Trooper, beloved Bay St. George rescue cat dies from cancer
The three-legged rescue cat that touched the hearts of thousands around the world died this week from cancer.
Trooper first made provincial headlines in February 2012 when he was found stuck frozen to a driveway in Stephenville Crossing.
The animal had been hit by a car more than a day earlier, and was given his name for the courage he exhibited through an ordeal that included surgery on his pelvis and amputation of one leg and his tail.
Loyal Trooper supporter Judy Profitt of Prince Edward Island remembers reading about the cat's tragic story online.
"I think it was through CBC that I read about the circumstances. I'm a pet lover, and have always have had either cats or dogs," she said.
"I found out about a Facebook site, Troopers for Trooper, a support group for the cat to help raise money for veterinary costs, and [I] joined that. So for four and a half years, I've been following the life of Trooper, the heroic and internationally known cat."
'It just seems so unfair'
Profitt said she was quite affected when she read the news about the cat's death.
"And I thought ... the poor cat, he had been through so much medically. We know he was totally neglected, potentially abandoned and abused," said Profitt.
"And then his horrible injuries required an amputation. So it just seems so unfair ... so sad that his time was short-lived after he had finally come to know love through the Samm sisters in Stephenville Crossing."
Global support for Trooper
June Wishart of Scotland has also been following Trooper's story since 2012.
She has, on three separate occasions, travelled to the island to visit the animal.
"I'm a cat lover and his story inspired me. And from his story of being rescued, and being well after, he then inspired a lot of people to start up little break-off groups to do rescue," said Wishart.
"And people became more involved in donating to shelters, and various things like that — at various places in the world."
Wishart said she recalled seeing the photo of the cat lying frozen to the ground.
"You don't need to be a cat lover, you don't even need to be an animal lover to show compassion to something like that. I was just one of the fortunate people who was able to go and visit him," she said.
"I was actually still planning to do some kind of fundraiser .. I've got ideas to get his vet bill paid, but he's got many followers, so I don't think it will be a problem."
Trooper later became the mascot of the SCAPPA animal shelter, and even had the opportunity to meet iconic Canadian rockers, Trooper.
The band also gave the feline an autographed CD, and a cat-sized tee shirt with the name of their mega-hit, Raise a Little Hell on it.
