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Eight Days with Aslan: a Lesson on Nutrition
| Posted on November 10, 2011 at 1:50 PM |
 Aslan (Turkish for lion) came to me in the Fall of 2008. He was part of a late litter of kittens that had been born during the Autumnal Equinox to a feral mother that I had been feeding. I named him Aslan because he looked like a tiny lion and I wanted him to have a strong name like the character in The Chronicles of Narnia novels by C.S. Lewis.I knew that if I didn't trap these feral kittens soon and take them in, they probably wouldn't stand a chance during the harsh winter in Western New York that was forthcoming (click picture to view video on feral cats). I had Olivia, Aslan's mother spayed and took in the three kittens which I eventually all neutered through a local program called Feral Cat Focus which seeks to help these homeless feral cats. Their focus is on educating the public as to the problems that unneutered animals can create and provide a solution to controlling the numbers of homeless abandoned cats that create feral colonies. They also want people to recognize that while some may see these cats as a nuisance, these homeless animals are in fact, providing a service to their local areas by keeping down the rodent populations. Feral cats should also be treated humanely and not cruelly disposed of. The key to these overpopulation problems lies with the former irresponsible owners, not with the animals themselves who are merely trying to survive given the circumstances they've been dealt. I knew the timing of these kittens' birth was significant because the equinoxes are times of balance between light and darkness here on Earth, though it would take me 3 years to find out the message behind Aslan's coming into my life. Despite his name and being feral, Aslan was always more sensitive and on the fragile side. Because of his soft and particular nature he became very special to me. He was also incredibly handsome with distinctive slanting eyes that made him look very exotic. I've noticed this fragile nature quite frequently with the long haired cats. There must be something in their bloodline that causes them to not be as hardy as other feral cats. I'm absolutely certain now that Aslan would not have made it through that first winter, had I not taken him in.  One week after the tragic Zanesville massacre in Ohio and three days after I posted my last blog in which I made references to C.S. Lewis' character Aslan, my own Aslan collapsed suddenly. There had been no real warning, except that I'd noticed his disinterest in food a few days before. A trip to the vet confirmed that Aslan was severely anemic and possibly in the throes of feline leukemia. I was devastated when the vet told me there was nothing that could be done except start him on a program of corticosteroids. Reluctantly I submitted Aslan to one injection, but after reading later about how harmful these treatments can be, I decided to discontinue the medication learning that it could essentially destroy an already weakened immune system. I knew I was taking a risk, but I felt he would be better off if I discontinued in the beginning, rather than subjecting him to the daily pills only to find his immune system deteriorating as a result. I've come to realize that conventional medicine's answer to many problems where there don't seem to be solutions, is to use corticosteroids. They temporarily give a boost to the person or animal's immune system like a jump start and seemingly alleviate problematic symptoms, but in the long run they only further weaken an already compromised body. Holistic veterinarian Dr. Pitcairn discusses feline leukemia and other illnesses in his book, "Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats." He proposes improving the diet of your pet and feeding more raw foods including meats and vegetables, along with various nutritional supplements, as well as using cell salts and homeopathy. I knew that focusing on Aslan's nutrition was the only way to go which would hopefully strengthen his immune system and help him overcome his illness. "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated....I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to protection by man from the cruelty of man." ---Mahatma Gandhi  Interestingly, Aslan's collapse coincided with my reading of Jane Goodall's latest book "Harvest for Hope" which discusses the importance of making better choices regarding the foods that we eat in order to improve our own health, help save the planet, as well as support and demand more humane treatment of farm animals. I knew that this book was no coincidence. Many years ago, while attending a retreat at Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, NY I learned the awful truth about the corporate farm industry. It's not a pretty sight and it was the reason I became a vegetarian again and have remained so for almost 20 years. I simply could not eat any more animals that had suffered and endured under deplorable conditions. The images stayed in my mind. Given what I eventually learned about energy, I came to realize that the consciousness of these abused animals would become my own and I am far too sensitive. I also knew that all the toxic food (including ground up cattle) that was being fed to farm animals in conjunction with all the antibiotics they were injected with, ultimately was no way to treat my own body. The same applies to our pets. "The question is not, 'Can they reason?' nor, 'Can they talk?' but rather, 'Can they suffer?'" ---Jeremy Bentham (philosopher and animal rights activist)  Despite all that I learned so many years ago, I still was astounded at the truth and insights that Jane presented in her book regarding the food industry. There was so much I had no idea of regarding GMO's and decisions based purely on profit by corporate interests, despite the devastating effects they would have on the human (and animal) population, as well as the destruction of this planet. If you read Jane's book, you will see that there are seemingly no limits as to what a corporation will do for the pure sake of profit. Her book is a huge wake up call for all of us. If we don't heed her warnings, it may be too late for us all, as life as we know it will cease to exist. We simply do not have inexhaustible supplies of fresh water and cannot afford to further contaminate this planet with all the chemicals and animal sewage generated from factory farming (click picture above for information regarding your turkey dinner). While I'm certain that Aslan carried inherited blood deficiencies within his body from the feral colony that he originated from, I'm fairly confident that had he been given a better, more healthy diet, he probably would have lived a much longer life. Despite all I know about the farm and food industry, due to my financial constraints and the amount of animals I have rescued, I have been unable to provide the highest quality of food that I would like. When your responsibilities are high and you're doing what you can to save the animals that no one wants, you're lucky just to provide them with food and care.  