The curious eight-week-old kitten, a fluffy grey, ball of fur known as Ella, teetered across her checkered blanket to peek over the counter of the reception desk at the Squamish SPCA on Friday.
It’s hard to tell that the investigative, bright-eyed Ella recently survived a traumatic ordeal and is quite badly injured.
“She is a monster,” said Marika Donnelly, SPCA Squamish Valley Branch manager, as she watched Ella change direction to swat at a bright green cat toy. “She’s doing great because she is pretty much pain free.”
Three weeks ago, Ella was found in a dumpster north of Pemberton with her left leg, toes on her right leg and her tail crushed. She had likely been left for dead. A dumpster diver found her and called a local woman known for her work with animals who later transferred the kitten to the Squamish SPCA.
“I am suspicious that the injuries happened before she ended up in the dumpster because they were at least a week old,” said Donnelly, adding there is not an open investigation yet into what happened to Ella, but anyone with information should call the SPCA.
Donnelly said every year, staff at the SPCA sees animals with injuries that weren’t treated and are suspicious.
“We just urge people to call their local SPCA or shelter or something if their animal gets hurt and there is an issue with finances or something…. You still have an obligation to provide proper medical care for your pet and if you can’t, there are places to help,” she said. “You don’t have to do the alternative.”
Donnelly said when Ella is old enough and big enough for surgery, her leg and half her tail will have to be amputated. For now she is on pain medication and antibiotics and is receiving lots of love and attention.
Ella’s first surgery should take place in the next week or so. Her care will cost nearly $7,000 in total, Donnelly said.
Once the SPCA put out a call for donations last week, people were quick to respond.
By Monday, close to $6,000 had been raised, according to a donation webpage set up for Ella.
“Power in numbers,” Donnelly said of the many who contributed.
After her surgeries and recovery, which will include learning to walk again without her leg, Ella will be up for adoption.
For more information go to spca.bc.ca/medicalemergency and search for Ella.
