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Culver City News
August 5, 2010 Pet Page Cat recast, recast Back in October of 2009, then-Culver City Animal Services Officer Stephanie Yarbro responded to a call that a small cat had been hit by a car outside of Sony Pictures Studio. Within minutes Yarbro was at the scene, where she found a long-haired cat, alert but suffering from two broken legs. The kitty, named Smokey, was taken to an spcaLA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - Los Angeles) shelter in Hawthorne the next day. Dr. Karen Halligan, director of veterinary services for spcaLA, examined Smokey and realized the kitten would require surgery. Dr. Halligan took Smokey to Dr. Rachel Jones of nearby Marina Veterinary Center. Dr. Jones performed the delicate surgery on both of Smokey's legs while the Culver City community and friends raised $2,000. The feline spent several weeks at Jones' clinic, where she received extensive treatment and even more extensive tender love and care. In due course Smokey was adopted by Culver City School Board member Karlo Silbiger and quickly adapted to his comfortable (and carpeted) home. Silbiger renamed her Casey, and she began a new chapter as a pampered pet. One of Casey's legs, however, would not heal properly, but Jones, who continued to monitor, X-ray and treat the cat would not give up. Together, she and Silbiger made the decision that Casey needed a second surgery. This time, Jones worked together with a veteran veterinary surgeon and Casey underwent a second surgery on her leg. Today, Casey's cast and bandages are off and she is learning to jump, climb and explore like any other cat. She has mastered the art of avoiding Silbiger's dog while still being the ruler of the home. "She is a lovable, quiet and sweet cat, who truly appreciates her home and health," Silbiger said. |