Liam McNally
Tania Milton only opened Hoppy’s Place, her from-home not-for-profit animal rescue, in March but an accident has threatened to put a pause on her operations.
Ms Milton was already working in animal rescue, but it was finding four strays on Raleighs Rd, Melton that inspired her to start her own operation, which is already looking after about 17 cats at a time.
“Melton has a huge stray population,” she said.
“Hoppy’s Place is about breaking the cycle, getting them desexed and microchipped and putting them up for adoption.”
Hoppy’s Place get’s its namesake from Ms Milton’s own cat, who last week caused an accident that put Ms Milton in hospital.
Hoppy, who has three legs, is deaf, and has brain damage, has a habit for running around peoples feet.
Last week Ms Milton “face planted” after Hoppy got under her feet in the hallway, and when she gathered herself, realised her arm was “pointing in the other direction”.
Ms Milton was home alone but managed to call an ambulance. She said the paramedic was “great”, despite being allergic to cats.
Ms Milton broke her arm in two places and dislocated her shoulder, requiring surgery.
Her recovery is set to take from six to 12 weeks, and she is seeking donations of cat food and litter to help the rescue operate while she is out of work.
“It has had a huge impact,” she said.
“I can’t contribute funds which the shelter requires, my husband taken time off work… if it wasn’t for the donations [her friend] Carolyn has raised we’d be in a lot of bother by now.”
To donate to Hoppy’s Place call Carolyn or go to the Facebook page.
Details: 0429 894 155 or www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089677541645
