Another update on how to help Zack the (now) three-legged cat

| How to help | Pets | West Seattle news

You may recall the saga of Zack the cat, a stray taken in by Jane, who then discovered he’d suffered a serious leg injury, apparently from a car, and needed costly surgery. Jane was absolutely unable to pay for it herself, and out of desperation – after many tears – e-mailed WSB to ask if we might forward a request for help in covering the costs; we first told you about Zack and Jane right after Christmas. One of the reasons Zack wound up switching hospitals, to get treatment at a lower cost, was guidance from the West Seattle-based nonprofit Furry Faces Foundation. F3’s Teri Ensley tells us donations have now reached about $500 and adds this update:

First, may we say that West Seattle People continue to show what an amazing neighborhood this is to live in. Thank you for your caring and for your outreach to Zack and Jane. Having met both of them (thanks to WSB’s posting), we can say that Zack is a very lucky cat to have found Jane and she is delighted with this laid back, sweet cat…even when he is (was) in pain. Zack is up and around; can jump up on the bed; etc., so doing very well with his recovery from the two surgeries as he was neutered at the same time. As we like to say ‘It’s Hip To Be Snipped’. ; )

Jane, Furry Faces Foundation (F3) and Lien Animal Clinic decided to transfer Zack’s care and surgery to Furry Faces Foundation account, so he did not have to wait for the donations to come in before having his surgery (a week ago) Friday. Zack’s surgery cost $1239.90 and all donations towards Zack’s care may be mailed to/made in person at Lien Animal Clinic at 3710 SW Alaska St, 98116. Folks may make the check out to Furry Faces Foundation or to Lien Animal Clinic (with ‘Zack’ or ‘Furry Faces Foundation’ referenced on the check). Lien will ensure all funds go to Zack’s care, under F3. Additionally, they have offerred to keep a list of Zack’s donors so thank you cards may be written.

If our community donations happen to not cover the entire amount, there is a generous individual that will pay the difference. We are not mentioning his name as we do not have permission to do so. If the donations more than cover Zack’s costs, then the overage will remain in F3 ‘Oliver’s Fund, which helps animals whose humans are financially restricted with unexpected Vet bills and pet food. We will be sure to update the WSB as to the funds donated.

Nikki January 11, 2009 (12:53 pm)

the absolute best and least costly vet in town is Dr. Heino at Rainier Veternary Hospital. I highly recommend bringing this kitty there and he may even donate his time. He’s been in business for many many years and is so passionate about animals. (206) 324-4144

feline_fan January 11, 2009 (2:24 pm)

is the person keeping zack going to pay for any of the costs at all?
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if she can’t afford to pay for any of it, not even the neuter portion, then should she be keeping the cat or should allow someone with the financial means to adopt zack?
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what happens if zack gets sick in the future? will we be asked to donate $$ again? can we ensure that jane has the necessary funds to pay for annual check-ups and even food/litter?
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it’s great that she took him in and arranged for treatment of the leg injury, but that doesn’t mean it’s in zack’s best interests for jane to keep him when there are others willing to provide him a good home.

Babs January 11, 2009 (3:09 pm)

To me I cannot think of a better home for Zack then Jane. She did what she could but was told this cost in the thousands so she brought the story forth to the WSB in hopes of saving him. What if? What if Jane had taken Zack to a shelter, and said “I cannot afford to help him medically so I’m turning him over.” I assume he might have been put down as a hard luck case. So to you Jane, thank you for being there for Zack and I hope we can follow your story, see more pictures of Zack.

P January 11, 2009 (3:14 pm)

there are many many people that want, need, have a pet and they are living paycheck to paycheck. The fact that this lovely cat is in someones home is wonderful. I know many people that would say, “too much money, put the animal down”. I personally have friends that have said “if my pet costs me more than $100.00 I will have to put the pet down because I cannot afford any more expenses”. I know that this is not the way to own a pet, but if you have a job and make a small income, you do the best you can. I have pets and in the past I would have spent any amount on my pets. My financial situation has greatly changed in the last 2 years, and if I had a pet emergency I am not sure where I would turn. I am constantly worried about this because one of my pets is a senior and starting to have issues.
So many many thanks to Jane for taking the time for this cat.

