Our glimmer of hope: Ash’s Happy Tail
September 12th, 2023
By Savannah Verdon, Development and Engagement Coordinator II
The best Happy Tails are those told by the families who lived them. Ash is a young kitty whose curiosity got the best of her – one miscalculated jump resulted in a laundry room in chaos and a fractured femur. Her dad Johnathan nursed her the best he could, but she would need a surgery that he simply could not afford, following a harrowing eight-month fight to keep his family together.
“My children were cruelly kidnapped, plunging my life into unimaginable hardship. Just before this nightmare unfolded, I had adopted Ash and Luna, who became my pillars of strength during those trying times. Regrettably, my school administration proved unsupportive and failed to understand the challenges I faced as a first-year teacher, and the ordeal caused me to lose my teaching position. I exhausted my savings on legal fees, and the meager unemployment benefits I received were solely dedicated to securing a roof over our heads. Finally, an arrest was made, and my children were safely returned to me, but the emotional scars remained.”
Sweet Ash had come to mean everything to Johnathan and his two young children as things began to settle down, and in many ways her and her sister’s Luna’s love was what came to heal them. So when Ash was injured, Johnathan wanted to do everything he could to help heal her. 
“Tragedy struck when my beloved ten-month-old kitten, Ash, suffered a severe accident. In her curious nature, she attempted to jump onto unreachable shelves in our utility and laundry room, causing a chain reaction that led to the collapse of several containers filled with tools and supplies. I found Ash immobilized, her left leg had a shallow cut with localized swelling, and her inability to move or walk sent me into a state of panic. Anisocoria, a condition where her pupils differed in size, suggested a possible head injury. With a heavy heart, I immediately contacted a veterinarian who guided me through the initial triage and treatment process. Miraculously, Ash’s anisocoria began to improve, and subsequent bandage changes showed no signs of infection. It was a glimmer of hope in a trying time.”
That glimmer of hope faded away quickly and grew all the more distant when he realized saving Ash would require a costly surgery.
“Just a few days later, a new setback emerged. Ash exhibited an increased appetite and thirst, yet she struggled to walk, limping painfully. Ash was diagnosed with a femoral fracture, a severe injury that demands immediate attention. To ensure Ash’s recovery and restore her mobility, the veterinarian recommended a femur fracture repair procedure.
“Ash and Luna have been invaluable companions throughout this arduous journey, helping my children heal from the traumatic experiences they endured during their time in captivity. They are wonderful, loving, and sweet furry members of our family. They have been a constant source of love, support, and solace. We cannot imagine what life would be like without them. It breaks our hearts that we are not in a position to single-handedly provide medical treatment for Ash because of our situation. We are finally recovering as a family and need just a little help before we are stable again.”
He was just as diligent with raising money and finding help for the surgery as he had been in tending to Ash when she was first injured. He felt more optimistic every time he found out an application for assistance had been approved, including his application to the RedRover Relief Urgent Care grant program. Before long he had enough to afford Ash’s fracture repair surgery, making his only concern how he would baby and spoil her when she came home. Whatever his methods, Ash recovered beautifully and their family of five was whole again.
“I am thrilled to share that Ash is doing remarkably well. She had her stitches removed, and her recovery is progressing smoothly. The veterinary team is pleased with her healing process, and it appears that she is on track for a full recovery. Looking ahead, Ash has a final appointment scheduled in a few weeks for imaging to ensure her full recovery.
“One of Ash’s favorite pastimes is spending time on the balcony, where she can watch birds and protect us from pesky insects. It brings us immeasurable joy to witness her playful and curious nature as she explores her surroundings. We are grateful to have Ash by our side again, bringing love and happiness to our lives.
“Once again, on behalf of our entire family, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your support. Your generosity has made a significant difference in Ash’s life, and we are forever grateful.”
Because of compassionate people like our FurEver Friends, this little kitty will be there for Johnathan, his children, and her sister Luna as they turn the page on this difficult chapter and start a new one. Thank you for making Happy Tails like theirs possible!
