Months ago, a tiny kitten was found on the side of a round in the South Bay. He was badly injured and bleeding — the vet who handled him suspected he had been used as a "chew toy" for dogs being trained to fight — and he had been spray painted purple so aggressively that the shelter wasn't sure the hue would ever wash out of his fur.

When he was found, he was starving, had a 105 degree temperature, and badly needed stitches and medical help. Vets didn't know if he'd survive his injuries.