Mews

Mews: Cat Burned In Fire – Offers Support &Snuggles To Other Animals At Veterinary Hospital

Posted on by Marc-André
14
Oct

Hi everyone,

One of our readers pointed out this sad  yet amazing story of compassion that they found on Huffington Post so we just had to re-share it with you!

Russell the cat has spent the last year and a half at a North Carolina veterinary clinic recovering from a fire that burned his face and body, made him lose the tips of his ears, and destroyed his family’s house.

As he’s been getting better, Russell’s also been snuggling up with lots of new pals as they undergo their own treatments.

“He wants to be friends with every animal,” says Megan Maus, a vet tech at Animal Emergency Hospital and Urgent Care. “He’s a very inquisitive cat. A very loving little cat.”

cat

Photo: Animal Emergency Hospital and Urgent Care

A baby deer, now named Darla, arrived this week, for example.

She’d been discovered on someone’s lawn. That person was advised to keep an eye out and see if the mother came back.

When Darla attempted — and failed — to nurse from a local dog, it was determined the mom was probably dead, and the baby was probably going to need some help.

“So we took her,” says Maus — we meaning the clinic, which treats injured wildlife in addition to companion animals.

Russell, in turn, fawned all over his new friend.

Most of Russell’s meow-lodex is filled with dogs who’ve come through the animal hospital, like a Chihuahua stray named Roscoe, whose eye was injured after the doggie was attacked.

A stray lab named Squirrel who got hit by a car soon also found herself with a warm ball of Russell in her life.

These dogs are in other homes now, and Darla’s been discharged already, too, dispatched to a wildlife rehabilitation center where she’ll be prepared for re-release.

So Russell’s flying solo at the moment, awaiting the next furry creature in need, he can snuggle up to.

Photo: Animal Emergency Hospital and Urgent Care

The question you might be asking is: given this much time, and so many transient friends, when will Russell go home to his family?

The answer is that no one can say. After a couple dozen surgeries and other treatments, Russell isn’t completely well yet — and his home isn’t totally rebuilt, either.

But he’s welcome to stick around.

Thanks to generous donations, Russell’s medical bills are covered. (The hospital’s Good Samaritan Fund, used to provide care for other animals, still could use some bolstering.)

Russell’s also fully equipped with toys and beds and treats — and, a couple of Valentine’s Days ago, a bunch of balloons — sent from adoring fans the world over, who’ve followed his progress on Facebook and elsewhere.

Staff love the little charmer, who even purrs while his bandages are being changed. And at the clinic, Russell often sits with the folks in the animal hospital waiting room, some of whom are having really awful days.

If Maus occasionally has the teeniest doubt that Russell’s affections are bestowed out of empathy, “or if he just likes the warm body, I couldn’t say,” it is utterly clear that he does something very special for everyone who gets to know him.

“He helps give them some hope,” Maus says. “Him being such a little cat of perseverance.”

Keep tabs on Russell’s progress, and on his adorable friendships, on the Animal Emergency Hospital and Urgent Care Facebook page.

Story credit: Huffington Post, Photo Credit Animal Emergency Hospital and Urgent Care

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Thanks,

Marc

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Marc-André

We regularly write about all things relating to cats on our Blog Katzenworld! My partner and I are owned by five cheeky cats that get up to all kinds of mischief that of course, you'll also be able to find out more about on our Blog If you are interested in joining us by becoming a regular contributor/guest author do drop us a message @ info@katzenworld.co.uk .

66 thoughts on “Mews: Cat Burned In Fire – Offers Support &Snuggles To Other Animals At Veterinary Hospital”

  4. Sherrie de Valeria says:

    Lovely. A very touching story.
    Glad that the cat survived and recovering well.
    And of course, well wishes for the little Bambi there too.
    I love that photo of them – a beautiful frienship mend. 🙂

    Reply
  13. Empress Alexis says:

    That’s a great story. I’m glad the family chose to save him rather than put him down after what happened. There’s still so much life left in him and so much left to give.

    Reply
  15. Lisa says:

    This story touched my heart! How wonderful that Russell is doing better! He is such a beautiful boy and everyone is better for knowing him!

    Reply
  20. Rantasalot says:

    What a touching story. Really great cat, helping others even own situation is not very good. We have had cats almost always ja we know how clever they are and always trying to help.

    Reply

  31. Pingback: Mews: Cat Burned In Fire – Offers Support &Snuggles To Other Animals At Veterinary Hospital | Mollie Hunt: Crazy Cat Lady Mysteries and more

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