

Three-legged cat available for adoption

RANCHO SANTA FE -- A 2-year-old cat with three legs, thesurvivor of a near-fatal encounter with a car, will be availablefor adoption after 11 a.m. today at the Helen Woodward AnimalCenter in Rancho Santa Fe.

The cat, named Orion, was injured when it slipped out of itsfamily’s home and was hit by a car. The cost to repair the damagedleg was too much, and, rather than euthanize the animal, the familyreturned it to the animal center. The center amputated the damagedleg to save the cat’s life.

“I totally expected him to be cranky and upset after thesurgery,” said animal medical center medical assistant JanineMellor. “But when I approached Orion he rolled onto his back so Icould rub his belly. He was playful and very affectionate. Orion isa very special cat.”

Center officials say Orion is an example of why cats should bekept indoors. For more information, call the center at (858)756-4117, or visit