Appeal to fix cat’s broken leg leaves Vernon woman ‘humbled’ by response

A Vernon resident says she's very humbled by the number of donations she's received to fix her cat's broken leg.

Cariann Beaudette was very relieved when the family cat, Sweetie, recently returned after she'd been missing for 10 days.

Sweetie, who normally stays inside the house, returned at 3 a.m. meowing outside Beaudette's son's window to get back into the house. But while the family were overjoyed she's come back after her lengthy outdoor adventure, 10 nights roaming around had taken its toll on the cat — it returned with a broken leg.

"People say cats always land on their feet," Beaudette said. "She's not like that."

A trip to Vernon's Central Animal Hospital confirmed the break and put Sweetie in a cast. Beaudette is now faced with a $1,800 bill to amputate the leg or cough-up between $3,000 to $5,000 to save the leg.

Beaudette posted on the Vernon & Area Community Facebook page appealing for empty cans in an effort to fundraise enough money to fix Sweetie's leg. She says the response was overwhelming.

"I wasn't expecting such a response," Beaudette said. "It's really cool that this community is coming together and helping (Sweetie)."

Beaudette said within 24 hours she estimated around $500 worth of empties had been donated. Beaudette also set up a Gofundme campaign and Central Animal Hospital arranged for people to call and donate directly with them.

Beaudette said the immediate response left her feeling "every good emotion all in one."

"Because of all the help we're pretty hopeful we're going to get her leg fixed and not have to amputate it," she said.

For information on the Gofundme campaign go here.

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