Hi,
My name is Rusty and I’m still just a kitten, but I already know what it feels like to hurt every day.
I was born on a small family farm, where the cows were gentle and the barn cats always had stories to tell. I loved life. I greeted everyone with purrs. I chased leaves and napped in the sunshine. I thought the world was perfect.
But one day, while the farmer was working to protect the animals from rodents, something went wrong. I ran across the yard at the wrong moment, and suddenly everything hurt. My back legs didn’t work the way they were supposed to anymore. I tried to keep up my happy nature, but walking became painful, and I fell often. Eating made my belly hurt too, but I didn’t know why. I didn’t understand what had happened to me. I just kept trying to be brave.
A kind human at the farm noticed that I was struggling. They insisted I be examined by a vet, and that decision saved my life. The doctors discovered that one of my back legs is so badly damaged that it cannot be repaired. I’ve been living with that pain for a long time, and the only way to help me is to remove the leg. My other back leg also needs surgery because it has metal fragments inside that will keep causing pain if they’re not removed. I’ll need another surgery for that once I’m healed after the amputation.
The vet also found out why my stomach hurt so much. I had swallowed things while outside that I couldn’t digest, and it caused a dangerous blockage. I needed emergency surgery to save me, and now I must heal so I can be strong enough for the other surgeries to come.
Pet Patrol took me in when I needed someone the most. They told me I deserve comfort. I deserve safety. I deserve to grow up without pain. But the surgeries I need are expensive, and I’m scared they won’t be able to afford them all.
I am trying to be brave. I purr when people pet me. I lean into every bit of kindness. I want so badly to have a chance at a normal life, where I can run again and sleep without hurting.
Will you help give me my future?
Your support will help pay for the surgeries, medication, and recovery care that I urgently need.
No matter the amount, it means another step toward the life I’ve been hoping for.
Thank you for believing in me.
Thank you for seeing a little kitten who just wants to feel better.
With hopeful purrs,
Rusty