For animal rescuers, coming across abandoned creatures in heartbreaking conditions is an unfortunate reality they face far too often.
Even though abandoning animals is illegal in many states, it continues to happen.
The staff at Lucky’s Cat House, a non-profit shelter in Lewisburg, Tennessee, experienced this firsthand when someone heartlessly left a cardboard box at their doorstep and drove away.
Inside were eight fragile lives—tiny eyes staring out, silently pleading for help.
A Shocking Discovery
That morning, shelter president Jaclyn Payne noticed a car pull up outside their building while she was working in the adoption lobby. Moments later, the vehicle sped off, leaving her puzzled.
Curious, Payne stepped outside to investigate. Sitting right in front of the shelter door was a cardboard box with a handwritten note scrawled across the lid.
When she carefully lifted the top, her heart sank.
Inside were eight helpless kittens, only about five weeks old, staring back at her.
“Today, we faced a situation at Lucky’s. A box containing 8 fragile and starving kittens was cruelly dumped at our front door. While we have a thoughtful intake process, a waiting list, and take in cats based on what we can responsibly handle, emergencies like this remind us of the challenges we face,” the shelter wrote on Facebook.
Everyone at the shelter was horrified that someone could abandon such tiny, vulnerable babies in broad daylight.
The kittens looked both terrified and relieved.
“They were confused because they were not sure what was happening, relieved because they were finally free, and scared because they were in a new and unfamiliar environment,” a shelter representative told The Dodo.
Since dumping animals is a crime in Tennessee, the shelter immediately acted. They already had cameras installed, and with the help of the Lewisburg Police Department, they identified the person responsible. Authorities quickly charged the individual for the cruel act.
The Power Of Fostering
Lucky’s Cat House, already filled to capacity, struggled to make space for eight more lives. They turned to the community for urgent help.
“We urgently need foster homes for these 8 innocent kittens who have nowhere else to turn. Our capacity is stretched, and we’re struggling to find the space and care they deserve. If you have a spare room or any space to offer these kittens a temporary home, please, let us know,” the shelter pleaded.
Fostering plays a critical role in saving lives. It gives animals the safe, nurturing environment they need to grow strong and happy while opening up space at shelters for others in need.
“Fostering also frees up space at shelters and rescues, so more animals can be helped. In short, fostering saves lives,” the representative explained.
The community answered the call. Thanks to the overwhelming support, all eight kittens found safe foster homes where they will receive love, care, and stability.
They’ll remain in foster care until they’re fully vetted, spayed or neutered, and old enough to find forever families.
With their irresistible little faces, it won’t take long for them to be adopted into loving homes.
If you’d like to foster or adopt cats like these, visit the Lucky’s Cat House website for more information.