by Paula Hunsaker, CEO/Founder
Feral Paws Rescue Group in Fresno will be sharing some of their animal rescue adventures with us now at the end of every month. Check out KRL’s article about Feral Paws to learn more about them.
Rescue work is always throwing something new our direction, and on April 30, 2015, while at a high-kill shelter, I saw a beautiful one-year-old male cat in a cage with two broken front legs; a brick wall had fallen on him. The shelter wasn’t giving him medical attention, and it took until May 5 to get the final okay to pull him. We were told to be at the shelter the following morning at 8 a.m., because at 8:01 a.m. he would be put down! Needless to say, we saved Andy, and immediately whisked him to our rescue vet at Kings Canyon Veterinary Foundation. Doc LeBeuf took X-rays and provided necessary emergency medical treatment; not to mention the fact that he was very upset that this cat had been subjected to such inhuman treatment at the shelter.
Andy in casts with Doc LeBeuf
Andy knew we were trying to help him, and purred and meowed while undergoing his medical care. Doc put pins in both of Andy’s legs, then casts were made; he also did a skin graft to Andy’s lower back injury from the bricks that fell on him. It would be slow going for this little guy, but he was strong and certainly proved he wanted to live. Cats are such wonderfully resilient creatures, and we’re always amazed by some of their horrific life stories and yet how they are capable of still giving love.
Eventually, after much tender loving care, medical treatment, and physical therapy, Andy is walking again. It’s been a long year. His hope never wavered, and he continued to improve and become the happy, healthy, and special cat he is today. Our rescue vet says that he is fully recovered, and is ready for a second chance at having a safe and loving forever home. Andy is our Cat of the Month for August. If you’ve fallen in love with Andy, please contact us via our website FPRG.org.
Andy today
We are a small, all-volunteer non-profit rescue in Fresno, CA. We operate strictly from donations, so any and all donations are greatly appreciated. We’ve been helping cats since 1999, first with feral cats in and around prisons in California (working with wardens and inmates on how to care for feral cats), and now with domestic, feral, senior, and special needs cats. Please know that adoptions are by appointment only: 559.412.7226. Thank you for stopping by to read our story, and we appreciate your continued support.
Check out more animal rescue stories in our Pet Perspective section. Advertise in KRL and 10% of your advertising fees can go to Feral Paws Rescue Group.
Cats are very strong. My 17 year old Foldie had a front leg broken 3x by our so-called vet school. He does limp a bit but he’s still a happy boy.
If only I were nearer.
Each month we will feature one of our amazing kitty rescues. You can see their story, and read the update. We are currently updating the cats available for adoption webpage and will have links to more cat adoption information soon, so check back often.