August 29, 2006 > Underage truckers

by Jennifer Wargo

Sometimes you don't always know the whole story, so you have to sort of fill it in
on your own. Purrfect Cat Rescue of Fremont recently responded to a most unusual cat
rescue call. Here's what they think happened in the wee hours of July 14, 2006.

One of the many stray cats eking a life out of Los Angeles grim and cold industrial areas
found herself ready to give birth. Desperate for a quiet, safe place, she chose the back of a
truck sitting in a far corner of a terminal. It may have been quiet at the time, but she
learned only too late, her spot was not safe for her purposes. Settled into the difficult task
at hand, she had birthed four kittens when the warehouse stirred to life in the middle of
the night. Her feral nature would not tolerate this perceived threat to her life. Whether or
not she was done giving birth we'll never know. She bolted from the truck before anyone
saw her or noticed the mewling little bundles of fuzz she left behind.

After warming the big diesel engine, the driver slipped his truck into gear and eased out
the door heading north; next stop: Fremont. Long hours later, workers began unloading
and found an unexpected and even shocking surprise. A lone, tiny kitten with umbilical
cord still attached rested fitfully in a corner. Its eyes still hadnÕt opened for the first time
and it wasnÕt doing well, but it was alive.

In short order, three siblings were found. Chilled, dehydrated and near death, the
underage truckers caught the first break of their day-old existence. Warehouse manager
(TK) called a former employee who knew what to do with stray kittens.

In short order, Purrfect Cat Rescue dispatched a volunteer who immediately administered
kitty first aid. Against all odds, 3 of the 4 kittens survived. One of the males could not
surmount his extensive medical challenges and was put to sleep four weeks later. All the
kittens were placed in a volunteer foster home where they have been fed, cleaned, and
cared for more diligently than "mom" ever did. The remaining siblings are doing well,
and will be put up for adoption once they have been vaccinated, spayed/neutered and are
big enough to go to new forever homes.

Purrfect Cat Rescue doesnÕt always encounter such drama, but they do effect rescues
every day of cats young and old. They are a non-profit organization funded entirely by
donations, grants and adoption fees.

Interested in volunteering as a foster home? You can learn more by visiting,
www.purrfectcatrescue.org. YouÕll also find pictures of cats currently awaiting
permanent homes.

Or catch one of their weekly adoption showcases at several Tri-City locations. They
gladly accept donations of food, equipment and services other than fostering. Learn more
at the website, or call (510) 739-1597.


Purrfect Cat Rescue
PO Box 7958
Fremont

Adoption Showcases
Fridays, 5 Ð 8 p.m.
Fremont Petco
3780 Mowry Avenue, Fremont

Saturdays
Noon Ð 3 p.m.
Pet Food Express
39010 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont

Sundays
1 Ð 3:30 p.m.
Petco
31090 Dyer Street, Union City

Pet Food Express
39010 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont