Strays Halfway House received a phone call on February 11th about a kitten under a deck in Hanover Park.  A lady said she could not keep it as she had several cats already and 5 children.  After several phone tags, foster mom Joan, finally connected with her and made arrangements to pick the kitten up.  Joan has fostered for over 15 years and has seen a lot of injuries, but this one was the most unusual.  This little ones left rear foot was turned completely around.

The little one was strong and determined to get around, so he would tuck his leg up and run around and even could crawl up a leg to get into your lap.  So off he went to two different vets initially to get their opinions, Spring Valley Vet Clinic in Schaumburg and Streamwood Animal Hospital.  Both vets felt it was a birth defect and that he needed to see a specialist.  They both recommended Arboretum View Animal Hospital in Downers Grove.

Joan decided to name this little guy "Lovie" because that is exactly what he was, extremely loveable and a little purr machine.  Dr. Edinger was the first vet there to exam him and thought that there was a possibility that the leg could be casted to make the foot turn back around. 

After 5 weeks of weekly visits and recasting, it was decided that this was too much on Lovie, he was getting pressure sores, and that even with the foot turned around, he would still not really walk on it and tucked it up. 

So the decision was made and Dr. Spector did the surgery that removed his full leg.  Every one was very optimistic that since he really walked and ran on three legs already that he would adjust just fine. 

Well adjust he did, instantly!  He was kept quiet in a crate, wearing his "E" collar, that he just hated, and just let out several times a day to stretch and have Joan remove his collar in her presence. 

Always by his side was his loving companion kitten, Roxie.  Joan said that when he was gone for the one day for surgery, Roxie walked around the house looking and calling for him.

Lovie's stitches were removed on the 10th day and everyone at the vet clinic had to see him to say good-bye because they were all in love with him.

Even the doctors said what a wonderful, happy boy he was. 

Well Lovie caught the eye of one specialist there, Dr. M. Ridley.  She called SHH and inquired about adopting him!  She was explained how we wanted him to have his new forever home with the female foster kitten that "stood by her man", even though he was just a little boy!  She went over to his foster mom Joan's home and adopted both Lovie and Roxie! 

What a happy, happy ending for everyone.  Lovie, now Lorenzo, and Roxie, now Ramona, are doing great, and quite spoiled we hear in their new home with their new family.

Happy endings like this can only happen with the support of the public to make them happen.  His bills were way over $2300 but that did not stop SHH from helping, he most definitely deserved it.  Lovie, and SHH, thank all of you that contributed and hope everyone will continue to contribute to us!