Community generosity recognises special bond

MURRAY WILSON

THANKS: The Emery family is grateful for donations that saved their special kitten. Ari Emery with four-year-old twin daughters Parearau, who has cerebral palsy, and Meretuahiahi.

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Generous locals have given Pango the cat an extra life, making a little girl with cerebral palsy very happy.

The Emery family returned from a Taranaki holiday early after hearing one-year-old Pango suffered a suspected dog bite on his hind-leg.

Pango was rushed to the vet, but the family could not afford an $1800 surgery bill. Vet clinics would not allow weekly payments.

Normally Ari Emery would have had the cat put down, but Pango has a special attachment to her four-year-old twin daughters – especially Parearau who has cerebral palsy. Doctors said Parearau would never walk or talk, but when Pango was adopted 10 months ago she began forming words and walking with support, Mrs Emery said.

"He's brought so much joy into our house, he's a special cat. He doesn't run away with her. He just loves attention and knows he can get it from her – he cuddles up with her."

Mrs Emery asked the SPCA for help, but was given an ultimatum – pay for the surgery or the kitten would be put down the next day.

Mrs Emery went home believing it was the family's final night with Pango. But as a last hope, she called mayor Jono Naylor to ask about weekly payments. Because the cat had made a huge impact on Parearau, he called local businesses and Christian Community Church, who donated $1600, Mr Naylor said.

Pango underwent surgery on Wednesday to repair a joint dislocation and severe ligament damage.

City Vets veterinarian Susan Tomlin said Pango may suffer arthritis, but otherwise the prognosis was good.

Mrs Emery wanted to thank everyone who helped.

"It's been overwhelming. I can't believe that there's so many people out there that do care."

The SPCA advises pet owners to get animal insurance to cover unexpected vet bills.

Animal welfare inspector Danny Auger said an animal's welfare was their first priority. "If they can't afford the vet clinic ... we would meet the cost of euthanasia so at least the cat isn't in pain."

- © Fairfax NZ News