How an Animal Changed my Life
Tags: Cats, Love, Animals, Animal Rescue, Rescue

Growing up I had always loved animals.I had a sheltie dog who my family adored and well deserved admiration at that. She seldom barked, and was as gentle as they came even if my younger self had been pushing it. My dad absolutely loved her and I can still recall ‘Emma’ being yelled multiple times throughout the day, but as I grew she aged and crossed the rainbow bridge when I was about 5. When I was about 8 we lost my dad, which hit my family and I very hard, especially due to my young age and the fact that this year was of great importance. I was in Girl Scouts, making my communion in just a short few weeks, followed by my birthday. One year later the time came where we mourned his loss, April 25th. Then the most peculiar thing happens on April 30. My mom went into the backyard on a very rainy day (April showers..) but instead of the usual rainfall being heard outside, it was small whimpers and cries. When she located the spot of the noise something chilling was found, there were 3 baby kittens and unfortunately 2 laid with their heads in a puddle, while the third screamed as loud as it could, which was impressive because they were so young, their eyes had yet to open. My mom had only had her sweatshirt on so she put all three in and went to my neighbors house to check to see the health of the kittens (she knew they were not in the greatest health and did not want me to see if any of the kittens crossed the rainbow bridge). When she arrived at my neighbors and checked on the kittens, unfortunately one kitten had passed away but to her discovery the other kitten in the water was still taking shallow breaths, and the third was strong but shivering due to the rain. My mom rushed the two kittens home where I was, and I opened the door to the biggest suprise. These kittens were very young and there was no mother to be found. We called a friend who was a vet and while waiting for her to arrive we put the kittens on a heating pad and suddenly the kitten in poor health began to become stable and walk and cry. When the vet arrived we found out their genders, the stronger being a boy and the weaker being a girl. I was thrilled and even more excited when it was projected they would be ok with lots of TLC(and a couple sleepless nights) so my mom stayed up and fed them formula throughout the night, and I bottle fed throughout the day. When they were well enough my mom started making arrangements for their homes. My sister and I had grown attached and we were set on keeping these kittens no matter what. One day I finally decided on names I wanted for them, which may have been the best decision I’ve ever made and was a sign for my mom that they were a perfect fit. The boy I decided would be named Dannyboy, an ode to my dad since this kitten was so strong and a hero for his sister. For the girl, I chose the name Elsa since she laid in the freezing cold(yes, this was around the time Frozen came out).

Years later and here we are, we kept both kittens and it has completely changed my life. Dannyboy is my best friend in the world and my dads spirit seems to live on through him. I have never in my life met a cat as attached to a human as Danny is to me. He follows me everywhere and sleeps with no one but me, every night he cuddles as close to me as he can and purrs all night. When I am sad he lays beside me and sleeps in my arms and it never fails to make me feel better. Elsa is my moms best friend and spends every day kneading in her arms and sleeping on her legs with her sister Molly. Elsa also had 2 babies which we gave to close friends. While I write this Danny lays next to me on my bed purring when I accidentally nudge him, eager to go to sleep with me. Elsa is laying in my moms room fast asleep with her sister at her side. Safe to say these babies changed my life for which I would not change it for the world.