Woman Fosters A Kitten, Unknowingly Becoming The Key To Fulfilling Someone’s Dream

For most people, it was just another typical day, nothing special. But for Mariya, a tiny three-week-old kitten abandoned in an alley, it was the day her life would change forever. Left alone in a dark back alley without her mother, Mariya was in bad shape, holding on to the faintest shred of hope.

Thankfully, the compassionate team at Tails of Freedom Rescue found her and gave her the chance to live the life every cat deserves.

Jill, a devoted foster volunteer at Tails of Freedom Rescue, hesitated at first, having recently lost a foster kitten. But despite her reservations, she decided to open her heart and home to the sweet ginger kitten, Mariya, determined to give her the best chance at a happy life.

She took on the demanding round-the-clock care that every young kitten needs, bottle-feeding Mariya every few hours and ensuring she stayed cozy and warm.

In an interview, Jill opened up about her experience, admitting her fears and doubts throughout the process while highlighting Mariya’s incredible strength and resilience. She shared: 

“Bottle babies are very fragile, and things can go south quickly, but Mariya seemed strong from the beginning.”

Despite all she had endured, Mariya was small but mighty, her bright eyes filled with determination and an intense longing for love.

Within days of arriving in foster care, Mariya had mastered bottle feeding like a pro, steadily gaining weight and strength—truly a little fighter!

Before Jill realized it, Mariya had moved on from bottle feeding to solid food, giving Jill a well-deserved sense of relief and the chance to finally “breathe easier.”

After just two weeks of round-the-clock care, Jill decided it was time for Mariya to graduate from her cozy safe zone to a larger pen where she could explore and discover new experiences.

As Mariya began to master the art of feline play and figured out the litter box, she met a very special resident cat: Gracie.

The moment Mariya laid eyes on her, it was as if something clicked. She instantly knew she’d found her new best friend!

Gracie, Jill’s older cat, had cerebellar hypoplasia, a condition that affected her coordination and motor skills, making her wobble when she walked.

Despite her challenges, Gracie instantly fell in love with the sweet new kitten, and the two became fast friends.

When Mariya saw Gracie moving around in her custom-made wheelchair, her curiosity took over.

She trotted right over and jumped onto Gracie’s back, ready for the ride of a lifetime!

Fortunately, Gracie didn’t mind her tiny passenger at all. Like a loving big sister, she happily showed Mariya around their home, eager to bond with her new best friend.

These two did everything together – playing, exploring every corner of the house, and sharing meals.

But their absolute favorite activity? Sleeping together! Just look at them all cuddled up together! Aren’t they the cutest?

Mariya quickly became Gracie’s favourite playmate, and her kitten energy was exactly what Gracie needed.

Gracie had been mourning the loss of her dear friend Oliver, who had been her closest companion. But with Mariya by her side, she found a little ray of sunshine to help mend her broken heart.

That brought joy to Jill, too. As she put it:

“I love it when she curls up with Gracie. It makes my heart happy.”

As the weeks passed, Mariya grew bigger and stronger, and soon it was time for her to be adopted. 

But Jill couldn’t bear the thought of saying goodbye – and she didn’t want Gracie to lose another friend.

So, she made a bold but perfectly logical decision: Jill adopted Mariya herself!

And just like that, Mariya became Jill’s “foster fail” – the best decision she’s ever made.

“Mariya is home. She has been all along. It took a bit, but Oliver sent the perfect little girl to love.”

I’m thrilled this story turned out the way it did. From a helpless kitten in a back alley to a cherished member of an amazing family, Mariya’s story is truly heartwarming.

Here’s to many happy years ahead for Mariya, Gracie, and Jill – filled with love, naps, and endless cuddles!