Sunday, March 29, 2009

A Tribute to Mommy Scarlett


Today is the anniversary of the day Mommy Scarlett rescued her five kittens from a burning building -- March 30, 1996. After the fire was extinguished, the fire fighters watched as a badly burned Scarlett retrieved each precious baby before passing out herself.

One of the kittens died a few weeks later. It took three months for Scarlett and the four kittens to be well enough to be adopted.

Mommy Scarlett went to the Bridge in October of 2008. See the full story on The Cat's Meow by Skeezix.

This poem was written by Rosemary Asmussen in tribute to Mommy Scarlett:

Why is everyone so surprised
That I saved my furry five;
That in spite of pain and danger
I brought them out alive?
True my eyes were barely open
But I heard their frantic wails;
Through smoke and flames I saw
Scorched ears and burning tails.
Every trip was a burdened choice
But I could make no other.
The rescuers have called me cat -
But I am also "mother."

22 comments:

Us4 Cats said...

this story left me speechless. i am in awe. this mothercat has (had) a quality not many humans have. what a true hero!!!
i wish i could hug her.

-Us4

Freya's Staff said...

:Rasies a paw in salute for dear Mommy Scarlett...

The Cat Realm said...

What a role model for all, cats and humans alike. We are very happy she enjoyed many years with a loving human, thanks for reminding us of this wonderful story.

Cliff and Olivia said...

What a story. We're in awe.

Country Cats said...

Wow; that is an amazing story!

PDX pride said...

Truly amazing! Mommy's eyes are leaking and she wishes she could pet Mommy Scarlett and the kittens (now cats) she saved!

Pinky Ash and Boo said...

That is so beautiful,what a wonderful Cat.

The Meezers or Billy said...

what a beautiful tribute

Anonymous said...

Scarlett's story will be told for years to come. She'll be remembered longer than many of the "famous" humans today.

The Creek Cats said...

The eyes are a leakin'!
What a beautiful tribute to Mommy Scarlett, she's a true hero!

Robyn and The (Mostly) Badass Cat said...

Aw our eyes are leekin. Hurrah for Mommmy Scarlett!!!

TabbyNormal said...

Our mom remembers hearing about this when it happened and having to wipe her eyes about it.

Purrs,
Abby & Stygia

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

What a wonderful cat Mommy Scarlett was. Our eyes were leaking at reading about her bravery. That was a lovely tribute for her.

Baby Patches said...

What a braves kitty mother! Such a wonderfur story, thanks you for sharing it.

Jans Funny Farm said...

We remember Scarlett's rescue story and even the notice of her passing. What a mother she was! We were glad she survived with nearly all her kittens.

And this is a very nice tribute! We love the poem.

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

Oh my goodness, that is just so heart wrenching. That poor little kitty she must have been so scared.

The words are beautiful.

Yes She was a mum

Hugs GJ xx

Misha said...

What a wonderful story!

Dr Tweety of da Fab Five said...

Dis waz a beeoty-full ting to read. Tank you KC. & we has to tank you fur all your wunderfull purrz fur our Auntie Stinkie. DA vet tinks she iz goin' to rally frum her sickness. We are so gratefull to you & all da kitteez dat purred fur her.
Kissez,
Dr Tweety

Sweet Purrfections said...

What a wonderful story! I never heard of Mommy Scarlett, but she was a pretty special kitty. Thank you for sharing this.

Samantha & Mom said...

What a beautiful story!! It made Mom cry!! Thanks for sharing!
Your FL furiends,
and Maverick

Hansel said...

we iz so proud of her! her iz mai heros :)

Karen Jo said...

What a wonderful tribute to Mommy Scarlett. I remember reading about her saving her kittens. She was a true hero cat.