After weeks recovering in his foster home, Brewster’s story has taken a joyful new turn—he’s been adopted! Thanks to the support of our Help Me Heal Program, which made his lifesaving surgery and recovery possible, once Brewster was finally cleared for adoption he didn’t have to wait long to find his perfect match.
Brewster was adopted by North Shore Animal League America’s own Lorri Stamile, Manager of Gift Planning, who says she fell in love the moment she read his story. Now thriving in his forever home, Brewster is full of energy and affection. “He acclimated quickly,” Lorri shared. “His leg seems okay even after jumping and chasing—he knows when to take it easy. He immediately bonded with my 12-year-old cat Franklin, and they love to play wrestle. He’s obsessed with the laser pointer, watches birds from the window, and is just the sweetest, most lovable boy. It’s a privilege to have rescued him and be his momma.”
From a traumatic injury to a joyful new life, Brewster’s journey is a testament to the healing power of compassion—and the incredible impact of the support of our Help Me Heal Program.
Since undergoing delicate surgery to repair the damage caused by a gunshot wound, Brewster has been making remarkable strides in his recovery. Now safe and sound in a loving foster home, he’s been regaining strength and confidence with every passing day. His playful spirit is shining through as he enjoys plenty of toys, attention, and well-deserved rest.
Brewster’s resilience hasn’t gone unnoticed—his story has touched hearts across the region where he was first rescued in upstate New York. The local news even picked up on his journey, and he’s quickly become a bit of a hometown hero. With his soulful eyes and courageous comeback, Brewster is not only healing physically but also inspiring a community with his strength and gentle charm.
Help Brewster Heal from Senseless Cruelty
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.”
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.
