Potted Ashley

Ashley Potted in Wisconsin

Chris Eirschele, a freelance writer in West Allis, Wisconsin, shared this photo and story:

"Ashley was found by firefighters after they put out the flames of an abandoned house in Milwaukee. Only her meowing let them discover her hidden under a pile of newspapers in a closet. The tips of her ears, her paws, and her tail were burned. She also had a thermal burn on her side. Eventually the Wisconsin Humane Society determined that part of her tail was too infected and had to be amputated. By the time we adopted her, Ashley's wounds were healed. Her stubby tail her badge of honor.

   "She fit right in with my second floor indoor garden and the two dogs and one cat already living with us. Ashley's past did not dissuade her from being inquisitive; she loved my big pots.

Ashley was always the adventurer, as we found when she moved with us from Milwaukee to Boston. There she lived a good life to the end where she crossed over. Ashley started out in a rough neighborhood, but in the end was loved among our gardens."