Ralston Gets the Amputation He Needs

A new tripod needs help and a home. Each Saturday, Brooklyn Animal Foster Network takes animals from Animal Care and Control and tries to find them either adoptive or foster homes. Ralston, an 8 pound orange tabby, was lucky enough to be one of those who went out with BAFN, and he happened to be missing his right hind foot. During the adoption event it was discovered that he had an awful contact wound at the end of his limb from trying to use it as he normally would, which was causing him tons of pain. April Biggs, BAFN’s Foster & Adoption Coordinator, took Ralston home to foster him and get to the bottom of what to do with his leg. After visits to several vets it was suspected that Ralston didn’t have a genetic defect, but rather had suffered some type of abuse – either someone cut his foot off or Ralston got caught in a trap and detached his foot in order to save himself (hence his heroic name).

It was decided that the only way to help Ralston be more comfortable was to completely remove his leg so that he didn’t try to use it. If he did continue to try and use his stump it could lead to a serious infection from the constant reopening of the contact wound. Thanks to all our t-shirt sales, the Tripod Fund was able to fully pay for the $1019.73 surgery, which happened at Fifth Avenue Veterinary Specialists (Lulu’s hospital) yesterday. Fifth Avenue was kind enough to give BAFN a 40 percent discount!

April visited Ralston last night and he was already walking around, purring, and licking her face. At between one and two years old, Ralston is expected to make a full recovery.

I got the opportunity to spend some time with Ralston pre-op and I can’t tell you how sweet this guy is. Ah, it just melts my heart. He’s the biggest cuddle bug.

Here he is with one of BAFN's volunteers.

April plans to nurse Ralston back to tip top shape, but after that he needs a really great home to go to. He’s been neutered, has all his current vaccinations, and is microchipped. He also tested negative for FELV/FIV.

If you live in New York and are interested in giving Ralston the amazing life he so deserves please contact April Biggs. If I had a bigger home I would scoop this guy up in a second.

Also, if you're looking for a pet, please check out Brooklyn Animal Foster Network's adoption events every Saturday in Park Slope. They are set up weekly at John Jay High School at 7th Avenue and 5th Street.

Now go buy some more shirts so we can help all the Ralstons of the world!

Comments

[christy]

What a sweet guy. Any word on whether he was adopted? I mean, I'm sure he was - just look at him! - but it's nice to know.