this is shackleton, named for the famed antarctic explorer because he was left for dead by his former humans, abandoned to the harsh ranages of a brutal winter. he suffered frostbite in his toes and ears, anemia, malnutrition, calicivirus, and diabetes. but the amazing team at mid hudson animal aid saved his life, even though the consensus had been to put him to sleep. he now lives with me, and he's frolicky and affectionate and playful and so very much alive.