What would you do if you saw a paralyzed kitten dragging itself across the ground? Would you stop and try to help or call for assistance? Unfortunately, many people walk on by, especially in areas where animal suffering is common. This is the case for animals in Lebanon, where economic collapse and ongoing border conflicts have worsened their plight. But there are angels in disguise, like rescuer Sandra Mouawad, who saved Milou, a paralyzed kitten.
One day, Sandra decided to change her life to help the animals suffering around her. When she saw Milou dragging himself, she didn’t hesitate to become that kitten’s angel.
Kitten Finds an Angel in Disguise
Early one morning, the tiny kitten’s path crossed with Sandra, a rescuer from ‘Paws Crossed Lebanon,’ and everything changed. His name translates to ‘Dear,’ and he became very dear to Sandra after she found him last year.
At first, he tried desperately to get away as she walked by.
As she tried to touch him, he lashed out, hissing and swatting.
“He wasn’t ready to be rescued, but I was ready to rescue him!” Sandra said.
With patience, treats, and lots of TLC, the kitten gradually let down his guard. Eventually, he learned that she only wanted to love him and melted in her arms.
“He started to open up more and it made me realize that he needs me,” she said.
Helping Milou Get Back on His Feet
The road to recovery would be extensive and costly both in funds and time. But Sandra was in it for the long haul, and the kitten proved to have a “fierce” fighting spirit.
To have any chance of helping Milou walk on his hind legs again, the rescuers undertook all sorts of intense therapy sessions:
- Physiotherapy
- Ultrasound
- Electrical stimulation
- Hydrotherapy
Whatever obstacles he faced, the strong-willed kitten climbed them. In no time, he started to use his legs more.
Day after day, he proved fearless. With his rescuers’ encouragement, he eventually began walking on his own. And after two months, the transformation was incredible and inspirational! Yet, there was still so much work to do.
“You put an obstacle in his face, he will conquer it!” Sandra said.
Watch the story on TikTok/pawscrossedleb
You can see the story thus far from The Dodo below:
Milou Helped Grow ‘Paws Crossed Lebanon’
Interestingly, Sandra Mouawad used to be afraid of both dogs and cats. Yet, she fell head over heels for them. One day, she left her job to start saving animals after seeing so many suffering in Lebanon.
“The best part of life is that I love them no matter what!” Sandra said of her rescues.
Since 2018, she’s rescued over 200 stray dogs and cats. Milou’s story went viral on TikTok, helping her realize her dream to expand her cat shelter!
You can follow and support her on TikTok/pawscrossedleb, Instagram, and Facebook.
Note: Beware of Scams
Please beware of numerous scams from people who claim they are caring for relatively well-known rescues like Milou. Always do your research before donating, as the scams are too numerous to count these days! Unfortunately, the number of followers does not indicate it’s a reputable charity.
Video by The Dodo about Sandra and her Paws Crossed Lebanon rescue:
Sandra’s dedication to saving animals like Milou not only changed the kitten’s life but also inspired many others to support animal rescues, proving that one act of kindness can create a ripple effect of compassion and care.
