Neely’s story began in Tennessee, with a traumatic start that no animal should endure.
As a tiny kitten, she was heartlessly thrown from a moving vehicle, left injured and terrified by the side of the road. A kind stranger, who witnessed this act of cruelty, scooped her up and rushed her to an animal hospital. Neely had suffered a severe degloving injury to her jaw and a couple of broken teeth. She underwent a tricky surgery and survived. That same kind stranger adopted her, giving her two years of safety and love as they moved from place to place.
When life brought her owner to Vermont, circumstances sadly forced him to surrender Neely to NCAL. It was a heartbreaking goodbye, and Neely struggled to adjust. In the unfamiliar and stressful shelter environment, she was overwhelmed with fear—hiding, hissing, and making any care nearly impossible.
But Neely’s story didn’t end there. Our Programs Manager and Behavior Consultant saw the frightened cat beneath the fear and knew she needed something different. Neely was placed in a foster home, where she could have the quiet and comfort she craved. Within just 24 hours of settling into her foster mom’s spare room, Neely began to trust again, leaning into gentle petting for the first time in weeks.
However, her story wasn’t without more challenges. Her broken teeth, neglected for years, were causing her pain—one tooth so damaged that the pulp was exposed. It needed to be removed, but with her past jaw injury, the procedure would be complicated. Thankfully, our amazing Vet Team stepped in and performed the delicate surgery. Neely recovered beautifully and returned to her foster home, where she began to blossom.
Now, Neely is a whole new cat. Her pain is gone, and her personality is shining through. She’s a lap cat at heart, happiest when curled up making biscuits or chirping soft greetings as she rolls around playfully. She even lets the young children in her foster home pet her—a testament to her growing trust.
Neely’s been through so much in just two short years. From surviving cruelty, enduring pain, and navigating so much change, she now waits for the one thing she’s always deserved: a forever home where she can finally feel safe and loved. She’ll need a patient adopter who understands her need for time and space, but once she trusts you, Neely will reward you with a lifetime of love, cuddles, and companionship.
This Giving Tuesday, your support ensures that cats like Neely—who’ve endured unimaginable hardships—have the chance to heal and find their happy ending. With your help, every cat, dog, and person can experience safety, compassion, and love.
Stay tuned for more heartwarming “tails of impact” this holiday season—and together, let’s make a difference, one life at a time.
