Healing Paws of Love Sanctuary by Gracie & Leo

Steel and Slate

After Losing His Best Friend, Slate Needs Answers

Sciota, PA • Healing Paws of Love Sanctuary by Gracie & Leo

For years, Steel and Slate survived unimaginable hardship together. These two sweet cats were rescued from a severe hoarding situation involving more than 60 cats, where they endured years without proper veterinary care, adequate nutrition, or the individual attention every animal deserves. Despite everything they had been through, they remained gentle, resilient, and deeply bonded. When Healing Paws of Love Sanctuary welcomed them into rescue, we hoped their difficult days were finally behind them. Sadly, that was not the case. After concerns about excessive thirst and changes in his appetite, Steel underwent extensive veterinary testing. The results revealed widespread stomach cancer. Despite receiving compassionate care and being surrounded by love in a wonderful foster home, Steel recently passed away. We are heartbroken by his loss. Now our focus turns to Slate. Slate is estimated to be around five years old and is FIV-positive. Recently, he has begun showing concerning symptoms that mirror some of the warning signs Steel experienced. He is drinking excessive amounts of water and losing weight despite maintaining a healthy appetite. Given their shared history of severe neglect and Steel's recent cancer diagnosis, our veterinary team is deeply concerned that Slate may be facing an underlying medical condition of his own. At this time, Slate urgently needs diagnostic testing to determine what is causing these symptoms. Bloodwork, imaging, and additional veterinary evaluations will help us identify whether he is battling cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, or another serious illness. The sooner we have answers, the sooner we can begin the treatment he needs. After surviving years of neglect and losing the companion who shared that journey with him, Slate deserves every opportunity for a healthy future. We refuse to let his symptoms go unanswered. Your donation will help cover the cost of diagnostic testing, veterinary examinations, medications, and any necessary treatment plans that result from his diagnosis. Please help Healing Paws of Love Sanctuary give Slate the chance Steel never had—a future filled with comfort, medical care, and hope. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to finding answers for Slate.