Smijjers

Yes, poor Smij had a close encounter with death several years ago. But first, a little more about this cat:

He was born in my bedroom closet, November 1993. So I've had him since the moment he was born. Right from the beginning I could tell he had a special personality.

Extremely bold and stubborn, Smij quickly had us adapt to his ways. He was a talented escape artist, who, on many occassions outsmarted two grown adults with his plots. (I tried in vain to keep him an 'indoor cat'). But he was also a sweet little guy, who curled up and purred in my lap whenever he got a chance.

To this day, I don't know of the exact circumstances which led to his disappearing on me about five years ago. I do remember my daily searches and nightly vigils for his return. Friends assured me that he'd be back and not to worry.  But I knew something was wrong. He'd never been away over night, let alone days.

By the end of the week, I'd almost lost hope of seeing him again. Then, one morning, when I went to let Shelby in from the yard, he had returned. My happiness quickly turned to horror as I discovered that poor Smij could not move his hind legs. He showed no response to gentle taps on his pads. He was paralyzed in his two hind legs.

I quickly bundled him up and was off to the vet. That day after work, I went back to the animal hospital. The vet didn't have good news. He showed me an x-ray of Smij's spine. The vet pointed out the problem. One of the spine's discs were out of place. This was what was causing the paralysis. There was now concern about my cat's ability to eliminate and for his system to properly function. His prognosis was dim.

The veterinarian suggested euthanasia - to quickly ease him of any suffering. I was sure he wasn't in pain. I also knew he was a fighter. The very thought of him dragging his limp body home from who knows where was just too hard to forget. I couldn't bring myself to give up on him.

After unsupportive looks from the vet, I persuaded him to let me take the cat home. He suggested that it would just prolong the suffering. I wouldn't hear any of it. I had to at least give him a chance.

Now, the whole idea of the chiropractor was borne by my mom, an animal lover (especially cats). She knew how much I cared for Smij, and thought it was at least worth a try. She talked me into having our family chiropractor, Dr. Zurawel, take a look at his x-ray.

She brought the x-ray to Dr.Zurawel for his examination. He smiled when he told her "I think there's something I can do."

I had to work on the day Dr. Zurawel treated my cat at my parents' house. Again, my mom was there for the whole thing. She had to assist and help hold Smij. She described what he did, and how Smij let out a loud meow. And how when Dr. Zurawel was finished, Smij had stood up and walked away.

I was speechless when I returned home that day - to see my sweet lil' guy come walking up to me.

It was a truly amazing experience. Today Smij is a content, healthy 8 year old who can out-run the dog. All thanks to two very special people.