Kitten Saved from Home So Dirty He Couldn’t See

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Animals can teach people a great many lessons about what it is to live a good life. They can demonstrate the utmost compassion, courage, generosity, and resourcefulness. One of the most important lessons that people can learn from animals, however, is simply not to judge one another based on appearances.

A remarkable reminder of this is the case of Tristan, a cat who had to be rescued from a dire situation in Iowa. Poor Tristan had been living with 45 other cats in a dangerous and unhealthy hoarding situation. He was one of the first kittens rescued from the building, and his rescuers were heartbroken to see the condition that he was in. It was lucky that he was rescued when he was, for his fur was matted and he was having trouble breathing. As well, he was so filthy that he could not even open his eyes.

Thankfully, Harden-Eldora Animal Rescue Team (HEART) managed to save the cats. Amy Haas-Gray, the founder of HEART, took Tristan in and began to care for him. With proper love and medical attention, the cat was finally able to open his eyes. As well, once he was strong enough, Tristan was even ready to be adopted.

Megan Riker stepped up and offered Tristan a new home and family. Before adopting Tristan, she was warned that he looked very rough. While he was able to open his eyes, he still had a wild look about him. Far from scaring Riker off, however, seeing Tristan’s disheveled appearance merely made her feel greater sympathy for the abused animal. She continued with the adoption, determined to show Tristan the love and attention he deserved.

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While one could understand if Tristan experienced an adjustment period where he did not socialize well, this was simply not the case. Almost as if he had been waiting for years to play, Tristan immediately formed a bond with Riker’s other animals. Tristan loves to play with her German Shepherd, and even enjoys playing fetch. As well, he is highly affectionate with Riker herself. After years of being neglected, Tristan now lives with someone who will give him as much attention as he desires.

Riker has explained that it seems like Tristan is living as a perpetual kitten because he was unable to enjoy his younger years. His playfulness, curiosity, and affection have brought a great deal of love into Riker’s home. In fact, it may be that Tristan has done just as much for his new family as they have done for him.

Tristan serves as the perfect reminder that one’s background and appearance do not determine one’s character. His dishevelled, matted fur must have appeared to Riker as a sign of a wild cat. However, she saw through Tristan’s appearance and recognized him for what he truly is: a kitten who never had a chance. By not judging him based on his appearance and upbringing, Riker now has a playful and affectionate addition to her home. Perhaps if more people follow her example, fewer cats will be without homes. It is the hope of HEART, and all people who care about animals, that every cat will be able to find a loving family, no matter their appearance.