Pretzel the kitten gets new home after life-saving surgery to repair fused legs

The kitten who was born in February in a Mountain View garage was named Pretzel because of her severely fused, malformed legs. But now she is living a life without pain following a surgery to remove her legs.

The cute calico kitten was found as an orphan by Action 4 Animals Hawaiʻi, a local nonprofit dedicated to saving homeless and at-risk animals across Hawaiʻi Island.

After she grew and was cleared by a veterinarian, volunteer Allie Fishburb decided to foster Pretzel and fell in love with her playful, confident energy. Action 4 Animals posted a video on Facebook that shows the kitty with twisted back legs that she dragged behind her.

“From the beginning, she really still could get around,” Fishburb said. “Her legs dragged behind her as she jumped, ran and played. When she started to grow, her legs grew too and they became too heavy for her to pull them around and it got more difficult as time went.”

To give her a more comfortable life, Action 4 Animals paid about $1,500 to have Pretzel’s legs removed at Big Island Pet Center in Keaʻau.

Now, Pretzel has been back with Fishburb who decided to permanently adopt her after growing attached.

“I saw her get better and better every day and heal from the surgery and she seemed happier than ever before,” Fishburb said. “As time went on, I couldn’t give her away. It would have been too heartbreaking, because we really did grow attached to each other.”

Fishburb gives Pretzel her medicine every day and even built a ramp for her to move around the house easier.

For Action 4 Animals, Pretzel served as a reminder about why they continue to care for at-risk animals and get them adopted into loving homes.

“Pretzel’s journey is a beautiful reminder that disabilities do not define potential,” said Gertrude  Wraith, a volunteer with the organization. “With love, compassion and a little help from our community, animals like Pretzel can thrive.”

She said the nonprofit is raising funds to help cover Pretzel’s medical expenses, as well as the care of other special-needs cats in its rescue.

“Every kitten deserves the chance to experience a happy, playful life,” Wraith said.

Action 4 Animals is currently accepting donations online to help animals like Pretzel get the surgeries and care they need.

On Saturday, Action 4 Animals will have “Clear the Shelters” adoption events at the Hilo Petco from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for dogs and cats, and at the Kona Petco from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for dogs only.

Events are publicized on the Action 4 Animals Instagram and Facebook pages. To learn more about volunteering, fostering or adopting a cat or dog, visit the Action 4 Animals website.