It hurts my heart to think that someone might have kicked Barney. However, he could've been hit by a car as your vet said. My Specs got hit while he was an outdoor cat, I heard the thunk and saw him roll under the car and I thought that was it for him but he came out w/out a scratch. (That's what got him in the house. I figured there was no use trying to place him. He earned his place w/the Fur Posse, that's for sure.) Barney is the strongest survivor I have ever witnessed. He has so many health issues but he just loves you, Lara, and he keeps on fighting for life. I so badly want this to be a happy ending. We could really use a Christmas miracle right about now.