Have you ever heard the saying “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure”? Well, for a woman named Jennifer, this became a reality when she stumbled upon something unexpected while throwing out the trash one day.
While emptying the garbage, Jennifer noticed an old backpack in the bin. Nothing out of the ordinary, except for the fact that she could see movement coming from inside it. Intrigued yet a little concerned, she decided to investigate further.
Opening the backpack, Jennifer discovered another bag tightly secured within. Curiosity piqued, she unzipped the second bag and was shocked to find a cat inside! It was a surprising and heartwarming discovery that brightened Jennifer’s day.
The scared kitty was shaking with fear
and in urgent need of assistance. Jennifer contacted Alberta Animal Services, who swiftly came to her rescue and took the cat to their center, doing everything they could to help.
From the findings by Alberta Animal Services, it was discovered that the cat, who was later named Hiro, had suffered from extensive abuse over the years. Hiro was blind, injured, malnourished, and dealing with various neurological issues. The fact that he had almost suffocated inside the bag just adds to the heart-wrenching condition he was in.
According to Alberta Animal Services, Hiro’s fate was uncertain, but the dedicated veterinarians were determined not to give up on him. Erica Coomber, the head of AAS operations, expressed her concern, stating, “Hiro’s neurological problems haven’t improved. It’s heartbreaking to see what this poor cat has endured, but we are hopeful and keeping our fingers crossed for his complete recovery.”
Every single day, Hiro continued to defy expectations, facing each challenge head-on with courage and determination, inspiring awe in all who witnessed his unwavering resolve.
From the caring team at Alberta Animal Services came a heartwarming story of resilience. Hiro, despite facing challenges, melted the hearts of the dedicated veterinarians with his affectionate nature. Coomber, a member of the team, expressed admiration for Hiro’s loving demeanor, stating, “He shows so much love and affection despite all he’s been through. The moment he sees the animal nurses, he starts purring and wants cuddles… He’s a true inspiration who spreads love to everyone he meets.”
Alberta Animal Services reported that over time, Hiro’s eating habits and ability to move around improved significantly. Surprisingly, he also was able to regain his vision! Although he still had some lingering neurological issues, his overall progress was remarkable.
After undergoing a hip surgery, the ginger boy quickly bounced back and made a complete recovery in less than two months. His strong spirit and determination inspired the vets to name him Hiro, in reference to a character from the well-known TV series “Heroes”, highlighting his incredible resilience.
Jennifer and her husband James kept up with the updates on Hiro from Alberta Animal Services. They made a generous donation towards his recovery and made regular visits to see him, eventually showing interest in giving him a forever home.
Source: Alberta Animal Services
Despite Jennifer believing that another fortunate family would be selected, Coomber noticed a unique connection with them. After bringing Hiro for a trial visit to their home, she confirmed that her gut feeling was right, stating:
“He simply belonged here!”
Source: Hiro Stanley found a warm and welcoming home with his rescuers, where he quickly established himself as the top cat amongst their furry friends and began enjoying all the joys life had to offer.
The couple decided to change his name to Hiro Stanley in honor of Jennifer’s father, who bravely fought and survived cancer despite doctors giving him only two more years to live.
A year after being saved, Hiro was honored at an adoption event called “Super ‘Hiro'” by the AAS for his courage and strength. Jennifer made cute capes for the other cats at the shelter, saying, “When Hiro got his name, I knew it was fitting because of his determination to survive. He truly is a superhero. Every hero needs a cape.”
During his adventure, Hiro never gave up and emerged victorious in his struggle to survive. Not only did he overcome, but he thrived! Coomber remarked that Hiro’s situation was one of the worst instances of animal abuse that Alberta Animal Services had encountered. Together, they helped Hiro overcome unimaginable challenges and heal from his injuries during his 50-day stay in their care.
Source: Hiro Stanley
The person who mistreated Hiro may never face consequences for their actions. While Coomber mentioned having leads, there wasn’t sufficient evidence to take action. She wishes that Hiro’s experience will encourage them, as well as everyone else, to opt for kindness instead of cruelty.
Jennifer set up a Facebook page to keep Hiro’s supporters updated on his improvement. Her regular posts about his incredible journey serve as a source of inspiration, highlighting the fact that every cat deserves a chance to thrive again!