Broken Jaw, Resilient Heart: Delgado’s Fight to Survive

Jan 20, 2025

Found as a stray in November 2024, Delgado was barely hanging on, his jaw badly misaligned from an untreated injury. But his will to survive was unbreakable and, with the help of dedicated rescuers, Delgado’s heartbreaking past is now just the beginning of a brighter future.

When Delgado was found as a stray in November 2024, he was barely hanging on. Thin, dehydrated, and suffering from a number of health issues, it was clear he had endured much. But it was his jaw that told the most heartbreaking story: an old, untreated injury had caused his lower jaw to heal misaligned, leaving his bottom canine tooth sticking out like a horn—a painful reminder of the trauma he’d faced. 

Yet, despite everything, Delgado refused to give up. Each time he faltered, he found the strength to rise again, searching for solace and safety with quiet persistence. His determination showed in the way he nudged his soft face into every hand that reached out to him, seeking comfort—his resolve unshaken, even when the odds were stacked against him. 

At PAWS Chicago’s Nan & Wayne Kocourek Medical Center, the team worked tirelessly to help him. Delgado’s journey to recovery would be long, but with their expertise, he was given a fighting chance. First, he needed to gain weight before he could undergo the necessary dental surgery. Dental pain can make it hard for cats to eat, but with the generous support of Purina, who sponsors food for all PAWS Chicago cats, Delgado was provided with a variety of nourishing options to stimulate his appetite and get him surgery ready. 

In addition to his jaw, Delgado had other injuries to overcome: a sunken eye, likely caused by trauma to the bone around the socket, and a healed lip injury, another reminder of the pain he had endured. The team at PAWS took great care to address each issue, ensuring that Delgado was comfortable and that every detail was attended to. 

Once he was strong enough, Delgado underwent surgery to realign his jaw, removing the painful tooth and allowing his body to heal properly. The road was long, but with the team’s dedication and the support of compassionate donors, Delgado was given the chance to recover fully. 

His next stop was the Lincoln Park Adoption Center, where he quickly became a favorite among volunteers. Throughout the day, he moved from lap to lap, soaking up the cuddles he had missed during his time as an outdoor cat. It wasn’t long before someone saw beyond his soft fur and bright eyes and was completely charmed by him. 

Now, Delgado has begun to embrace life as an indoor cat. “Delgado is getting used to his new surroundings but settling in well. He’s eating well, which is a huge relief after everything he’s been through,” says his adopter, Francenia Brown. “We’re so happy to have him as part of our family.” 

Delgado’s remarkable recovery would not have been possible without the expertise and care of the PAWS Chicago team and the generosity of donors who make it all possible. Thank you for helping to give cats like Delgado a second chance at life—your support truly changes lives.