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I have an amazing cat Melissa who is also known as the ‘Einstein’ cat. I am often asked why I started to photograph her. So, today I want to tell our unique story about friendship, illness and my love for this wonderful animal.
After numerous fractures of bones, doctors have diagnosed my cat with the degenerative disorder of the development of bone and cartilage, Osteochondrodysplasia. The doctors advised to euthanize her because the treatment would be very costly and would take a lot of time and effort.
I couldn’t take the easy way out and decided to fight for Melissa’s life. I changed many doctors who refused to treat her and learned how to do injections myself. I photograph Melissa to remind everyone that we should not despair even in the most difficult situations.
More info: alinaesther.com
You may know my cat Melissa as the playful Einstein cat who loves to stick her tongue out
What you may not know is that I’m fighting every day to save her life
The first misfortune happened when she broke her leg while she playing with a bag
After 2 months, Melissa broke another leg and a few weeks later she had one more fracture
The doctors diagnosed her with the degenerative disorder of the development of bone and cartilage (Osteochondrodysplasia)
Many doctors advised to euthanize her because the treatment would be very costly and would take a lot of time and effort
I was shocked, how could I euthanize the animal that I have longed to have since I was a child?
Melissa was looking at me with hope trying to escape from doctors and I couldn’t stop crying
During the fourth fracture, her legs went numb and the doctors once again recommended to euthanize her because she would die soon anyway
They also found that she has one kidney and due to the displacement of the pelvic bones she can’t have kittens
I just couldn’t let her down so I’ve changed many doctors refusing to treat her and learned how to do injections myself
I also try to take as many photos as possible because I want to use Melissa’s imperfection as something positive
She keeps calm during photoshoots because she knows I can’t hurt her
I love her so much that no matter what happens, I will try to treat her until the very end
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What do you think ?
ClaireLajaunie 9 years ago
Your fight right. Keep it going and make the most of your time with her.
รaฤlaTurhan 9 years ago
Beautiful baby with a beautiful mother. May what you believe blesses you, both.
MiguelTolentino 9 years ago
Both you and Einstein look stunning together! I hope to see more of you in Einstein's pictures. Very inspiring story btw ;)
AlinaEsther (Post author) 9 years ago
Thank you! You can find her instagram account for more pictures :)
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Gulali 9 years ago
She's so cute. Thank you for keep on the fighting. Treating a sick animal is very challenging. She's so lucky to have you.
HiyasLeocadio 9 years ago
i'm also a parent to a lovely cat... I salute you for that unconditional love you give to Melissa... Never give-up, as Melissa will never give-up because of your love for her.
KwihuiHalliday 9 years ago
We've had two babies who'd needed insulin injections, twice a day. One, a doggy, and the other a kitty. We'd not missed a single dosage in over three years. They were not obese, in fact, my Maddie was thinning, no matter how much she'd snack and meals. Anyway. As Alina is doing for Einstein. It's something that you'd do, if you truly love them. So many are shocked that we'd do this. We'd had to seek out a special compounded who'd make the special mix because our Webster, the cat was allergic to what was out there. Both meds and the needles, etc costed over $200 per month, as well. However, what is that to the love that they'd give us? I miss both, the Westie, and the mixed cat. They were exceptional! Not a day goes by without us, my husband, daughter, and I, thinking of them. In fact, we'd spend a lot of moments reminicing of their antics. I miss all of our babies. In spite of their illnesses, with proper medical care and love, they lived till 14 plus years.
AlinaEsther (Post author) 9 years ago
Oh you are a wonderful pet owners! Your animals are lucky to have you.
Load More Replies...
NQL 9 years ago
I know the feeling. 1 of my dogs has a lot of health issues. My Vet recommended us to put him down but we refused. It wasn't that he couldn't be treated but it would be very expensive. We decided to fight for/with him. We've spent thousands ($50K+ In about 2yrs) & we will never give up on him. His pills are around $250 a month. Every 2-3 weeks we have to take him in for tests ($400 each) &around $2K a month. Every ER visit is around $2-$5k. I think he's worth every single penny. In a way, he knows we're helping him. He hugs & kisses us all the time. We enjoy every second with him & his 2 brothers. I'm glad you're fighting to save her life. Best wishes.
