The year 2019 challenged Karen, a compassionate lady who, though disabled, still lives on her family farm in Southwest Idaho. A stray kitty showed up one day, then presented Karen with four kittens 3 days later. Shortly after the kittens were weaned, the mother, whom Karen had named Sugar, died suddenly. Karen’s post on social media about the tragic loss and also the lack of funds to spay and neuter the kittens caught the eye of Lianne, our Tomodachi Foundation rep, who promptly contacted her and paid to have the kittens altered through Spay Neuter Idaho Pets (SNIP)–a non-profit that gives discounts to people in these situations. Karen kindly kept the 3 females and 1 boy, remarking that the little girl tabby looks and acts just like the mom.
Along with the pain of losing her dad, Karen still carries the sorrow she felt when, because her income had been halved thanks to her disability, she hadn’t been able to give her sick dog the expensive veterinary care needed and she died while hospitalized. So this summer, when Karen’s other dog named Duchess was diagnosed with kidney failure, the horrible feeling returned. Lianne reached out to Karen once again, and Tomodachi Foundation paid for treatments to keep Duchess comfortable, giving Karen the gift of time to say goodbye. Karen said, “There’s something about knowing there’s help, that I’m not alone. I am so grateful.”
Karen’s Kittens & Duchess the Dog
