A Second Opinion Kept Lucky and His Pet Parent Together
Natora and Lucky’s Pet Adoption Story
Natora Landers wasn’t planning to adopt a cat when she visited PetSmart for her mother’s dog’s annual checkup. While they waited, her girlfriend suggested looking at the adoptable cats. As soon as Natora turned the corner, she and Lucky locked eyes.
Lucky stood up, walked to the front of his enclosure and began meowing. When Natora reached in to pet him, he rubbed against her hand as if he had already made his decision.
“I was like, ‘Yeah, we’ve got to get him,’” Natora recalled.
Another family had tried to adopt Lucky the day before, but the adoption had fallen through. To Natora, it felt like they were meant to find each other. She completed the adoption process and brought Lucky home that same day.
Low-Cost Veterinary Care Prevented Lucky’s Surrender
Two weeks after his adoption, Lucky began drooling, crying and walking restlessly around the house. Worried that he was in pain, Natora took him to a veterinarian. She was told Lucky had stomatitis and might need all his teeth removed—a procedure estimated to cost nearly $3,000.
Having recently purchased a home, Natora couldn’t afford the surgery. Heartbroken but determined to get Lucky the help he needed, she surrendered him. At the time, she believed it was her only option.
The next day, unable to imagine life without Lucky, Natora returned to reclaim him. A pet resource specialist told her about a low-cost veterinary clinic where a dental procedure would cost no more than $300. Natora scheduled an appointment, and the clinic’s examination revealed that Lucky did not have stomatitis after all.
The news brought immediate relief. Lucky could receive affordable care, and Natora could keep the cat who had chosen her from the moment their eyes met.
“No one should have to surrender their animal,” Natora said. “If we can get resources and communities to come together and make veterinary care affordable, families won’t have to make those tough decisions.”
Donor-supported veterinary resources help remove financial barriers for pet parents. By making care more accessible, these programs give pets like Lucky the treatment they need while keeping them with the families who love them.
