A Tail of Two Timid Souls
As I made my daily training run through the Coles supermarket parking lot one dark and stormy morning, a small white flash darted in front of me, slipping on the wet gutter before vanishing into the filthy, disused underground public toilets. My heart sank as I realized this was no ordinary stray – it was a kitten, alone and desperate for help.
Over the next three months, I tried unsuccessfully to get the authorities to assist in rescuing this poor creature. For some reason, the more roadblocks I encountered, the more determined I became to ensure this kitten, whom I had affectionately dubbed “Coles Kitty,” found a loving home. When the council eventually gave me the green light to try capturing her myself, I reached out to Scaredy Cats, an organization dedicated to taming and rehoming timid felines.
Friendship Blossoms in the Darkness
On a chilly Sunday morning, the Scaredy Cats team and I carried out the rescue mission. Coles Kitty’s once-pristine white fur was now stained brown from the filth of her makeshift toilet home, and her delicate skin was raw from relentless flea bites. As I gazed upon her pitiful state, my heart ached – but I knew that with patience and care, this scaredy-cat could become a confident companion.
I named her Ghiwa, after the Coles employee who had faithfully fed her each night. Then the real work began. I started Ghiwa off in a spacious wire dog crate, keeping meticulous records of her progress in an Excel spreadsheet. Slowly but surely, I won over her trust – the day she let me pat her while eating roast chicken, the day she began greeting me at the front of the crate, the day she finally ventured out to explore the spare bedroom.
A Feline Friendship Blossoms
As Ghiwa continued making remarkable strides, I decided it was time to introduce her to my loyal canine companion, Bonnie. I wanted Ghiwa to have a furry friend who could help her feel safe and supported in her new home. To my delight, the two hit it off immediately, and soon Ghiwa was confidently roaming the entire house, no longer confined to the spare room.
Determined to give Ghiwa the best possible chance at thriving, I recently adopted a three-month-old kitten named Winnie. Using the same crate-to-sanctuary room socialization method I had perfected with Ghiwa, I set about integrating Winnie into the household. And to my joy, the two timid felines became the best of friends, sleeping, playing, and grooming one another.
A Newfound Zest for Life
These days, Ghiwa and Winnie are inseparable, and I love watching them explore the safe outdoor enclosure I’ve built for them to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Ghiwa, in particular, has blossomed into a confident, playful cat – a far cry from the terrified kitten I first encountered in the dark, dank public toilets.
As I jog past that fateful spot, I’m filled with immense pride and gratitude. Ghiwa’s transformation is a testament to the power of patience, perseverance, and the special bond that can form between a human and a scaredy-cat. She’s a gentle, affectionate companion who has taught me that with love and understanding, even the most timid of souls can find the courage to embrace life to the fullest.
If you’re considering adding a shy or fearful cat to your family, I encourage you to reach out to I Have Dogs or similar organizations. These special felines may require extra time and care, but the rewards are truly priceless. Like Ghiwa, they just might surprise you with the depth of their resilience and the strength of their spirit.