[View Article at Source]By Kelli Ballard “No matter how tall I grow, I still look up to you.” Though the author remains unknown, this quote – or some version of it – has graced the covers of countless…

The formerly “most trusted name in news” outlet CNN made a rare quality decision in August 2022 when they summarily fired “Reliable Sources” misinformation king Brian Stelter for his repeated…

Luigi Mangione’s job in federal lockup is cleaning showers — and he’s a one-man welcoming committee, according to a fellow jailbird.  When Michael Daddea arrived at the Brooklyn Metropolitan…

A cameraman documenting the ongoing Los Angeles riots captured a uniformed sniper pointing a scoped rifle at the crowd below. Ford Fischer, co-founder of the independent media outlet News2Share, posted…

A ten-year-old cat with a heart of gold helped another cat be brave in the most heart-melting way. Cosmic CowboyTailsHighAfter a long trip through rush hour traffic, an orange cat with a cleft nose and thick mats on his back arrived at Tails High, ready for a fresh start.For many years, Cosmic Cowboy, the cat, was severely neglected. When he was found, he was covered in fleas and dirt, desperately in need of love and care. "His matted fur was like nothing we have seen before," Tails High shared.When they brought him to the vet, the staff went the extra mile, staying late to ensure he was comfortable and on his way to recovery. TailsHigh"The masses of filthy hair clumped together with dandruff and flea dirt were weighing him down so much that his balance was off, falling over on his side when attempting to walk and even make biscuits."Cowboy was a champ throughout his initial vet visit. Despite everything he'd endured, he was in good spirits, kneading his blanket as the staff tended to him. They also discovered he had a mild case of cerebellar hypoplasia, but he didn't let that slow him down. TailsHighAfter carrying massive knots that pulled on his skin for years, he felt so relieved to finally be free of them. He even sported a cozy new shirt that kept him warm."Cosmic Cowboy got an awesome haircut and is feeling brand new. This adorable guy will make air biscuits wherever he goes and put a smile on your face. We just adore him." TailsHighOver the months, he saddled up to the good life. His luxurious orange coat grew back, and he blossomed into his own. Then, one day, he met another cat named Bo Peep, who was very shy and could use some of his courage.From that moment on, something beautiful began to unfold. TailsHighPeep came to Tails High with her kittens in tow. While she was a devoted mother, she remained extremely shy around people, often hiding from human contact. "After several months of letting Peep settle, we introduced her to confident friends."Soon, they realized what she needed all along was a big feline brother. Bo Peep and her kittensTailsHighThough all her kittens had found their forever homes, Peep was still on her journey of socialization. Despite her wariness of people, the presence of another cat who adored human companionship gave her the reassurance she needed."She most recently moved in with Cosmic Cowboy, and the two hit it off right away." TailsHigh"10-year-old Cosmic Cowboy and 2-year-old Bo Peep are certainly a unique duo. They get so much joy out of each other's company, cuddling and playing, with Peep finding so much confidence in the big orange wobbly protector she has in Cowboy."She showers him with snuggles and purrs and can now hold her head much higher around people as long as he's close by. They instantly hit it offTailsHighCowboy has been showing Peep that humans aren't so bad by demonstrating how much he enjoys affection from his foster mom. Slowly but surely, his confidence is rubbing off on her.With no more hiding, Peep now follows Cowboy everywhere, joining him on all his adventures. Best of friendsTailsHigh"Unexpected friendships are so fun to experience in fostering. It's truly heartwarming to see how kitties from different backgrounds and experiences come together and find each other in a foster home." TailsHighShare this story with your friends. More on Cosmic Cowboy, Bo Peep, and Tails High on Instagram and Facebook.Related story: Shy Cats Depend on Each Other Their Whole Lives Meet Person Who Comes Back to Shelter Just for Them

