Mother. Life-giving, life-sustaining, loving. We all need our mother, especially in the earliest days of our lives. Little kittens are no exception. Like newborn human babies, kittens nurse every two hours around the clock. Separated from their mothers out on the streets, they die.
How that happened to little SJ, we do not know. On a week of torrential rain this summer, SJ became estranged from his mother. He found himself staring across a wet, busy street near Sheetz, off of the rushing traffic of the Golden Strip. His young kitten mind decided that it was worth the try. He crossed, and immediately was in a daze of honking and swerving traffic.
It was Kelli Smith’s day off. Humming along as she turned in to get gas at Sheetz, an abysmal sight greeted her. A huddled, wet fluffball, not moving, in between the yellow lines of the road. “Oh no,” thought Kelli, Animal Team Lead at the Lycoming County SPCA. “What is that? And what are the chances that it is alive?” Terrified, alone, soaking, and with a shattered leg, SJ’s chances of survival were slim. Thinking quickly, Kelli pulled her car into the parking lot. At the exact same time, two other concerned citizens pulled their cars over, effectively blocking traffic and hemming the little kitten in to a semblance of safety. SJ saw his chance and leapt for it, right into the wheel well of one of the concerned citizen’s cars.
A well-dressed woman jumped out of the car and, ignoring the wet and grime, knelt down to try and extricate the sopping kitten. The terrified SJ only climbed higher and clung tighter. A construction worker from across the street came over and laid down on the cold, wet road to shimmy under the car.
“It was crazy,” Kelli remembers. “Here we are, a group of three ladies and a man, in the middle of wet traffic, trying to save a kitten from underneath a car.” The construction worker was able to get SJ to move just enough that Kelli was able to quickly and expertly grab him and lift him to safety. “Without thinking, I grabbed a towel from my back seat. That’s all I had. Knowing from my experience at the shelter how wild terrified cats can be, I used the towel to quickly wrap him up and prevent him from fleeing.” Relieved, dirty, and wet, the four rescuers stared at the little towel-wrapped bundle. “You had better take him to the SPCA,” one of the women said. “He’s in luck,” stated Kelli. “I work there and can take him right away.”
That is where the care and concern of SPCA supporters stepped in to save the day. Thanks to their gifts, SJ had a safe, clean place to rest his head that night (and as many nights as he would need). He also received expert medical care. After a few days had gone by, it became clear that he was unable to walk on his left rear leg. X-rays revealed a fracture near the top of his femur. The little fellow was also covered in lice and had a small wound near his mouth.
A femoral head removal was needed for SJ to be able to heal again. This was promptly done and a kind foster mom quickly stepped forward to take him into her home for physical therapy and healing. SJ is proud to say that after one month of physical therapy and a neuter, he has graduated to the adoption floor and is looking for his forever home.
SJ receiving physical therapy at his foster home.
Your support made all of the difference in SJ’s life. From medical expenses to food, water, and love, your gifts made it possible for him to thrive. As we near #GivingTuesday, will you please consider giving so that the SPCA’s life-saving work can continue?
(*Update: SJ has recently been adopted!*)
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