On September 10, 2013, an animal welfare group based in Livonia, Michigan, took in a cat who had been found in a dumpster. Hope weighed only four pounds and most of her back was severely burned. Almost certainly, she had been the victim of human cruelty.
Laura Zain, founder and president of the animal welfare group Tail Wagger's, brought Hope to MSU on the advice of Doctors Galle and Isaacs at Dogwood Veterinary in Ann Arbor. "They said only Michigan State would be able to handle a case like Hope's, and they told me Dr. Bryden Stanley was the best of the best."
Despite her poor condition, Hope was clearly a fighter. "We never had a point where we thought she wasn't going to make it," Zain said. "Hope was a great patient from the start. Dr. Bianca Boudreau and the fourth-year student who did the initial exam were floored at Hope's willingness to let them examine her."
The attending veterinarians, led by Dr. Stanley, became known as Team Hope. Through six major surgeries, Hope did better than expected, bouncing back each time—ready for attention.
A technique practiced by Stanley was probably a lifesaver for Hope. Negative Pressure Wound Therapy increases the patient's acceptance of skin grafts and ended up helping Hope's wound heal permanently.
"I am absolutely certain that Hope is recovering because of the skilled care she received from Doctors Stanley and Boudreau," Zain said. "I know there are many veterinarians that are very skilled, but the level of expertise and the number of cases brought before Dr. Stanley is why Hope is in the great condition she is today."
Today, Hope is up to nine pounds, and her fur is growing over the wound. She's found her forever home formed a tight bond with her new human companion who's learned she's not just an exceptional patient, but an exceptional cat.