December 31st, 2025
When Playtime Had to Wait
Poe arrived at SAFe with his sisters, Edna and Ellen, at the end of September. Like most eight-week-old kittens, all he wanted to do was play. But while his sisters tumbled and chased toys freely, Poe was held back by a broken leg.
It was heartbreaking to watch this little one swat at a toy and not be able to chase after it.
Through it all, Poe never gave up – and neither did we!
Poe (tuxedo with white diamond on forehead) was able to participate in some playing with his sisters, but his movement was limited.
Healing Takes a Team
Using our onsite X-ray machine, SAFe’s medical team was able to identify where Poe’s leg was broken and determine the next steps in his care. We then connected with a partner shelter, who generously offered to perform the necessary surgery at no cost. Poe received his operation on October 14th and soon after headed to a foster home to recover alongside his sisters.
Finding His Footing
Many kittens spend time in foster care growing big and healthy enough for adoption. In Poe’s case, his foster home offered something extra – his foster mom, Rena, also became his physical therapist.
“Physical therapy went really well in the beginning,” Rena shared. “But as we weaned him off pain meds, he got a little more difficult.”
When Poe got feisty, Rena worked with her mom to make sure he completed his exercises.
Even at his most rebellious, Rena says, “He was always so sweet and gentle.”
Over time, Rena saw her hard work pay off. Poe began climbing her spiral staircase, jumping onto the couch, and scaling her desk – where he loved curling up in a ball. At last, he could fully join playtime with his sisters.
Ready to Run Home!
On December 13th, eleven weeks after arriving at SAFe, Poe was adopted by a loving family – and he went home with his sister Edna! (Their sister Ellen was adopted with two new kitten friends.)
Poe entered the Rescue with a limp that kept him from fully experiencing the joy of being a kitten. By the time he left, he was back on his feet – literally!
This year, your compassion turned setbacks into second chances for kittens like Poe.
