At Shepton Vets, we are fortunate to witness many incredible stories of recovery and second chances, but some tales truly tug at our hearts. One such story is that of a little kitten, found alone in a bush by a kind member of the public. He was brought to us in need of urgent care.

This tiny kitten, estimated to be just 6-7 weeks old, was in relatively good condition, though he had a few issues. He was covered in fleas, had some small wounds on his face, and most concerning of all, one of his back legs wasn’t functioning properly. Upon examination, we discovered that the knee joint was thickened and extremely painful to touch, suggesting a serious injury. We were immediately struck by how brave and resilient he was despite his painful condition. Due to the location where he was found, the little kitten was affectionately named Blackberry.

Our team quickly got to work, and to ensure the best care, we reached out to Cats Protection Glastonbury, who graciously agreed to help fund an X-ray of Blackberry’s injured leg. The results were heart-wrenching—Blackberry had broken the femur where it meets the knee joint. While surgery was possible, given his young age and the delicate nature of his bones, there was also a chance that amputation would be required.

Fortunately, even if the worst-case scenario occurred, we knew that cats can adapt incredibly well to life with three legs, especially when it happens at such a young age. As we began planning his treatment, one of our team members that works in the admin office, Sue, became particularly attached to Blackberry. She offered to foster him through his recovery, and her generous offer was gratefully accepted by Cats Protection Glastonbury, who covered the costs of his surgery.

The surgery took place the following day, but it quickly became clear that the fracture was too severe for pinning, given the kitten’s tiny bones. Amputation was necessary. While it was a difficult decision, the surgery went smoothly, and little Blackberry began to recover remarkably fast. He soon became a bundle of energy, bounding around with no regard for his missing leg.

During his recovery, Sue’s bond with Blackberry deepened, and what began as a temporary foster arrangement turned into something much more permanent. Blackberry, now renamed Chi, became a cherished member of Sue’s family. Chi is now thriving, full of energy, and living a joyful life in his forever home.

This heartwarming story serves as a reminder of the incredible work done by charities like Cats Protection. Without their support, Chi’s journey might have had a very different outcome. We are so grateful to have played a part in his recovery, and it brings us great joy to know that he has found a loving home with Sue. It’s also a treat for the team to occasionally catch up with Chi, who continues to brighten our days with his spirit and resilience.

We are thrilled for Chi and his new life with Sue, and we hope his story serves as an inspiration for anyone considering fostering or supporting animal rescue efforts. Thanks to the combined efforts of our team, Sue, and the generosity of Cats Protection Glastonbury, Chi is now living the life he truly deserves.