Another installment in our series of posts on other folks' disabled animals ... this one from Europe!
One of the sanctuary's wonderful friends and supporters, Carla P. in Italy, had rescued a tiny disabled kitten in September 2007. Carla named him Leo, after another beloved family pet, their dog Lea, who had just died the previous month.
Carla had written:
"I found Leo on my way to the grocery store. He was missing his left front leg, with the gaping wound still bleeding. I rushed him to our vet who, after removing dozens of maggots, treated Leo's wound with Betadine and put him under antibiotic therapy. Thankfully, he had an extraordinarily speedy recovery. His disability does not slow him down in the least! He runs and jumps all over the place, enjoying life to the fullest. He's very cuddly and always purring, even when he's eating or snoozing. He's such a sweetheart and certainly keeps us entertained with his antics! After the heartbreak caused by Lea's death, we sorely needed the joy and laughter Leo has brought into our lives."
Just a few months later, you can see what that tiny kitten was growing into -- a big, handsome boy!
Thanks for sharing Leo's story!What a little darling! These blogs are priceless! The kitties all around the heater is precious also! Thank you Thank you for sharing! it makes me so happy!
Posted by: Mary Young | February 01, 2009 at 07:35 AM
What a beauty! I second (or third) the statements about his wonderful long tail.
Posted by: JC | January 30, 2009 at 09:53 AM
Thank you so much, dear Steve, for posting Leo's story!
A huge "grazie" to all those who wrote such kind words about Leo and myself.
Leo is extremely flattered to be on the RDR blog!:-)
Hugs and purrs to everyone!
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | January 30, 2009 at 02:36 AM
Leo is one lucky boy (handsome, too!) to have been rescued by you, Carla. You have a heart of gold. Thanks for sharing your story.
Posted by: Nina | January 29, 2009 at 07:49 PM
I just finished reading "Amazing Gracie" (and would be shocked if you blog readers didn't love it) about the guys who started 3 dog bakery, and Gracie, the deaf albino great dane pup that was magical in their life. I mention this because I have the feeling the moral of the story is also perhaps yours... Carla with Leo, and the whole RDR... "I used to think that I saved Gracie. But now I realize that all along it was Gracie thwho at was saving me."
You actions, from the heart are special and an inspiration.
Posted by: Margaret | January 29, 2009 at 10:35 AM
Leo; is a beautiful cat. Do Italian cats have longer tails than American cats? It looks extra-long in the picture :-)
Posted by: MaryJane Cooper | January 29, 2009 at 10:08 AM
Oh, what a beautiful story... and such a wonderful, happy ending. I am always so grateful to those who will take in a disabled animal and give them all the love and care they so deserve. Thank you, Carla for being so good to Leo. I have no doubt there was a reason he came into your life and he will provide you with many, many blessings.
~Barbara
http://www.joyfulpaws.com
http://frankiethewalknrolldog.blogspot.com
Posted by: Barbara Techel | January 29, 2009 at 08:45 AM
Leo is one lucky guy! And a very handsome cat. Thank you, Carla, for saving and adopting him. Ciao!
Posted by: Linda | January 29, 2009 at 08:42 AM
Ciao, Leo! Have a good life!
Posted by: jeanne | January 29, 2009 at 08:04 AM
Forgot to mention...
I love Leo's long tail.
He's a big, handsome guy!
Sending much care to you and Leo.
Posted by: Boundforglory | January 29, 2009 at 07:36 AM
Carla and Leo were meant to be; placed together at the proper time!
Let's all keep our eyes open for animals in need. Can't give them a home? Find a way to help, or get them help immediately.
Leo surely wouldn't have survived a rapid infection on such a tiny body.
Thank you for sharing your story, Carla! I'm so happy that Leo is in your life and you in his.
Posted by: Boundforglory | January 29, 2009 at 07:35 AM
p.s. "Open the shades a little bit more, Carla, I can't see out this window!"
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | January 29, 2009 at 06:16 AM
Great job, Carla, and what a handsome creature. Spread the word in Italy about "disabled" cats and dogs.
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | January 29, 2009 at 06:14 AM
What a wonderful story.....Carla is an angel without wings. This handsome young man is lucky to have found her.
I just LOVE these stories!
Posted by: Debbie | January 29, 2009 at 05:33 AM
I'm so sorry about Lea. You were so wonderful to rescue Leo in his time of trouble & what a handsome cat he has become! I think he's guarding your home, by the way he's looking out the window. Thanks for sharing his story with us. Please give him a hug.
Warm hugs to all,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger | January 28, 2009 at 10:55 PM
Perhaps Leo found you. It sounds like you needed each other. Thank you for rescuing and rehabbing him. He's gorgeous and a very lucky boy.
Posted by: Jane | January 28, 2009 at 06:55 PM
aaawww! Leo is beautiful! Thank you for rescuing him & giving him such a wonderful, loving home! A kitty is definitely a wonderful form of entertainment! I'm glad he helped you with your loss of Lea.
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | January 28, 2009 at 03:59 PM