One sweltering summer day, a kind soul stumbled upon a solitary kitten in their backyard. No sign of a mother or other siblings, and it seemed like this little one had been left behind. Just a couple of weeks old, the tiny furball was in desperate need of a round-the-clock bottle feeder.
Front Street Animal Shelter received the call for help and decided to step in. That’s where Haley Waugh, who works at the shelter, comes into our story. She instantly fell head over heels for this little bundle of fluff and offered to foster her.
Now, here’s the kicker. When Lavender (that’s the kitten’s name, by the way, because it matches her fur color) first entered Haley’s life, she was understandably bewildered by the new surroundings and strange scents. In an effort to protect herself, she did what she thought was best – hiss and spit ferociously, all from her tiny, palm-sized body.
But it didn’t take long for Lavender to realize that Haley meant nothing but good. She’d never go hungry again, and when she heard Haley’s voice, she perked up and wobbled over to her.
During her early days as a bottle baby, Lavender even accompanied Haley to work to make sure she got her feedings right on schedule.
In the presence of a bottle, Lavender would puff up her fur and give it her all, trying to grab it with all her might (and claws).
By just a few weeks old, her personality was shining through. She was curious and always paying attention to her surroundings. When Lavender finally got her footing, she hopped around her playpen with boundless energy, exploring every nook and cranny.
This fearless climber would attempt to clamber over anything just to be near her humans. Her gaze was intense and inquisitive as she took in the world around her.
When she ventured out of her playpen, Lavender was on a mission to befriend everyone in the house, whether they were feline, canine, or human. Spud the dog became her instant buddy, and they would snuggle up together.
Lavender quickly mastered the art of grooming herself and used her pointy little tail for balance. She wasn’t afraid to leap for higher ground, always wanting to be part of the action. Even around other cats, she worked her magic.
Piper, a cat who usually isn’t a fan of kittens, tolerated Lavender and her playful antics. There’s just something about this kitten that wins everyone over.
From a backyard kitten to a lively kitty with a personality that could light up a room, Lavender is now living her best life with her loving family and many furry friends.
Share this heartwarming story with your friends, and follow Lavender and Haley’s fosters on Facebook and Instagram @fosterpetsofsac.
