Big Red

June 18, 2007

To all of Big Red’s friends who have followed Red’s 5 year journey,

It
is with much sadness that I write this update. I wanted you all to know
that Big Red, our long-time shelter mascot, lost his 5 year battle with
Feline Idiopathic Chylothorax on June 16. Below is Red’s obituary that
we at MVHS put together, and also The Rainbow Bridge, for those of you
who are unfamiliar with this poem. Even though my heart aches for Red,
and MVHS won’t be the same without him, I also treasure the 5
additional, amazing years we had with him since his diagnosis of FIC. I
am relieved that whatever pain Red experienced is over. Hopefully, he
has joined all of our beloved animals, and I will see Red again some
day on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. My sincere thanks to
everyone who has followed Red’s story the past 5 years. We appreciated
hearing how it helped you understand FIC. I have met many cats in my
life, and I look forward to the ones I have yet to meet, but there will
never be another Big Red.

For the Animals,

Lynae Gieseke

Executive Director

Minnesota Valley Humane Society

In the Spring of
2002, MVHS mascot and Chief Paper Shuffler, Big Red,
was diagnosed with a terminal illness: feline idiopathic chylothorax.
This page gives an account of his path through this illness so as to
help others with the same challenge!  Please check back soon for
his full history!