stray cat attacked by a dog needs help

[Sondra]

This is Cowee, a homeless tomcat that strayed around in the back alley. Several attempts to catch him were unsuccessful. He only accepted food with a sullen, shy expression in his sad little face. As soon as you came into a 3 meter distance he took off, even leaving the food behind. He did not appear for two days. I thought , I scared him off with my attempts to catch him. Last Tuesday evening I found him at my doorstep, his white fur blood crusted, a yellow green mass coming from several wounds. He was not able to stand up and run although I passed his 3 meter distance by far, kneeling down to look at him, scared that he would get an adrenaline rush and run away with his last resources. He had vicious wounds all over starting from his waist down. His left hind leg was literally ripped open. He did not respond., he was just laying there, unable to get up. I rushed him to the Hollywood Animal Hospital. He had to be in intensive care for one week before he could get operated. There were maggots in his wounds, which they had to remove and of course he had a severe infection. The doctor told me that his wounds were 2 days old. He was attacked by a dog. His left hind leg fractured below the knee joint in several places. The Hollywood Animal Hospital was performing good surgerz as usual. Dr. Stello is the treating doctor. A friend and me did go each evening to the hospital and brought him food. Even with a big cast around his leg he did of course bite and scratch but Fish and Shrimp plus a lot of love and patience have brought him around within a short distance. The Hospital was amazing in regards to extending the visiting hours for us, so that I could spend more time with him. I am very thankful for their expert surgeons. They let us take pictures in the intensive care unit for applying for financial aid at the second chance foundation, unfortunately they declined. They only give money for abuse cases. Cowee is a very brave critter, he had his operation on Monday. Cowee had a 50% chance of keeping his leg. So, on Monday you can imagine how happy we were, when Dr. Stello called and said they were able to save his leg. A complicated 3 and a half hours operation with pins for the several fractures, saved his leg. Dr. Stello still has to take out a lot of dead tissue whenever they change the bandage, but he is doing better every day. Yesterday he got neutered when they changed his bandage and I could take him home. Yes, he will become a new member of my little crew. He has cage confinement for 6 weeks and his bandage needs to be changed every 2nd day, but from when I found him last week on Tuesday to today, he did an amazing recovery and I even am ‘allowed’ to pet his little angry and alert face more and more. If you ask what makes his case so special? My answer is: ‘He must had been laying for 2 days somewhere in the bushes, hidden, shy, sullen, a stray tomcat viciously attacked by a dog, left there by the careless dogowner for dead, until he decided to crawl to the only human being he ever got a friendly word from in form of food. He remembered the only place, that might help him. This is more than enough for me to make him special.’ I do rescue feral cats since 7 years. I will pay off his hospital bill and hope that you could give a little bit to it. Every cent helps. He deserves it. I was not there, when the attack happened. There is a pit bull, who runs out of the gate from time to time. The police only gave them a warning but since I was not there when the attack happened, I cannot point fingers in this case. It could had been any other dog with an owner , who does not respect the leash law.

JanMilbyer from the AlanBabcock dog and cat rescue had this amazing and nice idea to send out an email on Cowees behalf. It says, who can afford $ 5.00 for Cowee the tomcat, just a bagel and a cup of coffee less in the morning." Everything helps to cover his increasing vet bill. For info and picture, you can email.
For me it would hurt not to care, no matter what I do or what the day brings in, I never stop caring and through JanMIlbyers email I saw that there are many people out there, who think the same.
Update: 7 weeks later now and Cowee is still in rehab. No end in sight but at least he is doing better. The Hospital does not give a discount, the invoice is over $ 3,000.00 and counting. Each bandage change is $89.00 twice a week alone plus xrays, etc. Jan Milbyers letter brought about $ 500.00, which helped tremendously. So, whoever can afford $5.00 to send it to the Hosputal or to send it to me (of course you could make it out to the Hollywood Animal Hospital) would help me to fight my increasing desperation. I put myself into this position and yes, I would do it again for the rational thinking people out there. For all other animal and petfriends.....you know how it is, when your heart is bigger than your finances......Bless you all. Cowee got pretty tame and cuddly by now and starts making his first rounds through the livingroom. For updated pictures, please email.
Sondra

[Zoebiwan]

You are an amazing person for taking in Cowee.
I would just like to point out though that don't just say that it was a pitbull that attacked him, there are many wonderful pitbulls out there and many pitbull lovers here, so if you don't know what type of dog did the attacking don't just say that it was a pitbull.
I'm sure Cowee will turn in to a wonderful pet and that repay the favor a hundred times over. I'll keep my fingers crossed for a continued speedy recovery.

