Monday, September 10, 2012

Another Cursed Monday

Once again, we faced another start of the work week where I had to tell a loving foster Mom that her beloved foster cat passed away.  After spending more than $2000.00 dollars on this sweetheart and days in a hospital, we finally got word from the vet that "Porkchop" is no longer with us. 
I hate that he died alone while the vet was closed and I hate that the $2000.00 that the rescue spent didn't save him.  There are no regrets about spending the money.  Any REPUTABLE rescue organization would do that.  I had to tap into our emergency money, but that's what it's for, right?  With our emergency money depleted, I'm going to have to do some juggling and pray that some fundraising will help. 

As a rescuer, there's never much time to grieve.  Porkchop's passing means there's an open space in a foster home and another cat waiting for a chance to live.  I'm so grateful that his foster Mom feels the same way.  So often foster parents run for the hills when their foster cat dies.  Sometimes it's just too damn painful to put yourself out there again. 

It's been a gorgeous day.  That's been my saving grace today after getting pre-coffee bad news.  The sun has been pouring through my office window with a cooler (dare I say "Autumn-like"?) breeze coming through.  I've been extremely productive and even had time to stain a new screen door for our front door.  The rescue's administrative stuff is now up to date and there might even be time for a 30 minute siesta before I start dinner. 

I almost hate the idea of taking that 30 minute nap.  I've been too busy until now to think about our little "Porky".  But he deserves to be thought about.  I don't want him to be "just another RIP in the rescue".   I'll spend some time thinking about him at our last adoption event and how he sucked on his foster Mom's ear.  Porkchop was such a character. 

He's going to be missed.




8 comments:

Random Felines said...

We are so very very sorry. Every loss is felt - but like you, we are glad his foster mom was able to see beyond the loss to know she will have space to save another life.

Sparkle said...

I'm so sorry Porkchop didn't make it. Just because a kitty is a foster, it does not make him any easier to lose. :-(

Caroline said...

Sorry to read about Porkchop. I think that vets should give a discount when the pet dies, at least to rescues. I hope some nice soul with large pockets help you to refill the pot.

Anonymous said...

Awww....poor Porkchop, I am so sorry for everyone's loss :(

I know the feeling of having a loved one pass away at the vet by themselves....that happened to Sawyer, it has been almost one year and I still don't know when I will ever forgive myself for letting him die alone. I still miss him so much every day it hurts.

The pain of losing these guys can be so hard. :(

Anonymous said...

It is no secret I loved Porkchop. I loved him a lot.

When he was brought to me by my neighbour (who had just spent 2 hours trying to catch him), he was dirty, smelly, and skinny but he was *such* a sweet soul.

I was very grateful to you (Beth) and Renee for willing to take him into the rescue and look after him (I don't have a car and Renee has far more experience with the kittens :).

I saw him on a regular basis and only loved him more. I really wanted to adopt him but with four cats and a foster, my husband put his foot down.

Renee has given Porky the best care he could have hoped for. He was a happy, happy boy. When she told me he had been rushed to the vet over the weekend, I was worried sick. All throughout the weekend I was getting updates and he seemed a little better.

When I heard this morning that he had passed after all, I admit, I shed a few tears here in the office. I am going to miss him so dreadfully.

Thanks to everyone involved for making the time he had a great one, and thank you Beth for your willingness to spend that huge some of money on him.

I will donate towards his medical expenses.

Cindy, Bertie, Sammy, Malley, Batman and Garth

Devon said...

I'm so sorry to read about Porkchop. It's been a rough week for the rescue. I wish he wasn't alone when he passed. My thoughts are with you and the foster parent.

Anonymous said...

Hugs to the foster mom who lost the kitten - wonder what happened.

My vote is for the odd eyed kitten # 91109 he looks really friendly
http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/24006898

or one of these ones who just came in 91262,K2-K4 and might not yet be sick.



Connie - Tails from the Foster Kittens said...

while sad and so hard to accept, the one bright spot was that he was loved, and well loved in deed. Rest in peace PorkChop, you will have several people looking for you at the bridge.