Hank is a 2 year old American Shorthair in Oakland, CA, who needs $2,000 for Bilateral Femoral Head and Neck Excision.

We've enjoyed the company of cats over 22 years of marriage together. Hank came to us when we were seeking a companion for our pandemic-kitten, Mavis. He was listed as an urgent-needs adoption because his foster, a true angel, needed to move. Upon meeting him, we could tell despite his wary nature, he was also a very lovable guy needing a safe home where he could escape a bad start in life.

Hank's adoption name was "Freeway" because that's where his foster spotted him being discarded from a moving car! X-rays show fractures in his hind legs that have resulted either from injury as a kitten, or a neutering procedure gone wrong. Whatever past trauma, Hank's condition is becoming more complicated and cause him tremendous pain. He tends to be reclusive, defensive, and walks with a limp

With some pain management, Hank is an entirely different cat. He interacts with us and with Mavis, stalks butterflies outside the window, and *loves* gentle pets and belly rubs. He's still cautious of tother people, but finds safety and comfort in our small family. He sleeps with us at night, and wakes us in the morning needing some attention.

Both of us are without permanent jobs due to lay-offs and disability. We're working it as hard as we can with entrepreneurial ventures, but things are pretty tight. The surgery Hank needs was never anticipated and will make a significant impact in our situation.