Earlier this month, a K-9 officer with Oak Grove Missouri Animal Shelter was driving through a local park when he noticed a cardboard box outside the public restrooms. The officer immediately realized there was something off about this piece of litter.
Why was it moving?
The man called animal control and codes enforcement officer Emily Hart, who rushed to the scene. Approaching the box, Hart saw a small black ear poke out from the top. Then she heard a noise.
“The cry she made broke my heart,” Hart told The Dodo. “There were two other kittens inside, huddled together — scared, shaking and confused.”
Hart grabbed all three kittens and brought them back to the shelter, where she settled them in clean kennels with blankets and beds. The 6-week-old cats were clearly dehydrated and warm to the touch. One of them suffered from a wound on her head.
Animal experts treated all the kittens and provided them with plenty of food and water. In time, the skinny kittens began to look healthy and bright-eyed. As they healed, their personalities began to shine.
“The sweet girls are getting more curious every day — especially the two very scared ones that were huddled together in the box,” Hart said. “They are absolutely obsessed with Kirkland chicken pâté wet food. I’m pretty sure that’s the best part of their day.”
Hart hopes this story encourages community members to use the resources available to them when they see an animal in need and to do right by their pets.
“I would love for people to know that they can reach out for help,” Hart said. “Contact your local animal control or animal shelter — they have many resources available and can point you in the right direction. Spaying and neutering pets is the best way to prevent unwanted litters.”
As for the kittens, they will be available for adoption shortly, ready to begin the next chapter of their lives, thanks to the rescuers who never gave up.
