Lil' John John
Born January 2004



A little black and white feral kitty was found the same place as Sammy Davis, Jr. just east of Baraboo.  Melisa John , the office manager, captured him in a live trap to bring him in for neutering and a Rabies vaccination.  He appeared to be just a kitten due to his size.  Upon further examination, it was determined that he was definitely an adult, just extremely malnourished.  After a few days at the hospital, his temperature spiked!  Dr. Doughty took a look at his blood under the microscope and discovered Hemobart (Feline Hemobatonellosis or Feline Infectious Anemia).  Hemobart is caused by a microscopic parasite (Ricksettia or Hemobartonella Telis). This parasite likes red blood cells and attaches to them. The animal's system realizes the red blood cells have been altered and sends them to the spleen to be destroyed causing anemia.  He was put on a heavy course of antibiotics and recovered fully.

The days went by and this kitty didn't have a name.  Because Melisa John found him, he became known as Little John or John John or Lil' John John and most recently Johnny Boy.  The name stuck.  He took a while to get use to his new human companions.  Once he started becoming a bit less skiddish, Melisa would bring him out to her office in his bed for the day.  He'd stay curled up and seemed quite comfy!  Slowly, he began to explore (and occasionally cause trouble!).  Now he often causes trouble, but is so darned cute, it's hard to get mad!  He is very good with his paws and would frequently push his bowl of food or water off the counter.  He loves attention from people he knows and will let us know by walking in between us and our computers!  In fact, as I type this, he's attempting to lay on my keyboard!  He's a good boy and loves his home here at Hill-Dale.  He was leary of strangers up until about September 2005.  He made a complete turn around and now LOVES getting attention from anyone he sets his eyes on!


What a ham...


Posing with Sammy D


His publicity shot...


Having a little water adventure...
                

He loves to be the center of attention!