A Need That Must Be Met

A few years ago, TARPS set up an account to fund the cost of veterinary care for animals with extreme physical disabilities. Any animal who needed expensive medical care could draw from this fund. It has benefited many animals at TARPS.

A very sick but tough kitten

One Special Cat

Webster came to us at 3 weeks old from the Bellows Falls area. About a month later, he fell ill with diarrhea. Our veterinarian began a series of treatments, none which seemed to have much effect. When his blood tests returned it looked as if he had  Feline Infectious Peritonitis FIP, which is deadly and has no cure. A decision was made to contact Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine which is researching the disease.

Meanwhile, Webster’s weight was falling, his fur became brittle and his small bones were protruding. One day he became listless, barely able to lift his head. His foster mom decided it might be best if she let him go. The phone was busy at the vet. She went to prepare herself some tea before trying the vet again. Miraculously Webster had crossed the room, climbed the drapes and, staring down at her, made it clear with a loud squawk that he wasn’t ready to give up so neither should she. Not soon after, Cornell called, prescribing what was an effective treatment. By his first birthday Webster was much stronger.

Two years passed, and again, Webster became ill. The medicine Cornell’s vets prescribed no longer helped him. His health deteriorated quickly. When his weight had fallen to 4 pounds, our vet said it might be time to make the tough decision of letting him die. Knowing Webster’s fighting spirit, TARPS decided to try one last time to find a cure. Once the decision was made to take a holistic approach, TARPS sought out Dr. Kruesi of Cold River Veterinary Center in North Clarendon, VT. After an exam and blood tests, Dr. Kruesi found Webster had a severe allergy to chicken. Eight months later, after eating only “Webster Burgers,” a mix of hamburger, frozen turkey cat food and supplements, Webster had reached 8.5 pounds and all his fur was sleek and shiny again.

Webster at his finest.

Because of his amazing recovery, this fund was named The Webster Fund. In the last few years, the money has been helping other cats to get treatment which may have been unavailable to them.

We Could Use Your Help.

We would appreciate any donation towards this cause. If you’d like to contribute, let us know by clicking our DONATE button on our Home or Donate page, OR by checking the appropriate box on the donation form at the bottom. Or by mailing a check, made out to TARPS (memo: The Webster Fund) to 1758 Route 103S, P.O. Box 274, Chester, VT 05143.

Thank you.

1758 Route 103S, P.O. Box 274 |  Chester, VT 05143 | (802) 875-7777 | shelter@TARPSAnimalShelterVt.org
TARPS is a 501(c)3 charitable non-profit organization. ©TARPS, The Animal Rescue and Protection Society