Massachusetts State Trooper Comes to the Aid of Injured Cat, MSPCA Now Seeks Loving Forever Home
BOSTON, Sept. 19, 2016 – A five-year-old cat now named “Callahan” is on the mend at the MSPCA-Angell in Jamaica Plain, Mass. after a Massachusetts state trooper discovered him lying on the side of the road inside Boston’s Callahan tunnel the afternoon of Sept. 13 and rushed him to the adoption center.
“I saw the cat injured and lying motionless inside the tunnel next to the road and it was clear he’d been struck by a car and needed help,” said trooper James Richardson, who was driving through the tunnel in his cruiser. “We all love and root for animals and there was no way I was going to leave him—I’m really glad he’s now in safe hands.”
“I was very relieved when my dispatcher suggested I bring this poor cat to the MSPCA and received quick confirmation that indeed he had been settled in and was getting the medical care he needed in order to recover,” continued trooper Richardson.
Head Trauma, Broken Pelvis, Scrapes
Dr. Cindi Cox, head shelter veterinarian at the MSPCA, examined Callahan upon arrival and was surprised that the young cat survived at all.
“It always amazes me that cats can survive these kinds of strikes,” she said. “Fortunately his pelvic fractures aren’t severe enough to require surgery; they’ll heal with about six weeks of cage-rest and I expect his balance will improve once his head trauma resolves.”
Callahan is unneutered and has no microchip or identification tags. He arrived dirty and scared—but is very friendly. “This is probably a cat who survived on hand-outs from kind people but who likely lived alone, without a home of his own,” said Alyssa Krieger, adoption center manager at the MSPCA-Angell.
The entire MSPCA adoption center staff extended its gratitude to trooper Richardson, for coming to the stricken cat’s aid. “He’s a hero to us and certainly to Callahan,” said Krieger.
Callahan will be neutered and microchipped ahead of his adoption, which is expected to take place in about six weeks. Meantime, he’ll be placed in a foster home to recover.
Readers interested in adopting Callahan can contact the adoption center team at adoption@mspca.org for more information about the process.
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The MSPCA-Angell is a national and international leader in animal protection and veterinary medicine and provides direct hands-on care for thousands of animals each year. Founded in 1868, it is the second-oldest humane society in the United States. Services include animal protection and adoption, advocacy, humane education, law enforcement, and world-class veterinary care. The MSPCA-Angell is a private, non-profit organization. It does not receive any government funding nor is it funded or operated by any national humane organization. The MSPCA-Angell relies solely on the support and contributions of individuals who care about animals. Please visit www.mspca.org.
