CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. — A family in Illinois is pleading for answers after their beloved cat, Timmy, was shot and left paralyzed—yet miraculously dragged himself home, captured on a doorbell camera.
Kylie Rodriguez and her family were devastated to discover their 5-year-old orange tabby severely injured on the evening. Surveillance footage from their Ring camera showed Timmy leaving their Crystal Lake home unharmed at 9:37 a.m. that morning—only to return an hour later, dragging his paralyzed hind legs.
A Shocking Discovery
When Timmy failed to respond to calls that evening, Rodriguez tracked his AirTag and found him struggling on the sidewalk. Rushed to the vet, he was diagnosed with a bullet lodged in his spine, leaving him permanently paralyzed.
“I was honestly so shocked when doctors said there was a bullet in his spine,” Rodriguez told WLS-TV.
“How could someone do this to an innocent animal?”
Community Outrage and Investigation
The Crystal Lake Police Department confirmed to PEOPLE that an active investigation is underway, with officers canvassing the neighborhood for leads. Meanwhile, Timmy’s family has turned to social media, documenting his recovery on Instagram, where he’s seen playing with a ribbon in a recent update.
Long Road to Recovery
A GoFundMe for Timmy’s medical expenses has exceeded its $10,000 goal, covering vet bills and potential treatments. Rodriguez told the Daily Herald that Timmy, once adventurous, is now fearful of the outdoors and struggling with depression.
“Our whole family is heartbroken,” she said. “He was full of love—nobody deserves this.”
Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward as the search for the shooter continues.
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