Here at Doherty Vision Clinic, our office staff consists of four opticians, two receptionists, the office manager and our resident feline, C.C. He belongs to one of our employees, but we’ve all grown attached to him, and he spends most of his time at the office, lounging around.

Those of you who live or work on Franklin Street probably already know our cat. We’ve all heard stories about how he goes up and down the street, nosing around in a few of the local shops.

No one that we have spoken to has ever seemed to have a problem with C.C. stopping by for an afternoon visit. He’s completely harmless, so they just give him a little attention (and maybe a treat!) and he’ll be on his way.

All that being said, none of us were too terribly concerned after work a few weeks ago when he wasn’t waiting at the front door. However, the next morning, he still hadn’t shown up. A few of the ladies called around to local animal shelters to see if any one had picked him up and taken him there. To our surprise, C.C. had, in fact, been turned in to the humane society. It seemed that he’d been run over and was taken to veterinarian Dr. Savant’s office. They transported him to the humane society because they didn’t know who he belonged too.

Dr. Savant was out of the office, so we sent C.C. to Dr. Gregg in Vidalia to have surgery on his leg and pelvic bone, which were both broken in the accident. He’s recovering well, thanks to the people who helped to save his life.

Today, when C.C. was picked up from Dr. Gregg’s office, we were informed that he wasn’t, in fact, hit by a car. It appears that someone either kicked or hit him with extreme force. This news disturbs our staff and patients greatly. There is no excuse for cruelty to animals.

C.C. could not possibly have been doing anything bad enough to deserve what happened to him. It’s hard for us to believe that someone is capable of being so hateful to such a small animal.

We’d like to thank Mrs. Felyce Byrne, who found C.C. while she was out for a morning walk. Mr. and Mrs. Dan Bland, who took C.C. from the street to Dr. Savant’s office.

Also, to the staff at the Adams County Humane Society, Dr. Savant’s staff, and especially, Dr. Justin Gregg and staff for all that you have done. It was greatly appreciated.

Megan Roberts

Natchez resident