A plea for help, for “Zack” the (found) cat

| How to help | Pets | West Seattle news

That’s Zack the formerly stray cat. At least, that’s what Jane, who took him in, is calling him. She sent us the photo along with a request for help – he needs it, and she can’t entirely provide it. Read on:

Three weeks ago a stray cat I call Zack came in my yard scared and hungry. After a week Zack let me pet him and I took him in because of the cold weather. I noticed his left back leg was injured and due to the snow I was unable to take him to the vet until yesterday.

I feel so bad and can’t stop crying. The vet told me Zack was probably hit by a car (and) needs to have his leg amputated. I am disabled and do not have much money. I had to take my grocery money to pay for his treatment. The thought of having Zack’s leg removed is killing me and I asked the vet if there was any way to save his leg by re-breaking it and having pins put in and he said the cost would be in the thousands and no way I could afford it. The cost to have Zack’s leg removed would be around $1,500.

Zack is around 2 yrs old and he has not been neutered. He is as sweet as can be. I am going to keep him and am writing to see if anyone could help by donating some money to the West Seattle Animal Clinic on 42nd on Zack’s behalf. I would deeply appreciated it. I tried looking for Zack’s owner without success.

Jane says she has let the clinic (West Seattle Animal Hospital) know she is trying to find people to help with the surgery costs, and says you can leave a note there that you’re donating for Zack’s surgery costs. Clinic contact info is here. Or if you want to contact Jane with some other idea of how to help Zack, you can e-mail WSB at editor@westseattleblog.comand we’ll forward your note.

PSPS December 27, 2008 (9:21 pm)

I sent you a private message about this through the Editor. You can contact me through that email address.

Jess December 27, 2008 (9:41 pm)

I’d like to help donate. Is there a way we can get the clinic to do the operation “at cost” so that we don’t have to raise as much.

Anyway, let me know how I can donate the cash. Zack looks like a great cat.

Jess

Sue December 27, 2008 (10:07 pm)

It’s my understanding that animals adapt very well to amputation – being out of pain and being mobile again (after recovery) seems to be the most important thing. I’m sure it still isn’t an easy decision though.
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I’m with Jess – do ask if they can do it “at cost” and let us know how we can help donate. Is there a special fund set up at the clinic? Will they know who/what it’s for if we simply tell them we’re donating for Zack?
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Bless you, Jane, for taking the time to help Zack. A lot of people would’ve ignored him, or simply euthanized him when it got too expensive. I appreciate your efforts to help.

help4zach December 27, 2008 (10:22 pm)

The hardest thing is to ask for help when you need it. I am sure it took great courage to ask for help. Bravo for reaching out to this special West Seattle community on behalf of Zack. He came to you for a reason – you obviously both need eachother. I know how difficult it can be to try and pay Vet bills.

AlkiRagdoll December 27, 2008 (10:41 pm)

Jane — you are what makes me so proud to live in West Seattle. I will contact WSB about a donation. Thanks for adopting Zack.

DM December 27, 2008 (10:50 pm)

Jane, can you tell us which neighborhood in WS you live in? It might help WSB folks to locate his owner (that may not read WSB).

Blessings be upon you for taking him in, especially during the horrible weather. He looks like a sweetie. If you can’t locate the owner, I’m hoping for the best with the Vet donations.

c December 27, 2008 (11:50 pm)

If they knew what good advertising they would get out of doing it at cost maybe they would.

Or contact another vets office that is interested in a little free advertising.

Traci December 27, 2008 (11:54 pm)

I’ll help anyway I can. If you set up some sort of donations page, please post the link!

Jess December 28, 2008 (1:49 am)

Perhaps ask Lien Animal Clinic if they’d like to participate in an “at cost” operation — for great advertising here!! My cats go to Lien and love it there.

Beth December 28, 2008 (9:35 am)

I just spoke with an assistant at the West Seattle Animal Hospital. She said that people can drop off checks or mail them in to help with Zack’s surgery. They are open today from 9:00am to 5:00pm (per the site).

She asked that any donation include a note that it is for Zack with account #15054.

Many thanks to you for posting this story!

Teri December 28, 2008 (9:54 am)

Hi Jane,

We also sent you a private email via the WSB editor. Please contact us through that email. We may be able to assist.

Cheers

sheila December 28, 2008 (10:04 am)

Jane –

I once found a cat on Rainier Avenue that was in the same situation – not fixed etc and the leg had to be amputated or reset. I was able to make a deal with a vet who did this at cost (reset) I named him Carl and he lived on for 6 years! There is a reason you found him, don’t bother with the former owner please. I will send a donation to help. Sheila

Bradley5 December 28, 2008 (10:25 am)

This cat looks alot like Ruby, the lost gray tabby cat posted on the WSB 12/1/08, but I guess it’s not him because Ruby sounds like a girl.

Katrina December 28, 2008 (10:43 am)

Jane–please don’t cry. I agree with Jess to try Lien, too. The vets there are the best–we take our three pets there and they receive wonderful care. We’ll send a donation as well.

Zack is lucky to have found you and I’m betting you feel the same about him!

ML December 28, 2008 (10:47 am)

Jane,
We are committed to help with funds for Zack’s surgery. I contacted WSB and they’ll fwd my note to you. Zack is a lucky guy to have found you (and a handsome boy at that!).
-ML

WSB December 28, 2008 (11:05 am)

Thank you all for your responses (and to anyone who hasn’t posted a comment or sent e-mail but has simply contacted the clinic). I have forwarded to Jane the notes that we have received so far — she hadn’t asked us to serve as a relay but I had a feeling that some would rather contact her directly with ideas or offers instead of just contacting the clinic – TR

Ms Pam December 28, 2008 (11:19 am)

I am so absolutely touched by Jane and Zack! I wish that more people would open their hearts and wallets to this cause and so many more like it!

