Hello - A neighbor and I here in Emeryville (and two men in the maintenance yard where the cats live) have been feeding a small (now five) group of community cats for 18+ years. In that time we have ensured that they've gotten two meals a day, medical care when needed and shelter. Last year we lost our oldest member, Sammy. Sammy was over 20 years old and lived and amazingly long, and good, life - especially for a street cat. Recently our second oldest member, Francesca (~12yo) sustained a broken leg. These cats, which we lovingly refer to as E'ville Wildz, are safe from cars, predators and other threats so we're not sure what caused Francesca's injury. After first finding her injured, she disappeared for a week and we thought she was gone but then she showed herself again. It took us a few days to trap her but once we did it was confirmed that her tibia was broken. We had three options at that point: euthanasia, repairing the break (10 week confinement rehab) or amputation (2 week confinement rehab). After careful consideration of all three options we chose to do the amputation. She clearly has a will to live and her bloodwork came back very good - especially for a 12yo cat. After a successful surgery (at PETS emergency vet) and two week confinement, she was released back to her home in our little corner of Emeryville. She has adapted right back with the other four cats: Butters & Timothy (her two 10yo offspring) Christopher (12yo) and Champ (~6yo).

We have set up this GoFundMe because people have offered to chip in to cover the recent expense of Francesca's surgery (6k) and the general care and feeding of these sweet cats - ~1 - 2k annually. We know many of you, especially local residents, appreciate what we do and aren't able to physically help but are able to financially help. For this we thank you for whatever you can do.

You can see a video here of Francesca having breakfast this morning - as well as Butters (all orange), Timothy (black), Christopher(orange w/white) - and Champ (tabby) makes a cameo.

With deep gratitude,

Romy & Jacqueline.