Hi everyone!
I've long been a lurker of this site for a while and have found the advice given here very helpful, so I'm hoping for some advice regarding my current dilema. Here it is:
A little over a month ago, a stray kitty showed up at my door. He was very thin, extremely dirty, and with an injury to his mouth. I took him in, fed him, cleaned him up, and took him to the vet. His jaw was locked slightly open--he could move it a tiny bit, but not very much. The vet told me that it looks like he was hit in the face during Hurricane Wilma (I'm in Miami). I've kept him in my house since then (although separated from my babies), fed him canned food, taken care of his other medical needs, and he's now gained almost 3 pounds!
He's now a pretty happy, healthy kitty. I think he's ready for me to find him a home (my townhouse has already reached it's pet capacity), except for his jaw problem.
Here's what it comes down to: At my vet's recommendation, I took him to see a specialist about his jaw. He found that the right side of his jaw was shattered, locking his jaw in place. This can be fixed, but the surgery will cost between $1800 and $2500.
Naturally, I want to get the surgery done, but we just don't have the money. We've already spent almost $1200 on his vet bills, and right now I'm the only one who's working.
I don't know what to do. I'm torn between knowing that his jaw can be fixed and knowing that I can't afford to pay for the surgery, and I'm worried that I won't be able to find a good home for him. He's such a sweet, wonderful kitty, and he deserves to have his jaw fixed and find a wonderful family. What can I do?
Do you think I'll be able to find him a good home? Does anyone have any suggestions? Please let me know.
Thanks!
Debra
I've long been a lurker of this site for a while and have found the advice given here very helpful, so I'm hoping for some advice regarding my current dilema. Here it is:
A little over a month ago, a stray kitty showed up at my door. He was very thin, extremely dirty, and with an injury to his mouth. I took him in, fed him, cleaned him up, and took him to the vet. His jaw was locked slightly open--he could move it a tiny bit, but not very much. The vet told me that it looks like he was hit in the face during Hurricane Wilma (I'm in Miami). I've kept him in my house since then (although separated from my babies), fed him canned food, taken care of his other medical needs, and he's now gained almost 3 pounds!
Here's what it comes down to: At my vet's recommendation, I took him to see a specialist about his jaw. He found that the right side of his jaw was shattered, locking his jaw in place. This can be fixed, but the surgery will cost between $1800 and $2500.
I don't know what to do. I'm torn between knowing that his jaw can be fixed and knowing that I can't afford to pay for the surgery, and I'm worried that I won't be able to find a good home for him. He's such a sweet, wonderful kitty, and he deserves to have his jaw fixed and find a wonderful family. What can I do?
Thanks!
Debra