A Paw Extended

Our poor little Snickers is injured. When I was home with the flu, I noticed that she was not using her right hind leg. She evaded my attempt to grab her, and hid under the shed.

For three days, I was tormented by the thought of her slowly dying under the shed because of me. Temperatures were nearing 100 degrees, and she was without food or water.

Eventually, she emerged and was taken to the emergency animal hospital. Several hours and several hundred dollars later we learned that she may or may not have a dislocated hip and that she may or may not have torn the cruciate ligaments. A $1,000 operation was suggested. Joe wanted a second opinion.

After twenty-four hours -- and several hundred dollars her regular vet concluded that it was inconclusive. She may or may not have a dislocated hip and that she may or may not have torn the lateral ligaments in her leg. We were referred to an orthopedic vet for surgery. Sadly, we do not have pet insurance, but like so many of you, we do have doctors bills, braces, the college, and a conked-out car draining the coffers. Spending $2,000 on an animal may seem like utter madness, but if you have a family pet...you understand we need to do what we can for this sweet kitty.

Asking for things, particularly charity, does not come easily to me. It would be easier if I could give you something in return -- a pattern for a swanky handknit garment. Alas, I have nothing to offer. Nothing but my gratitude. Even $1.00 would be an enormous gift.

I know that this community of knitters/blogger is wide and strong, and I would not ask if we could afford to do this on our own.

Snicker's Paw
c/o Gina Carpellotti
239 Lime Ridge Rd., #6
Poughquag, NY 12570