Story supplied by Hilltop Animal Outreach
Professional photography by Shendl Rewitzky
One cold, rainy Sunday evening, crying is heard coming from the garden. Frank Metzler, one of the heroes of our story, goes to investigate and finds two very small kittens in a truly pitiful state. Without hesitation, Frank took them in, but it quickly became apparent that there was a problem… a rather big problem. They were both covered in ringworm and were VERY sick.
Help needed
Unfortunately, Frank’s best efforts were not enough to save one of the kittens. She was so incredibly sick that she succumbed and tragically did not make it through the night.
Frank diligently continued to care for the remaining kitten, but he knew he needed help. He realised he could not provide the kind of care this kitten required and decided to take him to Wild Coast Vet and ask for assistance.
Immediately, the Wild Coast Team leapt into action. Nicky Willmers, the second hero of this incredible story, put up her hand to foster and care for this fragile little orphan. It was love at first sight for Nicky, believe it or not, and she affectionately and un-ironically named him Gremlin.
This little boy had been given a name. He now belonged to a family and would always have a home.
Tackling a treatment plan
Nicky quickly put together a treatment plan for Gremlin. The plan was intensive and aggressive, but she knew it had to be if it was going to save his life. It included, amongst other things, daily sub-cutaneous fluids, syringe feeding, and medicated baths. It was very slow going, and, on more than one occasion, Nicky thought the delicate, almost bald kitten wouldn’t make it. At about the two-week mark, just as Gremlin was starting to get better, he was knocked by a massive infection that wreaked havoc on his tiny little body. Fortunately, that is not where his story ends.
Capturing hearts
It took a while, but slowly and steadily, Gremlin started recovering. The infection started to clear, and his overall health began improving. His appetite improved, his hair started growing back a beautiful soft ginger-and-white colour, and he was finally starting to play a little bit.
This was Gremlin’s turning point; he no longer just wanted to eat and sleep. He wanted to do ALL THE KITTEN THINGS!
Needless to say, Gremlin won the hearts of every single staff member at Wild Coast Vet and, excitingly, found a home within days – nearly naked and all! He defied all the odds and has transformed into a loving, playful, feisty and very talkative chap who loves his life and doesn’t let his size get in his way.
On the 18th of May 2022, Nicky had to say goodbye to her little Gremlin. He was no longer sick or fragile; he was strong and healthy, and he was finally ready to go to his new family.
A magical kitten
His new life has begun, and it has started with a new name, Olaf or Olly for short, after the snowman from Frozen. There is a reason his new family chose this, and it’s too cute not to share: “While Olaf was a magical snowman, he also taught the characters about perseverance. His positivity and imagination are what kept the dark times light. Despite being a snowman, he never waivered while trying to help Anna and Elsa save their kingdom”.
Olaf, aka Olly, has been in his new home for just over three months now. He is a complete mommy’s boy. His tiny little legs just don’t do justice to his gigantic personality. He is a real little terrorist who loves to attack his brother Adolf as he tries to nap.
While annoying his brother is fun, nothing beats playing “catch the Mango”. You might ask what playing “catch the Mango” entails. Well, Mango is a Chihuahua and Olly’s BEST friend – these two have endless fun chasing each other around the house.
Olaf has made a full recovery and now has the softest, silkiest coat, which is how he got one of his many nicknames, Jeffery, from the scene in the movie “Get him to the Greek” where Russel Brand strokes his furry wall, the Jeffery. Olaf's stealth ability is minus two because you can always hear him coming. He is like a clumsy little oompa loompa. His new guardians say there is never a dull moment with him around!
About Hilltop Animal Outreach
This volunteer-run animal welfare has been assisting East London’s needy animals for over thirteen years. Their three primary focus areas are rehabilitating and rehoming animals, a Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR) programme for feral and stray animals, and community outreach in local informal settlements. For more information, follow them on Facebook @hilltopAO https://www.facebook.com/hilltopAO/ and on Instagram @hilltopanimaloutreach https://www.instagram.com/hilltopanimaloutreach/?hl=en
