It’s National Pet Day – and time to introduce Lulu! In the summer of 2024, Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a house fire. The incident was tragic. The resident was deceased, along with several pet cats. Then they found Lulu. “I almost stepped on her, she was so small,” said Deputy Grotefend. The deputy scooped the kitten up and put her in a patrol car to keep her safe while she continued investigating the incident. Family of the resident supported Deputy Grotefend keeping Lulu and attempting to save her. During a trip to the vet after her shift was over, Deputy Grotefend learned Lulu’s eyes were infected and she had a urinary tract infection. She weighed in at six ounces. The vet estimated Lulu was only a few weeks old and wouldn’t have lasted another day. Deputy Grotefend made several more trips to the vet, paying for Lulu’s care and taking her almost everywhere off-duty. She was so small she rode around in a purse for several weeks. Lulu also had some good protectors to watch out for her and teach her things as she grew – Deputy Grotefend’s two labradoodles. They may have missed the mark a little, as Lulu is known to come when called, walk on a leash, and pant like a dog now... Less than a year later, Lulu is completely healed and weighs six pounds. While still not a canine, she is known to visit the office from time to time! #CommittedToJusticeAndIntegrity #SwornToProtectLaneCounty #HonoredToServePhotos from Lane County Sheriff's Office's post