Tiny squeaks led a person to a cat and her kittens under a shed, and their lives took a turn for the better. AngelFosterKittenMamaLast month, a community member heard what sounded like kittens crying outside and decided to investigate.She followed the tiny squeaks to a shed and was stunned to discover a cat and her newborn kittens nestled beneath it. Though a bit nervous, the mother was sweet and friendly, as if she sensed she was being helped."Thankfully, the finder was able to crawl under and grab all of them out and keep them safely in her garage," Heidi Shoemaker, the founder of Foster Kitten Mama, shared. She was found with her newborn kittens under a shedFosterKittenMamaThe rescuer reached out to Heidi for help, and after a few days of preparation, the family of seven moved into their foster home, leaving the streets behind."I'm so thankful they will be safe and sound, their lives forever changed." FosterKittenMamaThe cat, Angel, was understandably scared, but the soothing voice of her foster mom and plenty of good food quickly put her at ease. She settled into her new nest layered with soft blankets while her six babies nursed contentedly.Two of the kittens have beautiful calico markings, and the other four are adorable Siamese mixes, just like their mom. FosterKittenMamaWith daily pampering and room service, Angel warmed up to her foster mom and began to look forward to her visits.Thanks to the rescuer, the kittens were safe indoors shortly after birth. Within days of settling into foster care, they grew healthy, round bellies and hit every developmental milestone right on schedule. FosterKittenMamaLailah, the tiny calico, was the runt of the litter, but what she lacked in size, she made up for with attitude and grit. Her sister Ariel, also a calico, was her opposite in spirit: sweet, gentle, and always ready for a snuggle.Lailah was fiercely determined, often scrambling over a pile of siblings to claim the best nursing spot. Ariel and LailahFosterKittenMamaThe four remaining kittens resemble baby polar bears. Three (Gabriel, Raphael, and Michael) are boys, and one (Muriel) is a girl.At four weeks old, the kittens were eager to break out of their nest and explore. Lailah, the tiniest yet most spirited of the bunch, could hardly wait—she was already trying to scale the side of the box on her own. MichaelFosterKittenMamaAngel has come a long way since being rescued with her last litter. Now, she purrs the moment she hears her foster mom's voice and walks right up for head snuggles.Once her kittens were out of the nest, she joined them in their upgraded space, filled with toys, scratching posts, and cozy blankets. FosterKittenMamaCurious, the kittens explored every corner, sipping water from a bowl and nibbling on their mom's food. They were fascinated by the training litter, waddling around and keeping their mom on her toes.After a bit of adjustment, Angel settled happily into her new routine and even started to play. FosterKittenMamaShe was obsessed with the ball toy from the scratcher and played with it so much that she eventually knocked it off. "I'm just so happy to see her enjoying herself."Angel and her babies are thriving, and whenever she gets a moment to herself, she's rediscovering her inner child. Angel and LailahFosterKittenMamaAs the kittens grow more independent over the next few weeks, Angel will be inching closer to becoming the pampered queen she was always meant to be. FosterKittenMamaShare this story with your friends. More on Angel, her kittens, and Foster Kitten Mama on Instagram@fosterkittenmama and Facebook.Related story: Cat is Thankful When Person Takes Her Family in, She Even Allows Their Gentle Canine to Kitten-sit

