Thomas was brought to the shelter as a kitten, after having been badly abused. Some kids had held him by his back legs and swung him around over their heads. This dislocated his rear legs and broke his back. When he arrived at the shelter he was in poor shape. He had an abcess on his butt, was matted with urine and feces, had ear mites and was paralyzed. A neurological consult was done, and it was determined that the damage was likely permanent. They recommeneded exercising him and expressing his bladder. As a volunteer, I offered to foster him , do the exercises and bladder expessions, and see what I could do to rehabilitate him. It was made clear to me that if he could not use a litter box, he was not adoptable - i.e. he would be euthanized. I couldn't let that happen, so I adopted him. He did not regain any function, but his paralysis doesn't interfere with his ability to enjoy life. He plays with, and even chases my other cats. He is sweet-natured, and the Humane Educator and myself take him into the schools where we can teach kids about animal cruelty, abuse and neglect prevention. Thomas is always a hit. It makes a huge visual impact on the kids seeing a cat in a wheelchair. I also take him to cat shows and other venues representing our shelter, and raising awareness about abuse and cruety. He truly is an ambassador spreading the word.

Marie R. Aikins
Portland, ME