In 2017, during a difficult time in her life, Amy Pepler from Eden Prairie, Minnesota, found companionship in a tiny orange kitten she rescued as it tried to cross a snowy highway.
Now, an apparent pellet-gun shooting near her home has left the cat, named Clementine, learning to walk on three legs.
Here's what to know
Clementine, whom Pepler calls Clemmie, suffered a shattered femur on Aug. 25 near the family's townhouse in the Sherwood Place development, according to Eden Prairie Local News. According to Pepler, pieces recovered during veterinary treatment appeared to be pellet-gun projectiles.
Pepler discovered a gash about an inch long on Clemmie's leg after the cat growled at her touch. She had returned from work to find Clemmie swollen and unsteady on the couch.
Veterinarians presented amputation and euthanasia as alternatives to reconstructive surgery. Reconstruction would have required 12 to 14 weeks of recovery, with no guarantee of saving the leg, Pepler said.
After watching Clemmie struggle at home with her leg bandaged, Pepler chose amputation. Clemmie also had an abdominal wound, but the damage missed the cat's vital organs.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
More background
According to Eden Prairie Local News, Pepler pulled over to help Clemmie just a week after her mother's funeral. No owner came forward after Bloomington Animal Control collected the kitten, whom Pepler subsequently adopted.
Neighbor Amy Dixon noted that a public walking path runs approximately 25 yards from their patios, raising concerns about safety around the homes.
The incident has left Pepler with substantial veterinary expenses. She works one full-time job and two part-time jobs.
Dixon estimated that the initial examination cost about $400 and the amputation approximately $2,700. With additional care, the total reached about $4,000.
"It just gives you a sense of just not feeling safe in our community," Dixon said, according to Eden Prairie Local News.
What's being done?
Pepler notified Eden Prairie police about the incident on Aug. 29. The police report records an officer's return on Aug. 31 to collect the recovered pieces and walk the property and trail with her.
Police arranged additional patrols, but the case remained inactive as of Oct. 15 because investigators lacked information identifying a suspect.
Dixon handed out flyers, put up notices beside the path, and visited homes across the trail to alert neighbors, Eden Prairie Local News reported. The women have also considered cameras aimed at the walkway for security.
Clemmie spent much of her first week after surgery in a crate before she began navigating stairs during her second week.
After spasms caused her to fall, a veterinarian prescribed medication for suspected nerve pain. Pepler said Clemmie's condition improved with treatment.
Clemmie is staying indoors as she recovers. Pepler has organized a GoFundMe campaign to help cover veterinary bills and wants neighbors who let their pets outside to know what happened.
"I'm just so grateful that she is still here with me," she said, per Eden Prairie Local News.
Where can I learn more?
Other animals have survived danger and found people to care for them.
• A kitten stranded on Florida's I-275 survived a 55-foot plunge from the highway.
• A dog found on a Wisconsin farm with nine gunshot wounds now has a family.
• An Oklahoma French bulldog shot twice in the head walked two days after rescue.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