[Sondra]

You are an amazing person for taking in Cowee.
I would just like to point out though that don't just say that it was a pitbull that attacked him, there are many wonderful pitbulls out there and many pitbull lovers here, so if you don't know what type of dog did the attacking don't just say that it was a pitbull.
I'm sure Cowee will turn in to a wonderful pet and that repay the favor a hundred times over. I'll keep my fingers crossed for a continued speedy recovery.

I did not say any pitbull, because a friend of mine has a pitbull and he is very affectionate and nice. But this pitbull is in fact the only dog who runs around in the neighbourhood since 2 years, horrifying the whole neighbourhood. The police only gave them a warning and they are too ignorant to keep him in the gate. He is hostile and vicious and I also risked many times my health by keeping him away from the cats. So, I am not just saying it, it is 99% that pitbull. Our neighbourhood is very nice besides these people.

[Zoebiwan]

Oh the impression I got was that you assumed it was a pitbull versus any other dog just from reading the subject line. In your post you didn't mention the breed at all of the dog.
Sow how is Cowee doing now?

[Sondra]

Thanks so much for caring. Cowee has been on a long up and down road. He is in for another bandage change today at the Hollywood Animal Hospital and I hope that the news is better than last time. On Monday he was for his bandage change and there was a lot of unusual drainage, so they had to increase the antibiotic dosage. He is very brave with his cage confinement, he is on Buprinex, Antibiotics and Metacam (painkiller). I hope that he can keep the implant and that he will be able to walk again. The doctor said, if he recovers, he has to become an indoor cat, which is hard to accomplish with a former stray cat. He is about 5 years old. We just take it one day at a time. Whatever happens, I will do everything to help him and be there. So, that is his update. Since I rushed him to the emergency clinic to now, he has recovered well. Considering that he had maggots in his wounds, a severe infection and his left hindleg ripped open and the other bitten pretty bad. You wrote, that I did not mention a pitbull in the story, that is because Cowees story is not about a dog, it is about an injured poor little stray cat, who got hurt by dog so bad, that he fought for his life for one week, then for his leg and now is stable but still not out of the woods. It is his sad story. Nothing else matters at this point.

[Zoebiwan]

Very true, nothing else matters now except for Cowee recovering. You have put a lot into him and I'm sure when he is fully healed the love you get back will be 10 fold if not more.

[amstaff]

best wishes for cowees recovery. i must say though, ive yet to have a problem with making a stray an indoor cat. maybe it is luck. but i have 7 cats now, and 3 were adult strays when i got them. 2 others were born in my home when i caught their mother. so, hopefully cowee will come to appreciate the safety only an indoor home can provide. good luck and our prayers are with you both.

[amstaff]

forgot, when we see a not-so-good heading featuring a pittie, many people will get defensive. 99% is not completely positive. and i must say, if it was a pittie trying to do damage, im assuming the cat would have been killed instantly. are they 100% sure it was a dog and not a fox, coyote, raccoon. etc? my cousins cat romeo was killed by her boyfriends standard poodle right in front of them. 3 shakes and romeo was gone. sad. anyway good luck with cowee and im going to post some sites that may help you with the vet bills. i got them off the holisticat forum.



First, an article on how to budget for and afford vet care:
http://www.kvia.com/Global/story.asp?S=859109

The list of Organizations (Alphabetical):

American Animal Hospital Association
http://www.aahahelpingpets.org/home/
"The heartbreak happens all too often — a pet owner is unable to
afford treatment and their sick or injured companion animal pays the
price.
If the owner is elderly, disabled or on a fixed income, the cost of
care may be too much of a stretch for their pocketbook. Perhaps they
have been victimized by crime, property loss or a job layoff and are
experiencing a temporary financial hardship — making it too difficult
to afford pet care. And some animals, brought to clinics by Good
Samaritans, don't have an owner to pay for treatment. Whatever the
situation, the fact remains the same: When sick or injured animals
are unable to receive veterinary care, they suffer. Through the AAHA
Helping Pets Fund, veterinary care is possible for sick or injured
pets even if they have been abandoned or if their owner is
experiencing financial hardship."

Angels 4 Animals
www.Angels4Animals.org
"Angels4Animals, a non-profit organization and a program of Inner
Voice Community Services, has a mission to serve as the guardian
angel of animals whose caretakers find themselves in difficult
financial situations. At Angels4Animals we believe that animal owners
should not have to say goodbye to the animals that they love. Our
work is accomplished in conjunction with veterinary clinics across
the country, eager to assist as many animals, and their owners, as
possible. Our services range from financial aid to complete treatment
to those pets and pet owners in need."

