The “Real” O’Malley

This is the real life story of O’Malley rescued by my mother Dixie Irvin.

Slowly but cautiously the soon to be momma cat crossed the yard to the open shed door.  Watching from the kitchen window Dixie understood what momma cat was looking for; a safe and comfortable place to have her kittens.  As soon as momma cat left, Dixie had a box and towels sent out to the shed and placed in a corner along with food and water.

Finally the big day arrived and a litter of tiny kittens were born in a shed in El Paso, Texas.  All the kittens appeared healthy and hungry..that is all but one tiny black kitten.  Stumbling around and unable to see due to an infection of the eyes this poor little guy was left to fend for himself.  Dixie’s heart was breaking watching the kitten abandon by his family and left alone in the world. 

Just as I arrived for a visit my first task was to retrieve this adorable little creature and rush him off to the local veternarian.  After all his medical needs were attended to it was time to start the bottle feeding.  Dixie held him and fed him several times a day keeping him in a cat carrier near her at all times.  As the days went by and the kitten thrived I would lay him on my chest while he slept.  He would place a paw on each side of my neck and hold on for dear life.  Needless to say he did not want to be left alone ever again.

My visit had come to an end and it was time for me to head home.  With a tearful look my mother handed the kitten to me and said “please give him a good home.’  A bond was made that to this day will never be broken.  Sgt O’Malley was a war hero and what a better name for a hero who fought the odds and won.  O’Malley a story that had to be told.

Now thirteen pounds and still just as lovable as the day I first held him.  He still pats my neck with his paws.