Unspeakably Injured & Deserted Cat

Thank you all so very much for your help with this abandoned animal. Paul and I could never have imagined that so many would care and come forward to help with the cost of Leslies extensive medical bills, we are so very grateful.  You have renewed our belief that people are essentially good and caring and  that only a rare few are callous enough to desert their charge leaving them to suffer without regard.



I became aware of this amazing little guy through a neighborhood connection site. It said only that there was an abandoned, SEVERLY injured cat with a collar that had slipped  and wrapped itself  from his neck to under his arm cutting a deep wound into his shoulder.
Neighbors thought the cat had turned ferral but had been trying to catch it for months and animal control would not help. I headed over to the address given and my world changed.
What I saw still haunts and disturbs me.
 What I saw was a fragile  little guy with a SWARM of FLYS following his every step, his COLLAR  TIGHT AND STRAPPED under his leg that CUT INTO HIM SO SEVERLY you could see deep into his muscle that was filled with infection and maggots along with a stench so foul it was suffocating
 
He was covered with feces when we reached his inadequate  and exposed home that was under any car that could offer him  the slightest protection and shade him from sun.
When I caught this frail little guy he weighed about 4 lbs and I could feel his fragility through the towel I used to grab him… the towel I used to protect myself from the infestation, the SMELL  and the OOZE that he had endured for months.  
I have never seen a more gruesome case of neglect. I gathered up his little body and we raced for help.
My last thoughts are of him purring on my lap as my neighbor Paul  drove him to the emergency vet... I hope knowing that we cared and offered if only for a moment,  unconditional love.
I was dumfounded that this little guy nestled his head in the crook of my elbow...  this I hope because he knew he was finally protected. I will be haunted for a very long time after seeing the hellish situation he had endured for  so long.
And now we come to the hero of this story my neighbor my friend... Paul who  helped with his rescue and without reservation and without hesitation signed for this frail and abandoned animal to have everything done to save him that could possibly be done. We left the vet thinking we would see Leslie again but it was not to be. Paul was   called in the wee hours of the following  morning  with news our little guy needed even more medical attention and  after offering to be accountable for each and every new intervention that could be tried, Paul was told our rescue we named Leslie  had crashed and was unable to be revived.  In some small way I find a bit of consolation knowing he died with a name and hope.
 
  The last tally  was over $3700 when we were first were apprised of the tests and surgery he would need. In that he has now died we are not certain as to the final tally. We do know he  had blood tests, ultra sound, xrays and systems tests along with a resucistation order.  We know his throat was swollen, his stomach compromised, his kidneys were damaged, he was dehydrate and emaciated along with his massive wound. Please help if only a little so I can put this away with the thinking that  people care, and for Paul who selflessly offered his financial support.