Adopting a pet in need of a forever home is a heartwarming act that shows compassion and kindness.
While some people may seek the ‘perfect’ rescue cat or dog, others, like this Reddit user (referred to as OP) look beyond appearances to provide love and care to animals facing unique challenges.
In a recent post on the ‘Am I the A*****e’ online community, OP sought advice after rescuing Stargazer, an abused kitty with no eyes, three legs, and black fur, only to face opposition from family members.
A heartwarming rescue story:
OP took to Reddit to write about his heartwarming rescue story, saying that he has a cat named Stargazer, and that he’d adopted her three years prior.
“She was abused and as a result has no eyes and only three legs. Nobody wanted to adopt her because of her deformities, and she’s also a black cat, so I did because she was going to be euthanized otherwise,” he shared.
Despite Stargazer’s challenging past, the OP provided her with a loving home. However, when his sister and brother-in-law visited, their reaction to the cat created unexpected tension.
“My sister moved into my city this week, and her and her husband (both 43) needed someone to watch the kids since they were gonna have a grown-up celebrate party. I agreed,” he explained.
“Both my nieces are 11, so they’re not too little for me to handle, and I’d also be great enrichment for my cat since she loves children and women (I’m the only man she trusts). My nieces loved her, and while they first were a little scared, they thought she was cute after a while,” OP continued.
The pivotal moment arrived when the sister caught sight of Stargazer at the doorway….
She responded with disdain, branding the cat as “demonic.” Subsequently, the brother-in-law issued an ultimatum: either the cat departs, or they won’t return for visits.
Challenges faced by the OP
This incident only goes to show that some people have limitations when it comes to seeing beyond appearances.
OP’s sister’s judgmental reaction only shows that this prejudice sadly extends beyond people as well. Imagine applying such harsh judgments to a blind person with physical disabilities; it would be considered rude and offensive!
Caring for rescue pets:
Before bringing a pet into their home, prospective owners should seek guidance from local shelters regarding the specific needs of rescue animals. Familiarizing oneself with an animal’s history and temperament will enable pet owners to offer appropriate care.
Establishing a cozy and safe living environment is crucial, encompassing tasks such as placing litter boxes in secluded spots, providing essential amenities like food and water bowls, and supplying grooming tools and toys for entertainment.
Owners should prioritize affection, attention, and care while ensuring their homes are cat-proofed to mitigate potential risks. Stargazer’s narrative underscores the potential for rescue pets to flourish in nurturing environments that prioritize their welfare.
The narrative elicited diverse reactions from readers, with many expressing disappointment in the sister’s reaction. Concerns were also raised about Stargazer’s safety, with suggestions for OP to keep the cat away from hostile family members.
One commenter cautioned, “OP, ensure you TAKE ALL PRECAUTIONS TO SAFEGUARD YOUR KITTEN, as the next time they visit, they may dispose of her under the pretext of her being ‘demonic,’ and claim that ‘accidents’ occur or ‘mysteriously’ your kitty vanishes or gets lost, or worse, poisoned, etc.”
Another emphasized the importance of maintaining distance from unkind family members, advising, “You are better off with the cat nearby and those particular humans at arm’s length. Arrange visits in public spaces or supervise interactions closely. Don’t allow the children to be alone with the kitty, as their parents may influence them to take drastic actions.”
What do you think about this situation? Let us know in the comments!
