Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/waggle-comet-lilo/

According to the ASPCA, animal abuse occurs around the world every 60 seconds, killing 10 million animals each year in the U.S. alone. Comet, an abused one-year-old cat from St. Cloud, Florida, almost become one of these tragic statistics.

Fortunately, Comet was found by a woman who recognized the cat had clearly been abused. When Comet was discovered by this Good Samaritan, the injured black cat was badly limping and severely wounded in one eye.

The kind woman contacted Helping Paws Humane Society, which raced the injured cat to the animal hospital. “The vet took X-rays which revealed he had pellets lodged all over his body!” one of the rescuers, Karen B., told Waggle, describing fragments lodged in Comet’s head, eye, abdomen, and elbow.

But Comet’s injuries extended beyond being used for target practice. “He was limping because his leg was infected and broken in four different places,” the shelter worker said.

Now Comet’s broken leg — which rescuers described as a “mangled mess” — is shattered beyond the point of repair. (The cat’s damaged eye will also have to be removed, but this procedure will occur at a future date). The gravity of the Comet’s wounds left vets with no option but to amputate the abused cat’s leg.

But despite his many wounds — and obvious pain — Comet is always sweet and grateful to his rescuers, who he seems to know have saved his life. “He’s a great cat. He’s very affectionate,” Karen told Waggle. “He is always circling around people’s legs the best he can. He’s purring all the time.”

But Helping Paws Humane Society needs help getting Comet back up on 3 feet. The sheer expense of this surgery led rescuers to turn to Waggle, which has partnered with the Animal Rescue Site to fund Comet’s leg surgery. We’re hoping you’ll join us in helping this cat overcome his abusive past–especially because April is also Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month.

“Comet deserves a chance at a great life with a loving family,” said Karen. We couldn’t agree more! Please donate to Comet’s medical fund on Waggle if you’d like to help us provide Comet with leg surgery.

Our second rescued pet, a young New Jersey cat named Lilo, isn’t a victim of abuse, but her situation is equally dire. The one-year-old tabby suffers from hydrocephalus, a dangerous (and potentially fatal) condition causing a build-up of cerebrospinal fluid in her brain.

When Lilo was born, her family could tell the kitten was different from the rest of her litter. They did their best to provide special care, but when Lilo was diagnosed with hydrocephalus – which triggers migraines, seizures, blindness, brain damage, and death if left untreated – they knew they couldn’t provide the care she needed.

Lilo was surrendered to Super Hero’s Animal Hydrocephalus Society (SHAHS), a non-profit rescue founded to help animals suffering from this debilitating condition.

“We are the only disease-specific rescue in the world that deals specifically with hydrocephalus,” SHAHS’s president, Lisa J., told Waggle. “Many people think it’s a hopeless disorder, and the best thing you can do is euthanize the animal. We have found that is the furthest thing from the truth. Many cats with this disorder can live full lives.”

But when Lilo first arrived at SHAHS, it wasn’t clear if this cat would survive this disorder. “She was in severe crisis,” Lisa recalled. “The pressure in her head was spiking.”

Fortunately, the rescue works with skilled neurologists who can provide life-saving care for hydrocephalus patients. After multiple surgeries — including brain surgery to relieve the growing pressure under her skull — the young cat started feeling better.

“She’s doing great. She’s bright. She’s eating. She’s playing, and there is a sparkle in her eyes,” said Lisa. “She has a zest for life like no animal we’ve ever seen. She does not give up. She’s this kitten-sized cat that doesn’t know anything other than to keep fighting.”

But ultimately, treating hydrocephalus is a lengthy and expensive process — especially in a pandemic that’s thwarted shelter fundraising. “Our yearly medical expenses top $90,000,” the rescue’s worried president admitted. “I lie awake at night wondering, are we going to survive this?”

Please join us in donating to Lilo’s medical fund on Waggle if you’d like to help this sweet cat (and her rescuers) survive this health crisis.

We’re committed to providing rescued animals with life-saving medical care, but we can’t do it without your generous support and donations. Thanks for helping us give Comet and Lilo a second chance at life!

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog