It was approximately 4:00 a.m. on Monday, April 23rd when Jeannette Walker was awakened by an unfamiliar sound emanating from her bathroom. Unbeknownst to her, an intruder had managed to gain entry into her residence through her pet flap. Filled with both courage and fear, she cautiously traversed the room, venturing into the obscure darkness. The mysterious trespasser appeared unfazed by the commotion they were causing. With great care, Jeannette extended her hand around the door frame and activated the light switch. The sight that greeted her startled her to the very core.
Contrary to her expectations of encountering an assailant, the intruder had left an indelible mark on her life in a different manner. Illuminated by the harsh bathroom light, a battered and severely injured feline gazed up at her. This was the offender who had found his way through the “doggy door” or pet flap. The ginger-colored tomcat was emaciated, his fur saturated with grease, oil, and fleas. Despite the broken spirit reflected in his eyes, there was a glimmer of desperate hope.
Fate had led him through her door and into the depths of her heart. Jeannette made a solemn vow to do everything in her power to aid this unfortunate feline. The thought of him being euthanized at a shelter due to his evident trauma filled her with dread. As her first course of action, she posted a message on a local lost and found pet page on Facebook. Sadly, the feline wore a collar, but it lacked any identification tags.
The post caught the attention of the FieldHaven Feline Center in Lincoln, California. Swiftly, they coordinated with the Yuba County Animal Care Services to collect the suffering feline. Subsequently, he would be transferred to the experienced staff at the Marysville Veterinary Hospital for a thorough examination.
Judging by the scruffy appearance and odor emanating from the intruder, it was speculated that he had taken refuge inside a car engine. However, when the engine was ignited, he was not spared from harm.
Not only was he severely malnourished, but his jaw was also grievously fractured. Consequently, he had likely been unable to eat. His survival hinged upon the necessity of undergoing surgery. Remarkably, despite the excruciating pain he endured, he never ceased to emit a gentle purr.
At the veterinary hospital, the staff christened him O’Malley. They administered pain medication to alleviate his discomfort and thoroughly cleansed his grimy fur. His injuries did not deter him from eagerly devouring the nourishing sustenance generously provided.
If no owner came forward to claim him by the following Friday, the decision was made to proceed with the necessary procedure. In addition to his surgery, he was also scheduled for neutering while under anesthesia.
The veterinary hospital displayed remarkable generosity by substantially reducing the cost of the surgery, and FieldHaven initiated a fundraising campaign.
Witnessing sweet O’Malley’s countenance, all who beheld him were moved to extend their assistance. Within a remarkably short span of time, donations exceeding $2000.00 were raised to cover the expenses of his surgery.
O’Malley now rests comfortably, tended to by the hospital staff who provide pain management, delectable soft cat food, a warm bed, and an abundance of affection. The staff joyfully reports that he exhibits a hearty appetite and relishes the attention lavished upon him.
The sheer magnitude of your benevolence is truly awe-inspiring! Not only has O’Malley’s surgery been fully funded through your contributions (estimated at $800), but the excess amount of over $2,000 has facilitated the establishment of the “O’Malley Fund.” This fund will provide crucial medical interventions for other animals at the Yuba County Animal Care Services, thereby enhancing their adoptability.
O’Malley would spend the ensuing days at the hospital to ensure his speedy recovery. Expected swelling was minimal, and the procedure was unequivocally successful.
On the 30th, FieldHaven shared a heartwarming update with O’Malley’s burgeoning fan base. He was joyfully released into a foster home, where he would receive the love and care necessary for his healing process.
His progress was readily shared by Donna, O’Malley’s foster mother, on the center’s Facebook page. May 2nd: “He is thriving! He eats with voracity. At the mere sound of a can being opened, he vocalizes his desire for food! Today, we discovered his aversion to the outdoors. When we placed him in the yard outside Buck’s Barn, he promptly expressed a longing to return indoors!”
May 30th: “O’Malley Update! Guess who paid us a visit for a check-up yesterday? He is flourishing under the care of his foster mother, Donna. He is the epitome of good health!”
In June, the wire that had delicately held his fractured jaw together was finally removed. During his time in the foster home, O’Malley not only became an ardent snuggler but also discovered a new vocation. He devoted part of his time to providing free cuddles to residents at a senior home—a truly heartwarming endeavor!
While his adoption fee had already been generously sponsored, finding a permanent home for O’Malley proved to be a challenging task. Could it be because he initially expressed a desire to be the sole feline in his new home?
Then, on August 2nd, the enigmatic cat with access through the pet flap apparently experienced a change of heart!
“Just Kidding!”
Those were the words O’Malley shared with us that week. It turns out he does, in fact, enjoy the company of other cats. Initially, his self-centeredness led him to declare his preference for living without feline companions. However, he now confesses his guilt and retracts that statement. To all those who expressed a willingness to adopt him provided he gets along with other cats… we eagerly await your response!
Merely a week later, a wonderful woman crossed the threshold of the center, forever changing both her life and O’Malley’s.
Tracy fell head over heels in love with the handsome ginger tomcat and gladly welcomed him into her life and home. Most notably, she is a nurse who intends to utilize his natural talents as a professional cuddler!
Heartfelt gratitude is extended to everyone involved in rehabilitating this intrepid furry intruder who ventured through the pet flap!