Mr. Sniffles needs our help to live
Donation protected
Hi there! My name is Rhae Ann Theriault and I trapped Mr. Sniffles and, subsequently, named him... after realizing that he couldn't be returned back to the mean streets of LA. I created this GoFundMe under a friend's name - since I wasn't sure how the whole thing worked. I've since gotten pretty adept at creating fundraisers for our animals in need. Please know that all money has gone, directly, to pay for the veterinary bills and follow up care - for Mr. Sniffles. And I "THANK YOU" - for your kindness and generosity!!
Mr. Sniffles, who was discovered in a feral colony in North Hollywood. The area is a congested, industrial neighborhood... lined with busy garages and warehouses that manufacture tile, paint products and automotive parts. God knows where these poor creatures hide during the day or find shelter from the elements. There's not much "green space". Instead, their environment consists of broken glass, toxic chemicals, wooden pallets, debris, dumpsters, and large, commercial vehicles and trucks.
My friend, Jade, had been feeding at the location for a couple of years and I've often accompanied her so I could trap the ones that needed to be spayed/neutered or required medical attention.
Mr. Sniffles started coming out to eat from behind a gated alley and we immediately knew something wasn't right. He appeared to have a lump on his head, between his eyes, which was beginning to distort his features. We could also hear his labored breathing. I knew we needed to get him examined by a vet and made a plan to trap him.
He was first taken to FixNation where he was neutered, vaccinated, and given a topical flea medication. The veterinary staff examined him (standard protocol for the clinic). Their basic diagnosis was that he had some kind of mass in his nasal cavity, which was beginning to cause facial deformity and restricting the air flow through his nose. Since this particular clinic focuses, mainly, on sterilizing community cats, it was recommended I take him to another veterinary practice for further assessment.
Many, within the rescue community, began weighing in and some recommended, since he's a "feral" - that he be humanely euthanized.
As you can see, by the video, he "was" a feral cat... in the beginning. But since he's been in captivity and been handled often for exams, he's not only become tame... but an extremely affectionate and social fella who LOVES to get scruffs around his head, face and neck! He's also become quite chatty.
Mr. Sniffles also has a constant, nasal drip (hence his name!) and when he sneezes or shakes his head, green mucous flies through the air, splattering on the walls and floors, covering everything in his surroundings. I quickly realized his food bowl needed to be shallow because the kibble beneath would get saturated within a day or two, and go to waste.
His food/water dishes and entire enclosure must be cleaned regularly... and most items need a good soaking in hot, soapy water.
Does it gross me out? No. Does he have a funky smell? Yes. But all you have to do is meet Mr. Sniffles and experience him looking directly in to your eyes - as if he's saying, "I want to LIVE!" - and you'll feel how strong of a life force he possesses!
And he's still enjoying the simple things in life... like his nightly bowl of wet food, getting brushed, hangin' out in his hammock or just being in the company of us human types. Typically, cats will lose their appetite if they can't smell. Although his nostrils are extremely constricted, he's still able to breathe through his nose. We're worried he may go downhill if his nose becomes completely blocked.
Back to the medical stuff...
We have since taken him to three, different veterinarians for further assessment and lab work. The first test conducted was for Cryptococcus (a fungal infection spread by bird droppings) and the results were negative.
He's also had a full blood panel run... ruling out FIV/FeLV and other illnesses. According to Dr. Sunada (North Hollywood Animal Care Center), some of his protein(?) levels were elevated which could be consistent with what we may find in an animal fighting cancer. But she also noted that we cannot possibly diagnose him without conducting a biopsy and a MRI.
Unfortunately, the growth is behind solid bone and there's no way to get a needle in to the target area. Dr. Sunada recommends he be taken to a specialist for facial surgery... in order for a biopsy to be done.
After phoning multiple clinics, researching the costs of such a procedure, we realized it is just beyond our financial means.
This is why we NEED YOUR HELP!!!
Please... won't you help us help Mr. Sniffles?!! Time is of the essence because his condition is only worsening with time.
You can find additional photos and updates on Mr. Sniffles on our Face book page: "Save The Leadwell Kitties". Just search the albums and he's in the one entitled, "Rhae's Rescue Cats #11 of 13".
And we thank you, so deeply, from the bottom of our hearts.
*Please be sure to follow the latest update on Mr. Sniffles.
Organizer and beneficiary
Rhae Ann Theriault
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA
Hali Burton
Beneficiary
