You Complete Me
Oct 25, 2023
Davey was the runt of his litter, and his front limbs weren’t fully formed. Glenda was born with her back legs not fully formed. They arrived at PAWS within two weeks of each other. And on October 13, they were adopted together!
Both born with congenital deformities, Davey and Glenda only have four fully formed limbs between them. Davey was born with undeveloped front legs and Glenda with undeveloped back legs. And the coincidences just keep on coming.
Both arrived at PAWS as tiny kittens, and within just two weeks of each other. Davey came from Chicago Animal Care and Control along with two healthy siblings. And Glenda was found as a stray by Yesenia Luna, our Senior Community Outreach Coordinator, along with six siblings. Both were underweight, but a few weeks in foster care changed all that.
The kittens had surgical consultations at our state-of-the-art Medical Center, and it was determined the neither would benefit from any kind of operation—they were, otherwise, healthy cats. And they were about to find a home.
PAWS veterinary surgeon Dr. Jennifer Nevis first fell in love with Glenda. And since she was planning on making her home disabled-kitten friendly, she couldn’t help but scoop up Davey as well. On October 13, their adoption was finalized and, today, Glenda and Davey are happier than ever with their adopter, Dr. Nevis.
“Davey’s name stayed the same—I love it and it suits him. He’s full of energy and curiosity. But I did change Glenda's name to Lilliputian Lighteningfoot because she is diminutive and likely to stay that way, and while she's slow in the walking department, she is super-fast with those little front feet. Her friends call her Lily,” says Dr. Nevis.
To make her home easier to navigate, Dr. Nevis has made a few adjustments.
“Davey does better with non-slip surfaces, so I have yoga mats in his typical areas. And Lily can't jump, so I have soft foam stairs she can climb to get on the bed and also near the couch. Playtime is on the bed or couch, so they have the best footing and soft landings when leaping after the string toys.”
Dr. Nevis has also made litterboxes from totes with low-cut entryways and little ramps so it’s easy for the kitties to get in and out. And she makes sure to “set them down on their ‘good’ legs after snuggle sessions.”
But no matter how many similarities they have, Davey and Glenda are still very different cats.
“Davey is a total wild man. He loves to play anytime, anywhere. He loves to jump on the counter and listen to the water run when the dishwasher is on. He loves cell phone images and will sit on my shoulder and watch intently. He loves YouTube bird shows and Antiques Roadshow.”
On the other hand, Glenda (Lily) is a total snuggle-bug.
“She would love to be held and carried around all day. She especially loves sleeping in a basket I keep the dog's stuffed animals in and also on my craft fabrics.”
In the end, it’s clear Glenda and Davey ended up right where they belong.
“I'm so blessed to have these two and that they get along so well. They are bonded just like siblings. They are day and night in personality and activity, but that makes them such a complementary, perfect pair.”