Fraser Valley residents have come together to raise money for the medical needs of a young kitten who was found in an Abbotsford ditch after being tossed from a moving vehicle.
More than $1,800 was raised in the last two weeks to help cover the costs of a leg amputation and other medical bills for Rocky, a 10-week-old kitten who is currently being fostered at the home of White Rock resident Jennifer Boisjoli.
Last month, Rocky – named after the title character from Sylvester Stallone’s famous movie franchise – and his brother were found in a ditch in Abbotsford. While his brother did not survive, Rocky was taken to the Abbotsford SPCA for care, where he was diagnosed with a fractured jaw and dislocated front left leg.
The leg won’t heal properly, Boisjoili explained, making amputation necessary.
The kitten is expected to undergo surgery Thursday.
And despite the rough start to his life, Boisjoli – who has fostered more than 70 cats through the Edmonton Humane Society before moving to White Rock this year – said the young feline is playful, happy and a very sociable character.
“He’s adorable, and he’s doing great – we call him ‘Insta-purr.’ He’s learning to get around (with a cast on his leg) but I think he’ll really thrive once it’s gone,” she said. “He is really a special little guy.”
Once his injuries have healed and he has recovered from his surgery, Rocky will be available for adoption – likely later this fall, Boisjoli noted.
While fundraising efforts for Rocky were a success – Boisjoli only found out Monday that the financial target was met – she said the Abbotsford SPCA has dealt with numerous recent instances of animals being tossed from moving vehicles, and further donations to local SPCA branches are always encouraged.