A few months ago, Keighley Eryn Card was wrapping up a typical workday, heading to the bus stop outside her job like she always did — until an unexpected cry changed everything.
As she waited, she heard high-pitched meows coming from a nearby bush. Curious and concerned, she meowed back — and instantly, a tiny kitten emerged, purring and rubbing against her ankles like he’d been waiting for her all along.
“I didn’t know where it was coming from at first,” Card told The Dodo. “But he came right out and started purring. It was like he’d chosen me on the spot.”
Though her instinct was to scoop him up immediately, Card hesitated. Maybe his mom was nearby, or he belonged to someone who lived or worked on the campus. She left with a heavy heart, hoping the little kitten was safe.
But the next day, he was still there — and more determined than ever not to be left behind.
“He actually tried to follow me onto the bus,” Card said. “That’s when I realized — this kitty isn’t just lost. He’s choosing me.”
Without another thought, Card picked him up and brought him home, giving him the name Jasper. The tiny stray, once crying in a bush, quickly settled into his new life.
“When we got home, he was immediately curious,” she said. “He started exploring every corner, checking out all the hiding spots.”
With the help of kind neighbors, Card gathered the basics — food, a litter box, and a few essentials to get Jasper comfortable. Though she’d never cared for a cat before, she was more than ready to learn.
She gave Jasper a cozy space in her bathroom to adjust, and within days, his personality blossomed.
“He went from a scared little kitty to a fearless, playful one who ambushes me from across the room,” she said with a laugh.
Now, months later, Jasper is a fluffy, confident companion — and king of the household.
“He definitely thinks he owns the place,” Card said.
And as for Card, her whole view on cats has changed thanks to one special kitten who knew just who to trust.
“I always thought I wasn’t a cat person,” she admitted. “I grew up with dogs and never imagined I’d have a cat. But Jasper completely changed my mind — I just needed the right one to show me how amazing cats can be.”
