Valentino’s story began with heartbreak but has transformed into one of resilience and hope. His journey took a turn when Jaina, a compassionate rescuer from Cats of San Bernardino, found him in desperate need of help. Weak and motionless, Valentino’s condition was worse than Jaina initially imagined. His frail body suggested he had been abandoned, likely left behind when his family moved away. Now alone, he struggled to survive, becoming severely underweight and vulnerable. But when Jaina picked him up, his quiet acceptance hinted at his trust in her care.
“When I looked at him immediately, my heart kind of sank,” Jaina recalled in the video below. “He just allowed himself to be picked up and wasn’t moving.” Jaina quickly took Valentino to the vet, where the team discovered his temperature was dangerously low. It became clear he needed immediate and intensive care. Despite his fragile state, Valentino seemed to sense he was finally safe.
“He had this look of relief, like, ‘Finally, someone is taking care of me,’” Jaina said. Over the next few days, Valentino began receiving subcutaneous fluids to combat severe dehydration. Slowly but surely, his condition improved. Though shaky at first, he started standing to eat, showing small but significant progress. As his strength returned, Valentino began to reveal a sweet and affectionate side that touched everyone around him.
“He started rubbing his face on our faces as if to say thank you,” Jaina shared. “And he loves giving kisses, especially on my nose.” The bond between Valentino and his rescuers deepened with each passing day.
One of the most exciting moments came when Valentino’s fur began to grow back. His new baby hairs were a sign that he was healing, and Jaina was thrilled. “When I first saw his little baby hairs growing back, it was really exciting,” she said.
Now, Valentino is stronger and more playful, with a personality as big as his heart. He loves constant attention and wants to be close to his caregivers at all times. “He wants you to be with him 100% of the time,” Jaina said with a laugh.
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Though Jaina and the rescue team adore him, they knew Valentino needed a forever home where he can receive the undivided love he craves. And because Valentino is ‘just perfect,’ as described by the rescue team, he found a family quickly. He is now living the dream in a safe and loving environment where he will never be left behind again! Thank you, Cats of San Bernardino, without you, this rescue wouldn’t have been possible!
