Buck is a very special cat with a unique story. His story with us began when he was brought to our shelter as an injured stray in late fall of 2006. From the first, it was obvious that his injuries were severe--one of Buck’s back feet was severed, and appeared to be beyond repair, while a front leg was also injured and swollen, leaving Buck with only two functional legs. Based on the appearance of the injury, we believed the foot injury was likely caused by a leghold trap, but we didn’t know what caused the injury to the front leg. Buck was immediately taken to a veterinarian, where the injuries could be assessed further, and it was then that we learned that the front leg was full of buckshot! Whether he was shot while caught in a trap, or whether he became a target because he was injured and moving slowly, it was apparent that some (or possibly all) of his injuries were the direct result of cruelty by people. Amazingly, in spite of what he had suffered at the hands of humans, and the pain he was obviously in, Buck was a sweet, friendly cat with every person he encountered, calmly accepting all of the handling necessary to examine and treat his injuries without complaint.
As expected, the vet confirmed that the back leg would have to be amputated, but believed that after the buckshot was removed, there would be a good chance the front leg would heal. Because we have seen many 3-legged cats lead long, happy lives, and Buck was obviously a very sweet cat as well as a survivor, we wanted to give him the second chance he deserved. We proceeded with the necessary medical procedures and transferred him to a foster home where he could recuperate and be treated for any other issues identified.
Buck has now been in foster care for several weeks. His stitches from the amputation have been removed, and his front leg has healed and he is using it. He is neutered, has been treated for parasites identified in fecal examinations, and started on basic vaccinations. Buck has adjusted well to the loss of his leg, and is now getting around wonderfully, even jumping up on his favorite chair to sleep! His affectionate nature remains unchanged, and he follows his foster humans around whenever they are in the room. Buck loves to be held, petted, and played with. He is nearly ready to leave his foster home.
Though his story so far has been one of suffering and challenges, the next chapter is yet to be written. It is our hope that soon Buck will be adopted by a new family, and that the patience and unconditional love he has shown throughout his ordeal will be rewarded with a “happily ever after” ending. If you believe your family might be the right one for a special cat like Buck, you may complete an online adoption application or email fosters@lakelandanimalshelter.org
If you would like to sponsor Buck or help make happy endings possible for the many sick and injured cats that rely on us to help, you may donate to our Meowsers Angels fund for cats, or our general shelter fund for all animals.
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