Three Cool Cats Get a Chance for Fine Lives

from Out of the Cage! (June 2005)

It was a rough day for cats.

When the AC&C Field Operations driver first spotted Igor, the cat's right eye was protruding out of its socket. AC&C had been called to pick up the "stray," although Igor appeared to be someone's pet who had suffered an unfortunate "accident." But despite the pain this sweet gray cat must have been experiencing, he was sweet as could be, and welcomed the gentle handling he received from AC&C shelter staff.

In another part of town, an AC&C rescue driver responded to a call for help with a cat who had fallen, or been thrown, from a window. Señor Swanky, a gentle brown tabby with white highlights, couldn't move his back legs. It appeared he had suffered a fractured spine. Meanwhile, the Brooklyn AC&C shelter was doing an intake on Spud, another stray cat who had suffered a serious eye injury.

Renee Collins, New Hope Coordinator at the Manhattan shelter, felt that all three cats were treatable, and believed that each one could make a wonderful companion. So she called the Mayor's Alliance for help. The Alliance arranged for the cats to be treated at Fifth Avenue Veterinary Specialists, and the Picasso Veterinary Fund paid the bill.

Now Igor, Señor Swanky, and Spud are awaiting their perfect adopters. Igor and Señor Swanky are at the ASPCA in Manhattan. Spud is being cared for by Glen Wild Animal Rescue in upstate New York, where he awaits adoption from the PetSmart store in Middletown.

There was a time when NYC cats with injuries like those of Igor, Señor Swanky, and Spud would have been euthanized rather than be treated and allowed a second chance at a good life. But the Picasso Veterinary Fund is providing more little New Yorkers with second chances, and saving lives that once would have been lost.

For those interested in adopting Igor, Señor Swanky, or Spud, just click on their names or photos to learn more about them.