A Rescue Story From Animal Welfare League of Queensland

Divine

Here at the Animal Welfare League of Queensland (AWLQ), every animal in our care is precious. However, there are those certain cats, dogs or other companion animals that come through our doors that are extra special. Two such recent animals in our care, which may be the complete opposite of species, share the exact same special need. Daisy the dog and Divine the cat both have no eyes. Daisy and Divine came to AWLQ late last year, both animals presenting with untreatable eye infections from very different causes. Though both the dog and the cat were in poor condition, it was Divine’s situation that was most disturbing.

Divine was rescued off the street by a council animal management officer, who brought her almost lifeless body to the shelter vets with very little hope that she would even survive the journey. The young cat had unsuccessfully given birth and stillborn kittens remained inside her, causing a life-threatening infection. Worse yet, while suffering incapacitated on the sidewalk, ants began to eat at her eyes.

Dehydrated and in excruciating pain, AWLQ vets believed it would be kinder to euthanise the poor feline rather than attempt to treat her numerous injuries. However, at the last minute, something made her treating vet, Dr Carolyn Adams, stop and rethink the decision. “This cat — that was literally on death’s door — began nuzzling my hand as though pleading for human touch,” says Dr Carolyn.

“I decided then that I was going to try to give her a second chance at life. She was seeking affection, so I knew that at one time, this cat had known love. I was going to do everything n my power to make sure she knew love again.” Once Divine was put under anaesthetic, the extent of damage to her eyes was fully apparent and it was decided that both her eyes needed to be removed. As well as this, she needed extensive surgery to treat internal damage from the stillbirth. Thanks to the skill of Dr Carolyn and AWLQ’s shelter vet nurses, Divine came through her operation successfully.

Divine remained under strict veterinary supervision for some weeks at the shelter and eventually transferred to a loving foster carer. After many weeks convalescing, we are extremely happy to report that Divine was adopted by a wonderful lady, who loves and cherishes her new companion. By far, this is the best outcome AWLQ could have imagined.

For more information on the Animal Welfare League of Queensland, visit awlqld.com.au.