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WESTPORT, Conn. After a rough start, 2012 is looking up for one lucky kitten left for dead in a local neighborhood. His long road to recovery, however, will require some help. The Alliance in Limiting Strays, or T.A.I.L.S., a local not-for-profit spay and neuter organization, is asking the community to help defray veterinary costs for the kitten volunteers have dubbed Bandit.
On Jan. 2, a T.A.I.L.S. volunteer received a report about a small black-and-white tuxedo cat limping and mewing in distress in a backyard. The volunteer found the kitten with a horribly mangled front leg.
"It appeared that the kitten was most likely hit by a car and left for dead," said Dorrie Harris, founder and president of T.A.I.L.S.
The cat was taken to Westport Animal Hospital, where X-rays showed that the leg (which had become infected) had to be removed. Although there was initial concern that Bandit might not be strong enough to survive amputation surgery, his medical team and rescuers decided give the kitten a chance. Bandit made it through with flying colors.
After his stay at the hospital, where he's building his strength and being monitored by doctors, Bandit will go to a T.A.I.L.S. foster home to recuperate before finding a permanent home. Although this story has a happy ending, T.A.I.L.S. is now faced with paying the substantial costs associated with Bandit's extensive treatment and recovery.
"T.A.I.L.S. is dedicating to helping animals like Bandit, but support from the community is critical to our ability to do so," Harris said. "We are appealing to local friends and animal lovers to make ... a tax-deductible contribution to our 'Bandage For Bandit' campaign."
To support "A Bandage For Bandit," visit www.tailsct.org for instructions on donating by credit card. A check made out to T.A.I.L.S., can be mailed to The Alliance in Limiting Strays, P.O. Box 2277, Westport, CT 06880. Checks should include A Bandage For Bandit on the notation line.
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