On February 20, a New York City resident saw a severely injured cat on Southern Boulevard in the Bronx. It was clear that she was struggling to survive and she wouldn’t last much longer in her condition. The good samaritan called New York City Animal Care & Control (ACC) to report the cat’s condition, and she was picked up and taken to ACC’s shelter.
At ACC, veterinarians discovered that the one-year-old cat, now named Piper, had numerous injuries including a crushed pelvis and a broken front leg.
Piper’s injuries were described as potentially resulting in her being “non-ambulatory,” and after five days she was placed on ACC’s euthanasia list.
But Piper got a very lucky break. Lisa Douglas of Anjellicle Cats Rescue, an all-volunteer nonprofit rescue organization, saw the cat on an “urgent ” list on Facebook.
A comment by Piper’s picture read that she was “trying to get to the front of the cage to say ‘hello’ in spite of her injuries,” and the feisty little fighter stole Douglas’s heart.
“It’s hard to say why one cat reaches out to grab you, but it does happen, and the next morning I headed uptown to pick her up at the shelter,” Douglas said.
Douglas pulled Piper from Death Row and immediately brought her to an animal hospital, where veterinarians discovered that while her pelvis could be repaired, her front leg was damaged beyond repair and had to be amputated. The costs for the surgeries and care Piper needed was estimated to be several thousand dollars.
Stunned, I handed over my credit card. It was the first time I had ever really thought about the phrase ‘a wing and a prayer,’ Douglas said.
Piper is recovering well from her surgeries. And through all the hardship and pain she’s experienced in her short time on earth, her sea-green eyes still show acceptance, trust and friendship.
Douglas has created a Facebook community page to share Piper’s story and report on her progress, and the cat has a steadily growing group of fans cheering her on.
Last Thursday, the brave little tabby was “up on all threes,” wearing a stylish striped sweater made from the leg of an old pair of long johns, exploring her room and playing with toys.
“She is curious about things in the room, and likes to explore wherever she can,” Douglas said.
Douglas recently posted an image of Piper’s latest vet bill — almost $5,000 to date.
Douglas and Anjellicle Cats have asked animal lovers to make a donation toward Piper’s sky-high veterinary bills. Animal lovers across the US and around the world have chipped in to help, and the rescue has raised nearly $3,000.
Readers who want to follow Piper’s story and find out how to contribute to her veterinary expenses can do so on her Facebook page.
[Source:Examiner.com]
