On a scorching August day, we came upon a little kitten on the verge of dеаth. She was unwell, unable to breathe or open her eyes owing to a severe upper respiratory infection, with a distended abdomen caused by tape worms, and fleas covering every inch of her little body. We didn’t believe she’d make it through the night, but we couldn’t leave her to die. So we wrapped her in a towel and carried her home in a flower pot in the hopes of a miracle saving her life.

Erin Crowley said We remained up all night giving her formula and tuna juice through a dropper, hoping to give her strength. She was still alive at 7 a.m., so we rushed in the car and drove to a neighboring clinic. We couldn’t give her much medicine because she was just 8 ounces, but the doctor started her on antibiotics for her eyes and lungs, as well as “steams” 3-5 times a day to keep her airways open. Her chances of survival were slim, but my husband and I had made up our minds that this kitten had to sưrvivе.

The first two days were really stressful. We expected the worst every time we glanced in her box, and she struggled to battle the virus or eat much food. To battle the assault of fleas, we washed her in Dawn dish detergent and took turns suffering the nearly intolerable heat of a steamy bathtub amid the scorching July heat outside. Nothing appeared to be working, and we had to accept the reality that, despite our best efforts, this little cat would most likеly die shortly.

But then came our first miracle: we introduced this ailing kitten to Gatsby, our 4-month-old dog whom we had just adơрted from a shelter a month before.

We understood that one eager motion from him could crush and kiII her, and that he was still a puppy who didn’t know how to act around this small creature the size of our palms. We placed her on the bed, covered her in her towel, and took a deep breath. But his reaction astounded us: Gatsby became the most sensitive and kind dog we’d ever seen. He scented her and promptly crept up to her, licking her head affectionately. He nuzzled her head on top of his snout, where he laid contentedly and she relaxed into the warmth of his contact.

The kitten began to change in before of our eyes. The puppy’s warmth and connection to her little body gave her life, and she instantly started fighting. Gatsby and the kitten established an instantaneous relationship, and we decided it was time to name the kitten after the bravest Gryffindor tabby cat we knew, Professor Minerva McGonagall.

Gatsby and Minerva became more close over the following two weeks. Gatsby’s first want in the morning was to greet his kitty, and she would instantly climb out of her covers to lick his nose. The worms in her stomach vanished as the medications took effect, her lungs opened up, and her huge, brown eyes began to stare out clearly into the world. She was starting to flourish.

Minerva was finally out of the woods with her health after a second course of antibiotics, what seemed likе 1,000 shower steams, many sleepless nights, MANY hours of helping her potty, and lots of cuddles and kisses, but her friendship with Gatsby was only just beginning to improve the health of her heart.

While she purred against his belly, he kept her warm and nestled close. They would spend hours playing together and bringing so much joy to one other’s lives. He’d chase her around the house, she’d dart under his knees and jump on his back, and they’d tire out and fall asleep inches apart. Gatsby was her big brother and guardian, encouraging her to be bold as she explored the new and vast world around her, while Minerva was the vivacious best friend he lacked in his life.

Gatsby and Minerva have been together for almost a year, and their love continues to astonish us. Minerva is a healthy, gorgeous, and vivacious cat who enjoys playing fetch with her brother and copying him when he sits for treats (because kitties, too, want snacks!). They still cuddle as much as they play, and they still seek one other’s comfort as much as they did when they were newborns.

We can’t picture living without them since they have such a wonderful relationship. More importantly, I don’t believe one of them would be the kind, affectionate, or successful animal they are now if they didn’t have each other. We’re thankful to Minerva for allowing us to locate her on that hot summer day, and even more glad that Gatsby was there to give her the courage to live.