When Kimberly Palmucci met her cat in 2011, she had no idea of the impact he would have on her over the years.
Levittown resident Palmucci’s first book, “Purr-fectly Lucky,” was published earlier this month. The 24-page book tells the tale of her disabled cat Meesta who goes from being hopeless in a shelter to triumphant in adoption.
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Palmucci met Meesta during her volunteer training at the Philadelphia SPCA when she asked to see the cat that had been there longest. When she noticed Meesta’s missing back-left leg, she made the immediate decision to adopt the feline.
“That moment hit me so hard emotionally. I realized that this animal was being passed up day after day solely because of a disability. I decided in that moment to adopt him, to give him a chance at life,” Palmucci said. “He is such a positive and loving cat. He is full of life. He does not let his disability impact him at all. He adapted so well to missing a leg that it’s hard to even notice.”
“When I made the decision to adopt him, I thought I was saving him. But I realize now, it’s he who has had such a profound impact on me. I have had the chance to see another living being thrive through adversity. I’ve seen the strength of an animal who had a rough start to life. He taught me that handicapped pets are unique, strong, and beautiful. He taught me that shelter pets are not broken, but indomitable,” Palmucci wrote.
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Adopting Meesta helped give Palmucci the inspiration to write “Purr-fectly Lucky.” The children’s book highlights the importance adopting shelter pets, marking with special emphasis the positive impact people and pets with disabilities can have in life.
“I want to bring positive awareness to shelter animals. I want everyone to consider a handicapped pet as well,” Palmucci said. “And I want people to feel that it is okay to be different. It can be a challenge, yes, but we are all unique. We each offer such a new and interesting perspective to this world, and it is our differences that should be celebrated.”
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