A Rainy Day Turns Into A Rescue Mission
It was a gray, rainy afternoon in Missouri when a Stray Rescue of St. Louis (SRSL) volunteer set out for a simple walk with one of the shelter’s resident dogs. The volunteer had no idea the routine stroll would lead to a heartbreaking — yet ultimately heartwarming — discovery.
As they made their way across the property, something unusual caught their eye: a medium-sized cardboard box sitting motionless on the ground. From a distance, it looked ordinary, the kind of box you might expect to see discarded after a delivery. But there was something odd about it — the entire box had been sealed shut with layer upon layer of tape.
Curiosity soon turned to unease. Who would leave such a tightly sealed box outside, especially in the rain? And then the volunteer noticed a piece of paper taped to the top. It was a handwritten note, the kind that told a story in just a few short words.
The note read: “Found [two] strays. They are about 4–5 months old. Sorry for just dropping them off, but I can’t keep them due to my apartment not allowing pets.”
The volunteer’s heart sank. Whatever was inside that box wasn’t an object — it was a living, breathing being.
Breaking Open The Box
The volunteer rushed the mysterious package indoors, alarmed by the fact that it was sealed without even a single hole for ventilation. The thought of young animals struggling for air inside the box made every second feel urgent.
Together, the SRSL staff quickly began peeling away the tape. Their hands worked fast, ripping through the damp cardboard while anxiety hung heavy in the room. No one knew what condition the animals inside might be in. Had they been in the box for hours? Were they frightened? Injured? Or worse?
Finally, the last strip of tape gave way, and the lid flipped open. To everyone’s relief, two wide-eyed cats leapt out. They weren’t weak or collapsed as feared — they were full of life. Their fur was slightly ruffled, their bodies tense, but they immediately stretched and breathed in the fresh air they had been denied.
“They popped up, eager to get out of the box, and were very sweet from the start,” recalled Natalie Thomson, SRSL’s chief communications officer.
The staff quickly realized they were looking at two young males, about seven months old. Despite the stressful ordeal, their personalities shone through almost immediately. They rubbed up against the hands that freed them, offering tiny meows of gratitude.
From Cardboard Prison To Loving Foster Home
The two cats were lovingly named Amazon and Prime, a nod to their unexpected cardboard “delivery.” It didn’t take long for the staff to see that the brothers were affectionate, social, and eager to embrace human companionship.
A thorough medical check followed. To everyone’s relief, Amazon and Prime were in good health. They had no visible injuries, no infections, and seemed surprisingly resilient given their frightening introduction to the shelter.
Their story didn’t end at the shelter, though. Within days, a kindhearted foster family stepped up to take them both in. It was important to keep them together, as their bond was clear from the very beginning. In their foster home, Amazon and Prime finally got to experience the joys of indoor life — soft blankets, toys, consistent meals, and people who cared deeply for them.
“They’re doing great!” Thomson shared happily. “One of our wonderful fosters came and picked them both up, so they are learning about being indoor cats together.”
Their foster mom reported that the brothers adjusted quickly. Once timid and cautious, they soon filled the home with playful energy — chasing each other through hallways, curling up on laps, and purring themselves to sleep after long days of exploration.
Hope For A Brighter Future
While the staff at SRSL expressed heartbreak and frustration that someone had abandoned the cats in such a dangerous way, their focus quickly shifted to gratitude. Amazon and Prime had been discovered in time. A few more hours sealed inside that box, without air or food, could have led to tragedy.
Instead, their story transformed into one of survival, resilience, and hope. What began as a rainy-day mystery ended with two young cats safe, healthy, and loved.
Now, Amazon and Prime are officially available for adoption. The shelter hopes that a family will step forward soon to give them a permanent home — ideally together, so they can continue to share the brotherly bond that carried them through their ordeal.
For the staff and volunteers who met them, Amazon and Prime are more than just “rescued cats.” They are reminders of why shelters exist: to give second chances, to turn despair into joy, and to ensure that no animal’s life is left sealed away in a box, unseen and unheard.
And for their future family, these two playful brothers will no doubt bring endless laughter, affection, and gratitude — proof that even the most heartbreaking beginnings can lead to the happiest of endings.
