Driving down a blacktop road, you feel the wind in your hair and smell the soft scents of flowers and trees. You hear the sounds of children laughing, maybe a lawnmower, and passing traffic. But over all this, a faint sound of meowing reaches your ears. Where could it be coming from?
Meowing Heard in Storm Drain
“Hmm… I think I see something down there…”
In Prince George, Virginia, neighbors heard strange meowing throughout the day but couldn’t figure out its source. Concerned, they called a volunteer from “A Cat’s Life Rescue.” The volunteer arrived to investigate, and after carefully listening, she realized the cries were coming from below—a storm drain in the sewer system.
Realizing the urgency of the situation, she immediately called for help. Three local authorities—fire department, EMS, and the water company—rushed to the scene. After removing the manhole cover where the cries originated, they discovered five tiny kittens trapped below. A firefighter bravely descended into the manhole and lifted all five kittens into the safety of the volunteer’s arms.
Photo by @kittencollege_awla/Instagram
The Kittens’ Rescue
The kittens were whisked away to the Animal Welfare League of Arlington for quality care. The rescue team, along with volunteers, ensured the babies were healthy and well-tended after their ordeal in the storm drain.
Where Are They Now?
The five kittens were divided between two foster homes. Three of them, now named Lock, Shock, and Barrel after the characters from The Nightmare Before Christmas, went to Foster Kitten HQ in the DC area. The other two, David (tuxedo) and Alexis (black), were taken in by Foster Kittens of DC.
The kittens’ journey is shared on Instagram by Foster Kitten HQ, where their followers can watch the little ones grow and play. After surviving the dark storm drain, these kittens have found light, love, and warmth in their foster homes.
Photo by @fosterkittenhq/Instagram
Personalities Begin to Shine
After a few weeks in foster care, the kittens began showing their unique personalities. Barrel, full of energy, loves making “blanket biscuits,” while the three siblings frequently wrestle with each other and, of course, enjoy long naps. It’s clear these little survivors have embraced their second chance at life.
Lock, Shock, and Barrel Find a Home Together!
After weeks of fostering, the heartwarming news arrived: Lock, Shock, and Barrel found a forever home—together! Foster Kitten HQ shared the joyous update on Instagram, announcing that all three kittens were adopted by a fantastic new dad who couldn’t bear to separate them.
“It’s the adoption announcement you’ve all been waiting for 🎉,” Foster Kitten HQ shared. “They have been the closest of friends since they arrived, and luckily, they were seen by the right person who adopted all three of these sweet babies!”
Photo by @fosterkittenhq/Instagram
A Community Effort
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the neighborhood residents who heard the cries, the dedicated volunteer who went searching, and the brave first responders who worked tirelessly to save the kittens. Together, they turned a potential tragedy into a heartwarming story of survival and love.
“Three of a kind, birds of a feather, now and forever!”
Photo by @fosterkittenhq/Instagram
