Studley

Studley was a stray feral cat, caught by my friend Larina. She was coming to visit me that Labor Day weekend, 2002. She said there was a stray in her courtyard (in Iowa), and she thought she could catch him. However, he was feral - and did not trust people. She could take him to one of the shelters there, but felt there was little hope he'd be adopted and he'd most likely be put down after a few days. She asked if she could bring him to Chicago and we could take him to a shelter here, where he'd have a better chance. I agreed. I called several shelters, but all said they were full. I knew the supervisor at Furry Friends Foundation from adopting there, and talked to her. We agreed that I'd foster him until there was cage space, and she'd get me set up with neutering, etc. Meanwhile, they'd get his photo and description up on their web site.

Well, after a couple of months - I couldn't bear the thought of parting with Studley. He got along so well with my girl cats. (Well, he loved them - they don't like other cats, but liked him as well as they could any feline.) He still didn't totally trust me, but was getting better. Shortly thereafter, he began letting me pet him if I was sitting quietly. He'd come and sit by me, and liked being petted and loved belly rubs.

Now, he's pretty friendly - as long as I'm sitting or lying down. He still gets nervous if I approach him standing/walking. He's really changed - from a parasite-infected under 11 pound stray to an 15 pound glossy-coated sweetie-pie. I adopted Omaha later (see Omaha's page), and after a brief introductory period he & Studley became best buddies. Now Ralph adores Studley and follows him everywhere.

Studley had to have one eye removed in March 2005, due to severely high eye pressure caused by glaucoma. His other eye showed signs of deterioration as well, but is currently stable.

Studley's movie is here.

In February 2006, I noticed a small cyst or bump on Studley's left cheek. The vet didn't think it was anything to worry about - but in April it was still there and on April 14 I asked that they remove it. To my shock and dismay, the biopsy report came back that it was cancer and they had not gotten it all. We consulted with an oncologist, and she felt a second surgery was our best option. They made a second elliptical cut around the first one, and removed the slightly enlarged lymph node. Histograph results indicated they got it all. Another surprise - the pre-operative x-rays showed Studley may have either asthma or allergies ("donuts" appeared in the bronchial area) and he may have an enlarged heart. However, a consult with a respiratory specialist deemed them normal deviations.

Studley's only issue at present is his tendency to over-eat. He's gained some undesirable weight, and I need to watch his portions (and that he doesn't eat the other cats leftovers).

First day in new home (thought would be temporary, but fell in love)

hiding under the bed

catching kibble

Studley & Omaha - best buddies

resting, head on pillow

Studley with Omaha again (cute, Omie's resting his head on Studley)

This is what my view is when I'm falling asleep

such a gentleman using the potty box (aims down into the box)

Studley pre-surgery

Studley (with Ralphie)

Studley & Ralph, March 2006

cyst removed April 14, 2006

second surgery May 9, 2006

Dec. 2006

Feb 2007 - playing with a "nippy ball"

March 2007 - with Ralphie

April 2008