Archie

Archie came to us four years ago as a kitten. He was discovered by two tourists visiting Poros island, whom we didn’t know very well at the time. He was paralyzed from the waist down and was taken to the vet with the intention of being euthanized, as there seemed to be no one able to care for him. However, the vet refused, recognizing that Archie was alert and healthy, but concluded he couldn’t be returned to the streets. Archie stayed with them until they departed. Before leaving, they reached out to us, asking if we could take him in. We eagerly accepted, thus beginning our journey with Archie. It was a steep learning curve, but Archie took it all in his stride.

In February 2021, he underwent major surgery due to recurring urinary tract infections. He had a procedure called a ‘perineal urethrostomy,’ which involved amputating the end of his penis, containing the narrowest part of the urethra. A large portion of his urethra had to be removed due to a rotting abscess, resulting in him urinating from one of his hind legs. Unfortunately, he lost control of his bladder, so we had to improvise by adapting a baby diaper to fit him. The surgery was successful, but he continued to suffer from infections due to the unnatural urination position.

In early September 2021, he developed a swollen leg where he was urinating from, prompting a visit to the vet. It was diagnosed as an abscess that had not yet matured, and there was a possibility of amputation if it didn’t improve. Concerned about the impact on his balance, which he used his legs for, we sought a second opinion from another vet recommended to us, starting a new journey with a new veterinarian.

The new vet, based in Corinth, was initially skeptical about treating a paraplegic cat, believing they had no quality of life and advocating for euthanasia. However, after seeing the bond between Archie and us, she agreed to take him on as a patient. A week later, when we went to collect him, she admitted that Archie had made her reconsider her stance. Everyone at the vet’s office fell in love with him for his lively and affectionate nature despite his challenges.

We were warned about constant infections, which were not conducive to his health. After six months of battling infections, the vet presented us with two options: euthanasia or a risky operation that could potentially extend his life by six months. Unable to bear euthanizing him, we opted for the surgery, hoping for the best. The operation was successful, but due to his shortened urethra, he began urinating from his belly. This required constant bathing and keeping his belly clean at all times. Despite the challenges, Archie thrived and exceeded the six-month prognosis.

In early February 2023, Archie’s immune system began to fail. He developed severe pododermatitis due to poor blood circulation. The vet suspected his immune system was compromised, leading to this condition. Despite efforts to treat the infection, it worsened. The option of amputating his leg and tail was considered, but we decided it would significantly affect his quality of life. With heavy hearts, we chose to euthanize him to end his suffering. Archie had a fulfilling life and taught us invaluable lessons along the way.