A HAZELWOOD girl’s sleepless nights have ended after a charity stepped in to save her beloved cat, Ninja.
Trisha and Troy Sellens adopted Ninja and his brother Spot two years ago in a bid to manage a mice infestation at their home.
After adopting the kittens, the family also noticed a change in their six-year-old daughter Elivia’s behaviour. Ms Sellens said her daughter connected to the cat on a deep level – both displaying similar traits of repetitive behaviour.
However, when Ninja fell ill in September with a swollen abdomen and was unable to pass urine, the family feared they would not be able to afford the life-saving surgery.
Ninja was sent straight to the operating theatre where a large stone was found in his bladder, which obstructed the passage of urine.
Latrobe Veterinary Group contacted the Pet Medical Crisis Fund who helped reduce their ‘at-cost price’ of $615 for the operation, to a $50 family contribution with a PMCF donation of $565.
PMCF was created to help pensioners and disadvantaged pet-owners who could not afford surgery to keep their family pet alive.
Founder Jennifer Hunt said Ninja was the 126th Victorian pet saved through the program.
“Ninja was going to be unnecessarily put to sleep and when Trisha explained the story, we got the vet to reduce the price of surgery and for the family to put in as much as they could afford,” she said.
Ms Sellens said Ninja was doing “brilliantly” following the surgery and Elivia was sleeping again.
Last year, the PMCF helped 55 families pay for lifesaving treatment for their pets. The PMCF relies on public donations to continue its work.
Tax deductible donations can be made at www.petmedicalcrisisfund.com.au or by mail to PO Box 360, Hawthorn Road, Caulfield 3162.
