Misty, a stray kitten whose life was saved by a few very dedicated people, and perhaps her own amazing disposition. I met her a week ago at the vet's and was overwhelmed by her incredible tenacity. She not only had her forearm amputated, but she had just started eating solid food the day I saw her. (All Italian mommies like to hear that sort of stuff). She had survived the amputation and spaying only to develop more problems...
Kathy is one of the people at Thornwood Animal Hospital in Thornwood, New York where Misty was being treated. Misty is an astute kitten and although jumping from the counter to the floor is discouraged, she will walk on her three legs to peek around the corner of the receptionist's desk to check out the clientele.
Misty is very underweight, but in the past week since I met her, she has gained a pound and her feeding tube has been removed from her neck...No, this isn't a particularly "pretty" or comfortable image to look at, but it's honest. Misty is honest. She has survived because she simply has wanted to. And the people who have cared for her, have done so with incredible integrity, spirit and love.
I have always had cats and dogs as pets. I have loved them and cried bitter tears when they passed on, but I have not been so touched by an animal as I have been touched by this little, scruffy disabled kitten.
There are few animals who experienced what Misty has, who would emerge triumphant...but those who do - such as Misty and Zoey - have done so a result of the kindness of strangers.
This is not the first time that Dr. Jeff Polisky has extended himself to an animal whose life was decidedly shortened by illness or accident; Dr. Polisky does it all the time with quiet grace and selflessness. Misty's white blood cell count at one point was 0 (zero) and the decision to give her the human anti-cancer medication Neupogen -
http://www.neupogen.com/pi.html#top_ppi - to jump-start her white blood cell production was made. Dr. Polisky didn't blink an eye at spending $304 for a small vial of the medication. Misty needed it and he provided her with what she needed.
It really is what we all ought to be doing for each other, isn't it? So much to be learned from these little creatures......
Misty is held here by Jeff Polisky, chief vet at Thornwood Animal Hospital. Despite her disability, she gets around on three legs better than most of her cousins do on four.
This is hardly the end to the story...though it was the end of Misty's long day. Clearly, she was tired and so I packed up my dog Jack, my camera and my mother, kissing Misty goodbye. She will soon go with one of the vet's techs and be given a home, a real home...no more all-night riding on the subway in Brooklyn for Misty...
Addendum
My deepest thank you's to all of you who have stopped by and read about Misty. She has touched not only your heart, but your consciousness. I am so grateful for your notes and comments. It is ALL about Misty and her countless "cousins" who go unnoticed and picked over if they are lucky enough to be saved. >^..^<
Many people have responded to Misty's story and have asked if they could help defray the cost of her care. After careful consideration and consulting with others, I decided to post the following:
Thornwood Animal Hospital
662 Commerce Street
Thornwood, NY 10594
If you would rather donate to your own local animal hospital or shelter, please - by all means - do so. We do have an obligation to help those who cannot help themselves. It's pretty simple, when you think about it.
Misty's progress will be updated as she heals and gains weight and finds the love she deserves in a real home soon.
At Home
"If cats could talk, they wouldn't." ~ Nan Porter
"There is something about the presence of a cat...
that seems to take the bite out of being alone..."
~ Louis J. Camuti
"It is impossible to keep a straight face in the presence of one or more kittens."
~ Cynthia E. Varnado
Misty's "brother" Luke and "sister" Wizzie...
"A family is a unit composed not only of children
but of men, women, an occasional animal, and the common cold..."
~ Ogden Nash
