http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/cat-saved-with-funeral-savings-1-5563065

Ria Oldroyd, 69, of Solomon Road Kessingland, was forced to use money saved for her own funeral to pay for £7,000 in vet bills to save her beloved pet.

Ria was left devastated when she found her two-year-old cat Oscar badly injured after being kicked half to death.

Oscar spent several days at Pakefield Veterinary Surgery where it was revealed his abdomen wall had been ripped and his internal organs damaged.

Ria said: “Emotionally, I’m surprised I haven’t had a stroke, this has put me close to the edge. When I thought I would lose him I was completely heart broken.

“I was in horror that someone in my neighbourhood had hurt him. I couldn’t believe someone could be so cruel.”

The total cost of Oscar’s stay at Pakefield Surgery came to £1,700. But for Ms Oldroyd this was only the beginning.

With a 50pc chance of survival, Oscar was transferred to the Animal Health Trust in New Market

Due to the extensive treatment and medical expertise needed to save Oscar, Ria was handed yet another veterinary bill of £5,180 – totalling to a final debt of £6,880.

Although insured, Ria policy only covered £3,000. This meant she had no other option but to take out £2,000 she had saved for her funeral.

Animal welfare charity the RSPCA emphasised how important it is to insure your pets and not to be afraid to discuss costs with your vet, so they can explore all options for your pet’s treatment.

Dr Caroline Allen, RSPCA London veterinary director said: “This is a really nasty attack but thankfully not common, Oscar the cat received top specialist care and it’s fantastic that he survived.

“We are lucky to have the NHS in the UK but unfortunately there is no equivalent for animals, so it can be quite an unpleasant surprise for people who then have to bare the medical costs for their pets.”

“It is important to note that not all procedures cost thousands of pounds, sometimes a simple course of medication can cost £100 or less, so people shouldn’t be scared to visit the vet.”

Oscar is now recovering at home and despite this ordeal is getting back to his normal self.

Ria said: “I just want to say a big thank you to Pakefield Veterinary surgery and the Animal Health Trust for their care and attitude, they did an amazing job.

“I think more awareness is needed about the price of vet bills because I had been very naïve, but I know my situation wasn’t normal and thus very costly.

This been an emotional journey but I’m glad to say that it has a happy ending.”

Anyone who knows Ria will know that she is the kindest, most caring and generous lady who would do anything for anyone and never asks for help.

I am crowd funding on behalf of my nan, Ria, to raise enough money to help her pay the remaining £2000 in vet bills.

Thank you so much for taking your time to read Ria's story - any donation, no matter how small, will be a huge help.