A Chance Encounter That Changed Everything: The Journey of Soundless
When Denise, a registered nurse from Stratford, Connecticut, embarked on a long-haul flight to the Philippines, she never anticipated that her journey would lead to a new furry companion. The trip, which was supposed to be a leisurely vacation, took an unexpected turn when Denise met an orange stray cat during her stay at an Airbnb. This cat, who would later be named Soundless due to her inability to meow, captured Denise’s heart from the very beginning.
The connection was immediate and profound. Denise recalls, “It was love at first sight.” Despite being on vacation and having five cats at home, Denise felt an irresistible urge to help the stray. The cat had shown up at the start of their two-week vacation in June, and despite initial concerns about the safety of her 9-month-old niece, Denise and her family began caring for the cat, feeding her morning and night. Denise’s brother alerted her about the cat’s presence, prompting her to purchase cat food and take the first steps towards adopting Soundless.
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Challenges and Preparations
Once Denise decided to bring Soundless home, the process of preparing for her journey began. The cat, estimated to be about one year old, had some health issues related to malnutrition and garbage consumption. Denise and her family incurred $65 in vet bills for two local visits and vaccines before embarking on their 45-hour trip, which included flights and layovers.
The cost of transporting Soundless was significant, totaling $1,476. This expense covered the services of FurExpressPH, which managed the necessary travel documents, provided a hard carrier, and handled the transport fees from Davao to Manila and then Manila to New York. The journey was long and taxing for the little cat, and Denise was concerned about her well-being throughout the trip.
Challenges and Preparations
Travel Troubles and Controversies
Upon arrival, a video clip of Soundless’s reunion with Denise and her family went viral on TikTok, amassing 1.4 million views and over 219,000 likes. However, the video also sparked controversy. Text overlay in one of the clips claimed that Emirates SkyCargo, the airline responsible for the cat’s transport, had failed to refill her food and water. This accusation drew a response from Emirates SkyCargo, which refuted the claims, stating that they adhere to rigorous standards set by the International Air Transport Association’s Live Animal Regulations (IATA LAR).
According to Emirates SkyCargo, Soundless was well cared for throughout her journey, with food and water provided as scheduled. The airline’s records confirmed that the cat was handed over to Denise in a healthy condition. Despite these assurances, Denise noted that Soundless appeared tired and dehydrated upon arrival, which added to her worries.
Travel Troubles and Controversies
A Warm Welcome and New Beginnings
The journey ended on a heartwarming note as Denise’s TikTok video captured Soundless meeting her new feline siblings. Initially met with some apprehension from the other cats, Soundless eventually integrated into the family, finding her place among her new companions. Denise observed that Soundless seemed to be adjusting well and noted, “She is doing very well and is very friendly with my other cats. At first they weren’t sure, but now they all get along.”
The viral video, captioned “Welcome to America!,” received numerous comments from viewers who expressed their delight and support for the happy ending. One user humorously remarked, “A cat getting American citizenship faster than me,” while others praised Denise’s decision to adopt Soundless, acknowledging the love and space she had for another cat despite already having several pets.
Denise’s story and the journey of Soundless illustrate the profound impact a chance encounter can have. The bond formed in an Airbnb in the Philippines led to a new beginning for Soundless, who now thrives in her new home in the United States. The viral video not only brought attention to Soundless’s journey but also highlighted the compassion and dedication of Denise and her family in ensuring a safe and loving environment for their new furry friend.
