The curious eight-week-old kitten, a fluffy grey, ball of fur known as Ella, teetered across her checkered blanket to peek over the counter of the reception desk at the 麻豆社国产SPCA on Friday.聽
It鈥檚 hard to tell that the investigative, bright-eyed Ella recently survived a traumatic ordeal and is quite badly injured.
鈥淪he is a monster,鈥� said Marika聽Donnelly, SPCA 麻豆社国产Valley Branch manager, as she watched Ella change direction to swat at a bright green cat toy. 鈥淪he鈥檚 doing great because she is pretty much pain free.鈥�
Three weeks ago, Ella was found in a dumpster north of Pemberton with her left leg, toes on her right leg and her tail crushed. She had likely been left for dead. A dumpster diver found her and called a local woman known for her work with animals who later transferred the kitten to the 麻豆社国产SPCA.聽
鈥淚 am suspicious that the injuries happened before she ended up in the dumpster because they were at least a week old,鈥� said Donnelly, adding there is not an open investigation yet into what happened to Ella, but anyone with information should call the SPCA.
Donnelly said every year, staff at the SPCA sees animals with injuries that weren鈥檛 treated and are suspicious.聽
鈥淲e just urge people to call their local SPCA or shelter or something if their animal gets hurt and there is an issue with finances or something鈥�. You still have an obligation to provide proper medical care for your pet and if you can鈥檛, there are places to help,鈥� she said. 鈥淵ou don鈥檛 have to do the alternative.鈥澛�
Donnelly said when Ella is old enough and big enough for surgery, her leg and half her tail will have to be amputated. For now she is on pain medication and antibiotics and is receiving lots of love and attention.聽
Ella鈥檚 first surgery should take place in the next week or so. Her care will cost nearly $7,000 in total, Donnelly said.聽
Once the SPCA put out a call for donations last week, people were quick to respond.
By Monday, close to $6,000 had been raised, according to a donation webpage set up for Ella.
鈥淧ower in numbers,鈥� Donnelly said of the many who contributed.
After her surgeries and recovery, which will include learning to walk again without her leg, Ella will be up for adoption.
For more information go to and search for Ella.
