In the midst of the pandemic, when the world seemed to be in a state of chaos and uncertainty, an unexpected guest entered our lives and brought with him a glimmer of hope and a lot of love. It all started just a week before my son tested positive for COVID-19.
At that time, the lockdown was still in effect. One day, as my son was about to enter our home, he found a small male Siamese kitten patiently waiting in the stairwell right outside our door. “God has sent me a kitten!” my son exclaimed in excitement. The kitten followed my son into the house as if it had always been meant to be part of our family. Little did we know then that this tiny feline would become an important member of our household during a very challenging time.
We immediately took the kitten to the pet hospital for a check-up. The results were disheartening. He was diagnosed with feline coronavirus, parvovirus, and feline rhinotracheitis. On top of that, due to his extreme thinness, his ears looked disproportionately large. He was emaciated, with a dark – faced and pitiful appearance. However, he could use the litter box skillfully. The veterinarian speculated that he was an abandoned kitten, probably only about two months old, who had been living on the streets for so long that he suffered from severe anemia. He was nothing more than skin and bones, with his eyes constantly full of secretions and his eye area so swollen that he hardly looked like a cat. As a friend of mine described, his expression was one of complete helplessness.
Just three days after the lockdown was lifted, my son started to have a fever. I had to work from home to take care of him, and thus began my journey as a novice cat caregiver. From the day my son got sick until he recovered, and then as my wife also fell ill, and finally when I myself started to have a fever, I gradually became more proficient in taking care of the kitten. I mastered the skill of cleaning his bottom without getting scratched and became adept at trimming his nails.
During this challenging period, the kitten also underwent a remarkable transformation. With proper medical treatment, a nutritious diet, and lots of love, he slowly regained his health. His once – dull eyes began to sparkle with vitality, and his thin body gradually filled out. He started to play around the house, chasing after toys and exploring every corner. His purrs became a constant source of comfort during those difficult days when our family was fighting the virus.
This kitten, who we later named Lucky, not only survived his own battles with multiple diseases but also became a source of strength for our family. In the face of the pandemic, taking care of him gave us a sense of purpose and something to focus on other than our own ailments. His presence reminded us that even in the darkest of times, there is always room for hope and new beginnings.
Lucky’s story is a testament to the resilience of life and the power of love. He went from a sickly, abandoned kitten to a beloved family member, bringing joy and warmth to our home. As we look back on that difficult period, we realize that Lucky was indeed a blessing in disguise, a little furry friend who taught us the true meaning of care, responsibility, and the ability to overcome hardships together.
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