Nevertheless, Aslan's message to me was a strong one and I realized that all the commercial dry foods out there are not the best for our animal's health despite their convenience. Cats and dogs simply aren't designed to eat dry food. Most are filled with chemicals and offals from the meat industry from animals that have lived miserable lives. And that carries forth into the bodies of your pets lowering their immune systems and manifesting the myriad of diseases they are afflicted with today.Aslan's collapse, Jane's book and the subsequent things I learned during his last 8 days, taught me a valuable lesson. It was time for me to change my own diet and that of my animals in whatever way I could manage because if I didn't, more than likely there would be more animal deaths to follow and possibly my own health could suffer. I immediately immersed myself in all my books about plant medicine, homeopathy and flower essences in order to turn Aslan's health around. One of my favorite books is Juliette Bairacli de Levy's "Common Herbs for Natural Health" in which she describes the medicinal uses of many plants found growing wild in our own backyards. Juliette spent a lifetime working with medicinal plants and creating the holistic veterinary movement during which she wrote many books including a wonderful one for farm animals called "The Complete Herbal Handbook for Farm and Stable" which is filled with useful information which can also be applied to our domestic pets.  I learned that I had many plants (and vegetables) easily accessible that were known to stimulate and purify the blood and counteract anemia including parsley, chives, lambs quarters (local wild plant), nettles, dandelion as well as strawberries and pumpkin. Chamomile flower, which surprised me, is not only calming but also an anti-inflammatory. I felt it would be a perfect replacement for the steroids because they would naturally realign the body. I began making teas of various plants to give Aslan throughout the day. I also took several of the nutritional plant foods and combined them with liver and fish oil or sardines which I pureed and syringed several times daily. I alternated with various cell salts, flower essences and the homeopathic remedy pulsatilla which I felt was appropriate because of Aslan's sensitive disposition.While Aslan had initially become very cold and lifeless, gradually the warmth returned to his body and life was restored to his eyes. He was once again able to urinate on his own and he began drinking water again. He would actually jump up on my bed and sit there looking all regal and pleased as can be. I became truly hopeful that he might recover fully. However, despite his miraculous recovery, he still was not eating on his own and on the 7th day he collapsed yet again. Apparently, his condition had progressed too far to be reversed permanently. I was devastated at facing his impending loss once again. Unfortunately, often by the time you notice something wrong with your cat, it's usually too late. Had I caught his condition earlier, the outcome might have been different. Though I made several more attempts to feed Aslan, I could tell it was time to let him make his transition. So, on that last day I kept Aslan comfortable and supplied with fluids as I watched his awareness diminish and felt him getting ready to leave his body. I know that I could have had him euthanized the day of the vet's appointment, but I will never regret the decision I made to try and help him recover both for the amount of knowledge that I gained and also the valuable, quality time that I spent with Aslan during the last 8 days of his life. I know we developed a special heart connection that could only have been established under such extreme circumstances given the many animals in my care. This last week was for Aslan and I will never forget his will to live, his resilience and the loving companionship that he gave me right until the end. His passing was peaceful in his own home and on his own terms. Many years ago, an Abysinnian cat I had rescued and named Simba was diagnosed with a heart condition and asthma despite his young age of 3. I knew nothing at the time of alternative methods of healing and so I followed the vet's recommendation to give him heart medication and corticosteroids. He took constant daily medication and still was prone to bouts of asthma attacks. The day he suffered a severe attack, I struggled to get his medication in his mouth and I'll never forget the look on his face-- it was as if to tell me "no more." I rushed him to the emergency clinic only to have them tell me they had placed him in an oxygen tent and a decision had to be made immediately to end his life. The last time I saw Simba, he was struggling to breathe with a forlorn look of fear in his eyes for the unfamiliar surroundings. I always regretted my choices and wished I had known then what I know now because I would have done things very differently. And while the final outcome would have been the same, I know the quality of Simba's life (and death) would have been significantly better. This time I had the opportunity to make the right choice for Aslan. Different cats, but the similarities between their personalities and the situations were there.  At the time of this writing, Olivia (Aslan's mother) and his brother and sister, Indigo and Violet, remain in good health. In memory of Aslan born feral September 22, 2008 died a member of our family November 2, 2011. You are in our hearts... Thanksgiving Blessings to All! 2011 Copyright Awen Environments/Clarissa Harison. |
Categories: Animal Health, Animal Wisdom, Death and Dying, Euthanasia, Flower Essences, Health & Wellness, Herbalism, Holistic Health, Homeopathy, Living Arts, Nutrition, Plant Medicine, Vibrational Medicine
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47 Comments
Reply
Ron Laswell
3:02 AM on November 11, 2011
I used to have a cat named Simba.