Care Credit
www.carecredit.com
A credit card company for health care, including veterinary care.
"CareCredit, the leader in patient/client financing, has helped more
than 3 million patients/clients get the treatment or procedures they
needed and wanted. With a comprehensive range of plan options, for
treatment or procedure fees from $1 to over $25,000, we offer a plan
and a low monthly payment to fit comfortably into almost every
budget."

Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance (FVEAP)
http://www.fveap.org/sys-tmpl/door/
"The NEED & The HELP: Seniors, People with disabilities, People who
have lost their job, Good Samaritans who rescue a cat or kitten - any
of these folks may need financial assistance to save a beloved
companion."

The Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program is a nonprofit 501
(c)(3) organization that provides financial assistance to cat and
kitten guardians who are unable to afford veterinary services to save
their companions when life-threatening illness or injury strikes.

Help-A-Pet
http://www.help-a-pet.org/home.html
"Our efforts focus on serving the elderly, the disabled, and the
working poor. For lonely seniors, physically/mentally challenged
individuals and children of working parents, pets represent much more
than a diversion."

IMOM
http://www.imom.org
"Mission Statement:
Helping people help pets. To better the lives of sick, injured and
abused companion animals. We are dedicated to insure that no
companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker
is financially challenged."

The Pet Fund
http://thepetfund.com/
"The Pet Fund is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit association that
provides financial assistance to owners of domestic animals who need
urgent veterinary care. Often animals are put down or suffer
needlessly because their owners cannot afford expensive surgery or
emergency vet visits. Companion animal owners must often make the
difficult decision to put an animal down or neglect urgent medical
needs because of the costs involved. The purpose of the Pet Fund is
to work towards a future where decisions about companion animal
medical care need never be made on the basis of cost."

United Animal Nations
http://www.uan.org/lifeline/index.html
"The mission of LifeLine is to help homeless or recently rescued
animals suffering from life-threatening conditions that require
specific and immediate emergency veterinary care. We strive to serve
Good Samaritans and rescue groups who take in sick or injured
animals. In certain cases, LifeLine can also assist senior citizens
and low-income families pay for immediate emergency veterinary care."

UK Assistance with Veterinary Bills
http://www.petloversonline.co.uk/financial.htm
"Most of us can cope with the financial commitment involved in the
day to day care of our pets. However, how many of us come out in a
cold sweat when our pet is ill or injured and we know we have to take
it to the vet? Most of us are fortunate enough to be able to afford
it but, some of us who love our animals dearly cannot. Unfortunately
we do not have a PDSA or a RSPCA Centre within our area, but there
are a few charities who may be able to help."

Other Groups Who are Breed or Injury Specific:

Corgi Aid
http://www.corgiaid.org/

Dachshunds Needing IVDD surgery
http://members.rushmore.com/~dds/applyforhelp.htm

HandicappedPets.com
http://www.handicappedpets.com/Articles/help/
"From time to time, HandicappedPets.com recognizes a caretaker of
handicapped pets that need some special attention, and a little extra
help. There are those who are so selflessly dedicated to their animal
families that they give up a little more than they can afford."

Labrador Lifeline
http://www.labradorlifeline.org/success/2005-abbey.htm

LabMed: Rx For Rescued Labs
http://www.labmed.org/aid_main.html

[Sondra]

Thank you guys for all the info. You are very helpful. Cowees vetbill is now going $ 3,000.00 and I have an HCM cat as well, who needs Oxygen therapie and is on Furosemide, Atenolol and enalapril. I really can use every help I get. Jan Milbyer from the ALan Babcock dog and cat rescue already send an amazing email out for me, which helped, but there are still 2500 and coming to pay, since he is still in rehab and bandage change for a long time. Most important, he is getting better and I hope he can use his leg. He can never go outside again and will become an indoor cat which eill be another task but we take it one day at a time. Thank you for caring, it means a lot to me.
Sondra

[PatchO'Pits]

I hope the lil guy is doing better soon! Poor kitty! Unfortunately some people don't take the responsibility for cats or dogs and things like this end up happening.

I'm glad he found his way to a caring person like you who was willing to go out of your way to help.

Sorry if this sounds harsh, but...Though like some others have said your title is misleading and personally I find it to be EXTREMELY offensive. You stated the article was about the cat but infact it was also an attack by you on a dog that may or may not have been involved. If you didn't see what happened or in fact even it it was a dog at all that attacked the cat why would you pick one particular breed to single out. It is honestly stuff like that that causes more media frenzies on the breed.

