Kindness is marked by acts of generosity, consideration, rendering assistance, or concern for others, without expecting praise or reward in return.

Last winter a couple of rescuers were alerted to a colony of nine cats living near an adult family home in Marysville. Yes, they could trap and get them altered, but appointments were scarce and the shelters were full.

When the rescuers arrived to assess the situation, a thin red tabby came running to let them know he was very friendly – and so hungry. They put down food and began talking with the neighbors to get more information.

One woman said she was planning to trap also – to euthanize them. She got amusement from watching the cats struggle in the cold and snow. If the cats were lucky, they’d get a few leftovers from the dinners of the residents. Often they’d eat the compost or something from the garbage. The heartless women had bullied an older gentleman until he stopped feeding the cats for fear of getting in trouble. The cats were starving.

The rescuers began feeding them every day while waiting for spay/neuter appointments and started assessing their level of friendliness.

Kingdom would meet the car each day, teaching the others by example.

Six of the nine cats became MEOW cats, thanks to our heroes, the rescuers – and to that trusting red tabby, Kingdom.