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Shoreline animal shelter Whisker City struggles to stay open

The Whisker City animal shelter is struggling financially, and for the first time ever they've had to turn people away.
Whisker City is struggling to stay open after a series of expensive rescues.

Shoreline animal shelter Whisker City is struggling to stay open after helping so many cats in need.

Last year, someone broke into a cage at Whisker City and killed one of their beloved cats. Now the shelter is struggling financially, and they hope the community will help them — the same way they've helped so many animals.

Whisker City prides itself on taking the cats nobody wants.

"Every cat that comes to us probably would have been euthanized if they had not found this place," said manager Erin Balda.

They are determined to help, heal and love every kitty.

"We won't euthanize for room or age or illness. We'll do our best to treat any disease or ailment, no matter the cost," said Balda.

And saving them all doesn't come cheap. Take, for example, Chance the kitten.

"Chance was found by a Good Samaritan on the side of the freeway. Due to her injuries and after talking to the vets, it looks as if she was probably thrown from a vehicle," Balda said.

The injuries are heartbreaking

"I had to have her back leg amputated, full amputation her back right leg, and her pelvis was shattered, and hips were fractured," said Balda.

Now Chance is learning to walk again. She's only five months old, but the vet thinks she' going to be ok. Still, it cost Whisker City more than $7,000 just to help her. And they've got close 40 other cats they're caring for.

"I've closed our doors to accepting any animals, and that's super hard for us. It's the first time in 27 years we've had to do that," Balda said.

It's something they hoped they'd never have to do

"We need financial help. We're really struggling, but we're not even close to giving up. We'll do our best to keep this place open."

And as long as they can keep going, last chance cats will find love here.

"They come to us for all sorts of reasons, but every single one of them is loved here - catitude or not."

Visit their Facebook page for how to help

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