She knew an animal must be trapped inside.
Orange Cat Rescued From Road Finds Forever Home
On November 3, Susan Elliot’s day started before she even arrived at work.
As she pulled up to Waukegan Animal Care and Control (AC&C) in suburban Illinois, she noticed a cardboard box taped shut on the sidewalk near a busy road.
A Cat in Need
Elliot got out to investigate. She saw small air holes poked into the box and realized an animal must be trapped inside.
Elliot, a warden with AC&C, carefully carried the box inside and pried it open. Out popped the furry orange head of a cat.
The cat had no identification, but from the moment he emerged, he was affectionate and grateful. How long he had been sitting on the sidewalk—hours or overnight—remained a mystery.
AC&C staff kept him warm and safe until his stray hold ended, then sent him to Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter for further care.
Sweet but Smelly
“He smelled strongly of skunk, as if he’d recently been sprayed,” said Kristen Castro, shelter manager at Orphans of the Storm. “The scent filled our little clinic for a while! But despite that, he was unbelievably sweet. He stayed calm during vaccines, was affectionate during his exam, and even let our staff bathe him without fuss.”
The shelter staff had already picked a name for the next orange cat who arrived: Corn Cob.
A Staff Favorite
Corn Cob, about three years old, quickly stole everyone’s hearts. He loved cuddling, chirped when people walked by, and nuzzled staff while they cleaned his condo.
“What made Corn Cob’s story especially heartbreaking was that whoever left him didn’t make sure he’d be found,” Castro said.
Despite his rough start, Corn Cob seemed ready to leave the past behind.
Finding a Forever Home
Barely a week at the shelter, a couple arrived and fell in love with him. Remarkably, the cat even won over the man, who considered himself a “dog person.”
The family renamed him Garfield, and he’s thriving in his warm, loving home.
“He absolutely loves playing with small spring toys,” the adopters said. “He’s having a blast with the Christmas tree… We are so happy to have him!”
Garfield’s story shows how a little love and care can turn a scary situation into a happy ending for a deserving pet.