A Garage Sale, a Mattress, and a Miracle

When Erin brought home Harley—a playful, curious cat she found at a garage sale—she could never have imagined just how much this little feline would come to mean to her. This tiny ball of energy would grow into her greatest source of comfort, joy, and unconditional love. 

Harley June

Full of energy and mischief, Harley had a habit of getting into things she shouldn’t. This time, her curiosity turned dangerous.

What started as fear and uncertainty became a story of hope, healing, and unwavering support.

After chewing through the foam in a mattress, Harley began refusing food. She vomited, stopped using the litter box, and quickly went from energetic to lethargic. Alarmed, Erin rushed her to a local emergency veterinary hospital.

The diagnosis she received there was scary: Harley had a life-threatening intestinal obstruction. The cost? $3,000 just to diagnose—and a staggering $7,000 to $10,000 for surgery. It was more than Erin could afford.

What happened next was a quiet act of compassion. The emergency hospital where Erin and Harley were being seen referred them to Mission Animal Hospital for surgery.

The very next morning, Erin walked through our doors—exhausted from a sleepless night spent monitoring Harley, distraught at the thought of losing her. She later told us:

“From the moment I arrived, the staff was so kind and understanding. I couldn’t even put thoughts together, but they made me feel supported.”

At Mission, we understand that veterinary emergencies don’t just test a pet’s health—they test a family’s heart, resources, and resilience. Our team performed the surgery Harley needed for a fraction of the cost, thanks to our donor support. Her recovery would take time, but her spirit was still intact—and so was Erin’s unshakable love.

Today, Harley is home and healing. Her appetite is back, her energy is returning, and her cone is worn like a badge of honor. She’s back to being her curious self—and her family is breathing easier again.

This is what access to veterinary care looks like. It’s not just surgery. It’s compassion from caregivers, and the simple belief that finances shouldn’t decide a pet’s fate.

Harley’s story is one of many—and only you can help write the next one.

Support our mission today. Every gift helps a family say “yes” to more time, more snuggles, and more love.