An Urgent Need: Helping Marshmallow and Grandpa Hopps
- Kimberly Riley
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 7 hours ago
UPDATE
February 4, 2026
We are incredibly grateful to share that Dr. Susan Burkhart and her team at Animal Medical Center of Ontario, along with 4 Leaf Rover, have generously offered to cover the full cost of Marshmallow’s medical care, including her tail amputation and extensive dental surgery.
During her exam, Marshmallow was confirmed to be already spayed (identified by a tattoo), tested negative for FeLV, FIV, and heartworm disease, vaccinated for rabies, and treated for fleas. While her dental disease is severe and her tail will need to be docked, she is stable and doing well, and efforts are underway to fit her into the surgical schedule as soon as possible.
As of this update, $2,000 of our $3,500 fundraising goal has been raised. Remaining funds will be used to support other special-needs cats, including Grandpa Hopps, and future urgent medical cases that require care beyond our normal means.
We are deeply thankful for this extraordinary act of kindness and for the continued community support that allows this work to continue.
From time to time, Homeless to Home is asked to step in for animals whose medical needs go far beyond routine care.
Right now, we are trying to do exactly that for two special-needs cats — Marshmallow and Grandpa Hopps — whose treatment costs exceed what we can cover through normal operating funds.
Recent generous donations were immediately committed to recurring and emergency needs already in progress. As a result, we are once again asking for community support to help make care possible for these two cats.
Why This Is an Emergency
Special-needs medical care adds up quickly.
Advanced diagnostics, surgery, anesthesia, recovery care, and follow-up treatment place a strain on any rescue’s resources. While we plan carefully and stretch every dollar, some cases simply exceed what we can absorb without additional help.
Marshmallow and Grandpa Hopps are both at that point.
Marshmallow’s Story
Marshmallow is a senior cat, estimated to be over 10 years old, and her condition reflects what can happen when animals are abandoned and left to survive on their own for years.
She arrived in our care already missing her ears — lost to prolonged exposure to the elements. She also has no tail and significant dental disease. To relieve pain and prevent further complications, Marshmallow requires tail amputation surgery and extensive dental work, likely including a full-mouth extraction.
Despite everything she has endured, Marshmallow is exceptionally affectionate and gentle. She seeks out attention and human connection, and she still has a strong quality of life — if we can provide the medical care she needs.
Without funding, that care may not be possible.
Grandpa Hopps’ Story
When Grandpa Hopps first came to us, he had an injured right front leg. At the time, veterinary evaluation showed that surgery was not immediately necessary.
Since then, his condition has progressed.
His injured leg now flips backward when he jumps or moves, placing excessive strain on the rest of his body. To compensate, he bears most of his weight on his remaining front leg, which has caused fatigue and limited mobility. As a result, Grandpa Hopps has become increasingly inactive.
Our veterinarian now believes amputation is the best option to improve his comfort and long-term quality of life.
Grandpa Hopps is currently in a foster home with a family who cares deeply for him and is committed to his future. Our goal is to ensure he can remain with them — healthy, mobile, and pain-free.
What We’re Asking For
We do not take requests like this lightly.
At this moment, we simply cannot move forward with the necessary surgeries without help. Every donation, regardless of size, goes directly toward making medical care possible for Marshmallow and Grandpa Hopps.
Community support has always been the reason we can say yes to animals like these — animals who are older, injured, or medically complex, but still deserving of care and stability.
How You Can Help
If you are able, donations toward this emergency fundraiser will directly support:
Surgical procedures
Anesthesia and recovery care
Pain management and medications
Follow-up veterinary treatment
Donations can be made securely through our fundraising page here:
No amount is too small. Collective support is what makes outcomes like these possible.
We are also grateful for thoughts, prayers, and continued encouragement during this time.
Moving Forward
Marshmallow and Grandpa Hopps are not cases we want to walk away from — but we cannot help them alone.
This fundraiser exists so that these two cats can receive the care they need and continue toward safe, stable futures in loving homes.
Thank you for taking the time to learn their stories and for standing with us when the need is urgent.
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