Give Paris a Fighting Chance for Recovery

UPDATE 6/8/2025: It is with great sorrow that I share that Paris did not survive. I kept my promise to bring her home, but she died in my arms early in the morning. I lay with her for 40 minutes and it was the first time in 14 years that I was able to pet her. She was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism, but I can only assume that the stress of taking her to the vet, the anesthesia, and the progression of what was likely multiple illnesses caused her death. I cry every day when I feed her sisters their fancy feast and there is one large plate less. Paris did not live in the shadows, for most of her 14 years she was out and about (often above the cabinets), especially in the last year, but also when we had the old boys from Galveston.

I caught Paris with the help of https://jackjackspack.org/

A fellow came to our home and trapped Paris in a large dog trap without touching her. He was an veteran of the Afghan war and wanted to promote peace. In three years he has brought 1,700 dogs off the street and helped locate their owners or find them homes.

I want to thank everyone who made a donation. It was very hard to write this update because so many things seem to be passing out of my control these days.

For those friends who have not made a donation and want to make a donation, Paris' mother Coco needs to have her wellness test (especially for Hypothyroidism). Coco is very tame cat and has been to the vet many, many times. Once I get her diagnosis, I can apply to charities for help to have her scab removed.

Again, THANK YOU and I wish you and those you love all the best. Lilly

UPDATE: BIG Thank You to my friends and their generous donations. I have raised enough to get in the door, but likely will need more. I took Friday off to take Paris to the vet, but animal control rescinded their offer to help (she is indoors) and Paris is too fast for me. Today I am going to Pet Smart for catnip and other ideas. I have drugs, but she is so thin, it worries me. We will get there this week. Again thank you. Lilly

PARIS

In the past 30+ years of helping approx. 75 neighborhood cats, I have perhaps only once asked for $$ for my own registered cats. Friends, family, neighbors, shelters, philanthropists, and veterinarians have been generous and helped dozens of kitties get off the street, receive medical care, and placed in good homes. I thank you all. As most of you know, these are difficult times and I have run out of time.

Meet Paris. We scooped Paris off our back porch when we lived on the San Gabriel River along with her mother Coco and her siblings Gigi, Fifi, Maurice, and Mimi. We were never able to catch her amazing daddy, Guy. You have one guess what film we watching at the time. We kept the kitties that were not placeable and Pet Smart and the shelter found homes for the rest. That was 14 years ago this May.

Paris was a fighter from the start. But she loved to sit on the chaise with her tail wrapped around the elderly cats we brought from Galveston after the hurricane. We called her Nurse Kitty. Somehow we managed to move her 3 times in Georgetown, but it was never without a fight and a bite. After Harry Truman passed away she began hiding under the sofa. She was still big and strong and feisty. For 14 years we have been trying to make friends with Paris and since our last move we began eliminating places for her to hide. But she always found someplace.

Paris is now ill. In the last three months she has become more tame. In April, Paris actually posed for the photo - a first. As you can see her beautiful coat is worn and her strong body emaciated. With one finger, I can touch her nose and run it along still her boney spine. She has a good appetite for fancy feast and she sometimes has blood in her urine. I hope to take Paris to the vet and get her diagnosis and treatment. I do not want to treat her in any way that would increase her stress. I am working on strategies to catch her or I may have to enlist the help of a professional (animal control, etc..).

In the past I have asked that you send $$ to the vet clinic. However, last time I need more than one vet and I could not access the funds. Part of what is holding up treatment (along with her being skittish) is finding a way to raise funds.

I have not given up helping stray cats. But now I immediately take them to the Georgetown Animal Shelter. They helped Paris and her siblings 14 years ago. But, as many of you know, the shelters are now FULL. I literally have to put my foot in the door and call or drop by everyday to make sure that the strays have a fighting chance. Vets now expect payment at time of service and I have not found one that will do charity work. Vet charities help only fund vet charities and do not return calls or emails.

Please help give Paris a fighting chance.

As always, thank you for your warm hearts and generous spirits. No donation is too large or small. Lilly