When Ming, a small black-and-white kitten, arrived from one of our local partner shelters, he faced a life-threatening challenge. He had "pectus excavatum" – a congenital chest deformity that made it hard for him to breathe. Without surgery, Ming’s chances of growing into a healthy, active cat were slim.

Ming underwent a delicate corrective surgery that involved placing an external splint over his chest to help reshape the structure as he healed. After surgery, Ming was fostered by a faculty member to ensure his recovery went smoothly. For three weeks, he wore his splint with patience, never letting it dampen his sweet, playful spirit. He quickly made himself at home – purring, snuggling and stealing hearts.

At his recheck appointment, Ming’s X-rays showed the repair had been successful. He could breathe normally, play freely, and live the full life he was always meant to. Ming returned to his shelter and was soon adopted by a loving family.

Besides saving his life, Ming’s surgery offered an incredible opportunity for our shelter medicine intern to gain hands-on experience with a case they may not otherwise encounter so early in their career.

Your support makes all this possible – from life-saving surgeries to the mentorship that shapes the next generation of veterinary professionals.

Thanks to you, Ming can breathe easy – and the next kitten with a complicated diagnosis won’t have to face it alone.