Bear - Kitten - baby - male - dark gray - almost black short coat - hint of stripes, one foot dipped with white
Bear’s healthy and vigorous little life is a joy to record. His struggles were profound, as was the love that supported him through them. Yet to meet him now, one could never guess that this tiny fellow, who stalks and pounces, climbs into laps, and bats his toys about expertly, had a very hard beginning.
Bear was found in a parking lot in West Virginia by a Good Samaritan who called Animal Control, and stood by to protect the litter of four kittens until a humane officer arrived. Extremely underweight, about 8 days old, and dehydrated, Bear and his siblings stood little chance of survival.
A Hedgesville Hounds volunteer responded to an internet plea from Berkeley County Animal Control for help, and late the same night, all four kittens were transferred to her care. Sadly, two of them died soon after from maggot infestation. Bear and his sister Bella’s chances looked equally grim, but their foster mom, herself a former NICU nurse, applied herself to supporting their chances at living.
The effort required weeks of intensive care, many sleepless nights, and tube feeding of the kittens, but slowly Bear and Bella began to respond. There were setbacks as well, but the babies joined the fight to live, and began to bottle feed on their own. In fact, there came a day when, having been introduced to kibble, Bear determined that he would leave the bottle behind and go straight to solid foods.
Bear’s kitten-hood now is filled with the adventures and exploits of a lively, curious, and very sweet and friendly creature, who zooms towards anyone who calls “kitty, kitty”. Interactive and very playful, Bear delights in snuggling and being held. His foster family gladly indulges Bear in his penchant for perching on their shoulders for long periods of time, during which he must imagine himself as a brave explorer.
Bear has been raised in a family of doting boys, a supportive husband, a dedicated mom, and three dogs. In Bear’s world view, life is filled with other beings who love and celebrate him.
In our world view, Bear’s life is a miracle which we all celebrate.
Bear is still quite small, but we are now looking towards his future. He has had his first set of shots. He will be able to go to his furever home once he reaches 2 pounds.
If you are interested in adopting Bear, please fill out our non-binding application for cats on line.
click here to be send a non-binding application
