SURGERY UDATE ADDED at end of this posting

I believe in rescuing and supporting underdogs or in this case the underCAT! My name is Stacy (retired) and I provide a modest safe home for a born BLIND pointer mix and a doodle!

I found a kitten estimated at 12 weeks old on May 26th, 2025 in a parking lot in a Northern Jacksonville, Florida big box hardware store. It was HOT, 96 degrees! The kitten was lying lifeless behind a car tire on the scorching asphalt. I thought she was dead. It was late afternoon Memorial Day Monday I grabbed the lifeless kitten with a towel, the kitten struggled a little but quickly gave up her fight.

Note: I carry food, towels and gloves in case I can assist in any pet emergency I may come upon.

In my guest bath I set up kitten triage. Kitten has a horrible broken right arm with an huge open nasty wound. It dangles from her little body. I cleaned the wound and fed her wet dog food ( all I had at the time) and syringed her some water.

She made it through the night. I took her to a pet hospital the following morning. They x-rayed her arm and pelvis. This little kitten was most probably hit and drug by a car but she survived! Her arm needs to be amputated and she has a fractured pelvis. ($400 initial vet visit x rays, antibiotics, deworming and vet consultation)

The attending veterinarian said she euthanizes a lot of animals. In her professional opinion she said this kitten was strong and deserved a chance.

I got an estimate from this veterinarian to remove the leg. It was $900 this does not include her being spayed. There is a clinic, First Coast No More Homeless Pets in Jacksonville that does discounted professional services. They will remove the arm and spay her in the same procedure for $1000.00.

I've funded this rescue and recovery so far. She is a special tender kitten. She has 2 potential homes and will make an amazing family kitty.

Between vet visits, food, kitty supplies etc. my financial commitment will be close to $2000.00. I will deduct all of my expenses from any funds collected and if anything is left over I will donate it to First Coast No More Homeless Pets Hospital who is performing her amputation and spay.

Please donate anything you can to assist in the care and recovery of Thelma the Kitten who has risen like a Phoenix from the asphalt parking lot!

HELMA had surgery June 5th. They removed her leg and did her spay. She weighed in at 1 lb 9 ounces. Thank you to the medical staff at First Coast No More Homeless Pets who took amazing care of this mighty mini kitty!

Post surgery - they sent her home with antibiotics and pain meds. She is so tiny her Elizabethan Collar to discourage her licking is made from a dessert paper plate.

She had a restless night. About 3 am there was a very hungry kitty! I got up, fed her and calmed her.

She's taking her meds well, all are liquid.

She is engaging the dogs and has feisty energy at this moment.

The itty bitty kitty has found a permanent home. The new family is lovely and has experience with animals with disabilities. They will help through her recovery and begin their bonding with her.

Final vet bills are lower than anticipated. GoFundMe will be adjusted. Thank you all for your prayers and donations. She's an amazing little kitty!