Monkey: Why the animals need a hero

I called a vet’s clinic in Lebanon today.
I said “good morning, how are you?”
The lady who helps answered: ” Not good, Monkey is sick. ”

Sevine Fakhoury Zahran

We live in a rapidly changing world where Heros are in crisis. The traditional forms of heroism, feats of physical strength and ability to overcome obstacles, taking risks on the service of a noble cause or idea have been replaced by a heroism associated to the number of Youtube views, or popularity defined by popularity’s sake, without any real meaning or substance behind.

This is why the reaction of peoples around the world to MONKEY’s sickness is so striking and invites us to reflection. This is where Monkey’s importance as a symbol lies. It’s not because of what he is, all we are talking about here is a tiny stray kitty picked up from the garbage. He’s important because of the way he makes all of us feel about ourselves, because of what he represents. It is an absolute wonder that an apparently insignificant being can connect with so many people of so many nationalities and backgrounds and mean something very deep to each and everyone of them. That is, in itself, a universal of message of HOPE.

But there is something else… it’s human nature to both crave and elevate a hero whilst at  the same time to try to negate him. It’s quite apparent, once you start thinking about it, that every human hero carries with him both adoring fans as well as determined detractors. It is said that someone willing to act heroically fundamentally challenges our notions of ourselves, at times, shattering them. Thus, heroes are, in a way, dangerous to our social order. It’s in our DNA to search for an alternative explanation that fits our own cynical view of the world. “See, I told you so, no one could be that good.”

 

You will give the people an ideal to strive towards. They will race behind you, they will stumble, they will fall. But in time they will join you in the sun. In time you will help them accomplish wonders.
Jor-El. Man Of Steel

And here is where you can find the secret to Monkey’s universal appeal. He’s more than just a human. Monkey is not affected by our cynical views of the world, or by our own moral choices, by our likes or dislikes. Monkey is beyond reproach, immune to attacks or criticisms, there can be no doubt about the actions and views of kitty, because he is, by nature and in essence, pure.

Only a fool would criticize or attack a little kitty. Only someone capable of the highest cruelty, would try to hurt him in any way.

Monkey is very sick at the moment, and I’m going to use this post, to provide daily updates about his condition. I would also want to let you know that the best way to help him, as well as the many animals that he represents, is to contribute to his book project: I AM MONKEY!. Each and every cent raised by this photo book, it’s already being used to pay for Let’s Adopt! rescue operations. If you agree with what I wrote, and you wish to support Monkey’s heroic journey, please Chipin on Monkey’s Book… It’s important.

 

DAY 1.

MONKEY IS EXTREMELY ILL!!!
He has fallen prey of a VIRAL infection affecting his upper respiratory system. We are fighting to stop infection from spreading to his lungs. The X-rays tell us to be cautious.
MONKEY wants me to tell you that he loves you, now, and forever, and that once he is well again, he will continue fighting for those that have no chance.
For now, to support him and the work of Let’s Adopt!, please consider ordering a copy of his book, I AM MONKEY!!!.. All proceeds are being put to use to finance LAG rescues. This kitty, MONKEY, is saving lives… please support him… he needs it today more than ever.

DAY 2.

MONKEY IS IN SERIOUS TROUBLE
This was his condition yesterday night. He spent the day at the clinic but came home to spend the night. It got worst. The VIRUS is progressing…
Right now he is is in an Oxygen chamber and being treated with the best modern medicine can offer, including Feline Interferon Omega, a most powerful Immune Booster.
MONKEY thanks YOU for all your messages of support, love and care… Sadly, there are some out there that rejoice at the thought of seeing our beautiful kitty suffering and in mortal danger, but to those I say, MONKEY WILL RISE!!!
Below.. one of such comments so that you get to see the kind of detritus we are having to deal with:
“Jessica Ames: So now he’s sick? Could this be a set up for his sudden death and then you’re gonna blame it on someone else because you don’t know how to care for your own animals?”

Garbage, really… garbage.

I AM MONKEY!!! (Sneeeze!.. Sneeze!!!)
I DONT WANT ANYONE TO KILL ME
I WANT MY FRIENDS TO HEAL ME (see the difference you asshole?)
I’m writing from the clinic. They are taking very good care of me here. This morning my very blond and handsome vet (he’s just the opposite of Viktor, really), made me bleed to do some tests. It wasn’t painful but I was scared of that long thing that stings like a bee.
When he came back he was smiling. He said I don’t have FIV (Cat Aids!!!) and I don’t have FeLV (Leukemia) so I said MEOW!!!!!!
He sent my blood to the laboratory to figure out WHAT KIND OF VIRUS I have.
Thank you to all of you that are rooting for me and sending me good wishes. And to those that want to kill me, GO TO HELL.
I LOVE YOU!!!!!
MONKEY!!!

Day 3

I’M AT THE CLINIC WITH MONKEY
He’s not doing too good, but NOT TOO BAD either, he’s just very uncomfortable. We have him on IV we have built him a little “apartment” in the Oxygen Box.
He’s on the most powerful inmune / energy boosters including Feline Interferon Omega as well as pure raw meat that he is eating like a lion.
We just gave him some drops of Synulox to fight off infection and HE HAS STARTED MAKING BUBBLES… poor thing, he hates it!.
Anyway, Monkey wanted me to tell you that HE IS FIGHTING!!!!!!!

JUST BACK FROM THE CLINIC
There is something very special about MONKEY. We got him out of his resting place to take some new X-rays to watch his lungs. EVERYONE stops when they see him. I have never seen such a strong reaction from people to a kitty. He has three doctors and as many nurses at his constant service. If there was ever a VIP patient, that’s Monkey here today.
He still not well at all, he is extremely tired, yesterday we didn’t sleep anything and today with all these meds and tests I know he hasn’t rested either.
But HE IS HOLDING ON.. MONKEY IS A LOVER, NOT A FIGHTER, BUT TODAY HE FIGHTS.. HE FIGHTS FOR HIS LIFE AND HE FIGHTS TO BE ABLE TO CONTINUE INSPIRING OTHERS…

Day 3

I AM MONKEY!!! and I’m fighting like the little tiger I am!!!
See me now? They are cleaning my eyes and putting cream and drops, if they don’t I will go blind.
I feel very sorry for the kitties in the world that don’t have a family and as many friends as I do…
But I must be positive now. I must fight.
Thank you for all your support and for helping Let’s Adopt! rescue other kitties like me…
I LOVE YOU … Meoooow….

Just arrived from the clinic.
MONKEY continues his fight. Fever is under control but he’s tired and he is having a lot of trouble breathing. As I stood up to leave he started meowing and extending his little leg through the bars of the cage. It broke my heart to leave him there.
This evening I don’t want to publish a picture of him as he looks right now, but as he was, and will forever be, to me.
Good night.

Day 4:

MONKEY: Viktor, what the hell is happening to me? I want to go home. Take me home.
Viktor: You are very ill Monkey, we are all trying to help you. I will bring you home with me soon.
MONKEY: Do you think BATMAN could help me?
Viktor: I don’t know Monkey… I don’t know…. Please try to relax and sleep…..