Averted Cat-astrophe
Last night, as I was walking to the train, I heard a faint noise. A cry? Maybe a whimper? Actually more like a meow. Following the sound, I came up upon a brush of tangled branches and peered in. To my surprise a tiny kitten was hiding and what seemed to be calling out for help. A nearby homeless man mentioned somebody left it there on purpose.
I was both angered and heartbroken by this revelation. Why were people so cruel? A poor defenseless kitty left to fend for itself in the concrete jungle that is Roosevelt Ave. I took it upon myself to rescue it (which later I learned is a he). First I tried to reach in and grab him, but he was too scared. I then tried calling out to him, extending my open palm. He started to inch out, his bright green eyes fixed on my hand. Once he was close enough in reach, I scooped him out before he could sink his sharp little claws into me. With cat in hand, I proceeded to the train station.
Problem #1: animals aren't allowed inside the cars. I explained to the person on duty the unique circumstances of my situation and let me through. The train driver made note that if any cop would see me with the kitten I'd be in trouble. Let me say this: that was the single most longest train ride in my life! Arriving successfully at my stop, I scurried with the grubby kitty to my car and drove home.
Problem #2: dogs and cats usually don't get along; I have two. I called my wife to put our dogs away before going in. She saw the sullied, orange-striped furball in my hands and understood why I went through so much trouble. We gave the kitten some warm milk and then he began to explore his surroundings. The question about where would he sleep came up. I fetched the smaller of our pair of canines to see if they would get along. An arched back and loud hiss cleared any doubts right away. Disappointed, we prepared an old pet porter for him to sleep in for the night.
Anyway, this morning my wife took him to our local Humane Society and they told her the kitten has a high chance of being adopted.
I guess he still gets to keep his nine lives after all.
