Happy news for a Friday … because we all need it
By Gina Spadafori
September 26, 2008
I’m sure I’m not alone it feeling more than a little freaked out this week. The economy, of course. The election. And on a personal level, several friends coping with more than their share of troubles.
This morning, though, I found a bright spot. Last week, I mentioned that our Pet Connection editor at Universal Press, Greg Melvin, had traveled to help handle an estate situation on the family farm. While there, a feral barn kitten walked up and claimed Greg as his own, even as the other kittens and their mom scattered in fear.
Greg didn’t hesitate: He got a carrier, called the airline and brought the little guy home.
The next few days were touch and go. The kitten, named Harry by Greg, was loaded with every parasite a kitten could have, was malnourished and very, very small. The veterinarian warned Greg that the next few days would be critical, and not to keep his hopes up that the little one would make it.
Dr. Becker and I told Greg that although it was true Harry’d gotten off to a bad start, once wormed and eating well for a few days he’d be OK. He just had to get over the hump.
Harry has gotten on track, and splendidly. Greg reports the kitten is a ball of playful energy, well on the road to good health.
Greg’s brother, Steve Melvin, is a professional photographer. Here’s his picture of Greg and Harry. I can’t tell you how happy I am to see them both, and to know that this is just the beginning of a great life together:
I know firsthand that a life with a pet named Harry is definitely filled with love and laughs!
Glad also to read some happy news!
Comment by Carol V — September 26, 2008 @ 10:26 am
my 7 year old wants to know why he is choking the kitty :)
Comment by nancy freedman-smith — September 26, 2008 @ 12:22 pm
Harry is a brave kitty—I am sure he will be a great cat!
Greg is a great guy to adopt this hero—I am glad for the both of them in this new cat adventure.
Comment by Colorado Transplant — September 26, 2008 @ 12:38 pm
Happy day to all (sure as heck we needed one of these too - what an awful week - aargh!) … and many happy days to come to Harry and Greg!
Comment by Nadine L. — September 26, 2008 @ 12:41 pm
Thanks Harry, Greg and Gina for putting a big smile on my face!
Comment by Anne T — September 26, 2008 @ 3:28 pm
What a great guy, bless his soul! That little face is too cute to be believed.
Comment by Social Mange — September 26, 2008 @ 3:59 pm
Harry is a “survivor!”
He must be a tough little guy, and definitely has the will to live. He knew he needed Greg, so he let Greg know that too.
May they both have a very happy life together.
Comment by Marcy — September 26, 2008 @ 10:40 pm
Since he is a “Dirty Harry” maybe his nickname should be “Clint” after Clint Eastwood! It goes to show again and again how an individual animal’s genetics can over-power environmental influences. Great story of animal survival and human kindness!
Comment by Susan Tripp — September 29, 2008 @ 3:37 pm