This is an ongoing series of true life stories showing how your donations and membership dues to the Sampson Fund help animals in need and thereby work to better human as well as animal lives.
Ozzy's story starts where many an outdoor cat's story ends - on a street struck by a car. Fortunately, he was picked up and brought to the Brewster Veterinary Hospital where he was examined by Dr. Louise Morgan. His leg was broken but could be saved with surgery. Dr. Morgan was able to patch him up just fine. Except for a limp, he was like any other two-year old - ready to run and play and be loved in a real home. With no one claiming him, the veterinary hospital took responsibility for finding the charming stray a suitable home. He bided his time in a crate in the waiting room at the animal hospital, craving attention and looking as adorable as he could.
Dr. Morgan and her staff get a loving round of applause for saving Ozzy and for coming to The Sampson Fund for financial help. His bill came to almost $600. Because of The Sampson Fund another injured, stray animal has been rescued, healed and has found a wonderful, forever relationship in a new home.
The stress of moving can be
hard enough on us humans, but for a six-year old cat, it can be a time
filled with anxiety. Especially when a handsome, burly kitty is replaced
by a child who treats him with less respect than a loyal feline deserves.
Winston, a bright orange cat with a lot to say, thought he was settled
in with his forever family. Then, for reasons beyond his comprehension,
he was moved to the home of Nancy Bishop and her two daughters in Dennis.
He immediately realized the new situation would suit him much better,
but he just didn¹t feel exactly right.
About a month after Winston arrived, Nancy went away for a week, leaving
the children with Pam, a trusted family friend. Winston was left on his
own except for daily check-in visits made by his new human sisters, Megan
and Kim. He became very ill during that week and when Megan arrived one
morning to feed and play with her new friend, she found Winston lying
on the floor nearly lifeless.
Megan and Pam rushed Winston to Pleasant Bay Animal Hospital where he was admitted for treatment and observation. Pam, knowing the importance of this precious cat to the Bishop family, told the veterinarian, Dr. Nancy Weintrob, to go ahead and do whatever was necessary to save Winston. In her excitement, she even offered to help pay the bill.
You see, Winston was the first family pet the young girls ever had. He was the only animal they have ever had to love and be responsible for. The sadness of losing him was obviously overwhelming for thirteen year-old Megan. Pam and Dr. Weintrob recognized the importance of the relationship Megan had with Winston and honored the journey she was on with him. Depending on how this went, the long- lasting effect it would have on Megan was in their hands.
It was at this point that Dr. Weintrob suggested applying to The Sampson Fund for help. Winston returned home as good as new and the bill got paid by Sampson.
Today, Winston and Megan are inseparable. She is the family hero and Winston understands why he was supposed to move in with the Bishops - to meet Megan, his person, and to become her cat. Their bond is one we have all experienced and treasured.
Thanks goes to Pam for making an important split-second decision and to Dr. Weintrob for saving Winston and putting the family and The Sampson Fund together - another happy ending with lots of heroes and one happy cat.