When Harriet – a tiny, 2-month-old sphynx kitten – came to the League’s San Luis Valley Animal Center in August, her journey to true healing finally began. In addition to being fragile and underweight, she presented with a recently removed right eye and a remaining eye painfully enlarged and diseased. Because she was found as a stray, it was impossible to know her full history or the exact cause of her condition. But one thing was certain – Harriet needed urgent, specialized care to ease her discomfort and give her the best chance at a happy and healthy life.
Shortly after she arrived, our team transferred Harriet to our Leslie A. Malone Center in Denver for a thorough veterinary evaluation and treatment. We quickly determined that her left eye, too, would need to be removed to relieve her constant pain. However, Harriet’s body and spirit needed time to prepare for surgery; at the time, she was much too frail. To prepare her for the steps ahead, she was soon placed with a caring foster family who provided round-the-clock love and attention.
For the next week, Harriet’s foster mom, Emily, focused on nurturing her with a nutrient-rich diet, medications, and daily fluids. Harriet was quiet at first, spending most of her time curled up in a cozy bed, resting and regaining her strength. “When Harriet first came home with us, we could tell she didn’t feel well,” Emily recalled. “She didn’t want to play and mostly just slept.” But with time and attentive care, Harriet grew stronger, and once she was finally well enough, she returned to the League for her enucleation surgery and a spay procedure.
Following surgery, Harriet’s transformation was remarkable. She returned to her foster home with a new energy and lease on life, her pain now behind her. “Harriet was completely different after surgery – she was finally able to be a kitten,” Emily shared. Likewise, Harriet’s playful, affectionate, and curious nature quickly emerged, and she eagerly explored her environment, becoming fast friends with the home’s resident cats. Even without sight, she confidently learned and remembered where to find her litter box, food, and favorite places to rest and play.
Since Emily works at the shelter, Harriet often accompanied her to the office, delighting both staff and volunteers with her fearless personality and big heart. She always sought cuddles and was quick to greet and charm anyone who came her way. In less than a month at the League, Harriet made an incredible recovery; by early September, she was not only thriving, but ready for her next chapter of life. Luckily, her search for a loving family seemed to last merely a moment when Caroline, a former League volunteer familiar with the unique care needs of sphynx cats, came in to adopt her.
Since adoption day, Harriet has settled in effortlessly, quickly adapting to her new surroundings and routine. Every day, she brings endless joy to Caroline and her roommate, Alexis, with her pouncing, playful antics. To help her navigate the world as a blind cat, Caroline and Alexis let Harriet explore mostly on her own, while providing toys with sound and supportive direction when needed. “Harriet is pretty inspirational when she uses her ears [as a guide],” said Caroline. “She doesn’t have any fears and she knows what she wants.” This resilience and tenacity of spirit are true testaments to the care and compassion Harriet has received at the League and with her adoring family.
Because of you, animals like Harriet are able to heal, gain confidence, and forge lasting connections with people they love. Help us continue to lead with compassion by donating to the Dumb Friends League this holiday season.