Kind-hearted people helped a young cat regain the use of his leg and then watched him spring back on his own before his eyes. BakerBestFriendsFelinesBaker, an orange tabby kitten, arrived at Best Friends Felines (a cat rescue), hoping for a better life.Remarkably, he had managed to survive with a severely injured leg for quite some time before being rescued. "They believe it is an old break, and while not much is known about his past, it doesn't seem to have broken his sweet and loving spirit," Best Friends Felines shared.The rescue believed he would need surgery to fix his broken leg, but little did they know the kitten had other plans. He came to the rescue with an injured legBestFriendsFelines"Baker is incredibly affectionate and just wants to be loved on 24/7. He is doing the best he can to be a fun-loving kitten despite his injury."After thorough exams with two veterinarians, they decided to "postpone surgery for a few more weeks, then re-assess what the best course of action is for his long-term comfort as he grows." BestFriendsFelinesBaker, who acted as if nothing was wrong, lived each day to the fullest. He soaked up all the extra attention, whether at the vet or at home. He was moving around well, building strength in his leg, and showing no signs of discomfort.As adventurous as he was, his foster mom monitored him closely to ensure he didn't overexert himself. He loves curling up on his foster momBestFriendsFelines"He's happy curling up on his foster mom's lap or snoozing the day away in his own space."With each passing day, Baker's leg grew stronger, and his mobility improved. Once he got the green light to roam the house, he immediately made himself at home, following his humans like their most loyal companion. BestFriendsFelinesHe explored every inch he could reach, zipping around and bringing endless laughter to the household. "Baker seems to be bucking the trend set by ginger kittens before him and is showing strong signs of brain cell activity. He's a very clever, funny, and affectionate little man."He met Irwin, his foster brother, who warmly took him under his wing. "The pair have become fast friends and are pretty much inseparable." Baker and IrwinBestFriendsFelines"Baker came into care just over a month ago with a badly broken femur, and last week, we received confirmation from one of our partner vets that he is still healing up nicely and shouldn't need surgery."He has amazed everyone with his resilience and continues to fill the house with joy and entertainment. He's healed up nicely and shouldn't need surgeryBestFriendsFelines"Baker is such a happy little man with an endless purr, excellent manners, and a heart full of love for everyone and everything."He always wants to be in the thick of the action—scaling every post within sight, basking in the sun to recharge, and trailing his foster mom around as her most adorable assistant. BestFriendsFelinesAfter a day full of adventures, he nestles up with his humans and dozes off in their arms. "He will make the perfect companion for one very lucky family, and we feel blessed to have been part of his journey." Happy and lovedBestFriendsFelinesBaker arrived at the rescue with an injured leg, but thanks to a loving foster family, he bounced back like a champ.Now, he runs freely and has a feline buddy with whom he shares all his adventures. BestFriendsFelinesShare this story with your friends. More on Baker and Best Friends Felines on Instagram and Facebook.Related story: Two Stray Cats Have Been with Each Other for Years Finally Experience Home Together for the First Time

A cat is giving her all at a vet clinic, trying to get herself noticed until she has a place she can call home. Dolly MonroeSparkle Cat RescueDolly Monroe, a delightful cat named after Dolly Parton and Marilyn Monroe, arrived at a veterinary clinic, eager for a fresh start.She had been wandering the streets, fending for herself, until an independent rescuer stumbled upon her. The friendly stray made her case by walking up to the rescuer as if she'd been waiting for this moment her entire life.Upon arriving at the vet clinic, Monroe was thrilled to receive attention and care and finally enjoy a full meal. She was rescued from the streets and brought to a vet clinic for a new startSparkle Cat RescueEstimated to be 1-2 years old, Monroe was about the size of a teenage cat. She adored attention as much as she loved food, eagerly trailing the staff and always ready to lend a paw. "She is the sweetest girl and very social, too friendly to live life outside as a colony cat," Sparkle Cat Rescue shared.Monroe was happy and spirited, strutting around with her tail held high. Grateful to be safe indoors, she never looked back. She was eager for attention and always ready to lend a pawSparkle Cat RescueSparkle Cat Rescue was contacted to help Monroe find her forever home. While they searched for the perfect match, Monroe stayed at the vet's office, charming the staff with her purrs and snuggles and soaking up all the love they offered.She even "supervised" them in the storage area, making sure the food and supplies were fully stocked. Sparkle Cat RescueShe claimed her favorite perch by the window, watching little critters while basking in the warm sunlight. Over time, she blossomed into a gorgeous cat with her signature beauty marks and captivating gemstone green eyes. As days turned into weeks and weeks into months, Monroe patiently waited for the right family to find her. Sparkle Cat RescueAfter living at the clinic for a year, she knows everyone and their routines by heart. She's become the highlight of their day, greeting them with her best looks, soft purrs, and joyful roly-polies.She loves being the center of attention but happily shares the spotlight with other cats at the clinic. She is always ready for a new adventure with her feline friends. She's been living at the clinic for a yearSparkle Cat RescueWhenever someone walks by, she flops onto her back, hoping to catch their eye. With a hint of a smile on her face, she delights everyone she meets, often reaching out a paw for extra attention.Monroe has been a star at the clinic, bringing sunshine to all who cross her path. Sparkle Cat RescueAfter a year of indoor life, she has filled out nicely and come into her own. While she has enjoyed her time helping out at the clinic, she's now ready to begin a new chapter in a place she can truly call her own."She's a silly, playful girl who loves lounging in the window hammock seat." She wears a "smile" on her faceSparkle Cat RescueFrom the moment Monroe approached her rescuer, her life was forever changed. Now, she's thriving and smiling every day, doing what she does best: bringing joy to those around her. Sparkle Cat RescueShare this story with your friends. More on Dolly Monroe (in NC) at Sparkle Cat Rescue on Instagram and Facebook.Related story: Cat Shows Up Outside Someone's Door with Her Kittens, Ends Up Finding a Place of Her Own