I have a beautiful golden retriever who had to have her right front arm removed almost 2 years ago due to bone cancer. She gets around beautifully and even though it was a very hard choice for us to make, emotionally and financially, she is still outgoing, chasing tennis balls and going up and down and up and down stairs! Cheers to you Jane. I will definetly be donating to Zacks surgery!

goodgraces December 28, 2008 (1:29 pm)

I would love to help with Zach’s medical care. Will someone please contact me to let me know how much we’ve raised so far, and whether the clinic has offered to perform the surgery at cost? Also: Has Lien been contacted? I know they have been willing to help in these kinds of situations in the past.

Jane, you are a very good soul.

Kate December 28, 2008 (1:39 pm)

I’m so glad that Jane was able to take Zack in, keep him warm, fed, and happy, during the storms and recent cold weather. He does look like a very sweet cat. I am also glad that WSB readers are willing to donate for his amputation—I agree that that seems like the best choice for Zack and we’ll be donating as well.

I don’t want to be a voice of negativity in the face of this story of compassion and generosity, and clearly Jane is emotionally attached to this very special cat. But, adopting an animal is a serious decision that involves both compassion and financial forethought. So many of the cats and dogs in area shelters end up there because their owners—most of them entirely well meaning—find that they can no longer care for them. I would hate to see this happen to Zack.
Jane mentions that she had to use her grocery money to take Zack to the vet. What will she do when he needs to go in for his shots and yearly
visits? Additionally, Zack is not neutered. The responsible thing to do would be to have him neutered as well (likely when he has the
amputation). If not neutered, Zack will likely want very much to get out of the house in the spring—leading to fights (which would put him at risk for feline FIV, leukemia, and other life-threatening diseases) and, of course, more unwanted kittens. I’m guessing that the vet has raised these issues with Jane (at least I hope so)–and I simply hope that Jane and those involved with Zack’s current care are considering the long term commitment involved in his adoption.

Of course, Jane may have already weighed all these issues and found that she is ready to take on Zack as a companion and friend. If so, Zack could not have wandered into a better yard–not only because of Jane’s generosity, but because of West Seattle’s as well.

PSPS December 28, 2008 (1:43 pm)

I’m not a vet, but I have cared for several cats over the years who had been hit by a car and survived. I’ve never heard of amputation being necessary. I hope you seek a second opinion from a different clinic.
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I know the doctors at both Lien and WSAH and they’re all fine. But I’d still seek another opinion. Since you’ve already been to WSAH, take little Zack to Lien and see what they say.
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I’ve already written you privately about this and if you reply to that email, I can assist you with the expense.

AlkiRagdoll December 28, 2008 (1:46 pm)

I just stopped into the vet (who also cares for my three cats) and they said that I made the first donation. They credited my account and assigned the funds to Jane/Zack’s surgery. This vet has done this before – for a pug that had to have an amputation. These are good vets who helped me save a ragdoll that I rescued a year ago. After a year of serious medical issues, she is now a real loving cat.

LisaM December 28, 2008 (4:46 pm)

Jane – Once you are through with the surgery, you may want to check out the Seattle Humane Society for their services. I just started to volunteer there so I dont know all the requirements, but they have a food bank and delivery servive for seniors and disabled. They may also have suggestions for low/no-cost vet services. Kate raised concerns about financial issues, but I have no doubt you will make it work!and there are resources to help you out.
Best to you and Zack – Lisa

Robindianne December 28, 2008 (10:27 pm)

It sounds like Jane is asking for financial help for Zack, and not necessarily advice on whether to keep him (already decided) or where to take him (already decided) for his amputation.

Jane you are an angel to pets everywhere. And: Way to go Lisa!

KD December 29, 2008 (9:22 am)

A little behind on this story, but just wanted to say, I work at an animal hospital (outside of WS) and Jane and Zack’s situation is all too common in our business. Many good-hearted people are forced to make difficult choices for the pets they love because of financial constraints. We in the business would love to help them, and sometimes we do, but it is simply impossible to help them all. We do what we can – every clinic is different and has different resources available. One thing the animal-loving public can do is make donations to their clinic to be applied to any needy pet. The clinic where I work has received such donations in the past and we ALWAYS have a patient/client who can benefit from such gifts. It sounds like WS is full of generous hearts and Zack and Jane’s plea is being heard. Just don’t forget – they are not alone. There are so many cases like this and too often the owners don’t ask for help and don’t even know how. (The WSB is such a great resource!)
And Jane – cats and dogs do so well afer amputations. Over and over we see it is much harder for the owner to accept than the pet – the animals are so resilient and adaptable! Good luck to you both! This community is pulling for you!

Ms Pam December 29, 2008 (10:48 am)

Now I am confused. Where should we donate the money for Jane and sweet Zach?

KD December 29, 2008 (10:59 am)

Ms Pam – For Jane and Zach – West Seattle Animal Clinic on 42nd, as per posted above. I was just pointing out the general need everywhere…

Ms Pam December 31, 2008 (10:35 am)

Hi!
Yesterday I stopped by WS Animal Clinic on 42nd to donate $’s for Zach and was told that there is still some indecision as to where he was going to have his surgery and that they may have to try and return the $’s already collected. Does anybody out there have updated info?

WSB December 31, 2008 (10:53 am)

Jane promised an update as soon as they settle where he is going. I will contact her today if she doesn’t send me a note first – TR

Ms Pam December 31, 2008 (2:40 pm)

It seems that with all of us West Seattle folk wanting to donate towards this sweet guy that there may be enough $’s to take care of his neutering, shots, etc. And with him most likely being down to 3 legs hopefully HE WILL be an inside cat.