FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 12, 2003, 9:30 p.m.

Long John Recovering From Mystery Illness

BARNES PLACE (ATLANTA, GEORGIA) - Tonight, as the nation focuses its attention on a Code Orange Terror Alert, Long John spends his second night at the Veterinary Center of Buckhead, recovering from an unknown illness. Initial investigation has not connected the bizarre illness to any biological weapon release, and Long John is improving under the administration of and intravenous general antibiotic.

"Something has definitely upset his G.I. Track," said Dr. Lance Hirsch. "He probably just put something in his mouth."

Director of Catering and Guest Relations Anthony Dornacher rushed Long John to the Veterinary Center yesterday morning after he vomited repeatedly and became lethargic and distant, not caring what the cat was up to. Upon the third bout of upheaval, Long John was producing blood-colored mucus. En-route to the Veterinary Center, he climbed into Tony's lap to hurl one more time.

Long John made it most of the afternoon without vomiting, after receiving medication to curb the vomit spree. Tony returned to the Veterinary Center last evening to bring Long John home to Barnes Place. However, after his initial excitement subsided, Long John vomited on Tony's shoe, securing his bed at the Center for the night.

This morning, Long John was still baffling the medical team when he passed a bloody stool. He continued the I.V. treatment throughout the day. 

Long John fell victim to similar symptoms while Dornacher and Director of Ambiance and Entertainment Timothy State were traveling to San Francisco in early June 2000. At that time, Long John was staying at the Buckwood Pet Motel during the Memorial Day holiday, and was rushed to an emergency clinic. Long John's medical records indicated the follow-up visit, but the Veterinary Center had no record of the hospital Long John was rushed to.

Dr. Hirsh turned to BarnesPlace.com, searching through Long John's website in hopes it might be listed. While the hospital was not listed, Long John's previous x-rays, symptoms and general treatment are posted, and Dr. Hirsh was able to determine the current illness is similar to the previous. "I'd sure like to know what antibiotic they used," he told State and Dornacher, who visited Long John during the lunch hour today.

During the visit, Long John mustered enough energy to get a healthy tail wag, and made an attempt to leap out of the cage before State caught the bleeding boy in his arms. Together the three watched as Dr. Hirsh extracted the second rib bone from the throat of a drugged German Shepard.

At this evening's medical conference, Dr. Hirsh reported that Long John's spirits were improving, and he had not passed bloody stool or vomited for the balance of the day. Tonight, Long John continues to rest under close observation.

Long John can receive well wishes at long.john@barnesplace.com, or you can send cards to:

Long John
c/o Veterinary Center for Buckhead
3615 Piedmont Road
Atlanta, GA 30305

State and Dornacher appreciate the kinds words and support that have begun to stream in from around the world. Right now, they are focusing all their energy on Long John's recovery and ask the media respect their privacy during this difficult time.

--END--