Kitten Found Crying on Train Tracks Gets a Second Chance at Life
While working her usual route on the Alaska Railroad, tour guide Portia Duke spotted something completely unexpected — a tiny kitten stranded on the tracks, crying for help.
The train had briefly stopped to switch engine crews when Duke and her colleagues heard the desperate meows.
“We could hear it crying over all the noise the train was making,” Duke shared. “We saw it and radioed the conductor for permission to get off, but the schedule was too tight — we had to keep moving.”
The image of the helpless kitten haunted her long after the train left. That night, unable to sleep, Duke made a decision: she and her boyfriend would return at first light in hopes the kitten might still be there.
Against all odds, they heard that same faint meow the next morning.
“We both just looked at each other and started walking faster — we knew she was out there,” she said. “We found her within 10 yards of where we’d seen her the day before. We were in total shock.”
The kitten, now named Willow, was rushed to an emergency vet. Weighing just half a pound and estimated to be only 3 to 4 weeks old, she was treated for worms, given antibiotics, and found to have some minor tail issues. Despite her condition, Willow was showing signs of strength and spirit.
“She’s already walking steadier, and her personality is starting to shine,” Duke said. “She’s clearly a little fighter — surviving alone out there all night tells us that much.”
Willow is now safe, warm, and playing like any other kitten her age. Duke is currently raising funds to cover Willow’s veterinary care and ensure she has the future she deserves.