We received a call about a stray cat that had been hanging around an acreage outside of town since the summer. The people who live there left food and water out for the cat, and over the next few months patiently worked to gain the trust of this scared boy. They were finally able to pet him and discovered that at some point, he had been someone’s pet. He was cautious but had at one time known kindness.
The couple called us and asked if we could take him in, because they already had pets, and the boy had a leg injury. They had tried to treat his leg but couldn’t get it to heal.
The cat was brought to the shelter and taken to the vet. The whole leg was stiff and swollen, and there was a hole in it. Through X-rays, it was discovered that he had been shot at some point. There were fragments in the leg from whatever was used, and the bones were broken.
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“Clancy” was sedated, tested, and the leg was shaved and cleaned out. He was given pain meds and an antibiotic shot. The veterinarian said the leg showed signs of trying to mend on its own, so he is on kennel rest and was re-evaluated Thursday. The vet determined that Clancy will need to have his leg amputated Monday.
I also received a call from a truck stop about a cat with a possible broken leg. When I went out to pick him up, I was greeted with leg rubs and purrs. “Petro” the cat was taken to the clinic right away for assessment. X-rays showed that his best option was to amputate the leg. The staff at the clinic all commented on how he was the sweetest, most loving cat despite his injury.
After the leg was removed, Petro enjoyed being spoiled in his foster home. Joanna made sure he had soft blankets and plenty of treats while healing. After having his staples removed, he was off to his second foster home with Ruth. He is getting adjusted to life with three legs and is getting along with the resident cats.
How does a boy like Clancy go from having a home to being dumped and used for target practice? Why does a person feel the need to be so cruel to an animal that didn’t ask to be in this position? Unfortunately, this happens too often, and the pet pays the price for the human’s actions.
And what about Petro? Was he lost from someone who was traveling? Or was he just left behind to find his own way? No matter the reason, they are both safe, warm and fed in our care. After they heal outside, we will continue to help them heal and adjust from the inside and learn to trust again.
