Benji the kitten, who only one week ago was fighting for his life at an emergency clinic has sadly passed away at his home overnight on Wednesday 5 November.
Jess Mead, Benji’s owner who adopted him on 22 October said that the two month old kitten “lost his fight to stay” despite the impression that he was slowly recovering.
Just the week before, Mead, who’s a single mother and relies on a pension, had made online pleas for donations to help with Benji’s $5000 vet bill after he presented at an emergency clinic in a ‘collapsed and comatose state’ with ‘respiratory distress and hypothermia’.
Significant measures were taken to save Benji, including a blood transfusion from another cat named Teddy in Sunshine, who travelled to Casey after a social media call out for Benji’s blood type. He also needed an IV, oxygen mask and numerous medications.
Following a “miscommunication” Mead was under the impression her insurance would cover the costs but due to a 30-day waiting period of her pet insurance policy this was not the case.
After numerous exchanges with those involved, a resolution was met with the insurer and vet clinic.
Wherein according to Mead, the insurance covered $800 of the bill out of “good will”.
And just yesterday, with Mead’s efforts of crowdfunding on GoFundMe along with help from the vet staff, they were able to close the balance.
Now, Mead says that a Cheltenham-based pet charity will be covering the over $200 associated costs involved in losing a pet, including collection and cremation.
Despite the account closure at the vets, Mead says she’s hoping extra donations from the GoFundMe will help her with the gap payment she had to fork out through a loan during the original emergency visit.
As well as help her with a memorial piece.
“We are beyond upset and hurt from losing our baby miracle,” said Mead
“Hopefully the GoFundMe gets enough to cover a memorial piece for him.”
