The Story Of Sona
(Condensed Version)
Imagine a defenseless cat thrown out onto the streets like a piece of trash by her former family. Lonely, scared, homeless and having to scrounge for food and shelter on the streets. Just trying to survive.
Add to that, she is pregnant. And then she becomes a victim of brutal animal cruelty and is shot in both eyes with a pellet gun by some despicable lowlife. Part of her right leg is mangled. All she can do is roam and try to survive while certainly in constant severe pain.
THIS is pretty much what happened to a sweet cat named Sona…
During the earlier part of July, 2013, a girl had posted a picture of this suffering cat on a rescue site in Mainland, Newfoundland, Canada. This cat (she named her Sona) was described as having a paw missing, a swollen face, possible missing eyeball and a whitish film over her other eye and that she looked pregnant.
She supposedly had been roaming around her community like this for a couple years and the community there just ignored her plight. Did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to try and help her.
Gwen Samms, manager of SCAPA (Society for the Care and Protection of Animals) in Stephenville, Newfoundland, found out about this situation and she and her staff/friends went to work to try and get this cat to safety.
They tried to safely ‘trap her’ and finally after a couple days they managed to capture this understandably elusive cat and bring her to the shelter.
She had, indeed, been shot in BOTH eyes, evidently with a pellet gun and had a badly infected and mangled leg. SCAPA made arrangements to bring her to their local Animal Clinic, West Coast Veterinarian Services, in Stephenville, Newfoundland to have surgery.
Thanks to an outpouring of support and donations from all over, they were able to get her immediate medical needs done quickly.
Gwen Samms (SCAPA) said at the time, “They managed to clean out the one eye where the eye was actually gone, and they got that stitched up, but the pellets or whatever it is, are still embedded deep inside. They’re not sure yet if they can even remove the pellets.”
Sona appeared to be doing much better as the weeks rolled by, but there were still some issues that needed clarifying and their Vet felt that they needed to do a CTscan and other tests that they just weren’t equipped to do at their facility in Stephenville.
To do these things Gwen would need to fly Sona to the Atlantic Veterinary College at Prince Edward Island where they had the equipment and the specialists to do what was needed.
In the meantime, Gwen found a SUPER foster “Mom” for Sona to live with, Debbie Brett (In St. Johns, Newfoundland). Debbie provided so much love, care and compassion to Miss Sona. I think they were meant for each other!
But they needed to raise the funds to do so. Once again there was an even more outpouring of support from around the globe and the monies were soon raised to get Sona this specialty help.
Last week Gwen Samms flew out with little Sona to have the scan and other tests done at the AVC. The scans and tests were done. The results would come soon…
It was a heartbreaking blow to hear the devastating news… little Sona had a fast moving cancer in the face. They believe that her sustained injuries to her eyes and head that were left untreated for so long were a most likely cause for that cancer to develop. They said the cancer was inoperable.
With that heartbreaking news, Gwen and Sona soon returned home to Stephenville and Sona went back to be with her “Mom” (Debbie Brett). Everyone was determined that Miss Sona will be smothered with all the love she could handle for her final time left.
Sona appeared to still be in reasonably good spirits, all things considered. Cats are such survivors. But we were hoping she would be with us all for a bit longer.
Unfortunately, a days ago, her condition rapidly turned for the very worse. All people involved agreed that she should NOT suffer this much anymore. It was time for her to be “FREE”. The difficult decision was made…
On Friday, October 18, 2013 … Miss Sona went to the Bridge to receive her wings. She was in her “Mom’s” arms as she passed.
RIP, Miss Sona … You were certainly a VERY brave girl! Run FREE Now!
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While the precious Miss Sona is no longer with us, she has also left a legacy that ALL of us can help to continue. AND that is to keep raising awareness about and help with the fight against the animal cruelty that this little one suffered from. This cruelty to our furry little friends should NOT be happening in our society. More people need to be made aware of this in the hope that better legislation be sought to try and prevent this type of abuse. Help Put A STOP To Animal Cruelty! PLEASE let YOUR lawmakers know that you want TOUGHER and ENFORCEABLE laws against animal abuse/cruelty!
Farewell, My Furry Little Friend From Afar… You Will Be Truly Missed By Your Family And ALL Of Us That Followed Your Story.
PEACE Forever…
Rick Wilson
Newport, RI USA
https://www.facebook.com/corprebel
Be A VOICE For Those That Have None!
“Good-bye my sweet precious little angel.. You were a warrior , a fighter, you had a heart so pure and strong . You fought a good battle and now it’s your time to be free, free of pain and torture. Run free my sweet little friend.. You truly did earn your wings. You will be missed by us all. WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU AND KEEP YOU IN OUR HEARTS..” ~ Gwen Samms – SCAPA
“Sona … ANOTHER precious miracle that will NOT be forgotten. Enduring the worst of humanity, God let her have time to know REAL love and compassion before carrying her home Himself. Tears fall softly for this little loving spirit. A part of her loving nature will live on in our hearts.”
