The Lone Survivor: My Journey as a Rescued Cat

Humans call me Sam!

I used to live in Tunis, the capital of Tunisia. One day, those I used to call family took me for a ride. I was surprised since it was a first. Then, they opened the door, put me on the sidewalk, and left without looking behind.

I found myself in a new neighborhood with more food and fresh water than in what I used to call home. Thus, I felt confused: I couldn’t decide whether my humans had abandoned me or if they were offering me a gift…

The same day, I met my new human, Myriam, and realized she was the guardian angel of all my furry friends and the doggies living in a piece of land behind our corner. 

Oh yes, we communicate with each other! Your species created the distorted biases & rumors, and we have been paying the price as usual!

The abundant food (kibbles, soft food, cooked meals once a week, and even treats) wasn’t the most important part, even though I adored it. It was her unconditional love and consistent care. I couldn’t help but show her my affection and receive her priceless kisses and hugs whenever we met!

At some point, after a few incidents, Mommy was devastated. She couldn’t protect all of us, no matter how hard she tried. Thus, she took four of us to the vet. 

We got vaccinated and neutered. Then, our human drove us all to a new city where we met our caretaker Virginie and many new friends. It was a huge home filled with cats and dogs. I believe humans call it a shelter.

Unfortunately, my friend Mira, terrified of the move, escaped from the first moment… Mommy Myriam couldn’t catch her after chasing her for two long hours before she disappeared into the bushes. She was shattered but had to return to Tunis, where many friends were waiting for her to feed them after a 4-hour trip.

Dina and Kika fell sick. Their immune system was not strong enough to withstand the shelter conditions. Thus, they became inhabitants of Mommy Virginie’s place, a mini shelter. 

A couple of months later, new friends from the former neighborhood in Tunis joined us. I was so happy to see Mommy Myriam again and didn’t miss the chance to show her my excitement! It was great to meet some of my old friends again, too!

Tomi and Kmayra were the first cats our human Myriam took care of, her first stray furbabies. There were also Chams. I remember Mommy used to take him weekly to the vet for three months until he fully recovered from an old physical issue. I didn’t know the fourth friend, Tigrouch. He was likely one of the newcomers.

Sadly enough, none of them stayed in the shelter. It was too late before Mommy Virginie discovered that the couple of workers she entrusted to attend to our needs were imposters. They were behaving as the most caring in front of her while abusing us in her absence.

Many of the shelter residents decided to run away as a result. The news was too hard on Mommy Myriam’s heart… I remember hearing her cry over the phone, telling Mommy Virginie she didn’t feel their energy and wishing she insisted on warning her a little more. 

Moreover, the new workers had played Myriam’s voice, calling every one of the missing friends for at least two weeks without much success.

Appealingly, this wasn’t the end of the tragedies. When Mommy Virginie had to go to France for two weeks to visit family, she left someone in the house to look after everybody in her absence. 

When she was back, the girl informed her that Dina, who wasn’t very social with other cats and preferred moving freely between the house and the outside, left the first day and hadn’t shown up again.

My last friend from the Tunis group, Kika, didn’t make it, either. She was diagnosed with a chronic disease that made her suffer each time she tried to eat. After a couple of months of intensive treatment, Mommy Virginie eventually decided to release her…

You got that right: I am the only survivor of the eight rescues. I am a warrior, but I am tired of sharing food and affection with many friends, including when I am in the house. 

I am eagerly waiting for my forever-loving home, and I promise to shower you with my endless love! It will be the best tribute to my lost friends and the most soothing gift for my Mommy Myriam’s still bleeding heart!

Unfortunately, our very few trustworthy shelters in Tunisia, like the one run by Virginie Dhiab, can’t create miracles and continue their tireless efforts and magnificent commitment to animal welfare alone. 

So, I turn to you, dear compassionate community, for help. Your support, no matter how small, can make an enormous difference. 

Even a $10 donation can change a life and brighten the future for these innocent beings who suffer a miserable existence. Your may support Association Un Coeur sur Pattes جمعية قلب على قوائم here:

IBAN : CH16 0900 0000 1660 9548 0

BIC : POFICHBEXXX

If you can’t contribute financially, please consider sharing far and wide. Your sharing can help us reach more caring souls who can lend their support. Together, we can make a world of difference for these animals. 

THANK YOU for being a part of this incredible journey with us!