MetroWest Humane Society, Inc.

Charity begins at home

She watched her – this little kitten – lying under a car for a day and a half when the temperature was 95 degrees. She hoped to see the mommy cat come and help. But she didn’t come. And when the kitten seemed to stop moving She couldn’t wait anymore. She reached under the car, put the kitten in a wet towel and drove it to MetroWest Humane Society in Ashland for help. Luckily someone was there to receive her and give the kitten immediate bottle feeding, emergency fluids, dried her little wet body since her body temperature was dangerously low, and took for a fast ride to the vet.

On the way, the shelter manager encouraged her not to give up, and promised that we would love her and care for her and find her a forever home if she could hold on. Please hold on. Knowing also that when she got to the vet she would need a name for this little one - to be put on the mountain of paperwork that would come, she was named Charity. After all, a charitable person rescued her and she was on her way to another special team who would work hard to save her life. Charity let out a small meow and a barely audible purr before she hung her head again and snuggled into her blanket. So it seemed she had agreed to the deal. The staff at Framingham Animal Hospital swung into action when they arrived. They somehow got an intravenous catheter into her dangerously dehydrated tiny body to keep her from dying from lack of fluids. She was tested and found to be free from leukemia and FIV, two feline blood diseases. And she was fed small amounts of food throughout the day. The charity she received was a miracle. She survived the night – another miracle - and she is purring full throttle to be alive today. At approximately 8 wks old, Charity is a beautiful gray and apricot torti who will need several more weeks of "body building TLC" to regain her strength and weight. When she is ready, we will find a perfect home for this little angel. She has earned it!

But the story doesn’t end here. The shelter is not stopping with the care of this one small kitten. Our President went to the neighborhood where Charity lived last night and talked to the area residents who showed her different areas where approximately 20 adults cats go to find food, and to hide to keep themselves and their kittens safe from traffic and other dangers. Some of the residents offered to feed them if we provide the food and the vet care. MWHS volunteers task forces have jumped into action. A trapper will begin the process of catching the cats with humane traps to get them off the streets. Once caught, with the help of area veterinarians, our shelter staff will care for them and get them sterilized, vaccinated, dewormed and provide all other needed medical care. A socialization team will access the cats to see which of the adults can be tamed and adopted as house cats vs. those who were born outside & would do better back in their colony. Foster families will care for litters of kittens without moms, or pregnant cats or cats needing special care. Our feral cat feeders will go into the neighborhood to supply food and shelters and to teach the residents how to maintain a healthy colony of community cats. The cats can co-exist with humans and provide non-toxic pest control.

All of these programs could use YOU! We are always looking for new volunteers in these and our other programs as well. We will train you and work with you until you feel confident to do this on your own or to work as a part of a team if you would prefer. No time right now but still want to help? Donations are always a great way to help. See our wish list for supplies or make a financial contribution. We promise to use every penny wisely.