Cherry’s First Steps Without Pain
How long had sweet Cherry quietly suffered?
It was late October in 2020 when 2-year-old Cherry’s previous owner received the awful news that would devastate any animal lover like you or I: they were being forced to move, and their new apartment did not allow cats.
Through no fault of his own, this affectionate, well-mannered, and cuddly fellow found himself looking for a new home—and traveling across Washington to find it.
When our veterinary staff met Cherry, he did well for most of the exam—until his front paws were touched. That’s when Cherry let us know he was in pain. Cherry had been previously declawed, with unfortunate side effects: tight tendons in his feet were causing his toes to curl under themselves. Even worse, he often refused to walk, showing us just how much the simple task of getting around was hurting him.
Cherry’s toes curled under each other due to a previous declawing surgery, making each step painful for him.
It broke my heart to see poor Cherry in such pain. Thankfully, donors like you have provided a roadmap to recovery for Cherry. With x-rays, skillful surgery, and compassionate veterinary care, Cherry is currently recovering in a foster home from surgery to loosen his tendons. Walking will no longer be such an awful experience for him.
Cherry’s journey is just one example of how, with your help, we live our mission of saving animals’ lives. I am so grateful for individuals like you who share the dream of a more compassionate world for animals.
As we celebrate our 31st anniversary this month, please know that your support is still urgently needed by pets in the shelter now—like Cherry, Bruce, Magnus, Princess, and Cassie. Beyond that, hundreds more pets of all ages will arrive this spring from our community and partner shelters.
Would you join us in celebrating our 31st anniversary by making a generous one-time or monthly sustaining gift? Your gift, of any amount, is needed to provide the food, shelter, medical, and behavioral care each pet will need on their way to a new forever home.
Celebrate 31 years of Matches Made and Lives Saved with us! You can make your gift on our website at www.homewardpet.org or by using the enclosed response card and envelope. Your gift ensures animals like Cherry receive the care and support needed in finding their happy “tails” and forever homes.
With gratitude,
Nanette McCann
Executive Director
Cherry’s feet being examined by our veterinary staff, who determined he needed surgery to alleviate his pain.
