“When I saw he had my name written in his stripes, it really was fate,” said Mim greene, who lives with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), about her beloved cat Kismet.
from Drogheda but living in Portobello, Dublin for the last 35 years, Ms Greene got rescue cat Kismet from the DSPCA when he was nine years old, shortly after she was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease.
She received her diagnosis almost seven years ago but feels that she had symptoms for seven years prior.
“I fell down the stairs, I would be walking across the road and my legs would give way and strangers would have to pick me up and drag me off as traffic was coming towards me,” she recalls.
After a self-diagnosis, she went to a GP where she was told “you’re too old for MS”.
She was also told by doctors that she was having MS-like symptoms as she was overweight. “I starved myself and lost three stone, which was really hard to do when you can’t walk far. But I was still falling over.”
After her diagnosis, she admits she knew nothing about the disease. “As one of my friends said, you don’t get MS until you get MS. It goes into every area from your life. It’s a really horrible disease.”
“If the doctor had listened, I would still most likely be riding my bicycle, but now it’s gone too far and I’ve got the worst form. They tell you there’s no treatment for what I have so I don’t really want to look at that because I have to try to stay positive.”
Kismet is a huge help in keeping Ms Greene feeling positive.
Due to her condition, the former therapist had to leave the job she loved. “When you can’t remember your clients’ names, it’s not good.”
‘I knew straight away’: coming to terms with MS and being the healthiest version of yourself
Alongside Kismet’s company, she also said that if it wasn’t for her training in transpersonal psychology, she wouldn’t have survived the diagnosis.
Irish Blue Cross Appeals for Support as Demand for Low-Cost Vet Care Soars
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The Irish Blue Cross, a charity providing affordable veterinary care, is facing overwhelming demand for its services, with over 1,400 pets currently on its waiting list. The organization is appealing to the public for donations and fundraising support through its #MoreTime campaign to continue providing vital care to pet owners who cannot afford private veterinary fees.
Rising Demand for Affordable Veterinary Care
The Irish Blue Cross operates clinics and mobile units across several areas of Dublin, including Cabra, tallaght, Crumlin, Blanchardstown, Ballyfermot, Ballybrack, Smithfield, Walkinstown, Finglas, and Whitehall. The charity fills a critical gap in animal welfare by offering low-cost veterinary services to those who would otherwise struggle to access care for their beloved companions.
“Pets can have an incredibly positive impact on their owners’ lives,providing companionship and unconditional love,” said Paul Halpin,fundraising manager at the Irish Blue Cross. “We treat thousands of sick and injured animals every year, ensuring their lives aren’t ended prematurely, and they can stay with their families.” https://www.bluecross.ie/give-pets-more-time/
A Story of Rescue and Gratitude
The increased need for the Irish Blue Cross’s services was highlighted by the story of Kismet, a cat rescued by dublin resident, Ms. greene.Ms.Greene shared her gratitude for the organization’s work, explaining she renamed the cat “Kismet” – a word her mother used to describe something “meant for you.”
“He is just a fabulous being. I feel very lucky to have him and I know he feels the same. I am a cat lady and I’m wholly fine with that,” Ms. greene stated. Her story exemplifies the strong bond between people and their pets, and the importance of accessible veterinary care in maintaining those relationships.
How You Can Help
The #MoreTime campaign aims to address the growing waiting list and ensure the Irish Blue Cross can continue its essential work. The charity relies on public donations and fundraising efforts to provide subsidized veterinary care.
Here’s how you can support the Irish Blue Cross:
* Donate: Financial contributions directly support the provision of veterinary services. https://www.bluecross.ie/donate/
* Fundraise: Organize an event or activity to raise funds for the charity.
* Spread Awareness: Share the Irish Blue Cross’s mission and the #MoreTime campaign with your network. https://www.bluecross.ie/
The Irish Blue Cross plays a vital role in the welfare of pets and the well-being of their owners. By supporting their work, you can help ensure that more animals receive the care they need and have the chance to live long, healthy lives with their families.