Urgent Help Needed for Injured Cat - "Newton"
Dear Animal Friends,
Last week, AFL was involved in a dramatic two-hour tree-top rescue of a sweet cat we named "Newton" (since he tried to defy gravity). We are now in desperate need of significant funds (at least $2000) to get him the specialized orthopedic surgery he will need, and we need your help. Please read his amazing story.
Late Monday afternoon, we became aware of a handsome young orange and white cat found in a tree some 50-60 feet up in Lansdowne. The cat had been there for at least four days, and the owners of the property were understandably concerned and anxious to get him down safely. Unfortunately, no one they had contacted was able to help.
The moment we learned of the situation, AFL began contacting everyone we could think of. We got lucky when Mike Jozwiak of the borough codes department located John Grier of Best Tree Service in Malvern who came out, even though it was late and starting to get dark. As John began to scale this enormous tree, Newton became fearful and climbed another 15-20 feet up, onto a thin limb. John approached Newton, opened a can of food for him and began to gently stroke him. Miraculously, John was able to get him down safely.
Once on the ground, Newton was scared and stressed, yet he rubbed lovingly against our hands. Then, we saw that Newton's right hind leg appeared to be badly broken. We raced him over to our vet's office, where he was x-rayed and our fears confirmed. Newton's leg has a serious fracture which will require specialized orthopedic surgery to repair. Unfortunately, this will cost several thousand dollars, which is why we are writing to you today.
We have created an emergency fund, "Newton's Fund," to raise the money needed to help this cat. Though thin and flea-ridden, he is young and otherwise healthy. He is a sweet and loving boy and will make a wonderful pet once he has his surgery (and neuter), gets lots of TLC, and is healed. He is resting in the hospital, eating well, receiving fluids for dehydration, and medication to ease his pain. We do not know how or when he broke his leg, but that is likely why he was not able to get down from the tree.
Can you please help Newton? If so, please send your emergency donation to Animal Friends of Lansdowne, P.O. Box 869, Lansdowne, PA 19050; drop it off at Before Our Time Antiques Wednesday through Saturday; or use Paypal by clicking on the image below. Also please share this email with anyone who might be interested in Newton's story and care to help him.
I've saved the loveliest part of the story for last. John and his partner Dana refused to let us pay them for this treacherous night time rescue. Turns out they are animal lovers, too. John is an expert tree surgeon who competes in tree-climbing competitions. He and Dana just started their own business, so please call them or recommend them the next time someone you know needs a tree service, and be sure to thank them for their kindness. They are truly heroes!
Best Tree Service
http://www.becauseyoucanaffordthebest.com
484-860-8354
Thank you, as always, for your support and for your kindness to Newton and all of the animals.
Peace,
Fran Wayne
President
*** See the Delaware County Daily Times article about Newton (7/20/2008). ***
UPDATE (8/13/2008):
Since our last note a few weeks ago, Newton was taken to the Veterinary Referral Center in Frazier, PA where he was operated on by expert orthopedic surgeon Dr. Dietrich Franczuszki. Dr. Franczuszki implanted six pins in Newton's leg to repair the fracture. A few days later, we got a bit of a scare when he developed a significant upper respiratory infection and fever post-surgery and stopped eating. Newton recovered from his fever, but then we noticed he wasn't putting weight on his leg and seemed to be in some pain. An x-ray revealed that his leg needed to be reset so an external fixator was installed.
Newton is currently living in a very large dog crate while his leg continues to heal, under the watchful and caring eye of foster dad, Kevin Lee (pictured with Newton). Newton and Kevin even made a guest appearance at last night's members meeting! Newton was amazingly calm and affectionate, even with so many curious onlookers.
Newton is doing much better now, but, needless to say, the veterinary bills are still mounting for our little fighter and donations are still desperately needed.
*** See the follow-up Delaware County Daily Times article (9/3/2008). ***