Trooper, Kitten Reunite After Canton Highway Rescue

CANTON, MA – Weeks ago, Massachusetts State Police trooper John DeNapoli saved a one-pound kitten on the side of I-93 in Canton. On Thursday, he and his new friend – now named Basil – were reunited as DeNapoli was honored by the Animal Rescue League.

DeNapoli responded to I-93 after several motorists reported seeing a cat on the median. According to the Boston Herald, Basil was foaming at the mouth, coated in ants and had abrasions on the side of his face when DeNapoli found him. Suffering from heatstroke, Basil also had to be cooled down.

The friendship between Basil and DeNapoli got off to a rocky start. DeNapoli told the Herald the cat scratched and bit at him, and tried to escape from the empty flare box where he was being held until animal control arrived.

But the reunion between the two was much happier Thursday. Now a healthy three pounds and 13 weeks, Basil has since been adopted by a passing motorist who witnessed the rescue.

Image via MSP