In a heartwarming rescue effort, residents of Hell’s Kitchen rallied together to save a bodega cat named Leila, who was found abandoned for over five weeks in a closed deli. Tiff Winton and Ben Lagman, among others, took action after spotting Leila meowing in distress near a window at Citra Gourmet Deli on Tenth Avenue near West 45th Street.
Winton described Leila’s rescue as a journey from “rags to riches,” as the neighbors coordinated efforts to contact the shop owner and secure the cat’s release from the derelict deli basement. The concerned residents noted the dire conditions Leila faced, including broken glass and no regular care besides occasional visits from the owner to feed her.
“She was meowing incessantly. She was starving,” Winton recounted. “There were empty cat food cans all over the store, a bed in a cold weird basement, she was totally dehydrated.”
Through their collective efforts and the cooperation of the bodega owner, Leila was safely retrieved on Monday. Remarkably, despite her ordeal, Leila cooperated calmly during the rescue, almost seeming to understand she was being saved.
Following her rescue, Lagman decided to adopt Leila, giving her a new home where she quickly adjusted to a life of comfort. “Now the cat is lying on Ben’s bed watching television,” Winton shared. Lagman, moved by Leila’s transformation from fearful to affectionate, has since considered renaming her “Deli” to commemorate her past.
The community effort didn’t end with the rescue; Lagman launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Leila’s ongoing care, underscoring the neighborhood’s commitment to ensuring Leila’s well-being after her challenging ordeal.
This heartening tale highlights the power of community and compassion in rescuing animals in need, giving Leila a second chance at a loving and secure life.
