Happy Birthday, Evan!

Today is a very special day. After all, it's the birthday of a very special boy.

My Evan turns 10 today. 10! As in double digits.

Knowing my boy is now in the double digits is admittedly a bit scary, but Evan has already overcome so much in his life. A mere number means nothing to this strong, brave boy.

I could write a whole novel here about my boy Evan. But the short story, for anyone who doesn't know, is that Evan was the sole survivor of a coyote attack in a barn when he was just 6 weeks old. I met him just a couple days later, when he was determined to be hind limb paralyzed. This has never once stopped him from being the amazing cat that he is.

Over time, he has also ended up with urinary incontinence, and this past December he had a urethral obstruction, which has now permanently landed him on some new medications. All of that said, though, Evan is one of the most resilient creatures I've ever been blessed to know.

I love you so much, Evan! I hope your birthday is just as amazing as you are, and here's to many, many more!

Help yourselves to some cake, friends! Catnip is being handed out in the back. Evan is all about partying hard.

(P.S. We'll share today's April A to Z Challenge doodle tomorrow. Today is all about Evan.)

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Tip of the Day

For today's tip, of course in Evan's honor, we'd just like to remind you all that special needs animals—or specially abled, a term that I find far more accurate—can still live happy, healthy lives in which they thrive. Specially abled animals can include those of all wonderful types, such as those with physically special attributes, like Evan. In addition, special abled animals can include those with known medical diseases or anomalies, such as diabetes, kidney disease, disorders of the thyroid, deafness, blindness, and cerebellar hypoplasia, just to name a few.

That all being said, if you are ever thinking of adopting, fostering, or even sponsoring an animal, don't forget those who are specially abled. Many of these animals are passed over at shelters, or even, sadly, euthanized. They are often deemed "imperfect" or "unadoptable", when the exact opposite is the truth. These animals may be different, yes, and they are indeed special. That being said, they also have so much much life, love, and lessons to offer.

Of course, though, we also have to note that when it comes to adopting a specially abled animal, always do your research, take all factors into consideration, and decide whether it is wise or possible for you to bring home a specially abled furbaby. Especially depending on their condition, these special furbabies can often of course live happy, healthy, long lives. But, again depending on their condition, their care may take additional effort, resources, and financing.

So, all in all, don't forgot those specially abled furbabies out there. They have so much to offer, and they can teach us all so much.