Rescued Cat Sage Overcomes Unimaginable Hardship

Quick Smiles:

• Rescued cat Sage finds hope and a loving home
• Community action leads to swift justice for animal cruelty
• Sage’s journey inspires calls for greater animal welfare

In a peaceful Cambridge neighborhood, the cries of a young grey cat were almost lost.

Thanks to a caring tipster, 1-year-old Sage not only survived incredible odds but is now flourishing in a new home full of love.

The local animal shelter first learned of Sage’s story on July 15, when Cambridge Animal Control received an anonymous tip about suspected cat abuse behind an apartment building.

What unfolded was heartbreaking, as a video surfaced showing Sage falling from an upper floor and being swung by the tail and slammed onto the ground by a man later identified as Jaydan Depina.

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“Just by looking at this photo, you’d never know what this cat has been through,” the MSPCA wrote in a Facebook post. “But beneath the surface, trauma tells a different story.”

The MSPCA’s Law Enforcement division acted quickly, identifying the person in the video, rescuing Sage, and getting him urgent veterinary care within days.

They worked together with Cambridge Police to arrest the suspect, who now faces two counts of animal cruelty.

“We worked overdrive on this,” said Chris Schindler, MSPCA’s director of law enforcement. “The collaboration between agencies and the vigilance of the public made this outcome possible.”

While Sage’s legal case moved forward, veterinary specialists at the Boston Adoption Center Clinic carefully assessed his injuries and wellbeing.

Sage had suffered lung contusions, a broken tail, and several fractures on his ribs and feet—evidence of past abuse.

“Sage was brought to Angell once before, after falling from a building late last year,” Schindler said. “At the time, there was no reason to suspect cruelty. But these newer findings paint a very different picture.”

Despite his painful ordeal, Sage began to heal physically and emotionally. He started off timid, but each day became more friendly and affectionate.

On July 31, the very first day he was ready for adoption, Sage found a forever family eager to give him a fresh start.

For the shelter staff, it was a moment of joy and hope.

Sara-Rose Brenner, associate director of public relations at MSPCA-Angell, said Sage’s adoption was “the silver lining we needed.”

“It’s remarkable what love and care can do. He’s not just surviving—he’s thriving,” she said.

Sage’s story shines a light on animal cruelty and the need for greater awareness and action to protect vulnerable animals.

“Animal cruelty is often a warning sign,” Schindler said. “It should be a red flag—not just for animal welfare, but for public safety.”

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