Mario’s Story - The story of an Amazing Cat

 

In May of 2003, a client dropped off a tiny tuxedo kitten who had been thrown out of a car near her house. He was crawling with fleas, his gums were white, and he had a fractured pelvis, but as Doc picked him up to examine him, he purred with all his might! 

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We cared for him over the next week. When the time for discharge came, we showed the owners how to care for him. At his two month recheck, the neurologic damage had not improved. He still could not move his legs well and needed his bladder expressed. His owner named him “Mario Mustache” and he had taken over her heart with his great attitude and curiosity!  His expressions were precious and were magnified by this a big black mustache on his little white face!

His owner decided to keep him and we gave her physical therapy exercises for him and instructions for his cart.  He grew and matured, was neutered and did very well.  The next Christmas his family decided to get him a little cart to increase his mobility!  In March, Mario finally got his “wheels”!  When he boarded with us, it was amazing to see him go! He went anywhere he could get his wheels through!

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Later that year, Mario developed some severe ulcers on his hip area from spending too much time in his cart since his owner’s new schedule did not allow her to return as often to care for him. She was distraught and asked if we could find him a home where someone had more time to care for him.

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He found his permanent home – with us at the animal hospital and rescue!  He was a joy to have around! Mario was always happy in spite of his handicap and he won everyone’s heart with his courage and determination.  He loved getting a scratch under his chin or a good back scratch (since he was unable to do that for himself).  He learned all sorts of ways to manipulate us to do his bidding! He was not sure about other cats but snuggled up with any small dog around! 

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After a few years, he decided that he did not want to be in his chariot anymore.  He still could move as fast as any other cat when he wanted to!  He developed strong front leg muscles and upper body as a result.  He started slowing down in 2011 when he developed a urinary tract infection. He recovered well, but over time he became more difficult to express and it was painful for him.  His abdomen lost the muscle tone and it was difficult for him to get around.

 

His breathing became more difficult from a heart condition and in September of 2012, we said goodbye to him in his favorite room, the sunroom, while he basked in the sunshine –and purred as we scratched his chin and rubbed him in all his favorite places. 

 

Mario Mustache made an impression on everyone who met him!  We still miss his “supervising” in the surgery area, where he would find a pleasing sunbeam while we did the surgeries for the day!  Sometimes, I feel his presence  or expect to look over in that corner to see him watching me!  He was the first of many kittens and cats that we have taken in, but he has made a “forever” impression on us. Although Mario was a special needs cat, his attitude and resilience were amazing.  

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Mario’s Mansion is an expression of our gratitude to him for all the life lessons he taught us. Thank you to all who have made this possible and for all the improvements that we have been able to make for the homeless cats that have come to us!  We still pray that each and every one of them will find their own person and their “furrever homes”.  Come and meet them – you will find a bit of Mario in each one!