When Church first came to us, he was thin, weak, and clearly in pain. He limped badly on one rear leg and struggled to eat, as if something just wasn’t right.
What we discovered next was something none of us expected.
When Church was sedated for X-rays, we found pieces of bone (we think they were mouse bones) embedded in his throat, likely from a long time spent trying to survive on whatever he could find to eat. Even after removing what we saw, he continued to have trouble eating, and during a later procedure, we found even more bones.
As if that wasn’t enough, Church also had a severely displaced kneecap that required surgery to help him walk without pain.
But through all of it, Church purred. He leaned into every touch. He trusted us to help him.
Because of you, we were able to give him the care he needed — to remove the painful debris from his throat, to repair his leg, and to give his body the chance to heal.
And heal he did.
By the time Church was adopted, he had gained five pounds and transformed into the happiest, most affectionate boy. The cat who once struggled to eat now happily enjoys his meals. The cat who limped now moves comfortably. And his favorite things? Belly rubs and sleeping in laps.
Today, Church is home with his new dad, safe, loved, and exactly where he belongs.
Because of you, his story didn’t end with him alone and in pain. It ended in love.
From all of us — and from Church — thank you for making second chances like his possible.