9th October 2008

Socs has been in the care of the UKRCC since January 2008, when his owners were no longer able to keep him and needed him out of their home immediately. As with all the Ragdolls that are taken into foster care by the UKRCC, Socs was taken for a routine health check and it was only then that we became aware of just how poorly he was. Socs was diagnosed with asthma and also an eye shake, caused by a neurological problem, which the vet believes is due to mini strokes, which Socs suffers from time to time.

Since January Socs has been on medication for his asthma, but the vet advised that there is nothing that can be done for his neurological problems and that it is likely Socs will eventually suffer a major brain bleed, which will lead to his death. This news shocked all those involved with Socs and his welfare and left us feeling heavy hearted.

Knowing it was unlikely we would ever find a family willing to take on Socs and provide him with the level of care he needs, the UKRCC made a life long commitment to Socs and he has remained with his foster family since, receiving all the love and care he could ever need.

After a difficult few weeks, while vets worked out the best combination and dosage of medication to stabilise Socs asthma and minimise the number of attacks, Socs settled down. For the past few months he has lived as all Raggies should, in a loving home, receiving lots of care and attention. He is a wonderful Ragdoll, always gentle and affectionate, playful and so very handsome!

Sadly, after several months stable and generally healthy, three weeks ago, Socs had a severe attack, which resulted in him being rushed to the vet and this was followed by two more attacks in quick succession. He has now been prescribed an inhaler and his other medication has been increased in the hope that he can be re stabilised and continue having a good quality of life. It is a worrying time, but all we can do is wait and see whether the new medication regime works.

We launched an appeal to raise funds for Socs, on 30th January 2008 and over the following weeks, thanks to the kindness and generosity of donators we were able to raise over £1100 towards his care.

Soc’s requires regular vet checks and daily medication and the veterinary costs to date have gone beyond the money we raised through his appeal. The inhalalation chamber and one inhaler has cost us over £150 and in the past week alone his vet bills have totalled over £200.

If you feel you would like to help us in continuing to provide the care and veterinary treatment that Socs so desperately needs, then please make a donation, no matter how small. Every penny given will be used to fund his veterinary treatment and maintain an excellent quality of life for him, so he can have as many years of Raggie love and fun as possible.

Thank you for your for your support.