A Client Story – Tod and Ginger

For over 20 years, Tod has lived with the disease of HIV, and has recently battled cancer for over a year.

But if you met him, you wouldn’t imagine this man’s life has been full of suffering and illness.  About the most friendly and upbeat person you’ll ever meet, no one could ever guess all of the struggles Tod has successfully  overcome. He believes the reason he keeps moving forward, and maintains a positive outlook, through all of life’s trials and tribulations is his cat, Ginger.

A large tabby mix, Ginger is the center of Tod’s world.  Ginger was a present from a friend, who originally thought the kitten was a girl.  And, even when it was discovered that the kitten was a boy, Ginger wouldn’t answer to any other name—so it stuck!

Ginger was a sickly kitten and Tod nursed him back to health with help from PAWS/LA to pay for the veterinary bills and, thankfully, Ginger made it out happy and healthy. This was the beginning of the lifelong bond they have created.

When Tod was diagnosed with Stage 2 lymphoma, he became angry and depressed and felt abandoned by family and friends. But through it all, Ginger never left. He has always been at Tod’s side and the unconditional love they share is unwavering. The two understand and rely on each other, “He makes me laugh,” Tod explains, “Whenever life looks hopeless, Ginger always lift my spirits no matter how upset or lonely I feel.”

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