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Best Friends Animal Society
5001 Angel Canyon Road
Kanab, UT 84741
Roasted Peanut
My good friend, Laura, in New Jersey has for years been a volunteer with the FRIENDS OF HOMELESS ANIMALS (FOHA).
Recently, she took over the duties from other volunteers when she heard about a little kitten who was burned over 50 percent of its little body. His ears were terribly burned and he was left without whiskers. His belly and front two paws were badly burned as well as the inner thighs and arms.
To put it in the words of Laura, this little kitten was "peeled off" a Trenton, New Jersey street and taken to a Trenton shelter where he was to be euthanized.
FOHA rescued him from death row and brought him to a veterinarian who proved medications and instructions.
The organization sent out alert notices asking for caretakers and so the story goes, Laura with her endless amount of love took on another project.
She uses her sewing room which she calls the ICU Burn Unit in her house. Keep in mind she has her own two cats, a dog and a husband to care for as well as a full time job.
She aptly named the kitten (Roasted) Peanut. Some of the burns are severe, third degree. As if that wasn't bad enough the cat was emaciated. Who would do such an evil thing to an innocent creature.
It's been barely a week and already Peanut's whiskers are growing back, the sores are draining and she is quite active, even playing with Laura's dog, Daisy.
This is the story of two determined and triumphant creatures, a volunteer and her charge, little Roasted Peanut. I should also mention Laura's friend and neighbor, Joan, aka Nurse Wilma was also a part of this rescue operation.
Laura never turns down a challenge. She has told me stories of other rescues, including taking in a pregnant cat into her home and delivering five kittens with Wilma and got them all adopted.
Peanut is a testament to perseverance and can teach us humans all a lesson. No matter how badly we are hut, emotionally or physically, we can bounce back with a little TLC.
Peanut lets Laura bathe him without a fuss and after his bath he curls up on her chest and falls asleep purring. His ears are healing, whiskers growing back, sores healing, he is trusting and playful.
Laura and Wilma are examples of what is so badly needed in this world. Caring people who make a difference and make this a better world. I don't know Joan personally, but I am proud to call Laura my friend.
Next time you have a little ache or pain think of Roasted Peanut and all he has endured in his young life. He will no doubt make someone a great companion for years to come.
It's comforting knowing that this story has a happy ending!
Wendy Taylor, Tampa, Fla.
