Stamford Resident Raises Money For Injured Foster Cat As Their Bond Grows

STAMFORD, CT — Bonds between humans and pets can be special, and that's certainly the case for Stamford resident Bryn Murray and her 1-year-old foster cat, Pip.

Murray is raising money through a GoFundMe fundraiser to help pay for testing, imaging and surgical procedures for Pip, a brown tabby who came to Stamford-based animal rescue Friends of Felines in May yowling, limping, and scared, with a severely injured Achilles tendon in his right hind leg.

After two weeks of cage rest proved unhelpful, it was suggested that Pip enter a low-impact foster situation.

Murray, who volunteers with Friends of Felines, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, stepped up.

"I said, 'Well, how about me?'" Murray told Patch this week.

Since then, Pip and Murray have developed a special connection, and a GoFundMe fundraiser has raised over $3,350 as of Friday afternoon. Murray said she has been "overwhelmed" by the support.

After weeks of initial appointments this past summer, a surgeon indicated that amputation was likely the best option for Pip.

Determined to save Pip's leg, Murray sought a second opinion at the Hospital for Veterinary Surgery in Greenwich.

In August, a surgeon there presented treatment options that could restore function to Pip’s leg: reconstructing or grafting the damaged tendon, or stabilizing the ankle through a fusion.

But first, Pip needs a CT scan and an ultrasound to determine the best course of action, which could still include amputation.

"The goal is just whatever is going to give him the best quality of life. It's not about saving a leg, because there are tripod cats who live amazing, beautiful, wonderful lives, but I know I would always ask myself, 'What if?' if I didn't go down this road," Murray said.

Murray noted the imaging is expected to cost around $2,800. The cost of any procedures for Pip is currently unknown, but she plans to update the fundraiser to keep the community informed.

The experience has impacted Murray and taught her valuable lessons.

"You just look into his eyes and you feel connected to him. He's just like a cat I've never met before," Murray said. "He's taught me persistence, he's taught me love, he's taught me connection. He's grateful. He's also taught me to slow down, to be here, and be present. He's taught me a whole lot of good, and he's taught me about the kindness of strangers."

Murray described Pip as a "freak of nature."

"He chirps all day long; he wants to talk to you. He drools when you pet his chin. He wants to be on your body at all times. He loves people, he loves humans, he loves connection. He loves being alive, which I think is just lovely," Murray said, noting Pip has started to develop a bond with her resident cat, Archie.

Fostering a pet usually entails providing a temporary home for animals while they wait for permanent adoption or recovery.

But Pip's forever home could end up being right where he is.

"I'm not sure how I could ever see him go, because I've just fallen in love with him and his soul and his spirit," Murray added. "I'm really leaning towards an adoption. I don't know how I could ever say goodbye to him."

View the GoFundMe fundraiser here.