Morris

Update from his foster - March 11

"I took Morris in for a consult with Dr. Lazar today. Dr. Lazar confirmed the need for a bilateral FHO. While the intent behind today's visit was only a consult, the staff was able to get Morris scheduled for surgery today. As I write, he is at VSA in Leesburg either in surgery or getting prepped for surgery. He will have a brutal two month recovery time, but it will make his life ten times better than it was today. As a bonus, he will be confined, at least for the first week which will give me ample opportunity to get him more socialized. I'll continue to provide updates on his progress.

The other important Morris update is that thanks to a couple of large donations as well as the Facebook/HART page effort, Morris' surgery is fully funded! In less than a week, we were able to get more than $3000 in donations to cover his surgery. WAHOO!!!!! We've done the hard part, now it's up to Morris to do the rest!"

HART was approached the week before Christmas 2010 about taking in a litter of kittens. These kittens were living outside under a shed. No further information was necessary. Of course HART would take them!

It became very clear very quickly that one of the little boys, Morris, had some funky things going on with his hind end. He got around just fine, but his gait was weird and he didn't look quite right when standing. When it came time to have Morris neutered, HART asked the veterinarians to take a look at what was going on with his hind end. Fearing neuropathy, the foster mom waited anxiously for the results. The news she got was far more heartbreaking than neuropathy.

At some point in Morris' life, before he was found living under the shed with his siblings, Morris had both hips and his pelvis broken. His pelvis has healed, though narrower than it should be, and one of his hips has healed, though the joint is not in the socket with bone, it is held in place with muscle only. His other hip is still broken. Every time Morris walks, his bone stabs him, causing him significant pain. Each time he comes towards human companionship, the pain in his hip causes him to retreat, associating the pain with humans.

At this point, the doctors are recommending a double femoral head osteotomy. While Morris will be immobilized briefly, in the long run, it's better to have both hips operated on at the same time as it will help him heal and regain normal use of his legs. His surgery will cost approximately $3000, including after care. HART wants to help Morris have a long and pain free life. Can you help us reach that goal?

Thank you,
Homeless Animals Rescue Team & Morris

Please help us help Morris! Any size donation you can make is welcome and helpful. Donations are tax deductible and can be made by PayPal or by mailing a check to our office. Names will appear on this page thru mid-October 2011. PayPal donors: Please click the link below and put your dedication in the "Instructions for HART" box.

A HUGE Thank You to our donors!

• Genevieve Dietrich
• Meera Dietrich, in memory of my friend Bear.
• Deb Alsop
• Bonnie Friedman
• Craig Berkey
• Charles Medley
• Jennifer Fischer, Poor Morris - my daughter has had this same surgery (plus pelvic osteotomy) - no fun, and I know how pricey they are!
• Natalie Popovic
• Cynthia Freeland
• Jenny Miller
• Jacquelyn Barker
• Jennie McMullin, from Rebel, Bailey, and Tuna
• Anonymous
• Regan Avery
• Bettina Markowitz
• Susan Pohl
• Richard Doty
• Diane Harris, in honor of Roxy, HART alumni dog previously named Sacha, daughter of Lulu!

Note: Corrections may be sent to the webmaster.