By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS and DAVID SCHOUT
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HAVING nine lives can prove expensive, and Doveton cat Mischief is in the midst of a series of expensive operations, way outside her owner’s threadbare budget.
Owner Andrea Shiozaki called on Pet Medical Crisis Fund, a Melbourne-based charity, to help pay for the 16-year-old tabby’s dental treatment, costing $1000. Next is the removal of a benign tumour from Mischief’s ear – a $1700 procedure.
Being bankrupt, Ms Shiozaki was unable to borrow money. The charity’s $500 intervention was life-saving, she said.
“It was the first time I’ve asked for help. Mischief has kidney disease and really bad breath. She had to have her teeth operated on, otherwise her kidneys would fail. She’s a tough old boot – a miracle.”
She said she didn’t expect the charity to help with the second operation.
The charity’s founder Jennifer Hunt created the fund after her vet wanted to put down her dog Jed because of the prohibitive costs of surgery.
“I thought ‘how can I do that?’ Most pet owners can’t pay for surgery owing to the costs involved, but often [surgery] is just a one-off payment, and they just need some money to get them over the line.
“It’s very well known that vet costs can be quite expensive. I would recommend that everyone gets private insurance, but also recognise this isn’t possible for everyone.”
She said vets were known to drop their price for struggling families. “The fund usually assists anyone with a pension card.”
To make a donation or for information, go to petmedicalcrisifund.com.au. To help Andrea Shiozaki, call 0425 712 753.
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