Tanner Bornemann and sisters Lauren and Savannah Willingham were enjoying a typical day exploring Asheville’s River Arts District in North Carolina when something suddenly made them pause.
It was an odd sound, faint but unmistakable – something small and helpless crying out. It was easy to miss it in all the noise, but once they heard it, they couldn’t ignore it.
At first, they thought it might be a bird in distress. They paused and listened closely, trying to locate the source and find out what was wrong.
The search brought the three friends to the source of the heartbreaking sound – a tiny, terrified kitten stuck at the bottom of an open cement pipe.
The sight was heartbreaking. This poor little thing was trembling with fear. He looked so helpless with his tiny body curled against the cold concrete.
It was impossible to tell how long he’d been trapped down there, calling out for help with no one to answer, until now.
Determined to save him, the friends quickly came up with a plan. With no tools on hand, they had to think on their feet and improvise.
They found some leftover chicken from lunch, wrapped it in a thin scarf, and lowered it into the pipe, hoping the little one would trust them.
The kitten clung to the scarf with every ounce of strength he had, desperate to escape the hole. Slowly and carefully, they pulled him up with their makeshift lifeline.
When they finally lifted him out, the moment was overwhelming. Their hearts pounded with relief as they cradled the tiny survivor in their arms. He was safe. They had done it.
By the time Eric Phelps from Sister Kitten Animal Rescue arrived, the kitten was already snuggled up, safe and sound. Seeing him resting in the arms of his rescuers, was a moment Phelps wouldn’t forget, sharing in an interview:
“I was thrilled!”
The kitten, now named Luigi, settled into his temporary home with surprising ease. His appetite was as big as his spirit, as Phelps shared:
“Luigi is doing great! He had a huge appetite after getting rescued from the pipe.”
It wasn’t long before his playful, affectionate personality began to shine. He quickly made it clear that he wasn’t just a survivor – he was a little charmer. Phelps was clearly smitten by Luigi, sharing:
“He’s unusually sweet and friendly… He’s ridiculously handsome.”
With his charming demeanor and stunning good looks, there’s no doubt Luigi will soon capture the heart of a loving family. For now, he’s soaking up all the love and care he deserves, finally safe and sound after his terrifying ordeal.
Luigi is enjoying his opportunity to just be a kitten – playful, curious, and oh-so-lovable. After everything he’s been through, his future is looking brighter than ever!
Sometimes, it just takes a moment of kindness to change a life. Tanner, Lauren, and Savannah didn’t hesitate when they heard that tiny cry for help. They listened, acted, and saved a precious life.
Just like them, we all have the power to make a difference, even in the smallest ways. Whether it’s a stray kitten, a lost dog, or an injured bird, stepping up to help an animal in need is an act of pure love.
That one act of kindness that could mean the world to them will bring a little extra joy to your own heart, too!
Leave a comment