George's Story

Meet George!

George, a simple name for an incredible cat who has affected the people who regularly witness and care for the worst animal cruelty cases in our community. Here's his miraculous story: 

George came to us in 2009 shortly after Halloween when our Cruelty Officer, Gene Boros, responded to a call about a suspected cruelty case of a severely burned cat.  After seeing the grave condition of the animal, the Officer Boros transported the injured cat to the Toledo Area Humane Society for medical care. George (named by TAHS staff after his arrival at the shelter) had been an indoor/outdoor mouser at an auto repair shop.  His owner called TAHS after discovering him with severe burns on his head, face and front paws.  Knowing he could not afford the medical care for the cat’s injuries, the owner surrendered him to Officer Boros, who immediately brought him back to TAHS for medical attention.

Dr. Deb Johnson, TAHS’s head veterinarian examined George when he arrived. Most of George’s ears were burned off, his face was badly charred, his eyes were almost burned closed, and his nostrils were also badly burned.Dr. Johnson regularly cares for animals in cases of cruelty or neglect and has to work with animals that are in pain, scared and sometimes difficult to manage. However, she didn't expect the cat to respond as he did next.  Despite his injuries, George tried to rub his head against Dr. Johnson’s arm for attention and to offer his affection when she removed him from the carrier. It was then that the animal care staff realized George's will to live and decided to give him a fighting chance.The first several days George was here were questionable.  He spent several days heavily sedated for the pain and so his burns could be continuously treated. Dr. Johnson wasn’t even sure he could see until after he was sedated and she was able to give him a full examination. George underwent multiple surgeries to repair and remove damaged tissue on his ears, face and around his eyes.  He even made a trip to Ohio State University to have reconstructive surgery on his eyelids.

The first days following George’s arrival at TAHS were questionable. He had to have most of his ears removed and spent his first few days heavily medicated for pain. His burns were treated regularly. The whole time George was being treated, he was friendly and loving to the staff that was caring for him. It took six months for the injuries to heal. And while his physical appearance has changed due to his ordeal, his personality has not.  George is one of the sweetest cats you will ever meet and adores all the attention he now receives from staff, volunteers and visitors who regularly stop in to give him a healthy dose of daily loving, petting, playing and of course, treats.

In 2010, at TAHS's annual Fur Ball fundraising event, the Toledo Area Humane Society staff officially adopted George. He is now TAHS's live-in mascot and enjoys a life of relaxation, bird-watching and generally just being spoiled rotten.

For over 125 years, the Toledo Area Humane Society has been the only organization in our community with the mission to prevent and intercede in animal cruelty cases. This is difficult and emotional work for these passionate staff members. George has touched these dedicated people and has quickly become a mascot for the work they do. We still do not know specifically what happened to George, but he's truly an inspiration. 

The Toledo Area Humane Society is a charitable organization with the mission to lead the community in efforts focused on relieving the suffering of, preventing cruelty to, and providing for humane treatment of animals. We rely on adoption fees and the generosity of donations to continue to intervene on behalf of the community’s animals.  If you have any tips or to report any case of animal cruelty, contact the Toledo Area Humane Society at 419-891-9777.