YunithaValentina 9 years ago
Such a beautiful cat! I believe Melissa is very happy and love you so much :)
susanna 9 years ago
I think you are an amazing person and I would be doing the same thing, giving all the love you have could be the best remedy of all, good on you, you are a good person
LaraAndersen 9 years ago
She is precious. So glad she's got a momma that loves her sooooo much!
AlinaEsther (Post author) 9 years ago
I'm lucky that Melissa is my cat :)
Load More Replies...
JoyfulSunrise 9 years ago
Amazing and beautiful story of love ~ You are doing the right thing ~ Sending warm thoughts of healing and long life !
AlinaEsther (Post author) 9 years ago
Thank you very much! We will continue to delight you with our photos :)
Load More Replies...
DoreeTschudy 9 years ago
You made the right choice because it was *your* choice! She's one of the cutest, derpiest, adorablest cats I've ever seen...love her up!
BoredGiraffe 9 years ago
omgs i hope you never give up on her!!!! So beautiful!!! and dat selfie face do
AniaLewczuk 9 years ago
Having an animal itยดs like having a baby, so I really hope she will get better! All the best for you both!
KwihuiHalliday 9 years ago
Ms Esther, Alina, and Einstein. Hi. Both of you are beautiful. Mores because what you do to show that love. Saying that you love is easy. But to demonstrate it is inexpressible. Just cannot. Good luck to both of you.
LauraPeters 9 years ago
What a lovely story, lovely kitty and a lovely human, in body and soul.
roxannechevalier 9 years ago
Such a great story. Love to read story like that. Thanks to you to don't give up. we really need people like you. Thanks again. Take care both of you. <3
AlinaEsther (Post author) 9 years ago
Thank you so much :) Now she feeling good
Load More Replies... Winter 9 years ago
the thing is - is she in pain?! If she is, then it's very cruel to keep her alive - if she's not, fight as hard as you can for her - the main thing is that **her** welfare and comfort should come before your feelings for her!
AlinaEsther (Post author) 9 years ago
As I said in the comment below, now she feeling good. We won.
Load More Replies...
WilliamSantagata 9 years ago
You are one amazing person. Keep loving her with all your might !!
GraceInRainbows 9 years ago
Loving her already!!! Thank you so much for not taking the easy way out and decided to fight for Melissaโs life. We have to stay in every moment, easy ones, tough one, sickness is part of our lives, so I'm really happy with your decision.
RaoulJM 9 years ago
I hate to have to say this, as I've personally had to deal with the death of three old pets in the past year, one of which I had to have euthanized, but you need to be really sure you're putting Melissa's needs before your own. I'm sure all of those fractures hurt very much. If those are going to continue to happen, and if her health and quality of life continue to deteriorate due to her condition, then sooner or later a time will come when the only humane choice is to let her go. It's an extremely difficult thing to do, but it has to be done. You wrote, 'I was shocked, how could I euthanize the animal that I have longed to have since I was a child?'. Once again, I understand where you're coming from, but you need to remove all personal feelings of attachment from your decision. It's about her quality of life, nothing else. Good luck.
AlinaEsther (Post author) 9 years ago
The disease has receded about 2 years ago. Now she is healthy. We won! Unfortunately Melissa has been sterilized because she had lost the ability to have kittens cause of the displasment of bones. But I repeat now she feels great :) Only now I can write about it, I couldn't even think about this horror before.
Load More Replies...
Hbiganzine 7 years ago
Thank you so much Alina for taking care to this beautiful cat , Melissa as you always know that I love her so much , Hassan from Wonderful cats !
AnnieLaurieBurke 9 years ago
Alina, have you tried working with a holistic or integrative medicine vet? There may be treatments they can suggest. Thank you for sharing your and Melissa's story, and your wonderful photos. I wish you both success!
