Tripod

Tripod was turned into the Georgetown Animal shelter when he was 3 weeks old. He had been badly abused. Someone thought it was funny to tie a fishing line to his left rear leg just below his knee. They must have done this when he was only a couple days old because by the time he was taken to the shelter, the veterinarian could do nothing to save his lower leg and foot. So that was how he got his name, "Tripod".

Tripod was very lucky. It's very difficult to raise a kitten from this age without it growing into an aggressive, under-nourished cat, but the family Tripod was lucky enough to be partnered with is made up of special people who know the value of a life, even when it comes in such a small furry package.

He was too tiny to eat solid foods so his foster mother fed Tripod every two hours at first and kept him with her wherever she went. Tripod not only had to be fed with a baby animal bottle and special formula but he had to be burped and "diapered" too. He was taken to adoption events and the other shelter volunteers there would talk and play with him.

56% of dogs and 71% of cats that enter animal shelters are euthanized. Part of the reason the euthanasia rates are so high is that the animals that come into a shelter need attention because they are either sick or have been abused. Most animal shelters do not have enough staff to take care of the neediest animals and this is where the role of foster families become so crucial.

Not all foster situations are as time-consuming as Tripod's. Most foster parents are called upon only to provide shelter, food, and love & attention to needy animals for a short time, until the shelter can find good homes for them. But every foster situation is one more step in saving the lives of these animals who are only hoping for a family that will love them.

Tripod grew into a healthy, playful, beautiful cat and was adopted by his foster family on October 8, 2002. But he has become more than a normal housecat. He has become a spokescat for animal care education and regularly visits volunteer events to show people his leg to try to get them to keep an eye on their kids and other adults. B

eing cruel to animals is not only against the law but has terrible consequences that can last a lifetime.

If you are interested in fostering opportunities, please contact the Georgetown Animal shelter at 512/930-3592, or at animalsvc@georgetowntx.org The Georgetown Animal shelter wishes to thank everyone out there for their donations of time and money that helped us save Tripod's life and find him a new home.