by Paula Hunsacker

Zubie was rescued from CCSPCA as a very young kitten––about 1 month old. He had a sister that was sick as well that sadly didn’t make it. At the time I rescued Zubie from CCSPCA, many cats were coming out of this shelter very sick. It was a challenge to get them well again. It became overwhelming as my vet and I tried to save them. So many too sick to save and it is heart breaking to lose that battle.

The public doesn’t realize what rescues are dealing with when we save a life from a high kill shelter. So many come out sick. When Zubie came to our rescue, he was so very sick. His eyes were glued closed from URI. He was running a high temperature. His little noise was so crusty. His little face was so cute. He stole my heart from the start. I kept him with me all the time he was sick. Force feeding him baby food. He was so sick he could hardly move. He just lay in a cat bed on my couch for days.

I was so focused to save him. I didn’t think he would make it, even with my vet saying he was sure he would live. But I never gave up hope. I spent hours every day talking to him. After several months, Zubie began to get stronger. Now this little ball of fur is my world. He gives me head bumps when he gets in my lap. He can find me any place at the rescue. During the day when I am sitting down, he will come out of the blue and jump in my arms, give me a head bump, and go on. He loves chasing butterflies during the day. He has even bought me a butterfly in the house as gift.

He loves to ride in the car lying on the dash. He sees me get into my car, and he runs and jumps through the window. Curls up on the dash. Looks at me like “ok, ready to go.” When I pull into the driveway, he will come out for a ride up to the house.

I always have a treat for him. Lately he loves vanilla ice cream in a cone. I have them put it in a cup for him. After a couple of licks, he is happy about his treat. Then we share it with the others roaming around the rescue. He loves the hamburger patties from Burger King. We go through the drive thru, and he stands on the door panel waiting for them to hand him his hamburger. He knows what’s coming. He never tries to get out the open window, and the girls at the drive thru know his name.

I have a bond with him that I have never had with any other kitty. I can think back on when he came home from the shelter this very sick little boy. Now he is everything to me. It’s amazing how something so small can change one’s life.

Rescue kitties are the greatest pets with so much love to give to their owner. Until you have experienced this kind of love, you will never understand the feeling of a love beyond anything in this world. I tell him every day how blessed I am to have him in my life. In his own way, he shows me overwhelming love I cherish daily and forever.

Maybe some people don’t understand a bond like this. Until you do, you will never understand how such a bundle of fur can steal one’s heart.

When you fight so hard to save an animal’s life, the love has more power than life itself. The reward is endless. Always adopt a rescued cat. They are always so grateful to you and will show you with endless love!

I believe there is always one fur baby that will touch your heart, as Zubie has mine.

Facebook: facebook.com/feralpawsrescue
EMAIL: fprg.org@gmail[dot]com
Phone: 559-412-7226

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