In the realm of animal rescue, there are some things that never cease to astound you. It’s one of those occasions when you’re informed there’s a cat with an ARROW IN ITS BACK that has to be rescued!
That’s precisely what the rescuers at St. Francis Society Animal Rescue in Tampa, FL were called about in early February.
For five days, residents had spotted a ginger and white cat with an arrow poking out of its back walking around! Another arrow wound was found on one of the ears, which was most likely caused by a second arrow. Someone yanked the arrow from the cat halfheartedly, but failed to seek medical attention or assist the cat further.
When rescuers learnt of the poor, ailing kitty, they set out to capture him right away. On February 8th, “Sir Robin” was apprehended, averting a catastrophic conclusion to his story.
The puncture site from which the arrow was extracted was, unfortunately, severely infected. He also had two upper teeth that were shattered and inflamed, as well as nerves that had been exposed due to an unexplained trauma. He was also infested with fleas and ear mites!
Fortunately, the youngster was now in good care. He was immediately given pain medicine and antibiotics, and the pricey rehabilitation procedure began. St. Francis relies completely on contributions as a foster-based rescue group, but they knew Sir Robin needed their help…no matter the cost.
Sir Robin was able to receive some much-needed rest after many vet appointments over the following few days, away from the streets and out of harm’s way. The huge child appeared to be wary of humans and worried of his safety in his new surroundings.
He reluctantly but effectively took his deworming pills and antibiotics on day three of his new existence, with no protest. Three times a day, his wounds were evaluated and cleansed by kind volunteers.
Rescuers recognized that any feistiness meant he was getting better, so they kept track of his development on Facebook.
“We had an argument this morning concerning his wound care. I won, and as a treat for being such a wonderful little patient, I gave him a big dish of food! But from the rear of his container, he continues to give me the stink look!”
Sir Robin was receiving excellent follow-up treatment from Dr. Bob Encinosa and the staff at Boyette Animal Hospital, and they anticipated him to make a complete recovery. The doctor decided that the two fractured canine teeth could wait until he was neutered. Unfortunately, they were the result of an old injury sustained during his terrible life on the streets.
Sir Robin ultimately agreed that his new existence had advantages after a week of living indoors. There was always a full bowl of food, fresh water, and a safe, warm, and dry place to sleep. Not to mention the catnip and snacks! Kim Long, the boy’s foster mother, also learnt a few things about him.
“He informed me that the teddy rabbit I placed in his box to cuddle with had no tolerance for him.” Big strong people don’t seem to like cuddling with fluffy cuddly animals.”
Sir Robin started a new month and a new furever home on March 1st.
Sir Robin himself wrote St. Francis and his foster mother an update a few days later from his new family.
Greetings, Mom
I miss you terribly, but I’m doing my best to be a good “army boy.” The meal is ample and delicious, and I always clean my plate. 4-5 times a day, this new lady feeds me. I’m enjoying enough of rest and quiet while drinking water and using the litter box. I’m still perplexed by “blankets” and “soft bedding,” and I much like the carpet. I know I let this new lady pet me a little when I first arrived on Thursday night, but that’s it for now. She says it’s OK, that she’s extremely patient with me, and that she loves me no matter what.
I swat, scratch, and attempt to bite her, but I think she realizes that in less than a month, I’ve gone through a struggle and had all types of people do all kinds of things to me on every part of my body. Needles, injections, and awful medicine? I was “tooted” because of the stuff on my skin!!! I’m cranky because I’ve had so many adjustments, but these two ladies assured me that even if I wake up on the wrong side of the bed, I am still cherished and important.
I haven’t been in my carrier because I don’t want anything to do with the new box; instead, I’ve been lounging about the room, but if she attempts to touch or move the blanket so I may rest on it, I tell her I don’t like it. As a result, she doesn’t push it. This was the first and only time I sat on any section of the blanket. I believe I may be suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? I am a wounded warrior, but I shall find my path with time.
Sir Robin, the large guy, has been at St. Francis for a few months now. With an arrow trapped in his back, the poor man struggled for nearly a week but managed to live.
He was fortunate enough to find a lovely family that would adopt him and love him wholeheartedly. His forever family has sent an update.
Robin’s mother sends the following message:
“He couldn’t possibly be doing any better!” My mother and he are inseparably linked. He sleeps next to her and is like her shadow. On her legs, he’s like Velcro, rubbing back and forth and in and out.
Except for us, he is scared of everyone. I’ll have to work with him on this. He still has a long way to go, but he’s gone a tremendous way in only three months. He is gradually blending in with the other cats. I believe Cookie (the white cat) will be his first companion. Robin, on the other hand, really wants to be a friend and avoids being overbearing…… “Many blessings to you!!!”