New vet’s first day turns into a rescue mission!

Laura’s first day at Station House Vets was anything but ordinary.

On her morning drive to the practice, she spotted a cat struggling on a footpath near Malton. The cat, later identified as Zak, was visibly distressed; his back legs weren’t working properly, and he was wobbling dangerously close to the road.

By the time Laura managed to turn around, a few kind passers-by had already intervened, moving Zak to the safety of a grassy verge. As they debated what to do next, Laura stepped in, introduced herself as a vet, and swiftly assessed the situation. Without hesitation, she scooped Zak up, placed him gently in her car, and drove straight to the clinic, beginning her first day with her very first patient!

Thanks to the power of social media, Zak’s owners were quickly located. They had posted about his disappearance, and the good Samaritans who found him shared updates that led them straight to Station House Vets, where Zak was already receiving expert care from Laura and the Station House Vets Tam.

Zak, a sweet-natured 1year and 4 month old domestic shorthair, had suffered a serious road traffic accident. His injuries included multiple pelvic fractures; among them a sacroiliac separation and an avulsion fracture of the iliac wing; as well as nerve damage that left him unable to walk or use the bathroom unaided.

He underwent complex surgery to repair his pelvis, with titanium screws and a transilial pin placed to stabilize the fractures. His recovery has involved intensive pain management, physiotherapy, laser therapy, and urinary catheterisation. Zak is now on cage rest and undergoing mobility rehab.

Though the road ahead is uncertain, Zak is already showing signs of progress. He’s beginning to regain feeling in his hind limbs and is tackling rehab with determination. His spirit remains unshaken – he’s affectionate, curious, and full of fight.

Laura and the team at Station House Vets are asking everyone to send Zak their love and support as he continues his journey toward healing. If you’ve ever doubted the resilience of animals, let Zak be your reminder: recovery is possible, even after trauma.