Black-and-white Kolb’s brood was found by the staff of the agricultural shop when he was two weeks old. He and three other kittens were huddled on a pallet, sandwiched between two 23-kilogram seed sacks.
The kittens were later discovered to have arrived at the store as hares, along with seeds from a regional warehouse. Unfortunately, their mother died on the journey.
“I was grateful to these kind people, but at that time I did not yet fully know how much we owe them. Later that day, I took Kolbe and his brothers and sister with me,” says Lauren.
It was assumed that the kittens would grow up, get stronger, find their owners, and go with them to a brighter future.
Lauren has been researching meals, drugs, and supplements to alleviate the children’s gastrointestinal issues and enhance their overall health for several weeks.
“At the moment, they were still growing slowly but in a good attitude. I’ve never seen kittens caress each other like this.”
Kolbe proved to be the most affectionate of the litter. Even when he was the size of a palm, he could give a person a lot.
“At first, Kolbe was the nicest soul,” Loren remembers, “with huge, serious eyes and dropped corners of a little mouth.”
“But he grew up to be a bright, loving boy with a mesmerizing sound of purring.”
At foster care, the kittens completed everything that was planned, and they were only a few days away from the next chapter of life. Meanwhile, Kolbe sunk deep into the soul of all members of the foster family …
“We began to seriously discuss whether we should keep Kolbe, but we told ourselves that we are educators, and this is part of the process.”
Having given the kittens to good hands, the guardians realized with a bittersweet feeling: this is the end of the chapter. “But, as it turned out, our story with Kolbe did not end there.”
Lauren got a message a few days later informing her that Kolbe was being returned due to health problems. Wide-set eyes and a somewhat projecting brow have traditionally been features of the black and white kitten. They came to the conclusion after repeated trips to the veterinarian that Kolbe either has a minor type of hydrocephalus or his muzzle is just meant for kissing.
“We realized we wouldn’t be able to say goodbye to him again.” Everything came together perfectly, as if this precious kid was meant to be ours.
Lucy, Levi, and Lucas, three new students, moved into Lauren’s house a few weeks later. Kolbe dashed over to the nursery after hearing a meow. Of course, they wouldn’t allow him do this, so he waited patiently for the kittens to pass all of the veterinarian’s tests.
“He enjoys looking through the playpen at them.” He rushes over to sit next to him as soon as one of them breaks down in tears or makes a noise.
Former adoptive Kolbe was in seventh heaven when he initially joined the newbies in their nest. As if he knew precisely what they needed, he began to look after them.
Kolbe has taken on the role of older brother for them, looking after them, keeping them informed, and imparting cat knowledge.
Three gray minke whales look up to him, emulate his playing habits, and follow close after.
“I couldn’t ask for a better older brother and instructor for my students. He adores children and is always kind with them,” Lauren explains.
“He can teach them things I can’t.” Orphan kittens receive affection, care, and peace from a relative, which their mother should now provide.
Boy, both black and white Kolbe has grown into a lovely and healthy young cat.
Lucy, Levy, and Lucas will formally leave foster care tomorrow to begin their new lives in their permanent homes. Kolbe is thrilled and eager to continue assisting the kittens.
“I’m delighted Kolbe will have my future students, and that he will have them.” Lauren adds, “This will help his socializing and provide him with as many buddies as he desires.”
“Adopting Kolbe isn’t a sign that foster care failed. It’s a resounding victory.”
