There are very few things a vet tech can hear that sinks their heart. We're just so used to fixing most everything, that when something unfixable presents itself, it rocks you.

"He's FeLV +, I'm sorry." is the phrase that did it to me. The vet apologized, not because it's a death sentence, but because people treat it that way. Most shelters, and even no kill* (*for space) rescues euthanize as soon as that little blue line appears.

It's because it's so contagious. It's a disease that compromises their immune system for life, and they have to go to a no-cat home. They have to stay indoor only. Try getting a "I don't have a cat but I want one" to take the special case. It's hard.

So rescuers, and vet techs, it ends up being the worst news.

Yule tested positive. Not only did someone dump him, but along the way he caught Feline Leukemia. The vet took a long look at me, knowing I have 5 other cats. I know what she expected. "It's OK, he's isolated," I said. "I'll find someone." I could feel her relief.

I refused to let it end like this, he deserves to know love and mountains of soft blankets and be a spoiled indoor kitty. So he's officially a foster, and I have 2 weeks of heavy meds to get him to where he needs to be health-wise before I look hard for a good home.

Today he rounded a corner: he's able to hold his head up, eat on his own, and even used the litter box on his own.

If you would like to give a permanent home to a special boy, and you've got a calm environment, please talk to me about Yule. If you are too far away, or now is not the right time in your life, please consider an FeLV or FIV positive cat in the future, so they may have a very deserved chance at a long, full, loving life.