I Am Running to Save Homeless Animals

THIS YEAR WE ARE RUNNING FOR SOFTY!

Want proof that cats really do have nine lives? Meet Softy! He and his siblings were rescued from an abandoned building scheduled for demo. His momma was able to come and go via a hole about a 16" off the ground -- too high for for Softy and his brother and sister reach. They were trapped! Volunteers could see the kittens in the "room" but could not gain access. After several days of strategizing and planning, all four kittens were captured! Soon after, momma cat was caught, fixed, and released.

After a few weeks of Socialising Bootcamp (in which Paloma plays a critical roll), Softy and his siblings completed their necessary medical care (all paid for by Kitten Rescue) and were ready for the next step in finding a forever home. They went to a cat cafe called Crumbs & Whiskers.

At the cat cafe Softy took some time figuring things out, but before long he was greeting visitors at the door and making new cat friends. Soon an adopter met him and fell in love. It seemed like the happy ending we dream about for our kitties!

Softy's adopter was new to cats, but eager to learn. He and his existing kitten were very excited when Softy was delivered. However, Softy struggled to settle in. After a few days, it was clear that something was wrong. He wasn't eating and spent most of his days hiding. Softy's new adopter took both cats to the vet, just to be sure. Despite a battery of tests, the vet found nothing. He sent Softy home with some appetite stimulant. Softy continued to get worse. The adopter sent me the blood work from the vet and I forwarded it on to our exceptional Medical Mastermind (Ben Lehrer) who immediately diagnosed Softy! We picked Softy up a few hours later and started treatment right away.

He weighed just 7 pound, down from almost 11 pounds just a few weeks prior. Despite being a black cat, it was clear that his skin had a distinctly yellowish hue. I have seen sick cats before... He had "the look" and I was certain he was a goner. Luckily, just a few days after treatment began, he started eating again and quickly got better. He remembered us and our house and seemed relieved to be "home" again.

Softy's treatment involves daily injections for twelve weeks. It's a lot of work -- the injections take two people because the medicine stings -- but we are dedicated to his care. Kitten rescue is also dedicated to his care. Our Medical Mastermind monitors Softy's progress and Kitten Rescue provided his life-saving medication along with the syringes, fluids, and any additional medication he might need.

The medicine is expensive. Each treatment costs the organisation about $5. Over twelve weeks, the cost adds up! This is in addition to Softy's initial basic medical care to get him ready for adoption -- things like vaccines, dewormer, testing, and getting fixed (all listed below in the next section). The adoption fee for each cat we place does not cover these basic medical costs; the organisation has to fundraise to cover the gap.

Paloma and I are running this year to raise money to pay for Softy's medicine. We are excited for the day that Softy is well and able to find his forever home where he will be loved and cherished and hopefully not need to use any of his remaining lives!

How many treatments can you help us pay for?
$5 pays for one day of treatment
$35 pays for a week of treatments
$150 pays for a whole month of treatments!

I WILL RUN SO THEY CAN LIVE

On March 15th & 17th, 2024 I will join a team of animal lovers who will run or walk The Los Angeles Marathon, The Charity Challenge and The LA Big 5k to raise money for Kitten Rescue.

Kitten Rescue is a non-profit organization based in Los Angeles, whose work is crucial in saving the most vulnerable cats and kittens of Los Angeles. They have been dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and placement of homeless cats and kittens for 26 years.

While around 1800 of their animals reside in volunteer foster homes, the Kitten Rescue Sanctuary in Atwater Village is home to up to 150 cats and kittens, many of which have special needs.

When you donate to my fundraiser you are helping to save the lives of cats and kittens who would otherwise not have a chance. Kitten Rescue relies on donations from the public to save the animals. The more money that I raise, the more lives they can save!

$3000 will sponsor a spay day for Community Cats