Published at 13:09, Friday, 28 August 2009

A MYSTERY benefactor has come forward to help a single mum pay vet bills after her cat was mauled by two dogs.

RECOVERING: Tipsy the cat REF: 0499962

Tipsy the two-year-old cat was left with a leg hanging off, teeth smashed out and damage to her bladder. She has since had to have a back leg amputated.

Tipsy’s owner Amy Darling, 24, says she is totally overwhelmed by the generosity of the Good Samaritan and the cash will be a massive help as a struggling mum.

Tipsy needed a week of veterinary care after being attacked by two lurchers who were roaming free.

Miss Darling, of Bristol Street, Walney, was woken last Saturday by dogs howling and barking. She looked out of the bedroom window to see Tipsy being tossed 12 feet in the air by the dogs.

Miss Darling didn’t think twice about her own safety as she ran into the street to save her beloved pet. She then spent a sleepless night looking after the cat before getting her emergency treatment the next day.

Miss Darling was left extremely upset and her 22-month old twin boys, Harvey and Noah, were at a loss to understand what had happened.

It cost £250 in vets bills – which she got help with from the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals and Animal Welfare -– but was still facing having to pay a £100 for the excess.

After reading about the family’s plight in the Evening Mail this week, a 38-year-old Barrow woman stepped in to pay the rest of the bill.

The animal lover, who wishes to remain anonymous, was upset about what she read and wanted to help.

She said: “I saw the story and thought ‘what a disgrace’, I really felt for her. I’m a real animal lover and a dog owner. I just thought poor woman and poor cat. I just hope they find out who was responsible and have a word with them.

“They shouldn’t have been wandering the streets on their own. Hats off to her for the way she has handled it and stayed up all night looking after the cat.

“I was going to give a donation to an animal charity but when I read this, I decided to pay the outstanding £100 and make a direct difference.”

The benefactor was expected to drop the cash off at Miss Darling’s home yesterday evening.

On hearing the news, Tipsy’s owner was over the moon and couldn’t believe how someone could be so generous.

She said: “I can’t believe it. The bill is only £80 now as Animal Welfare have put forward another £20.

“Tipsy is doing fine now. I have been keeping her in the bedroom away from the kids. She has fallen off the bed a couple of times and is literally still finding her feet but she’s really adapting to having just three legs.

“I can’t thank this woman enough and I’m looking forward to meeting her so I can say it.

Police are still investigating and anyone with information can contact Barrow police station on 0845 330 0247.

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk