At Tri-County Humane Society, we know it’s crucial to rely on our friends. We also know that great support can come from unexpected helpers!
A 2-year-old cat we called Junipurr arrived at TCHS in early February with a severe ulceration/wound on her right eye. While we don’t know how the injury happened, Junipurr had spent a lot of time outside. Unfortunately, the wound was so deep, Junipurr’s eyeball had perforated, and fluid was leaking out of her eye. This painful condition can lead to severe infections that make eye removal a necessity.
Our medical team started an intensive healing program for Junipurr, which included oral pain medications, eye drop antibiotics, and even a special treatment from an unlikely source.
Enter Beau, a Black Lab mix who was under anesthesia for his neuter surgery on a day our team also was working on Junipurr. Beau the patient became Beau the blood donor!

After collecting Beau’s blood, TCHS medical staff carefully separated the liquid portion of the blood (serum) from the blood cells. The serum was made into eye drops that were applied to Junipurr’s eye in addition to all her medications. Because the serum was being applied topically rather than injected, it was safe to use blood from a dog for this lucky cat’s eye.
Junipurr was placed in a foster home while her eye injury healed. The residual hazing on her eye didn’t slow her down and her foster family reported Junipurr to be a confident, cuddly cat. This success story has a happy ending, too. She returned to the shelter and was adopted a couple of weeks ago!

TCHS’ dedicated medical team, the caring foster home, and the sweet dog Beau all played roles in saving Junipurr’s eye. 

Now YOU have a chance to help Junipurr and the next animal who will need us!

We’re asking for $1,000 to cover Junipurr’s care. That will help pay for the costs associated with her medications, treatments, spay surgery, her 11-day stay at TCHS, and her 24-day stay in her foster home. While a doggie blood donor isn’t common at TCHS, animals needing above-and-beyond care is! Thank you for helping us help them.
 

For the animals,

Marit Ortega
Executive Director
give@tricountyhumanesociety.org
320-252-0896