Buddy Fund Helps Kitten in Need

We're hoping Samson will grow into his name.

This little guy came to DPVHS after being found wandering around Greenfield with his sister, Aurora (you might remember Aurora as the calendar-perfect longhaired orange kitten whose website photos caused a stampede--and nearly a brawl--in our adoption center).

Samson is about three months old, but he is only the size of a two-month-old kitten.  While his sister may have been the picture of health and elegance, Samson suffered from a congenital disorder known as pectus excavatum.  This deformity, according to the website of Veterinary Surgery Central, Inc, results in the depression of the heart and lungs.  So while Samson's breastbone disorder wasn't obvious from the outside (it was covered with fur), it was impacting his ability to develop and grow normally.

Here's where the staff of DPVHS decide if it's time to dip into the Buddy Fund.  Started in 2006 and named after a shepherd mix with a heart problem, the Buddy Fund is what we use to provide veterinary care above and beyond the routine vaccinations and dewormers all our animal guests receive.

After consulting with Dr. Dave Thompson at Riverbend Animal Hospital of Hadley, we determined that Samson was likely to make a full recovery after having corrective surgery.

Indeed, Samson came through his surgery with flying colors.  His foster parent (and DPVHS animal care specialist), Rena, says his breast plate keeps him from jumping on furniture, but

 otherwise, he's a normal, healthy kitten.  She says he is social, loving, and curious about what his big cat brother Liam is up to.  Needless to say, Rena plans to adopt Samson.

Without the Buddy Fund, kittens like Samson would have no second chance. And without you, the Buddy Fund doesn't exist. Please consider making a contribution to DPVHS today.