Now if any person unfortunately lets there dog run loose I hope you will report them to animal control or other local authorities reguardless of the breed. Remember Any breed of dog can bite in certain circustances.

Ok off of my soap box now and back to the real subject.

It sounds like the little guy has found himself a great home and I'm sure he;ll be running around and playing in no time with you there to take care of him.

[Sondra]

Thank you all for caring. Cowee is fighting brave and I try to keep up with the vetbills. Am extremely frustrated about that pitbull owner. I told him about Cowee and showed him a picture of Cowee and his huge cast and he lets his pitbull run out the very next day. I tried to be nice but now MY PATIENCE has reached an end. This dog is chasing everything that crosses his path. If anybody knows help, let me know. My Mom is handicapped and cannot run away from that horror and these ignorant people are not at all sorry for Cowee they do not even care. I will call the police, but maybe they only give them a warning again and nothing else. Ignorance of people is sometimes very horrible and hard to cope with.

[PatchO'Pits]

Thank you all for caring. Cowee is fighting brave and I try to keep up with the vetbills. Am extremely frustrated about that pitbull owner. I told him about Cowee and showed him a picture of Cowee and his huge cast and he lets his pitbull run out the very next day. I tried to be nice but now MY PATIENCE has reached an end. This dog is chasing everything that crosses his path. If anybody knows help, let me know. My Mom is handicapped and cannot run away from that horror and these ignorant people are not at all sorry for Cowee they do not even care. I will call the police, but maybe they only give them a warning again and nothing else. Ignorance of people is sometimes very horrible and hard to cope with.

Again I am sorry for the awful situation you are in... I can't stress enough that you call animal control as well as your local police every single time any one allows their dog to roam free. It may take a few times but eventually they will do something. The sqeaky wheel gets the grease. Believe me they will get tired of having to come out and will take action. If you do nothing the situation will never be addressed. I hope the lil one is doing better

Also I really think you should edit and change the title of your post to something more appropriate

[Zoebiwan]

Ok, not that I want to cause waves as it is not what I am about at all I just wanted to say, that Sondra knows that it was most likely this pitbull that has a nasty history that did this. She also knows, as do the rest of us that not all pitbulls are awful, this one really is the exception to the rest of the cuddly big baby breed. It really is the owner of the dog that causes the problems you know. You all have amazingly wonderful pitbulls and I want you all to know that.

I don't think that Sondra wanted to offend anyone by the title of the thread, after all what she is concerned most about is Cowee. He is what is important at this point. Is it even possible to change thread titles after they have been posted? I have no idea myself :confused:

The dog running free is another problem to be dealt with and if the police aren't doing anything are there humane officers in your area that can come by and do something?

Ok, just my two cents...as you see I was the first to reply and talk to her about the thread title and after reading other posts I have come to this realization. I really do love pitties...and kitties...and all other animals. I'm such a softy.

How is Cowee doing now Sondra?

[PatchO'Pits]

I'll just agree to disagree. Without proof you shouldn't accuse JMO on it!

I did however offer very good advice on how to deal with the situation as I've had crappy irresponsible neighbors who let their dogs run free before too!

[Zoebiwan]

I will agree with you. It could have been some other creature. However the dog running loose is a problem that has to be dealt with. (yes you did give good advice :) )
Sadly pitties have been given bad reps by ignorant people. Have you ever been to this site? http://ripitstop.tripod.com It's run by a guy I know from when we used to volunteer at the same animal shelter. I love the site, and knowing two of the dogs they are just wonderful too. I love Adam what a sweetie, and what a story behind him.

Sondra- is there a way you can post a picture of Cowee here to show us? I am very curious to see this kitty.

[PatchO'Pits]

http://ripitstop.tripod.com


I haven't looked at it all, but it looks like he did a very nice job putting it all together :)

[Sondra]

Okay, if anyone has suggestions for the new title. I did not want to offend anyone, since there is more discussion about the title than the content, I would like to change that but do not know how else I should call it. I could change it to dog attacked cat, but the sad thing is, that for Cowee that does not make a difference. If your pitbull would be attacked by a Rottweiler and almost die, I do not think that the Rottweiler would be your first priority for your email discussion but since this comes up again and again I will change it to dog attacked cat. Thank you all for caring. I will aplly for financial aid at the addresses that I got. I am really desperate right now moneywise and time wise and a little bit overwhelmed with everything but as I said, this is not about anybody or anything else, Cowee is the victim here. Thank you all.
Sondra

[Sondra]

I tried to change the title but it is not possible. It only takes the title change after you open it. So, there is nothing more I can do.
Sondra

[PatchO'Pits]

