Jen Murphy & Basil
Basil and I found each other when he was only 5 weeks old. A friend posted him on Facebook because his mom and siblings had been hit by a car and he needed a home fast. I offered to foster him and when he was dropped off at my place I learned he had way more medical issues than I was prepared to deal with. He had seizures and his back legs didn't really work, and once I took him to the vet I found out his liver levels were low. It was really one thing after the other. I spent so many nights just nuzzling him, holding him under my chin and telling him that he was going to be ok. After six intense months of vet visits he was finally awarded a clean bill of health. I’d be lying if I said there weren’t moments I didn’t think he was going to make it. When I found out he would be fine, I was so happy that I sobbed on my car ride home.
Needless to say, I ended up keeping him. He still walks with a funny wiggle (he has a mild case of cerebellar hypoplasia aka wobbly kitten syndrome), is a little blind, and gets seizure medication 3 times a day. We have health hiccups at times but I’m his biggest advocate. I feel like I’m a vet’s worst nightmare because he’s such a special case.
Even though he's a full-grown cat now, he still cuddles up in the same spot under my chin every night. He’s taught me so much and I couldn’t imagine my life without the experiences we’ve had together.
Jen Murphy is a 32 year old photo shoot producer who has lived in New York her whole life. In her free time she paints and is learning how to cross-stitch. Jen lives in a plant-filled apartment in Bed-Stuy with Basil and his siblings, two rescue chihuahua mixes.