Josie, a photographer, stumbled upon a distressed orange feline named Lucian at the side of the road. Despite his pitiful state, he appeared to be waiting for her at the edge of the woods, observing as she approached. In a spur-of-the-moment decision, Josie christened him Lucian Lionheart, and took it upon herself to rescue him. Despite the numerous motorists who drove past, Josie persisted and managed to capture him before taking him home. It was truly an impressive feat!
Lucian, unlike most healthy cats, is quite disheveled. His appearance is such that one would think he had been wrung out and left with just skin and bones. It wasn’t until the carpets were cleared that the full extent of his unwellness was revealed. Lucian’s eyes were dried up, bloody, and almost shut, making it appear as if he didn’t have eyes at all. His fur was patchy, with shaggy masses falling off his body. Despite his poor state of health, Lucian is very friendly and affectionate. When Josie cleaned him up, he was purring and displaying an insatiable appetite.
Upon bringing Lucian to an animal rescue facility, it was discovered that the feline required a significant amount of medical attention, including testing and fluid therapy. As a result, Josie had to leave Lucian in the care of the rescue team. Despite this, she would visit him on a weekly basis in hopes of aiding in his recovery. During these visits, the cat would display affection towards Josie by rubbing against her face. Additionally, Josie’s husband, Ed, had the pleasure of meeting Lucian and quickly grew fond of him.
After the vet shaved off Lucian’s shaggy coat, he looked quite stunning and ready to head home. Despite his constant fever and anemia, it was a relief that he still had a healthy appetite, indicating that recovery was possible. However, things took a turn for the worst, and there were moments when it seemed like they might lose him. In fact, it took two and a half months before Lucian was well enough to return home.
During his extended stay at the vet, they discovered a large mass that could potentially be cancerous. The vet suggested euthanasia if the diagnosis confirmed their fears. But for Josie, it was important that Lucian spent his remaining days in a loving environment, irrespective of how long he had left.
Lucian was able to receive the necessary care he needed, all thanks to the generous donation. Josie and her supporters were overjoyed to hear that their prayers had been answered and that Lucian was finally cancer-free. After a period of recovery, Lucian was able to return home to live with Josie. Upon his homecoming, Lucian was described as a “sweet angel” and Josie was finally able to give him the long-awaited hug she had been dreaming of. With time, Lucian’s fur grew back, and he became the most beautiful and fluffy cat imaginable.
Lucian Lionheart found his forever home in the heart of the German Palatinate Forest, where he quickly became an integral part of the family. His journey to a happy ending is a touching story of perseverance and hope, showcasing the incredible bond between humans and animals and the life-changing effects of love and empathy. Lucian’s heartbreaking wait for help by the roadside suggests that he may have been left on his own, lost and vulnerable in an unfamiliar environment. But his unwavering patience and trust in the goodness of people demonstrate his longing for a brighter future.
