Puppy Cat Paws

Around two years ago, Zeus and his sister Zoey came to us from a shelter a few hours away. Zeus arrived in heartbreaking condition. One eye had already ruptured, and the other was literally bulging from the socket. There was no time to wait. The very next day after we rescued him, he was rushed into emergency surgery.

During surgery, the veterinary team removed the bulging eye. They decided to leave what remained of the eye that had already ruptured because, at the time, they believed it was the best option. Zeus was also neutered during that procedure.

When I returned that evening to pick him up, my dear friend Angela, who had been his anesthesiologist, met me with devastating news. She brought me into a private room and explained that Zeus was unresponsive. She told me I needed to prepare to make the decision to help him cross over.

Even though Zeus had only been with me for a day, I already felt a profound connection with him. Giving up was never an option.

I asked for a few moments alone with him. He was lying there connected to monitors and machines, his body fighting to survive. I leaned over the surgical table and placed my heart against his heart. I simply stayed there with him.

Then something incredible happened.

Zeus began responding. His heart rate improved. His blood pressure came back. His body started fighting again. He was transferred to the emergency hospital because they believed he would need a blood transfusion, but in the end, he never needed one. He kept recovering, one step at a time, and today he is still here with us.

Now we’re facing another chapter in his journey.

The eye that was left in place has become increasingly painful over the past several months. We’ve managed it with medication and eye drops, but I can see it’s beginning to affect his quality of life. The truth is, the biggest obstacle hasn’t been Zeus—it has been my own fear of putting him through another surgery after everything we experienced together.

Today we met with Dr. Molly, and after examining Zeus, she confirmed what we’ve been fearing. The remaining eye should be surgically closed. Because his eyelids roll inward, they continually rub against the delicate tissue that’s left, causing ongoing irritation and discomfort. Closing the eye will eliminate that irritation and give him a much better quality of life.

The good news is that Dr. Molly feels Zeus is in a much healthier place than he was during his emergency surgery two years ago. Even so, because of everything he went through, we’re going to be thorough. Before surgery he’ll have clotting tests and additional blood work to make sure his body is fully prepared.

Today we also started his rabies titer. Rather than automatically administering another rabies vaccine, we chose to run a titer through our holistic veterinarian to measure his antibody levels. That testing alone is $150.

So it’s official—Zeus will be having surgery.

The estimated cost for his surgery is between $1,000 and $1,600, not including today’s titer testing. As always, every dollar goes directly toward the care of the babies who need us most.

Zeus needs this surgery soon to finally live without pain. We can’t do it without you. If you’re able, please donate today using the link below—every dollar brings him closer to relief and a better life. Your support makes this possible. Thank you for standing with Zeus when he needs it most.

PayPal

https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=G49UHTTKQBJG8

Venmo

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