The Tripawds Foundation ASAP grant #10 goes to Tripawds member kat68 to help pay for Misty’s amputation surgery. Read on for her story, and learn more about the Tripawds Amputation Surgery Assistance Program to see if you qualify.
This grant is made possible by the charitable contributions of Greyhounds Rock Fredericksburg and Tripawds fans like you. Thank you for your support!
Support the ASAP Fund to Help More Tripawds!
About Misty
Misty wasn’t our cat. She belonged to the girl next-door. Misty decided she would rather live with us, so she did. Misty soon ruled the house and had us properly trained to serve her. It’s been 3 yrs since she first came into our lives. Only a month since we almost lost her.
On Oct 3 2017 Misty ran out the door and though I frantically called and looked she was no where to be found. I finally went to bed that night sure that when I awoke she would be at the door, hungry.
Oct 4 morning still no Misty. By the afternoon I was sure something bad had happened. Soon my fears were confirmed when I received a call. Thank God she was wearing a collar and I’d tag. The man told me he was down the street and Misty was just laying there. I could hear her distressed meows over the phone.
I flew out the door with the carrier gently scooped her up and brought her directly to emergency vet nearby. While waiting for news I prayed that Misty will live…Then a horrifying thought hits me. What if I can’t afford medical treatment. Already the vet charged me $400. After an endless wait the doctor reports Misty has a severe fracture in her rear leg that would require either extensive surgery, or amputation. According to the doctor any attempt to save the leg would likely not have a good outcome. Amputation had excellent prognosis.
What followed was one of the most agonizing decisions of my life. I received the estimate, way beyond my means. I applied for Care Credit for a loan in the amount of $3500. Enough to cover the high end of the estimate. I assume, due to my good credit score I was approved. (It certainly wasn’t due my income).
Now I had to decide IF I was to do this how will I manage to pay off this huge loan. I am sole parent to a five year old boy, live in low-income housing and work part-time at minimum wage. I told them to go ahead with the surgery. I would worry about the bill later. I had to save her! She only 3 years old, prognosis is good and I will love her no less with only three legs.
Oct 5, 2017 surgery day. Now one month post-op and things have not gone smoothly. Misty continues the require pain meds that have been costly. Her recovery has been slow and painful for us both. I pray I made the right decision for her. Only time will tell.
In the meantime I will do whatever it takes to provide her the best care.
~ Kathleen (aka: kat68)