A cat holed up in a home in Lac-Megantic, Quebec was rescued on September 22, 79 days after a train carrying crude oil derailed, causing a deadly explosion that resulted in disaster for the town.
The train derailed on July 6, killing 47 people and destroying dozens of homes and businesses, many of them historic buildings.
Local animal rescuer Francoise Belle-Isle lured the male tabby out and into a trap after he was observed to be in a vacant house about two weeks ago.
Presumably living with limited or no food or water for an extended period of time, the cat was so dehydrated that the examining vet considered euthanasia as an option.
Francoise has been caring for the cat and gave a positive report on his recovery this week, saying: “(The vet) … expressed surprise at the good results, given his long time in seclusion.”
Kitty has been named Mario, in honor of the workman who spotted him in the window of the home.
Mario is still anemic, but his vet says he should be back to normal in a few weeks. He is being fed a special protein-rich diet supplemented with iron-enhanced baby cereal.
“The cat has more energy,” his rescuer said. “He gets along well with cats and dogs in the house.”
A local family is waiting to adopt Mario when he is fully recovered.
Mario is one of many animals helped by Francoise Belle-Isle in the aftermath of the disaster. According to Save Wicca: “Francoise is the local animal control/shelter person for Lac Megantic. She worked 14hrs a day following the derailment helping displaced families with pets and those looking for their missing pets.”
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