A one-eyed cat named Ernie is on the path to recovery, thanks to an unexpected blood donation from a dog. The feline, nearly five years old, faced the possibility of losing his last eye after developing a corneal ulcer. His owner, Natalie Smart, sought immediate help and was determined to explore every option available to save her pet.
Just two days before Christmas, Ms Smart returned home to find Ernie in distress. “His eye was bulging, and he was crying,” she recalled. She quickly took him to the Kalgoorlie Veterinary Clinic, where vets identified an ulcer on his cornea. This condition stemmed from a previous diagnosis of glaucoma that led to the removal of his first eye two years earlier.
Rather than considering euthanasia or another surgical eye removal, Ms Smart decided to proceed with an operation that could potentially restore Ernie’s vision. She cancelled her planned trip to Perth to prioritize her cat’s health. Following the surgery, it became clear that plasma eye drops were essential for Ernie’s recovery, but the clinic required a 20-millilitre blood donation to produce the drops.
Initially, the clinic provided a small supply of plasma drops sufficient for a week. However, as the days went by, Ms Smart found herself without a backup supply. In a moment of desperation, she froze her remaining dose to stretch it out for a little longer. Just as hope seemed to dwindle, she received a call that would change everything.
The clinic informed her that a local dog owner, Olivia Thomson, was willing to donate blood from her nine-month-old shar-pei cross, named Oakley. Ms Thomson was scheduled to have Oakley de-sexed on the same day she learned about Ernie’s need. She expressed her willingness to help without hesitation. “If I was to say ‘No’, that lady could have lost her cat,” Ms Thomson said. “A donation of a bit of blood wasn’t going to hurt myself or Oakley.”
Following the successful blood donation, Ms Smart took to social media to publicly thank Ms Thomson for her kindness. Their exchange highlighted the unexpected camaraderie that can arise in challenging situations. After Ernie’s recent check-up, Ms Smart reported a positive turnaround. “I think from this afternoon’s vet check-up, that is really making a difference for him,” she said. “He’s more likely to be able to have some vision in that eye now, because of Oakley’s donation.”
Despite the financial strain of veterinary bills over the years, Ms Smart emphasized the importance of being prepared for pet emergencies. “If I take an animal on, then it’s almost like marriage; it’s for better or worse,” she stated. She mentioned that they had set aside emergency funds before adopting pets, which had helped them navigate unexpected situations in the past.
Ernie, who was found abandoned in a box behind the Kambalda Hotel at just four weeks old, has a supportive family rallying behind him as he continues his recovery journey. With the generosity of a dog and the commitment of his owner, Ernie is now on the path to potentially regaining his sight.
