The Toledo Area Humane Society staff named the miraculous cat “George.”  George is a simple name for an incredible animal that has affected the people who regularly witness and care for the worst animal cruelty cases for our community.

It started as a normal day for Toledo Area Humane Society Cruelty Officer Gene Boros. He received a report and immediately responded to a suspected animal cruelty case where a cat was horribly burned.  After seeing the grave condition of the animal, the Humane Agent transported the injured cat to the Toledo Area Humane Society for medical care.

Dr. Debbie Johnson, the head veterinarian at TAHS, evaluated the cat as soon as he arrived at the humane society. Dr. Johnson regularly cares for cases of animal cruelty and has to work with animals that are in pain, scared and sometimes difficult to manage. She didn’t expect the horribly injured cat to try to love and rub his head against her arm when she reached into the carrier for him. Even though he was in pain and in a strange environment, he was a loving, sweet animal looking for help.  George was severely burned on his head, face and front legs and in obvious pain. Dr. Johnson wasn’t even sure that George still had his eyes until he was a sedated for his examination.

The first days following George’s arrival at TAHS were questionable. He had to have most of his ears removed and spent his first few days heavily medicated for pain. His burns were treated regularly. The whole time George was being treated, he was friendly and loving to the staff that was caring for him.

George has progressed significantly these last few days. He is now spending his recovery in the main offices with staff of the Toledo Area Humane Society. His skull, face and paws are still covered with the horror of his injuries. He still receives daily treatment for his wounds and will for quite some time. While he does still have vision, his swollen eyelids and tightened skin impede his sight. With all of these handicaps, George never stops loving everyone he comes into contact with! George spends his days going from staff member to staff member getting warmth and attention from everyone who has a moment to spare. He is just starting to get playful again, chasing after balls of paper and small cat toys tossed across a room.

For over 125 years, the Toledo Area Humane Society has been the only organization in our community with the mission to prevent and intercede in animal cruelty cases. This is difficult and emotional work for these passionate staff members. George has touched these dedicated people and has quickly become a mascot for the work they do.

The Toledo Area Humane Society is a charitable organization with the mission to lead the community in efforts focused on relieving the suffering of, preventing cruelty to, and providing for humane treatment of animals. They rely on adoption fees and the generosity of donations to continue to intervene on behalf of the community’s animals. If you would like to help George or the other animals that are under the care of the Toledo Area Humane Society, please stop by their Maumee location in Arrowhead Park with cat or dog food, kitty litter and they are currently very low on small dog treats. We still do not know specifically what happened to George and the investigation of his case is still open. If you have any tips or to report any case of animal cruelty, contact the Toledo Area Humane Society at 419-891-9777.