On October 5th, 2018 we (Humane Society Waterville Area, Maine) received a call from the Animal Control Officer in one of the towns that contracts with us. She told us there was an unknown number of cats that had been locked in a storage area for an unknown length of time. Our driver returned with 3 large dog crates, but we had no idea how many cats were inside. The crates were filthy and matted with fur. The urine smell was so powerfully terrible that we could almost taste it.
We removed the cats on by one, weighed them, gave them fluids, tested them for disease, vaccinated them, fed them and gave them Miracle names. They were all emaciated, hungry, exhausted, filthy with feces and urine and silent. The first crate contained Bennett and Dorothea who were so skinny that their hips were protruding. They had been standing on Heaven who passed away that evening and Rocky who was already deceased.
Within the other 2 carriers there were 6 live cats, Boone, Felicity, Asher, Flick, Felix and Emmeline along with 3 deceased cats. Boone, Asher and Flick were in the same shape as Bennett and Dorothea: emaciated, exhausted, starving and filthy. Felicity, a once beautiful siamese was missing her right eye and it didn’t look like it had been a surgical removal. Emmeline and Felix were in better shape with Felix being an older black and white kitten and Emmeline being a terrified pregnant all black cat. It was tough leaving them overnight, but we knew they had come to the right shelter at the right time.
The next morning they were all still alive and all are continuing to improve, except Asher. Beautiful buff colored Asher had fluid in his lungs. After two nights of the fluid returning, the vet advised us our best course of action was euthanasia. Asher passed peacefully that afternoon.
Having been bathed, treated, fed, exercised and loved, the 7 remaining Miracle Cats have made a tremendous recovery, along with taking a very special place in our hearts. Over the last few weeks we have seen their personalities emerge and their bellies fill out. Their owner finally surrendered them to us after a month in our care. We can now find them the loving homes they deserve.
This is the reason the Humane Society Waterville Area needs to remain open. The Miracle Cats are the face of animal abuse and neglect. Their perseverance and resilience is overwhelming. For all of the heartwarming, easy adoptions, there are stories like this one that need to be told. This is a true look at behind the scenes at a central Maine community animal shelter. This story is why we are so vital to the communities we serve.
https://www.gofundme.com/the-miracle-cats
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