Three-Legged Cat Gets New Forever Home With Amputee Owner: 'Meant To Be'

A resilient cat who suffered a life-changing injury has found the perfect forever home with an owner who shares an unusual connection with his new pet.

Wizard the cat came to Lynchburg Humane Society in Virginia after a serious accident involving a car left him battered, bruised and requiring serious care.

LHS intervened and nursed the injured cat back to health, but the accident meant that he had to have a leg amputated. Despite a loving spirit and personality, Wizard had little interest from potential adopters.

"Wizard was lost or abandoned and wandered to the back door of a caring community member's house. They said he was very hungry and despite having a head trauma, fractured leg, and abrasions he was very friendly and social," Executive Director of LHS Jill Mollohan told Newsweek.

He went on to spend 94 days in the shelter, often overlooked until a few weeks ago when the Moody family, touched by his story, generously sponsored his adoption fee. This act of kindness paved the way for Wizard to capture the hearts of his new family.

Each year 6.3 million pets are surrendered to U.S. shelters, an average of 17,260 a day, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The number of dogs and cats taken in by pet shelters hit 46,807 during January 2023, an increase of 1,744 compared with January 2022, the 24Pet 'Shelter Watch Report' found. Around 920,000 surrendered animals are euthanized every year. Shelters are striving to minimize euthanasia rates by promoting adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation.

The day after Thanksgiving, Wizard finally met the people who would become his new family—a couple who were drawn in by not only his charm, but also an unusual connection—his new dad is also an amputee.

"We think it was love at first sight for both of them," Mollohan said. "They were immediately taken by his wonderful personality."

In fact, his new owners were so smitten with his gorgeous personality that they didn't even notice he was missing a leg.

As part of their #FindHappiness campaign, LHS have adopted out lots of animals looking for forever homes in time for the holidays. Sharing the success online, the shelter posted Wizard's happy story on Facebook where hundreds of people shared their reactions and comments.

"What a touching story," said Janice. "So happy for you all."

While Cindi on Facebook wrote: "This made my heart so happy."

"Missing a leg but not a heart!" said Glenn. "I love this."

Alongside the post, the shelter wrote: "Stories like these are so special and it just goes to show, some things are meant to be."

While the shelter say they haven't had any updates about Wizard, they're sure this is a good sign: "We haven't heard any updates from the family, but that probably means Wizard is living his best life in his new loving home," said Mollohan.

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