Starting life as a stray, struck by a car and holding onto life by a thread -- normally, an animal in this bad shape would be euthanised. But a team of vets in Texas gave this kitty a second shot at life and she's still smiling.
Dr Jim Gearhart and Dr Bryan Meyer from Adobe Animal Hospital were faced with a difficult decision last year when the injured stray was brought to them.
Her jaw had been broken and she was pretty battered from the accident.
The two vets decided to give her a fighting chance.
(Facebook/ Duchess the Miracle Kitty)
Later named Duchess, the cat's jaw was wired into place and most of her teeth were removed.
It took a month of recovery and being fed through a tube, but Duchess pulled through.
And it was less than a week before she would find her forever home.
"I met her the day I arrived at the clinic for my first day and ended up bringing her home with me less than a week later," owner Crystal Tate says.
(Facebook/ Duchess the Miracle Kitty)
"The day I first met Duchess her mouth was just beginning to heal and the feeding tube had just been removed, and she was very thin. The lowest meow caught my attention; her eyes showed so much sadness but her purrs showed so much love and hope.
"Every day I would spend time with her, petting her, talking to her and when the doctors asked me if I could give her a home a few weeks later I knew immediately we were meant to be in each other lives."
"She reminds me every day that each day is a gift and that miracles really do happen."
Duchess’ jaw will always remain a bit crooked, unless they opt for further reconstructive surgery in the future, but it hasn't dampened her spirit.
And she's earned her royal title.
"She's been a part of our family since November and she walks around like she owns the house, sitting where she pleases and warming hearts wherever she goes," Ms Tate says.
"She has had a few more procedures since coming home with me, but she's getting stronger everyday and we couldn't be more proud."
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