Kitten Goes Home With Ill. Firefighter Who Saved It

GIBSON CITY -- Dutchess, the tiny tabby burn victim turned feline celebrity, has gone home.

After four months at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital's Small Animal Clinic, Dutchess was released this week to a new life with Gibson City firefighter Toni Day -- who helped rescue her -- and her partner, Christy Day.

"It's hard to believe she's the same kitten," Christy Day said of 10-month-old cat, now sporting a sleek, soft tweedy brown coat and a patch of white fur on her chest.

Dutchess arrived at the Small Animal Clinic's emergency room in Urbana covered in second-and third-degree burns after a Sept. 19 fire destroyed the Saybrook home of her first owner, Jackie Jones and her family. The kitten's lungs also were clogged with soot and debris, making it hard for her to breathe, and her flea collar had melted into her skin.

She needed constant care: daily baths, frequent bandage changes and the help of a range of specialists. She had an abscess on her head and emergency surgery on one of her front paws.

"Almost half the hospital has been in here at one point or another," said Dr. Brittany Perry, an emergency and critical care intern, as Dutchess was discharged Wednesday night. "She's going to be missed. She's kind of become a staple in the ER."

Vet students and Administrative Associate Lori McLain decorated her cage, dubbed the palace, for the holidays. McLain also took her on daily walks around the clinic and outfitted her in a "Count Dutchula" costume for Halloween. A Gibson City veterinary technician who knows the Days "kidnapped" Dutchess from her cage and sent "ransom" photos.

"Everybody loves her," said McLain.

Last fall, Toni and Christy started a Facebook page for Dutchess as part of a fundraising effort to help pay the medical bills. As her progress was updated via frequent postings, feline lovers worldwide became smitten with the kitten. Her page now has more than 4,400 fans.

"Such great news!! Dutchess is truly a miracle kitty -- hugs to Dutch," posted a woman from Arizona after she was released.

"I am so glad you saved her," said a fan from Sweden.

"I love this cat!" said another from Texas.

"Petite cherie! Wishing you happiness in your beautiful house," said a woman from France.

Supporters raised more than $15,300 for Dutchess' care; nearly all of it has been spent. She's also received a lifetime supply of meals from Soulistic cat food, cat toys from Kong, a pet carrier from Sturdi Products, cat products from Pet Safe and gifts from people everywhere.

Toni and Christy took Dutchess into their home after Jones was unable to find rental housing that would allow pets. Bonded through Dutchess, the trio have become good friends.

"Jackie can come over anytime she wants. She only lives 10 minutes from us," said Toni Day.

Dutchess, meanwhile, still has some special needs. Toni Day will work with her on physical therapy exercises to help with motion and mobility; she has medication for her eyes and will likely have surgery on her eyelids in March. A non-profit group, Leggings for Life, will crochet special leggings with leather feet for Dutchess to cushion her front paws -- which lost their pads -- and help her gain traction.

In the meantime, Dutchess is getting acclimated to her new home, where she is temporarily living in a bedroom and will gradually be introduced to the two dogs, two cats and two kittens that also share her house. She's intrigued by the ceiling fan, adjusting to noises from nearby cars and trains, and likes to lie under a chair in the room.

"It feels good to finally have her home," said Christy Day.

Copyright 2013 - The Pantagraph, Bloomington, Ill.