Mary Wolford and her family headed out on a drive that felt totally routine, the kind where you expect nothing more than getting from point A to point B. The whole trip stayed peaceful and uneventful, just like so many before it.
But the second they arrived, pulled in, and parked, the day took a sharp turn.
As the engine settled into silence, they suddenly heard faint cries coming from somewhere inside the car. Startled and unsure what they were even hearing, they hurried to pop the hood.
And what they found looking back at them was something they never would have guessed in a million years.
Kitten Hiding Beneath The Hood
Nestled deep inside the engine compartment was a tiny kitten who had unknowingly traveled the entire distance 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.”
Only his little head was visible, leaving the family uncertain if he was injured. What they did know was that he needed help, and quickly.
The kitten, later named Raccoon, cried out as they tried to reach him.
They managed to pull him free, but just as relief set in, Raccoon wriggled out of their grasp and darted 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.
Determined not to lose him again, the family launched a second rescue. This time, they held on tightly, finally knowing he was safe.
A Frightened Kitten Learns To Trust
On the way to his new home, Raccoon’s fear was clear. He hissed and curled into the corner of the carrier, overwhelmed by the sudden change.
“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.
Though he stayed guarded at first, the Wolford family remained patient. Gradually, Raccoon began to realize he was safe. His defenses lowered, and he started to bond with his new family.
“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 wasn’t quite ready to return the affection.
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.”
From Hidden Passenger To Beloved Family Member
With time, Raccoon is sure to warm up to his doggy companions just as he has with his humans. His days of hiding and uncertainty are now behind him, replaced with comfort and love.
His journey serves as a reminder to check under the hood before starting a car, especially during colder months. Small animals often seek warmth in dangerous places, unaware of the risks.