pets count too!
A unique program offering pet care assistance to low income VVCC Clients
Verde Valley Caregivers Coalition helps to save Lacy's life.
VVCC's 89-year-old client, Al V, a life-long artist, tells us about his very special cat, Lacy.
“I met Lacy when she was about six months old. My friend had fostered her from a shelter after learning she was on the kill list for the following day! She was apparently not injured but she was in shock, wouldn't eat and she had 4 babies at her breast she could not nurse. The moment this beautiful cat's eyes met mine, I was in love! Sadly, her babies did not survive, but my friend saved Lacy's life, and I adopted her. She is very smart, strong and lively. Even at age 21, she often still runs, jumps and plays like a kitten. She is my constant companion.”
Al says Lacy walks on a leash, rides in the car and even loves to go shopping (where pets are allowed.) “I never allow her to roam free outside due to so many environmental dangers, like coyotes,” he adds.
“About 2 years ago, Lacy became suddenly very ill. The vet thought she was near death, due to her advanced age. However, my friend discovered that Lacy was consuming her litter! We learned that some cats do develop a habit of ingesting clay litter. Who knew? This habit was killing my Lacy!
“Thanks to Verde Valley Caregivers’ Pet Assistance Program, I was able to obtain the blood tests required to monitor her recovery. After we replaced her litter with natural wood bedding material and gave her some IV liquids, all of the clay passed from her gut and she quickly recovered.
“Thank you VVCC for helping me save my precious Lacy's life!”
Lacy rides on Al V's walker in her carcoat.
“Over the years my dog’s health has deteriorated and so has mine,” said a VVCC neighbor. “I’ve worried about how to care for him because my own situation has changed both financially and medically. Caregivers has stepped in and helped with his medical bills and dental surgeries which have given us more time together.”
