When you make the decision to adopt an animal, you’re making the choice to care for the animal through thick and thin. But what if the animal gets diagnosed with an unknown condition? What if the animal starts mysteriously changing right in front of your very eyes?Like so many others, Nicole knew that she needed to help, so she decided to take care of the kittens herself.
Elli was actually was a bit different, but not at first. “She had a tuxedo coat like her sister. Nothing unusual. The changing began about one year after birth,” explained Nicole.
Apparently, Elli’s fur, which was solid black, began to show a few spots of white hair! “It was just a little white spot on her back. I didn’t know why, so I took her to the vet,” said Nicole.
When she arrived at the office, she didn’t expect to hear the news that the vet had to share with her. As it turns out, there was definitely something strange going on with Elli!
Vitiligo is a rare condition that causes people, and strangely enough, animals, to lose the pigment in their skin…or fur! Even though vitiligo is typically linked to other health issues, Elli was completely healthy.
Over the next few months, Nicole literally watched Elli’s fur slowly transform right in front of her very eyes! “I was surprised. I’m still surprised,” she explained. Imagine how magical it must have been to see something like that!
Even though she’s gone through physical changes, Elli’s sweet personality hasn’t changed one bit! “Her personality is the same as ever. It doesn’t matter to her. She is as cute and lovely and as playful as the first day,” said Nicole.
Even Elli’s sister, whose fur hasn’t been affected by vitiligo whatsoever, still looks at her sister the very same way. Obviously, looks don’t mean too much to this beautiful pair of felines.
Oddly enough, Elli’s transformation hasn’t stopped, yet. Nicole says that Elli’s fur is continuously whitening, but she believes that some of the black markings, like the ones on her face, aren’t going anywhere. “Her changing still goes on every day, and I love her more and more,” said Nicole.
This black labrador’s name is Rowdy. When he turned 12, he began to develop white patches around his eye. After a year, the patches were full circles.
This beautiful cougar looks like she’s getting ready to take a nap because she’s been playing in the snow for hours.
The cat started to become speckled when it turned 7 years old.
This picture was taken at a dog shelter in Plano, Texas. We’re happy to report that she’s been adopted!
Probably because he loves all of the attention that he gets because of his unusual coat.
