Despite a tortured life on streets, this cat's story one of hope

The Buddy Foundation has a new feline in foster care named, Aslan. Aslan translated from Persian means lion.

Aslan, is also the selfless lion from the C. S. Lewis novel, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," better known by movie viewers as "The Tales of Narnia." Aslan's selflessness allowed him to triumph over evil and live again. Our feline's story is quite similar, and he happens to be a blue Persian.

Aslan, was rescued by a man who found him lying in the street. As the man approached, Aslan let the man pick him up and place him in a warm van. When The Buddy Foundation was called, we were told that the feline might be blind.

During several days at the animal hospital, the list of Aslan's injuries from neglect would grow. It was determined that he was a 6-year old, unneutered male that had been declawed. He had been outside so long the pads on his feet had worn away and he was so thin, his hip bones stuck out.

Aslan, was also suffering from an eye infection that caused blood to backup behind his eye sockets. These pools of blood were the source of his impaired vision.

As some of the tangles in Aslan's fur were removed, the vet came across several more problems. This guy needed to be stitched from the front paws to the tip of his tail. One front paw wound could be stitched, the other was so severely gorged, it could not be stitched because there was not enough flesh remaining. The leg was so damaged the cartilage was showing through what remained of the skin. A cushioned bandage, changed daily would fix this problem in time.

You might by now be wondering what his disposition is like and how much pain he might be in? His foster mom calls him a "trusting, love." He has a great disposition and readily approaches. He lets her do anything medically she has to do for him without resistance and he loves to cuddle. All this from a feline that was probably tossed out the door when he was no longer useful in a breeding program.

The Buddy Foundation's Aslan, certainly lives up to his noble, namesake.

Aslan, is certainly many weeks away from being available for adoption to his "forever" home. Perhaps if this lion-hearted feline touches your heart, you might make a donation to his special medical fund.

Featured felines:

Toby is a 2-year-old neutered, fluffy, blue and white boy that came to Buddy as a four-paw, declaw. Toby gets along well with other felines and likes to play. He also demands lots of hugs and kisses from his foster mom and is a true lap lounger. There is no such thing as too much attention, according to Toby.

Comet is 12 weeks young and full of energy. Comet, and his siblings were born after their mom had been left behind at an animal hospital. Comet likes other feline company but we're not quite sure how he feels about dogs.

Adoption events: Adoption events will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at PetsMart, 49 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights and at PetCo in the Mount Prospect Plaza, Rand and Central roads, Mount Prospect.

Buddy's Birthday Bash: Buddy's annual birthday party will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 21 at Famous Freddie's Roadhouse, 1799 S. Busse Road, Mount Prospect. Your donation of $30 includes a buffet, three drink coupons and loads of fun. We need your help more than ever to complete our shelter building. If you cannot attend, perhaps donate the cost of a ticket or a raffle prize. Tickets at the door cost $35. For tickets or more information, call (847) 813-7206.