Las Vegas, NV—A tiny white kitten, later named Diego, was discovered near Hearts Alive Village animal rescue with a sock wrapped around his injured left ear. The makeshift bandage, stuffed with gauze, suggested someone had tried to help him—only to abandon him near a busy road.
A passerby spotted the 5-week-old kitten in a parking lot and rushed him to the rescue. “He was lucky to be found in time,” said Nikki, an animal rescuer and foster volunteer, who took Diego to a veterinarian for emergency care.
A Fighter From the Start
The vet team shaved Diego’s ear to assess the damage, revealing minor puncture wounds. Though his past remained a mystery, his resilience was undeniable. “He was otherwise healthy—full of energy and a ferocious appetite,” Nikki told Love Meow. After treatment, Diego devoured his first meal with gusto, then unleashed his playful, mischievous personality.
The Great Escape (and a Surprising Discovery)
Nikki set up a secure playpen for Diego, but the daring kitten had other plans. “I came back to find him roaming free—he’d hopped the fence like a little acrobat,” she laughed. Soon, another trait became clear: Diego was deaf. Though he chased toys and meowed normally, he never reacted to sounds.
“That explains why he’s fearless—even the vacuum doesn’t faze him,” Nikki said.
An Unlikely Best Friend
Diego craved companionship and bonded instantly with Bradley, Nikki’s dog. “Bradley usually ignores foster kittens, but she was so gentle with Diego. They started playing right away,” Nikki said. The tiny kitten shadowed the dog, stole her bed, and even “bossed her around,” nuzzling Bradley’s face for attention.
Life as a Spoiled Foster Kid
Between naps in sunbeams and kitty tunnels, Diego “helps” Nikki with chores—including taste-testing her soup. “He’s my nosy coworker,” she joked. His favorite pastime? Sprinting through a crinkly tunnel, likely feeling the vibrations under his paws.
Once a stray fighting for survival, Diego now thrives as a fearless, affectionate companion. Thanks to Nikki’s care, this resilient kitten—who refused to be held back by his rough start—is ready for a loving forever home.
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