CHICAGO — A 7-week-old kitten rescued during the Chicago Marathon has officially found his forever home after a heartwarming chain of events involving a dedicated runner, a compassionate family, and a no-kill animal shelter.
From Race Sidelines to Loving Home
The tiny white kitten, now named Casper, was spotted by Boston marathoner Sarah Bohan near mile 21 of the race on Sunday. Bohan noticed what she described as a “white fluffy thing” on the sidelines and, with the help of fellow runner Gia Nigro, began searching for someone to take the stray in.
By mile 22, Andrea Maldonado and her family volunteered. “We love pets—I have two cats and a dog already—so I said, ‘OK, what’s one more?'” Andrea told PEOPLE. Bohan, determined to ensure the kitten’s safety, confirmed multiple times that the Maldonados would provide a loving home.
Clean Bill of Health
After the rescue, Casper was taken to PAWS Chicago, where medical director Dr. Emily Yacker gave him a full examination. Weighing just 1 lb. 12 oz., the kitten was slightly underweight but otherwise healthy. He received vaccines, a microchip, and flea and tick prevention.
“He’s very interactive and wants to give you kisses,” Dr. Yacker said. “He really hit the jackpot in terms of finding a family.” Casper will return in two weeks for additional vaccinations and neutering.
A Perfect Match
The Maldonados, whose older cat was also treated at PAWS, quickly bonded with Casper. They named him for his white fur and small black spots on his head.
“We got him home, and our family loves him—our dog loves him too. They’re already best friends,” Andrea said. “We’re going to give him a good home.”
Bohan, who ran the marathon in support of PAWS, later shared the story with the shelter, which posted about the rescue on Instagram. The shelter offered a free vet check to the “kind Samaritan” who took Casper in—leading to the Maldonados being identified.
Casper’s journey from the marathon sidelines to a loving family highlights the power of community and compassion—one tiny “marathon kitten” at a time.
Related topics:
