Below is a terrific example of all of us rescue groups working together. Emily is a well-loved cat with an owner doing the very best he could.

A vet willing to work with GVAC at a reduced rate, other rescue groups willing to pitch in, GVAC paying the balance and Emily is now a healthy cat still with her loving owner.

Victoria is truly a community to be proud to be part of the rescue community in.

Sent: Saturday, May 27, 2006 6:12 PM
To: gvac@island.net
Subject: Crisis - Please help

Dear Crusaders,

I was referred to you by the Victoria SPCA which was unable to assist.

My 11 yr old female (spayed) cat, Emily, has been in excruciating pain, due to what we thought were simple urinary tract infections. However, an X-ray revealed that she has a bladder stone the size of a dime. She is a small Burmese cat, so you can imagine what this must be like for her. If I cannot find any assistance of any kind, I will have to put her down for compassionate reasons. I just can't stand to se her in so much pain! I have asked for help from my family, but my 85 yr old mother is no position to assist at all.

My problem is this: I have been on disability for the last ten yrs and have a very limited income. The vet has demanded $1200 to remove the stone. They will not allow a payment plan of any kind. The entire amount must be paid in full at the time of the operation or they will not do it. Because my total income is under $800 per month, this sum might as well be a million.

Is there anyway you can assist at all? Should I have her put down? I would hate to do that because other than this, she has a beautiful coat, bright eyes, no sign of arthritis. In short she has all the signs of being otherwise healthy.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this crisis. You are my last hope and I look forward to hearing whatever you have to say.

Sincerely,
Peter