THOMASTON — This winter, people aren’t the only ones feeling shut in and restless. Shelter cats are dealing with stress as well, said Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County Shelter Manager Theresa Gargan. They’re cooped up and can’t go to the outside play yard due to all the snow and frigid temperatures and in winter time, there are fewer volunteers to give them the personal attention they need. So, earlier this month PMHSKC kicked off a 50 Cat Challenge during which adoption fees for adult cats will be reduced from $50 to $25 until 50 cats have found their forever homes.

 In the last two weeks, the shelter has met nearly half of their goal with 19 cats adopted. And Kickstand is their breakout star.

A few months ago, an 8-week-old tiger striped kitten was found hiding in the grass by Schoolhouse Farms by a person out for a walk. The person picked up the kitten to discover its front leg was dangling at an odd angle. The frail kitten had gotten separated from her mother and had broken her front leg. Hiding in the grass was her only instinct to try and protect herself.

The person, who wished to remain anonymous, rushed the kitten to Harbor Road Veterinary Hospital in St. George, where they left her in the care of Veterinarian Dr. Glenn Yovino and his staff. While getting emergency care, several X-rays of her leg revealed that the break in her front leg was so bad, it could not be saved. She was going to need to have it amputated, but first, she needed to put on some weight before they could put her in for surgery.

She was discharged to the care of the Pope Memorial staff, who took one look at her and affectionately named her Kickstand. After several months in foster care, Kickstand reached the necessary weight and size goal she needed to receive her surgery. Once again, Dr. Yovino provided the operation and care for the kitten.

Sometimes, all it takes is a back story like this to wonder who let all the smoke in the room. Harbor Road Veterinary Technician Michelle Mank volunteered to foster Kickstand during her recovery period. But, once her husband, Bart, laid eyes on the three wheeler, Kickstand wasn’t going anywhere. The Manks decided to adopt her.

Now renamed Pogo, “She's very happy and zooms around our house at the speed of light,” said Michelle Mank. “Three legs has not slowed her down one bit!”

With Pope Memorial investing at least $100 of vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery and day-to-day care into each adoptable cat, the 50 Cat Challenge makes it easier for cash-strapped folks to make the commitment to give stray and other pets in need forever homes.

“People have been in specifically because of this special,” said Gargan.

To find out more visit: 50 Cat Challenge

Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County volunteer Heather Russell contributed to this story.
Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com