Buddy the Cat
The Humane Society of Pinellas would like to share the story of a very special fellow that has had a very rough start. Buddy is a Domestic Short Hair that is white and black. He arrived at HSP March 3, 2008 - fortunately someone was kind enough to rescue him from the streets and a very grim future. Upon arrival, he was extremely upset and impossible to handle. HSP soon discovered why; he was being very protective of himself. Upon his initial exam, it was revealed that Buddy had wounds covering his back left leg which he kept tucked up close to his body and he didn’t want anyone near him. He was also dehydrated, thin (6 lbs.), pale in color, and covered in flea ‘dirt’. He was promptly placed on fluid therapy, strong antibiotics and flea control. After two weeks he was finally strong enough for sedation. HSP shelter veterinarian, Dr. Beck, was able to clean his multiple wounds along with manipulate all of his limbs and joints to ensure there weren’t any unseen injuries. His leg was placed in a splint and the healing process began. Buddy has been such a trooper! With daily medications, weekly wound debridement and splint changes he started to use his leg by the middle of June. With his splint being reduced to bandage support, he kept improving. HSP medical staff provided him with the physical rehabilitation process he needed. They were eager to get Buddy up on his feet, literally. He has put on some weight, and now is a healthy looking 10 lb. boy again, as he probably once was. Through this healing process Buddy has changed into this sweet, relaxed and affectionate fellow. Every time you see him, he will greet you as if you have known each other forever. He will give you a gentle nose to nose nudge, if you let him. This is an excellent example of the ‘Treat the treatable policy’ at the Humane Society of Pinellas, 3040 State Road 590, Clearwater, (727) 797-7722.
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