Okay, if anyone has suggestions for the new title. I did not want to offend anyone, since there is more discussion about the title than the content, I would like to change that but do not know how else I should call it. I could change it to dog attacked cat, but the sad thing is, that for Cowee that does not make a difference. If your pitbull would be attacked by a Rottweiler and almost die, I do not think that the Rottweiler would be your first priority for your email discussion but since this comes up again and again I will change it to dog attacked cat. Thank you all for caring. I will aplly for financial aid at the addresses that I got. I am really desperate right now moneywise and time wise and a little bit overwhelmed with everything but as I said, this is not about anybody or anything else, Cowee is the victim here. Thank you all.
Sondra
Sure if it is a factual statement than that would be a fine title as would yours; you just aren't getting the point.... taking guesses at who or what caused the damage is not stating facts...You already stated you didn't see it happen. Never just assume.....
I really don't want to discuss it any further as I've explained it the best I can and I choose not to argue.

It is ABOUT THE KITTY getting better NOW and that's were your focus should be

I really do love cats. I have one of my own as well. I understand your frustration.

I hope Cowee is making good progress. What kind of treatment is she getting right now.... is she still with you at home or at the vet hospital... I hope she is well enough to still be with you.

If the vet hasn't shown you how to clean the bandages ask him as wounds should be cleaned and dressed several times a day when they are ooozing as much as you expressed in order to keep from getting worse infections.

Also if Cowee is strong enough to use the litter box be really careful that no litter gets in the wounds.

[Sondra]

Hi Zoe, Midnight, Banana, and Trudy......thank you all for caring. I will try to download a picture of Cowee, we made pictures while he was in the intensive care unit at the Hospital. I just have to work it to a smaller size, because they do not allow a lot of memory for the size of the pictures. SO, on the weekend a picture will be there. Meanwhile I try to hang in there with everything going on right now. Cowee is limping each day a little bit through the living room now, of course my little crew hisses at him and "shows him the way back to his little room with the carrier (which by the way is big enough that an Irish Setter would fit in it). But he has cage confinement. These little "excursions" are only for 5 minutes each day. The doctor changed the bandage schedule back to 3 days and since each bandage change is 89.00 you can imagine how drained I am with money, plus the little adoption and foster cases and my HCM cat, I sometimes am a little bit birned out but little Cowee is especially brave. I know the name is not very original but when we rushed him to the emrgency care of the Hollywood ANimal CLinic they wanted a name right away, so nothing else than the big black spots on his white fur crossed my mind and now he listens to that silly name. He is so cute and brave. Financially it is very frustrating but I will survive. I did ask the doctor this week whether I could have some kind of discount, like the Pet Discount CLinic for example is always nice with cases like that. The doctor answered that she was "frustrated" about that because I choose the more expensive solution to keep his leg and she told me that she also suggested that I could have his leg amputated and then it would had been a lot cheaper, only 1,000.00. You know when people you depend on and trust all of a sudden say something so cruel that you cannot even react? I was up all night yesterday and a friend of mine, she is also very involved in animal rescue said that I should change the doctor. But besides that rude remark and the total neglect of letting at least one bandage change go uncharged, I still think she is a good doctor and so I will swallow my pride and pain about that reaction. Anyway, meanwhile Cowee gets very cuddly and I hope that once the dreadful bandage changes are over, he will be able to use his leg. Thank you all, I will apply at the very useful addresses that you listed and maybe they will help. Jan Milbyer from the ALanBabcock foundation also helped by sending out an email for Cowee. A lot of good things happened despite the horrible event. Thanks for caring,
Sondra

Sondra

[PatchO'Pits]

I'm glad Cowee is doing well.

I'm confused as to why the Dr. still has not helped to teach you how to do the bandages. That would save you money plus be better because you could do it more often. Just a suggestion as I know the vets are soooo expensive!

Keep your hopes up. You did the right thing!

[amstaff]

oh sondra, that remark would also have made me upset! and i cant believe its $89! i would definately have someone show me what to do. of course you may have to go in weekly to have it looked at, but that would be better than every 3 days. $89 is more expensive than even our emergency vet fee, out here its $75. well, many prayers are being sent to you all for mental, physical and financial support.

