Pretzel, a kitten born in a Hawaii garage in February, has received a second chance at life thanks to surgery to correct her fused and malformed hind legs. The orphaned kitten was taken in by the foster-based animal rescue organization Action 4 Animals, and subsequently placed with foster parent Allie Fishburn.
Initially, Pretzel's two twisted back legs dragged behind her, a condition that became more difficult as she grew and her legs became heavier. Fishburn described how the kitten could still get around despite her disability, but the malformation caused pain.
Action 4 Animals funded approximately $1,500 for Pretzel's leg amputation surgery at a veterinary clinic in Keeau. Fishburn reported that the kitten is improving daily. "She’s moving around. She seems happier than can be now. You can tell, it's like a weight lifted," Fishburn told Hawaii News Now.
Fishburn, who has since decided to adopt Pretzel permanently, explained that the decision was emotional. "I just was kind of like, 'I can't give her away. I just felt it would be too sad. Too heartbreaking,' heartbreaking,'" she said. "I think we're attached to each other. So, it just made sense."
Pretzel's disability was a result of a birth defect. Fishburn continues to provide daily medication and has constructed a ramp to aid the kitten's mobility within the home.
Action 4 Animals President Elaine Partlow highlighted the organization's ongoing need for donations and volunteers to assist animals like Pretzel. "We have constant expenses of course, with just food and medical care. We always say, volunteer, adopt, and donate," Partlow stated. Donations can be made through the organization's website at www.action4animalshawaii.com.
Footage of Pretzel running on Fishburn's property in Pahoa showed her enjoying her new life.
