Best Buddies

It was freezing when the woman took her dog out on their usual morning walk. The dog, always well-mannered in his harness, started pulling as they were getting close to the abandoned building on the corner. When they were almost in front of it, the dog pulled her to the curb. He began nosing his way through a pile of leaves and garbage bags in the gutter.

At first, all the woman could see was fur and a tail, and she cautiously brushed the rest of the debris away. Her dog began to whine. There was the cat. He was stiff.

As she knelt down by his side she thought she saw him move. She stared at him but didn’t see anything. Maybe it was the wind. And then she saw it again.

He was breathing. Barely noticeable, but breathing.

She gingerly picked him up in her scarf and held him close, being as careful as she could to keep him still. With one hand on the leash and her other hand cradling the cat, she walked back home and called the Humane Society of New York. We told her to come right in.

The black and white cat was in critical shape. He obviously had been hit by a car and suffered greatly from the impact. His breathing was labored, and one of his back legs was dangling. Our team of doctors gave him immediate supportive care.

Ricky, whom we guessed to be around 9 years old, weighed only 6 pounds. He was dangerously anemic. Instead of a normal pink color, his gums were pale white. A front leg was fractured. His abdomen was distended and his pelvis swollen. He had a severe and stubborn upper respiratory infection. Ultimately his right hind leg had to be amputated.

What this cat showed us was that he wanted to live. He never missed a meal, and would let you know if he wanted seconds. Throughout everything he went through, X-rays, blood tests and physical therapy, this little miracle of a boy never showed any aggression. If you stopped petting him, he would lightly tap you with a paw to continue. He was sweet, hungry and grateful.

Everyone became so fond of Ricky. He had the entire medical team cheering him on.

It took months of daily treatment, and little by little he regained his weight and strength.

A couple who recently lost their senior cat submitted an adoption application for Ricky. They had a large rescue dog who loved cats and he, along with them, really missed their cat. After meeting Ricky in our adoption center and learning about everything that he had been through, they were hoping that he would be comfortable living with a dog.

We introduced Ricky to a few of our cat-friendly adoption dogs of different sizes. He was not only not afraid, he wanted to interact with them.

Our care and Ricky’s indomitable spirit carried him through. This little boy didn’t just survive, he is engaged, active and thriving. His journey through the worst of times is over.

The HSNY Adoption team drove him to his new home in Brooklyn. We offered advice on getting him acclimated and introducing him to their dog. His new owners kept them separated for a couple of days, and then carefully let them meet nose to nose.

Ricky, who was saved by a dog, now sleeps with their dog, JB, leaving less space in the bed for the rest of the family. Just a big goofy dog and his new best friend, a three-legged cat, living their best life.

Eloise and Ricky had to undergo a great deal of medical care before they were ready to be adopted. Many animals may find their forever home within days, weeks or months. No matter how long it takes, every dog and cat is lovingly looked after and cared for until their permanent and responsible home is found.