It was two weeks before I was to move back home from my college town. I had graduated and stayed in town to work for the parks department. I was at work, in 98 degree heat and baking sun, when I saw the furry black shapes rolling around the doorway to the barn as I approached on a tractor. It took a minute to realize that the shapes were tiny kittens!
Looking around, I saw two sets of fearful eyes peeking out from a hole under a pile of beams, and another kitten in full view, looking (worryingly) a little dazed. I called my boss and we left some food and water and went to check on them later. There was no sign of mama when we got back, so I returned after work and was able to walk right up to the dazed kitty and pick it up.
The kitten was dehydrated and wouldn't eat or drink, even with help. It died the next morning and we buried it behind the cemetery. I made several visits to the other two over the next couple days until one night they came running TO me instead of away, so I planned my rescue.
I put some food in my hand and reached through the carrier. It only took a split second for one to latch onto the food AND my finger hard enough to draw blood, but with more coaxing I had them both in the carrier and it was off to get a tetanus booster for me, then to the vet, who bathed them and gave them IV fluids and told me they were four weeks old and otherwise healthy.
I quickly realized they were purring MACHINES, so I named them Zonda and Carrera after exotic sportscars. Nearly three years old now, they're still my babies! Carrera is a total mama's girl and is shy, but a deadly hunter, while Zonda is chatty and has the best bond with my boyfriend, who she likes to hang out with in the garage while he works on his various cars and bikes.
Everett, WA