[Sondra]

Yes, I also heard from LE from Animal Aid, that she does change the bandage herself, but for some reason this is never an option at the Hollywood Animal Hospital. They alsways have to sedate him when they do the bandage change because he is a stray cat and he fights them too bad. Therefore the bandage change comes each time to $ 89.00. Then there are xrays, etc. I am not complaining about the costs in general because the Dr. explained to me that it would be expensive but I do not understand why they at least drop the charge for one bandage change, etc. I am very dissapointed because I know from friends, that sometimes even with your housepets they got a discount, so what is so different with a little straycat? The other day his antibiotics got changed to a stronger one because he has discharge again and just a day before I got new Amixicillin dosage from his old antibiotics, so I wanted to exchange these two because I did not use any of the Amixicillin and tehy changed him to the new one. Good to pay for a medication that I do not even use because they change him to another one the next day. I mean these are things that really frustrate me although Dr. Stello says she is frustrated. Ireally would like to change the doctor but I do not know whether this is good at this point.

[Zoebiwan]

Maybe you could just call around to see what other vets have to say. Then from there you can decide whether you want to make a switch or not.

[PatchO'Pits]

Sondra I know you like this vet , but it really sounds like they are taking advantage of you. Please call around. Is anyone on the forum in your area to help you find a good vet?

[Squawksx3]

I changed the title of the thread for you Sondra :) .. Im so sorry to hear what Cowee has been through..and what he will continue to go through. I hope he recovers soon and you get some much deserved help for this little guy. Bless your heart.

I too feel that unless someone witnessed the said Pitbull attacking the cat, there is no proof or reason to put blame there. If there is a history of the Pit attacking and killing cats and there were witnesses to the attacks, one can assume. A dog that runs the streets is just that. If the dog is that aggressive and poses potential danger maybe your neighbors will also get involved and call animal control.. and keep calling animal control until something is done. Its hard to believe no one has called in a complaint before. Unfortunately, Pits do have a bad rep and people are so quick to condemn them. Incidently, cat bites are more dangerous and carry more infection that can be fatal.... I was thinking about Cowee getting into a fight with a cat to cause that much infection... however.. I cant explain the fractures.

Best of luck...sending prayers to both Cowee and you. You're definately a rescue angel ;) .

[Sondra]

Thank you all. I tried to cut a picture of Cowee into the window but they only except 50.0 memory per picture. If you would like to have a picture I am more than glad to email it to each one of you guys. Thanks for caring. I am really burned out and tired. Wish Cowee luck.........he needs it.........

Sondra

[Zoebiwan]

*wishes hard for Cowee* you can email me at iotaamoeba@hotmail.com to send a picture
You are a really good person for all that you are doing for him.

[PatchO'Pits]

Here Sondra I resized Cowee's pict for you!
What a doll!
here is a link to Cowees pict
http://www.2and2.net/Uploads/Images/Cowee.JPG

[Zoebiwan]

He is just adorable! What a cute face he has :)

[Sondra]

Thank you all. I am not so computer perfect, so thanks to you I could post his resized picture. I have to go in with him tomorrow for an early bandage change because he has discharge coming out and he chewed a little bit of his bandage away. Thanks for everything. I keep you all updated
Sondra

[Sondra]

Update: After a horrible night from Monday to Tuesday, Cowee is okay again. He started to throw up yellowish blood sprinkles with tiny blood pieces in it. He stopped in the morning and started again after the antibiotic Clavamox. So, I did speak with the doctor and they changed him back to amixicillin, a weaker antibiotic. I did ask the clinic for a discount, but they said I already got a discount, although I cannot see any. Invoice will take me 2 years to pay it off, but what am I whining, as long as Cowee is fine again, that is all that counts. I would never change my decision if I had to go through that again.
Sondra

[Zoebiwan]

Eek! Glad to hear that he is okay after that ordeal.

[Sondra]

Cowee is going for another bandage change tomorrow and I hope that after meanwhile 8 weeks, they will finally be able to tell me that he is better. The clavamox helped to stop the discharge but made him throw up blood, and the weaker antibiotic amoxicillin is tolerated well but does not help the discharge. I am really getting so sad and restless about this whole thing. They took a culture from the discharge in order to find the bacteria that causes it and then to find the suitable antibiotic. Nothing is ever easy and I am so tired of all that constant suffering. Maybe just a little bit burned out. People are dropping cats here sometime in the alley because they might think, hey there are already so many. It is a never ending battle and I am like my own HUmane Society but I reached my financial and emotional end about 2 years ago (smile). Anyway, if somebody has a right to whine it is Cowee. I want him so much to feel better finally. I had to postpone my little Aeffis echocardiogram (my HCM cat) because that also cost so much money, that I do not have any more. On the other hand, each time he has a echocardiogram it shows that he is worse. Anyway, wish Cowee and Aeffi luck

[Zoebiwan]

I will continue to keep both in my thoughts. *hug*

[Mutt Manners]

