This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog!
I called the local rescue organization to ask if they would be bringing any orange male kittens to the pet store adoption event. The lady on the phone emphatically said yes.
When I arrived that afternoon, I asked where the orange male tiger kitten was. The volunteer lifted an adult gray striped female from her enclosure and said, “Here.” I pointed out that the cat had no resemblance at all to what I was looking for.
Linda Cummings
Just then, the volunteer exclaimed, “I hear someone calling me for help.” She quickly placed the gray cat into my arms. I didn’t have time to protest. I never heard anyone calling for help, but the woman completely disappeared.
In less than 20 minutes, I had fallen completely in love with Rigby. Apparently, the shelter staff were so impressed with her that they had made it their mission to get her placed in a good home. I filled out the adoption papers right then.
That afternoon, Rigby calmly walked all around my modest home, checking every nook and cranny. When she was done, she walked over to me, jumped in my lap, and seemed to say she would take it. She settled in like she had lived there all her life.
I lived in the foothills of Pikes Peak Forest in Colorado Springs. Wildlife would pass through the yard on occasion. One day, as I was walking into the dining room, I saw Rigby sitting on the stoop outside the sliding glass door. Racing straight for her was a fox. As fast as I ran, I knew I wouldn’t get to her in time to save her.
To my astonishment, Rigby shot across the yard, head-on toward the fox. The fox was so stunned and confused that he stopped in his tracks and made a hasty retreat into the field.
I had Rigby for four more years and came to love her like no other pet I have ever had. Despite medical efforts to save her, she died of cancer at age 7.
The day before she died, she feebly walked outside to her favorite lounging spot in the garden. After a short while, she walked to the shade of my large pine tree, weakly lifted her chin, and sniffed all the scents in her domain.
I truly believe that she knew she was dying and wanted to enjoy her last hours on earth in her favorite places. Twenty-five years later, I still cry every time I think of losing her.
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Story submitted by Linda Cummings.
This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Share your very own rescue story here!
