Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. (Dec. 24, 2024) – A petite orphan kitty is living out a real-life holiday story at Helen Woodward Animal Center this Christmas Eve. Named Evergreen, for the tree she was hiding in when coyotes attacked and killed her mother and siblings, the tiny feline’s survival is something of a Christmas miracle. The fact that she was found by the Center’s Medical Director Dr. Alexis Siler is even more proof of the magic of the season and a sure sign for the arrival of a blissful New Year.
While many of us would love to wake to the mew of a new kitten under the Christmas tree, Evergreen’s discovery under an unclaimed tree in a Valley Center Christmas tree lot was nothing short of a holiday miracle. Workers at the lot had seen a mother cat and her kittens at various locations around the grounds beginning in mid-November but had been unable to trap them to get them help. At night, the howls of coyotes were a major concern for those trying to keep tabs on the furry family. Tragically, late one evening, staff members reported hearing the coyotes and the cries of the family and knowing their worst fears had been realized.
The holiday season, however, is never short on magic and surprises. On November 29th, Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Veterinary Director Dr. Siler, along with her son and daughter, selected a particular Christmas tree at the Valley Center lot and alerted staff members so that it could be wrapped up for the ride home. As a lot employee helped them pull out the tree, there – underneath the lowest branches – was the tiniest of kittens. Malnourished and suffering from intestinal parasites, the kitten was in desperate need of help… but she was alive!
Dr. Siler immediately contacted the staff at Helen Woodward Animal Center and all hopped into action. Medical exams and treatment, contacting fosters, and getting the kitten necessary fluids and food, topped the list of priorities. Responding to the kittens sweet nuzzles of gratitude, little mews and head butts were just the happy added responsibilities that came with the job.
Evergreen will have a beautiful ending to this heartwarming holiday story. Currently, she is staying with a foster family and has fallen deeply in love with their pet dog. She has quickly learned to play, cuddle and to become the happiest of kittens. She is just over 8 weeks old but is spending a bit of extra time under the Center’s care as she gets up to her proper weight and continues to receive all needed treatment.
Evergreen will be available for adoptions in the New Year. She has tons of love to give and cannot wait to meet her new forever family. For more information on Evergreen, or to adopt Evergreen, please contact the Adoptions Department at: 858-756-4117 ext. 1, visit https://animalcenter.org or stop by at 6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe.
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About Helen Woodward Animal Center
Helen Woodward Animal Center is a private, non-profit organization where “people help animals and animals help people.” Founded in 1972 in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., the Center provides services for more than 90,000 people and more than 10,000 animals annually through adoptions, educational and therapeutic programs both onsite and throughout the community. Helen Woodward Animal Center is also the creator of the International Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption drive, the International Remember Me Thursday® campaign and The Business of Saving Lives Workshops, teaching the business of saving lives to animal welfare leaders from around the world. For more information, go to: https://animalcenter.org.