Everything is Irie

I'd like to introduce my new little man.

My neighbor called Monday to say he'd just rescued a kitten from the salivary glands of his dog, and would I please rush over to see if it would be ok. What I discovered was a teeny little kitten that was covered in dirt, sand, and dog slobber. It was love at first sight for me, but I was certain DH would not let me keep him. (We have 6 other cats; only one was intentional, the rest have been rescues.)

Well, it took until the following morning for my wonderful hubby to tell me we should probably keep him.

A trip to the vet disclosed he was suffering trauma from having been shaken by the dog, and he had fluid building under his skin. His eyes were also infected, and he was dehydrated. My vet recommended we do an FIV test before proceeding with anything further, as a positive ID would be a death sentence.

The first in-office test came back inconclusive, so she said they needed to send blood to the lab. 24 hours later, we got news from the lab that they couldn't get a clear negative, and needed to retest the blood. It would be another 24 hours for a result.

Since Monday, this little guy has totally entrenched himself in our hearts. He's the most mellow, laid-back, happy little kitten. Feral cats typically don't fit that description. He wants to be touching one of us at all times, and he purrs constantly. Hence his name, "Irie." If you don't know the meaning, look it up. We were a wreck, waiting for the results of the FIV test.

We got the news today: he is negative!! DH and I are both elated. So here are pictures of the one pound, one ounce object of our affection. He's the friendliest little guy I've ever known!

 

Thanks folks. I'm thrilled with this little guy.

MJ, DH was a Jamaican in a past life, I'm sure. He came up with the name. And perhaps ironically, we are off to the land of Red Stripe in a few days. Oh happy days!

The other cats are *NOT* thrilled with this newest arrival. They hiss and growl as if they think his one poundness could eat their 12 poundness in one gulp.

 

Irie says thank you, everyone!

 

Thanks, folks! We're even more in love today. There's nothing quite like being tracked all over the house by a lil 1-pound fuzzball!