Almost purrfect ending for Poppy
It could well have been a catastrophe, but the remarkable tale of Poppy the cat has an almost purrfect ending.
Noelle Spollen contacted the Westmeath Examiner about the good deeds of a number of people who helped out on the unlucky moggie’s adventures.
“My daughter found a kitten in distress with netting wrapped around her neck but in particular her leg and paw,” Noelle said. “She was calling out and was eventually set free by my daughter. She had a considerable amount of damage to her leg, so we contacted the vet on call and met with the vet in Kinnegad.”
After an assessment by the vet, some long acting antibiotics and pain relief the wayward feline was released into the Spollens’ care: “On the way home we stopped at the shop in Rhode. When I came out I threw a bag of sweets up on the dash and the kitten jumped out of my daughter’s arms - unfortunately she went up into the dash in my car.”
An exhaustive search, with the assistance of a helpful passer-by, failed to find the kitten: “After some time looking, we decided that she must have got out when the door was open unbeknownst to us, as she was not making any sound.
“We were concerned, as she was injured, and we looked all around the shop. I decided to put a post on Facebook asking if anyone had seen her around the shop, but to no avail. We asked the staff in the shop and they were very helpful and said if they saw her, they would contact us. That was Sunday. On Monday I went to Dublin, driving.
“On Tuesday around 12.30pm, I was driving home and I heard faint cries. To my delight, but turning to worry, the kitten had been in the car all along. Two days without a sound. The medication the vet gave her must have settled her. The worry was that she was injured but I couldn’t get her out of the car. Was she stuck? Or just frightened?” Offaly SPCA advised Noelle to contact a garage for help: “I wasted no time and rang the garage that has serviced my car for the last five years. They were confused and surprised at my story but told me to come ASAP. I arrived and there was a great chat about the unusual situation and all members of staff were aware of it.
“They took apart the dashboard of my car and after approximately 10 minutes, I looked in through the glass reception area and could see the service manager holding the little kitten up, like a scene from the Lion King movie. They were so thrilled that they were able to retrieve her safely.”
After Poppy was safe, the garage turned their attention to the car: “The services manager came back to tell me my car was ready to go. I asked what I owed for having to take on the job of taking apart and reassembling my car and he said I was just to head on home.
“I couldn’t thank or praise all the team at Grange Motors in Mullingar enough. From the first phone call to the receptionist, to the delivery of this defenceless little kitten and getting my car back in pristine condition, all the service team worked hard to release the kitten with such kindness.”
Noelle added: “This is what community and businesses are all about, helping the helpless with such humility and kindness without payment. Thanks to Grange Motors - they went over and beyond and are a fantastic team.”
Poppy made a return trip to Pet Vets in Tullamore. She had to undergo surgery to have her leg removed: “We would have liked to keep Poppy, but we have an 11-year-old collie dog. Poppy is now under the care of Offaly SPCA. When she is stronger we will foster her until they get a permanent home for her. She’s eating and they are very happy with her.”