HazelWaring 9 years ago
What's so Einstein about her? Very cute and well done for fighting when there was hope. I just hope when the pain gets too much for her, you take that pain on yourself and do the right thing. Stay strong xxxx
Kikkaio 9 years ago
ok, you fight for her, beautiful. but: have here pain? how much pain? is right for her soffering for your fight? samtime, we figth for a wrong cause.
AlinaEsther (Post author) 9 years ago
As I said, now the disease has receded. If you hit "Load more comments", you'll see my response to another reader's concerns.
Load More Replies...
BeatrijsAnckaert 9 years ago
her tongue out of her mouth can also be a mallfunction of the brain, I had a kitten who did the same and I also thought it was funny. When I went to the vet , it was to late, she was to ill and died a little later. Good luck with your endearing kitten, but don't hold on while they can be suffering.......i wisc you strenght!
ClaireLajaunie 9 years ago
Your fight right. Keep it going and make the most of your time with her.
รaฤlaTurhan 9 years ago
Beautiful baby with a beautiful mother. May what you believe blesses you, both.
MiguelTolentino 9 years ago
Both you and Einstein look stunning together! I hope to see more of you in Einstein's pictures. Very inspiring story btw ;)
AlinaEsther (Post author) 9 years ago
Thank you! You can find her instagram account for more pictures :)
Load More Replies... Gulali 9 years ago
She's so cute. Thank you for keep on the fighting. Treating a sick animal is very challenging. She's so lucky to have you.
HiyasLeocadio 9 years ago
i'm also a parent to a lovely cat... I salute you for that unconditional love you give to Melissa... Never give-up, as Melissa will never give-up because of your love for her.
KwihuiHalliday 9 years ago
We've had two babies who'd needed insulin injections, twice a day. One, a doggy, and the other a kitty. We'd not missed a single dosage in over three years. They were not obese, in fact, my Maddie was thinning, no matter how much she'd snack and meals. Anyway. As Alina is doing for Einstein. It's something that you'd do, if you truly love them. So many are shocked that we'd do this. We'd had to seek out a special compounded who'd make the special mix because our Webster, the cat was allergic to what was out there. Both meds and the needles, etc costed over $200 per month, as well. However, what is that to the love that they'd give us? I miss both, the Westie, and the mixed cat. They were exceptional! Not a day goes by without us, my husband, daughter, and I, thinking of them. In fact, we'd spend a lot of moments reminicing of their antics. I miss all of our babies. In spite of their illnesses, with proper medical care and love, they lived till 14 plus years.
AlinaEsther (Post author) 9 years ago
Oh you are a wonderful pet owners! Your animals are lucky to have you.
Load More Replies... NQL 9 years ago
I know the feeling. 1 of my dogs has a lot of health issues. My Vet recommended us to put him down but we refused. It wasn't that he couldn't be treated but it would be very expensive. We decided to fight for/with him. We've spent thousands ($50K+ In about 2yrs) & we will never give up on him. His pills are around $250 a month. Every 2-3 weeks we have to take him in for tests ($400 each) &around $2K a month. Every ER visit is around $2-$5k. I think he's worth every single penny. In a way, he knows we're helping him. He hugs & kisses us all the time. We enjoy every second with him & his 2 brothers. I'm glad you're fighting to save her life. Best wishes.
YunithaValentina 9 years ago
Such a beautiful cat! I believe Melissa is very happy and love you so much :)
susanna 9 years ago
I think you are an amazing person and I would be doing the same thing, giving all the love you have could be the best remedy of all, good on you, you are a good person
LaraAndersen 9 years ago
She is precious. So glad she's got a momma that loves her sooooo much!
AlinaEsther (Post author) 9 years ago
I'm lucky that Melissa is my cat :)
Load More Replies... JoyfulSunrise 9 years ago
Amazing and beautiful story of love ~ You are doing the right thing ~ Sending warm thoughts of healing and long life !
