



LOWELL -- The veterinarian treating a stray cat named Bow after someone shot it with an arrow in Grand Rapids last week is offering a $500 reward out of his own pocket for information leading to an arrest. 

Dr. Bruce Langlois of the Animal Hospital in Lowell is treating Bow and decided to put up his own money to help police find the person who shot the young feral-turned-minor local celebrity following the incident. 

"I think there's a real good chance somebody is going to turn that person in," he said. " I can't imagine that they were alone when it happened." 

The gray and white cat was found Tuesday in Grand Rapids roaming the streets near U.S. 131 and Burton Street SW with an arrow through his face and neck. 

He was taken to the Michigan Veterinary Specialists in Grand Rapids, where the arrow was removed. 

Outrage at the abuse sparked a Facebook page and Justice For Bow donation blog that has raised $2,600 so far to help pay medical costs for feral cats. 

Grand Rapids singer-songwriter and self-described animal lover Casey Stratton even penned a "Song For Bow" to help raise funds and attention. 

Bow's Facebook "likes" were climbing past 2,700 on Sunday and a page note by the person who found Bow wasn't hopeful the "sick person who did this" would be found. 

"I hold no hopes of that ever coming to pass in this neighborhood," they wrote. 

Langlois said Bow will make a full recovery and a drain tube inserted to prevent infection will be removed from the wound Monday. 

Carol Manos, executive director of Carol's Ferals, said any money donated above the cost of Bow's care will be applied to the general fund at her nonprofit, which works to reduce the feral cat population in West Michigan. 

She is facilitating any adoption requests. 

Langlois said it's fairly common for animals, particularly cats, to become the victim of weapon attacks. 

Anyone with information is asked to call the Kent County Animal Shelter at 616-632-7300. 

E-mail the author of this story: localnews@grpress.com