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Thanks to beaversmom for posting, to the DVM surgeons for taking action, to Crystal Tate for taking Duchess in and caring for her. And not least to Duchess, brave heart that she is.

Cats endure endure injuries in ways that would spell the end for most humans. And they often recover.

In May 2008, the beloved spouse was visiting her parents, when a little waif of a cat crept into their farmyard. Calico/tabby mix. Spouse forbade her dad from running the poor thing off - looked to be at death’s door anyway. Signs of beatings, deliberate burns, ticks and fleas and worms and bad teeth. Dirt everywhere.

Beloved spouse got her cleaned up and injuries tended (also spaying). Teeth were a less tractable, long-term problem: over a period of a couple years, she had to have them all pulled.

It barely slowed her down.

Minutes after arriving home after the final dental extractions, she staggered to the dry food dish and began nibbling.

Now she’s the most contented feline in our pride. Just be sure never to get between her and a food dish.