His face may be broken, but his spirit is whole—Santo’s second chance at life

At first glance, it looked like a shadow by the sidewalk. But as rescuers stepped closer, they found a cat barely breathing—his jaw twisted, face sunken from broken bones, eyes clouded over, and his frail body nearly lifeless. If they had come a day later, he might have died right there, unknown and unloved.

The rescue team was out looking for feral cats to neuter when they spotted him near a dumpster. A skeletal figure, his face distorted, jaw dangling painfully. He didn’t hiss or run—he just looked at them, exhausted and done fighting.

They gently lifted him. One volunteer whispered, “He wouldn’t have survived much longer…”

Santo was rushed to a nearby veterinary clinic. Vets confirmed multiple facial fractures, especially in the jaw. He couldn’t eat. His body was emaciated, his strength nearly gone. They weren’t sure how long he had been starving on the streets.

Surgery was his only hope. The rescue contacted Greater Good Charities’ Emergency Animal Medical Fund, a program created to help shelters cover medical costs for pets in crisis. The fund stepped in, giving Santo a chance.

Hours of surgery followed. Wires and pins were placed to rebuild his jaw and allow him to eat again. When he awoke, something unexpected happened—Santo purred.

Despite his trauma, Santo never stopped being sweet. His caregivers describe him as a “gentle soul”—he leans into pets, enjoys lap time, and especially loves sunspots on the floor.

His face remains crooked. One eye doesn’t see much. But his spirit? Intact. Pure. Glowing.

Today, Santo is recovering. He eats well, walks around the shelter, and seeks out kindness wherever he finds it.

He’s a living reminder that appearances can mislead—but a soul like Santo’s? That’s beauty you can’t miss.