Dear Sondra -

I just read your thread and what a sad and yet wonderful rescue story you have. I'm so sorry to hear about the vet bill - it's extremely high. But on the bright side at least they are willing to work with you in payment terms and were willing to do the surgery even though you could not pay for it up front. I too know what you are going thru as far as vet bills go. Sometimes I think God sends the ones who need the expense stuff my way. My Penny (Golden Retriever) was rescued from an aweful breeder in Mexico and after only 24 hours with her I realized she was ill. After 2 trips to the vets office and several tests we finally tested for PArvo and it was positive. My rescue puppy ended up costing me $1500.00 in vet bills and it took me a year to pay it off. When I was only 16 my mom and I bottle fed a litter of kittens and I kept one and named him Nike. He was a beautful all white and blue eyed cat with med hair. It turned out he had bi-lateral luxating patalias. Both knees dislocated when he ran. We got him surgery and the vet bill was over $1000.00. At the ripe old age of 16 I had a large vet bill and a parttime job to pay for it. Again it took me about a year to pay it off.

Hang in there and know that God is watching and he sent Cowee to you for help. Your a wonderful person to take in this baby who desperately needed your help. Keep us updated on his recovery and stress less on the bill, it will get paid in time and you will look back on this whole thing with fond memories and a blessed heart for your kindness.

Julie

[Sondra]

Thank you so much. I needed a few kind words today. Called another of the socalled animal financial aid organizations. Sadly have to say, I give up because I cannot have their rudeness anymore. After discussing with one rude lady, who told me again and again that if I cannot pay the vet bill then I shouldnot had taken a stray cat in. That simple. Well, not for me. I sometimes feel like I am in a wrong movie. Does anyone know any financial aid organization, who ever helps, beside the always busy and dedicated Alan Babcock rescue? Anyway, I think these people should be educated to at least say kindly no and not always with a smart snippy remark like: "Well, if you cannot pay for it, then you should not had taken him in." Give me a break with rudeness. Anyway, the other side are wonderful people like all the nice posts that I received here, especially the last one. You are a rescue angel and you already started paying off vetbills on the early age of 16. I think so, too, that God sends us as much as we can handle. So, he must think I am much stronger than in reality (smile). Thanks for all the nice and encouraging thoughts and stories. Your golden retriever looks adorable.
Sondra

[Zoebiwan]

That stinks that people are being so rude to you. They have probably never taken in a cat that needs help before, otherwise they would know that there are kind people (like you) who aren't just going to let an animal suffer like that because of having a hard time paying vet bill. What creeps!
Good luck, and I know that you and your kitties will pull through. :)

[PatchO'Pits]

Hang in there Sondra!

[Sondra]

We really try but it is getting harder. Hospital bill going towards $ 4,000.00 now and still no end insight. Anyway all of this would be not important if he finally gets well. It is unbelievable what tremendous amount of pain and struggle this brave littel creature has to go through.

[Sondra]

After weeks of trying and treatments and heardache, Cowees leg needs to be amputated. I am simply heartbroken and so tired and sad. 12 weeks of fighting and vetbills and hope turning bad during the last two weeks.

[PatchO'Pits]

I'm so sorry. I hope he pulls through the surgery ok! More prayers for cowee

[Sondra]

Cowee has finally seen anther vet for a second opinion. This vet said, to give him a chance because there is hope and the wounds are not looking bad. So, he has a lighter bandage on now and they let me be with him when they change the bandage, Very caring and loving people. The whole staff there is very careful and nice and you can see they care.
Sondra

[Magnum]

I am so glad to hear this vet is giving new hope. Thanks so much for the update and bless your heart for loving & caring for Cowee.

[PatchO'Pits]

Cowee has finally seen anther vet for a second opinion. This vet said, to give him a chance because there is hope and the wounds are not looking bad. So, he has a lighter bandage on now and they let me be with him when they change the bandage, Very caring and loving people. The whole staff there is very careful and nice and you can see they care.
Sondra


YAY that is great news! Hugs for you and Cowee :)

[lbdiller]

One day on my way into work I noticed a cat on the side of the road. I had to stop and pick him up. The poor cat was hit by a car. Like you I couldn't affford the bill. Fortunately I know a great vet who directed me to an organization that could car for the cat. I gave the cat up. Sad to say I don't know what happened to him.
Lori

[Sondra]

