According to the ASPCA, animal abuse occurs around the world every 60 seconds, killing 10 million animals each year in the U.S. alone. Comet, an abused one-year-old cat from St. Cloud, Florida, almost become one of these tragic statistics.

Fortunately, Comet was found by a woman who recognized the cat had clearly been abused. When Comet was discovered by this Good Samaritan, the injured black cat was badly limping and severely wounded in one eye.

Photo: Waggle

The kind woman contacted Helping Paws Humane Society, which raced the injured cat to the animal hospital. "The vet took X-rays which revealed he had pellets lodged all over his body!” one of the rescuers, Karen B., told Waggle, describing fragments lodged in Comet's head, eye, abdomen, and elbow.

But Comet's injuries extended beyond being used for target practice. “He was limping because his leg was infected and broken in four different places," the shelter worker said.

Photo: Waggle

Comet's broken leg--which rescuers described as a "mangled mess"--was also shattered beyond the point of repair. Likewise, Comet's damaged eye will also have to be removed. The gravity of the Comet’s wounds left vets with no option but to amputate the abused cat’s leg.

But despite his many wounds--and obvious pain--Comet is always sweet and grateful to his rescuers. "He's a great cat. He's very affectionate," Karen told Waggle. "He is always circling around people's legs the best he can. He's purring all the time."

Photo: Waggle

But Helping Paws Humane Society needed help getting Comet back up on 3 feet. The sheer expense of this surgery led rescuers to turn to Waggle, which partnered with the Animal Rescue Site to fund Comet’s leg surgery.

“Comet deserves a chance at a great life with a loving family,” said Karen.

Photo: Waggle

Our second rescued pet, a young New Jersey cat named Lilo, didn't suffer from abuse, but her situation is equally dire. The one-year-old tabby suffered from hydrocephalus, a dangerous (and potentially fatal) condition causing a build-up of cerebrospinal fluid in her brain.

When Lilo was born, her family could tell the kitten was different from the rest of her litter. They did their best to provide special care, but when Lilo was diagnosed with hydrocephalus--which triggers migraines, seizures, blindness, brain damage, and death if left untreated--they knew they couldn’t provide the care she needed.

Photo: Waggle

Lilo was surrendered to Super Hero's Animal Hydrocephalus Society (SHAHS), a non-profit rescue founded to help animals suffering from this debilitating condition.

"We are the only disease-specific rescue in the world that deals specifically with hydrocephalus," SHAHS’s president, Lisa J., told Waggle. "Many people think it's a hopeless disorder, and the best thing you can do is euthanize the animal. We have found that is the furthest thing from the truth. Many cats with this disorder can live full lives."

But when Lilo first arrived at SHAHS, it wasn’t clear if this little cat would survive. "She was in severe crisis,” Lisa recalled. “The pressure in her head was spiking."

Photo: Waggle

Fortunately, this rescue works with skilled neurologists who can provide life-saving care for hydrocephalus patients. After multiple surgeries--including brain surgery to relieve the growing pressure under her skull--the young cat started feeling better.

"She's doing great. She's bright. She's eating. She's playing, and there is a sparkle in her eyes," said Lisa. "She has a zest for life like no animal we've ever seen. She does not give up. She's this kitten-sized cat that doesn't know anything other than to keep fighting."

Photo: Waggle

But ultimately, treating hydrocephalus is a lengthy and expensive process--especially in a pandemic that's thwarted shelter fundraising. "Our yearly medical expenses top $90,000,” the rescue's worried president admitted. “I lie awake at night wondering, are we going to survive this?"

Lilo's predicament inspired the Animal Rescue Site to team up with Waggle to help this little cat get the surgery she needed. Thanks to all of our readers who made donations to help Lilo get a second chance at life!

Success Story Update #1

Photo: Waggle

Earlier we brought you the story of Odin, a 5-year-old dog who flunked out of police training. But while Odin wasn’t cut out for life on the force, the pup was quickly adopted by a firefighter, Robert, and his wife Barbara, who were grieving recent deaths in their family. Odin became a source of comfort and joy for the couple, but tragedy struck again when the dog was diagnosed with a potentially fatal heart murmur – and his owners didn’t have the money for heart surgery.

This heartbreaking dilemma led Robert and Barbara to turn to Waggle and the Animal Rescue Site, whose generous readers funded this dog’s life-saving surgery. Please see below for an update from Odin’s owners:

Odin had his procedure, and I am happy to say he is doing great! His incredible Cardiac Surgeon informed us that the size of his heart shrunk 20 percent overnight after the surgery and all looks encouraging for a full and happy life. This sounds like the opposite of the Grinch story, but I can assure you Odin’s capacity for love didn’t shrink! Now post-op he has completed his medication regimen and will be having his final clearance check-up in a couple of weeks.

We cannot thank enough everyone at Waggle and The Animal Rescue Site who helped Odin. As we watch him play in the snow this winter (his absolute FAVORITE time of year) we are fully aware that this would not have been possible without his surgery. Thank you!

Success Story Update #2

Photo: Waggle

The Animal Rescue Site also teamed up with Waggle to help Two Boos. The injured kitten had been limping around for days before x-rays revealed she had a severely broken leg! But the kitten’s owner, who was homeless, didn’t have the money to repair Two Boo’s broken leg, which was so damaged it required expensive amputation surgery. Fortunately, Animal Rescue Site readers stepped in to help fund this kitten's critical operation. See below for an update from Two Boos' veterinary team:

Two Boos is doing wonderfully post-surgery. The Street Dog Coalition's DVM Team Lead in Pittsburgh saw her yesterday and reported that she is doing well and romping around with her sibling. Two Boos' owner is also incredibly grateful. This is a perfect example of how animal welfare is also human welfare and how helping the life on one end of the "leash" inevitably helps the life on the other end.

Thank you to all the Animal Rescue Site, Freekibble, and Waggle donors who funded this campaign. Your kindness and generosity have made a lasting impact and will no doubt have ripple effects.

Thank you for helping us provide rescued animals like Odin, Two Boos, Comet, and Lilo with life-saving medical care!