Hi. I’m a lamb chop – ha ha… I mean… my name is Lamb Chop, and I’m a baby kitten. I’m really tiny – less than 14 ounces and I’m about eight weeks old. With only eight weeks under my belt, you wouldn’t think that would be enough time for stuff to go wrong. Well, it is – and it has.
I’m suffering from severe pectus excavatum. That’s a Latin term that means “hollowed chest.” My little chest is totally flat and pushed into my body making it really hard for me to breathe. My chest is pushing up against my lungs and I keep gasping for air. Most of the time, I have to be in an oxygen tank where I’m surrounded by fresh, clean, cool air, and I can only come out for quick hug and kiss sessions. Those are my favorite!
Because of my chest problem, I was also experiencing crashing hypothermia. That means that my temperature dropped below what I need it to be for healthy and normal metabolism and bodily functions. I’m underweight, dehydrated and smaller than I should be. I don’t even know how I got like this. I’m just a baby after all. I could’ve been born deformed or I could have experienced trauma, but no one really knows.
Because of the pectus, I have to get an operation! If they don’t fix my collapsed chest, I’ll suffocate and die. In fact, this is such a serious matter, that the surgery has to be done right away. By the time you read this, I’ll probably be in the hospital.
But all this bad news is ok, because every cloud has a silver lining – and this one does too! I’m at North Shore Animal League America. They are the biggest no-kill rescue and adoption shelter in the whole wide world, and they picked me to save! Look at all they have planned for me: Right now, I’m getting constant love and care, I stay in a special oxygen stall, I’m gonna get a life-saving surgery, a warm, safe place to heal and then last but certainly not least – when it’s all over, I’m going to get a home of my very own! Someone is going to be my person, and I’m going to be someone’s kitty.
You know, I’m not alone. There are many caring people here making sure that I’m as comfortable as can be – AND – there are a lot of other animals here. I see dogs, cats, puppies and kittens like me with all sorts of different health conditions. We’re all getting the best treatment and care possible in a vital program called Help Me Heal. And I’m a proud member.
Thanks to you, we’re alive. That’s amazing! I’m gonna be ok. In fact, I’m gonna be great... because of you. Keep up the great work, and I’ll see you after my operation!
516.883.7575