From Taco Bell Parking Lot to a Second Chance: Help Cindy Heal

Cindy never should have been living in a fast-food parking lot. She spent days wandering the Taco Bell parking lot, relying on the kindness of employees who made sure she had food while desperately trying to find her family. They posted about her, knocked on doors, and asked around, hoping someone would come for the sweet grey tabby who happily greeted anyone willing to stop and pet her. But no one ever did.

One of our incredible high school volunteers, who happened to work there, couldn't bear to leave her behind. When nearby businesses and homeowners began complaining about Cindy's presence, he reached out to Bernie's Buddies Rescue and Advocates for help. When we arrived, it quickly became clear that Cindy needed far more than a safe place to sleep.

Her mammary glands were swollen, hard, and painfully hot to the touch. After searching the entire area—including under cars, around dumpsters, through bushes, abandoned homes, and neighboring properties—we found no sign of kittens. Her milk had already dried up, leading us to believe she is suffering from a painful case of mastitis that has gone untreated. She has a veterinary appointment this week to confirm the diagnosis and begin treatment.

Sadly, that's not all. Cindy has patches of missing fur, a painful-looking lesion on her chin, and concerning issues inside her mouth that will also need to be evaluated. Despite everything she's been through, she remains incredibly affectionate, gently leaning into every hand that reaches out to comfort her. It's hard to imagine this loving girl wasn't once someone's cherished indoor companion. Now, we're determined to give Cindy the fresh start she deserves.

Your support will help cover her complete veterinary care, including:

\\\\- Treatment for her suspected mastitis - A full medical examination and diagnostics - Spay surgery - Feline leukemia (FeLV) and FIV testing - Vaccinations - Deworming - Flea prevention - Treatment for her skin and oral conditions

Cindy has already survived being abandoned and trying to fend for herself in a busy parking lot. She shouldn't have to fight through pain alone, too.

Please consider making a donation today. Every gift, no matter the size, helps Bernie's Buddies Rescue and Advocates give Cindy the medical care she urgently needs and the chance to leave her parking lot days behind forever. Thank you for helping this sweet girl trade asphalt and uncertainty for comfort, healing, and the loving home she deserves.

7/14/26 Update: Cinnamon Twist - Cindy had her surgery today!

Cindy was spayed on Tuesday. We discovered that what we initially thought was mastitis ended up being mammary hyperplasia. Cindy did well during her procedure and is currently on cage rest and medications. Her swelling is going down, and she is eating normally. We will continue to monitor her; she has been tested for feline leukemia and FIV, and has been started on vaccines. We can not wait to see her personality come through once she is all healed up. Thank you so much for helping get this sweet girl on the road to recovery.