A tiny kitten found on the road begging to be rescued ended up having all her wishes come true.
PoppyEllen Carozza
About two months ago, a Good Samaritan spotted a tiny kitten crawling on the side of the road and stopped to help.
When the kitten saw the finder coming her way, she cried out and inched towards them. "She was lucky someone saw her and jumped to save her," Ellen Carozza LVT, VTS (CP-Feline), told Love Meow.
"Right from the beginning, she was the sweetest kitten who wanted to be rescued."
She was found on the side of the roadEllen Carozza
The kitten named Poppy was emaciated, covered in ticks, battling stomach troubles, and her front legs were broken. A local animal rescue, To The ResQ, took her in and gave her immediate medical care but realized the kitten would need additional help.
They contacted Ellen, whose Chris Griffey Memorial Feline Foundation (CGMFF) is dedicated to saving the most critical kittens.
Ellen Carozza
It was unknown how Poppy ended up on the road with broken legs, but they knew her life would be filled with love and comfort from now on. Without hesitation, Ellen welcomed Poppy into her care.
She gave her a thorough bath and made fresh splints for her front legs.
Poppy got fresh splints for her front legsEllen Carozza
Ellen and her team initiated the same treatment plan they used on another kitten who also had broken front legs. After a few days of TLC, Poppy put on much-needed weight and regained strength.
She adored being brushed with a toothbrush and cradled in a towel, wishing she would soon be able to play like a kitten again.
Ellen Carozza
The splints didn't bother her the slightest. She'd lie on her back with her belly on full display.
After a week of treatment, they noticed how well her legs healed and gave her some playtime with another kitten. Poppy won over the hearts of every person she met and every kitty friend.
Ellen Carozza
With a speedy recovery, even her splints could no longer keep her from antic-making. Another week went by. "She decided enough is enough and wants them off."
Poppy cleverly took off her braces one time and acted as if nothing happened.
She took off her braces and acted as if nothing happenedEllen Carozza
She walked around on all fours and even did a perfect meerkat impression when Ellen asked what had happened to the braces. Poppy was on the path to a full recovery, and she couldn't contain her joy and excitement about being able to zoom around freely again.
Once her splints were off, her playful, mischievous personality emerged.
Ellen Carozza
Poppy hopped into a new box of pee pads and decided to nap there instead of her cozy beds. She "helped" by jumping into the laundry basket right after it was loaded with fresh, warm clothes.
She climbed the summit of a cat tree and lay on the biggest platform with her belly up and toes pointed like a ballerina.
Ellen Carozza
"Poppy loves to play, climb, and be a normal kitten. We are very proud that she recovered so well."
After a rough patch, Poppy bounced back and was finally ready for her next chapter. She wished for a forever home with a loving family and feline friends, but as it turned out, that family had been waiting for her.
Ellen Carozza
While Poppy was recovering, a former adopter was looking for a buddy for her cat, Finnegan (a CGMFF alumnus).
Smitten with Poppy and her fearless attitude, she knew Poppy would make a perfect addition to her family.
Poppy "helped" with the laundryEllen Carozza
Fast forward to today, and Poppy has blossomed into a playful, boisterous young cat who doesn't let anything slow her down.
She has joined her loving family in her new home, a dream come true.
Ellen Carozza
Share this story with your friends. More on Ellen's rescues on Instagram and Facebook. Chris Griffey Memorial Feline Foundation on Facebook.
Related story: Kittens Found in Warehouse Together, One of Them Needs Help to Walk, and the Other Never Leaves His Side