I got a call this week from Eve Ortiz, who owns a 14-year-old cat named Whitey. She wanted to share with Island Tails' readers how wonderful her veterinarian, Dr. James Higa of Waipahu Leeward Veterinary Clinic, is.

The history between Dr. Higa and Ortiz began in 2001. Back then, Ortiz got sick and lost her job. Knowing her situation, Dr. Higa would not charge her for certain services and he let her pay what she could. Ortiz says, "He knew how much I loved my cat and I am so grateful to him for his compassion."

A couple of months ago, Ortiz noticed that Whitey was constantly biting his back left foot. It was a small wound that continued to fester and bleed.

Dr. Higa diagnosed Whitey with cancer. Now, Ortiz works at a part-time job caring for an autistic child and is still on a very limited budget. She couldn't afford the recommended surgery to remove the cancer. Dr. Higa suggested cauterizing the cancerous tissue to keep costs down.

"When I told him I couldn't pay, he would say, 'It's OK, I understand. Don't worry. You still bring your pet in,' " says Ortiz tearfully.

Whitey's foot now is heavily bandaged. Dr. Higa taught Ortiz how to change the bandages herself. "He gave me hope that I could still help Whitey," says Ortiz.

Whitey is taking painkillers to help manage the pain. He's still eating, which is a good sign, but doesn't have much longer to live. Ortiz is very grateful to Dr. Higa for giving her more time to spend with Whitey.

Thank you, Dr. Higa, for caring about this woman and her cat.

Animal lover Leslie Kawamoto has been with the Advertiser for 18 years, or 133 in dog years. Check out her blog at www.HonoluluAdvertiser.com/Blogs.