Friday JohnKu – AKA – Fri-Yay/Good News

~ John W. Howell

Today’s good news is about an endangered species in Scotland.

This story appeared on the Good News Network and is duplicated here in its entirety.

A man who found a tiny kitten buried in snow thought it was a lost cat—only to find it was one of the most endangered mammals in Europe.

SWNS

32-year-old chef Pete MacNab was out for a walk in Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park with his baby son and a friend.

They spotted a group of sheep circling something. As they drew closer, the animals scattered, revealing a tiny tabby kitten lying in the snow in rural Dava Way.

SWNS

The feline was unable to get on its feet. It looked freezing and its coat was all matted with snow. Not wanting to leave the creature in difficulty, Pete’s friend, Piotr, carried it the three miles back to town. He noted its claws were like “miniature razors,” and the pair joked that the little creature must be a Scottish wildcat: a rare species known to live in the Highlands.

After it was left at the vets on Wednesday, Pete began posting on local Facebook groups but no owner came forward.

Piotr and his partner began planning to get a cat bed and re-home the kitten—which they’d named Huntleigh.

But, the following day, the vet confirmed a specialist had in fact identified the wee tabby as a Scottish wildcat.

There are only around 100 to 300 of the species left. The only wild member of the cat family in the UK, it’s also one of the most endangered mammals in Europe.

Because of their bond with the kitty, Peter and Piotr have since begun a fundraiser to raise money for a charity helping other wildcats—which has raised more than £5,000 ($6,800) so far.

SWNS

Peter’s now been contacted by the Royal Zoological Society, which is part of the breeding program, to say the campaign has happily boosted their fundraising, too.

If you’d like to donate to the GoFundMe these friends have started on behalf of Huntleigh, just head to this link.

The Good News here is money is being raised as a result of finding and rescuing one little kitten that will go to help restore the endangered species.

Today’s JohnKu talks about accidental discovery that leads to great things. I hope you have a great weekend.

Chance by John W. Howell © 2022

A small kitten found,

Unravels a mystery. . .

That saves a species.

83 thoughts on “Friday JohnKu – AKA – Fri-Yay/Good News”

  9. What a beautiful story, John. I hope you’re able to find follow-up information as the kitten grows into a cat. Thank you for this extra sunshine today. 💗

    Liked by 3 people

  19. Perfect and beautiful haiku to go with this surprising tale. How glad am I that they decided to bring the kitten to the vet and this discovery was made!
    Happy Friday to you, John!

    Liked by 2 people

  20. Good story John. It makes me wonder if the raising of sheep has disrupted the natural habitat and caused the decline of the wildcats. It is not like much else it going on out there.

    Liked by 2 people

  21. Aw, how sweet (even though I’m not a “cat person”!) How wonderful that they found this wee one, who now has another life to live, contributing to the furtherance of its species.

    Liked by 2 people

  27. This story made me a little weepy, Boss, I ain’t gonna lie. The cosmos worked their crazy beautiful magic for this meeting to occur, and now a cause has been borne as a result.

    Thank you for this wonderful piece.

    Liked by 2 people

  30. That’s an amazing story, John! And another part of it I found interesting were the sheep who actually alerted the men to the kitten. Great JohnKu! Thank you for sharing!

    Liked by 2 people

  32. Many things intrigue me, John. First seeing the two chaps in that pic, only the one on the right can be Piotr. He’s just made for that name. Second is how do you find stories about my back yard that I don’t see? I never read about happy endangered species stories from Texas (unless abortion practitioners count). And I doubt any one will actually bond with kitty. His instincts will be to get free at all costs. Those claws… still I will now go and see if my local feeds carry this little story

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Since my mother was a Scot, stories about her roots are always interesting to me. Yes, good news stories in Texas are hard to find. Of course, I ran one last week about turtle rescues but I get your point. Good luck on your search and if you turn something up I would love to hear about it. Thanks, Geoff.

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    1. Thank you, Betsy. It is always nice when you visit. I normally have cookies but all I have left is this bourbon. 🥃 Yeah it’s 18 years old but I have to say it’s just not like a warm cookie.

      Liked by 1 person

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