'Silver Bells' Saved: Stranded Kitten Discovered By Cyclist Gets Second Chance At Silver Cross Hospital

NEW LENOX, IL — A stranded kitten found itself in the right place, at the right time—and in the hands of good people.

In the midst of a Monday rainstorm, a bicyclist walked into the Silver Cross Hospital Emergency Department and approached the triage desk with an unusual request. He explained that he was riding his bicycle across the country and, while traveling through Joliet, discovered a tiny kitten alone on the side of the road. After searching for littermates and the mother cat without success—and knowing a storm was approaching—he decided the safest place he could think of was the ED.

"Hospitals are built to be safe havens," the hospital shared late Tuesday. "Places people can turn to when they need care, comfort and protection most. As it turns out, sometimes that extends to tiny, helpless ... furry creatures.

"Without hesitation, the team opened their arms and their hearts."

One of the hospital's ED Techs contacted Will County Animal Protection Services, while staff worked together to ensure the kitten was kept safe and separate from patient care areas.

They fashioned a cozy bed from warm blankets, and offered the kitten water through a syringe.

Then they couldn't resist naming it: Silver Bells, a nod to the hospital and "the joy she unexpectedly brought to the department," staff said.

"Amid the pace and pressures of emergency medicine, Silver Bells brought smiles, laughter, and a welcome reminder of the simple impact of kindness."

When WCAPS arrived, Silver Bells received a thorough assessment and was deemed a healthy 6-week-old calico. The officer shared that local animal shelters were currently overwhelmed and appreciated the team's willingness to help.

By then, though, the lovable little kitty seemed to have made a decision of her own, as she comfortably perched herself on the shoulder of Dan Pennick, one of the hospital's Service Ambassadors.

"We knew she had chosen her forever home," said Jill Pateros, MSN, RN, Director of Emergency Services.

"I've been wanting a cat for a while," Pennick said. "I thought if God wants me to have a cat, he's just going to put one right in front of me. And that's exactly what happened. She's a little miracle."

"Silver Bells remained safe, warm, and well cared for, while all infection prevention and patient care protocols were maintained, until the end of Dan's shift, when she headed home for her first night in a place filled with warmth, safety, and love," Pateros added.

The cyclist who brought her to the hospital was offered shelter from the rain, a warm meal, and a few supplies to support the next leg of his cross-country journey.

Pennick has since renamed Silver Bells as Fantasia of Silver Bells.

"It's a simple story, but one that reflects the very best of who Silver Cross is," said Deb Robbins, Director, Marketing & Communications. "Whether caring for a patient, helping a traveler in need, or finding a home for a tiny kitten caught in a storm, the hospital team comes together to serve the community with compassion."