell, uploaded by his vet yesterday, when I checked in to my Facebook news feed this morning. He’s looking really good and the long healing process is moving forward nicely.

Russell was severely burned when his family’s home was damaged by a fire on January 12.  He was presumed dead but turned up at the site of the fire a few days later.

He was rushed to Animal Emergency Hospital and Urgent Care in Raleigh, NC, where the dedicated and compassionate medical staff committed themselves to his healing. He remains in care there.

After Russell’s story and the Animal Emergency Hospital and Urgent Care’s Facebook page  were shared by Toni Day’s Dutchess Burn Fund and Justin, Fire Survivor‘s Facebook pages, his story became widely known across the animal loving community online.

Russell’s medical expenses have been covered by the many donations that poured in to the animal hospital, and those wishing to contribute now are asked if they want to help support a Good Samaritan Fund, set up to help future pets in need.

Russell’s family lost everything in the fire and  have been touched and heartened by the financial and emotional support shown to them and their beloved cat.

Below, Russell lounges in his cosy accommodations at the vet, surrounded by some of the cards and letters he has received.

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Russell continues to make progress and is doing well. Here are recent updates on Russell’s condition from his vets:

January 30: “Russell has started eating on his own!! We’re so proud of this boy!”

January 31: “He is still eating and is now off of IV fluids! He is still receiving pain relief medications as needed. He did develop a heart murmur and had an echocardiogram performed. We are monitoring that very carefully.”

February 2: “Russell is continuing to make great progress! We would like everyone to know that Russell is continuing to eat and drink well on his own (he has moved on to dry cat food!) and has remained off IV fluids. His pain is being closely monitored and managed with medication. Russell is as chatty and sweet as ever!”

You can see more photos and find continuing updates on Russell’s healing at Animal Emergency Hospital and Urgent Care’s Facebook page. The healing process is expected to take quite some time. He will return to his petmom  Leta Mae Strickland and the rest of his family when he is ready.

Mail for Russell can be sent to Animal Emergency Hospital, 409 Vick Ave Raleigh NC 27612

Karen Harrison Binette

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