A Snuggle Bug’s Happy Tail
November 7th, 2024
By Savannah Verdon, Development Manager
Tabby cat Oliver was six years old when he became a big brother to a baby boy with Down syndrome. He knew their mom Alexandria would be a patient, loving parent, just like she’d been for him when he was just a baby himself.
Alexandria was only fostering Oliver at the time, but he was so sweet that she grew too attached to let him go. He would make a big impression on her heart for such a little guy.
“He’s a snuggle bug, a snack thief, and an enormous source of emotional support. He’s almost always in someone’s lap and never turns down attention. He is very protective of his human brother, my two-year-old son with Down syndrome.”
Though Oliver had been in great health for all of his eight years, it wouldn’t be a Happy Tail without a pet coming out of crisis into care. Alexandria first noticed the swelling around his mouth and nose, thinking it might be something with his teeth. Then the swelling started to grow rapidly. Eventually, it became a painful abscess that caused damage to one of Oliver’s eyes. Without knowing what caused the swelling and infection, their veterinarian recommended removing the eye for Oliver’s best chance of returning to the healthy life he’d always known.
She felt horrible seeing Oliver suffer in pain. She’d already sold a number of her belongings to pay for Oliver’s initial vet visit, and the prospect of quickly coming up with enough money to pay for his surgery felt almost impossible. Alexandria was a single mother to her two boys, and because she worked from home as an independent contractor, sometimes there were long waits between payments. Up until recently, she could count on her father for financial security. But he had passed away, leaving Alexandra alone to make ends meet with a rising cost of living. Fortunately, she wasn’t alone in helping Oliver.
With Oliver medicated and curled up in a cozy spot near Alexandria, she searched online for assistance or even inspiration for other ways of raising money. She wasn’t going to stop until he had his surgery and was feeling like himself again. FurEver Friends can always be counted on for help or hope because their recurring support strengthens the safety net our programs create. When Alexandria applied for a RedRover Relief Urgent Care grant, she was just a few hundred dollars short of what she needed for Oliver’s surgery. So close! The compassion of our FurEver Friends was that last little bit of help. With her grant approved, Alexandra brought her sweet boy back to the veterinarian for surgery.
Oliver came home with one less eye but a whole lot less pain and discomfort. He recovered well under Alexandria’s care. Soon he could be found snuggling in laps, thieving snacks, and supporting and protecting his family once again.
Alexandria, Oliver, and all of us at RedRover thank you for that. We’re grateful to call you a Friend to the animals!
