by Elena nyc
Milo was born on May 22, 1997. He was a little blue-eyed snow-leopard bundle, with gorgeous tawny fur and bold dots. I didn't get to meet him until he was 8 months old, sitting in a dirty oversized fishtank with some other cats. Milo was an oversized kitten, just waiting for someone to buy him. In many ways, I didn't really choose him; he chose me. It was love at first sight. I had him for ten months; and this month, Milo died from FIP, Feline Infectious Peritonitis. Apparently, he was infected from the pet store. My vet discovered that he was exposed to FIP virus. Immediately, I made a decision to keep him and care for him until the inevitable. During that time, I loved him to death. I took him to many vets, and his blood tests kept coming up positive and yet he was well. I kept him isolated so that my other cats could not become infected. I gave Milo everything he wanted including my devoted attention. Finally, last September, FIP took its course and caused Milo to deteriorate. He had very high fevers and became very debilitated. I kept him company in the middle of the night, waiting for his fever to break, but it never really did. He was on cortisone and antibiotics. I gave him vitamens and the best care. But finally the virus had won. The dry form took place, and consumed his blue eyes, which turned red and finally yellow from liver failure. I could see him losing his battle. On November 15th, 1998 with the company of my family, he died. He was euthanized as he was a few hours away from dying painfully from liver and renal failure. That was a very hard decision to make, but I wanted him to go in peace. Milos struggled very hard to get well, but he couldn't make it. I still remember him sitting on my windowsill, basking in his glory on a warm summer's day. I feel sad that I won't spend the holidays and share his with him. And I'll never forget him for he was a gentle and caring soul. I will always love him; he was my little knight in shining armor. Unfortunately, he had a very short life.