Miracle
Native American legend tells of the birth of the rare white buffalo as a gift from the Great Spirit, and so it was with the feral cats on Humphrey Street. Among a litter of striped and swirled kittens emerged a completely white baby, all except for the tips of his ears and tail that were tinted black. Born in a pile of automotive rags, in the back of a garage left ajar, their mother fled when the weekend mechanic discovered the litter hours after they were born and put them outside beside the garbage can.
A neighbor heard the desperate mewing of the kittens, but decided to leave them out overnight for their mother to hear. But she didn't return, and through the night their cries grew weaker. In the morning the neighbor called ARR, but sadly all the kittens had died except one, the white one who still had her umbilical cord attached. Warmed and fed with an eyedropper ARR tended to the lone survivor day and night. At ten days old, she opened her eyes, revealing their brilliant blue color. The little miracle cat steadily grew over the next several weeks and a sweet and playful personality began to emerge. Tragically, at six weeks old she developed aggressive pneumonia and could not be saved. It was a very sad day.
The next Spring, ARR was called to remove a litter of kitten from a narrow passage between a house and an old shed on the same street. Three kittens, about four days old, along with their mother were brought to ARR's facility. Mother dutifully cared for her two striped kittens, as well as one white kitten with black tinting on his ears and tail. As the kittens grew the white one became the largest of the three, and the most outgoing, responding well to human interaction. As time passed his black tinted points grew more pronounced, and subtle striping emerged over his white coat. He became a large handsome cat, calm and benevolent, and a leader among cats.
Adoptions
OUR SHELTER IS OPEN FOR ADOPTIONS:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday 12 -5 pm
Call 510/230-3758 or email blythe@animalrefugee.org
We have a wonderful variety of cats, dogs, puppies and kittens available to loving and permanent homes.
ADOPTION CONSIDERATIONS
Bringing a pet into your life is a wonderful thing. It is also a life-changing experience, almost like a new child. Before you bring home a new pet, consider your space, your schedule, your financial resources, and your activity level when making a companion animal selection, so that it will be the most rewarding experience for both you and the animal you choose. Food for thought: A puppy or a kitten is a 15 year or more commitment.
