Meet Tilly, our first rescue of 2009. We had been told that she might have been caught in a fan belt and that she had "just a cut on her foot." When she arrived it was clear that there was more going on than a cut and, unfortunately, more than just a run in with a fan belt. Tilly couldn't walk at all, and her left paw hung limp and twisted at an angle. Despite her injury, Tilly loved the attention and purred away happily as if she weren't in extreme pain.

click image to see Tilly

An x-ray revealed the true extent of the damage: a broken left wrist and elbow, broken tail and broken left ankle. Tilly's injuries were severe enough that it was a real possibility that neither leg could be saved, resulting in a debilitating double-amputation. A three-legged cat can have no problem getting around and can lead a full life, but not so for cats missing both limbs on one side. At the very least, Tilly was looking at amputation and months of recovery with the remaining broken leg.

click image for larger view

After discussing Tilly's case with an orthopedist, who carefully reviewed her x-rays, it was determined that Tilly's left hind leg could be saved, but the injuries to her left wrist and elbow were too extreme and her front leg would need to be removed. Tilly's surgery, rehabilitation, medication and care here at the Cat Clinic of North Georgia will be quite involved and costly. We have all become so emotionally attached and are all extremely dedicated to making it possible for this baby girl to lead a long, full, happy life. But we can only get her so far in this long journey of hers. We are sad to report that our "rescue fund" had dwindled down to almost nothing just keeping her alive and comfortable thus far. Even though very little financial help has come her way, Dr. Pruett refuses to let her suffer in a cage with two broken legs any longer and she will be performing the surgery Wednesday, Jan. 21, whether Tilly has a dime to her name or not. Unfortunately, this will drain the rescue fund for many months and will result in our not being able to rescue any other cats and kittens, healthy and unhealthy, who have been abused, neglected, lost, forgotten, or just plain thrown away. Most of our rescues come from high-kill animal "shelters," and mostly on the morning of the day they are scheduled to die by humane injection.

And in the end, regardless if anyone is willing and able to open their pocketbook to help us help Tilly with her immediate care, she still needs someone to open their heart and home. Someone who can take her by the "paw" on life's journey, and make her forget her days of pain, neglect and suffering. And never look back!

If you would like to make a donation to help care for Tilly, please click on the "donate" button below. Our goal is, ultimately, to be able to place Tilly in a loving home with a family who understands and can care for her unique needs. We feel she will adapt very well to this life-altering, but life-saving surgery, as she is a regular sweeheart and a lovebug. Check back for more updates on Tilly, or, if you'd like to check on her progress in person, feel free to visit our clinic during regular business hours.

go to Tilly's Surgery and recovery ->

***

The Rescue Cat Fund enables The Cat Clinic of North Georgia to save, shelter and treat cats like Tilly who might otherwise be euthanized. Your support allows us to continue these good samaritan efforts. To make a donation to the Rescue Fund, please click the "donate" button.

Cat Clinic of North Georgia
415 Peachtree Parkway, Ste. 235,
Cumming, GA 30041
toll free (877) Doc-Meow / (770) 888-8007 / fax: (770) 888-8990
e-mail: info@docmeow.com