Art Hitches a Ride, the Hard Way

Picasso Veterinary Fund in Action! (October/November 2009)

Last month, a motorist in the Bronx drove two miles before discovering the orange-and-white tabby cat trapped beneath the hood of his SUV. Alarmed, the driver pulled over on Arthur Avenue, in the East Tremont section, and called NYC's Animal Care & Control and the New York Police Department for help.

When an AC&C Field Officer and the NYPD arrived, the driver gave his permission for them to dismantle part of the car to free the frantic cat, who was later named Art (in reference to the street where he was rescued). Art had to be tranquilized before his rescuers could free him from the car. Once freed, the AC&C Field Officer drove the sedated two-year-old cat to the Manhattan AC&C shelter on 110th Street where the shelter's vet examined him. Then he was transported to NYC Veterinary Specialists (NYCVS), a Mayor's Alliance Picasso Veterinary Fund veterinary partner, for more thorough testing and treatment.

Despite the traumatic experience, Art managed to survive with no broken bones and only minor scrapes. As he emerged from sedation, however, he was frightened and defensive. Given what he has been through, it likely will be a while before he settles into feeling comfortable with people again. We transferred him to Murray Hill Pet Hospital, another PVF partner, where the staff will keep him under observation and, between frequent cat-naps, give him the quiet attention he needs to be ready to be adopted into a permanent home.

Whether or not Art will be comfortable in a household with dogs or other cats is yet to be seen. In the meantime, if you are interested in finding out more about this lucky kitty, please contact us at picasso@AnimalAlliancenyc.org.

Art is lucky. His story could have had a tragic end. But instead, people cared about him, and went to great lengths to save his life. Even New York's hometown newspaper, The Daily News, reported on his hair-raising adventure!

You can help give Art and other deserving homeless animals a second chance by supporting the Picasso Veterinary Fund. Now more than ever, we need your help to continue to provide these animals with the medical care they need to prepare them for new adoptive homes. Sadly, without that care, many of these animals won't make it. Please, make a convenient online donation today. With your help, we can give more animals like Art a smoother ride!