“Thank You for All Your Help” – Willow’s Happy Tail
July 1st, 2026
By Savannah Verdon, Development Manager –
At first, they watched the little tabby through the window. One of Brittney’s children had noticed a cat sneaking around their house and invited the whole family to come see. When she returned the next day and the day after that, they decided to go outside and greet her. For weeks, she came around their house and was welcomed with kindness (and a few snacks, too). She was gentle, with a trusting personality. The family was falling in love with her and unofficially named her Willow. And then suddenly she disappeared.
They were heartbroken. Several days had passed without seeing her. It felt like a long shot, but Brittney decided to visit their local animal shelter to look for Willow. She was relieved to find her there, but hurt to see her with a broken femur and dislocated hip after being hit by a car. She was unable to walk properly, and it was clear she was in pain. Despite her injuries, she was still the sweet stray they’d come to know, friendly, purring, and seeking attention. Brittney decided at that moment that they would officially make Willow a part of the family and adopt her.
Brittney wasn’t expecting to adopt a cat, much less to suddenly face a very expensive veterinary bill. Between the two surgeries to repair her injuries, medication, and follow-up appointments, they were looking at a bill in the thousands. They had just bought a house and would be moving soon, but they were still paying rent on their current home. The closing costs, moving expenses, and utilities had exhausted their budget, and what they had left wouldn’t cover the full cost of Willow’s treatment. It was never a question of whether they would help her, but how.
“Willow didn’t choose to live on the streets or to get hurt – but we can choose to give her a second chance.”
While Willow enjoyed the comforts of a warm bed, reliable meals, and pain medication, Brittney returned to the local animal shelter to see what help they could provide. Though they couldn’t help with her care directly, they told Brittney about the RedRover Relief Urgent Care grant program and encouraged her to start a fundraiser among her friends and family. With her fundraiser carefully created and widely shared, she waited for donations to come in, but as the hours passed and no donations came in, she knew she’d have to do more to save Willow.
The day before Willow was scheduled for her surgeries, Brittney applied for an Urgent Care grant. With the recurring support of our FurEver Friends, we can always be there for pets and families in crisis when they need us most. Every year, you give pets like Willow the second chances they deserve. Brittney’s application was approved with hours left to go before she would drop Willow off at the veterinarian. She had nothing to worry about that afternoon except making Willow comfortable when she came home.
Only a few weeks had passed since Willow first showed up in Brittney’s yard, and now both of their lives were changed for the better. Willow had a safe home and loving family, and Brittney and her children had a new best friend.
“Willow is doing so well! She’s so sweet. She has started walking again in the last couple of days. She’s becoming more curious and trying to explore. Thank you for all your help.”
We’re so grateful Willow is recovering well and enjoying life with her new family – all because of our FurEver Friends. Thank you!
