Posted on 03/11/2014 3:55:13 PM PDT by Slings and Arrows
Staff and volunteers at Helen Woodward Animal Center (HWAC) in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. saw first hand just how strong a mother’s love can be – even when the baby is from another species!
Beignet, a young long-haired Chihuahua, and Gumbo, a tiny grey kitten, were found abandoned in a backyard in Barstow, Calif. Neighbors found Beignet, whose own puppies were nowhere to be found, nursing the small grey kitten and surely keeping him alive as nighttime temps dropped to the 20s.
The pair was transported to the HWAC and thrived under their care. Marcie Grube of HWAC says Gumbo is quiet and serene and likes to watch everything going on around him, while his mama, Beignet, is friendly and loves people and other animals. As excited as Beignet gets when people approach, she stays seated so her feline “son” can still be next to her. “Gumbo really relies on Beignet for comfort and stability,” Grube says. “He is usually found snuggled next to her or leaning on her.“
After they were sure the pair was healthy and comfortable, the staff went about finding the two a home – together. When news spread of the unlikely mother-son combo, donations and would-be adopters poured in from all over the country and the world.
In fact, says the HWAC, they received so many applications to adopt the two that the shelter began asking people to send in a 300-word essay about why they have the perfect home for the adorable pair.
Beignet and Gumbo’s forever home will be chosen this week and the lucky family will take their new family members home on March 12.
Grube says when the pair first arrived, even during the hectic intake process, both Beignet and Gumbo were perfect little angels. “They both sat like little kids, with perfect posture, right next to each other, almost saying, "Hi! We’re waiting our turn!".
Well, Beignet and Gumbo, it’s your turn now! Enjoy your forever home!
Kids should have aunts and uncles to spoil them. Kitties too.
They know they’re a family.
Thanks, Joe...it’s a sweet story. Made me hiccup trying to remain rational...
LOL now that was funny LMAO
Very heartwarming. Thank you for the post and ping.
My pleasure. They’re quite a couple.
This is unabashed kitteh propaganda.
;)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.