Found alone as a sick stray kitten in Gallup, New Mexico, Luckie faced a bleak future. She was discovered by kind-hearted locals and brought to Gallup-McKinley County Humane Society where she was named ‘Luckie’ because of her fortunate rescue, despite the alarming condition of her eye and body. Knowing that Luckie needed advanced veterinary care, the humane society reached out to their partner, RezDog, a rescue organization that collaborates with shelters across the Four Corners region and Colorado, for assistance. A veterinarian at RezDog, and colleague of EC Michaels, our executive director, called to ask if Cat Care Society could help Luckie. With our expertise in handling special-needs cats, we immediately agreed to help.
Luckie made the 600-mile journey to our shelter, where we were determined to give her a fighting chance.
During her first exam, we discovered that she had severe conjunctivitis, an ulcer, and a ruptured right eye protruding from its socket. Surgery was her only option to save her life, but it wasn’t going to be that easy.
“A kitten her size is at risk of developing an infection and becoming septic,” explained Dr. Cecily Palamara, Chief Veterinarian at Cat Care Society, who performed the delicate operation. “With pediatric surgery, maintaining body temperature is critical while under anesthesia, and our amazing team worked tirelessly to keep her stable throughout.”
Thanks to our expert care, Luckie’s surgery went smoothly. Stitched up and on medication, she was soon ready for her next step: finding a foster home for rehabilitation before adoption.
That’s where Abbi and her partner, Dylan, came in.
As seasoned fosters, their mission was to help as many animals as they could. When Abbi saw a photo of Luckie in our call for help, she sent it to her partner, Dylan, who agreed, “Of course we have to help her.”
The moment they brought her home, Luckie’s playful spirit shone through.
“She was bouncing off the walls and running wildly,” Abbi recalls. “We tried to encourage her to take it slow with lots of couch time and heated blanket naps.” It didn’t take long for Abbi and Dylan to fall head over heels for Luckie. Once her recovery was complete, she was officially theirs and took on her new name—Stevie.
Now, Stevie spends her days celebrating life with a family that adores her. She recently turned one and enjoys squirrel-watching, playing with her cat sibling, Prince, and soaking up love from her humans. “She’s everything I ever wanted in a cat,” Abbi says. “She meows to be let into the bathroom, greets us when we get home, and cuddles with me every night under the covers. I can’t imagine life without her.”
With a baby on the way for Abbi and Dylan, Stevie has already embraced her new role as a big sister. “She lays on my stomach every day and sleeps beside me at night,” Abbi shares. “I just know she’ll be the best cat a kid could ask for.”
Your Support Helps Cats Find Their Way Home
From the beginning, it wasn’t just luck that allowed Stevie to receive the care she needed. It was the combined efforts of numerous animal lovers like you. Your support allows us to provide critical care for cats who need it most.
When you donate to Cat Care Society, you give cats like Stevie a second chance at life, health, and love. Every contribution gives us the ability to say “yes” to the toughest cases and ensure that no cat is left behind.
Together, we can give more cats the chance to celebrate their first birthdays, find loving homes and live their best lives.
Thank you for your support,
EC Michaels
Executive Director
