News
Paying it Forward: A Special Plea for Ira
December 28, 2008, 9:38AM MT
By Danielle A Engle
A few weeks ago, some animals and their human companions in California and Indiana provided the start-up funds for the <a href="
A few weeks ago, some animals and their human companions in California and Indiana provided the start-up funds for the <a href=" http://network.bestfriends.org/minnesota/news/31076.html"; target="_blank">Love Bug Project</a> to help animals and their human companions in Minnesota. The project is making a difference in, for example, the lives of two groups of feline guardians homebound due to age, disability or illness. Now those of us in Minnesota have an opportunity to reach across the miles and make a difference in the life of an injured kitten in New York.
Posted by Danielle A. Engle, Best Friends Network Volunteer
Photograph by Mid Hudson Animal Aid
Author’s Note: Ira is a symbol of hope, an opportunity to cross the perceptual boundaries erected by organizations competing for funds and media space in this trying economic environment. Personally, I cannot envision a greater gift this holiday season than to reach across the miles to Ira as others reached across the miles to some special animals and their human guardians in Minnesota this holiday season.
Ira’s Story
Some days ago, the Mid Hudson Animal Aid (MHAA) in Beacon, New York was visited by a stranger carrying an injured kitten in his arms. He found the kitten wondering in his back yard. Later named Ira, the kitten was in dire distress and limping badly on his hind legs. He was laden with fleas, undernourished and his head tilted. The later is usually indicative of an ear infection or a neurological problem. The need for immediate medial care was obvious.
An Act of Kindness by a Tireless Stranger
The kindly stranger had been to several shelters. They turned him and Ira away due to the potential medical costs. Several people suggested that he simply put the kitten to sleep. A heavy rain and ice storm was approaching; yet, the stranger continued his search for a safe haven and medical care for Ira. The situation presented a dilemma for MHAA. A free range no-kill shelter, it has been inundated with homeless cats and kittens. This coupled with increased costs and dwindling donations in the current economy, forced MHAA into a temporary no-intake state.
According to MHAA, “As a no-kill shelter, we felt obligated to help this kitten and not turn him out into the inclement weather. We had an emergency vote of the Board, and it was agreed to take him in.” Ira was taken to a veterinarian who explained that Ira’s leg was badly fractured. There were two options for caring for the leg, the ideal one at costs exceeding the shelter’s capabilities. With the assistance of the veterinarian, MHAA conducted outreach requests with to local vets and several veterinary schools, including Cornell. No help was available to provide Ira the special procedure he needed to provide the best chance of saving his leg.
Ira had to have some type of care. The decision was made to cast the leg, a less expensive procedure but one with costs that exceed MHAA’s dwindling funds. In addition to multiple examinations, x-rays and treatment for what, thankfully, proved to be an ear infection; Ira’s medical costs continue to rise.
How You Can Help
MHAA needs additional funds for Ira’s continuing care. The goal is to raise $600 but any amount will help. You can make a donation in one of two ways:
• Visit the MHAA donation web page and make a secure web donation by clicking on the Network for Good icon.
• Send a check to MHAA at 54 Simmons Lane, Beacon, NY 12508, putting Ira’s name on the top of the check.
• SLJ Craft Emporium is donating all money, excluding shipping costs, - total of $55 - from the sale of a 24” x 33” hand crocheted reversible pet Afghan designed for durability and comfort to Ira’s care. The item is Dapper Dollydog’s Snug Rug 33. The purchaser will receive a confirmation of the $55 donation to MHAA by e-mail. This is in addition to a direct donation already made.
• One of the most effective tools in special needs cases is word of mouth “advertising.” Most importantly, remember that each gift counts. Together, we can help MHAA ensure Ira quality of life.