Out of the Cage! (September 2006)

Picasso Veterinary Fund: Saving Treatable Cats and Dogs

When the NYC Department of Transportation driver pulled off onto the shoulder of the Jackie Robinson Parkway in Queens, she expected to retrieve another lifeless cat's body — another victim of a speeding car. But when she reached Amber, she discovered the four-year-old long-haired Persian mix weighing only four pounds unconscious — but alive!

The driver drove Amber to a nearby veterinary clinic, where she regained consciousness and was treated for multiple cuts and scratches. Miraculously, she had sustained no serious injuries. As luck would have it, the veterinarian who treated Amber also routinely treats cats for CSM Stray Foundation, an Alliance Participating Organization (APO) that works to reduce feral cat populations through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR). So he contacted the group, which in turn contacted the Mayor's Alliance for help from the Picasso Veterinary Fund to pay for Amber's medical care. Today, Amber is further recuperating and putting on much-needed weight at Murray Hill Pet Hospital. She will be ready to go to a new loving home soon. If you're interested in adopting Amber, contact info@AnimalAllianceNYC.org.

Cordie, a six-year-old black Lab mix, was left alone in her apartment when her owner was admitted to St. Vincent's Hospital. Fortunately, she was rescued from this dismal situation when the St. Vincent's Patient Pet Care Program Coordinator, Kate Fisher, stepped in. (See "St. Vincent's Patient Pet Care Program Eases Strain on Patients and Their Pets" in the September 2005 issue of Out of the Cage! to learn more about this program, which intervenes on behalf of pets when a patient is hospitalized and cannot care for a pet.) Cordie had a tumor on her foot that required removal, leaving only two toes. The Picasso Veterinary Fund paid for the surgery at Murray Hill Pet Hospital, and today Cordie — whose footprint makes a great peace sign! — is looking for the right adopter. If that might be you, contact info@AnimalAllianceNYC.org.

Now meet McCool, a Bull Terrier/Shepherd mix, who arrived at the Manhattan AC&C shelter with a broken leg. He immediately was taken to Fifth Avenue Veterinary Specialists, where his leg was set, paid for by the Picasso Veterinary Fund. Then he was transported to Red Hook Dog Rescue, an APO, to await adoption. He's waiting for you, so if you're interested in giving McCool a new home, contact info@AnimalAllianceNYC.org.

Then there's Toby, a Great Dane mix, who came into an AC&C shelter with pneumonia. The Mayor's Alliance arranged for him to be treated at Veterinary Emergency & Referral Group in Brooklyn, and the Picasso Veterinary Fund paid for the treatment. Toby then was transported to Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League, an APO, where he was fostered, and then adopted by his foster family! His new name is Cassius.

Sandy, a sweet brown-and-white Tabby, was picked up as a stray by an Animal Care & Control driver. The eighteen-month-old cat was FIV-positive…and pregnant. Sandy gave birth to five kittens, all of whom were adopted. Now Sandy is looking for her permanent home. Might it be yours? If so, please contact info@AnimalAllianceNYC.org. (For information about what to expect when you adopt an FIV-positive cat, see our December 2004 Out of the Cage! article, "Are You Interested in Adopting an FIV-positive Cat?"

Each of these special animals, and many, many more, got a second chance for a good life because the Picasso Veterinary Fund was there to pay their medical expenses before they were transferred to an APO for fostering or adoption. The Picasso Veterinary Fund has saved hundreds of lives since its inception in 2003. But the fund is not limitless — it relies upon the generosity of private donors to continue its lifesaving work. Become a part of the fund's success and help save lives by making a tax deductible donation. It's easy!…just click here.