Winona’s Second Chance

Aug 16, 2021

Earnest Russell was a registered cat colony caretaker in Chicago who tended to the stray cats on his block for decades. Winona (formerly “Wee Wee”) was his favorite. After Mr. Russell sadly passed away, PAWS accepted Winona into our care and now she’s getting a second chance to find a loving family.

Earnest Russell was a registered cat colony caretaker in Chicago who tended to the stray cats on his block for decades. Winona (formerly “Wee Wee”) was his favorite. He turned her into an indoor/outdoor cat and everyone on the block knew her and loved her.

PAWS For Life had worked with Earnest, Winona, and the rest of the colony since February 2017. Unfortunately, earlier this year, Winona was found wandering outside and got picked up by police who took her to Chicago Animal Care and Control. After PAWS heard about this, we went to Mr. Russell’s house and sadly found out that he had passed away. While Mr. Russell's son was looking after the colony, Winona still needed extra help. She was dealing with some significant health issues and PAWS accepted her into our care.

At age 7, Winona had no teeth and tested positive for FIV; she also had an upper respiratory infection. After being treated for both, Winona underwent two surgeries at the same time: one to correct an eyelid abnormality and one to repair an opening between her oral and nasal cavity. Despite all this, volunteer Zahra Davenport said, “Winona is still the sweetest, most affectionate, senior kitty. She’s always making biscuits and loves pets.”

Winona is now comfortably healing in a caring foster home. Director of Community Outreach Laurie Maxwell said, “Earnest was such a kind mind, and I’m sure he’s looking down and smiling knowing his baby is safe and loved.”