Penguin Gets Help

February 3, 2013 Posted by Editor in News 2 comments

Penguin, before her amputation. She is holding her injured leg up slightly.
Photo, Lewis and Clark Humane Society

Penguin has gotten help from the shelter that took her in and from members of the community who pitched in to pay for her surgery. Soon she will be available for adoption into a good home.

Penguin is a sweet girl who was brought to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society in Helena, MT early in December of 2012. The gray tabby cat had a broken front leg that had begun to heal on its own, and in the process her bones had overlapped and fused together. The Humane Society consulted with a vet, hoping to save the leg, but prepared to have it amputated if necessary.  It was determined that the leg would not heal properly and Penguin would have a better quality of life without it. She had surgery on Thursday of last week.

The Humane Society explained how the decision to opt for surgery was made: “A follow up appointment after her initial vet visit indicated that her injured front leg was starting the healing process on its own – we were thrilled! Under veterinary advisement we kept her calm and quiet and gave her leg some time to mend itself. Unfortunately, after a few weeks and another vet visit it was discovered that her leg wasn’t healing properly and would continue to give her problems and lifelong pain – so it was best to move forward with the operation.”

“On Thursday January 31st Penguin went into surgery and had a very successful operation! She returned to the shelter the very next day and is resting comfortably on a fluffy bed with lots of visiting staff members to check on her. She’s already up and moving around, making biscuits, and as always purring quite loudly! She is expected to make a full recovery and have her stitched removed in about 14 days.”

Donations for the surgery were collected starting back in December when Penguin’s photo was posted to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society Facebook page with an appeal. Members of the community quickly responded with a show of generosity and caring.The Humane Society thanked the public for making it possible for them to help animals like Penguin.

Penguin will be available for adoption once her stitches are removed and she is fully healed.

Shelter adoption counselor Kaila Matteson told the Independent Record on Saturday, “She’s so sweet. She has been adorable since she’s gotten here.”

Photo, Lewis and Clark Humane Society

Photo, Dylan Brown/Independent Record

About the authorEditor

Do you know of a story we should cover? Have you written an article you’d like to see reprinted at Life With Cats? Does your shelter or rescue organization want to share a story with our readers? Do you have info for an update on one of our stories?
To reach the editor for these or other matters related to site content, please email [email protected] or [email protected]