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Drainpipe kittens and one hero tail By Peggy Dover Nov 13, 2022 12:15 AM A A Ah, fall. Chilly days and frosty nights and kittens in drainpipes. This is what happened one day while walking: I crossed a busy street and this adorable, tiny, black and white, long-haired kitten walked out of a drainpipe in front of me. As I went to scoop the little misguided furball up and carry it to safety, it skedaddled back into the drainpipe. All I could think of was how in the wide world of culverts can I help this little one. Later, while posting a Facebook plea in the neighborhood watch group, I saw that Kathy M. had posted a picture of two kittens hanging out in the same drainpipe, with possibly a third. Animal lovers were on the move. As the melodrama unfolded, someone reported that what was most likely the mama cat had been hit by a car. An old house and barn had been torn down next door. We suspect mama had moved her babies from the barn to the culvert in maternal desperation. Now it was cold and rainy, and they were alone. A couple of us took food and water. Then, one kitten became another victim of the relentless traffic. I had to pray and shut the ordeal out of my mind or go nuts, knowing a great group of comrades were working on their behalf, in horrible weather. I offered to foster the kittens. A few days later I was overjoyed to read they had trapped two kittens and one adult cat. Kathy had contacted Hero Tails Animal Sanctuary in Eagle Point, a small nonprofit that saves at-risk animals. How they finally trapped the little hesitators was genius. Those well-fed kittens didn’t feel the need to enter the trap, evidently. So, they were encouraged to do so. They put the trap on one end of the ditch and blew a leaf blower into the other end. Voila! Kittens in a trap. Never mind that they’ll need counseling. They were off the street at last, thanks to a concerted effort from several folks, including Hero Tails — my heroes. I felt such relief that I had to meet and thank whoever was in charge of this organization. With help from family and friends, Corina Adams and her husband, Chris, run Hero Tails. Corina and I met at Eagle Point’s new Main Street Coffee Shop. Yay, EP finally has a classy sit-down place for people to get in out of the cold, sip and visit. Corina took the kittens to Jessica, their new foster mom. I know Jessica. The last picture I saw, she had them enveloped in her sweater. They are no longer afraid of people. Vacuum cleaners, yes. “My husband and I have been rescuing pets that we own for years,” Corina said. “About a year and a half ago I saw this dog that was on a kill list in Texas. He was completely bald and I just had to figure out a way to save him.” With help from fellow rescuers, they were able to transport the lucky pup here and give him a dream life. “After that I just thought, I can do this. I’ve always wanted to do a rescue. “My cousin Carly partners with me. She owns the Paw Spa and Boutique in Jacksonville. She keeps a couple kittens in her salon all the time so people can meet them.” Hero Tails is hosting a holiday celebration at the Paw Spa, 933A N. Fifth St. in Jacksonville from 9-2 Sunday, Nov. 20. “We’ll have all our adoptable animals there. We have Santa coming. Everybody can bring their pets or their kids or themselves and meet Santa. We’ll have a bake sale for dogs and for people. It’s just a fun little fundraiser. All of the proceeds go for medical expenses for the dogs. We try to pull quite a few medical cases — animals that wouldn't otherwise get pulled. I feel like I need to pinch myself because it’s working. We’re actually saving animals. I have met the most amazing people.” So have I. Come and help support Corina and the wonderful work they’re doing at Hero Tails Animal Sanctuary. Peggy Dover is a freelance writer/author. Reach her at [email protected].