feline_fan January 11, 2009 (3:33 pm)

i think the point of the initial post was lost. this isn’t a case where an owner had a hard-luck situation. she took zack in and asked others to pay for his care so that she could keep him, but what if someone else was willing & able to pay for zack’s surgery but it just happened that jane found him first? why does jane have the right to keep a cat that didn’t belong to her in the first place and that she may not be able to provide for in the long term?
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there seems to be an assumption that no one else would want zack, but that is just an assumption and not based on any facts.
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i’m not saying that jane should’ve taken zack to the shelter, but that’s not the only option. why not allow someone to adopt zack now?
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is everyone really considering zack’s best interests, or just letting your emotions take control?

feline_fan January 11, 2009 (3:57 pm)

let me put it this way: I think jane would be a wonderful “foster” home for zack, but not necessarily the best “forever” home (ie,adopted) for him.
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i’m not making a judgment about jane as a person, just about the circumstances that she and zack are in.

P January 11, 2009 (3:58 pm)

We don’t know Jane’s personal situation. I know I have helped others out in the past that were in a hardship situation. Maybe that is the case here? At any rate, I think (my personal opinion) that the cat is in a good spot. Its really no different than when we are watching TV and there is a donation request out for something else. If I was in the same spot, I would do the same thing too. I am not being negative, just pointing out that there are many people that have or want pets but are in a very tight financial spot right now.

Babs January 11, 2009 (4:56 pm)

I believe these two (jane and zack) found each other at the right time.
Hey – so many people could be/are in tight spots – so what – does that mean we cannot keep our pets for fear of what tomorrow brings? Responsible and loving pet owners fall into any income. The key word is responsible. I agree with what “P” said.
And I want to add kudos to this person unknown that WSB spoke of: “If our community donations happen to not cover the entire amount, there is a generous individual that will pay the difference.” Thank you unknown generous individual for having a beautiful heart.”

feline_fan January 11, 2009 (5:17 pm)

P & Babs – I guess you agree that “if someone doesn’t yet have a pet and isn’t financially able to provide for one, then they should still get one”, do you agree with that statement?
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as for similarities to such donation requests on tv for hard-luck cases. yes, there are often news stories of animals found that need vet bills paid for AND someone to adopt the animal. such adopters would be screened first, rather than just allowing the first person that replies to take the animal home.
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if “john doe” was willing to pay for all of zack’s expenses and wanted to adopt zack and provide a forever home, then what do you think should happen? should jane keep zack or should she give him to “john doe”?
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jane is not the original owner of zack, and so far she hasn’t allowed anyone to offer to adopt zack. she’s just keeping him, no screening to ensure she’s able to care for him long-term. that’s the point.
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this is NOT the same as a pet owner who’s been providing a home for their pet for X number of years and now have fallen on hard times.

PSPS January 11, 2009 (5:39 pm)

Well, “feline_fan,” perhaps you missed the start of all of this. Jane isn’t destitute at all. In fact, she paid for Zack’s initial examination, treatment and medicine which came to several hundred dollars. It was the prospect of an unexpected additional $1,600 cost for further treatment that prompted the call for help. That is a lot of money for most people to cough up without warning. So we all gladly chipped in. Personally, I don’t believe in the credo that only rich people deserve companionship.

KD January 11, 2009 (6:43 pm)

Feline_fan, it’s true there are people out there who are irresponsible when it comes to their pets, but let’s not put this negativity on Jane. She found a way to care for him, after all, yes, thanks to the generosity of a community, but at least she did something. The irresponsible pet owners are the ones who don’t do a darn thing. And in my experience, hard-luck folks have a knack for finding hard-luck pets, and a lot of times they need each other more than you can know. Don’t ask Jane to give up her cat – after all she’s been through with him now? Come on. She found a way to help him, that’s the point, and until she can’t help him anymore, he’s her Zack, as far as I’m concerned. Clearly she cares so much about him, or she never would have reached out for help this way. The gift of his health will stick with her – I am sure that Jane will not forget the care she received and will give back if ever she’s able. PSPS is exactly right – it’s not just the rich who deserve companionship, and someday any one of us loving pet owners could fall on hard-luck find ourselves in a situation like Jane. Luck goes around and comes around, but the spirit of love and kindness is constant and that’s what makes a good pet-owner, not to mention neighbor.

M. January 11, 2009 (8:00 pm)

I don’t think her personal life should have anything to with it. At least the cat is still alive! Poor kitty. That’s why I keep my cats inside. :)

Sue January 11, 2009 (8:11 pm)

Feline_fan, we get it – you’ve made your point – you obviously have issues with the situation. If you’re not interested in donating, then don’t. Without knowing Jane or the exact details of what is going on behind the scenes, you probably shouldn’t speculate on what she did or didn’t do, can or can’t do, etc.
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I don’t know Jane or the situation either. But I do know about the Furry Faces Foundation, and I know of their immense dedication to animals. If they’re involved, they are looking out for the best interests of the animals involved.

AlkiRagdoll January 11, 2009 (8:18 pm)

Wow — since when is it a shame to ask for help? I am so proud of Jane for reaching out and asking. It took alot of guts and love for this kitty to ask for help, and I dont think it is kind to not recognize this. When I checked with WSAH, Jane was on the hook for nearly $300 just for the immediate care that was provided to him. The Lein costs are above an beyond that. She could have abandoned him, but rather she showed just what his original owners should have — care and kindness. Jane – You rock and I only hope that I had the courage to reach out if I really needed help. If the need occurs in the future, I welcome the request. I have adopted three abandoned cats, who have done nothing but enrich my life. May Zack continue to do that for Jane. I welcome the ability to help sincere neighbors that need my help.

feline_fan January 11, 2009 (8:37 pm)

psps, thanks for the info. that jane is paying a substantial amount is what i was originally commenting about, but then the replies diverged a bit and the issue of “claiming” zack as her own became an issue.
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considering the holidays and the snow/travel issues when zack was found, then its entirely possible the owners were unaware of zack’s issue. if the owners surface now, then its going to be interesting. just as i shouldn’t make assumptions about jane’s personal life, then you all shouldn’t make assumptions about zack’s original owners. i guess everyone who’s pet goes missing and they don’t check this website is evil and uncaring?
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i wasn’t intending to direct my opinions to jane & zack exactly, but more of an example of the points about claiming a stray (injured or not) as your own. what jane did is great, but there are still legalities to consider.

p January 11, 2009 (8:45 pm)

we all have a right to our own opinions and feelings, and its great that this wonderful place, WSB exists. Regardless of how we feel, lets all be happy 2 good things have come out of this story. A cat is alive and in a happy home, and Westies are finding it in their hearts to help out a neighbor who needs a little assistance. I do respect everyone’s views.

PSPS January 11, 2009 (10:14 pm)

For “feline_fan’s” edification: Jane did attempt to determine where Zack came from. Plus, during his initial examination, the vet found no chip and opined that he had been on his own “for quite a while.” When I first looked into this, that was my first impulse too — find his home. But apparently he was “between homes.” I’ve had this same experience myself where a cat will just “appear” one day and end up being my cat. In one case, I later learned that the original owner had died. In another case, the cat just liked my house better for some reason (the original owner across the street found it amusing but acceptable.) In yet another case, the cat just waltzed up the alley in through my open back door and lived here the rest of his life because my blanketing the entire neighborhood with posters proved fruitless. And in yet one more case, the cat liked to get on top of my water heater, but I found his real owner who was happy to get him back.
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So I understand your concern about there possibly being a grieving family somewhere wondering what happened to their cat. But to date, there’s been no evidence of that being the case. And, believe me, it wasn’t for a lack of effort to find them.

claffey January 12, 2009 (12:50 am)

Anna and I made our donation this weekend. We also use Lien for our pets and glad to see them doing this. Best of luck, Zack!

F3 January 12, 2009 (12:24 pm)

Hi All,

Thank you for so many positive, supportive and clarifying statments for Zack.

We have received an excellent question via email from someone and wanted to provide the anwser for everyone. F3 is not setup to accept credit card donations, however, Lien will accept donations over the phone and apply your donation to Zack’s bill, under our account.

To all donors, if you are so inclined, would you please provide Lien your address too–so both Zack and F3 may send a thank you note?

Sorry, comment time is over.