The cruelty of a few bad apples to animals is just inconceivable. But the heroism of those who respond to it never fails to give us hope. When a man from New York witnessed a horrific act of abuse to a tiny kitten, he had only seconds to react. Despite putting himself in a dangerous position, he acted fast and then went out of his way for a kitten later named Paradise.
Someone Tossed the Kitten Out of a Moving Car
Joseph Logiudice was driving down a busy three-lane East-West Arterial in Poughkeepsie and came to a stop. The area is known locally for its share of traffic shenanigans and hazards, such as drivers running red lights.
Image via Google Maps/WRRV
But on this day, something truly horrible happened. Suddenly, a driver threw a tiny, defenseless tabby kitten from their window, where it landed in the middle of the lane!
Logiudice knew he had to do something, as the drivers around him weren’t reacting. Maybe they didn’t see the tiny kitten there. Either that, or they didn’t want to take action. What would you do in such a situation? It wasn’t a question for him.
“I’m not sure if nobody else noticed or just didn’t care, but I couldn’t live with watching such a small, helpless creature get run over,” Logiudice said. “It wasn’t even a decision; I just acted because I knew I could help.”
Images via Dutchess County SPCA/People/Joseph Logiudice with his dog
Jumping from the car, he quickly grabbed the kitten and put her in the car. But that’s where the story gets a little comical!
The Kitten Vanished Into the Dashboard!
Safely in the car, the tiny 5-week-old kitten, later named Paradise, (Purradise?) wasted no time getting into more trouble! At just over a pound, she was small enough to get into any opening and managed to disappear into an opening in the dashboard. It was as if she had vanished altogether, leaving the rescuer in a state of disbelief.
“I started to think I was crazy and had imagined the whole thing,” he said.
Who do you go to get help for a kitten that has disappeared into your dashboard? Logiudice decided the best bet would be the nearby Dutchess County SPCA, where they could hopefully coax the kitten from her hiding place with food. It was either that or he’d have to dismantle his car, he joked.
The kitten hiding in the dashboard reminds us of “the original dashboard cat,” Rory from Rory to the Rescue (see the viral video below).
Purradise By the Dashboard Light
Thankfully, the rescue was less than fifteen minutes away. After Logiudice arrived, the rescuers began searching for Paradise. However, she was not making things easy for them! It took over 30 minutes to get the kitten to come out of hiding. She was firmly entrenched, it seemed, but eventually, she emerged into the light. And what a cutie she is!
That’s when they gave her the name after “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” by Meatloaf.
The Heroic Rescue Changed Many Lives
After the rescue shared the story, the heroic rescue was featured in PEOPLE and made news nationwide. Logiudice was hailed as a hero in Poughkeepsie, and the DCSPCA praised his quick thinking to save the kitten.
“We’re so grateful for Joseph’s quick actions in saving Paradise,” DCSPCA Executive Director Lynne Meloccaro said in a statement. “It’s hard to imagine anything more terrifying and dangerous for a little kitten than being dropped onto a busy roadway. Because of Joseph, Paradise now knows the love and protection she, and every animal, deserves.”
On social media, many expressed interest in adopting the kitten. However, the 1-pound Paradise still has some growing to do in her foster home. When she reaches 2 pounds and is spayed, she’ll be ready to bring joy and companionship to a family for a lifetime.
“When Joseph Logiudice saw a kitten tossed onto the busy East-West Arterial in Poughkeepsie, he didn’t think, he just acted. Thanks to Joseph, who immediately scooped up the kitten and brought her to the DCSPCA, she is now safe and will find the loving home she deserves,” they shared.
Update: On July 8, 2024 the Dutchess County SPCA shared that Paradise had found her furever family!
If you’re looking to adopt a kitten or cat like Paradise in the Poughkeepsie area, you can find out more at the Dutchess County SPCA’s website, Facebook, and Instagram.
Paradise with added scene of paradise for fun via Pixabay.
Please consider adopting a wonderful adult cat. Despite being purrfect, they usually have much longer waits to find a home.
Dutchess County SPCA adult cats looking for homes via their website
