According to a December 31 post by Humane Society of Rowan County NC (HSRC), an injured kitty whose photo went viral on the internet due to her resemblance to Baby Yoda, has been taken from the care of HSRC. There are few details available at this time and she is currently described as ‘missing’ because she was released ‘without our knowledge or consent’. According to Michael’s earlier article she had been brought to the Cabarrus Animal Hospital in NC and was destined to be a cat celebrity.
THE STORY HAS BEEN UPDATED. PLEASE READ THE STORY AND THE UPDATE AT THE END OF PAGE. THANKS.
Baby Yoda, otherwise known as ‘Joy’, may be in good hands, then again she may not be. HSRC posted the update:
It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Joy is no longer in our care. Joy was released without our knowledge or consent to a person claiming ownership. It is likely that HSRC will still be responsible for Joy’s vet bills. We wish we could provide more details but are unable to at this time. We pray that Joy, still with unhealed wounds and not fully recovered, will be given proper medical care and make a full recovery.
We hope to update you all in the future in regard to Joy. We’re sure most of you are familiar with our sweet little Joy. Many on social media have dubbed her Yoda Cat because some see a striking resemblance to Baby Yoda from Star Wars. Joy is one of the many injured strays that our organization helps.
She was found by a kind lady in Kannapolis who contacted our organization for help. A member of HSRC picked up sweet Joy and brought her to one of our Vets for treatment. Joy had a wound around her neck and an upper respiratory infection. She is currently receiving treatment for both. She has a long road of recovery ahead of her. Joy will not be available for adoption for some time. If you wish to donate toward her medical bills, we welcome any assistance. Any amount above what is needed for Joy’s medical needs will go to help other injured strays like her. Thank You!
Thanks to the generosity of 47 people, $1,254 as raised toward treatment in seven days.
The HSRC went on to add:
Odd and, as far as we know, totally unprecedented. We are seeking an explanation and further information. The person who according to a Cabarrus Animal Control officer released our animal to Cabarrus Animal Control declined to speak with Board members yesterday (and that release) requires positive identification from anyone seeking to claim an animal in our care, items such as vet records, pictures, microchip info, etc.
Comment: So did Cabarrus Animal Control return the cat to whoever said they’re the owner? What proof did they ask for?
This article will be updated should more information become available. Personally, I’m worried. There are just too many unanswered questions here. I imagine the Humane Society is being secretive due to them trying to learn more on her whereabouts and to keep rumors from getting out of hand.
Anyone who knows more is welcome to comment. This is a very confusing situation because the article linked below, written by Michael, says Joy was receiving care at Cabarrus Animal Hospital. So how did Rowan get involved?
Update from HSRC (NC) – see screenshot above
A woman claimed that Joy was her missing cat and contacted HSRC. The cat she said was missing was a close match to Joy but the ears did not match. The woman persisted and eventually the veterinarian treating Joy at the Cabarrus Animal Hospital wanted Joy out of the hospital and was tired of the publicity. He apparently gave Joy to the woman. We don’t know the name of woman. Note: Humane societies in America don’t have their own facilities.
In my OPINION what has happened is a form of theft. It is clear that this mytery woman claimed to have lost her cat and claimed that Joy was hers. However, the facial markings did not match. So Joy was not hers. She forced and conned a weak veterinarian who was treating Joy to give her up. Joy should be recovered by the Humane Society who arguably have ownership. At Sat 4th Jan. there are no further updates. I’ll keep watching. If you have a different opinion or further information please tell me in a comment.
Michael’s post about Baby Yoda:
Adorable Baby Yoda rescue cat who sticks out her tongue is the next big celeb
Source ABC7 News, Facebook: Humane Society of Rowan County.
From the post on Facebook the rescue stated that the woman claimed the same thing back in 2018!
**Made this comment last night but there was a typo. Baby “Yoga” should have been Baby “Yoda.”
First of all the vet who was “tired of the publicity” should have his license taken away for handing Joy over to some woman just “to get her out of his hospital” when Joy was still being treated for injuries! What kind of vet does that?? And the article that was written about “Baby Yoda” sure didn’t help matters by bringing this poor cat to everyone’s attention, including the WRONG people who just want to make money off of her. Nice job!
First of all the vet who was “tired of the publicity” should have his license taken away for handing Joy over to some woman just “to get her out of his hospital” when Joy was still being treated for injuries! What kind of vet does that?? And the article that was written about “Baby Yoga” sure didn’t help matters by bringing this poor cat to everyone’s attention, including the WRONG people who just want to make money off of her. Nice job!