Peter Glaser

I witnessed someone leave this cat behind at the park. I had just finished letting my dog play in the river and was heading back to my car when I noticed another vehicle near the boat ramp. I saw the passenger door open and shut, and then the car quickly backed out and drove off. In the exact spot where it had been, this cat was left behind — pressed low to the ground, completely still, like she was trying to disappear. I put my dog in the car and walked over. She didn’t move, just stared at me with wide, terrified eyes. I gently asked, “Are you okay? Do you need help?” and she immediately started crying out loudly. I crouched down, and within seconds, she slowly came toward me and tucked herself under my legs, still crying. In between her cries, she rubbed her face against me, like she didn’t know whether to be afraid or relieved. Since I had my dog with me, I asked the next person who arrived for help. Together, we took her to a vet to check for a microchip, but there wasn’t one. The vet estimated she was about ten years old. She had fleas, but otherwise, her tests came back normal. She’s incredibly gentle. She let the vet handle her without any aggression — no hissing, no growling — just fear. At home, she’s found a safe spot under the futon in my office, where we’ve set up a bed and litter box for her. It’s only been a few days, but we’ve been able to leave the door open. My other two cats know she’s there and give her space, though they occasionally peek in before running off again. I didn’t catch the license plate of the car that left her, but I’m not sure it would have made a difference anyway. She was terrified, yet she trusted me almost instantly. It breaks my heart that someone could do this to her. But at least I was the one who found her. I’ve taken care of her vet bills, vaccinations, and anything else she needs — and if more comes up, I’ll be there for that too.