The emails were exciting! When I woke up, I read the threads frantically looking for words like "Final Rescue Tally". Two lists added up to 10 ADULT cats and 2 kittens for two different rescues today.
I was practically skipping through the closed shelter today - Gathering cats like children gather Easter eggs. As I double checked my list, I realized one cat wasn't there, so made a few calls and knew there had been a mistake. I could still rescue ONE MORE pregnant cat!
I went to "Dipsey's" cage who was VERY pregnant when she arrived:
She looked further and found two more kittens in the litterbox. They were alive! The staff hadn't been in that room yet to clean the cages, so the poor little angels had been delivered in a litterbox full of poop and pee. The umbilical cord and placenta was still attached to them and we thought it was best not to cut anything. (Cutting a large umbilical cord can cause bleeding)
I loaded up the carrier with the little family and the rest of the cats and headed to my first stop - a veterinary clinic. I mentioned to the vet that I had a Mom with newborns who needed some help with cutting umbilical cords...yada yada yada. The vet took one look and stopped.
"This is not a large umbilical cord. These are the kitten's intestines and his stomach. He will die and he's suffering now. We need to euthanize him."
Shit. I started to cry. The vet looked at me and her eyes welled up too. I'm sure that wasn't going to be the best part of her day. While the vet was getting the needle ready, I stroked the little one. I don't know why I said this, but I found myself whispering at the struggling kitten, "Come back as a lion and kick some ass." Shit. I don't even believe in reincarnation. My eyes burned as the tears fall down my cheeks.
The good news? I rescued enough cats Friday and today for the shelter to cancel the vet's euthanasia day tomorrow.
Many thank you's to Abbey Cats and Forgotten Ones who made it possible for me to rescue these little lives today:
16 comments:
I am sure your tears come often in your rescue effort and I have such high regard for your efforts to save the cats. You are a true blessing to them all, even if they don't make it in this life.
How said that is for you, but it saved him from suffering in a dirty litter box.
Another great rescue day for everyone else.
Great job :)
Beth, I'm so sorry about the kitten, and the mom's first dead one. So terribly sad. I hope the remaining kitten and mom are doing okay, though.
And because of an experience I had when I was younger, one I can only explain via reincarnation, I do reluctantly think it might be possible. So if it is, I hope that one kitten does come back to kick butt!
Aw Beth, at least the newborn didn't suffer a long, slow, painfull death in a dirty litter box. So, Dipsey has one live kitten? Better than three dead in a dirty litter box in a small cage.
You forgot to post Luna & Ally's pic!
Debbie: OMG! I sure did! I just added it now. How could I forget them???? :)
Better to pass with someone who cares. Than to pass alone and in pain.
So sorry to hear about the kittens, but also so happy to hear about the rescues. So many lives saved these past few days thanks to you and all these wonderful rescues!
I'm so happy to hear they canceled the euthanasia day tomorrow!!! I'm also so happy to see some familiar faces getting out of animal control, it made my day!
For those two little souls: they're in a better place, and I agree with everyone else; you helped ease that little one's pain which was the best thing that could have been done in that situation.
You always inspire me, and bless you for all you do. ((hugs))
Poor, poor babies. What a horrible way to come into and leave this world. Are the Mom and remaining kitten doing okay?
Congrats on all the precious souls that you were able to get out of there.
WOW! To be responsible for cancelling a euthanasia day is EPIC! Fabulous job Beth! That deserves a dinner out! Thanks to Forgotten Ones and Abbey Cat Rescue for providing the space. As for the preg Mum, at least she wasn't euthanised after having the problem births, hopefully now she can relax and enjoy life as a single girl, once any remaining kittens leave home!
Aw Beth I'm so sorry to hear about those kittens! But cancelling a vet day is excellent! Keep up the good work! :)
Congratulations, Beth. What a relief to hear about so many little souls saved by all the wonderful people who still have hearts in their bodies. It seems I have been crying most of this Easter week-end; at least now they are tears of joy!
We are so very glad that "euthanasia day" was cancelled. Mom's heart broke for you and Dipsey and the baby.....at least he knew some love before crossing the bridge. Keep the good and hard work!
Oh Beth bless you for rescuing Twinkee... i could not talk the family into the kitty with no tail sad as that sounds... I am so glad that he got rescued from the shelter. I am so proud of you for getting enough cats out to cancel euthanasia day.... KUDOS KUDOS!!!!
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