On April 27 of this year, neighborhoods across St. Louis, Missouri, were caught in a classic Midwestern spring storm. With hail as large as golf balls in some areas, and even reports of tornadoes just east of St. Louis, locals were hunkering down to keep out of the way of severe thunderstorms.
That is, except for one stray orange tabby cat, who was scooped up by local shelter, Stray Rescue of St. Louis.
“Yesterday during all of the storms, we rescued this kitty with an injured back leg,” a Facebook post from the animal shelter reported.
“Because we had KMOV’s Steve Templeton on all the TVs at the shelter, we knew exactly what to name our new rescue. He’s so happy to be safe inside and getting the medical care he needs.”
Steve Templeton is the chief meteorologist for local news outlet KMOV-4, reporting the weather live on air every weekday evening from 5 to 10 p.m. As one of the first meteorologists in the country to receive the Certified Broadcast Meteorology seal from the American Meteorological Society, he’s who locals turn to in times of inclement weather — including those on the frontlines of animal rescue.
Steve Templeton the cat has since resurfaced on the Stray Rescue social media pages, now donning a handsome collar and tie in front of a 7-day forecast.
The cat unfortunately had a rough road to recovery after being admitted to the shelter, but now, he’s ready to find his forever family.
“Our little Steve Templeton came in with a broken back leg that couldn't be fixed, so he had his leg amputated,” the shelter wrote in a June 5 update.
“He’s made a full recovery in his foster home, now he's ready for his forever home! This tri-pawed orange kitty doesn't mind being held. He's a major cuddler and very sweet. And he doesn't mind wearing a tie.”
And anyone who wants to take him home can do so for the low cost of $0. Local business Imo’s Pizza has offered to cover the cat’s adoption fee.
Stray Rescue is accepting applications for Steve’s potential family now.
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Header image courtesy of Stray Rescue of St. Louis and KMOV
