An Alabama rescuer, Calvin Tucker, was out caring for a cat colony when a man flagged him down to help a tiny kitten later named Wink.
Tucker is well-known in the Birmingham and Bessemer areas as ‘Black Noah,’ known for saving all kinds of creatures with a home sanctuary called the Ark. Wherever he goes, his car displays images of cats and dogs with the logo of the rescue he founded in 2016, SOCAT (Saving One Creature at a Time).
Given all this, the man knew Tucker could help the kitten he had taken inside his home. After getting Tucker’s attention, the man went back into the house, returning with Wink. Sadly, both of the kitten’s eyes were badly infected, but the right eye was badly protruding. Even so, the kitten readily ate some food, a good sign she’d make it. But her eyes were in terrible shape, a fate many kittens born outdoors face.
“That eye looks terrible. She ate and still has a good appetite,” he noted.
Wink the kitten had badly infected eyes. Images via Instagram/blacknoah1
Immediately, Tucker cleaned the eye, applied antibiotic on hand for cats, and agreed to meet the man at the veterinary clinic early the next morning. Then, he left the man with bags of food for the many cats around the home, knowing he would return for another ongoing TNR (trap, neuter, return) project.
Wink Loses an Eye and Boards an Ark of Love
Right away, the vet determined eye enucleation surgery was required for the kitten. But the little guy recovered with pain medication and stitches, thanks to kind supporters. Thankfully, her remaining eye would heal, and the little one’s spirits were high as Tucker petted Wink gently. Everything would be ok after all.
While at the vet clinic, the office manager fell in love with Wink, having another cat at home with one eye.
“She’s gotta wear a tiny cone,” Tucker shared.
Video via Instagram/blacknoah1
Back at home, Tucker gave the kitten a gentle, warm bath to remove any remaining fleas.
“They gave her a half Capstar, but I still saw fleas, so gave her a Dawn bath. She’s dried off thoroughly and laying on a heating pad on low with blanket on top of the pad. Definitely will invest in a hair dryer for the future. Gotta feed all the Ark cats. Good night y’all,” Tucker shared.
Several days later, the kitten was in the palm of Tucker’s hand (literally) and adjusting so fast to life on the Ark.
“So proud of this little girl. She mastered her litter box in 2 days. You’re officially a BIG Girl now♥️❤️🩹”
Wink the kitten sits on Calvin Tucker’s hand
Family Makes a Road Trip to Adopt Wink
Finding a kitten with one eye a home can be a challenge, even though they have no problems getting around. But a kind family from Tennessee knew Wink was purrfect the way she was. They planned to make a road trip to adopt her when she was ready.
“Gonna miss this baby. But happy at the same time. She’s going to live with a wonderful family in Tennessee after she gets a clean bill of health here and has her sutures removed,” Tucker shared.
Finally, the day before Tucker’s birthday, Wink’s sutures came out. She looked wonderful and healthy and was ready to start a new life. Knowing the family was willing to travel so far for the kitten meant so much.
“Some people’s passion and love for the furbabies makes me so happy to know they’re out there. The family will be driving 3 1/2 hours both ways to pick their baby up,” he shared.
“Love you Wink. Safe travels to your furever home,” he shared.
Calvin Tucker AKA Black Noah and Wink the kitten
Wink and a New Brother Bond Instantly
When Wink arrived home, she met a new brother and immediately bonded. They looked like they could be related, two fluffy peas in a pod. It was all meant to be, it seems. Seeing Wink doing so wonderfully was heartwarming for everyone, but most of all for Tucker.
“Wink (left) and brother bond is already special and it’s only been 3 days. This makes me happy. This is why I get up in the morning to do this work for this moment right here. The payoff moment of seeing these babies no longer on the streets.”
A pampered house cat, Wink spends her days relaxing, playing, and offering companionship and love.
“Wink 😉 ❤️”
Wonderfully, the family continues to send updates, which help Tucker keep going with rescue work that never stops.
“Wink is getting so big. Love to see it.”
It’s hard to believe these two cuties aren’t from the same litter. But maybe they were always meant to be together?
“Wink and brother living the life in Tennessee. These updates keep me pushing on,” Tucker shared.
Wink and brother cuddling
Each day is gone in a blink, and Wink is growing up fast, all because of Calvin Tucker and Black Noah’s Ark of compassion for animals
“Look how big Wink has gotten. ❤️❤️❤️😉”
You can follow and support Black Noah on Instagram and Patreon.
