Little Lloyd, a resilient feline with a grey tuxedo coat, faced a challenging journey towards recovery after suffering a severe injury to the femur in his left hind leg. Discovered by residents in the Fairview, Pearl, and Lloyd area, he was observed limping and struggling in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Lisa Dunbar, a compassionate foster caregiver, took on the responsibility of providing a safe haven for Little Lloyd after he was brought in by Pet Save and received a thorough examination by a veterinarian. Describing the extent of the injury, Dunbar stated, “The femur in his left hind leg was completely severed. I don’t know how he was surviving. Poor kiddo. He’s only a little over a year, they say.”
Despite the initial challenges in befriending the injured feline, the community rallied together to rescue Little Lloyd. Residents in the area, with the assistance of local rescue experts like Jill Pessot of Pet Save and Mary-Anne Stonehouse of Whiskers, collaborated to devise a plan. Kathleen Reed, a cat-loving resident, provided a trap that had proven effective in rescuing strays.
After days of strategically placing food to gain Little Lloyd’s trust, the trap was successfully set on the evening of Jan. 11, just before a harsh cold spell. Debbie Wilmott, an experienced cat trapper, generously agreed to host Little Lloyd overnight to assess his condition and determine the best course of action. Despite concerns about a bony back and the injured leg, Little Lloyd displayed a calm demeanor and allowed Wilmott to pet him.
The following day, Little Lloyd was delivered to the Pet Save shelter in Lively, a facility known for its commitment to animals in need. However, the vet visit brought additional challenges to light—Little Lloyd tested positive for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), often acquired through bite wounds. Although FIV compromises a cat’s immune system, it does not equate to a death sentence.
Addressing misconceptions surrounding FIV, Dunbar emphasized, “There are a lot of myths and stigma around the disease. A lot of people have no idea what it is. They think AIDS, so it scares them.” Contrary to outdated beliefs, recent research suggests that FIV-positive cats can lead fulfilling lives comparable to their FIV-negative counterparts.
Pet Save faced a crucial decision regarding Little Lloyd’s leg injury—whether to opt for a full surgical repair, considering the risks associated with anesthesia and infection, or to amputate the leg, reducing potential complications. The cost of the surgery was estimated at close to $4,000, adding another layer of complexity to the decision-making process.
Providing a much-awaited update on Little Lloyd’s fate, Pet Save director Jill Pessot revealed, “He had the surgery, and they managed to save the leg. So far, so good.” Little Lloyd’s story stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration and the resilience of feline companions when given a chance at rehabilitation and a brighter future.
