Kitten whisperer saves the day

The wooden plank flooring in the feed store creaked from the tread of many barn boots over the years and a large wood stove radiated warmth on that chilly, early December morning. The stove was surrounded by wooden rocking chairs that were usually occupied by friends, neighbors or a customer with a little extra time on their hands.

Mary, the proprietor, also radiated warmth while bustling around the store, taking care of the customers or restocking the shelves. All of the area farm families knew Mary, a kind woman with blue eyes and a big heart.

This morning, however, was not typical. No one w...