We found out about Gabriel from a staff member at a shelter from whom we'd adopted another special needs cat.
She was very concerned because Gabriel was not thriving. He had a heart condition but the meds did not seem to help enough. He seemed sad and afraid, and often batted away attempts to pet him.
As soon as we brought him home, we made an appointment with a cardiologist at Tufts who has done wonders with several special needs dogs and cats who live as a family in our home.
He was diagnosed with advanced hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a progressive condition, but new medication improved his quality of life. We began taking Gabriel to Tufts on a regular basis for echocardiograms and other procedures to adjust his meds and make sure everything possible was being done.
Gabriel's other problems included anemia and the need for dental work. The dental work alone seemed to make him feel much better, almost gave him a new personality -- his teeth must have hurt him terribly.
Gabriel made himself at home from the first time he entered our house, finding favorite places in every room. He loved to sit in window sills and was clear in letting us know when he thought we should open the window.
He was the dearest cat you could imagine.
Gabriel was part of our family for only a little over 2 years, but he will be in our hearts forever.
Please follow this link to the family of special needs dogs and cats who live in our home.