12 Saves of 2023 #1: Juicy Fruit
It was October when we received a call about two tiny kittens, Juicy Fruit and Bubblegum. They had been found taped in a box behind a Home Depot in Yuba City. They were in rough shape, battling upper respiratory infections that were so bad their eyes were crusted shut. A local rescue tried to help but knew they didn’t have the resources so they contacted FieldHaven. We quickly figured out a way to take in Juicy Fruit and Bubblegum—we knew they needed us.
They were immediately seen by our veterinarian team, started on antibiotics, and received supportive care for several days. Simply put, they were pitiful.
Once they were stabilized, they were placed in a foster home. Juicy Fruit was the star of the show. He took charge of every adventure and wanted to meet everyone. He grew more quickly than his brother, but slowly, they both began to improve. Unfortunately, their eyes never healed after their infection; they were just found far too late. We tried, but we soon realized that for their best quality of life and to prevent future infections, removing both eyes on both kittens would be the best solution.
Tragically, Bubblegum didn’t survive surgery. It’s not common but that’s the tough part of rescue work. Bubblegum appeared to be fine and able to handle surgery, and we did everything we could for him. Our hearts were broken.
Juicy Fruit’s surgery was successful. He went back to foster care to recover, and his foster family helped him through his grief. Then, it’s as if he decided to embrace life and move on. He adjusted so well to his lack of eyesight that sometimes you can’t even believe he’s blind! He finds his way around the home with no problem, adapts very well to other foster kittens, and his zest for adventure remains.
Today, Juicy Fruit is available for adoption and ready for a new family just in time for the holidays. He is sweet and inquisitive. He’ll follow everyone around the house and loves to be in the same room with you. He adores snuggling, listening to football on TV, and playtime. His sense of smell has become his strongest—he’s always interested in what is cooking and excited to check out what taste is headed his way. His charming personality makes everyone forget that he is differently-abled!
Juicy Fruit survived, and we are so happy to help him find a home for the holidays. He deserves it, and we’re sure you agree.
Happiest of PAWlidays,
– Joy Smith, executive director of FieldHaven
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P.S. If you’d like to meet Juicy Fruit and see if he’s a good fit for your family, let us know! Fill out an adoption application form so we can get started, and hurry! We want more than anything to see Juicy Fruit in a home for the holidays!
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