And help arrived in the form of CAWS, the oldest animal rescue organization in Utah, whose committed volunteers put in endless hours to save Willy from certain death. Their kind fans helped them earn enough money to pay for Willy's surgery, which was a lifesaver during his most difficult time.
The innumerable quills that had become stuck in Willy's eyes, face, and feet were surgically removed under the expert care of sympathetic vets. He was somewhat relieved from the pain he had suffered for so long when the quills were removed, even though his eyes could not be saved.