Back in 2018, I was living on a friends farm in a fifth wheel trailer, having just moved from my home of 12 years in town. I loved watching all of her animals roam the farm, often stopping to pet or talk to each horse or chicken or whatever else I saw. I asked to feed the horses. I have loved horses since I was a girl. They are bigger up close and personal *grin* and used to pin me in a corner as I went in to feed them. They were quick!! I would run in, get the feed in the bucket and they had already run from the far corner of the pasture and were staring at me. I would quietly slide across the wall, hoping not to get kicked or squished by one of them. I got better at it, but the fear was still there.
One day, I noticed a small kitten, probably 6 to 8 months old up in one of the rafters. She was thin and scared. I started taking milk and tuna out to the barn daily to see if I could get her to eat. Sometimes I was successful, other times, the larger cats hanging out in the barn would eat all the food before she even got a chance.
I asked my friend if I could keep her and was given the go ahead. I contacted Lucky Paws Rescue. They had worked with re-homing a dog of mine (who definitely needed more than I could give). I was moving and could not take him with me. They were amazing. Taking the dog to a trainer before re-homing him. It was a LOT of work for them, but Leah was steadfast in making sure he had all that he needed in the right family environment.
The kitty was so thin and had very thin hair. Leah told me she would definitely help and set a plan in motion. She came to the farm and picked up Tesha. She took her personally to the vet. There, she got a complete examination and her shots. There were several issues. First, she had lice!! *shudder* and she had a respiratory issue that was pretty severe. They treated her for the lice and made sure she was up to date on her shots. At another point, they scoped her respiratory system to see what was causing the respiratory issues, but nothing was conclusive.
When Leah brought her back that night. She gave me the report AND brought along several cans of pate cat food and some dry food too.
After that exhausting day for Tesha, I wrapped her up in a blanket, held her to my shoulder and rocked her all night long. I played Mozart to calm her nerves after a hard day. She put one paw on each side of my face and fell asleep like that. Even today, I do this with her and the little paw hug always gets to me.
Later, Lucky Paws even sent someone to my house to pick Tesha up and get her spade. They brought her home to me with loving, gentle hands.
I donated when I could, but it was never enough to show the extent of my gratitude.
To this day, Lucky Paws is still working to save as many animals as they can. They often take the harder cases. Dogs or cats that other animal rescues will not touch. They are one of my heroes.
Lucky Paws has a Facebook page where they list the dogs and cats that desperately need fosters or forever homes. They also have a website where you can donate so they can continue their work. They truly are THE best rescue I have personally come across. They have a heart as big and as wide as the ocean to be sure!
Please check them out, donate when you can. This organization is made up of two amazing people and their army of foster families, transportation volunteers and helpers. They deserve your love.
with love and hugs and gratitude,
Kristi
