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A rescuer and foster mom, Stephanie, witnesses the “unfiltered joy” when a young man arrives to see his first kitten, Luna. After wondering if she was making a difference, his reaction snapped her “out of the dark.” After a tough week, it reminded her why she does it all (see video below).

The excited new dad arrived while Stephanie was questioning if all the efforts to help cats were worth it. It’s something most rescuers ask themselves after going through so many ups and downs.

“I was struggling with my feelings and the question that most animal rescuers do, ‘Am I even making a difference?’ And then this happened,” she said.

Young Man Adopts His First Kitten

It was business as usual at first, but then she saw how much adopting his first kitten meant to him. He had been planning carefully, and it was a life-changing decision to adopt.

“A good friend’s son wanted to adopt a kitten, and she knew exactly where to get one (🙋🏻‍♀️). I sent some pics of a kitten I knew would be available in a few weeks (after she was spayed, duh), and he said he wanted her. I thought, “Great, this kitten has a home,” and I moved on. I had no idea the anticipation this young man was experiencing while he was preparing his home for this kitten’s arrival,” she said.

Stephanie Parish and Jade with Luna the rescued kitten, First kitten, New Cat Dad

Stephanie Parish and Jay with Luna the rescued kitten via Instagram/whattheferal

You can see he was overjoyed and a little nervous, holding Luna and feeling the beating heart inside. He knew it was a big responsibility and she was so small and fragile.

“At the same time, I was just going through the week just trying to survive. His arrival at my house to pick up his kitten was just another thing I had to do that day. Then his unfiltered joy at getting his first kitten snapped me out of the dark. This is why I do it,” she remembered.

New Cat Dad Jade and his first kitten Luna, 3, Operation Catnip, Stephanie Parish

Rescuers found Luna the kitten in a woodpile in a rural area near Gainesville, Florida. Luna’s mother had just given birth when TNR (trap, neuter, return) rescuers from Operation Catnip caught her. With help from the colony caregiver, the rescuers returned when kittens later showed up, catching them all to find each one a home.

A Full Circle Moment

When Luna met her new Cat Dad that day, it was a “full circle moment,” after rescuing the entire cat colony. So many lives were touched and the cats’ quality of life vastly improved. 

“That’s what makes the moment so special. It’s full circle. The outdoor cats are all fixed and living their best life however they want. The kittens are now in loving indoor homes. And I was reminded how important it is to appreciate these moments. They are so precious,” she explained.

New Cat Dad Jade and his first kitten Luna

New Cat Dad and his first kitten Luna

“Jay, that’s your daughter, Luna,” said his mom.

“I’m gonna cry. I’m literally gonna be your favorite person,” he said, holding Luna for the first time. 

“He literally just met his best friend 😭😭😭,” someone commented.

Video via Instagram/whattheferal

Rescuing 38 Cats and 10 Kittens

Stephanie Parish rescues with Operation Catnip in Gainesville. She shares TNR efforts for the feral colonies like the one where Luna came out of the woodpile. Below, the massive efforts resulted in trapping 38 cats and catching 10 kittens for foster care. All of the kittens would find homes, while the feral adult cats get critical care, spaying, and neutering. Now, no more suffering kittens will need rescue.

“It’s so easy to get overwhelmed thinking about all the animals that are in need of help. I know I can’t help them all. But this week has reminded me, yet again, that I’m not alone in this fight. So many people came together to make this all possible,” she said after taking part in the rescue.

You can learn more about Operation Catnip on Instagram, Facebook, and their website.

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