One day, a kind-hearted resident of Las Vegas stumbled upon a small and helpless kitten outside a home. The sight of other identical kittens nearby filled them with sadness, but they were unable to offer aid as the mother cats were nowhere in sight. The lone infant was in desperate need of care and attention, and the compassionate individual felt a strong urge to help.
When the tiny cat was discovered in front of a Las Vegas residence, it was Nikki Martinez, a dedicated field and overexposure volunteer, who sprang into action to rescue the kitten. Along with her husband, Pule Kotov, Nikki has spent the last decade helping and rescuing furry creatures in need. Even after Pule’s recent cancer diagnosis, they remained committed to dedicating their time and energy to these little creatures.
Nikki recalls the moment when they found the tiny kitten and how fragile she seemed. Despite their worries about her chances of survival, they were determined to do everything they could to help her overcome her challenges.
Rocky, as the kitten was named, was taken in by Nikki and her husband and given the care and attention she desperately needed. They provided her with a comfortable place to rest in a cozy incubator, and made sure she had plenty to eat. Nikki and her husband took turns feeding Rocky around the clock, and even woke up every two hours during the night to check on her. Slowly but surely, Rocky began to gain strength and develop a healthy appetite, and started to grow into a happy and playful kitten.
Pule Kotov, or Daddy Kotov as Rocky came to know him, was always eager to lend a helping hand in taking care of the kitten. He often took over the bottle-feeding duties, and his face lit up every time he held the little furball in his arms. The joy that Rocky brought to their household was immeasurable, and the couple was grateful to have been able to provide her with a safe and loving home.
When Rocky turned 24 days old, she was strong enough to leave her incubator and was transferred to a mini-playpen, where she could stretch her tiny legs and begin to build up her muscles. Curious and playful, the fluffy kitten was fascinated by all the new toys in her playpen and attempted to grab them with her little paws, despite her wobbliness. Rocky loved being pampered and demanded snacks, or rather bottles, throughout the day.
During a critical medical procedure for Papulya Kotov, Rocky proved to be a source of comfort and distraction, requiring all of the foster mother’s attention. Once Papulya was discharged from the hospital, Daddy Kotov was eager to meet his little pride and joy, and insisted on sharing in the parental responsibilities. As Rocky happily downed her bottle, it was an incredible sight to see these two warriors for life encouraging each other.
As time went by, Rocky grew stronger and more self-assured. In just five short weeks, she had transformed into a bold and daring little kitten, fearlessly exploring her surroundings and pushing boundaries. She loved to play and would often engage in mischievous behavior, pouncing on toys and swatting at anything that caught her eye. Daddy Kotov was her favorite playmate, and she would follow him around the house, chasing after his feet and nipping at his toes. Whenever he sat down, she would curl up beside him, purring contentedly and providing him with much-needed comfort and companionship during his recovery.
Despite being bottle-fed for a long time, Rocky eventually learned to feed herself. Nikki and her husband were delighted when they saw her become more independent. Rocky spent most of her time playing and sharpening her feline skills.
Nikki and her husband couldn’t keep Rocky forever, so they started thinking about the best home for her. They wanted to find someone who would love and pamper her as much as they did, and who would give her the best life possible when the time came for her to leave their care.
Nikki affectionately describes Rocky as a one-of-a-kind feline who stands out from all the other cats she has met due to her fierce independence. Despite being the only surviving kitten in her litter, Rocky has been a true blessing for Nikki and her husband, providing them with emotional support during his cancer diagnosis and treatment.
After searching for a few weeks, the guardians have finally found the perfect family for Rocky, and she will be moving into her new home next week. Nikki and Pule’s devotion to protecting and nurturing cats in need for the past decade is truly admirable. They continue to work tirelessly every day, as long as their health allows them to do so. Their unwavering dedication to these furry creatures is a testament to the power of love and care. We can all learn from their selflessness and compassion towards animals in need.