There are some moments in animal rescue that make you cry, some that make you angry — and some that make you believe in miracles.
This is a story about a tiny kitten named Hercules that made us all feel every one of those emotions.
We received a phone call asking for help with a hoarding situation of about 150 cats. We committed to taking eight cats, never dreaming of the severity of the situation.
That same day, the eight cats that arrived at the sanctuary all were in pretty bad shape. There was one tiny kitten with the umbilical cord still attached whose legs were swollen. He was found laying in the middle of the floor with no mom in sight. He was a newborn
After looking at this tiny little kitten and the condition he was in, we knew it was going to be an uphill battle.
(Courtesy of Lorraine Monfils)
We named him Hercules. We placed him with another nursing mom, but he just wouldn’t latch on, so we began syringe feeding him.
His swollen legs were a big concern. We made an emergency visit to the vet and the prognosis wasn’t good. He was so tiny and was really struggling. Even though his future looked bleak, we decided to give him a chance. A plan was put in place and he was placed in a medical foster home.
The first week was difficult, to say the least. The meds he was on weren’t working, so we went to plan B.
He started showing signs of improvement with the new medications and was starting to accept the syringe feedings. He started to gain weight. His swollen legs were making it difficult to get around, so we started laser therapy, which made a world of difference.
The fur started growing back on his legs and he started exploring more. Keep in mind, all of this is being done to a tiny 2-week-old kitten who weighed mere ounces.
After Hercules spent weeks in medical foster care, we were given the green light to bring him back to the Ark and continue his care. His back leg and one front leg are a little deformed, but that doesn’t slow him down. He races up and down the halls like the kitten he was meant to be.
The tiny little newborn kitten found lying on the floor was destined for great things. The beginning of his life was not good, but his future is looking very bright. Hercules is a fighter and even when he was not expected to survive, he kept fighting. His will to survive has been inspiring. This tiny young man named Hercules has taught us that anything is possible.
Hercules is now 8 weeks old and thriving. His life has been an emotional roller coaster, but we wouldn’t have missed the ride for anything.
On to the next chapter of Hercules’ life: on Saturday he gets adopted — to a home where he will get the best care, where he will be loved and be spoiled rotten.
Hercules, you have lived up to your name, and we are so proud to have been a part of your journey.
Thank you for your continued support and, as always, thank you for reading our column.
The Ark Animal Sanctuary is located at 102 Old Woodstock Rd., Houlton. Visit them online at arkanimalsanctuary.org/home, call 532-7387 or check out their Facebook page.
