I just created a GoFundMe for our beautiful boy Calvin. This is what I wrote.
We first saw Calvin, a beautiful and rare male calico, in our yard in 2006, trying and failing to integrate with the 40-50 feral cats who lived on our property. (Edit for Kossacks: three years ago you guys helped us immensely when we had to rehome those cats. We were entirely successful because of you.) We knew immediately he had been abandoned, and had probably been an only cat. He had no idea how to function outside.
So we brought him inside, where he has lived with us ever since.
It's always been hard for Calvin. We don't know what happened to him before he was abandoned, but he has always been terrified of other cats. We have accommodated him as best we can, considering we have always had between 6-12 other cats inside with him.
It took us a long time to win his trust, but for years we have been rewarded with purrs, licks and trills of pleasure when we spend time with him.
Calvin likes to be where other cats can't get to him, and often that means going up high. Usually he is very sure-footed, but the other day he slipped and fell about six feet to the hardwood floor. He hit very hard.
We think either his left leg or his hip is fractured. He has very limited mobility, and you can see from the photo he has totally retreated into a hiding place.
He has a vet appointment on Monday, where he will get examined. But we can't afford anything but the most basic treatment. Our house was torn in half by a tornado last year during Hurricane Florence, We have been rebuilding ever since, and are not in any kind of financial place to give Calvin the veterinary treatment he deserves.
Anything you can do would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
For the Kossack community: you guys have always been there for us and our cats. Those feral cats I referenced above would have not survived had it not been for your efforts. Now I’m asking again. I am sorry to have to do it, but hurricane damages have broken us financially. Thanks for helping us help Calvin.
Monday, Sep 23, 2019 · 7:17:42 PM +00:00 · Black Max
Initial diagnosis: Calvin did not break any bones in his leg. We’re looking at moderate to severe soft tissue damage, but that is treatable. We’ll know if there’s a back issue shortly, but the vet says it’s not likely.
The donations are melting away like the Arctic ice sheets (god, I hate that metaphor), but we will have enough. Whatever is left over goes to taking care of the remaining ferals we have, and redoing the office to suit Calvin’s mobility needs. Thank you, thank you, thank you all.