For most people, it was just another ordinary day, nothing out of the ordinary. But for Mariya, a tiny, three-week-old abandoned kitten, it was the day her life changed forever.
Left all alone in a back alley without her mother, Mariya was in rough shape, clinging to what little hope she had.
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 dedicated foster volunteer at Tails of Freedom Rescue, agreed to take in the sweet ginger kitten, even though she had some reservations since she’d recently lost a foster kitten.
Still, she found the courage to open her heart and home to Mariya, determined to give her the best chance at a happy life.
Jill took on the round-the-clock care that every young kitten needs, bottle-feeding Mariya every few hours and keeping her 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 everything she’d been through, Mariya was small but mighty, her bright eyes full of determination and a deep craving for love.
Within days of being in foster care, she mastered bottle feeding like a pro, steadily gaining weight and strength – a true little fighter.
Before Jill knew it, Mariya had transitioned from bottle feeding to solid food, giving Jill a much-needed 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 little Mariya to upgrade from her cozy safe zone to a larger pen where she could explore and experience new things.
As she was mastering the art of feline play and learning how to use the litter box, she met one very special resident cat: Gracie.
The moment Mariya laid eyes on her, it was like something clicked. She knew right away 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 noticed Gracie moving around with her custom-made wheelchair, her curiosity got the better of her.
She trotted over and hopped onto Gracie’s back for the ride of a lifetime!
Thankfully, Gracie didn’t mind her tiny passenger one bit. Like a loving big sister, she gave Mariya a tour of their home, happy 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 loved playing with her new best friend, and her kitten energy was just what Gracie needed.
Gracie had been missing her late friend Oliver, who had been her closest companion, but with Mariya around, she found a little ray of sunshine to help heal 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!
Leave a comment