Cat lover Betsy Boyd recently made headlines after she paid $19,000 to save her beloved, 17-year-old cat.
Betsy first became Stanley’s mom back when the senior kitty was only eight-weeks-old. “A friend of a friend gave him to my boyfriend and me because his landlord wouldn’t allow kittens,” Betsy told Animal Channel. “I was in Los Angeles at the time. Stan spent his first years living in a sunny apartment in Venice Beach.”
Stanley would spend most of his time indulging in his favorite activity— eating. Betsy says he’s a huge “poultry enthusiast” and loves snacking on yummy chicken goods. “He likes to nap with me whenever possible. He’s into window shopping the yard, just to see what the weather is like, etc […] When he was younger, he took a lot of leash walks.”
Since those early days, Stanley has followed Betsy through the trials and tribulations of her life. The loving 17-year-old cat has a human-like quality that Betsy both admires and adores.
“I love all my cats, but Stanley is the only one who acts like a human being trapped in a cat’s body,” she told The Baltimore Sun. “He’s so vocal and communicative. He maintains eye contact better than any cat I’ve ever known.”
Back in November of 2016, in the midst of Stanley’s happy life, Betsy received some devastating news. Stanley had been diagnosed with renal insufficiency and only had three months to live.
Stanley had been losing weight and exhibiting less energy, but still, the family was heartbroken by the sudden diagnosis. When Betsy started to do some research, she discovered that vets were performing kidney transplants at the University of Pennsylvania’s Ryan Veterinary Hospital. That’s when she got an idea
Betsy started looking into a kidney transplant for Stanley. Although people tried to deter her— saying the cost was too expensive, or that Stanley was just too old— she didn’t think their arguments had any merit.
“If he had seemed weak or frightened, I wouldn’t have pursued this,” Betsy said. “But he never seemed daunted by all the vet visits, and there was something about his purr. I could feel his spirit really strongly.”
When he was examined by vets, Stanley was deemed to be completely healthy with the exception of his kidneys. For the most part, he ate well on the medications and seemed to genuinely have a desire to live. That’s when Betsy knew she had to save him regardless of the cost.
“The doctors at the University of Pennsylvania adopt young and healthy cats from shelters and put them into the donor pool,” Betsy told Animal Channel. “These formerly homeless cats get good homes and save lives!” Stanley was matched with a playful donor named Jay on the basis of size, and shortly after, the surgery was performed.
Everyone held their breath as the dedicated veterinary surgeons were put to the task. In the end, the procedure was a success. As mentioned, Stanley’s kidney surgery cost Betsy a whopping $19,000 dollars— approximately 41% of her annual income. And although the transaction comes with no guarantees, Betsy says it was worth every cent.
“Anything could happen,” she said. “If Stan did pass away sooner rather than later, I’d I know I had done what I could for him. We’ve already had a few really good weeks. He’s really happy, and that alone is worth the price.”
After the surgery, both Stanley and Jay are said to be thriving. And the best part is, not only did Betsy take Stanley home, she also adopted Jay too!
She says Jay is happy-go-lucky and loves to be pet and snuggled. By all accounts, the family seems to be doing great. Here’s a picture of the two boys with their sister Grace.
Stanley had a brief bout with an upper-respiratory infection after surgery, but otherwise, Betsy says he’s doing very well. “He eats a whole lot, naps and lounges with great joy (purring whenever I pet him), and has a renewed sparkle in his eyes that reminds me of his kitten-like enthusiasm.”
Betsy is by no means a millionaire. But she wants people to know that if you save your money carefully, you too may be able to save a life. “I’m very frugal. I drive a used car and wear clothing from consignment stores, and I have no debt at all. The message I’d like to get across is that if you save your money carefully, you can spend $19,000 on something that moves you.”
“Stanley turns 18 on March 10th, a milestone I wasn’t sure he’d reach. He’s been my best friend since 2000, and I’m so grateful to have him still in my life… I’ve always believed he conveys his thoughts and emotions to me via eye contact, and there’s something in his eyes that tells me he’s very happy we opted for the transplant.”
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