Barely four weeks old, Smokey arrived at RSPCA’s Lonsdale shelter missing his back left paw and weighing a mere 340 grams.
The brave boy was so tiny and vulnerable. He needed specialised foster care and ongoing treatment to ensure he could live the rest of his life free from pain.
Now named Pippin, this gorgeous tripawd has since grown up to be so happy and healthy in his fur-ever home with adopted owner Lukas – all thanks to the generosity of those who donated to fund his treatment and recovery.
Support for Pippin’s treatment is truly touching
We’ll never know just whether Pippin was born without his paw, or whether he lost it through a nasty accident. With his skin and bone exposed, the baby boy required immediate surgery to have his wound carefully stitched up.
To ensure he could live the rest of his days free from pain and discomfort, Pippin had no choice but to undergo a full leg amputation, too. But at such a small weight, he wouldn’t be ready for this for some weeks to come – and until then needed constant monitoring in specialised foster care.
We were determined to care for Pippin for as long as it took, ensuring his ongoing treatment and rehabilitation went as well as possible.
But as a charity 91% funded by community donations, we needed some help to cover these costs. So we reached out to our supporters.
Incredibly, generous South Australians donated over $1,600 to Pippin’s cause. His amputation was a great success, and he was soon ready to return to the life of someone very special to him.
After growing ‘too attached’ at first sight, Pippin’s original rescuer can’t resist adopting him forever
Pippin was first brought to our Lonsdale shelter by Lukas – a Pooraka resident who found the injured kitten on the streets and knew he needed help.
12 weeks of specialist care and a successful leg amputation later, Pippin was well enough to find a new home. As the one who rescued Pippin in the first place, Lukas was first in line.
“RSPCA contacted me asking if I wanted to adopt him,” Lukas says.
“I wasn’t really looking for a kitten, but was more than excited to welcome him into my home. Pip changed my mind pretty quickly – I felt a bit too attached already!”
Lukas says Pippin has adapted to his missing leg ‘amazingly well’ and is still super speedy when running around.
And it seems only having three legs doesn’t bother Pippin at all – according to Lukas, the beautifully affectionate kitty loves attention and being around lots of people.
A massive thank you to everyone who made Pip’s new life possible
Still in contact with the RSPCA vets, nurses and carers who looked after Pippin when he needed it most, Lukas is eternally grateful.
“These amazing people deserve the support of kind-hearted people who donate, so more animals just like Pip can receive the best care,” says Lukas.
Luckily for Pippin, he had the overwhelming support of so many generous South Australians behind him, and now spends his days chasing toys and napping on ‘whatever soft surface he can find’. It couldn’t be further from the tiny kitten who Lukas found those months ago, scared and alone.
Thank you Lukas, and thank you to all our supporters.
From the bottom of our hearts, we’re so grateful to all our supporters who made Pippin’s new life with Lukas a reality. If you’d like to continue helping animals just like Pippin, head over here to see our current emergency appeals.
