Daniel, a Cat with 26 Toes, Helps Inspire Donations to Save Animal Shelter

According to a recent article published on Patriot Ledger.com, a special 26-toed cat named Daniel has helped to save an animal shelter. Just in time for the holidays, Daniel's story is one that is truly heartwarming.

The tale of this 26-toed cat begins in Milwaukee at an animal shelter, the Milwaukee Animal Rescue Center, and with the shelter's owner Amy Rowell. According to the story, Rowell came across Daniel after an encounter with Animal Control. In a scene that might be found in a movie, Daniel reportedly stuck his paw through his cage, poking at Rowell's head during her visit. She immediately recognized the cat's actions as an appeal to be taken home, and obliged him by taking him back to her animal shelter.

Rowell's animal shelter, however, found itself in financial danger; after finding out that the rent would be doubled for the shelter, it was almost certain that the rescue would have to close down. But Daniel was a special cat; his 26 toes make him a rarity. Realizing his special nature, Rowell decided to keep Daniel at the shelter rather than adopting him out, and attempted to keep him as the shelter spokes-purrson in an attempt to make a fundraising appeal to keep the shelter afloat. With Daniel, she organized a fundraising campaign put to the general public; donate $1 for each of Daniel's toes, for a total of a $26 donation.

Understanding the rarity of a cat like Daniel, folks started responding to the fundraising appeal. Amazingly, this fantastic kitty’s footsies have already helped to raise a whopping $80,000 since October 24 for the no-kill Milwaukee Animal Rescue Center, whose mission is saving animals from other facilities who otherwise might be euthanized. With Daniel’s help, Amy hopes to raise $120,000 by December 23 to be more financially secure.

To “meet” Daniel and learn more about him, check out the delightful video uploaded to YouTube by associatedpress.

Pardon the pun, but I think Daniel is totally “footing” the bill for the excellent care of many homeless pets using his toes and captivating charm, don’t you agree? Let us know in a comment.