Lucky the Cat

Update: April 23rd

Our veterinarian is very impressed with how well Lucky is doing. Lucky gets a warm, moist compress around his neck several times a day to help control the scabs and clean any debris. He has an incredible attitude and is eating very well. Lucky is currently on a three day pain medication injection and will be due for another shot tomorrow. The staff at Parkway Veterinary Clinic adore him. He is doing so well that he may be able to be released to his foster home sooner that expected.

Lucky is a lover and a fighter and he continues to capture the hearts of every person he meets.

Update: April 21st

Update from our cat team: April 19th

So many of you responded to our earlier email about this cat, expressing concern and care about him, so I'm happy to report some good news about Lucky.

He was finally released from the Stafford shelter yesterday, having spent five days there with no medical or palliative treatment. He went directly to one of HART's best veterinarians, where he received an initial exam and blood draw.

The bloodwork showed severe anemia, but an otherwise healthy boy!

He just woke up from his surgery. He did great during the surgery. He was neutered, his wounds were thoroughly cleaned, he was treated for ear mites and an incision was made to release tension created by his wound that was pulling his eyelid sideways and backward, giving him an almond-eyed appearance.

The vet wants to keep him at least a week to monitor his healing and to see if he'll need another surgery to facilitate proper healing.

Thank you to all who offered to help him and expressed concern for him. This is a special kitty who is on his way to a great life!

Late Friday April 12th, a HART volunteer received a horrific picture with no explanation from a friend who is a vet tech at a Virginia vet clinic. The picture was of a cat brought in by animal control after reportedly being hit by a car. The truth about his injuries would prove to be more horrific.

It soon became clear that this poor cat had been doused with acid and suffered second degree burns - at the hands of a human. His shoulders neck and the back of his head were raw and riddled with blisters. The acid had even crept into the corner of one eyelid. Most injured animals, when in that much pain, lash out at those trying to help. They can't help it, it's just nature's defense mechanism for them. Not this guy. He was purring and kneading the towel the whole time his wounds were being cleaned.

Once the volunteer heard his story and saw his pictures, she sent out an email to everyone she knew affiliated with an animal rescue. She knew she had to get this guy help quickly. Within minutes of sending the email, several HART volunteers offered their home to foster this poor guy. HART would ensure he got all the necessary treatment and, more importantly, all the love he could ever hope to receive. The call to action was answered and the troops were in place with battle strategies, ready to go. Except...the rural county shelter wouldn't release him.

According to the shelter director, they were required to abide by the stray period set forth in the state of Virginia. He was not eligible for release until five days after his intake date, which gave him a release date of April 18th. It didn't matter that HART was anxious to save him and ease his suffering. He was a victim once again - this time to bureaucracy. During his five day hold, he had no medication for his pain and no antibiotics or creams to treat his skin.

HART is determined to turn his story around. HART will ensure that "Lucky" as we are calling him will not suffer a day longer. Please make a donation to Lucky's care. Please help HART show him the love and care he deserves and provide the medical care he needs. The volunteers thank you and we know Lucky thanks you too.

Below is a graphic image of Lucky's injury at the hands of a human. Should you choose to view this image please know that thanks to you and thanks to HART, he is now on his way to recovery and on his way to days without pain.

(warning - graphic image of Lucky's acid wounds)

For donations, please click the link below. Thank you so much for your support!