A cat found frozen to the ground with crusted eyes after a winter storm has tragically died.
Kelli Vanderlaan, from Michigan, US, was on her way to work when she came to the rescue of Elliot the cat who was found frozen on a street near Laketon Avenue and Wood Street in Muskegon.
The Good Samaritan managed to wriggle him loose and took Elliot back to her car and drove him to the vets to be checked over.
His eyes had crusted over after spending hours in the freezing cold and his body temperature was just 94 degrees as staff set about trying to make him better.
The vet pumped warm IV fluids into Elliot, cleaned his eyes and checked him over for any further injuries.
And just last week he was able to eat and sit up and even reached out his paw to the staff who helped nurse him back to health following his traumatic ordeal.
However, on Monday morning Big Lake Community Animal Clinic, who were looking after Elliot, posted the sad news that he had passed away after suffering a saddle thrombosis which left him paralysed.
A saddle thrombosis is a blood clot, which blocks the supply of blood to a cat's legs. It can be extremely painful and leaves cats paralysed.
Big Lake Community Animal Clinic revealed the tragic news with a statement on Facebook.
It said: "We find peace in knowing the last two weeks of his life were spent with people who showed him kindness, care and love.
'We can't believe the following and support he has gained on this journey to healing; from the bottom of our hearts, thank you all for caring so deeply for him and sending such love and support his way.
"We want to send a special thank you to our staff member Diane Neas for opening her heart and home for his intensive care. You did everything you could for him medically and most importantly, you showed him what real love is."
"It is with heavy hearts that we share Elliot has crossed the rainbow bridge. Yesterday he developed a saddle thrombosis...
"Our hearts are broken today but we will continue to soldier on, being here for all the future Elliot's."
The news was met with an outpouring of love for the vets who desperately tried to save Elliot.
One user wrote: "Thank you all for everything you did for him. He knew real love and safety and happiness because of your kindness."
Another added: "Oh sweet Elliott. I thought you were going to pull through little guy. RIP Angel. Thanks to all the staff at Big Lake Community Animal Clinic for trying so hard to save him."
