Abandoned animals of all sizes come to Palmetto Animal League in desperate need of compassion. From a 90-pound dog to a kitten weighing mere ounces, they all have something in common. Each one longs for healing, understanding, and, above all, love. 

That includes tiny kittens like Lilly, who was found lying next to her deceased mother in the bitter cold of January. Lilly was just a couple days old, so we had to act fast to give her the warmth and nourishment she needed to survive. One of PAL’s kindhearted kitten fosters answered our call and showed up within minutes to take Lilly home with her.  

Though small in stature, Lilly had a big will to live. She responded beautifully to her foster mom’s efforts, including naps on a heating pad, frequent bottle feedings, and lots of snuggles. Four weeks later, though still tiny by anyone’s standards, it was clear to us that Lilly had the heart of a lion.     

“She may be small compared to other kittens her age, but she’s plump and eager to eat,” says PAL Foster Coordinator Sally Dawkins. “She’s a spunky girl who loves to play!” 

For an orphaned kitten, even play is a hurdle to overcome. Basic life skills typically passed down from their mother and siblings must be learned, so PAL kitten fosters teach the orphans how to play harmoniously with other cats and people.    

“Orphaned kittens are common during the warmer months,” explains Dawkins. “But Lilly was found in winter, which makes her extra special.”

The world did not deal Lilly a kind hand, but thanks to people like you who support PAL’s no kill rescue programs, we stood ready to give her the gentle, loving, dedicated hand she deserved. 

“Kittens like Lilly often grow to be some of the sweetest cats,” says Dawkins. “Bottle-fed babies actually see humans as their family.” 

Lilly was PAL’s first orphan of the 2021 kitten season, but she is far from our last.  

With your help, PAL will give every spring kitten a great start in life! Shower these precious bundles of joy with all the essentials by donating supplies April 5-15 during PAL’s Virtual Kitten Shower. You can send gifts directly to PAL via Amazon or drop off supplies at the PAL Adoption Center, located at 56 Riverwalk Blvd in Okatie, using the designated bins out front. 

For gift ideas, visit PalmettoAnimalLeague.org. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a difference for helpless kittens like Lilly who prove it’s not one’s size, but the size of one’s heart that matters.

Lindsay Perry
PAL 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!