Man fights to save sick cat

For almost two weeks, Jamaica-born Eric Morgan has been fighting tirelessly to save the life of his cat, Free, even though two veterinarians have recommended that he put the animal to sleep.

Morgan, who is in his 50s, said Free was instrumental in helping him with post traumatic stress disorder, which he was diagnosed with while incarcerated for a murder that he did not commit.

"I got Free about two months after I was released from jail. At the time, I really did not want to interact with humans because it was humans who brought me in this dilemma. Animals will not judge you and they are really gentle and caring beings. Sometimes I am going through a state of depression and I'm very moody and he would do some funny little stuff and make me laugh and I would just gradually get out of that bad mood," he said. He got Free six years ago and said that the feline has become one of his closest friends.

Free has various ailments including diabetes. But Morgan said that his conscience will not allow him to put Free down, so he has spent thousands on medical care.

"He came home last Saturday and I have to feed him through a feeding tube but I don't mind doing it. He did a lot for me and now it is time for me to take care of him when he is down as well," he said.

Last week, a Jamaican student in Ukraine refused to leave her cat behind even as Russian forces attacked. Morgan said that he fully understands her dilemma.

"Whenever you adopt or choose to be an animal owner, you have to treat them like you would treat your kid. You will love your pet just like a human," Morgan said.

Morgan migrated from Kingston in 1991 and settled in Ontario, becoming a well-known events promoter. But in 2010, according to the Toronto Star, Morgan was arrested and charged with second-degree murder stemming from a 2006 incident outside Brampton's Malibu Marie's nightclub.

Despite no physical or DNA evidence, police made the arrest based predominantly on the testimony of two eyewitnesses. He spent approximately three and a half years in prison before he was acquitted in 2013.