Brave Heart: The Slugger/Duncan Story
by Toni Black, Hearts & Paws

Although many rescues and adoptions warm our hearts, nothing will ever come close to the lovely story of brave little "Slugger." We're sure you'll agree that his is a one-in-a-million inspirational story!

The heat index is 110. There is a small, unidentifiable lost soul staggering erratically along the road, tripping over weeds, cans and rocks. Upon closer observation, it is no larger than a mouse; but it's not a mouse. It's a kitten — a dehydrated, starving, sick kitten. His eyes are filled with mucus; no wonder he is staggering. The pads on his little paws are cut. Who knows how long he has been searching for relief — the sun and heat have been unforgiving for days. A kindly stranger picks him up and he is given to Marian Kaplan, who brings him to Hearts & Paws.

Duncan and Fozzie

Upon arrival, he is gasping for breath and is given an antibiotic. We bathe the poor creature to remove the tar and ticks from his fur. He has a severe upper respiratory infection, so we take him to Dr. Rosenberg's. The vet visit brings more unwelcome news — the kitten weighs a mere 5 oz., but he is 8 weeks old. And little Slugger is blind.

There was little chance that poor Slugger would make it through the night, but he'd beaten the odds so far and we wanted to give him every chance we could. We take turns staying up with him-bottle feeding him and wiping his face and eyes, which are still oozing. After a few hours of TLC his breathing is less labored. Next morning, even though he is emaciated, he showed such a strong will to live that we just know he'll make it!

The next few weeks are a rollercoaster for our boy. The low was when his white blood cell count was 0. The high was when, despite being blind, he ran into the kitchen for his first communal meal. With nutritious food, he gains weight and we celebrate every ounce! His black and silver classic tabby stripes are becoming more pronounced.

Duncan and his brother

During one of our many trips to the vet, an employee expressed an interest in adopting Slugger. At first we were doubtful, but when Betty brought her husband, Bob, to visit, we knew they were the ones. Parents from Heaven! The decision was made, and Slugger (now Duncan) would have a Mom and Dad, two brother cats, and two brother dogs.

Duncan's adoption was initially very difficult for us, but we soon became joyful with Betty's daily updates and photos. We also visit Duncan when he "works" at the vet office.

Three months of loving care later, Duncan weighs a robust 6 lbs., in part due to the grooming and care of his brother Fozzie, a 16-year-old border collie mix. Thank you Betty and Bob for providing such a wonderful loving home!

Duncan and his brother

Fast forward one year... Fozzie has passed on. Duncan, now a extra robust 15 lbs., has a new companion — Pebbles, a blind cockapoo, rescued from a local shelter. Both Duncan and Pebbles enjoy their family's annual Halloween Party and love meeting new people and helping themselves to whatever treat??fall on the floor. Duncan now has a job teaching Pebbles to do stairs which is not an easy task since Pebbles thinks she can fly. They spend their days in the sun, bathing each other.

Duncan is inducted into the Animal Hall of Fame!

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