TOP STORY OF THE DAY Brought to you FREE by WICU: A Mouse’s Tale: CCHS providing a second chance for needy animal

Animal abuse is humanity at its worst and often doesn’t end well for the tormented animal. However, a six-week-old bundle of fur received a second chance after being set on fire in August.

The tiny gray kitten - it’s fur matted together and covered with dirt and possibly oil - was discovered in a local hotel parking lot and brought to the Clay County Humane Society.

“Animals come through the shelter at least once a week abandoned, neglected, beaten, and abused animals,” said Shelter Manager Lindsay Stevenson, who admits it is heartbreaking. “Some weeks, there’s usually more.”

A Mouse’s Tale

According to Stevenson, the good samaritan said they were at the local hotel and saw the kitten thrown out in the parking lot.

“No living being should ever be treated in the manner as about half of our shelter animals have in their previous life,” said Stevenson.

The kitten was named “Mouse” by staff members, who said patches of his fur and skin fell off while given a bath.

“Mouse’s skin and fur are healing, and his whiskers are growing back,” said Stevenson about the sweet, charming kitten who likes other animals. “His fur might not return in all the places he suffered burns, and he has physical damage to the tip of his left year.”

A little skittish while meeting new people, Mouse warms up quickly and happily, showing off his playful side.

“He’s more than a survivor; the little guy is a lover,” said Stevenson, who fostered Mouse during his recovery. “He’s so sweet and ornery. He’s mischievous. The staff loves him.”

Stevenson finds these abused animals are often the most grateful.

“A loving touch, a kiss, a hug, or just being held is something they have never had before. And that attention and compassion is an absolute necessity for recovery,” Stevenson said about the animals she believes are worth a second chance and loving homes. “Some respond to it immediately. Others take a little time to come around. But, in the end, when you get that first tail wag, when you hear that first purr, when you walk in the next day and they are so happy to see you; you know it was all worth it.”

Mouse’s story was posted on the CCHS Facebook page, catching the attention of Times Reporter Ivy Jacobs and her family. They went to meet Mouse one week while he was recovering. He was very timid, caring more about playing than visiting. He didn’t want to be held but would “show off” and quickly run away again.

However, Mouse was eager to let them pet him.

SUBMITTED PHOTO - It took two visits, but Mouse warmed up the second time to the Jacobs family. He climbed into Times Reporter IVY JACOBS's arms and fell asleep in her hair. The family adopted him that same day.

When the family returned a second time to see if he liked them, Mouse climbed up in Ivy’s arms and nuzzled into her hair, falling asleep on her shoulder.

“I think he likes you,” said Stevenson to the family.

Understanding Mouse needed a relatively quiet forever home where the kitten could recover with room to play, and the Jacobs family adopted Mouse in October.

Sabbath and Emma, two cats also previously adopted from the CCHS, and Soxie, the family’s dog, was eager to meet Mouse. The kitten wasn’t sure what to do with the attention. He stayed with Jason and Ivy while the animals eyed each other from a distance for about three hours.

IVY JACOBS PHOTO - On his first day of adoption, Mouse made himself right at home on top of "Camp Furry" in the living room at the Jacobs' Brazil home.

Mouse climbed on top of the cardboard fort “Camp Furry” in the living room, a special place for the cats to hang out, and he slept the rest of the day.

About 24 hours later, Mouse decided he would get closer to his family. After a few days of grumbling, the kitten won the older cats’ favor, and the group became a clowder.

Soxie took a little bit longer but now gladly takes naps with Mouse in the afternoon sunlight.

The Jacobs house is teeming with excitement as Mouse playfully enjoys his new home and family. He still is apprehensive when picked up too quickly, but overall he is happy.

“Don’t give up on these animals,” said Stevenson, who encourages people to consider adoption if they are looking for a family pet. “I promise they will be forever grateful. They need that second chance, that new life. They matter, every single one of them.”

Visits by appointment only during COVID-19 pandemic

“We MUST keep our staff and managers healthy to continue caring for our animals,” said Stevenson. “We are a minimal staff. If we get sick, there is no one else to take care of them.”

Masks are required to enter the building (no exceptions).

Stevenson suggests anyone in need of assistance, a situation in which the shelter has seen a great deal lately, or who wants to visit or adopt to call ahead of time.

Stevenson said, “If you would like to help our community with food assistance to take care of the animals, by donating food or funds, please use our donation box directly in front of our building.”

The Clay County Humane Society Rescue and Adoption Center is located at 8280 N. County Road 125 West, Brazil. Call 812-446-5126 for more information about the types of supplies needed.

If you have rescued a pet with an incredible “second chance” story, please contact The Brazil Times at 812-446-2216.