Many pets come to Palmetto Animal League having suffered tremendous heartbreak. It’s our job, and our greatest honor, to help them mend and start a new life filled with joy. But sometimes, our compassion and kindness can only help so much. Sometimes the healing process is better understood by two souls going through the same thing. That’s when pets like Birdie and Bonfire rescue one another. 

At six years old, Bonfire’s world was turned upside down. He lost his home and soon after his beloved sibling. To say he was heartbroken was an understatement. This grief-stricken cat did the only thing he could. He cried. Then came Birdie. This 3-month-old kitten was found in a fast-food parking lot frightened and alone. When Birdie and Bonfire’s paths crossed, a spark of hope began to shine around the edges of their cruel reality. 

“It’s clear that they rescued each other,” says PAL Volunteer Lori Higgins. 

When we heard their story, we knew they needed a second chance at life… together. So, we rescued the bonded pair from a shelter north of our area that euthanizes for space.

“It made my heart smile to see how they comforted each other in a strange, new setting, filled with unfamiliar smells and sounds,” says Higgins. “Their bond was strong and clear to see.”

Once safely at PAL, our staff and volunteers got to see first-hand just how much Birdie and Bonfire depended on each other.   

“They found a forever friend during their darkest hours,” explains PAL Development and Events Coordinator Sally Dawkins. “At PAL, they were usually found cuddled up in their cozy cat box purring up a storm. And when young Birdie had her playful moments, Bonfire watched contently from his spot.” 

Birdie and Bonfire quickly captured our hearts at PAL, and we were beyond thrilled when they were adopted together. 

With kitten season right around the corner, more orphaned kittens like Birdie and dozens of litters of newborns will come pouring into PAL’s No Kill Adoption Center. Please help us provide spring kittens with all the essentials and a great start in life. Visit PalmettoAnimalLeague.org and click on Kitten Shower to send supplies directly to PAL via Amazon or bring a gift to our Kitten Shower Saturday, March 9 from 12pm-2pm at the PAL Adoption Center, located at 56 Riverwalk Blvd in Okatie. Guests will enjoy refreshments, kitten themed activities for kids, and a chance to explore volunteer opportunities with kittens!  

Your special Kitten Shower gift, donated online or in person, will help homeless kittens grow healthy and strong as they prepare for adoption. 

Lindsay Perry, Palmetto Animal League Marketing Coordinator

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Thank you to our Partners in Rescue, The Bluffton Sun and The Hilton Head Sun for being beacons of compassion and hope for homeless pets in our community. Please show your support for these local animal loving businesses!