Stewey, a resilient 2-year-old male cat, faced a challenging start when he arrived at Los Angeles County’s Baldwin Park Animal Care Center as a stray in late January. Severely injured with a degloving injury on his left front limb, Stewey underwent surgery that ultimately led to the amputation of his leg.
Dr. Bridgid Twomey, Veterinary Program Manager for the ASPCA in Los Angeles, provided crucial post-operative care for Stewey at Baldwin Park. Moved by his sweet demeanor and determined spirit, she took him home to foster him through his recovery.
“I thought, ‘Why not fill the void?’” Dr. Twomey, who already has two cats of her own, shared. “My cats were spending time at my parents’ house, so I brought Stewey home with me. He was so sweet and food-motivated, and at some point, he realized he could get love, too. He’s a full ham.”
The ASPCA has been active in Los Angeles for a decade, collaborating closely with the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control to save thousands of kittens since 2017. During periods of reduced kitten influx, the ASPCA also extends its efforts to rescue adult cats from crowded shelters, provided there are foster homes available.
Stewey’s injury, though serious, did not impact his overall health and friendly nature. Hella Tyler, ASPCA Senior Manager of Foster Care, remarked, “Stewey’s injury was treatable, and he was otherwise healthy and overtly friendly. Overall, his amputation was a minor issue that did not impact his quality of life.”
During his recovery, Stewey adapted admirably to walking on three legs and quickly endeared himself to Dr. Twomey’s household. “He loved the same spots my cats love, like the couch and a velvet blanket,” she fondly recalled.
Following his neutering at the ASPCA Spay Neuter Clinic, Stewey—now renamed Skipper—was transferred to the Santa Barbara Humane Society. Within a week, Skipper found his forever home with Nicole, who describes him as a delightful companion with a vibrant personality.
“I’m so happy to have him as a little sidekick,” Nicole shared. “He has so much personality, with his spunky, sassy moments as well as his cuddly ones. He is spoiled and loved.”
Reflecting on Skipper’s journey, Dr. Twomey expressed satisfaction in knowing he has found a loving home. “There is such a need for fosters and homes for cats with relatively minor issues like Stewey’s,” she emphasized. “It was nice to be able to help a cat like this.”
In supporting animals like Stewey/Skipper, individuals contribute to what the ASPCA calls The Rescue Effect—a collective effort to improve the lives of vulnerable animals through adoption, fostering, or donating to create more shelter space and resources.
Fostering remains a critical component of The Rescue Effect, particularly for animals like Stewey who benefit greatly from loving care and a stable environment during their journey to finding a forever home.
