Save-A-Pet comes through for abused cat
Save-A-Pet Adoption Center, Lake County’s largest no-kill rescue and full-time adoption facility, recently rescued a local cat from what appears to have been systematic abuse and neglect.
Sara, as she has come to be known, was rescued in March of this year. Sara was brought to Save-A-Pet with four of her newborn kittens by a kind member of the public who found them in his backyard. All were transferred into one of Save-A-Pet’s volunteer-based foster homes to ensure proper care.
After examinations performed by Save-A-Pet’s Animal Health Staff and local animal hospitals shortly thereafter, it was discovered that Sara was a clearly victim of abuse. Air gun pellets were found under her skin, under her long-haired tortoiseshell colored fur, and behind one of her ears. Someone had clearly used Sara for target practice.
Additionally, the tips of Sara’s ears appeared to have been cut off, which could have been the result of additional abuse, or a result of extreme frostbite that Sara suffered earlier in her very young but difficult life.
Given the evenness of the cuts and the lack of scarring commonly associated with frostbite, abuse is unfortunately the more likely explanation. Sara also experienced trauma to one of her eyes and may be blind in that eye (due to the air gun pellets).
“We wish we could say we’re surprised when we see such horrific instances of mistreatment,” said Save-A-Pet’s Board President Greg Alloian. “Unfortunately, animal abuse is more common than many people would like to believe. Save-A-Pet has rescued many cats like Sara, and will be asked to rescue many more in the future.”
Alloian also serves as the chairman for Save-A-Pet’s Feline Special Needs Committee, comprising dedicated volunteers whose primary commitment is to the care of elderly, infirmed and emotionally neglected cats. FSNC members help care for FIV-positive cats, cats with diabetes, in renal failure, cats with socialization issues and more.
The FSNC committee is also helping to grow Save-A-Pet’s new Special Needs Giving Fund, intended to raise money specifically to care for cats like Sara.
Miraculously, Sara’s spirit seems to be intact. She enjoys the company of other cats and humans, including children, and even seems to enjoy brushing and bathing.
Sara prefers eating dry food and is living a safer and more hopeful life in Save-A-Pet’s free roaming main cat room until she finds a forever home of her own. While she continues to recover from her physical trauma, Sara’s resolve exemplifies the best of no-kill rescue and how tragedy can be changed to new hope.
Sara is 3 years old and currently available for adoption at Save-A-Pet. She is spayed, current on all her vaccinations, and has tested negative for FIV and Feline Leukemia.
In light of Save-A-Pet’s near 40-year commitment to no-kill rescue and its reputation for not pretesting animals before agreeing to rescue and care for them, Save-A-Pet actually receives intake requests on a regular basis from all over Illinois, and even other parts of the country.
Currently in a financial rebuilding phase, Save-A-Pet is prioritizing local intake requests such as Sara, and accommodating as many overall rescues as its finances will allow.
“In trying economic times, charitable giving is always more difficult,” Alloian said. “Save-A-Pet is fortunate to have many supporters in our corner, but there can never be enough. The demand for our facility, our services and our compassion will never cease — nor will the abuse and neglect of animals like our sweet Sara.
“She doesn’t understand recessions, or why people would even want to hurt her in the first place. Sara just wants to be loved and offer her love in return.”
How You Can HelpCommunity members interested in contributing to Sara#146;s care, or to the new Special Needs Fund for the care of other animals at Save-A-Pet, can make a charitable donation.Online giving is available through Save-A-Pet#146;s website, saveapetil.org, or mailed to: Save-A-Pet Adoption Center, 31664 N. Fairfield Road, Grayslake, IL 60030. Updated summer season Adoption Center hours can also be found on Save-A-Pet#146;s website.Save-A-Pet currently houses hundreds of rescued cats and dogs, and it offers community members a standing invitation to come visit sweet Sara and all the other animals currently looking for their forever homes.