They were waiting for someone to hear them …
Maruja Daine Valdez was inspecting a roof leak at her pet supply shop, Tiny Pets, in the Philippines when she heard something that stopped her in her tracks — soft, persistent cries.
“Kittens,” Valdez told The Dodo.
Following the sound outside, she discovered an abandoned box near the store. Inside were two tiny kittens, huddled together and crying, clearly hoping someone would notice them. Valdez didn’t hesitate.
“People nearby warned me they were feral, that they’d hiss or bite,” she recalled. “But as soon as I held them, that idea disappeared. They weren’t aggressive — just scared, vulnerable, and desperate for comfort. No growling, no claws … only trembling little bodies and eyes crusted shut with dried mucus.”
Valdez brought the kittens into her shop and later took them home. With veterinary experience between her and her partner, they were well-equipped to provide the care the kittens needed.
Both kittens were dehydrated and infested with fleas and parasites, yet their spirit remained unbroken.
“They didn’t make a sound during the ride home — just nestled in, calm and still,” Valdez said. “And once we got them settled, they surprised us. They ate eagerly, then curled up and slept deeply, as if their little bodies finally had permission to rest.”
The kittens allowed Valdez and her partner to gently clean their faces and administer vitamins and dewormer without protest.
Now, the kittens are staying at Valdez’s other shop, Lucky Paws, which has a pet boarding facility. They’re growing stronger each day and are almost ready for adoption.
“We’ll take care of everything — their vaccines, spay surgeries, all of it — completely free,” Valdez said. “They’ve already shown incredible resilience and trust. We’re just giving them the fresh start they deserve.”