TENNESSEE -- Grandpa is now able to move from room to room and jump up on the couch.
Three weeks ago, the life of the 6-month-old cat hung by a thread after being shot with a pellet gun near its Biddle Street home.
The cat's owners, Anthony Hayes and Erin Freeman, could not afford the vet care needed to nurse Grandpa back to health.
Grandpa came home last week much improved after an outpouring of donations from the community provided more than enough to pay veterinary bills associated with the cat's care.
"It was a happy Christmas. It was wonderful to have the whole family together," Hayes said.
Donations from the community for care of the kitten exceeded its medical bills by more than $2,000, so remaining funds will be used to help other sick or injured animals whose owners don't have the resources to pay for their care, Dr. Doug Woolsey, owner of the Greene County Veterinary Medical Center, said today.
"I was surprised at the amount, not necessarily the number of people [who helped]. People really stepped up around here," Woolsey said.
IMPROVING HEALTH
Grandpa -- so named because of the long hairs coming out of his ears -- is as loving as ever and slowly regaining use of his legs.
After the cat was shot Dec. 10 in the back of the head with a pellet gun, allegedly by a 19-year-old neighbor, it was feared the animal might lose use of one paw or even a leg.
Grandpa is being given medications including antibiotics and steroids and is showing gradual improvement, Hayes said.
"He's doing real well," he said. "He's able to jump up on the bed and the couch and he's going from room to room. We're very proud of him."
Because of nerve damage the cat suffered, Grandpa's back legs must be taped together for the time being.
"They slip and slide. It's kind of funny. He almost tiptoes with his back feet," Hayes said.
STEADY IMPROVEMENT
Concern that Grandpa's left front paw would be paralyzed after the shooting is lessening.
"He's using it. He's using it really well," Hayes said. "When he puts his paw down, he will put it sometimes on his knuckles then he will flatten it out."
For the time being, Grandpa will remain an inside cat.
"He's also trying to get outside and we don't want to let him out as long as we can, until he is fully healed. We don't want it to happen again," Hayes said.
The cat was shot in the back of the head on Dec. 10 with a pellet gun in the 300 block of Biddle Street.
Hayes and Freeman never met the neighbor who allegedly shot the cat, 19-year-old Zachary S. Brewer.
After being charged with a felony count of aggravated cruelty to animals, Brewer made bond. He will next appear on Monday in Greene County General Sessions Court.
'JUST AS FRIENDLY'
Despite his horrific experience, Grandpa is still trusting around people -- especially his humans.
"He's just as friendly," Hayes said. "There's a yellow cat next door and they are friends and they were meowing back and forth last night."
Hayes and Freeman remain very thankful to all those who made donations to help speed Grandpa's recovery at the veterinary clinic.
After Grandpa was shot, Freeman borrowed $150 from a relative to get initial emergency care for the cat. The public took over from there.
"We're extremely grateful for the community. It's so amazing," Hayes said. "It touches my heart that there are so many people thinking about an animal."
DONATIONS CRUCIAL
Without the help of donations, Hayes believes Grandpa would not be alive today.
"When he was shot, if the community hadn't helped out, he would have died," Hayes said. "We're so happy every day, we're just loving on him extra."
Added Freeman: "We have missed him so very much, and we know he's missed us just the same."
She agreed the cat's health is slowly improving.
"We are so thankful for everyone that donated and wished Grandpa well. We are blessed," she said.
OTHER ANIMALS BENEFIT
Woolsey said sick or wounded animals without owners are often brought to his clinic. Some have owners who have no money or can only afford to pay a certain amount. The Greeneville-Greene County Humane Society will serve as a third party to review the best ways to allocate unused funds donated for Grandpa's care, Woolsey said.
"I want [the public] to be able to see where the money's going, where it's accounted for -- every cent," he said. "I'm impressed with the amount of donations. It's just a good county."
(Greeneville Sun - Dec 31, 2014)
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