PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Buddy the cat is going home.
The now internationally known feline is in stable condition and will go to a foster home with one of the veterinarians, Dr. Katie Venanzi, who cared for him.
Venanzi, an emergency vet for Blue Pearl Pet Hospital in Philadelphia, as well as her husband and their own cat, will be Buddy’s foster family, but they hope to make him a permanent resident.
“We want to do whatever he needs,” she said. “We understand that he used to live outside. If he is not comfortable living in our house, we are willing to work with other people who are going to give him an opportunity to be in a safe environment but still exposed to the outdoors. We are going to take it day by day and see how he does, but we are really hoping to keep him.”
Buddy was critically injured on March 22 when two people encouraged their dogs to brutally attack him on a Frankford porch. When they let their dogs loose, they repeatedly shouted “good boy” as they attacked Buddy.
The pair, a 17-year-old and a 12-year-old, were later arrested.
Donations have poured in from Asia, Australia and Europe to help pay for Buddy's care, along with get-well cards. Additional funds will help the PSPCA support other cats in need.