The arrow entered the cat's rear and came out near his spine. But Dude was lucky: No organs were damaged. The veterinarian cut the arrow and pulled it out, no surgery needed. As the feline limps through his recovery, the Larry and his family are left wondering who did this, "It's the first time I've ever seen anything like that. I'm sure there's hunters around here who use arrows."

The Adkins home is in a wooded area where they often see deer and hunters, but, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, archery season for deer ended January 7. Lanita says she now worries for her granddaughters safety. "I don't see how it could have happened accidentally... I'm afraid, you know, that an arrow might hit them sometime if someone is that careless with arrows."

Dude spends a little more time inside now, but the Adkins leave mementos around reminding him and them of just how lucky he is. The cat is 7 months old and, despite the wound, should be able to live a normal life.