Photographer Josie found Lucian, a big orange cat, in a desperate condition by the side of the road at 7am. He seemed to be waiting for her at the edge of the woods, watching as she approached. She spontaneously chose a name for him on the spot, and he became Lucian Lionheart.
While many people were driving by, she stopped, and after following him to a small hole, she caught him amazingly and brought him home. That is amazing!
Healthy cats always look impeccable, but Lucian is extremely ragged. He looked like he’d just gone through a wringer and was just skin and bones. This wasn’t fully revealed until they scraped off all the carpets. Lucian’s eyes were bloody, dry, and almost closed. At first, she thought he might not have eyes. He lost patches of fur while large shaggy masses dropped from his body. Although he is clearly in poor health, he is very loving and friendly. When Josie cleaned it up, it purred and was very hungry.
After taking Lucian to an animal rescue center, they realized he needed extensive treatment, testing and fluids. So he stays with the rescuers, and Josie has to leave him. She visits Lucian weekly, hoping he will recover. During visits, the cat will give her affection, rubbing her face. Josie’s husband, Ed, also met and immediately fell in love with the lovely Lucian.
When Lucian was ready to go home, he looked amazing, as the vet had to shave off the shaggy coat. He has a constant fever and anemia but is still eating well, a good sign that he can recover. Then things got worse and they almost lost him. It would be two and a half months before Lucian could return home. Veterinarians found a large mass that they feared could be cancerous, and if that was the case, they recommended euthanasia. Josie wants to see him spend his days lovingly, no matter how long he’s gone.
Thanks to the donation, Lucian received the care he needed. Josie and her supporters’ prayers have been answered, and he’s cancer-free! He gradually recovered and returned to live with her. Lucian was a “sweet angel” when he finally got home, and Josie finally got to hug him the way she had been waiting for. Its fur grew back, and it became the prettiest fluffy cat.
The cat settled in his permanent home in the middle of the German Palatinate Forest and became a wonderful part of the family.