Winona, MN (WXOW) An example tonight of just how cruel people can be. Someone tortured a kitten and left it for dead. But thanks to the Winona Area Humane Society the kitten is making a miraculous recovery.
With just one look this 8-week old kitten can melt your heart, making it even harder to understand how someone could be so cruel to him.
Deborah Stowe sees the horrible things people are capable of on a regular basis. As the medical director at the Winona Area Humane Society it's her job to try and undo human harm. But even Deborah wasn't prepared to handle the abuse inflicted on this tiny creature. "I've never seen anything like this one."
Late, last Saturday night a good Samaritan called the shelter to report a kitten crying for help. As you can see in this picture, it's leg was twisted and appeared to be broken. Animal control officer Aditi Terpstra assumed the kitten had been hit by a car. "When I first saw him I didn't know if his leg was savable." However; when veterinarian Jan Doelle examined the kitten it became clear this was no accident. "It seemed stuck and on a whim I kind of gently pulled on his paw and I noticed the strings of glue."
Dr. Jan and Deborah carefully put the kitten's leg back in place and did their best to remove the industrial strength glue on its back, neck and another paw. All the while the kitten purred. "It was almost like he was saying thanks for helping." Amazingly the kitten's leg wasn't broken, lLeading doctor Jan to name him Gumby.
Dr. Jan expects Gumby to make a full recovery. In fact; he may be ready for adoption as early as next week. Gumby's family will have the option of renaming him but shelter workers hope Gumby will stick. "Oh I think they have to. We'll put it in the contract."
The Winona Area Humane Society is a no-kill facility. They operate almost solely on donations. If you would like to make a donation or you're interesting in adoption contact the shelter.
Winona Area Humane Society
1112 East Broadway
Winona, MN 55987
507-452-3135
