Apollo, a one-year-old ginger cat, has seen the worst and the greatest in his short time here. Apollo was hit by a car two weeks before Christmas, and things went from bad to worse. Apollo, who had a fractured jaw and leg, required assistance, but he was on his own. Apollo limped and crawled his way into Fallon Phillips’ Danville, Virginia, yard and onto the front porch thanks to the strong will of felines.
When Apollo met Fallon, he was still in the midst of his worst moments, but his finest times began to take root. And things only got better when Jennifer Miller established a GoFundMe to help cover the costs of the costly surgery that the lovely feline needs.
When Fallon’s dogs began barking, she was taken aback by the results of the investigation into their commotion.
Fallon told the Danville Register & Bee, “I heard a’meow.'”
“I saw that pathetic little orange cat simply stumbling along. He started rubbing on my leg as I walked out onto the porch,” Fallon said.
After realizing the seriousness of Apollo’s injury, Fallon began making phone calls. She contacted local veterinarians, only to discover that Apollo’s needs were beyond her means. Fallon was able to contact Jennifer Miller thanks to a phone call she made to a neighbor.
After Fallon agreed to adopt Apollo, Jennifer established a GoFundMe to raise money for the operation the brave feline required.
“They cleansed him and tested him for infections,” Fallon said of Apollo’s visit to Cherrystone Veterinary Hospital in Chatham, “and they updated his vaccines, gave him his rabies shot, gave him medicines, and healed his wounds.”
Cherrystone, on the other hand, was unable to do the surgery on his leg since it needed the installation of plates and screws.
Dr. Al Henry of Lynchburg’s Peaks View Animal Hospital performed the complicated surgery on Apollo on Christmas Eve. He also spayed and neutered the tomcat.
“In his left leg, he had a plate with six screws and a pin.” Henry gave me a substantial discount, which was incredible. He was truly fantastic.”
Normally, such an operation costs roughly $3,500, but thanks to Dr. Henry’s reduction, the total cost was only $2,669. Donors had kindly given a little more than $2,000 at the time, leaving Fallon with a debt of roughly $600. Jennifer, moved by the generosity, came to the rescue and provided the remaining funds.
Apollo is now in his forever home with mom Fallon and dog siblings Juno and Luna, also Shih Tzu/Yorkie mixes, where he is happy and recuperating. Fallon claims that the dogs and Apollo immediately get along and that her new cat “purrs and purrs.” He’s already decided that his mother’s cushion is ideal for snoozing and recovering.
“He still has a ways to go to acquire full mobility back with that limb but thanks to the love and generosity of ALL OF YOU, he is well on his way!” Jennifer said on the GoFundMe page. I’ll never be able to express my gratitude to this cat-loving community!”
Apollo’s GoFundMe soon received enough money to afford any additional treatment and more as word of the courageous cat spread. Jennifer added that any remaining monies would be donated to shelter cats in need of medical attention. Jennifer closed the page to donations once the target was fulfilled. “We have decided to reopen donations to construct the ‘Apollo’s Mission’ fund,” Jennifer declared after the outpouring of support from cat lovers around the country.
“Again, there are no words to adequately express our gratitude!” Here’s to assisting a lot of worthy kitties!”
Apollo is now on his way to living his finest life in the arms of a loving family. Plus, knowing that cats in need will be helped in his honor, this feline may slumber soundly on his mother’s pillow. Apollo, We wish you good health!
Watch his full touching story here:
