If cats are born with 9 lives then a tiny 2 month old buff tabby kitten named Joe is down to 8.  This lucky little guy was brought into the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter recently after going a couple of rounds with an industrial lawnmower. 

A good Samaritan found the tiny kitten near death, his little ears mangled and deep lacerations on his head.  After treatment at a local animal hospital which resulted in reconstructive surgery and complete removal of his outer ears, the kitten was surrendered to the Shelter.   

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, which operates the shelter, accepted the badly injured kitten and placed him into their foster care program.   Joe is recovering nicely from his traumatic ordeal.  Despite his horrific injuries he is a sweet kitten who is now beginning to feel well enough to purr, play with toys and snuggle with his foster family.