Two small cats showed up in a parking lot, keeping each other close the entire time until help arrived. Osslet and ArbokChatons Orphelins MontrealWhen Chatons Orphelins Montreal learned about two malnourished, orphaned cats in need, they didn't hesitate to take them in.Police officers from SQ Mont-Laurier noticed the pair wandering in their parking lot without a mother in sight and quickly sprang into action. After getting both kittens settled inside, they sought further help for them."They were just skin and bones, underdeveloped for their age, likely from being without their mother for so long," the rescue shared. They were found in a parking lot without a mother in sightChatons Orphelins MontrealWith the help of a volunteer, the two were transported to the rescue, where they could receive the care they needed. "Osslet, the smaller of the two with the darker muzzle, weighed only 325 grams, while his brother, Arbok, weighed 540 grams."They were so hungry that they plunged their paws into their food as they ate. They were underweight and very hungryChatons Orphelins MontrealJust 24 hours after their rescue, they had already gained plenty of strength and put on a healthy amount of weight."It gave them a solid start. The two brothers are true fighters. As soon as they arrived, they sought human contact, almost as if searching for their mom. They cuddled up and found warmth and comfort with their foster family." Chatons Orphelins MontrealWith full bellies and a surge of energy, their curious and adventurous spirits came to life. They explored every corner of the room together, never letting each other out of sight."They rely on each other emotionally. They are drawn to anything that moves, with feathers and springs being their absolute favorites." They made themselves right at homeChatons Orphelins MontrealThey are growing by leaps and bounds, blossoming into loving and delightfully mischievous young cats. "They've made themselves right at home with other cats in the house and love snuggling up and snoozing on us."The brothers are inseparable, like two peas in a pod—Osslet is a daring explorer, while Arbok is an affectionate cuddle bug. OssletChatons Orphelins Montreal"They follow each other everywhere, racing around like tiny whirlwinds. Endearing and playful, they can transform any place into a playground."Once they've played to their hearts' content, they love nothing more than curling up with their people. They often nestle side by side on their human's chest or around their neck before drifting off to sleep. They go on adventures togetherChatons Orphelins Montreal"Whether we're watching TV, taking a nap, or heading to bed, they come right to us, cuddly and purring like little tractors. They thrive on their daily dose of love and playtime, which helps burn off some of their boundless energy.""They enjoy the company of other cats and seek them out for snuggles and a bit of grooming." They are completely inseparable, like two peas in a podChatons Orphelins MontrealThe bonded brothers are never far apart. They share the same toys, embark on the same adventures, sleep in the same bed, and cuddle with their people at the same time.There's rarely a moment they aren't together. Chatons Orphelins MontrealOsslet and Arbok are flourishing in foster care and will never have to roam the streets or go hungry again.They have an abundance of toys to keep them entertained, feline friends to romp with, and caring humans who make them feel loved. Chatons Orphelins MontrealShare this story with your friends. More on Osslet, Arbok, and Chatons Orphelins Montreal on Instagram and Facebook.Related story: Cat Shows Up for Food, But She's Unlike the Others, Once Indoors, She Lets Her True Self Shine

