by Dawn Pieper
Yesterday I told the Oakland shelter’s only vet, Dr. Jen Dalmasso, that Cat Town was ready to help another cat. Without hesitation she replied, “let’s go to the exam room.” She has more than 400 animals to look after, but Dr. Jen will drop everything to help Cat Town save the cats most in need. She knows no one else will take them.
We didn't know the extent of Didi's health needs, but even if we had, we would have taken her. Photo by Cathy Niland.
Didi was covered in abdominal wounds when I took her into foster care. After four surgeries to treat her injuries, I had to hand-feed her for several weeks. She wore a cone and booties while she healed, frequently hissing and growling at me, and there were a few times her surgeon and I weren’t sure she would make it.
Throughout her treatment, Didi was a champ!
After five months of vigilance, she pulled through. And as soon as she was finally healthy, her true personality came out.
Didi is such an amazing, affectionate cat! When I sit down, she’s on my lap instantly. I give her a pill every night, something most cats barely tolerate, but she just tilts her head up to let me medicate her. We never would have known how wonderful Didi is if we hadn’t taken a chance on her.
When Cat Town steps in for cats like Didi, we know they may be beyond help. And sometimes, all we can do is make their final hours more comfortable. But if we were to look the other way, I’m certain these cats wouldn’t make it. So we take the risk. Because we can’t live with not trying.
I’m so fortunate that I get to help save these cats. Still, I can’t stop thinking about the dozens more at the shelter who have been waiting months for us to intervene.
If we had enough funding, Cat Town would help all of these cats today.
With surgery behind her, Did was comfortable enough to show her true, loving self.
If you have been on the fence about making a donation, I hope you will lend your support today--donations will be TRIPLED through December 31st at midnight. And if you’ve already given, I hope you’ll share this message. You can help Cat Town take a chance on a cat in need today.
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