Snow White…A Real-Life Fairy Tale
Once upon a time, in a town called Hopkinton, a pretty kitty found herself in need of rescuing. On her quest for a happy ending, she held true the belief that indeed, fairy tales do come true…
A damsel in distress roaming the streets, this beautiful cat was saved by Hopkinton Animal Control and the Hopkinton Police Department, who understood the urgency of securing shelter for this special feline before temperatures dipped below freezing. Knowing they could rely on Baypath, the municipal staff brought their newfound furry friend to our facility, where staff unanimously voted on the name ‘Snow White’ in honor of her ‘fleece as white as snow!’
During Snow White’s initial exam, Shelter Veterinarian Andrea Moolenbeek heard a heart murmur, subsequently ordering blood work and an echocardiogram. The cardiologist discovered the two-year-old kitty had heart disease; specifically hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). According to VCA Animal Hospitals, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy typically shows up in older cats but can be seen in kittens as young as four months.
While residing at the shelter, Snow White truly lived up to her newly acquired princess name, preferring to be the only feline in the room. Cat Programs Coordinator Katie Farrell, knowing from experience that cats with medical concerns and temperamental ‘purrsonalities’ may have longer stays at the shelter, actively began searching for a quiet foster placement.
Dedicated cat foster and volunteer Elizabeth Horwitz often found Snow White off by herself when she came in for her regularly scheduled shifts. It didn’t take long before Elizabeth fell for the playful and talkative beauty, who enthusiastically soaked up the one-on-one attention. Elizabeth decided to foster Snow White, offering her the individualized attention and quiet space she needed to thrive.
Not only did Snow White relax and become the queen of Elizabeth’s home, she also unexpectedly began to show off her youthful energy – and watchful eye! Elizabeth explains:
“Our previous fosters were usually seniors, so we weren’t used to one climbing up on every surface, but it was great to see Snow White enjoy her new spacious environment. There were many times when I came home from work and would find Snow White there on the windowsill, welcoming me home.”
After six wonderful weeks in Elizabeth’s foster home, Snow White was adopted by a caring family undeterred by her medical concerns. According to her adopters, having an imperfect heart hasn’t slowed her down one bit! They say their new addition loves her favorite fox wand toy and is “quite playful, very talkative, and likes to sit in the window watching all the nature outside.”
Snow White at home
While Snow White’s story aptly highlights the ‘happily ever afters’ Baypath facilitates each and every day, it also underscores the importance of regular veterinary care and early detection for chronic conditions such as HCM. Because Snow White’s heart disease was caught early and a plan for continued care was established, she has a long and healthy life ahead – in a castle all her own!
