Harley, I've seen my share of that kind of thing over the years and just made myself a promise to take the best care I can of any creature I commit myself to caring for. For me, that means indoor only cats because I refuse to place myself in a situation where I constantly worry "will kitty come home today? or will I find her dead in the street..." There are too many psychos out there who hurt pets for the hell of it (don't get me going- some friends from my cat mail group are mailing about a relative of one who's done unspeakable things and is finally being tracked down by law and the asylum)
, not to mention traffic, rodent or yard poisons etc. I've had no problem with making mine indoor kitties over the last 20 or so years so it works for me! Sorry you had to do the massive vet bill thing, but that is ONE LUCKY little kitty to have found you!