Simba’s story
This is a story about how I rescued a little sweetheart from either getting killed by a car, poisoned, or attacked by another animal.
It was July 14, 2021. I wasn’t planning on having to go on a cat rescue mission, but my phone rang—so of course, I answered it. It was a cry for help from a very kindhearted gentleman who had been feeding a few feral cats outside for years. His small colony was all TNR’d, but there was a new and tiny addition he hadn’t recalled seeing before. When he mentioned this kitten running around his backyard, I dropped my plans and drove over immediately.
When I arrived there, I couldn’t find any kitties anywhere. But, being a rescuer, I am fully prepared for calls like these, so my car was equipped with all the essential equipment needed to try and rescue this kitten—I had a trap, tuna, you name it. I spent a good hour walking around the neighborhood, looking under every shrub, behind every possible tree and in any possible hole. Another hour had passed and I was not able to find this little kitten anywhere, so I was getting somewhat discouraged, but I knew deep down I couldn’t give up and would not be able to sleep, knowing that little one was out there all alone in a very desolate area.
Three hours into hopelessly searching, I did one final walk-through. That’s when I saw a leaf move. Okay, maybe it’s just wind. Or maybe it’s not. I had to be sure.
Hiding behind a rock was a little ball of fur. I’m trying to ensure that my mind isn’t playing tricks on me; I had looked behind this rock multiple times! But lo and behold, I found this little bundle.
He was so scared. Weighing about 0.8 ounces, infested with fleas, ticks and ear mites, his tiny eyes suggested that he was desperate to be saved. He nestled right into my chest as I was walking to the car with him, like he knew he was safe. I gave him a bunch of kisses and let him know his life was just about to change for all the better. I promised him that he was safe now, and he will be forever loved.
The day I rescued the small kitten.
I made a vet appointment for him the following day, where he was deemed to be healthy overall, even though he was very very small. The plan was to put him up for adoption once he was of age, but that glimpse of gratitude when we locked eyes kept replaying in my head. I needed to make him part of my family.
His name is Simba and he now weighs 9.5 pounds. He runs to me every time I walk in the door, with the same loving eyes. I just happen to be his favorite person, and he happens to have my whole heart. I thank God to this day that gentleman called me, it was because of him and this rescue mission that Simba is here today healthy and happy as ever. He will forever be my baby boy, and a key motivator for all future rescues.
Home safe, playing with his favorite human.
Me and Simba, my favorite velcro kitty.
Simba now, grown and healthy.