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Crossbow survivor goes home

Archer, who was wounded by a crossbow in mid August, goes home after intensive care. His rescuer intends to pamper him.

By TERRI BRYCE REEVES
Published September 6, 2005

CLEARWATER - It was a happy ending for the tiny, tuxedo-colored kitten.

Archer, shot with an arrow two weeks ago, left the Humane Society of Pinellas on Friday with his rescuer and adoptive owner, Kathy Powers.

"I'm excited that he's coming home and relieved that his ordeal is over," said Powers, 44, who was accompanied by her mother, Myra Howe.

As Howe carried the kitten in a blanket to the car, she beamed, "It's just like bringing home a new baby."

Archer, 11 weeks old, was too sleepy from the effects of anesthesia to comment. He had been neutered that morning.

The situation could have turned out much differently for the little guy if he hadn't been rescued by Powers in the early hours of Aug. 18.

As Powers fed a group of neighborhood strays outside her Tarpon Springs shop, Tropic Sign and Shirts, she noticed the 11/2-pound kitty with a foot-long arrow piercing its midsection and protruding through the other side.

She rushed the kitten to two veterinary clinics before she found one open, Palm Harbor Animal Hospital, where the veterinarian stabilized the kitten and contacted the Humane Society.

Later, the kitten was taken to Tampa Bay Veterinary Emergency Service in Largo, where Dr. Matt Oakes performed a 45-minute surgery.

"He had a fractured rib, and the arrow went through the lung, diaphragm and liver," Oakes said. "Luckily, the arrow missed a lot of large vessels."

Stephen H. Cockerill, 19, of Palm Harbor was arrested and charged with animal cruelty.

As friends watched, Tarpon Springs police said, Cockerill grabbed a crossbow from his truck and fired an arrow, hitting Archer.

At least two of the friends later contacted investigators and pointed to Cockerill, police said.

Cockerill is free on $5,000 bail.

Powers said she tries to put Cockerill, who she said leases a unit next to hers in the Anclote Industrial Park, out of her mind.

"He'll get what he deserves," she said.

Humane Society administrators said they have received an outpouring of support from the community.

Several hundred people called and asked to adopt Archer.

In his new Tarpon Springs home, Archer will join Cleo, another stray kitten rescued by Powers, and two beagles named Baxter and Missy.

"He needs lots of spoiling, and we're going to spoil him just like the rest of them," Powers said.

[Last modified September 6, 2005, 03:15:21]