From being found in a garbage bag to being loved and adored

Thrown away like garbage, four little kittens let their presence be known by crying loudly. Now they are safe, growing strong and being treasured thanks to Saving One Life- San Diego and a network of animal rescuers. It all started with a Facebook post.

For animal rescuer Brenda, stories like you are about to read are far too common. "I got a message from a young lady whom I had helped rescue many cats and kittens from the community of Watts (Los Angeles) in the past. Her mother’s neighbor had put their once indoor cats outside when one of them had 8 kittens. Sadly, one of the kittens had already died for some unknown reason.” Brenda asked the young lady if the neighbor would surrender them to a rescue organization and the answer was without hesitation, yes. Brenda quickly made a Facebook post asking for a rescue organization to take in this momma cat and her seven kittens, as well as for two other adult cats who may be pregnant. Unfortunately, less than 24 hours after making the post, Animal Control was called and the mother cat, three kittens, and another adult cat were taken to Downey Shelter. Brenda reported that animal control had been unable to locate the other four kittens at that time.

The location of the missing four kittens did not remain a mystery for long, the following morning kittens were heard meowing in the alley behind the housing complex by another neighbor. What she found was horrible; four kittens had been placed in a black plastic garbage bag with the bag tied shut!. She quickly took them into her home to feed them and give them water. “They were so thirsty and were so thin. Who really knows how long they were in the bag.” Brenda recounts, “So I quickly made a social media post for the remaining four kittens. A rescue, Saving One Life, was found through the power of sharing and networking with animal rescue groups."

Brianne Youngberg, Director of California Operations for Saving One Life expands on the amazing rescue network. “We, like all rescues during kitten season, are full. However, when we saw these images we knew we had to act. I immediately shared the post in our foster group and our amazing foster Heather stepped up right away.”

Once again through the power of sharing and networking, volunteers from all over southern California stepped up to help transport these four kittens from Watts to their foster home in Vista. Once the kittens arrived into Saving One Life’s (SOL) care, they immediately were provided with food and water, given a health assessment, wet wipe baths and a warm cozy spot to relax. “We wanted to give them names that didn't focus on their rough start, so we named them Faith, Hope, Love and Spirit.” said Brianne. “Upon their intake assessment, it was evident that they were severely dehydrated and two of the kittens, Love and Faith, were extremely malnourished and lethargic. All the kittens were given extra nutrients, some Karo syrup to help with blood sugar levels, and a B12 shot to help give their weakened systems a boost.”

On day two, Love seemed more lethargic and her foster noted a condition commonly called “triangle face” which is a sign of Fading Kitten Syndrome. Other signs are muscle wasting, lethargy, dehydration, loss of weight and hypothermia; all signs that Love was displaying. She was immediately sent to one of SOL’s medical fosters for emergency care which meant feedings every two hours, subcutaneous fluids throughout the night, warm blankets and towels, and repeated monitoring of her temperature. Throughout that first night, Love never gave up and neither did her foster. In just 12 hours, she had gained 1.5oz, her appetite had returned, she was energetic, playful, and full of energy. SOL is happy to report that Love is thriving now; she continues to gain weight and improve everyday. Without medical attention, Love would have become another senseless victim of pet over-population.

Most people would think that this would be the end of this rescue story, however Saving One Life did not forget about mom and her remaining kittens that were now in a crowded shelter. Reuniting this family was now top priority! Saving One Life reached out to the same network that had brought them the kittens and was able to locate the remaining family members. Unfortunately, two of the kittens had been humanely euthanized due to illness while at the shelter but the mother and one remaining kitten were released to SOL care. Just four days after their cries alerted a concerned neighbor to their plight, the family was reunited and is thriving in foster care.

Saving One Life- San Diego has been sharing the journey of the Watt’s family on social media and if you’d like to watch, please visit their Facebook page @savingonelifesd or Instagram @savingonelifesd

“We want to remind readers of the importance of spaying and neutering their pets. This horrible situation could have been avoided and three little lives saved, if the original owner had just been responsible. Please check your local shelters, rescues and low cost spay/neuter clinics for options in your area and help educate others by sharing this information. Together we all can make a difference in the lives of animals.” concludes Brianne, as a final message to all pet owners.

Saving One Life- San Diego is a 100% volunteer run, absolutely no kill rescue that relies on donations, volunteers and especially fosters to save lives. They are always in need of fosters, so they can help save more cats in need. For more information and to apply to become a foster visit: http://bit.ly/2LyGt7C To donate towards the care of the cats featured here and other felines in our care please visit: http://bit.ly/2PZtEJ9