Campaign Details
Solomon's Story
Solomon was born in downtown Martinsburg, West Virginia, where there is an enormous stray and feral cat population. Solo's momma was a stray who was taken in by a well-meaning woman to have her kittens. Sadly, only Solo survived. As he grew up, he developed pododermatitis, an autoimmune disease that causes the paw pads to swell and become painful. Usually this can be managed with medication, but unfortunately Solomon's caretaker was struggling herself, which prevented her from seeking any vet care for Solomon over his 10+ years.
Operation Press Paws meets Solomon
Operation Press Paws first met Solomon's owner while doing TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) for feral cats on his block. Once we heard Solomon's story, we immediately wanted to help. At first, we thought that providing medication would be enough to help Solo. Then, volunteers visited him for the first time. We were shocked and heartbroken by the condition he was in. Without treatment, all four of his paws have become raw and ulcerated, with large amounts of tissue protruding from inside the paw pads. They split and bleed badly, and he can’t walk on them. He can barely even stand. He cannot use a litter box. He has had to keep his paws folded up underneath him, upside down, in an attempt to keep the pressure off them. His chest was crusted with dried blood from resting against his wounded paws. Seeing him like that, there were tears on our cheeks and no question what we had to do. We immediately took Solomon to the vet hospital, where he was triaged and started treatment.
Solomon's Surgery
While at the vet, Solomon was anemic from blood loss due to his bleeding feet and a serious flea infestation. His bloodwork revealed that he is also diabetic. Diabetic kitties should not be given steroids if at all possible, which makes treating Solo's paws extra challenging. Solo is currently in boarding at the vet, where he is receiving insulin, undergoing laser therapy, and having his bandages changed daily. He will need a lot of care to get healthy. Because his paws are in such bad shape, they won't be able to heal on their own. We are raising money for surgery to remove the damaged tissue on his feet, which we can't afford, but would give Solo the best chance at the pain-free retirement he desperately deserves after years of suffering. During surgery, the surgeon excises the damaged, protruding tissue and sutures the paw pads closed. When they heal, they are back to the soft pink pillows we expect to see on our kitties.
Saving Solomon
A wonderful sanctuary has promised Solomon a spot when he is ready to be released from the vet hospital. We are so excited and thankful that he will be well-cared for and loved for the rest of his life. In the meantime, the sanctuary is generously partnering up with us to help cover the costs of Solomon's medical care. Together, we are fundraising with a goal of $2000, which the vet estimates will pay for Solo's daily care, insulin, laser therapy, and surgery. Despite his suffering, Solo is incredibly friendly and just wants to be loved. He will stand on his bleeding feet to ask you to pet him. Please help us help Solomon by sharing and making a donation to his surgery fund. We thank you very much on his behalf!
Operation Press Paws, Inc.
About the Organization
Operation Press Paws is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that aims to curb the homeless cat population in the Martinsburg, WV area through TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return). TNR includes trapping, spaying/neutering, & providing vet care before returning the cats to the neighborhood (if feral) or adopting them to loving homes.
Martinsburg, WV 25404
UNITED STATES
EIN: 83-1277392