A cat left out on the street was taken into a home, where the resident cats helped him learn to trust. Dilly and CalvinGreenpoint CatsDilly was once a bodega cat, but when the store closed, he was forced out of his home. He was later seen seeking refuge under cars and crying at the door of the closed bodega.When two local animal rescuers heard about Dilly, they stepped in to help. They found him cowering under a car, too frightened to enter a carrier, so they set a humane trap and waited patiently until he was safely rescued.Dilly was understandably shaken by the ordeal, but behind those fearful eyes was a gentle soul longing for love. Greenpoint CatsGreenpoint Cats took him in and provided a foster home where he could start socializing and rebuilding his confidence. Dilly showed signs of having been around humans as a kitten, but after being left to fend for himself, he became wary of people."Dilly (short for Dilemma) was probably born inside the bodega but received minimal human attention as he spent more and more time outdoors," Greenpoint Cats shared. Greenpoint CatsHe shied away from being petted and would run off whenever anyone came near. Genevieve, a volunteer with a soft spot for timid cats, opened her heart and her home to Dilly.For a while, his ears stayed flattened back in "airplane mode" whenever he was around people. Greenpoint CatsGenevieve made it her mission to win Dilly over. Noticing his love for food, she hoped it would be the key to his heart. Though still very shy, Dilly would watch his foster mom from a distance, especially around feeding time.He would ask for seconds, even if he had just eaten an hour before. "He won't let me touch him, but he clearly likes me or at least my food," Genevieve shared. Greenpoint CatsMeanwhile, Genevieve noticed something remarkable in the way Dilly responded to her resident cats, especially Calvin.Dilly lit up at the sight of his feline friends. His tail rose, and his whiskers relaxed. He approached them with the gentlest snuggles, leaning in with lovey eyes as if seeking affection in return. Greenpoint CatsCalvin welcomed Dilly with open paws, letting him share his space and curl up beside him for naps. Dilly melted into Calvin when he groomed him, finding comfort in his new friend. With the help of the resident cats, Dilly slowly learned to trust.Finally, for the first time, Dilly accepted petting from his foster mom, but only while he was eating. Greenpoint CatsSeeing the other cats interact with Genevieve reassured Dilly that she meant well. With Calvin by his side, he constantly sought out snuggles and gradually lowered his guard around his foster mom.At one point, feeling completely relaxed, he rolled onto his back, subtly inviting his foster mom to give him a gentle pet. Greenpoint CatsHe scooted closer to Genevieve, his back wide open. But as soon as she snuck in a few pets, he pulled away in surprise, looking at her with wide eyes. He didn't run away this time, showing real progress.Dilly loves his toys and plays until he tires out, then joins his feline pals for a group nap. Greenpoint Cats"Thanks to a patient foster (and two friendly resident cats), Dilly is learning that people aren't (usually) so bad. We need more fosters who are willing to work with shy cats and kittens. It is a hugely rewarding experience and can truly save a life," Greenpoint Cats addedRecently, Dilly decided to let his foster mom pet him without needing a food bribe, and he even began to enjoy it. Greenpoint CatsDilly has come a long way since being rescued. From the moment he arrived, Genevieve recognized the gentle soul behind his shy exterior and knew he'd warm up to her someday.Now, he's learning to enjoy being petted. He even purrs and slow-blinks affectionately at his foster mom. Greenpoint CatsShare this story with your friends. More on Dilly on Instagram@itsthedailydilly and Greenpoint Cats @greenpoint_cats.Related story: They Give Two Kittens Home But Then Realize There's One More and Return to Complete the Trio