Help to Rescues and Animals in Need

6 hours ago

3 min read

Sometimes helping a rescue means providing food, vaccinations, or spay/neuter assistance. Other times, one unexpected medical emergency can cost thousands of dollars and place an enormous financial burden on a small rescue that refuses to give up on an animal.

When we have the resources, Animal Rescuers For Change helps rescues facing these extraordinary veterinary expenses. Terra and a young cat rescued in Mojave are two examples of why this assistance matters.

❤️ Terra's Second Chance — A $15,000 Surgery

Terra needed an extremely complex surgery to remove a large malignant tumor. The procedure required two major incisions, margin clearance, and extensive internal reconstruction. Her rescuer was determined to give Terra every possible chance and borrowed the money necessary to proceed with treatment.

The surgery and scans ultimately cost $15,039.94.

Thankfully, the surgeon was able to remove the enormous tumor in one piece, particularly important because it was malignant. Terra's rescuer describes her recovery as miraculous, and the outlook for her future is very positive.

She later wrote to us:

“Sweet Terra would've not been alive if it wasn't for you. Thank you so much!”

Behind Terra's recovery is a rescuer who refused to give up when confronted with a $15,000 veterinary bill. She found a way to save Terra while continuing to care for the other dogs depending on her rescue.

Terra is not a medical bill. She is a life—and today she has a future.

❤️ From a House Fire to an Emergency Amputation — A Mojave Survivor

Another animal we helped had already survived something extraordinary.

Not long ago, a devastating house fire in Mojave destroyed a home. Against all odds, this young cat survived the flames along with several of her siblings.

She disappeared following the fire, but rescuers continued looking for her and were eventually able to safely trap her.

Then tragedy struck again.

Before rescuers could reach her, a pack of passing dogs attacked the trap, pulling her leg through the wire and causing devastating injuries.

There was no time to wait. She was rushed for emergency veterinary care and underwent surgery to amputate her badly injured leg.

Thankfully, the surgery was successful.

She survived. ❤️

She is now safely recovering on crate rest alongside several of her siblings who were also rescued from the aftermath of the fire.

After surviving a house fire, being lost, and then suffering a terrible injury just as rescuers finally reached her, this little cat now has the chance to heal and begin a new life.

These are the moments when small rescues and grassroots rescuers need support the most. There isn't always time to organize a large fundraiser before treatment. Sometimes a veterinarian needs an answer immediately.

And the answer has to be:

“Please save her.”

Small Rescues Shouldn't Have to Face These Emergencies Alone

A single emergency can cost thousands—or even tens of thousands—of dollars. Yet after that animal is treated, the rescue still has other dogs and cats depending on it for food, medications, vaccinations, spay/neuter, and veterinary care.

Saving one animal should not financially cripple the people who stepped forward to save them.

That is why one of ARFC's goals is to build a stronger Rescue Support Fund so we can provide meaningful assistance to more California rescues facing extraordinary veterinary expenses and other urgent needs.

Terra needed major cancer surgery.

A little cat in Mojave needed an emergency amputation.

Their circumstances were completely different, but someone stepped forward for each of them and refused to give up.