Gracie
Amazing Gracie
As a volunteer with the Patient Care program at Chicago’s Anti-Cruelty Society, Arleen Burke spends time with sick and recovering animals. “I wasn’t looking for another kitty to take home,” she says, “but then I met Miss Gracie.”
When Arleen walks into the clinic where the sick cats are, usually all the animals look longingly out of their cages in hopes of getting some much-needed attention. On one particular day, however, one kitty was facing the back of the cage. “Her name was Gracie, and she was being treated for an upper respiratory infection,” says Arleen. “She stole my heart the minute I saw her. But as the staff and I spent time with her, we began to notice that she had strange mannerisms. It became apparent that Gracie had some disabilities, and I was worried for her future.”
When Gracie was ready to be adopted, Arleen was there to take her home. After seeing a veterinary optometrist and Arleen’s regular veterinarian, Gracie was diagnosed with feline hyperplasia. “She was most likely infected while in utero with the feline distemper virus,” explains Arleen. “She is virtually blind and wobbles a little when she walks, but she is the sweetest and most adorable kitty.”
These days, Gracie spends time chasing and playing like any other cat. “She has taught me many things, including patience,” says Arleen. “I fell in love with her at the shelter, but every time she looks up at me with those big green eyes, I fall in love all over again.”