Depression is an extremely dark and lonely place to live and it can be difficult to let anyone in. When Reddit/Imgur user, Derpton89 rescued a deathly ill kitten, caring for him became a complete ray of light in the darkness.
The cat he named Dante was actually depending on him for his very survival. Watching him grow strong gave him a sense of purpose. And even better than that, it gave him a brand new forever friend.
Dante’s mother apparently abandoned her 3 kittens in an alleyway, leaving them cold, sick and very hungry. By the time Derpton came along, Dante’s 2 siblings had sadly passed away and he was critically ill. The young man managed to sneak the kitty into the apartment he shares with his brother until the vet’s office opened the next morning.
Dante could hardly see at all from the infected discharge crusting around his eyes. He was extremely weak from hunger and staggered when he tried to walk. Derpton gave Dante a little bit of food and the fragile creature fell asleep in his arms.
As time went on, Dante proved to be stronger than he appeared. He survived the night and with some fluids and antibiotics from the veterinarian he began to regain his health. After an entire week of treatment, Dante’s eyes began to clear and his appetite began to match that of a growing kitten. He even found his voice again and began to meow!
Day after day, Derpton watched as Dante grew bigger, stronger and heartier. Seeing the once pitiful kitten become active and start to develop his personality delighted him.
Just 3 weeks after Derpton found him huddled in the cold beside his dead siblings, Dante was completely recovered and as playful and mischievous as any kitten his age. He even ended up breaking Derpton’s $200 computer mouse during one of his clumsy adolescent play sessions.
Derpton wasn’t too upset, however. He had come to realize that taking care of Dante was incredibly beneficial for his emotional well-being. Nursing the little kitten back to full health has also helped him heal himself.
The title of his Reddit/Imgur post clearly shows his optimism,
“Meet Dante. He’s rescued me a lot this month from depression after I rescued him. And he’s growing up so fast”!
Derpton has even spoken to his therapist about getting Dante declared an emotional support animal.
They were both lost souls who were searching for a miracle and they each found it in each other. I think we all know the answer to “Who rescued whom?”
How inspiring!
All Photos via Imgur/Derpton89 / H/T: iheartcats.com
