Dexter's Drive to Survive

On Friday, June 17, we shared the gruesome story about a brutal attack on two 8 week-old kittens that was carried out by Wilana Joenel Frazier and her two children, aged 5 and 8.

Stories regarding cruelty to animals always elicit very strong emotions from those of us who are passionate pet lovers. These news items are always high-profile to us, and it doesn't matter which news service carries these sad items or how widely (or locally) the items are distributed by the media.

As evidenced in comments (not only on the Petside.com site, but on blogs and websites all over the Internet), many people were not only outraged about Frazier’s malicious act, but were also expressing deep concern for eight week-old Little Dexter, eager to find updates pertaining to his progress and changes in his medical condition.

Yesterday morning, I had the pleasure of speaking with one of the veterinary technicians who works at the PetLuv Spay / Neuter Clinic in Brooksville, Florida. She has been deeply touched by the tremendous love and support Dexter is receiving, not only by their staff who truly adores him, but by the general public making inquiries.

When informing me of his progress, the technician stated that Dexter is no longer being force-fed, since he is eating on his own and generally able to hold down his food. He is also no longer receiving anti-seizure medication. And while each and every day he remains alive and alert is a blessing, he is by no means out of the woods. Dexter is able to move around a bit more, but he still remains somewhat unsteady. His fever is down, now that the antibiotics are doing their job.

But his progress is being measured day-by-day (perhaps hour-by-hour even), so she did not want to raise my hopes unrealistically. Dexter received devastating injuries; his prognosis remains guarded, and therefore the clinic staff is cautiously optimistic about Dexter's recovery.

When I asked about his temperament, she described Dexter as incredibly affectionate, and one of the sweetest kittens she has ever met. One can’t help but falling in love with such a courageous feline with the huge will to survive.

Dexter is receiving 24-hour care; during the day he remains at the clinic, and at night he goes home with one of the veterinary technicians.

Should Dexter survive and become sufficiently strong enough for placement, Mrs. Sarah Murphy, the woman who facilitated his rescue, is strongly considering his adoption.

PetLuv Neuter / Spay Clinic are not only providing Dexter with all his necessary medical care, but they are also defraying all the costs of the treatment.

PetLuv's primary mission is "to provide high-quality, low cost spays and neuters." The PetLuv Nonprofit Corporation is an IRS 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization that receives no government funds. They do welcome public donations that are necessary to allow them to continue keeping prices low and to offer periodic discounts and promotions. 

For anyone wishing to donate to PetLuv, here is their contact information: PetLuv Spay / Neuter Clinic, 7348 Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 34601. 352-799-9990.

Follow Dexter’s progress on PetLuv’s Facebook page.

Dexter needs gentle get-well wishes and lots of prayers. Send them to him in a comment.

We followed up with Dexter again, read how he's doing now >>