On a cold, rainy April day, we returned from the school event and were busy parking our bikes in the garage. Our daughter Sasha was exploring the area around the bushes. “Mama, baby!”, our girl shouted. For a moment, I could not move or get a word out of my mouth. When looked around, I saw a tiny orange-white kitten on the ground, just barely breathing. I couldn’t collect my thoughts and felt overwhelmed. After losing our dog Max last Summer, I was terrified to face another trauma. What are we going to do? The first idea was to take the kitten to an animal shelter. However, my husband discouraged the idea and said that a young kitten would not have a chance.
We grabbed the orange ball, wrapped the kitten in a jacket, and brought him home. My husband rushed to buy some formula for kittens. When I brought the syringe with the warm, fresh mix to the kitty’s mouth, he didn’t react and didn’t move. We realized that the boy was not doing well and needed immediate medical help. At the time, we had no extra money for the vet, and our rent bill was due very soon. We wanted to save the kitten; on the other hand, I didn’t see how we could manage the cost of the veterinary treatment.
After a minute of hesitation, we decided that we’ll work something out, but it is critically important to get this fellow care that he needed. Fortunately, the vet clinic had a time slot, and they agreed to see us right away. So, we carefully wrapped our new buddy in a towel and drove to the hospital. The doctor said that the kitten was a boy; he was severely dehydrated and was cold. If the little one stayed outside for a little longer, he would not make it. The nurses gave the kitten fluids and placed the little buddy on a hot pad. According to the vet, our friend had a 50×50 % chance to survive. Additionally, the doctor warned us not to attach ourselves to the kitten at this moment.
The words “Don’t get attached”, like a heavy sentence, were pounding in my head. Our short story has already begun. Deeply in my heart, I already loved him, a small, tiny baby who came to this fast-paced, self-engrossed world, with no place for someone fragile and small. “We already have a name for him, Sunny”, I said quietly. The vet technician recommended a local volunteer who handles young kittens and can help to nurse Sunny to health. The opportunity was a true blessing; since we had no experience with kittens, we decided to let the experts do their magic. Maybe a miracle will happen, and Sunny will grow strong and healthy in good, loving hands.