The Peterson family of Orlando, Florida, took in a small black-and-white kitten, giving him a forever home full of kids, laughs, and love. They named the cat Oreo, and he has grown up a constant companion to the Peterson kids. Recently, when the children were endangered, Oreo came to the rescue and repaid the Petersons for the good life they have given to him.
Ever since he came to live with the Petersons, Oreo has been a guardian angel for the kids in the family. He is tightly with everyone, but especially with ten-year-old Jaiden, who helped to raise the kitten into an adult cat.
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"It's not just Jaiden that has such a strong bond, although she is the closest. It's the whole family. He seems to watch over everyone in strange, inexplicable ways, including the 11 month old human sister. He seems to be wise beyond his years," said Cyndi Anderson, the kids' grandmother.
In fact, Oreo is better than a guard dog when it comes to watching over the children. Anderson states, "He is always within feet of the children and seems to be observing everything. He acts like a dog. He is extremely affectionate and sleeps in the bed with his humans. He has to be close to them at all times and is loyal beyond loyal."
This past November, the children were outside playing with Oreo watching over their antics. Then the kids noticed Oreo acting oddly, and as they came close to him, they noticed what had caught the cat's attention: it was an eastern diamondback rattlesnake, the largest venomous snake in North America.
The snake was moving toward the children when Oreo made his move. He leaped toward the snake and attacked it. The kids ran back in the safety of the house while their brave cat continued to battle the rattlesnake.
Oreo protected the children from the snake, but during the fight, the snake bit one of his front legs. The Petersons rushed Oreo to an emergency veterinary hospital. Jaiden stayed close to her best friend and protector. She was distraught that he wouldn't make it.
For a time, the vet worried that Oreo might need to have the leg amputated. However, with IV treatments and antibiotics, Oreo rebounded and is now on the road to a full recovery.
"He is showing determination to heal. He's a trooper. Oreo's condition is getting better and it does appear that his wound is healing — with proper continued care, his leg will be saved," Anderson said.
Marie Braithwaite, a family friend, noted, "Sweet Jaiden was asked what she wanted for Christmas this year and she stated that all she wants is things for her kitty to be happy and healthy."
Oreo is now resting at home but needs to make frequent return trips to the vet for continued care and check-ups. We're sending our best wishes for Oreo, the brave cat who protected his best friends! Watch the video of this courageous cat and then share his story with your family and friends on Facebook.
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