When Brewster arrived at our North Country Initiative Adirondack Region Cat Adoption Center in upstate New York, his injuries were so severe that it was assumed he had been hit by a car. But the truth was more heartbreaking: Brewster had been shot.

X-rays revealed a shattered humerus – the bone in his upper front leg – along with metal fragments embedded in the tissue, indicating a gunshot wound, most likely from a pellet gun. The bullet tore through his leg and exited near his armpit, dangerously close to critical nerves that control limb movement.

Initially, amputation seemed like the only treatment option. But Animal League America Chief of Veterinary Staff Dr. Mark Verdino thought differently, and Brewster was immediately transported to our Pet Health Centers. “I always want to try and save the limb in these situations if we can,” he said. “No question this was a complex, delicate surgery. The bone was in several pieces, and we ended up having to place a metal rod down the center to realign and stabilize it.”

Your gift today to our Help Me Heal program will give Brewster a second chance at safety, healing, and love.

The next milestone in Brewster’s recovery was to see if he would still have feeling in his leg. Incredibly just days later, he began bearing weight on it; an encouraging sign that his nerves weren’t permanently damaged. Brewster is on pain medication and antibiotics, and while there are still risks of infection or complications, so far he’s doing well. “The swelling is down, the wounds are healing and we are cautiously optimistic,” said Dr. Verdino.

For now this courageous boy is defying the odds. Brewster’s quiet, sweet demeanor is remarkable given the horror that he has endured. He will require careful monitoring going forward, but he now has a real chance to keep his leg, and to live a peaceful and protected life.

Your Help Me Heal donation today will give Brewster the continued care and support he needs after surviving such cruelty.