In the quiet darkness of a still night, this little one was found trembling in fear, her tiny frame ravaged by hunger and illness, her eyes clouded with uncertainty and gummed up with goo—a waif near a military school, where the echoes of marching boots were perhaps the only rhythm she had known. She was a whisper of a creature, all sharp edges and quivering breath, her spirit on the brink of vanishing into the ether, abandoned by her mother.
I attempted to cradle her fragile form. She hissed, recoiled, her little heart a drumbeat of panic against the cage of her ribs. And yet, in those fearful eyes, beyond the oozing slime, I saw the spark of something fierce and unyielding, a resilience that belied her frailty.
The little black kitten, a trembling shadow of wild and terrified innocence, darted beneath the metal gate of the military school compound, seeking refuge beneath a bush, crying out for a mother who would never come. For what felt like an eternity, she remained there, a small, forsaken soul, too young to understand how to chew and swallow solid foods, too fragile to fend for herself in a world so vast and unforgiving.
Understanding the gravity of her plight, I reached for the only weapon I knew which could bridge the chasm of fear—the desperate lure of a mother’s voice calling out for her young via the magic of YouTube. With the sound of a mamma cat’s calls coming through my cell phone's speaker in hand, I retreated slowly, each step measured with care, my heart a blend of hope and determination. Inch by inch, I coaxed her from her hiding place back toward the gate, my intent clear—to guide her toward safety, where, with all the courage I could muster, I would finally capture her (with the help from a dear friend), not as prey, but as a protector.
Nearing the midnight hour, she realized the deception, her keen instincts alerting her to the ruse. With a burst of energy, she gave chase, her tiny frame moving swiftly through the night, a blur of determination and desperation. For a block, the pursuit continued until the night settled into a quiet truce.
Clearer eyes on Day 3. Far less goo and far less watery. Shadow appears to have fennel green eyes.
Shadow, as she was christened, found her first sanctuary in the small, tiled confines of the garage toilet room—a modest yet clean space that would serve as her temporary haven. Here, this fragile being was isolated from the world, a necessary precaution to protect both her and others from the unknown threats she carried. Who could tell what unseen dangers—fleas, ticks or diseases imperceptible to the eye—clung to her tiny body, remnants of the harsh life she had known before our paths crossed?
The morning after her midnight rescue, Shadow was swiftly ushered to the nearest vet, where the first order of business was a thorough check-up and much-needed flea bath. Hundreds of fleas lept from her tiny frail body, falling dead to the white mat below.
She cried so pitifully and shivered, her body wracked with fear and discomfort, pleading silently for the ordeal to end. Fleas, desperate and frantic, attempted to seek refuge in her nose, her ears, even scurrying toward her eyes in a futile attempt to escape. It was an agonizing experience, both for her and for me.
.
I became her guardian, her steadfast companion in the battle for survival. As I nursed her from a syringe, taught her to feed, provided twice daily eye cleanings and spoke to her in tones that sought to soothe her trembling soul, I found myself admiring her crying strength. In the face of adversity, she did not yield; she endured, with a feisty spirit only the truly strong possess.
Shadow blossomed into a playful little thing; her once weak limbs, now a blur of motion, her eyes, sparkling with the joy of discovery. We formed an unspoken understanding.
So big and scary! So small, but so mighty!
Quite literally attached to me. My, my. How far we've come.
Resting peacefully in my lap after a long day of play. I wonder what Shadow's dreaming about?
How is it possible such cuteness exists in this realm?
Shadow begins purring for the first time since her rescue.
Shadow continues to purr while trying to understand the Self reflected back at her. The psychotherapist in me was absolutely delighted to behold the blossoming self-awareness!
Though she carries the burden of feline leukemia, she does so with a lightness that humbles me. She is not defined by her illness, but rather by the courage with which she faces each day. In her, I see the embodiment of a warrior spirit, unbowed and unbroken, a testament to the power of love, care and the indomitable will to survive.
This little black kitten, once a shivering shadow, has become a beacon of light in my life. I am honored by her trust. And in her, I have found a kindred spirit—one who reminds me even in the darkest of times, there is always a flicker of hope, waiting to be nurtured into a flame.
Though her FeLV+ status means her lifespan may be shorter than other cats, it also means that every moment with her will be extra precious. FeLV is not contagious to humans, but it can be transmitted to other cats through close contact. This means that Shadow would thrive best in a home where she can either be the only cat or be with other FeLV+ companions.
Due to circumstances beyond their control, the loving family who has been caring for Shadow can’t keep her, and I do not live in Serbia, and will be leaving soon and travel far too often to give this little one a stable home.
We are urgently searching for a kind and compassionate soul who is willing to give Shadow the life she deserves.
Could you be the rockstar who steps in to take her in as your companion and friend?
If you have experience with cats or simply a big heart ready to give this little one a chance at a happy life, please reach out! Shadow has so much love to offer, and she deserves to spend her life surrounded by people who care for her.
This little adventurer is full of life, love, playful spunk and spirit to enliven any home!
Let’s find this brave little one a forever home.
Please share this post to help Shadow find her new family!
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You may reach out to me via message, comment here or through my E-mail: S.Rose.Therapist@Gmail.com
If you'd like to donate to help with Shadow's caretaking needs and veterinary expenses, please use the following link below.
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