In the nick of time
Time was of the essence for little Ava. She was noticed crouching on a porch on Beverley St., August 31, 2024. Late summer, into fall, saw an unprecedented number of cruelty cases involving cats. Cats in west-central Winnipeg have never been strangers to cruelty. Many have fallen victim to people who do not respect their right to life, let alone a humane one. The transient nature of the area has resulted in an immense homeless cat population, due to abandonment and lack of resources for sterilization. Once loving pets, some have been on the street so long, they’ve become accustomed to hiding from humans – for just cause. Ava may not have been fending for herself as long as others, but at the young age of two, she had seen more cruelty than any cat ever should.
a kind soul
A caring person noticed Ava, a sweet little cat, looking very sick and almost unrecognizable. They thought she was near death and needed help. One of my foster homes called about a plea for help on social media. She offered to care for Ava if I took her on as a rescue. How could I refuse? I drove down to the home as fast as I could, leaving my dinner on the table, grabbing a carrier, a sheet and my bite gloves on the way out. I met the person who was monitoring her, as she crouched under a shelf on a back porch. She hadn’t moved since she arrived other than to shift herself under the shelf a little more to hide. Had it not been for this one person, who knows where Ava would be today.
the rescue
Found
I blocked her in with some items and spoke softly to her while I wrapped a sheet over, and around, her to pick her up. She went into the carrier without incident. I rushed her to an emergency clinic who insisted they wanted to test her for panleukopenia outside, but because I had no idea how she would react, I declined. We went to another clinic that didn’t have that same requirement, so she could be examined in a safer environment.
Ava could barely keep her eyes open as she meowed sadly while she looked at me from inside the carrier. She sighed and put her head down in defeat. We spoke to the vet and learned she had been doused with gasoline. The chemicals burned her skin and caused severe eye irritation. She also had a severe flea infestation and was very thin. They bathed her as best they could and applied ointment to her eyes. She had a tattoo and after calling for contact information, it turns out Ava had a former family who cared about her, but had given her to a relative. Contacting the relative was not an option, and in her best interest, her registered owners surrendered her over the phone.
road to recovery
In Foster
Ava went from emergency to the Winnipeg Humane Society for additional care. After three days, WHS released her to us and we took her to our vet. She had a complete exam, and bloodwork, to ensure the gasoline hadn’t affected her organs and to confirm she hadn’t picked up any common viruses.
The animal health techs at Machray Animal Hospital completely shaved, and bathed, her. Her skin was itchy from the scalding caused by the chemicals. They provided a lotion to help her heal and make her more comfortable. Applying a special ointment helped heal her eyes over the course of a couple of weeks. Ava proudly wore sweaters to keep warm and didn’t complain about anything – not the food, litter or company. She slept with her foster mom every night, on her pillow – the perfect companion.
None of us could fathom the cruelty perpetrated on this beautiful, loving, docile little girl. She found just the right home to ask for help. That one act of kindness was the catalyst for the amazing future she didn’t know she was getting.
Home stretch
Watching a cat recover from abject cruelty is a very rewarding experience. Ava’s determination was unwavering. She knew she was in good hands. One can’t help but admire a cat’s resolve and fall in love with them. Had Ava’s cats accepted her, she would have been a foster fail. But the universe had a different plan. There were many applicants for this high-profile rescue girl, and it was a long process talking to every one of them to find just the right home. Interviewing, and visiting, the three finalists was exciting. We selected her new home based on Ava’s personality, age, preferences and needs.
After almost a year in her new home, Ava has reached her potential as a cat. She is stunning and brilliant. Her long locks have grown back, her eyes are bright and she is smart and mischievous. She knows how to get herself a drink by turning the kitchen faucet on and she’s a big fan of shoulder-surfing. An outgoing cat by nature, Ava is happy to have visitors, but eventually retreats to her hidey spots when she’s had enough attention. Her entire family adores her, including her dog and cat companions. Love, compassion and patience can do amazing things.