A kitten who was rescued from life on the streets, started to perk up when he found a canine friend to cuddle.
Kaitlyn @foster.rinse.repeat
Jacksonville Humane Society (in Florida) took in a tiny 3-week-old kitten who was very tiny for his age due to having a rough start. He barely had enough strength to stand, and his eyes were crusted shut.
Kaitlyn, a vet tech at the shelter, took him home to provide the specialized care he needed to survive. She tube-fed him around the clock and named the little guy Rhaegar.
As his eyes began to clear up, he also found his voice, and started meowing for attention. After a couple of weeks of recovery, he finally looked like a kitten again.
Whatever he needed, Kaitlyn was there for it.
Kaitlyn @foster.rinse.repeat
Rhaegar had trouble digesting food due to congenital defects that caused food to stay in his stomach. He would need repair surgery when he was big enough.
To help him feel better, Kaitlyn introduced the kitten to her resident dog, Grace. They instantly connected. Rhaegar was so happy to have a warm body to cuddle with that he even tried to nurse on her.
Kaitlyn @foster.rinse.repeat
Grace took him under her wing and showered him with licks and snuggles. The kitten followed her around the house and nuzzled in her belly, purring away.
"He finds her wherever she is, lays with her, sits by her, sleeps in her dog bed at night," Kaitlyn told Love Meow.
Kaitlyn @foster.rinse.repeat
Grace is protective of the kitten and keeps an eye on him when he ventures out to another room. As soon as he cries, she comes running.
She taught him how to eat from a bowl and play. When he was done creating antics around the house, the mischievous kitty curled up next to Mama Grace and fell asleep.
Kaitlyn @foster.rinse.repeat
They were able to get the kitten the surgery to repair his defects. Rhaegar bounced back like a champ and got right back to playing and cuddling. "Grace was happy to have her partner in crime home."
"I'll never forget the first few weeks with this baby, he was so sick and weighed 1/3 of a healthy weight, He persevered through his initial illness."
Kaitlyn @foster.rinse.repeat
"He has really transformed into a playful, fun kitten since meeting Grace," Kaitlyn said.
"He's blossomed and is so much stronger, confident, sweet and energetic than when I met him."
Kaitlyn @foster.rinse.repeat
The kitten has come so far and is now ready to find a place of his own.
Grace continues to look after him and is always there if he needs someone to cuddle.
Kaitlyn @foster.rinse.repeat
"Rhaegar is going to grow out of this favorite box, but I hope he never grows out of his adorable yawns and stretches."
Kaitlyn @foster.rinse.repeat
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