Thread by @SoftSide1

It’s #BettyWhiteChallenge Day, and people all over are coming together to donate $5 to shelters/rescues in Betty White’s name, on what would’ve been her 100th birthday.

And we want to tell you a story. It’s a story about street cat Freddie, and the elderly man who loves her. 1/

... Freddie’s one of a group of cats being cared for by Mr. —, an 82 year old gentleman who’s on a fixed income and doesn’t drive.

She hadn’t eaten in three days, and he was besides himself with worry, staying up all night heating pads in his microwave to try to keep her... 2/

... outdoor shelter warm, hoping it could maybe help.

One of our local angels heard & reached out to our Street Kitty Medical Fund for them. And if they were technically outside the area we cover? 🤫

Because that’s what the Fund is for. (See showyoursoftside.org/the-job-i-hate…). So... 3/

... that day, Freddie was taken to the vet ER & treated for a serious respiratory infection. They weren’t sure how much longer she would have lasted in 20° weather. Without Mr —, she wouldn’t have had a chance at all.

The final bill was $705.55. It was worth every penny... 4/

... especially when we got this message:

“I have to thank you all one more time for helping us save Freddie. We are happy to report that Freddie is feeling better already and adapting well to being an indoor kitty. The elderly gentleman who was caring for her outside...” 5/

“... called me sobbing with gratitude.  Made me cry! He truly loves this cat and was devastated to watch her decline and feel powerless to help her. This was definitely a twofer.” 🧡

That’s why we do this. It can be tough, but we wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world... 6/

... This year, we estimate the cost of the Street Kitty Fund will hit $10,000. If you can, we’d be very grateful if you’d consider donating just $5 for the #BettyWhiteChallenge to help cats like Freddie (shown here on the way to the ER)... 7/

... and Mario, who spent months living on the streets with a collar embedded in his neck 💔 and is now thankfully on the mend... 8/

... and sweet kitty Marshmellow, who had tumors removed from both ears this week and is in the loving care of one of our wonderful board members... 9/

... & so many more, like the litter of kittens who, we later found out, had been eating rocks to try and survive.

So if you can, please donate: showyoursoftside.org/donate/ or spread the word for #BettyWhite Challenge Day. All gifts matched up to $1000 by a generous supporter!... 10/

... and let us just say, to all our wonderful supporters, on behalf of all the animals we’ve helped...

Thank you for being a friend 🧡
#BettyWhiteChallenge 11/

Btw, we made a typo - We WISH the cost of the Street Kitty Fund will be 10,000 this year! (The actual figure: $100,000.)

It’s a big number, but for the street kitties & caretakers who depend on us, it means everything.

Donate: showyoursoftside.org/donate/! 🐾

#BettyWhiteChallenge

https://twitter.com/softside1/status/1483121338650873856