A Long Road to a Loving Home

Terrell with his kittens Crouton (left) and Uma

Sometimes the road to home feels impossibly long—but when love is waiting at the end, every step is worth it. For calico kittens Uma and Crouton, that journey required patience, perseverance, and a whole lot of heart. In the end, their reward was exactly what they deserved: an adopter who had been rooting for them all along.

Born about ten days apart, Uma and Crouton were just a few weeks old when they were brought to Dakin after living outdoors in Springfield. Under normal circumstances, young feral kittens would be welcomed into the Lion’s Den, where dedicated volunteers lovingly help them learn that people can be kind, safe, and trusted—an important first step toward becoming happy, adoptable pets.

But these tiny kittens faced an extra challenge. Both tested positive for ringworm, a highly contagious fungal infection that requires lengthy treatment and careful isolation. Instead of the Lion’s Den, Uma and Crouton were placed in Dakin’s contagious disease ward, where their care involved many weeks of antifungal medication, regular lime sulfur dips, vigilant monitoring, and constant cleaning and sanitizing to keep everyone safe.

Healing their bodies was only part of the work. Just as important was making sure the kittens’ spirits remained buoyant. Extended stays in isolation are especially hard on young, feral kittens who are just beginning to learn that humans are friends. To help them thrive emotionally, a dedicated enrichment plan was put in place, conducted by a team led by Terrell, one of Dakin’s animal caregivers on staff. The group helped the kittens build confidence through gentle handling, play, and daily enrichment, so they could keep growing emotionally during their recovery.

Over the weeks that turned into months, something special happened. As the kittens grew stronger, they also grew deeply loved—especially by Terrell, who had been by their side throughout their recovery.

After three long months, the day everyone had been waiting for finally arrived: Uma and Crouton were medically cleared and ready for adoption. They didn’t have to wait long.

“I wanted to adopt them both, especially after our family had recently lost a cat,” Terrell shared. “I didn’t want to separate them, and I thought staying together would be best for them.”

Now four months old, Uma and Crouton are flourishing in their new home. “They’re great,” Terrell says. “Uma is very social and energetic, and she’s adjusted beautifully to the house. Crouton is a little more cautious, but she’s incredibly cuddly.”

For Uma and Crouton, life has taken a joyful new turn. After months of isolation and healing, they are finally free—to play, to cuddle, and to soak up every moment of a life filled with love, comfort, and belonging.

Nap buddies Crouton (left) and Uma at home