Atlantic Animal Hospital has proudly chosen, Precious Carter as the August 2006 Companion Animal of the Month. Precious is the companion to Howard and Sharon Carter. Precious is a thirteen year old, yellow, domestic shorthair cat. She has lived side by side with the Carter's and has well earned her stay in their happy home.
Howard and his family have an extra special bond with
Precious. As Howard proudly handed me his information about Precious he shared
with me the story of how Precious made her way in to their family and instantly
their hearts. Thirteen years ago Howard's father passed away and he seemed to
inherit a stray cat of his father's and her kitten's. At the time, Howard
admitted, he DID NOT want an animal of any kind let alone a CAT. However, when
he looked into Precious' eyes there was no way he couldn't take her home. So, he
placed her in a box marked "onions" on the front and took her home to his wife and girls. Howard told his family he had bought them a box of onions but when
they opened the box out came Precious. Howard said it was love at first site.
Unfortunately, it hasn't always been smooth sailing with Precious. About four months ago
Precious became ill. She just wasn't acting the same. So, Mr. Carter brought her
to Atlantic Animal Hospital to get the help she needed. After a complete
diagnostic work up including blood-work, radiographs, and
electrocardiograms, Precious was diagnosed with severe oro-dental and heart
disease with Tachycardia. She was treated in our hospital over several
days with intravenous fluids and medications. When stable, Precious
received a complete dental cleaning that now allows her to eat without pain. She
has made a miraculous recovery and the Carter family reports that she is now acting like a kitten, chasing lizards
and running around. Precious will continue to have her cardiac disease
under treatment with oral medications being administered by the Carter's at
home.
The Carter's also describe Precious as a mouse that is afraid of her own shadow. To this day, she reminds Mr. Carter of his dad, every time he sees her. Needless to say, Precious is very fortunate to be part of this family and enjoys a worry free lifestyle. We at Atlantic Animal Hospital feel privileged to have met Precious and her family, who are another great example of the human-animal bond. The love the Carter's have for Precious is obvious and that the feelings are mutual from Precious. They belong together and Precious definitely has become just one of the family. A sincere thanks goes to Precious for being such an amazing patient, and more importantly an amazing companion. We are proud to have Precious as our "Companion Animal of the Month" for August.