Hope for recovery in the aftermath of destruction
On a night unlike any other, a vehicle crashed into the family home of a sweet tabby named Rhea—and her world was instantly turned upside down.
The impact destroyed multiple rooms and unleashed a dangerous gas leak. Despite the chaos, two of the family’s three cats were rescued right away. The owners frantically searched for their third cat, named Rhea, but she was nowhere to be found.
Sixteen agonizing hours later, her heartbroken owner climbed through a shattered window to find Rhea pinned between a demolished bunk bed and the wall. She was unable to walk, and gas fumes emanated from her fur.
Rhea’s owner rushed her to Four Seasons Veterinary Specialists in Loveland, Colorado. Radiographs revealed that her pelvis was fractured in three places. After receiving medication for agonizing pain, the team gently bathed her to remove gas contaminants.
Surgery was Rhea’s best hope, but the cost was more than her family could manage in the wake of destruction to their home. Thankfully, the challenge didn’t stop her quick-thinking veterinarian. Thanks to the compassion of Dr. Claire Tucker and the support of the AVMF REACH™ Program, Rhea received the critical care she needed without delay. She was then able to return to her family for the love and comfort that helped her heal.
The REACH program exists to break down barriers to immediate veterinary care by offering grants to any of the more than 108,000 AVMA member veterinarians across the nation, increasing assistance to the most vulnerable. This program empowers AVMF to bring our “Helping veterinarians help animals” motto to fruition on a much greater national and regional scale, potentially assisting thousands more every year.
Together, we can REACH more animals in need
Every day, beloved pets like Rhea face urgent medical challenges, and your support can make all the difference. Your donations turn heartbreak into healing—keeping pets and families together.
This program is supported in part by PURINA through the ProPlan Veterinary Support Mission.