Fip?

I sit here in amazement through teary eyes. I adopted a cat in August by the name of Bunny. In November she developed a stiff back leg and wouldn't use the leg. I took her to the vet and 98.00 later they told me she must have pulled a muscle as they could find nothing else wrong with her. They told me to watch to make sure she was eating ok. The past few months she has been quiet (we have 5 kids and she hides during the day)and would come out at night to eat. I noticed she was losing some weight, but she was still eating and using her leg again. We thought she was getting better as she was coming out to see us more, etc. Last night she came out to eat and both of her front legs were very stiff. She couldn't walk on them and kept looking up and falling over. She also has pus coming out of her eyes. I immediately called the Emergency Vet place, but to my dismay they would not see her unless I had 78.00 for the visit and then half of what the treatment would cost. It is Christmas, I have about 10.00 to my name right now. I guess I am writing to vent because I think it is a sin that I have to sit here and watch my cat die because I am on a fixed income. No one will treat her or even see her without full payment. I am at a loss as to what to do... actually there is nothing I can do. I pleaded with a couple vet offices but no one cares. Why is it that if a human were that sick they can not be refused medical treatment but if an animal is sick, too bad if you aren't rich. Yes, I agree we have to assume the responsibility to afford our pets, but like I said, it is Christmas and we have 5 kids...I don't think anyone really plans for a huge vet bill this time of year. I feel so guilty that there is nothing I can do. I am outraged at the "good vetenarians" in the area that care so deeply for our pets. They could give two craps about the pet... they want what's in your wallet and won't take payments or even wait until the 1st of the month when I get paid. Oh, and they would be the first to bring someone up on charges for neglecting an animal...but when you want to help your animal they put money first. It is just sickening. Please say a prayer for Bunny that she doesn't suffer too much before she passes. I fear she is having seizures and the look in her eyes is so sad. What a beautiful cat... and I have failed her.

Can you find a local animal shelter or agency that may be able to work out a payment plan with you? I'm sure if you talked to a local animal agency someone could direct you. Do you have a credit card you could use or get a family loan from another member of your family. This is a life we are talking about.

Are there any low cost animal clinics in your area?

This is in no way judging you, but I see this time and time again. Where a family gets a pet and does not consider how much the pet *may* cost them in an emergency. The best one can do is from the moment you take on a pet to either get pet insurance or start putting away money in an account for a possible pet emergency.

It makes me ***very*** irritated when people do not plan their finances and expect to just make it through on a hope and a prayer.Our society is so materialistic that one will buy an inanimate object over saving a life.

You say you have 5 children and it's Christmas. Wouldn't the best Christmas present be to take back anything you bought for your kids and use it towards the vet bill? I think that would show your kids the ultimate lessons of compassion and generosity and putting others first.

Again, I am not trying to come across unsympathetic to your case. This is my *vent* because I am seeing so many innocent lives suffer from lack of planning.

Maybe this will help...
One of the newer members here is interested in helping people in your type of situation. This member goes by the name Abby-Cat and has her own web site, Saving Abby cat, here is the link to her site. http://save-abby.faithweb.com/

I have copied the following information from her site:
"The purpose of this site is to raise money so we can give it back to people who have taken in a stray or unwanted animal and been racked with unexpected vet bills."

I can't make any promises at all about this site and the service it provides, but you may want to check into it.

If you adopted Bunny from a local shelter you may want to contact them and explain Bunny's situation. Hopefully, they will be able to refer you to a vet who will work with you and let you make payments.

Good luck and please let us know how Bunny is doing!

I understand what you mean about planning finances. Things work out most the time... and we live on a pretty strict budget, but I do allow for emergencies. It just so happens that of all times, this time I don't have it. I have had 9 cats in my years of cat loving...and this is the first time I have ever run into this situation. I use Christmas as an excuse, yes, but my kids aren't getting elaborate gifts. I am not one to waste money... I know the value.

I called the local shelter in which I adopted her from. They said "She is your responsibility now and if you want to bring her in we can put her to sleep.". I can't justify doing that without knowing if she can be helped or not. They were no help at all.

I am driving 2 hours to a vet in Central NY today on the recommendation of a friend. They called their vet and the vet just wants 20.00 and will bill me for the rest (any tests or proceedures) and they are willing to work with me. I can't believe in all of Buffalo there is not one that would work with me. Sad.

Thank you for the web site link also. I will check it out and perhaps in the future I may even be able to contribute to it. I help others when I can (as a matter of fact part of my lack of money is because we adopted two needy families this holiday) and I think this is a great cause.

