A Dedication

Weeks ago, the rescue was asked to save a skinny little Mom cat and her 8 tiny kittens from death row at the shelter.  Honestly, when I heard about them I really didn't want to take them.  I was being cautious as they had been at the shelter just long enough to get an upper respiratory infection and no doubt the litter of kittens would get sick and die. 

The little family did get sick.  But they didn't die.  The dedicated foster Mom bottlefed at all hours, medicated and loved this little family until they were well.  This rescue is so blessed to have such dedicated volunteers. 

The Mom cat (now named Jolie) is slowly gaining weight.  She either has a cleft lip or a rodent ulcer.   She has a tooth that needs to be pulled too.

I find this sweet little angel so endearing and am filled with gratitude for the two foster parents who have loved this little family into health despite my initial objections.

The following poem was sent to me via email today.  I don't know who wrote it.   It was geared toward dogs, so I've changed the wording for cats and dedicate it to Jolie, her 8 babies and all the foster parents who put their own lives on hold to help the little ones:


The Reason

I would've died that day if not for you.

I would've given up on life if not for your kind eyes.

I would've used my teeth in fear if not for your gentle hands.

I would have left this life believing that all humans don't care

Believing there is no such thing as fur that isn't matted

skin that isn't flea bitten

good food and enough of it

beds to sleep on

someone to love me

to show me I deserve love just because I exist.

Your kind eyes, your loving smile, your gentle hands

Your big heart saved me...



You saved me from the terror of the pound,

Soothing away the memories of my old life.

You have taught me what it means to be loved.

I have seen you do the same for other cats like me.

I have heard you ask yourself in times of despair

Why you do it

When there is no more money, no more room, no more homes

You open your heart a little bigger, stretch the money a little tighter

Make just a little more room...to save one more like me.

I tell you with the gratitude and love that shines in my eyes

In the best way I know how

Reminding you why you go on trying.



I am the reason

The cats before me are the reason

As are the ones who come after.

Our lives would've been wasted, our love never given

We would die if not for you