Cathy Keesling found the little kitten when she was just a few days old, wandering around a neighboring farm. The motherless kitten was fed from an eyedropper by Cathy and her husband Eric and was soon growing stronger. Little did the New Castle, Indiana couple know that by saving her life, they were in fact, saving themselves.
Fourteen years had passed since Winne had become a member of the Keesling family. One night, as the cat and family slept, dangerous levels of carbon monoxide began to leak into the house from a gasoline-powered water pump in the basement. As the fumes began to fill the house, Winnie sprang into action. She jumped onto Cathy and Eric’s bed, nudged Cathy’s ear and meowed wildly. When Cathy sat up, she felt dizzy and nauseous. She tried to awaken Eric but was unable to. Weakly, she reached for the telephone and dialed 911.
When the paramedics arrived, they found the Kessling’s son lying unconscious on the floor in his bedroom. The three family members were taken from the house wearing oxygen masks and were treated for carbon monoxide poisoning. They are very thankful that they saved that little kitten from so many years ago. Thanks to Winnie’s heroic efforts, they are alive today.
Winnie’s extraordinary actions were honored by the ASPCA where she was named ASPCA Cat of the Year. She was one of several animal heroes honored at a luncheon ceremony in New York City.