Meet Joe, a very handsome and special boy.

Joe at Christmas time – source the Sarnia Observer

Joe is by definition a true survivor, some might even call him a miracle cat. In February of 2014 he was found by the side of the road in Sarnia Ontario, where he had been left for dead, he had been shot in the head 17 times with a pellet gun. A good Samaritan saw Joe, picked him up and brought him to the The Sarnia and District Humane Society where he was later transferred to the Blue Cross Animal Hospital to receive treatment.

Joe’s x-ray after the shooting shows the pellets lodged in his head – source CBC news

Joe got lots of love while recovering – source CTV News

Joe, who underwent multiple surgeries, lost an eye but had a good overall recovery from his wounds thanks to the animal organizations involved. People in the community and from around the world came to his support raising $33,000 for the Sarnia and District Humane Society, more than enough to cover Joe’s medical care. The remaining donations will be used to pay medical bills for other rescue animals through the shelters Wanda’s Wish fund. Joe’s case has also helped bring much-needed attention to the common and horrible crime of animal abuse. His story has galvanized a community to speak out for stronger penalties and tougher animal cruelty laws in Canada, which most can agree are currently way to lenient.

Joe went to a foster family last spring to recover and has since been reported to be doing very well, he has even been entered in Modern Cat Magazines online contest.

Vote for Joe the cat! – Modern Cat Star Cat Contest

As of today Joe has almost 60,000 votes and if he wins he will have an editorial feature in the Spring/Summer 2015 issue of the magazine, which will be a great way to tell his story and bring awareness to animal cruelty. Joe is currently in first place and you can help keep him there by voting daily, simply click on the VOTE FOR ME button.

The contest closes January 30th so please head over and show Joe your support!

You can also visit Joe the cat on Facebook

 ***UPDATE JAN. 31 2015 – Joe the Cat came in second spot and Modern Cat Magazine will still be profiling him in their next issue!***