Shrimp

Shrimp is a resilient hero and a true testament to what it means to triumph over overwhelming odds. This adorable 3 month old kitten was struck by a car and then left to die on the side of the road, but far from giving up, Shrimp crawled to a nearby bush and hid for twenty four hours before she was found. It was clear Shrimp had sustained major injuries and the rescuers were unable to give her the care she required so they put a message on Facebook for help.

The big hearts at The Little Lion Foundation (TLLF) were alerted to Shrimp's story, but they were unable to offer immediate assistance, since they already had too many cats needing help in their care. However, they continued to monitor Shrimp's story. When they were contacted a day later and told Shrimp still hadn't found help, they knew they had to take action.

Shrimp was frightened and in pain, but her will to live and feisty spirit instantly touched their hearts. TLLF immediately brought her to see a vet who took x-rays and gave her antibiotics and pain medication. There was a big cost looming though, as Shrimp needed femoral head ostectomy (FHO) surgery to repair her broken hip. FHO is a complicated procedure; the head and neck are removed from the femur in order to alleviate severe pain which can't be fixed in any other way. The surgery is highly effective, but very expensive! TLLF contacted the Ian Somerhalder Foundation for help and we were so happy to offer assistance.

The surgery was successful! After a little over a week in the hospital, Shrimp continued her recovery and is now completely healed! In fact, not only did Shrimp have a complete recovery, but TLLF told us, “She is a very active and agile little kitty”, and she has found her forever home. They went on to tell us, “We are so grateful to the Ian Somerhalder Foundation because without your help, little Shrimp would not have received this life changing surgery and now she is loved by a family”! Her new family now has two young members: Shrimp and “her favorite human” and now the two will grow up together”!

By Brandy D. Anderson

Edited by Bob Stone