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Darwin was left to fend for himself. His guardians simply moved away, leaving him behind on one of the Gulf Islands. Because there were so many other strays, his life was a constant battle for survival. He scrounged food wherever he could get it, but life was taking its toll. During one fight his tail was broken, causing permanent damage. His future was looking bleak.
A local rescuer received a call that a stray was becoming a nuisance - it was Darwin. In spite of the fact that she already had 70 rescued cats needing homes, she went out and picked him up. She was so overwhelmed and there were so few homes that she had to make the difficult decision to euthanize any cats that tested positive for FIV (feline AIDS).
The local vet took Darwin back to the clinic for the test with RestQ paying for boarding. She tried to remain detached, but Darwin was hard to resist! He just wanted affection, rolling on his back and purring whenever she came near him. When the test came back positive, her heart sank.
She immediately contacted RestQ on Mayne Island. RestQ simply could not take on an AIDS cat; the risk was too high to their current residents. But they contacted VHS for help. We couldn't let him die. VHS paid for his vaccinations and a VHS employee took Darwin into her home where all the cats are FIV positive. Now he's safe and will live out his life with the love he deserves and appropriate veterinary care.
Your donation can help cats like Darwin. Please donate today
Double Your Donation - Jamie & Punky Fund Challenge Grant
A generous donor has issued a challenge! Every dollar you donate to the Jamie and Punky Fund, up to $5000.00, will be doubled, to help more desperate animals like Darwin.
Although this anonymous donor's reasons are confidential, the sentiment isn't. She recognizes the close bond and profound sense of responsibility that we have in our relationships with our animal companions. She epitomizes the VHS philosophy of taking personal responsibility for animal suffering. If we don't help them, who will? Thank you for your help!
