This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Home Needed: Juliet, a Tiger Cat Who Beat the Odds

Juliet, a beautiful green-eyed tiger cat who survived a difficult medical condition and operation asks for your support of PAWS during this holiday season.

Late this summer, PAWS (Protection of Animals in Wakefield Society, Inc.) took in a young, pregnant cat we named Juliet. She had three healthy kittens and was an excellent mother. As Juliet was nursing and raising her kittens, however, her foster mom noticed that the young mother cat often seemed uncomfortable; her breathing was fast and shallow. Juliet was also very thin, although she ate with a hearty appetite. Thinking this was just slow, post-partum recovery, the foster kept an eye on the cat to be sure her symptoms did not get worse.

Once the kittens were weaned and adopted out, it was Juliet’s turn to be spayed and prepared for adoption. But, during Juliet’s veterinarian visit, Dr. Linda Siperstein of VCA Wakefield Animal Hospital made a surprising discovery. Something was odd about Juliet's anatomy; she had a medical condition called a diaphragmatic hernia: an opening between her chest and abdomen. Some of Juliet’s abdominal organs were displaced to her chest! Everyone was amazed that Juliet had been able to carry and raise her kittens safely and attentively under such difficult physical limitations.

Juliet’s condition could only be corrected by major surgery. Indeed, she faced a difficult surgery that few vets encounter in their careers. After consulting with colleagues Dr. Samantha Simonelli and Dr. David Rousseau, VCA’s Medical Director, Dr. Siperstein was willing to try the unfamiliar surgery. Most animal rescue organizations would hesitate to underwrite such difficult medical surgeries or treatments because of the high cost and tight budget constraints. This surgery was not only expensive, but it was unusual and risky. However, PAWS opted to invest in Juliet’s welfare because, under the inspiration of their founder, the late Esther Nowell, PAWS always goes the extra mile to help an animal-in-need. Juliet had cared for her kittens and, now, PAWS wanted to care for her.

Find out what's happening in Lynnfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

It was not an easy surgery. During the operation, Dr. Siperstein discovered that most of Juliet’s intestines were located up in her chest. A part of her liver was there as well, making it very difficult for her heart and lungs to function properly in such a tight space. Dr. Siperstien moved all of Juliet’s organs back to their appropriate places and closed up the opening between her chest and abdomen. Once this was accomplished, it was amazing to see Juliet's breathing improve immediately. Over the next few weeks, Juliet made a speedy recovery. This little girl who fought medical odds to carry and raise her kittens put that same spirit and huge heart into her recovery. She also had her PAWS team and the VCA doctors rooting for her.

It has been about two months since Juliet’s surgery and now she feels well for perhaps the first time in her life. She breathes normally, she eats well, and she is learning to enjoy being picked up, an activity which previously was cause for much discomfort. She has also begun playing with cat toys and behaving like the typical, young, healthy cat she is. With her warm purrs and friendly personality, this green-eyed beauty of a tabby will make an excellent pet. Yes, this charming little survivor with a brave heart is finally looking to find her own home. The family that is lucky enough to adopt her will have the opportunity to watch her continue to recapture her inner kitten and reach out with the love and courage she showed her feline family.

Find out what's happening in Lynnfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Juliet’s medical condition was rare, but her story is typical of the work PAWS does. Many of the animals that PAWS takes in require dental work, treatment for injuries, or other medical issues. Adoption fees cover basic care, such as spay/neuter and vaccinations, but they certainly do not cover medical emergencies or major surgery. Difficult financial times, furthermore, have led to an increase in the number of sick animals surrendered or abandoned by their owners. Recent intakes include an abandoned cat with digestive problems, a stray with several broken teeth, a found dog with skin allergies, and a surrendered senior cat with multiple medical issues. PAWS prides itself on the extraordinary care provided all the pets who come to them. They cannot continue this work, however, without your support. One way to help is to adopt one of these wonderful animals. Another way to help is by donating your time as a foster, in our office, or in various other capacities. Finally, you can help animals like Juliet by making a donation to Juliet’s Fund at PAWS so the organization can continue offering the best of care to the neediest of animals in 2012.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from all the animals and volunteers at PAWS.

If you are interested in meeting Juliet or other pets available for adoption or if you would like to learn about volunteer or foster opportunities, contact PAWS at (781) 246-6111 or at PAWSwakefield@yahoo.com. To help support the extra care given to the animals such as Juliet, you can mail a check, payable to PAWS, to: Juliet’s Fund, PAWS Wakefield, 383R Lowell St., Suite 5, Wakefield, MA 01880. Or, you can donate via PayPal on the PAWS website: www.pawswakefield.org.

About this column: Each week, Patch will feature an adoptable pet needing a home from PAWS, an all-volunteer animal welfare organization based in Wakefield, MA. Founded by Esther Nowell in 1982, PAWS responds to animal-related needs in many communities north of Boston. The PAWS service areas includes Wakefield, Lynnfield, Reading, North Reading, Saugus, Stoneham, Woburn, Winchester, and Malden. PAWS' mission is to promote and protect the rights and well-being of all domestic animals and wildlife, and foster a greater understanding of animal welfare and animal rights through education. PAWS receives no local, state or federal funding - the budget is completely funded by membership dues, adoption services, annual fundraising efforts, and kind donations from friends and members. Related Topics: PAWS and Pet Of The Week

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?