While standing on a busy train platform in New York City, Kristine Malone suddenly heard something that did not belong there. Faint, frantic cries were coming from somewhere below the tracks.
She leaned over the edge and carefully searched the mix of gravel and metal, trying to spot where the sound was coming from. At first, she could not see anything at all.
Then, nestled between the rocks close to the wall, she finally spotted a tiny, fluffy orange shape.
The little animal raised its head and cried out again, almost like it was pleading for someone to help.
Rallying Help To Reach The Kitten
Kristine quickly considered how to get the small animal to safety. She posted about the situation on social media, hoping someone experienced could respond.
Her message caught the attention of John Debacker, vice president of Long Island Cat/Kitten Solution, Inc., who immediately rushed to the station. The rescue, he knew, would be tricky.
Upon arriving, John realized he couldn’t do it alone.
“It was tricky getting to the kitten because he was down in the tracks. We were trying to figure out how to get to the kitten from street level, but we couldn’t do that without putting ourselves in danger,” John told The Dodo.
He approached two Metro-North police officers and explained the dire circumstances. Fortunately, both were animal lovers and eager to lend a hand.
“They were animal lovers, too. They shut off the power and escorted us onto the tracks,” he said.
When they finally reached the tiny feline, it became clear: it was a small orange kitten.
Moving carefully to avoid frightening him, John and the officers used a rescue net to lift him safely from the gravel and rails.
The mission was a success, and the team returned to the platform holding the kitten with relief and pride.
Years of rescuing cats had taught John to sense when a situation, and a cat, is truly special.
“He was very scared, but I’ve gotten many feral kittens, and he’s definitely not like one of those typical feral cats. He was really sweet almost instantly,” he stated.
From Danger To A Loving Home
John named the kitten Metro and brought him to Last Hope, Inc., a New York shelter where he could rest, heal, and regain his strength.
Weeks later, Kristine Malone, the woman who had first heard his cries, returned to the shelter and chose to adopt him.
Today, Metro lives safely with Kristine and her daughter, far away from the hazards of train tracks.
His story may have begun with peril, but it ended with love and security