It's been just over a week since the kitten now known as "Lucky Seven" crashed Action News reporter Nima Shaffe's live shot.
The video from last week where she was seen prancing around during a live shot has nearly a million views on YouTube.
The people at the Humane Society of Huron Valley named her "Lucky Seven." Lucky to be alive and Seven after the crew that found her. Fitting.
"This has really been fantastic," Tanya Hilgendorf said. Hilgendorf is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Humane Society of Huron Valley where Lucky is living until she's ready for adoption.
"She is a super happy, friendly kitten," Hilgendorf said. "She is lucky to be alive and we really appreciate what you did."
Hilgendorf tells Action News Lucky has been living at a foster home for the last week. That's where she's learning to be a kitten. After she was brought to the Humane Society of Huron Valley, she was immediately checked out, cleaned up, and given shots.
Now she's living at Pat Simonelli's house. Simonelli has been a foster parent for 8 years and says she's never seen the likes of a kitten quite like Lucky. She says Lucky has been very influential on her two other orphan kittens she is fostering. "One was a feral kitten that was a little hissy, afraid of everything and now she's almost as friendly as Lucky is," Simonelli said.
As we spent time with Lucky inside the lobby of shelter, we found her greeting people as they walked by her kennel. She is by far one of the most talkative kittens you'll find. Simonelli says she loves being held, sitting on laps and talking.
Last Monday, during Nima Shaffe's live report at the top of the 6 a.m. newscast, Lucky decided to get loud. Our crew was in the parking lot of the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department covering the launch of a gun safety week when Lucky wouldn't leave their site. It's believed she had been separated from her mother and the caretakers at the humane society say it's likely she was calling out for her mom. Her cries caught the attention of our reporter, Nima and his photographer, Andy Zaremba.
Shaffe credits Andy and WXYZ-TV morning show executive producer, Chris Pantaleo with the idea to let Lucky share the spotlight. The goal was the find Lucky's owner's but instead she found her way into the hearts of people across the world.
Corporal Carla Wilson with the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office walked out to the parking lot to help in picking Lucky up. Lucky took an immediate liking to the Corporal, allowing her to pick her up immediately. You can see photos from last week, here.
"She's quite the feisty survivor and she was able to get your attention," Hilgendorf said. "If you hadn't rescued her and been apart of her story, her story would not have ended well. You can't be an orphaned kitten left on the street on your own," she said.
"Had it not been for Andy and Chris and their idea, this wouldn't have taken off." Action News Reporter Nima Shaffe said. "It was their idea to give her some air time, to share the spotlight and the credit goes to them."
Lucky Seven will be available for adoption in the next 2 to 3 weeks. While there is nothing set in stone we all here at Broadcast House are pushing for Nima to adopt her.
The Humane Society of Huron Valley is an award-winning no kill shelter that has the highest save rate and has been able to hold that title for years. They count on animal lovers like yourself to help keep them operating. To learn more on how you can make a difference or if you'd like to donate click here.
