On a hot afternoon last week in Pembroke Pines, Florida, police sergeant Mike Matthis was grabbing lunch at a local restaurant when something unusual caught his eye. Just after he parked his police cruiser, he noticed an odd movement from a car parked nearby. “[H]e noticed a cat paw suddenly swat out from inside a nearby car’s bumper,” reported the Pembroke Pines Police Department (PPPD) on their Facebook page. Curious, Matthis bent down to inspect the front grille of the car and was surprised to find a small, fluffy kitten looking back at him. The kitten was stuck behind the grating, as shared by the PPPD.
Concerned for the kitten’s safety, especially with the soaring temperatures, Matthis knew he had to act quickly to rescue the animal. However, he needed the vehicle owner’s consent to proceed. Determined, Matthis quickly located the car’s owner within the vicinity and explained the situation. Once he had their permission, he carefully cut the bumper open to release the cat.
Shortly after, Matthis gently held the rescued kitten, who was initially nicknamed Bumper. Although Bumper was a bit dirty and unhappy about the situation, he was visibly relieved to be out. Matthis decided to take Bumper home, intending to foster him until a permanent home could be found. After cleaning him up and setting up a comfortable resting spot, it didn’t take long for Matthis to decide that Bumper was already in his forever home.
“UPDATE: Foster failure!” the PPPD posted in a follow-up comment. “Sergeant Matthis is keeping ‘Bumper’ (now renamed Loki).” Just a few days into his new life, Loki is thriving in the Matthis household. His new dad is completely enamored with him, and it’s clear their connection will only deepen with time.
A tiny kitten was dyed pink, then bathed in Windex and rubbing alcohol, causing hypothermia and shock. This disturbing case highlights a trend where acts of animal cruelty may intersect with untreated mental health issues. Demand authorities implement mandatory mental health counseling for individuals convicted of animal abuse.
What started as a routine lunch stop turned into a life-changing event for both Matthis and Loki, illustrating how a moment of alertness can lead to new beginnings.