When a stray cat was found near Madison, Wisconsin, in the chill of early December, it was clear she needed help. Rescuers brought her to the Dane County Humane Society, where she was given a fitting name: Lady in a Fur Coat. But beneath her fur, Lady was suffering.
“Our veterinarians discovered she had severe, chronic ear infections and hematomas in both ears,” said Ash Collins, donor relations specialist at the shelter. “She was clearly in pain.”
To give her relief, the medical team made the difficult but necessary decision to remove both of Lady’s ear flaps. As she recovered at the vet’s office, showered with love and care, her sweet personality began to emerge.
With the pain behind her, Lady was finally free to show just how affectionate and charming she truly was.
“Lady loves cuddles and giving head bumps,” Collins said. “She became a favorite among staff and volunteers during her recovery.”
When Lady returned to the shelter, fully healed and ready for adoption, there was just one lingering concern — would potential adopters see past her missing ears?
That’s when Collins had a heartwarming idea.
“I was a little worried people might overlook her, so I decided to crochet a little purple bonnet with ears to help her stand out,” she said.
Lady wore her new accessory proudly, and the moment Collins shared her photo on Facebook, the internet fell in love. The quirky crocheted ears were a hit — and they helped Lady find her forever home.
“She was adopted the same day she became available,” Collins said. “It all happened because of that photo.”
Now, Lady is living her best life with her new family, ears or no ears. She’s proof that a little creativity — and a lot of love — can go a long way in helping animals find their second chance.
If you’d like to help other animals in need, you can donate to Dane County Humane Society.
