As the year draws to a close, we wanted to let you know about a special animal we have had the fortune to take in. On Oct 16th, Animal Outreach received a call from a local resident saying there was a cat outside their house who looked to be in trouble. The volunteer handling this call checked to see if any foster homes were available, but as is often the case, none were. But they kept trying until they finally reached a foster who had a spare bedroom who agreed to take on this cat.

When the volunteer came to pick up this cat, she found a very skinny, scratched up kitty who looked very old, and had a very infected paw. When she took him to the vet, they determined the paw had been damaged extensively, and a treatment was started to see if it would heal. At this point, our foster mom started to see that this cat was very sweet, and even though he was in considerable pain, he sat in her lap and rubbed his head all over her face. She named him Leonard, because it means "Lion-heart". Over the next week, "Lenny" ate and drank a lot (gaining over a pound), and became more at home.

The next month was filled with numerous visits to the vet, lots of extra care given by the foster mom, and the ultimate diagnosis that Lenny had an incurable foot disease called Plasma Cell Pododermatitis (also known as Pillow-Foot). However, things were looking up for Leonard. Even though he had an incurable (but treatable) disease, he can expect to live many more years. He has a foster home to care for him until he is able to find a forever home, however long it takes.

At Animal Outreach, we have great hope that someone will see that Leonard is a beautiful cat inside and out and will decide to make Leonard a permanent part of their family. Leonard's future treatment is not certain right now; he may need medication intermittently or constantly for the rest of his life. But Leonard's brave, loving, grateful spirit will make it worth it for his new owners.

So that is Lenny's story, and most importantly, it's one you have had a part in helping make happen. Whether you've adopted from us, fostered for us, bought something from us on EBAY, attended one of our fundraising events or nail trims, or have volunteered for us, without you, this story is ultimately not possible.

While most of the animals we help will not incur the veterinary bills Lenny has, Animal Outreach does its best to keep its commitment to the animals that come into our care to provide them with the best possible future we can give them. We rely on people to help, and hope if you're reading this with a smile you can help us defray the costs of rescuing Leonard and other homeless animals. Can you please help us? Even a few dollars will help; it all adds up when many people work together.

Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a joyous New Year. Thank you so much from all of us and from Leonard!

Click Here to see a full photo gallery of Lenny.