Vet in Cruelty Case Is the Cat’s Meow

* Re “Despite Exoneration, Cat Doctor Still Hurting From Cruelty Claim” (Jan. 14):

If Dr. Tom Elston is forced to close the doors of T.H.E. Cat Hospital of Irvine, the Irvine community will lose. A business dedicated to the care and health of cats only is rare, and the veterinarian behind it, “Dr. Tom,” offers exceptional compassion and service.

After adopting our first kitten, we took him to a traditional veterinarian’s office. The number of large dogs in the waiting area terrified our cat, and we were convinced that it was not the best situation for either animal.

We met Dr. Tom after an unfortunate accident several months later, when our cat suddenly could not walk. Dr. Tom and his staff at T.H.E. Cat Hospital were unbelievably compassionate and professional.

He found no spinal cord damage and no visible signs of injury and advised us that our cat might stay paralyzed or might walk again. He treated him for a few days and released him, advising us on how to continue the care. Several people advised us to put the cat down. Fortunately, after two months of leg massage, the paralysis went away and our cat regained his health.

Dr. Elston frequently takes in abandoned cats and kittens when irresponsible people leave them to run around the neighborhoods, wreaking havoc, multiplying or, worse, dying because they are too young to take care of themselves. He asks nothing in return for this service except a loving home.

We find it deplorable that anyone would believe the charges against Dr. Elston. There is no doubt in our minds that he loves these animals. We would be devastated if our vet is forced to close the doors after this incident.

While we commend the animal control staff for their overall good work in the community, this situation was clearly misinterpreted. Not only are people guilty before proven innocent, but guilty after proven innocent.

MICHELLE and MIKE REVELLE

Irvine

* A couple of years ago, one of my cats suffered with a chronic ear infection for six months. Every time he finished the medicine prescribed by his regular vet, the infection came back a few weeks later. Finally, I took him to see Dr. Elston.

Dr. Elston was extremely gentle and caring with my cat. He started him on an aggressive, comprehensive and effective protocol which solved the problem in weeks. His skills as a veterinarian are impressive.

As far as I am concerned, he should be commended for controlling a berserk cat without injuring it. The city of Irvine has done a great injustice to a good man who has provided a valuable service to that city’s residents over the years.

I hope [people] realize that he is still the wonderful doctor he was before this unfortunate mess.

LINDA RENNA

Costa Mesa