VAN GOGH Domestic Short Hair & Extra-Toes Cat / Hemingway Polydactyl Mix Grand Rapids, MI

Consider yourself warned when tell you that this amazing cat's story is NOT for the faint of heart. I find myself pretty tolerant of all things gross and gory, but even my stomach turned and I had to fight my gag reflex when I first encountered this cat and the mind-boggling condition he was in. Lowell resident Sarah DuPont contacted us on the November 1st, 2013, after she had discovered an injured cat was hiding out under her deck. Little did she know that this poor, pathetic pussycat had literally had his face half-cut off until she finally coerced him into her care and brought him to us three days later.

From the moment he popped his bloody head out of his travel box, this miraculous cat and his motor that wouldn’t stop purring had me by the heartstrings. Although the smell emanating from his crispy cranium was as foul as imaginable, it wasn't until I anesthetized this terrific tabby, gloved up and got down to business that the scope of his injuries truly resonated. Suffice it to say that the facial lacerations he suffered occurred probably weeks prior to his rescue. His left ear was almost completely ripped off of his skull, with only a small strip of viable skin attaching it just above his eye. The eyeball itself had also been sliced, and although not completely perforated, the eye itself would never be visible again. In fact, only a few millimeters of skin was left at the lateral aspect of his orb; had that skin been torn off along with his ear, the globe itself probably would have popped right out of the socket. To those not in the medical profession, it appeared as if this poor boy had been scalped, when in actuality it was a car engine fan blade that cut him to shreds. In trying to seek warmth and shelter, he crawled up into the vehicle, hunkered down, and didn't escape in time when the engine revved up and sliced him to pieces.

I had no choice but to remove what was left of his ear, but since there was no skin remaining to cover any of the wound defect, I simply had to give him time to heal on his own. Well, that's not to say that super strong antibiotics and narcotics weren't in play, but overall, only topical medications were applied day after day to aid the healing process. It was very slow going, but progress was made, and right before my eyes I watched a transformation take place that few thought would ever be possible. Of course there were a few setbacks along the way, like when he developed a life-threatening anemia, or when his eyeball ruptured in one spot. But, with true VanGogh style, he beat the odds, kicked some major butt and came out on top of the world! Meds infused into the opening of his ear canal have thus far prevented infection from forming, as risk of bacteria spreading into his middle/inner ear could be detrimental or even fatal. I am not quite sure if a reconstructive flap will have to be made to further protect his aural canal, but I am not sweating it as if anyone can triumph over adversity, it is my man VanGogh!

At the writing of his bio, on December 29th, my fabulous four-year old fella (born in late 2009) is currently curled up fast asleep on the box next to my desk. He likes to oversee the daily operations here at the house, and isn't shy about interrupting me with a polydactyl paw placed gently on my leg, so I will stop typing and start petting. Although typically not a big talker, when he does want my attention, he will emit the tiniest of meows to turn my head his way. It is during he night, when he wants in to the bedroom or to be let down into the finished basement that he yowls like a banshee - thank goodness that isn't very often:) Since he hasn't been let out of my sight since his arrival, he has spent his days lounging around the house, keeping company with my other fave foster Hopewell, and his nights running around like a wild man before hunkering down on my lap for some snuggletime. His anemia has completely resolved and his noggin sports only the smallest of scabs, so it is about time I take him on down to Crash's to meet his adoring fans. However, VanGogh has planted himself deeply into the core of my being, so even though it is a three block trip to the shelter, it will be a difficult journey for me to make. I totally get it - I brought him back from the brink of death and did my job so well that he is happy and healthy enough to have his time to shine in the spotlight Crash's offers. Doesn't mean that I won't miss seeing his lop-sided face every morning, or miss him zipping around the front room begging for Temptations and baby food. After almost 2 glorious months in my care, I know it is time for this mama bird to gently nudge her baby from the nest, but I guarantee you this is easier said than done. I take comfort in the fact that every single person who meets this amazing, majestic creature will fall totally head over heels in love with him. And I know he will be adored there as much as he was while in my home. He is an infectiously alluring individual that will leave a lasting impression on you, even if you only spend a few minutes in his presence. To see an animal not only persevere and triumph over such outrageous obstacles, but to THRIVE, is nothing short of astonishing. Van Gogh is that...and so much more!