Last month, three local animal lovers rescued a stray cat, dubbed “Donnie”, from the Bradford McDonald’s parking lot after seeing it in distress and munching on old, stale fries.
The three women involved, Melyssah DeVrye, Veronica Holmes and Victoria Grimshaw have been looking after the cat ever since in Holmes' backyard in a caged enclosure. They have also been taking him to regular veterinarian check ups and appointments.
“He currently lives outside in our backyard, where he’s happiest in a fully enclosed 6x6 enclosure,” said DeVrye.
When they originally found the cat, it was believed he had no teeth and was suffering from a respiratory infection. After further check-ups and examinations, it was determined Donnie is feral, has very few rotted and broken teeth, and a blind spot in one eye.
The respiratory infection is now gone with the help of antibiotics. DeVrye says the cat is not blind as originally reported.
“His eye has a blind spot but it’s not fully blind like the first vet stated, he had an ulcer in that eye that’s left behind scar tissue, which causes the slight blind spot. But he has most of his vision in that eye and all in the other,” she said.
The women are working with a veterinarian clinic in Barrie to help get his health back on track, starting with a neutering and removal of his few rotten teeth.
They are hoping after the procedures, it will calm his demeanour.
So far, the women have been paying for the animal’s veterinary bills out of their own pocket as well as using money donated to them after the story was originally published. But funds are dwindling down and the women are seeking funds to assist with the remainder of the procedure costs.
Donnie is scheduled for his surgeries on Oct. 9, but DeVrye says they may have to postpone until they have enough money.
The total estimated cost for both procedures is $1,770.99-$1,460.24. They only have $245 left from their fundraising efforts.
“Both are being done in one go. We will be pushing back the date if funds cannot be raised or found before then,” she said.
The women have created an online fundraiser on Facebook here.
DeVyre also posts regular updates on the cat’s condition on her Facebook page which are made public.
They are also looking for any donations of supplies like food and litter which can be dropped off in front of the garage at 79 Thornton Ave. in Bradford. Donnie is currently only eating Nutro Whitefish due to his sensitive stomach.
