FOUND IN THE DARK
Mired in unimaginable pain, ducking between trash cans and parked car tires on the streets of Queens, little Cream Soda was found fighting for his life. He was suffering from what we call a “degloving wound” - the skin along his upper front limb had been ripped entirely away.
Despite the condition he was found in, Cream Soda showed himself to be a trusting, loving kitten. Desperate for lifesaving medical care, but frightened and alone, his future was shrouded in darkness. When he was brought to North Shore Animal League America, light began to dawn… and he began his path to healing.
“We're not sure what caused the injury, but the danger with this type of wound is that it can damage the brachial plexus, which is the bundle of nerves that controls the forelimb. If those nerves are severely compromised, it could mean permanent paralysis.”
- Dr. Mark Verdino, Chief of Veterinary Staff
Dancing Between Urgency and Patience
Each bandage change was a high-stakes operation. These were the moments where our vet staff could assess the extent of the damage. If the nerves had been permanently damaged, amputation would be the only option. But Cream Soda was just a few months old with his whole life ahead of him. If there was even a small chance that we could save the leg, we would.
It was not looking good until, during one bandage change, Dr. Verdino noticed Cream Soda tried to pull his leg back slightly. He still had sensation in his foot. We were going to save it.
Who We Are
Founded in 1944, we're the world's largest, longest running, most comprehensive no-kill rescue and adoption organization. A leader in the no-kill movement, we're committed to saving and rehabilitating the lives of homeless animals and educating the public about the joys and responsibilities of rescue.
Rescue
0 animals saved
Adopt
0 pets adopted
Nurture
0 exams performed annually
Educate
0 schools, libraries, and after shool programs
Bumps in the road
The path ahead to save Cream Soda's leg was clear, but it was not without obstacles. Cream Soda spiked a fever, likely from inflammation or an infection at the wound site. He was treated with antibiotics and pain medication, but his condition remained fragile.
While under careful supervision, he regained motor function in his leg, and while there's still some nerve recovery underway, he's begun physical therapy to build strength and coordination.
Our community of animal lovers pave the way for lifesaving operations and care for animals like Cream Soda. With a veterinary bill totaling $5,592, we're grateful for compassionate friends who support our work and make our no-kill ethos a reality.
North Shore Animal League America Spends $6.6 million annually on medical care for animals.
SAFE, SOUND, WAITING FOR HOME
Today, Cream Soda is bandage-free and full of personality, playfully nibbling at Dr. Verdino's beard during his exams. He's placing the leg and bearing weight, which is a great sign. We're optimistic he'll make a full enough recovery to live a normal life.
Curled up in a sunny window at his foster home, Cream Soda is now warm and healthy, while he patiently waits for his path to cross with a responsible person to adopt him.
It's been a long, arduous journey for little Cream Soda. But thanks to our supportive community, he's walking out of the dark woods of pain… and well on the path to a bright future.
What No-Kill Means to Us
All too often, no-kill is defined by what it doesn't do: kill adoptable, treatable pets. At Animal League America, no-kill means much more than that. It encompasses not only what we don't do, but also what we do… What we have done brilliantly for more than eight decades with innovative programs that have become models of excellence and effectiveness throughout the no-kill movement.
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