A sphynx cat from Oshawa has been transferred to Saskatoon for specialized medical care and rehabilitation.

Cheryl Brean with Wings of Rescue says sphynx cats are known to struggle with health issues, and Seraphina was no exception.

“She had a stomach issue and bowel/digestion type issues, and she required a very special, specific diet that not a lot of rescue organizations have experience with.

So, because sphynx care centres are few and far between in Canada, Seraphina’s owner made the tough call to fly her out to Prairie Sphynx Rescue in Saskatoon.

It was a two-day journey, but the sphynx is now receiving quality care in the hands of Prairies Sphynx Rescue Director, Denise Chauvi.

This may sound like an exceptional story, but for the pilots at Canadian Wings of Rescue, this is businesses as usual. Brean explains the organization.

“What we do is work with rescues or wildlife organizations when they have a need to move an animal whether for medical care that is not available in their local area, or for them to reach an adoptive family for them to get a second chance at a happy ending.”

Brean says all of the staff are volunteers, including the array of pilots that use their personal aircrafts for the job.

“We’re at about 25 transfers for this year. (We are) moving dogs to adoptive new homes, moving dogs to temporary fosters, moving wildlife, especially raptor birds and owls.”

In an update from Prairie Sphynx Rescue, Chauvi says “Seraphina is doing much better but has a long road ahead. With IBS treatment, it’s a test and learn process. What works for one cat, may not work for another. We are hopeful we will find just the right mix of medication, diet and other therapeutic supplements to help her live a long life.” She adds that the feline patient is “not out of the woods yet, but we’re already seeing a real improvement. We couldn’t have helped her without this transport.”

Wings of Rescue is always looking for more volunteer pilots to join their squad. Brean says the charity is also welcoming donations to ensure operations can continue, and the link to support them can be found here.