Rescuers named her Ashley, and her condition was nothing short of devastating. Sandi Lawson, one of the rescuers, recalled the heartbreaking moment they found her.
“She was in horrible condition. She wouldn’t have survived much longer.”
The circumstances surrounding Ashley’s condition were deeply unsettling. Animal activists in the area suspected foul play, believing that someone had deliberately poured tar onto the property, fully aware that kittens were there.
“Somebody had come onto this property to pour tar. Likely because they knew there were cats and they didn’t want them around,” Lawson speculated.
The cruelty was unimaginable, but what made Ashley’s case even worse was the extent of her suffering. The tar had sealed her tiny eyes shut, trapping her in complete darkness. It coated her fragile body, leaving her in unbearable distress.
She was rushed to a veterinary clinic, where she required intensive care. Her condition was so severe that she had to be placed in the ICU for 24 hours.
The cost? A staggering $1,700. But the moment Ashley’s story spread, kind-hearted strangers stepped in. Donations poured in from people who couldn’t bear the thought of her suffering alone.
Janice Richard, Ashley’s foster mom at the time, was overwhelmed by the support.
“We were able to raise that money very, very quickly. And not only that, the community has come together for this little one. I have a table full of receiving blankets and food,” she shared.
Despite her trauma, Ashley’s fighting spirit shined through. With each passing day, she grew stronger.
Janice worked tirelessly, using pet-safe soap and mineral oils to gently remove the tar from Ashley’s delicate fur. It was a long, painstaking process.
“Every three hours, I had to take more tar off. It was a huge endeavor. But she’s just a little doll. She’s endured so much, and she’s got a great personality,” Janice said.
As Ashley recovered, it became clear just how lucky she was to have survived. Though she had initially struggled to walk, she slowly regained her strength. With each little step, she proved she wasn’t giving up.
After weeks of care, Ashley was finally in good health. Even her vision, which was feared to be permanently damaged, showed no signs of trouble.
“Her eyes are perfectly clear. I don’t see anything that would give me any indication that there’s a health problem anywhere,” Janice confirmed.
It was finally time for Ashley to find her forever home—and she wouldn’t be going alone. Since the beginning, Janice and the rescue team had insisted that Ashley be adopted with her two siblings, Ty and Vanessa. When their story aired on a local television station, applications flooded in.
Among those who fell in love with Ashley’s story were Gerry and Joanne Drew. The couple had initially wanted to adopt just one kitten, but when they heard about her siblings, they couldn’t bear to separate them.
“My heart just broke. I couldn’t imagine what she had been through. And to see her now, it’s just amazing. I hope we’re going to have a great, long life with all three of them,” Joanne said.
Ashley, once on the brink of death, now had a future filled with love. She thrived in her new home, showered with affection and endless cuddles.
For Janice, saying goodbye was bittersweet. She had poured her heart into Ashley’s recovery, and the little kitten had left an unforgettable mark on her life. But seeing her finally safe, happy, and surrounded by family made it all worth it.
Ashley’s story, which began in cruelty and despair, had transformed into one of hope, resilience, and kindness. Against all odds, she had survived—and she was finally home.