From Dumpster Drain to Forever Home: Josh’s Story

(Picus Peak Region, Colo.) – The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR) is sharing the story of Jose, who was trapped in a dumpster but was adopted by a loving family.

According to HSPPR, on a cold December morning, Animal Law Enforcement (ALE) received an urgent call for help. Behind a row of buildings, a kitten was trapped in a dumpster drain, alone, cold, and barely holding on.

When the officer arrived, Winter had made herself known; The metal of the dumpster was cold, the wind carried a sharp, chilling chill that seeped into your bones. The officer found the kitten wet, covered in dirt and shivering. The dumpster chute was narrow, but the kitten was still moving, still trying.

HSPPR said without hesitation, ALE officers climbed into the dumpster. He moved slowly, spoke softly, and feigned a fearsome creature that already knew the world could be harsh and cruel. Finally, he was able to free the kitten from the gutter and lifted him into the light. The kitten was cold, tired, and silent, but alive.

At HSPPR’s veterinary clinic, the urgency deepened. The cat’s body was so cold that the thermometer could not register its temperature. The team gathered around her with warm blankets, gentle hands and quiet determination.

According to HSPPR, slowly, almost imperceptibly at first, the kitten responded. His temperature reached 90 degrees, then 98 an hour later. By late morning, after three hours of careful and steady anticipation, the kitten’s temperature had returned to a normal 102. Measured in sighs of relief and soft shoulders, the kitten was going to make it.

Recovery was another hurdle; The kitten was dehydrated and underweight. Over the next several days, he received IV fluids, warm meals, and lots of attention. Slowly, the fog lifted, the cat’s eyes brightened, his steps steadied. One morning, he started batting at the toy as if it was the most important business in the world.

That’s when the kitten showed HSPPR who he really was. Beneath the cold and fear was a spirit waiting to reappear. He set out with enthusiasm, greeted each day with curiosity, and carried himself with more bravery than his body. Naming the kitten Gel only seemed right at the time, as he met the worst of the world with determination and joy.

About a week later, Josh was healthy, warm and ready for his next adventure. It didn’t take long. Someone went to the shelter, saw a little kitten with bright eyes and a brave heart. Josh went home that day, leaving behind the cold metal of a dumpster for a couch, toys and a family that would never let him feel alone again, HSPPR said.

“We can’t thank our animal law enforcement and veterinary clinic teams enough for saving Josh’s life. Their compassion, courage and calm determination turned a moment of despair into a story of hope. We are eternally grateful that a kitten who started his journey at the bottom of a dumpster is now making it through the holidays,” said HSP, with warmth and love.

Stories like Josilo’s don’t happen by accident; They are made possible by the kindness of the community, according to HSPPR. In December, Cindy and Mike of Status Symbol Auto Body are donating $25 for every pet adopted or rehomed.

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