Hi everybody,
sorry for the late update. Too many things happened at the same time. Spare you all the details, was devastated about the $ 6,000.00 and no improvement and no firm diagnosis. So, update is, Cowee is at home, bandage was taken off on my own responsibility but with okay by the vet (very nice vet in Boca Raton). Leg looked horrible and raw and discharge, but healed well after just 2 weeks on air and light. Cowee has a huge cage (siberian tiger) and lots of space to slowly walk, which he now does and he was on Baytril unril last week. I got a recipe for Newsealand Manuka honey that he gets and of course an xray was taken that showed that he had an infection inthere. So, after $ 6,000.00 they want to operate again, with pins but open healing, since the leg healed so well with no bandage on it (go figure). i will take time to think. Cowee is doing fine, he slowly starts walking on that leg. He loves to play and he has a huge cage for the first, so that he cannot run around and still has enough open space to walk about 2 meter and stretch himself into each corner which he loves doing. I need to find a job first before I take on another horrible period like this and as for now he gained weight and changed his fearful personality to relaxation and cuddlyness ever since he does not have to get these heavy sedations every three days and tehse antibiotics since May 31. I am in touch with a very good holistic vet now, additional to Dr. Marc and I will see. We take it one day at a time. His soul needs to heal as well and he moves his leg ecery day a little bit more. First he was not even able to scratch his chin, now he scratches his ear. he is very careful and smart. Humans sometimes do not give cats enough credit. They have great healiong ability and he was suppressed by all these medications, so now it is his turn and so far he is doing fine. Send you updating pictures a.s.a.p. His leg has fur grown back and now muscle develops.
Thank you all for caring.

[Cat&Dog mom]

Thank you for the update, you are a wonderful person to care so much for this baby, you are both very special. Many thoughts and prayers for you and Cowee.

[igraine32511]

Umm, patcho' pits and everyone else who has a problem that a "dog" or a "pitbull" was probably responsible for the attack, please get off Sondra's case...the main issue here is the VICTIM--that would be Cowee---not the dog/other animal who attacked him. I'm frankly shocked at people's callous reactions here.

I'm so glad to hear Cowee is recovering well! What a sweet face he has. Sondra--if you give me the hospital's address or your address, i'd love to make a small donation:) Email me.

take care and god bless you,

emily

[Squawksx3]

Umm, patcho' pits and everyone else who has a problem that a "dog" or a "pitbull" was probably responsible for the attack, please get off Sondra's case...the main issue here is the VICTIM--that would be Cowee---not the dog/other animal who attacked him. I'm frankly shocked at people's callous reactions here.

I'm so glad to hear Cowee is recovering well! What a sweet face he has. Sondra--if you give me the hospital's address or your address, i'd love to make a small donation Email me.

take care and god bless you,

emily

Good golly... where is this coming from emily:confused: .. I just read the thread and I dont see anything but curtious and caring replies.



Wishing the best for Cowee :)

[igraine32511]

I thought that some people had posted some not so nice replies regarding the assumption that a pit bull attacked cowee--maybe i was reading something else, somewhere else. If so, i apologize to those i accused of being callous.

i'm not a *****--i swear:eek:

anyhow, i'm still interested in helping out cowee...just need some contact info., whenever you get a chance sondra.

hope the little guy is doing well:)

[PatchO'Pits]

I thought that some people had posted some not so nice replies regarding the assumption that a pit bull attacked cowee--maybe i was reading something else, somewhere else. If so, i apologize to those i accused of being callous.

i'm not a *****--i swear:eek:

anyhow, i'm still interested in helping out cowee...just need some contact info., whenever you get a chance sondra.

hope the little guy is doing well:)
Yes, Though I absolutely did have a problem with the original title of the post as it was misleading and Sondra changed it. So I'm the meanie hehehe I admit it too LOL.

Actually it is funny because I even set up a cafe press store in Sondra's name to help her raise money for cowee's care. I don't know if it helped or not but I tried. She and I occassionally e-mail. I try to make sure to check in and give her support. She is a sweet lady who is very overwhelmed.

[Dobylover]

Sondra,

Bless your heart for doing all you are. I know how hard it is stuggling to get the treatment needed. I am so glad to hear that Cowee is improving even though its been little by little. In regards to vet bills I know how that is. I have a Doberman named Sadie who I cherish so much, she's our baby and she was diagnosed with lymphoma and needs chemo. They gave her tops two months to live with out it. We finacially don't know how we are going to make it, we go week by week and pray we can find the means to continue treatment. Cacer center's dont let you do payments. It's due at each visit.She has had four treatments now and is in remission and has eleven more to go. And just think she would not be here now loving us if we did'nt start chemo as soon as we discovered she had cancer. Now we just pray will find a way to afford the rest of her protocol. So I very much sympathise with you and know how hard it is. But you truly are an angel helping this poor stray. I hope Cowee continues to heal and we send lots of love and prayers for her.

Pam and Sadie
http://doberman911.org/cases/sadiemae.html