During his deployment in Afghanistan, an American soldier encountered a small stray cat. Over several months, he nurtured and formed a bond with the feline, ultimately deciding that leaving her behind was not an option.
A few years ago, when Edward was sent away for work, he became friends with a stray cat soon after he arrived.
Edward corresponded with Nowzad, sharing his observation of a feline presence in the shadows surrounding his living area. The cat exhibited elusive tendencies, and Edward diligently left food outdoors, which consistently disappeared overnight.
After disappearing for a prolonged period of a few months, the kitty reappeared when she walked into his room, taking advantage of the open door.
“Friendly as could be, we bonded instantly.”
Mousetrap, thanks to her remarkable sense of smell, would swiftly make her way to people’s work areas whenever they were cooking food.
“Amidst the chaos that engulfs our everyday lives, she consistently appeared and managed to put smiles on our faces, evoking a feeling of being closer to home,” he observed.
“I really didn’t want to leave her alone and responsible for herself.”
When the day came to pack up and take down the buildings around their compound, Mousetrap had been missing for a few days, and they thought she might have gone somewhere else to find shelter.
While I was wrapping up the last day of cleaning, she unexpectedly emerged out of nowhere. I glanced in her direction and found her perched on a jersey barrier. What struck me as amusing was the fact that she had settled herself comfortably on top of my compact backpack, almost as if she had a message to convey. It was at that moment I realized I couldn’t abandon her.
Just a few days prior to his departure, Edward discovered Nowzad, an impactful non-profit charity organization that is dedicated to enhancing animal welfare specifically in Afghanistan.
Unaware of what lay ahead, the kitty unexpectedly embarked on a taxi journey spanning 100 miles to a shelter in Kabul. In due course, she would be joyfully reunited with her favorite human at their new residence in Indiana, where her three feline siblings, Rufus, Snapper, and Nike, eagerly anticipated her imminent arrival.
Mousetrap’s safe and successful arrival in the US was made possible through the valuable assistance of Nowzad and the generous contributions of donors.
The two best friends were reunited at their home in Indianapolis.
Mousetrap, the playful cat, lazily relaxing with his sibling from a different mother.
She is deeply content with her life in the stunning state of Indiana alongside her forever family.
Edward helps stray cats in his area by giving them food and making sure they don’t have babies.
Nowzad said, “Look at Mousetrap now, from being a stray cat in Afghanistan to living a life of luxury.”
“The most fulfilling part of our soldier rescues is witnessing the dogs and cats being embraced with love and finding their forever homes.”
Share this article:
Recommended: