Photo, Harry Lynch/ News & Observer
Miracle is a beautiful Tortoiseshell cat who lost a leg after she was found crossing a busy road dragging a heavy, metal trap. After healing from amputation surgery provided by Orange County, NC Animal Services, Miracle was put up for adoption in September. She found the perfect home with the family of a retired police officer who is also an amputee.
Orange County Animal Services cared for the injured cat and wrote at Facebook when she was ready for adoption, saying:
“Meet Miracle! This sweet tortie kitty is around a year and a half old and has truly overcome so much to get to the point she’s at today.
“Miracle was spotted crossing 15-501 with a metal trap on her leg. The leg was badly broken and the trap was heavy, but she successfully dragged it across the busy highway, luckily catching the attention of someone during the process. The citizen called Animal Control and our officer was able to successfully capture her and rush her into the shelter, where the vet was waiting to give her the medical attention she desperately needed.
“Miracle’s leg was completely crushed and had to be removed. Luckily for everyone involved, the surgery was a success and she has healed and is ready to start her new life.
“Miracle loves people and seems grateful for everything that was done to give her this second chance. She will need to be an indoor only kitty, but should otherwise live a happy and healthy life on 3 legs.”
The local paper, The News & Observer, published a followup story today on Miracle and the Hillsborough, NC family who adopted her.
Miracle’s new family includes retired law enforcement officer John Irwin, his wife Jan, and their poodle Ginger.
Mr. Irwin, who had a leg amputated above the knee two years ago due to a medical condition, told the paper: “I’d been talking for awhile, saying we needed a cat. I said I could relate to that kitty.”
Miracle had impressed shelter staff because she was a little – at four pounds – fighter and survivor. She fits right in with her new family, who have faced several challenges in recent years, yet keep moving ahead with their lives.
Miracle has gained four more pounds since her adoption, becoming a playful and energetic cat. According to the followup profile story, she enjoys playing with paper bags and a toy mouse on a wand, and she jumps in the air, rolls around and runs from room to room.
“She’s amazing,” Jan Irwin said. “She’s very happy.”
The photos of Miracle and John Irwin tell us that she is a much loved cat.
You can read the full story on miracle’s life with her new family here.
