“A Present and a Gift”: Pharrah’s Happy Tail
August 15th, 2022
By Savannah Verdon, Development and Engagement Coordinator
“Pharrah was found in an old building under renovation as she tumbled out of a broken stairwell, apparently the only surviving kitten in her family. That happened two days before my own birthday, and my friend brought me this weak, skinny, barely weaned kitten as a ‘present.’ She has been exactly that, a gift, her whole life. My family considers her their ‘grandkid’ and ‘kitty-niece,’ and they visit just to see her! She brings a huge amount of joy to everyone and she visits my grandfather in assisted living to make him smile…the only cat he has ever liked!”
For many years, it had just been Janelle and Pharrah overcoming obstacles together. Janelle had suffered through several serious illnesses, and Pharrah had remained by her bedside for weeks, proving instrumental to Janelle’s healing. In a word, their bond was unbreakable.
Then at 13 years old, Pharrah suddenly began to lose weight, and no amount of food seemed to help. She soon stopped eating altogether and would hide quietly in the corners of Janelle’s home, far from the loving and joyful companion she had always been.
Janelle brought Pharrah to the veterinarian, hoping for some explanation. Pharrah’s x-rays showed that she was suffering from pyometra, an infection in her uterus that could quickly become life-threatening without an emergency spay surgery. The veterinarian assured Janelle that Pharrah’s prognosis was good and that they would have many more years together – but only if she got treatment right away.
The diagnostic work alone had been expensive, and Janelle was still recovering after losing income and depleting her savings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, she was approved for a line of credit, and because they too loved Pharrah, Janelle’s family pitched in, bringing her just shy of the full amount needed for surgery.
Janelle turned to RedRover for help, and her application for a RedRover Relief Urgent Care grant was approved one day before the surgery was scheduled. Just a week after Pharrah’s successful surgery, Janelle reached out with an update on her best friend:
“Though she started off the week battling all sorts of complications, we tackled and overcame them every day. She is now very strong and spirited again, almost entirely the kitty I know and love already. I can’t express the full breadth of my gratitude to RedRover! My longtime best friend was so very nearly lost to me and the family members who’ve been so thankful to be able to come visit and see her in recovery. My 99 year-old grandfather is eagerly anticipating a Zoom visit with her today!”
Thank you to our supporters putting your compassion into action for animals like Pharrah and for bringing this family from crisis to care!
