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There are some things you experience in the world of animal rescue that never stop being shocking. Being told there is a cat found with an ARROW IN IT’S BACK in need of saving is one of those moments!

In early February, that’s exactly what rescuers at St. Francis Society Animal Rescue in Tampa, FL were contacted about.

Locals had seen a ginger and white cat with an arrow sticking out from it’s back wandering around for 5 days! There was also another wound on one ear, likely from a 2nd arrow. Halfheartedly, someone pulled the arrow from the feline, but neglected to seek any medical treatment or help the cat further.

Photo: St. Francis Society Animal Rescue

 

When rescue workers learned of the poor suffering feline, they immediately set out to trap him. On February 8th, “Sir Robin” was finally caught, preventing a tragic ending to his tale.

Photo: St. Francis Society Animal Rescue

Unfortunately, the puncture wound from which the arrow was pulled, was extremely infected. He also had two upper canines broken and infected, with the nerves exposed from an additional unknown trauma. To top it off, he was covered in fleas and ear mites!

Thankfully the boy was now in safe hands. He was given pain medication and antibiotics right away, beginning the costly recovery process. Being a foster-based rescue organization, St. Francis relies solely on donations but knew Sir Robin needed their help…no matter the cost.

Photo: St. Francis Society Animal Rescue

After multiple vet visits over the next days, Sir Robin was able to get a bit of healing rest, off of the streets and out of danger. The big boy was obviously weary of humans and unsure if he was truly safe in his new surroundings.

On day three of his new life, he hesitantly but successfully took his deworming medication and antibiotics without too much complaint. His wounds were being inspected and cleaned by attentive volunteers 3 times a day.

Photo: St. Francis Society Animal Rescue

Rescuers knew any feistiness meant he was feeling better and shared his progress on their Facebook page.

“This morning, we had a disagreement about his wound care. I won and gave him a nice bowl of food for his reward of being a good little patient! But he continues to give me the stink eye from the back of his crate!”

Dr. Bob Encinosa and the staff of Boyette Animal Hospital were providing Sir Robin with wonderful follow up care and they expected a full recovery. The doctor felt the two broken canine teeth could wait to be treated until he had been neutered. Sadly they were an old injury from his difficult life on the streets.

While Sir Robin was recovering, an investigation into the incident had been opened. Sadly, the offender was not identified but the neighborhood homeowners where he was found remain on vigilant watch to this day.

Photo: St. Francis Society Animal Rescue

 

After a week of living indoors, Sir Robin finally accepted that his new life came with perks. A full bowl of food, fresh water and a safe, warm and dry place to sleep were always available. Not to mention the cat treats and catnip! His foster mom, Kim Long, also learned some things about the expressive boy.

“He informed me that he has no tolerance for the stuffed bunny I put in his crate to snuggle with. Big tough guys apparently don’t snuggle with fuzzy stuffed animals.”

Photo: St. Francis Society Animal Rescue

 

March 1st brought a new month and a new furever home for Sir Robin.

Photo: St. Francis Society Animal Rescue

Photo: St. Francis Society Animal Rescue

A few days later, his new family sent an update to St. Francis and his foster mom, from Sir Robin himself.

Dear Mom,

I really miss you, but I am trying to be a good “soldier boy”. The food is plentiful and really yummy and I clean my plate every time. This new lady feeds me 4-5 times a day. I am drinking water, using the litter box, and getting a lot of rest and quiet. I still don’t understand “blankets”, soft bedding, and I prefer simply the carpet. I know I let this new lady pet me a little on Thursday night when I got here but no more for now. She says it is fine, and says she is very patient, and loves me no matter what.

I swat hard, scratch, try to bite but I think she knows that in less than a month I have been through a battle, and have had all kinds of humans doing all kinds of things to me on every part of my body. Needles, shots, yucky tasting medicine? Stuff on my skin, I got ” tootered”!!! I’ve had so many ‘justments that I am awfully grumpy, but these 2 ladies said when I wake up on the wrong side of the floor I am still loved and I still matter.

I haven’t been in my carrier, I don’t want anything to do with the new box, I have been laying in different areas of the room but when she tries to touch or move the blanket so I can lay on it I let her know that I don’t like it at all. So she doesn’t force it. These pics were the only time I have ever been on any part of the blanket. I think I might have PTSD?? I am a wounded warrior but with time I will find my way.

Photo: St. Francis Society Animal Rescue

UPDATE On Sir Robin’s New Adventures

It’s been a few months since St. Francis took in big guy, Sir Robin. The poor guy suffered, yet survived, for over a week with an arrow stuck into his back.

Happily he found a wonderful family to adopt and love him unconditionally. Here is an update from his forever family.

A message from Robin’s mom:

“He really could not be doing better! He is SO bonded to my mother. He is like her shadow and sleeps next to her. He is like Velcro on her legs as he just rubs back and forth and in and out.

Photo: St. Francis Society Animal Rescue

He is however, terrified of anyone except us. I have to work on this with him. He has a way to go but considering it has only been 3 months, he has come a long way. He is slowly assimilating with the other cats. Cookie ( the white cat) is going to be his first friend I think. But Robin really tries to be a friend and tries not to be pushy……Much love to you!!!”

Photo: St. Francis Society Animal Rescue – Sir Robin and Cookie

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