As Mary Wolford’s family set out on their usual long drive, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. It was supposed to be just another routine trip, until they finally parked the car.
When the engine was turned off, strange sounds caught their attention. Faint cries were coming from somewhere inside the vehicle. Startled, they rushed to lift the hood, and what they found staring back at them left them speechless.
An Unforgettable Rescue
Tucked away in the engine compartment was a tiny kitten who had traveled the entire way hidden beneath the hood.
“Everyone was shocked that he was alive,” Mary Wolford told The Dodo. “He rode probably 20 or 30 miles in there.”
Since only his small head was visible, they weren’t sure if he was injured. What they did know was that he needed to be freed immediately.
The kitten, later named Raccoon, cried out as they tried to reach him.
Thankfully, they managed to pull him out, but just when relief set in, the unexpected happened. Raccoon wriggled free, bolted from their arms, and dashed under a nearby car.
“When we got to him under the first car, he ran off and went into another! Thankfully, that time he was somewhat easy to reach from under the hood as opposed to under the car/engine,” Mary added.
The family quickly launched a second rescue. This time, they were determined not to let him go. They carefully retrieved him and held on tightly, finally knowing he was safe.
Adjusting To A Brand New Life
On the ride to his new home, Raccoon’s fear was clear. He hissed and tried to hide in the corner of the carrier, confused by everything happening around him.
“He was scared, hissing and trying to hide in the corner of the carrier when we got him. He was pretty wary of everything for the first several days. We think he was a stray, so while not fully feral, he was pretty apprehensive,” Mary explained.
At first, his defenses stayed up, but the Wolford family refused to give up. Slowly, Raccoon realized he was safe. His guard dropped, and soon he was bonding with his new people.
“He is doing great. It took some time for everyone to get acquainted, but overall, he’s getting along with everyone,” Mary said.
Even the family’s dogs welcomed him warmly, though Raccoon has yet to return the gesture.
Mary shares: “The only hurdle now is the dogs … he has yet to give them a chance. It’s kind of funny to see him fluff up and hiss at my Great Dane, who just wonders what his problem is.”
A Final Reminder
In time, Raccoon is sure to embrace his canine companions just as he has his humans. His days of hiding and fear are behind him, replaced with safety and love.
This story serves as an important reminder: always check under the hood before starting your car, especially in colder months. Small animals often seek warmth and shelter in dangerous places, never realizing the risk they face.