Chicago Resident Finds Strange Package Outside Her Home Containing A Shocking Surprise
One afternoon in the Chicago suburbs, Elise Hall spotted a cardboard box sitting on her front porch. At first glance, it seemed ordinary, but curiosity got the better of her. When she lifted the lid, she was met with a tiny, wide-eyed kitten staring back at her.
Alarmed for his safety, Elise rushed the kitten to a veterinary clinic. He was in urgent need of care, with a large wound on his neck that required stitches at the emergency vet. The following day, she took him for a more thorough examination.
“He was so unusual and I just adored his feisty spirit. I described him as 1.3 pounds of eyeballs and sass.”
By this point, the little cat had already captured her heart. When the idea was raised that she could foster him while he recovered, there was no hesitation.
“It was suggested that I foster him until he was healthy and oversee his recovery, how could I say no?”
And just like that, the kitten had a name — Porg, inspired by the quirky, big-eyed creatures from Star Wars.
Initially, his oversized eyes seemed to be his most distinctive feature. But soon, tests revealed something far rarer. A skin biopsy confirmed he had Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a hereditary collagen defect that affects connective tissue.
“By this time it was clear, Porg was a permanent member of our family.”
Elise and her partner Clare knew caring for Porg would require patience and a special routine. His fragile skin needed constant protection, and they learned that clothing was essential for keeping him safe from scratches or tears.
“It has been quite the difficult learning process finding what has helped keep his skin healthy and safe, but we now have our routine down, and he has been doing great.”
They also discovered Porg suffered from eye conditions linked to EDS, managed with daily eye drops. Despite his medical challenges, he was full of energy, always ready for snacks, playtime, and cuddles.
“Sometimes we kid he was born to be the head Tom cat on the block because his personality is so big, and he is such a free spirit.”
Porg’s charming personality and adorable looks quickly gained him a devoted following online. Thousands of people followed his updates, enjoying glimpses of his playful antics and gentle moments.
But in time, the updates took a heartbreaking turn. One day, Elise and Clare shared devastating news.
“Everyone, it is complete sadness and devastation that we write Porg has passed. It looks like he suffered a catastrophic breathing issue and or clot to his neck, and he was found passed. We knew he was a special boy with many health issues he had faced in his short life, but nothing can prepare us for this moment. We hope you all remember Porg as a full-of-life fellow who never let his illness get him down, and we hope someday there will be a cure for this condition.”
Though grief-stricken, they chose to focus on his joy and to keep raising awareness about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in cats. They explained how the condition can affect both humans and animals, weakening the collagen that supports skin, joints, and other connective tissues.
Since losing Porg, Elise and Clare have opened their home to two other cats while continuing to share his story. They want other pet owners to recognise the signs of EDS and give affected animals the same love and care Porg received.
“PS: don’t be sad! Porg was happy and loved while he was here, and we made each day special. He would want everyone to smile and send happy thoughts to him wherever he is.”
Although his life was short, Porg left an enormous pawprint on the hearts of those who knew him. Elise and Clare made sure every single day was filled with comfort, fun, and affection.
Today, when his photos pop up online, the sadness is softened by knowing he had a life full of treats, playtime, and love — and that somewhere, he’s still that free-spirited little cat, pain-free and happy.
