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A Heartbreaking Rescue: Joan

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Joan, a stray cat found collapsed in an alley on a 35-degree day

We recently embarked on a rescue mission that, sadly, ended in heartbreak. Two days ago, we received a report of a cat lying in a small alley in one of Taipei’s satellite cities. The cat, who we later named Joan, was not moving, barely breathing, and trying to meow. It was midday, and the temperature had reached a sweltering 35 degrees centigrade.

The report we received of a cat collapsed in an alley

Finding Joan

Our rescuer arrived on the scene an hour later but initially couldn’t find Joan. Refusing to give up, he searched every nook and cranny in the area. Eventually, he discovered her lying in the shade under an air-conditioning fan, looking near death. Joan tried to run but was too weak. Our rescuer easily caught her and rushed her to our vet, A-New Veterinary Hospital in Shilin, Taipei.

Finding Joan under an air-conditioning fan

Joan’s Struggle

Later that day, the vet called to inform us that Joan was in critical condition. She was severely dehydrated, suffering from kidney failure, and battling a serious infection. The vet asked if we wanted to perform CPR should she need it, and we, of course, agreed. The next day, around noon, we received the devastating news that Joan had passed away. She had been struggling to breathe, likely due to pneumonia, and the vet explained that CPR would not be effective for a cat with such severe respiratory issues.

Gratitude and Hope

Though we are deeply saddened by Joan’s passing, we are grateful that, as an animal-rescue charity, we were able to give her the best possible chance at survival. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to those who have already donated to support our efforts. In honour of Joan, we hope that others will consider donating as well. Your contributions help us cover emergency vet bills and enable us to continue assisting suffering strays who rely on us for rescue and emergency veterinary treatment.

We’re so sorry we only found you when it was too late, Joan. Rest in peace, little girl.

Help us reach the next one

StrayKind runs a 24-hour rescue line, three no-kill sanctuaries and the veterinary care that goes with them. All of it is paid for by donations.

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