But Josh was stopped when he heard a sound coming from outside the barracks at Fort Riley in Kansas. A tiny black and white kitten poked its head out of the bushes and meowed. He narrates Josh and Scout, a Mutual Rescue, a short film, saying, “He just walked up and started rubbing up against my leg and let me pet him, I broke down crying, burst into tears”.
Maybe he saw that there was a problem I wasn’t quite able to solve”.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Josh reflected, “I stopped thinking about all my problems and started thinking about his problems and what I could do to help him. He gave the kitten the name “Scout” when he began giving him food every day. ”. Josh considers this kitten to be the reason he is still alive, so he was a little sad when Scout stopped coming by one day.
Josh continued living his life despite still missing Scout. But eventually, he started dating a girl, and they decided to go to an adoption fair and adopt a cat because Scout had such a positive impact on Josh’s life. Josh from YouTube didn’t know who he would meet at the adoption event. Upon seeing Scout at the shelter, he claims that “a little black and white paw shoots out from a crate and starts smacking me in my left arm”.
I forcibly removed him from the cage and took hold of him. Josh finished the adoption paperwork for Scout right away. After adopting the adorable kitten who had saved his life, Josh was motivated to improve. He started working out, making healthier food choices and even stopped smoking.
He eventually was medically released from the Army, married his girlfriend, Becky, earned a master’s degree in clinical rehabilitation and mental health counseling, and found work with the Department of Veteran Affairs counseling disabled veterans. Josh decided against ending his life after having a chance encounter with a kitten and now helps other veterans who are experiencing the same problems he did. Watch the video below to learn more about the amazing story of Josh and Scout, and who knows how many lives Josh has saved as a result of his efforts.
Animals can do some truly amazing things for humans. It is an absolute tragedy that this young man would attempt suicide after giving his life to protect our country. What a blessing it is that animals can heal. Please share this wonderful story of joy and hope with your loved ones.