An Animal Health Technician's Cat Named Mr. Munchkin Is Having the Time of His Life After Learning to Go on Kayaking Adventures
You can never know a pet's potential unless you give them a chance or are patient enough to train them. If you do both, they might surprise you with what they can grow up to be.
They might become your best lounging companion or the travel buddy you've been looking for. You'll never know until you take that first step with them.
Mr. Munchkin was only three days old in an incubator with his sister, Stella, when an animal health technician named Gabrielle Vachon took both of them in to be fostered. Vachon already had a dog named Cowboy but thought that adding to their family would be beneficial.
She saw cats online whose stories revolved around having adventures and figured that Mr. Munchkin might fit that kind of life. Since she was already a kayak and boat owner, Vachon thought that their ultimate adventure would be learning to kayak.
Gabrielle was patient in training Mr. Munchkin to be comfortable in the kayak without compromising his safety. They started with leash and social training, which progressed to staying in the kayak for longer periods.
As time went on, Mr. Munchkin got to go on many adventures whenever the waves were small and the weather was pleasant. Gabrielle eventually gained another companion to explore new places with.
Here's Mr. Munchkin and His Sister, Stella
He Grew Up to Be a Majestic Adventurous Cat
A Little Clip to Show How He Really Grew but Stayed the Same
Cowboy's New Brother
A Natural at Staying Calm While Leashed
Gabrielle already owned a kayak and boat in Montreal. She was fully comfortable with both and wanted to start training Mr. Munchkin to become familiar with being in them.
Their backyard was a great starting point. Mr. Munchkin started receiving treats whenever he willingly got into the kayak, which he caught on to pretty quickly.
They slowly moved to the lake, which he was thankfully already familiar with. Gabrielle continued his training whenever he stayed in the boat comfortably for extended periods, and slowly but surely, he got the hang of it.
Mr. Munchkin Has Always Been Comfortable with Water, Unlike Most Cats
He Does Feel Icky When He Gets His Feet Wet
After Multiple Attempts, Mr. Munchkin Finally Found a Life Jacket That Fits Just Right
Now He's Ready to Go for an Adventure!
Gabrielle Started Off Slowly, Usually Just a Few Minutes of Kayaking to Get Mr. Munchkin Used to It
They Pick Good Days When the Waves Are Small and the Weather Is Pleasant
Soon They Got to Discover New Places
Kayaking Isn't the Only Thing Mr. Munchkin Loves
He's a Pro at Backpack Riding
Mr. Munchkin Is a Casual Skateboarder Too
When You Say Adventure, He Thinks Camping Is Great on a Good Day
With All the Adventures Mr. Munchkin Goes On, He Doesn't Miss Out on the Opportunity to Laze Around
Whether It's Hanging Out with Cowboy
Or Just Snoozing Under the Covers
Mr. Munchkin was pushed beyond his comfort zone but was never forced to stay if he didn't want to. His safety was always considered, and a towel was on hand if he ever got wet.
Mr. Munchkin is a great example of what heights pets can reach with the help of their owners. Gabrielle Vachon was lucky to have him and Cowboy as companions to share adventures with.
If you think pets deserve adventures like Mr. Munchkin's or you want to cheer him on, you can leave a comment. We'd love to hear from you.
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