Pittsburgh Post-Gazette However, Josh was stopped when he heard a noise coming from outside the barracks at Fort Riley in Kansas. A tiny black and white kitten emerged from the bushes and let out a meow. In his short film Josh and Scout, a Mutual Rescue, he narrates, “He just walked up and started rubbing up against my leg and let me pet him, I broke down crying, burst into tears.”. “Perhaps he realized there was something I wasn’t quite able to handle. ”.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette “I stopped thinking about all my problems and started thinking about his problems and what I could do to help him,” said Josh. When he started feeding the kitten every day, he gave him the name “Scout.”. Josh believes that this kitten saved his life, so he was a little sad when Scout stopped visiting one day.
Josh carried on with his life while still missing Scout. Eventually, though, he began dating a girl, and the two of them made the decision to visit an adoption fair and adopt a cat because Scout had such a positive influence on Josh’s life. YouTube Josh had no idea who he would run into at the adoption event. He claims that when he saw Scout at the shelter, “a little black and white paw shoots out from a crate and starts smacking me in my left arm.”. “I pried him out of that cage and held him tightly. Josh completed the paperwork to adopt Scout right away. Josh felt inspired to become a better person after adopting the adorable kitten who saved his life. He began to exercise, eat healthier, and even gave up smoking.
He eventually received a medical discharge from the Army, married his girlfriend Becky, obtained a master’s degree in clinical rehabilitation and mental health counseling, and obtained employment providing counseling to disabled veterans with the Department of Veteran Affairs. Because of a chance encounter with a kitten, Josh decided against taking his own life and instead helps other veterans who are going through the same issues he did. Who knows how many lives Josh has rescued thanks to his efforts? Watch the video below to learn more about the remarkable tale of Josh and Scout.
The things animals can do for humans are truly amazing. It is an absolute tragedy that this young man who gave his life to ensure the security of our nation would later attempt suicide. Thank goodness for animals’ ability to heal. Please tell your family and friends about this wonderful tale of hope and joy.
Share.
