Saving Sight: How You Can Help
A police officer friend, responding to a recent call, found a stray mother cat and her five sickly kittens. Given the grave condition of their eyes, he reached out to Furkids for help. We responded immediately and went to rescue the family.
The mom, Belle Star, was malnourished but trying desperately to feed her kittens. I can honestly say that I have never encountered the severity of sickness that afflicted these kittens. The photos of their condition upon intake are too grotesque to share. We all were overcome with grief at their condition, including our veterinarian, and especially for one kitten that did not survive. We all wished we had learned of this family sooner so that we could have spared them such suffering and we vowed to do everything we could to not only save them, but save their eyesight, too.
After examination and treatment orders were received, we quickly placed the family with our experienced volunteer, Lisa. She has worked diligently to keep up with the demanding medical regimen implemented by ophthalmologist, Dr. Winston. Regardless of everyone’s best efforts, Billy the Kid and Jesse James will each lose one eye. Fortunately, they have perfect sight in their good eyes.
 |
 |
 |
 |
| josey wales | jesse james | calamity jane | billy the kid |
We continue to keep up with their medical regimen while we wait another month until they are old enough for their surgeries. Their other siblings, Josey Wales and Calamity Jane, will not lose an eye although they each will have cloudy vision in one. Other than the loss of an eye for two of the kittens, these are all healthy and happy kittens and they need a good home.
- Radar
Right around the same time, another kitten with a horrible eye infection was found by a postal carrier during her daily route. She brought the kitten to Furkids and we named him Radar. We are grateful that Lisa agreed to foster him as well. Like the other kittens, Radar has no vision in one eye and very little sight in the other. He has an ulcer on his eye that we are aggressively treating with four different medications and weekly examinations with our specialist. It is possible Radar will go totally blind, but we hold out hope for him that the treatment will work.
The weekly doctor visits and medications for six kittens have been costly to our organization. We are grateful to have been able to help these kittens in need and we hope you agree and will provide support to help offset the great expense of their care and future surgeries.
Please help us raise $2000 using the chipin widget below. Thank you for your support that allows us to provide the help needed in these challenging situations.
Nancy Shevitz
Tue 30th Aug 2011 at 9:38 am
This is a sad story with a hopeful ending. There are too many
strays, unneutered having kittens everywhere.
I have fallen in love with little Josy Wells, the sunshine yellow
and dazzling white boy. I will try and convince Howie
to adopt him for our happy home.
Kim Ellis
Tue 30th Aug 2011 at 9:45 am
Done – thank you so much for helping these sweet kitties!
Rob Kennedy
Tue 30th Aug 2011 at 12:09 pm
All set! Every little chip-in helps! I miss you Furkids!
Launa Ricks
Tue 30th Aug 2011 at 12:29 pm
I have a soft spot for this very issue because one of my kitties I rescued at 3 weeks old with eye infections soo bad that both of her eyes were sealed shut. I had to put extensive medical care into trying to save her eyes which are scarred for life but she can see with impaired, cloudy vision. I remember how hard it was caring for one kitty in that condition so I applaud Lisa for caring for them and I applaud everyone involved for their efforts. If this chipin is still open when I get paid not this Friday but the next, I will also chipin. Also, knowing what these babies have been thru I am also going to search my soul and consider adopting one. Thank you for saving them!
Joyce Reynolds
Wed 31st Aug 2011 at 11:57 am
Please help. We all came together to purchase cat wheels, now, let’s help these kittens. Thank you Lisa for all your work!
Laya
Fri 09th Sep 2011 at 11:17 am
Radar is a cat that is easy to fall in love with on first visit! He is playful and sweet and growing every day. He will be a terrific addition to your feline family.