I will let you all know how Bunny is doing and if she will make it. For now I am glad I can at least have a diagnosis if I need to put her to sleep instead of just "handing her over". God Bless

Most vets will take post-dated checks, but you have to ask them first. They keep them on file until they can be cashed. You can always call the Humane Society, and they will usually tell you to bring the cat in, they will euthanize and bill later. At least in my area this is what happens. I am sorry your kitty is suffering.

I am so glad you found someone who will help. I have had to make payments to a vet before in a case of emergancy. I hope everything works out and please keep us posted.
Denise Russell

Well, took her to the vet. Of course, when I got there they wanted half down to treat her, even after we had made prior arrangements that I would pay for the initial visit and post date a check for the rest. Sigh. My friend put in 100.00 and said the phone company could wait. God Bless him.

Apparently what he thinks is wrong is that Bunny got into some kind of toxic material. I can't imagine what she would have gotten into, but her alkaline levels were raised. They gave her charcoal and they are going to see how she is in the morning (she is still there). If she shows enough improvement she can come home tomorrow, however the doctor said that he doesn't know if she is going to make it. I aksed him if this could have been going on since November (when she started showing signs... not using her back leg... keeping to herself... etc.) and he said that yes, she could have lasted that long.

We took a picture of Bunny before we left. Say a little prayer for her... I hope the doctor is right and I hope she can pull through.

Positive energy flying for little Bunny. She's a real beauty of a cat, I do hope she can pull though.

BTW, that's a really good friend you have to help out in this situation.

Hello again. Welp, Bunny is doing much better today. Her back is still stiff and arched but her legs loosened up some...so whatever they are doing is working. They said she got into something toxic and we think we figured it out. We do some crafts and use Mineral Spirits to clean the brushes off. You know how cats love to chew on brushes, so we are thinking that is what may have happened. We have removed everything from a cat's curious paw.

She should be coming home on Monday morning. They are still not sure if she will have any permanent nerve damage, but they are hopeful for a full recovery. Thank you for all your prayers and positive thoughts! I am positive they helped!!

missy that makes sense. Mineral Spirits are highly toxic for cats. I will send prayers that your cat recovers from this. Thank you for taking her in.

Bunny went to heaven today. She was getting better and then a couple days ago she made a turn for the worse. The vet feared that she had permanent nerve damage... so we put her to sleep. Just wanted to let you all know. Thank you for your prayers and for caring. She will be so missed but at least she is not suffering anymore. Why doesn't that make the tears stop?

Heather

Oh my gosh I am so sorry, it was just the other day that I ws reading your posts and telling my husband she's worse no she's better and it looks like she is going to make it. I am so sorry to hear this now and my heart goes out to you. But reassure yourself that you did everything you could. Please keep us posted on how you are doing.
Denise

I'm so sorry to hear that you lost her. I've had to put one to sleep myself, so I feel for you. Just keep reminding yourself that at least you didn't let her suffer.

Thanks again. I keep trying to rationalize it in my mind, but I still feel like a killer. Her eyes were still so full of life. I know it will get better as time passes and the memories are mine forever. I feel silly on one hand because she was "just a cat"... but as a friend said to me... no matter they have four legs instead of two.. they speak to us without words, ask for little, and return so much love. I tried to sleep, but not ready to. I'm sure I will feel better tomorrow. God, I never knew I would carry this much guilt. I really wish I knew what happened. I have 3 other cats that are healthy as can be. Oh well... that will be left unknown. For now I will morn and like anything else the pain will subside for me... just as it did for Bunny.

God Bless you all ... and your furry friends...

Me

I am so sorry to read this. When you mentioned Mineral Spirits my heart sank. Kitties love to chew on brushes. I keep my brushes safely tucked away in ziplock bags, for that reason. I am sorry you lost her, but you did not know. This is what is called an accident.


Hugs(((((((((()))))))))))))

Bunny was a beautiful cat and I'm so sorry you lost her. She is now at the Rainbow Bridge where she will wait until the time when she can be reunited with you. I hope this copy of the poem will provide you with some comfort.


Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so that they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made well and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content except for one small thing: they each miss someone very special to them who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carring him faster and faster.

You have been spotted and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, not to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face: your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look on again into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart.

Then, you cross the Rainbow Bridge together..........

Author Unknown..............




_______________

sorry ... poor Bunny Made me cry. You did everything you could do though and Bunny knew that. *hugs*