The Dirty Sickly Kitten

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December last year when I picked up a stray kitten when I attended the traditional evening mass. We Filipinos call it "Simbang Gabi" because it is held on evenings or at dawn. The mass was just starting when I noticed this sickly-looking kitten roaming inside the church, meowing as if looking for its mother. Its fur was unkempt and dirty. It was so small that I was worried that unknowing feet will accidentally crush the poor creature. Oblivious to the people around me, I quietly grabbed the kitten and cradled it on my lap. He was squirming and struggling at first but after some stroking and cooing, he began to get comfortable and fell asleep. He was quiet throughout the mass even when I lined up for communion. The priest even smiled when he saw a sleeping kitten cradled in my arms. It was on my way home when I realized my dogs certainly won't give this kitten a warm welcome, but I know I can't just leave him on the street. Just as I expected, the dogs went berserk upon seeing a new furry creature inside the house. The kitten was so weak he didn't even reacted to the barks, but just retreated to a corner. I gave him some food which he gobbled hungrily and slept soundly. After looking more closely, I noticed his big stomach and protruding ribs, heavy and slow breathing, and rashes, a sign of worm infestation, The next morning I gave him a dose of deworming meds and prayed that the poor one will survive. After several months, the dirty kitten I brought home from the church has grown into a beautiful black and white cat. With shiny and clean fur, sleek body, sweet disposition, and the best news is that he gets along well with the dogs! They actually sleep together and eat together. His name? Oh of course, I named him "SIMBA" not after the Lion King but after the Filipino word for church, and I'm grateful I made the right decision at the time.