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Hi. My name is Pema which means lotus in Tibetan. Lotus are beautiful flowers that grow best in muddy waters and they represent new beginnings in many cultures. My moms decided I deserved a second chance at life and figured I needed as much zen as possible to help me with my life's challenges.
My cat mom was feral and a kind Island Cat Rescue volunteer rescued me from a life on the streets. I was lucky to be saved but, unfortunately, I was born with a rare congenital abnormality called a persistent aortic arch. It means that I have an extra blood vessel right next to my heart that wraps around my esophagus. It makes it really hard to swallow food. I'm also missing my left foot which is why everyone likes to call me the Pirate Kitten. I use my peg leg a lot but it really hurts and sometimes it makes me mad.
My moms have worked hard to help me stay alive. They feed me kitten food smoothies five times a day and they taught me to eat standing up so I don't throw up. I've been growing and learning to do all the normal things kittens do. One of my moms works at Alameda Pet Hospital (my other mommy is a school teacher) and I go to work with her everyday. The doctors there are really nice, keep me healthy, and even let me play in their office. All the staff takes amazing care of me and always plays with me and brings me toys. My moms always remind me I should be really grateful to have so many friends.
I still have a lot of challenges ahead of me. If I ever hope to eat on my own and be a grown cat, I must have a very dangerous and expensive surgery. The wonderful Dr. Grange and staff of PETS Referral Center have agreed to help as they have experience with the procedure I need. My moms and doctors are hopeful that, thanks to my stubbornness and lust for life, I will make a full recovery. Once I've healed, I'll need to have another surgery to remove my leg so I can start running and playing without it hurting me.
All of these surgeries will cost my moms a lot of money. They have worked hard to save money to pay for my procedures but I know they could use some help. I am telling my story in hopes that you will learn more about my unusual condition and, if you can, help save my life. Thank you!
My cat mom was feral and a kind Island Cat Rescue volunteer rescued me from a life on the streets. I was lucky to be saved but, unfortunately, I was born with a rare congenital abnormality called a persistent aortic arch. It means that I have an extra blood vessel right next to my heart that wraps around my esophagus. It makes it really hard to swallow food. I'm also missing my left foot which is why everyone likes to call me the Pirate Kitten. I use my peg leg a lot but it really hurts and sometimes it makes me mad.
My moms have worked hard to help me stay alive. They feed me kitten food smoothies five times a day and they taught me to eat standing up so I don't throw up. I've been growing and learning to do all the normal things kittens do. One of my moms works at Alameda Pet Hospital (my other mommy is a school teacher) and I go to work with her everyday. The doctors there are really nice, keep me healthy, and even let me play in their office. All the staff takes amazing care of me and always plays with me and brings me toys. My moms always remind me I should be really grateful to have so many friends.
I still have a lot of challenges ahead of me. If I ever hope to eat on my own and be a grown cat, I must have a very dangerous and expensive surgery. The wonderful Dr. Grange and staff of PETS Referral Center have agreed to help as they have experience with the procedure I need. My moms and doctors are hopeful that, thanks to my stubbornness and lust for life, I will make a full recovery. Once I've healed, I'll need to have another surgery to remove my leg so I can start running and playing without it hurting me.
All of these surgeries will cost my moms a lot of money. They have worked hard to save money to pay for my procedures but I know they could use some help. I am telling my story in hopes that you will learn more about my unusual condition and, if you can, help save my life. Thank you!