Cutie, a cherished family cat, is making a remarkable recovery after surviving a heart-wrenching ordeal. She was found with seven pellet wounds, inflicted by a pellet gun, leaving her family with a substantial veterinary bill.
Natasha Crook, Cutie’s owner, affectionately described her as “the cutest cat” with a gentle and friendly disposition. Cutie, adopted as a kitten from Hearts To Homes Feline Rescue & Sanctuary in Brantford, Ont., is set to turn four in January. The family had provided her with a loving home since her adoption.
The traumatic incident began when Cutie, primarily an indoor cat, managed to escape from her Simcoe, Ont. home through an open door around 9 a.m. on October 2. Over the course of two agonizing days and a relentless search effort, one of the family’s golden retrievers located Cutie in the bushes of a nearby park.
Upon her discovery, it was evident that Cutie had suffered severe injuries, with a milky-white, infected eye. Initially, the family believed she might have been involved in a fight with another cat. However, a closer examination revealed a piece of metal protruding from her back, prompting an immediate visit to Brant Norfolk Veterinary Clinic.
During a thorough examination at the veterinary clinic, it was revealed that Cutie had seven pellets embedded in her body, with one having pierced her eye. The miraculous aspect of this grim discovery was that the pellets had missed vital organs like the spine and brain.
The medical team at Shellard Lane Animal Hospital took immediate action, performing surgery to remove Cutie’s damaged right eye and four of the pellets. Regrettably, three pellets could not be extracted, as doing so posed potential health risks. These remaining pellets are lodged in her skull and chest.
The family was referred to the Ontario Vet Clinic in Guelph, where the decision was made to leave the three pellets in place.
Providing Cutie with the necessary medical care came at a significant cost, estimated at $10,000, a sum that would have been challenging for the family to cover on their own. To raise the necessary funds, a GoFundMe campaign was initiated, which has so far garnered over $4,300 of its $10,000 target.
In expressing gratitude for the community’s support, Natasha Crook emphasized the importance of Cutie’s gentle nature in rallying help. She acknowledged the incredible kindness displayed by friends, family, and even strangers, who came together to assist in Cutie’s recovery.
The family’s predicament has not gone unnoticed by local law enforcement. Ontario Provincial Police, Norfolk County, is actively investigating the shooting, seeking assistance from the public to bring those responsible to justice.
Cutie’s survival is a testament to resilience and community support, showcasing the compassion of those willing to lend a hand in times of need. The family remains committed to paying forward the kindness they’ve received during this challenging chapter in their lives.
