The kitten was tiny but quick and full of spirit. Despite the fact that she was missing part of a hind leg, she gave her rescuers a run for it. The kitten was found dumped outside an animal shelter in San Antonio, Texas, and it took eight people to catch her and bring her to the safety of the facility. But her injuries and terrible treatment at the hands of the people she had known in her short life made the kitten skittish and suspicious of everyone. It took one special volunteer to teach this kitten what love was all about.
Jaclyn was working with the animal rescue when the little kitten was brought in. She remembers how frightened the kitten was of everyone and everything. The little cat was severely injured and would need surgery once she was in stronger health. Jaclyn's heart went out to this little soul, and she decided then and there that she would help the kitten, named Spitfire for her spirited behavior and tendency to spit, to learn the true meaning of love.
This determined young woman knew it would take time and patience to win Spitfire over. "Nobody could get near her let alone touch her. She was tiny but aggressive and traumatized. It took a couple weeks before I could actually touch her without gloves or any kind of safety measure," Jaclyn recalled. Because Jaclyn was the only person Spitfire would allow to touch her, the compassionate woman offered to foster the kitten in her home.
Everything changed for Spitfire from the moment she went home with Jaclyn. Suddenly, a whole new world opened up for her, a world that was full of food, comfort, warmth, love, and even another cat! With all this care, Spitfire was soon strong enough for surgery. By that point, Jaclyn had decided that Spitfire was going to be a permanent resident, and she adopted her.
Spitfire loves Jaclyn and follows her everywhere. "If she wants to be picked up, she will stand in front of your feet, look up and scream at you until you scoop her up. And I can never go to the bathroom alone. When I let her in she sits on my feet til I'm done," Jaclyn noted.
Spitfire took an immediate liking to Jaclyn's other cat, Misa. He was a little uncertain about the new addition, but when she was recovering from her surgery, Misa snuggled with her and kept her company. Now they are best friends for life! "Right before surgery he started coming around little by little. She was very persistent. After surgery he just gave in. He could tell she needed comfort. They slept together all day and became very attached to each other," Jaclyn said. ​
Spitfire's story now has a happy ending, and she will live out her life with the full knowledge of what love means.
"First time I saw her I knew she'd be mine. She was broken. Most of my rescues have had issues. Now she's extremely affectionate and vocal about it. I couldn't have done it without the help of so many wonderful co-workers and the amazing veterinarian at the rescue facility. We are both forever grateful," said Jaclyn.
Thanks to the courage and compassion of Jaclyn, little Spitfire is now happy and loved. Share this beautiful story of determination and love with your family and friends on Facebook.