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Early September 2014, I was heading home from a meeting with colleagues in North Hollywood. I was offered a ride, but on that night, I just felt like walking. I was passing some funky apartments on Cahuenga when I heard the unmistakable sound of a kitten crying out.

CAT. PHOTO: PIXABAY / TAMSIN BAKER

I went toward the sound and found a tiny kitten, under a fence in the driveway of one of the apartments. I approached, and she ducked under the fence.

I panicked. Knowing how dangerous and terrifying it is for kittens out on their own, I was desperate to succeed. I went around the fence, thinking I was already too late. But there she was! A tiny, filthy, beautiful kitten. I slowly approached her, hoping against hope that she wouldn't bolt and disappear forever. She didn't. She let me pick her up! She smelled - well, let me just say I've never smelled anything quite like what was wafting off her fur. I held her close and walked off. I knew right away I was taking her home to stay!

KITTEN. PHOTO: PIXABAY

As I walked down Magnolia Boulevard, people kept looking at this little kitten I had. I was so happy to tell them I'd just found her and was going to keep her. We cruised into Ralph's supermarket where I picked up some flea shampoo, food and litter. The check-out guy wasn't pleased, but whatever. We split and went home!

I gave her a bath, turning the bathwater into a tepid swamp full of dead fleas. Then she ate a ton of kitten food, had a nice jaunt in her new litter box and passed out! I named her Gracie after George Burn's wife, Gracie Allen. She needed a good L.A. name!

Now we're best pals and I couldn't be happier. Thank you, Gracie, for finding me.

PHOTO: ALEXANDER PRENDERGAST

Story submitted by Alexander Prendergast from North Hollywood, California.

This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Share your very own rescue story here!