Soggy moggy rescued from dump
Luck was on one tiny kitten’s side when he was rescued from death’s door amidst rubbish at the New Plymouth dump.
When workers from the Colson Rd transfer station discovered the soggy moggy, wet, distressed and freezing cold they picked him up and placed him by a heat pump to warm him up.
After giving the tabby-tot attention on site they took him to the animal shelter for help.
‘‘He was very, very close to death when he was found,’’ North Taranaki SPCA spokeswoman Jackie Poles Smith said.
While it remains a mystery how he ended up at the dump, he was about two-weeks-old at the time and would not likely have survived, she said.
Named Liger by the SPCA team, he was initially cared for by one of the SPCA crew then placed in the care of Anneka Carlson.
Carlson is a volunteer who has fostered orphaned animals in her home off and on for some years. ‘‘When I first got him at four weeks he had conjunctivitis, was sick and just sleepy and tired and didn’t really do much.’’
Liger thrived in her care and was quick to acquaint himself with Carlson’s two cats and kitten-friendly dogs.
‘‘My dogs are used to me bringing all sorts home and they just mothered him. He just got so confident and is now just non-stop. He’s so rough.’’
Now the fluffy feline with a fearless disposition also has a new name and a new home. As a lot of proud mums do these days, Carlson posted pictures of Liger on Facebook and her friend who was holidaying in Italy fell in love with him and decided to adopt.
Liger now goes by the name Luigi, inspired by his new mum’s Italian travels.
While Luigi’s lot turned out well, every year more than 46,000 abused and neglected animals need love, care and shelter.
For people who want to help the upcoming SPCA Cupcake Day is an ideal way. . In New Plymouth the campaign runs Monday,, August 14, Saturday 19, and Sunday 20, and everyone is encouraged to join the mega cupcake bake.
People can sell their sweet treats then donate the proceeds or help stock the SPCA-run tables that will be held at various retail outlets. Venues will be advertised closer towards the dates. Visit spcacupcakeday.gofundraise.co.nz or phone 758 2053.