9-year-old helps save injured cat found near B.C. garbage dump

Nine-year-old Sutter Rowse loves cats.

So when he and his mom were looking around online and saw a story abouta stray cat in desperate need of care that had been found at a Chilcotin garbage transfer station,he knew he had to help.

"I just couldn't stop thinking about her."

In a statement, the Williams Lake SPCA explained the cat which had been named Hazel by the shelter had been found at the transfer station in Anahim Lake, about four hours west of Williams Lake.

Whilethe SPCA was spaying the cat, the vet discoveredher hip was injured the head of her femur was fractured and necrosis had set in. Itsaidthediscovery would mean more surgery and follow-up care, including physiotherapy.

The Williams Lake shelter put out a call to the public to help the non-profit cover the vet costs.

It was that story that led Sutterto start brainstorming ideas with his mom for a fundraiserat school until they came up with onethat seemed like it could work homemadecinnamon buns.

$850 raised

Along with his mom, Leslie, Suttermade cinnamon buns to sellonline through social media.

"I was encouraged that he was wanting to do something so positive," she said.

She posted about iton a community page and says she was overwhelmed by the response.

"We took on the challenge, not having any idea how quickly it would take off and how many cinnamon buns we would actually be making that week."

They ended up making around 15 dozen and sold them by donation, raising $850 money that was used to help pay for the surgery and veterinary costs.

When the family dropped off the money, Rowsefell in love.

"She's just the most beautifulest cat I've ever seen."

Rowse kept going back tovisit until one day, a few weeks ago, his mom told himHazelhad found an owner. As they went for one last visit, his mommade him guess who the new owners were. But Sutterwasn't so easily fooled.

"I guessed us! And I was right."

A cat of his own

Leslie says she knew the time was right. Sutterhad been asking for a cat since he was small.

"I just knew how happy it would make him to finally have his own cat and so we took the plunge as a family and committed to Hazel."

Hazel is stillrecoveringfromher surgeries and the family hopes she will "regain full jumping and running abilities within the next months."Since adopting Hazel, Sutter has made a ramp to help her get on to his bed more easily.

"She's just the sweetest cat."