Wizard Cat Merlin

This fiercely determined furball was found by Keith Dixon on December 6th 2016, dragging himself down a street on a suburban road in Johnson City TN. Keith wasn't even sure what he was seeing at the time, possibly an injured wild animal but he stopped to help and the rest is history. Little Merlin ran under his car to hide, and when Keith leaned down to figure out how to help, this tiny creature c

rawled out into his lap mewling. Thankfully, a dear friend lived right around the corner and brought a towel for transport since he looked pretty rough. After a visit to our local veterinary clinic, we didn't feel entirely hopeful as they weren't sure he'd survive the next few days. Not only were his back legs paralyzed, but he could not defecate or urinate on his own. Keith visited the vet regularly those first few days to get his bladder expressed until we could learn how to do it properly at home. He was on antibiotics, steroids, and a bactine wash for the huge ulcer covering his lower abdomen, a de-wormer. After a few days it was apparent that not only was he going to survive just fine, but thrive. Because of the instant affection so many of our friends and clients felt for this sweet baby, there was a fund started for his care, and his journey to healing began. Merlin was referred to the University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical School for further treatment and physical therapy in Knoxville. We love the staff there and his main doctor takes very good care of him. He is a feisty ball of love and determination. Merlin has no idea anything is wrong with him, and he continues to show us what beating the odds and growing up strong looks like. He is a bright spot of hope for many of us in these strange times. Get your daily dose of adorable right here as Merlin shows us what a wizard dressed up as a cat can do in this crazy world. Donations for his care can be made at keithdixonstudios.com/savethiswizard

Calendars and other products support his humans so they can keep their house and continue to provide a good life for him. :)

Thank you for being here. The love and support for this little nugget means the world to us. Currently (as of 12-20-16)

He has received laster treatment for his ulcer and it is healing very quickly now. Physical therapy continues weekly at this point, plus daily exercises at home. They also have him on a new medication to relax the sphincter muscle when we express his bladder. He is taking an herbal tincture from Down to Earth Collective, and a probiotic/enzyme blend from the Natural Pet Food Store in Johnson City. He begins acupuncture in Weaverville this week as well as getting him up to date on vaccinations at Jonesborough Animal Hospital. Two different topical medications from UT are being used to protect and aid healing of the ulcer, which I expect will be completely healed by next week. He wears diapers to protect the ulcer which will probably continue in order to help him scoot until he can learn to walk. There are no guarantees,but we are hopeful. Ongoing costs will include diapers, special food, acupuncture, physical therapy, and skilled cat sitters since he needs care 24/7 including having his bladder and colon expressed. Note; Merlin can also be found on Instagram at Wizardcatmerlin

"Magic Mondays" will be our weekly foray into extra cuteness. Themed shoots with Merlin will post every Monday. Maybe....his first Magic Monday was a Christmas themed shoot. Stay tuned for your daily dose of KEWT! :)