SASKATOON — Volunteer-run organizations and recently teamed up to help Seraphina, a medically fragile cat, complete a two-day journey from Oshawa, Ont., to the prairie city for specialized treatment.
Seraphina is a Sphynx, one of three cat breeds that helps, along with Devon and Cornish Rex, who suffer from delicate health issues. PSR, established in 2010, also accepts treating Lykoi, as it is a related breed.
PSR Director Denise Chauvin said Seraphina suffers from a chronic condition, feline inflammatory bowel disease, which has no known cure, and she has undergone numerous tests, has been on many medications and special foods with no success.
She added that IBD can be a complicated disease to diagnose and manage, but PSR had success in the past when it comes to treating cats with the chronic condition, which is why they agreed to take Seraphina in.
"Seraphina is doing much better, but has a long road ahead. With IBS treatment, it's a trial-and-error process. What works for one cat may not work for another,” said Chauvin, who has helped Sphynx, a rare breed of cat.
“She’s not out of the woods yet, but we’re already seeing a real improvement. We couldn’t have helped her without this transport. We are hopeful we will find just the right mix of medication, diet and other therapeutic supplements to help her live a long life.”
Early this month, Seraphina was transported to Saskatoon, made possible by the numerous donors and volunteers to, after her treatment was not available in Oshawa. Seraphina’s incredible story coincides with National Adopt a Cat Month, highlighting how Canadians help save animals across the country.
“Helping Seraphina get to the care she needs using my passion for aviation and animal rescue was incredibly rewarding. It’s amazing what can happen when people across the country come together for an animal in need,” said CWoR volunteer pilot Jeff, who flew Seraphina from Ontario to Saskatchewan.
Chauvin added that PSR has become a gem within the Saskatoon community, supporting cats nationwide.
"When I started Prairies Sphynx Rescue in 2010, it was the only rescue in Canada specializing in Sphynx. We've taken in cats from as far away as Newfoundland and B.C,” she said.
CWoR is also a 100 per cent volunteer-run, registered charity dedicated to transporting animals within Canada. We work with Canadian animal rescue groups, shelters, and wildlife rehabilitation centres to help arrange free, short flights via our network of volunteer pilots.
One reason CWoR was founded 12 years ago is to help ensure that animals receive the medical care they need, regardless of their location in Canada.
