Friday, July 22, 2011

Handicapped Kitty “Willow” Gets a Miracle

By Julia Williams

Facebook has done it again. I’m all teary-eyed because of an incredibly heartwarming story I happened upon. I won’t say “by accident” because I believe there are no such things. I’m convinced that everything and everyone has a purpose, and that every pet was put here on earth for a reason. Sometimes we don’t know what that reason is; other times, it’s crystal clear. In the case of a special kitten named Willow, I think her purpose is to help people see that every pet is precious – even those who some might call “imperfect.” Willow’s motto could be summed up as, “Play the hand that life dealt you, but never stop hoping for a miracle.”

Willow’s touching story began with her birth last December. Her back legs were badly deformed, and her people said she was born that way. They didn’t even bother to name her – they just called her “Cripple.” Although her siblings all found homes, no one wanted the tiny kitten with a deformity.

That is, until fate intervened and a kindhearted woman named Wendy answered an ad for a free crippled kitten. Wendy felt an immediate bond with the little kitty. She didn’t see a kitten whose deformed legs made it extremely difficult for her to walk. She saw a sweet, cute and loving soul who deserved a chance to have a wonderful life despite her handicap. Wendy took her home and named her Willow, because “a beautiful girl deserves a beautiful name.” As the days turned to months, Wendy’s love for Willow grew, and she came to see her as “the most perfect angel in all the earth.”

Wendy built steps so Willow could get up on the furniture and look out the window. She helped Willow as best as she could, but unless something was done, Willow’s legs could develop ulcerations that might lead to infection. Not wanting her baby to be in pain, Wendy prayed for a miracle – she hoped that a doctor could fix Willow’s legs.

Wendy created a Facebook page for Willow, so she could share her story and make friends with other kitties and cat-loving humans. And the friends came…hundreds and hundreds of them! Willow’s new friends were so touched by her story that they sent her lots of great gifts, and medical supplies to help with her care. They raised money so Willow could see an orthopedic vet, and were heartbroken when the doctor said he couldn’t fix Willow’s legs. But that only spurred them on, and these new friends raised more money so Willow could get a specially made wheelchair.

Willow started learning a new way to walk and a new way of life. It was then that Wendy realized they had received the miracle she’d been praying for – but it wasn’t the wheelchair, and it wasn’t even about Willow’s legs. It was about all the love that came to Willow from people all around the world. It was about the support of thousands of compassionate pet lovers rallying to help one little kitty have a better life.

One should never underestimate the power of social networking sites like Facebook. I’ve witnessed time and again the miraculous things that happen when pet lovers come together for a cause they believe in. Thanks to her wonderful “mom” and the kindness of strangers, a once nameless kitten now has a joyful life. Willow says she is “a very happy little girl who enjoys her life. It is better to have love than legs.”

Willow has also embraced Facebook, and uses her newfound celebricat status to help other kitties. She posts about kitties that need adopting, or kitties whose human guardians need help with medical bills. There’s even a kitty in Egypt that needs a wheelchair, just like Willow did not so long ago. I’ve no doubt that in the years to come, Willow will pay it forward. She will continue to help those less fortunate pets who need their own miracle, and she’ll inspire other humans to help too.

When I contacted Willow’s Mom for permission to use her photos, I found out she just recently switched to FELIDAE and is very happy with it. “Willow eats the FELIDAE Cat and Kitten Formula, and she loves it,” said Wendy. “I personally think FELIDAE is the best cat food out there, and I want only the best for my Willow! We absolutely love FELIDAE...the ingredient list says it all.”

To learn more about Willow, you can watch her YouTube video, and join her on Facebook.

Read more articles by Julia Williams

25 comments:

  1. I learned about Willow a little while back, and I was SO happy that she got her chair...it's heartwarming how folks come together to help.

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  2. This is a meowvalous article and I'ma so so purrroud to be a FELIDAE Spokescat!

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  3. Willow is new to me, but the power of social networking can be so amazingly heartwarming.

    Willow is a beautiful kitty girl with a purrfectly wonderful person!

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  4. I did not know about Willow and I am so glad I do now. Willow's Mom sounds like a total angel to get everyone interested in Willow. That is so neat that she has a wheel chair. It is always so wonderful when all the cat and animal people support each other. It is just amazing. Thanks for telling us about Willow.

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  5. That story just makes my heart smile!

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  6. We have been following Willow's story on Facebook but it was nice to get a recap of her entire story. She is a sweetheart as is Wendy and all the people who have rallied around this sweet little girl. Bless her!
    http://www.ihavecat.com
    Tamar
    Single in the city - with cat (S)

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  7. I loved Willow the minute I found her on Facebook...I will follow her wherever she goes...she's an inspiration, and her 'mom,' well...I can't say enough about her!!! Every day, they make me smile - so it's my first stop on FB! THANKS WILLOW & WENDY! xoxo

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  8. i love you willow ur so brave and thank u for your mom she's an angel too.:)

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  9. Willow is about to get a new baby sister who has the same problem with her back legs. Her name is Lifey and people all over contributed enough money for her to be transported all the way from the Phillipines to Michigan.....That's a lot of money, but that's how much all of Willow's friends wanted Lifey to be in a special home with a special Mommy and big sister who could help and love her as she is. Facebook Pet owners are the best!

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  10. That story certainly brought a tear to my eye. Sounds like Willow is flourishing in the perfect home!

    Pat
    www.critteralley.blogspot.com

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  11. Wendy, thank you so much for being the person you are, and for giving the special little ones such an amazing home.

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  12. Such a beautiful story about a beautiful kitty! Our mommy is all leaky now!

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  13. Thanks for sharing this great story!

    Nubbin wiggles,
    Oskar

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  14. We just adore Willow and we have been following her and her Mom (Wendy is an incredibly sweet person) ever since we first read about her on Catsparella's blog a number of months ago.

    So glad to see others featuring this amazing kitty and her mom as well!

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  15. I've been a fan of Willow's on Facebook for a few months now, and her story continues to inspire me. Also, her mom Wendy continues to amaze me with the depth of her love for Willow and for all the creatures who cross her path.

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  16. A heart-warming story which I needed my Kleenex badly while I was reading it.

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  17. What a beautiful story, thanks for introducing me to Willow. This is a great line: love is more important than legs. I have so much to learn from Willow! I just joined her FB page.

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  18. Such a very pretty kitty. We have seen dogs with wheelchairs, but never a kitty. Thank goodness for people like Wendy. What a beautiful name for a beautiful girl.

    All our very best for a very bright future for Willow.

    Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

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  19. What a great story. The power of a special needs cat and the power of social media.

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  20. Beautiful Story ! and I'm so happy with Willow to have a great mom !
    My mom saluted to Willow's mom, She is wonderful person !!! Me and Mom hope we have lots of human like Wendy in this world : )
    Thank you for the story
    xoxo

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  21. We've been following Willow on FB too. This is an amazing story!!

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  22. Oh, that is such a wonderful story! Happy, happy tears for sweet Willow. Wendy is an angel, for sure.

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  23. Oh my goodness Julia, I can't believe I missed this post. This story is just FANTASTIC!! I love it that some goodhearted human were meant to provide a life of all the love in the world for Willow and that she saw beyond her crippled legs. What a through and through heartwarming story!

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