The day before Thanksgiving 2008, I received a phone call from the local shelter. There was a 4 week old male kitten brought into the shelter in bad shape and was going to need extensive care to recover. Being a veterinary technician, it was not uncommon for the shelter to call me with the more intensive cases to foster. I agreed to foster this kitten, not knowing how bad he would be until I arrived at the veterinary hospital.
After discussing his treatment with the doctor, the nurse finally brought the baby kitten into the room. He was so tiny, moving right up to the front of the cage to greet me with a squeaky meow and a loud purr. As he approached, I could see the extent of the injuries I would be caring for and couldn't hold back the tears. How would I even be able to hold this precious baby with the injuries on every end of his body? His ear was burned half way off, his front leg and tail had been completely degloved to the bone. There was not enough skin remaining to suture the wounds closed, making the healing process longer as the skin wound have to granulate in as we fought off infections. It would be weeks before we would know if he would need to have his leg and tail amputated.
It took 4 months for him to recover from his trauma. I truly expected this little guy to fear people after enduring the torture he experienced, but to my surprise, he is extremely outgoing and full of love to all. He walked through the house with his head held high - so full of pride, earning him the name "Little Man". He is now a permanent part of our animal family.
Mukilteo, WA
