Posted on 08/17/2007 8:08:10 AM PDT by Mr. Brightside
Kitty survives 18 story fall
Friday, August 17, 2007
A cat in Chicago is recovering after falling out of a window on the 18th floor of a high rise building.
Maxim' s owner is serving in Iraq, but he's more worried about his friend back home and how he'll pay the $3,000 vet bill the cat has racked up since surviving the drop.
Maxim is a large black and white kitty with piercing yellow eyes and a desire to explore the great outdoors.
Maxim managed to claw open a window screen keeping him from that 18 story drop. But once there was a hole, he apparently couldn't resist poking his head out and that was all it took.
"It's really high. The doctor said this is the first time they've seen a cat who survived fall at that height," explained Daria, the woman watching over Maxim.
Construction workers found the cat and rushed him to a humane society which in turn rushed him to the Animal Emergency Center in Northbrook, Illinois.
"His injuries were potentially severe. Lucky for him he's a large cat," surgeon Dr. Aaron Jackson said.
"This is his right shoulder fracture and here's his left shoulder fracture."
Dr. Jackson put metal plates and pins in Maxim's shoulder and his pelvis. The lucky cat will have staples for several weeks before he's healed enough to remove them. He's also got an adhesive pain patch.
But Dr. Jackson expects Maxim to recover and return to a fairly normal life.
Because Maxim's, owner Sergeant Matthew Barkmeier, had a chip imbedded in Maxim, the humane society was able to track down his owner.
Sgt. Barkmeier is grateful for the loving car his pet is being given while he's in Iraq. He told the surgeon he never expected Maxim to be the one with the battle scars.
But Sgt. Barkmeier is a little concerned about how he'll manage to pay off Maxim's mounting bill while fighting in Iraq. But figures he'll find a way.
Wow, he’s a big boy
Great pix!
A cat, when dropped will land on its feet. Bread, when dropped will land butter side down. What will happen if you butter a cat?
Kitty ping!
I don’t own a cat, but I’ll take a guess... lots and lots and LOTS of claw marks and cat bite marks?
UPDATE.
I just spoke with the animal emergency facility in Northbrook, Illinois. That is where Maxim received the surgical care he needed. When I asked how to make a contribution towards his bill the woman advised “it’s already been taken care of.”
And that, my FRiends, is my good news item of the day!
"I meant to do that."
I love success stories!
Next matter: Where do we send money for replacing/reinforcing the window screens in Maxim’s residence?
Aw, quit your kidding GS. If you want to do the repair work, I think you should pay for the materials all by yourself.
Wow! And I was just getting ready to send a donation!!! Good for you, RFF!
I can has parachute?
That is great news! Thanks for letting us know.
Good thought. And is Maxim living there alone? Waiting for daddy to return? With just a pet-sitter coming in? Or is someone there opening windows for the little chowderhead?
***And that, my FRiends, is my good news item of the day!***
Oh, GOOD! Lots of patriotic cat lovers out there.
I just got the ping on this and was wondering if we could help. Looks like another patriot beat us to it!
Bless them all!
Don’t know if he “can has” one but it sure sounds like he ought to have one if he’s going to continue living in a high rise. Could be a serial jumper, you know....
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