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
