August 26, 2004

Emergency medical assistance needed by one furry feline

By Jeanne C. Lewis
Staff Writer

Scotty is in need of assistance. The orange tabby kitten was found abandoned on the streets of San Jose, frightened and alone, with a debilitating eye infection. The kindness of a stranger led to the feline being dropped off at an emergency clinic.

There, a sympathetic veterinarian technician named Erin took the kitten into her care and brought him to Dr. Kristina Burling, an animal opthalmogist at South Bay Veterinary Specialists. The kitten was diagnosed with a severe eye infection and needed the infected eye removed to prevent further problems. Erin paid Dr. Burling for the examination and diagnosis but was leaving the country for veterinarian school and could not afford the additional expense. Dr. Burling suggested she contact Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary [SHAS] for assistance with Scotty.

SHAS is pleading for donations to help Scotty with the expense of the necessary eye surgery. This year has been a particularly trying kitten season and SHAS does not have the extra funds for the much needed surgery. The kitten is being fostered by SHAS volunteer Diane Cascia.

“I’ve had him for a week now,” Cascia said in a phone interview. “The infection was due to a bad respiratory infection. He has eye drops three times a day but he needs the surgery to prevent any future infections. Scotty is a very playful, sweet natured kitten who purrs right away when he sees you and loves his teddy bear toy. He will be put up for adoption once he is healed from the surgery and neutered.”

SHAS began three years ago and was founded on the belief that no animal should go hungry, homeless or live in fear or pain. The sanctuary believes that all animals deserve to be treated with dignity, kindness, respect and provided with care that increases their opportunity for a safe life. Their mission is to offer care and a peaceful living environment in foster homes for abused, physically handicapped, aged or homeless cats, providing the animals with medical care, love and attention that will lead to adoption.

SHAS is a non-profit organization and is staffed entirely by volunteers with all funding through private donations and corporate sponsorship.

To make a donation for Scotty send a check to SHAS, 21265 Stevens Creek Blvd., Suite 205-427, Cupertino, Ca. 95014 or call 408-420-7233. Their website is www.safehavenanimalsanctuary.org. All donations are tax deductible.
Donations are also accepted at the Pet Adoptions Fairs, every Saturday between 12:30 – 4:30 at Pet Club, 5625 Snell Avenue, San Jose.