Great story, Clarisa. My youngest son used to have a Russian dwarf hamster. Normally, they only live 3 1/2 to 4 years at the most. So, when I noticed "Splinter" acting like he could use some help, I started sprouting various seed grains. He especially liked the barley sprouts. Plus, we had always given him fresh blueberries in season and blackberries that were grown in our yard. Sure enuff, in spite of my offerings, he did not quite make it to be 4. But, my son, Keagan, and I did have a little ceremony and buried him amongst the berry plants in the garden.
Great story, Clarisa. My youngest son used to have a Russian dwarf hamster. Normally, they only live 3 1/2 to 4 years at the most. So, when I noticed "Splinter" acting like he could use some help, I started sprouting various seed grains. He especially liked the barley sprouts. Plus, we had always given him fresh blueberries in season and blackberries that were grown in our yard. Sure enuff, in spite of my offerings, he did not quite make it to be 4. But, my son, Keagan, and I did have a little ceremony and buried him amongst the berry plants in the garden.
Reply
Deborah
5:00 PM on November 11, 2011
Clarissa I have been through most of what you described with Aslan, with my own cats. What I remember most is the feeling of helplessness. At the end, when they took no comfort in being held or petted -- not really even wanting human contact -- knowing that at least I was able to provide warmth, safety and peace is a comfort. It takes the heart a long time to heal after losing such a precious connection, and perhaps that is the way it should be. The spirit of Aslan lives on in your memories and the stories you share.
Reply
Clarissa
3:15 PM on November 12, 2011
Ron Laswell says...
I used to have a cat named Simba.
Great story, Clarisa. My youngest son used to have a Russian dwarf hamster. Normally, they only live 3 1/2 to 4 years at the most. So, when I noticed "Splinter" acting like he could use some help, I started sprouting various seed grains. He especially liked the barley sprouts. Plus, we had always given him fresh blueberries in season and blackberries that were grown in our yard. Sure enuff, in spite of my offerings, he did not quite make it to be 4. But, my son, Keagan, and I did have a little ceremony and buried him amongst the berry plants in the garden.
Thanks for your comments and sharing your own experiences, Ron. I'm sure your little hamster appreciated all the extra care that he received. I believe that the love that we give to the tiniest of creatures makes a difference in the overall scheme of things and that nothing goes unnoticed.
Reply
Clarissa
3:20 PM on November 12, 2011
Deborah says...
Clarissa I have been through most of what you described with Aslan, with my own cats. What I remember most is the feeling of helplessness. At the end, when they took no comfort in being held or petted -- not really even wanting human contact -- knowing that at least I was able to provide warmth, safety and peace is a comfort. It takes the heart a long time to heal after losing such a precious connection, and perhaps that is the way it should be. The spirit of Aslan lives on in your memories and the stories you share.
Thanks so much for writing and sharing your own experiences, Deborah. Tears welled in my eyes as I read your words. Not a day goes by that I don't think of Aslan, his delicate/sweet nature and what he meant to me. I agree, he lives on...
Reply
Lee
1:26 AM on November 14, 2011
With every life and with every death we learn, if we are willing to listen. Your story is very powerful to us all and Aslan's life even more so for the knowledge he has shared. H e will live on through you and your son because of the impact he has made on you. Thanks so much for sharing this, it's never easy, no mater how many times we experience it.
Reply
Clarissa
2:45 PM on November 14, 2011
Lee says...
With every life and with every death we learn, if we are willing to listen. Your story is very powerful to us all and Aslan's life even more so for the knowledge he has shared. H e will live on through you and your son because of the impact he has made on you. Thanks so much for sharing this, it's never easy, no mater how many times we experience it.
Thanks so much for writing, Lee. Again, tears came to my eyes as I read your words. I continue to think about Aslan on a daily basis and truly I still feel a tremendous sense of loss with him not being around. His leaving had a far greater impact on me than I would have imagined. I'm glad that his story is touching people in many ways.
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Clarissa
2:59 PM on December 5, 2012
Anton Irvin says...
I have a little knowledge about about nutrition. So, your blog about Eight Days with Aslan: a Lesson on Nutrition is very effective to me. I have come to gain much knowledge about Eight Days with Aslan: a Lesson on Nutrition after reading out your blog. Thanks a lot mate. Carry on.
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