AlinaEsther (Post author) 9 years ago
Thank you very much! We will continue to delight you with our photos :)
Load More Replies... DoreeTschudy 9 years ago
You made the right choice because it was *your* choice! She's one of the cutest, derpiest, adorablest cats I've ever seen...love her up!
BoredGiraffe 9 years ago
omgs i hope you never give up on her!!!! So beautiful!!! and dat selfie face do
AniaLewczuk 9 years ago
Having an animal itยดs like having a baby, so I really hope she will get better! All the best for you both!
KwihuiHalliday 9 years ago
Ms Esther, Alina, and Einstein. Hi. Both of you are beautiful. Mores because what you do to show that love. Saying that you love is easy. But to demonstrate it is inexpressible. Just cannot. Good luck to both of you.
LauraPeters 9 years ago
What a lovely story, lovely kitty and a lovely human, in body and soul.
roxannechevalier 9 years ago
Such a great story. Love to read story like that. Thanks to you to don't give up. we really need people like you. Thanks again. Take care both of you. <3
AlinaEsther (Post author) 9 years ago
Thank you so much :) Now she feeling good
Load More Replies... Winter 9 years ago
the thing is - is she in pain?! If she is, then it's very cruel to keep her alive - if she's not, fight as hard as you can for her - the main thing is that **her** welfare and comfort should come before your feelings for her!
AlinaEsther (Post author) 9 years ago
As I said in the comment below, now she feeling good. We won.
Load More Replies... WilliamSantagata 9 years ago
You are one amazing person. Keep loving her with all your might !!
GraceInRainbows 9 years ago
Loving her already!!! Thank you so much for not taking the easy way out and decided to fight for Melissaโs life. We have to stay in every moment, easy ones, tough one, sickness is part of our lives, so I'm really happy with your decision.
RaoulJM 9 years ago
I hate to have to say this, as I've personally had to deal with the death of three old pets in the past year, one of which I had to have euthanized, but you need to be really sure you're putting Melissa's needs before your own. I'm sure all of those fractures hurt very much. If those are going to continue to happen, and if her health and quality of life continue to deteriorate due to her condition, then sooner or later a time will come when the only humane choice is to let her go. It's an extremely difficult thing to do, but it has to be done. You wrote, 'I was shocked, how could I euthanize the animal that I have longed to have since I was a child?'. Once again, I understand where you're coming from, but you need to remove all personal feelings of attachment from your decision. It's about her quality of life, nothing else. Good luck.
AlinaEsther (Post author) 9 years ago
The disease has receded about 2 years ago. Now she is healthy. We won! Unfortunately Melissa has been sterilized because she had lost the ability to have kittens cause of the displasment of bones. But I repeat now she feels great :) Only now I can write about it, I couldn't even think about this horror before.
Load More Replies... Hbiganzine 7 years ago
Thank you so much Alina for taking care to this beautiful cat , Melissa as you always know that I love her so much , Hassan from Wonderful cats !
AnnieLaurieBurke 9 years ago
Alina, have you tried working with a holistic or integrative medicine vet? There may be treatments they can suggest. Thank you for sharing your and Melissa's story, and your wonderful photos. I wish you both success!
HazelWaring 9 years ago
What's so Einstein about her? Very cute and well done for fighting when there was hope. I just hope when the pain gets too much for her, you take that pain on yourself and do the right thing. Stay strong xxxx
Kikkaio 9 years ago
ok, you fight for her, beautiful. but: have here pain? how much pain? is right for her soffering for your fight? samtime, we figth for a wrong cause.
AlinaEsther (Post author) 9 years ago
As I said, now the disease has receded. If you hit "Load more comments", you'll see my response to another reader's concerns.
Load More Replies... BeatrijsAnckaert 9 years ago
her tongue out of her mouth can also be a mallfunction of the brain, I had a kitten who did the same and I also thought it was funny. When I went to the vet , it was to late, she was to ill and died a little later. Good luck with your endearing kitten, but don't hold on while they can be suffering.......i wisc you strenght!
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