When It Rains, It Pours

My daughter did her "training" last Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday for her new part-time employment at the no-kill shelter where she has interned this semester. On Thursday, the training shift was supposed to be from 8am until 1pm. I know things can "go long" there on any particular day because of so many different things. But at 2:30 I started to worry. I called her cell phone, knowing I would have to just leave a message, but she picked up. She said she was just getting ready to call. Then she immediately started talking about how busy they had been, and that even though her shift was over at one, she just couldn’t leave - too much going on. Some of the problem is the current lack of volunteer help there, but another contributing factor is the flooding. Displaced families are bringing their pets to the shelter for temporary housing. This is making an already very large workload much, much bigger.

I think it was close to 4pm when she called home again. I assumed she was calling to tell me she was on her way home. But her voice sounded slightly different. I asked if something was wrong. Her words were quiet, highlighted against the cacophony of sounds in the background. She said - I’m holding this kitten. Mom, he’s not going to make it. He’s completely limp. He came in earlier, and I’ve been checking on him every chance I’ve had, but it’s been so busy here. He doesn’t move. His eyes are sealed shut. It’s like he’s in a coma.

She went on to say that she still wasn’t coming home. There was just too much to do there. She wanted me to tell her something that would bring this little kitten back from the brink of death. He was so limp that he didn’t have any reflexes - certainly he did not swallow. So my daughter had been rubbing Karo syrup on his gums at the vet’s suggestion. The little kitten had received 10 units of fluid at the clinic earlier that day, and my daughter was about to give another 10. But this little guy was completely unresponsive. There was no labored breathing, but rather it was very shallow. I knew she couldn’t use sugar water because he couldn’t swallow. I told her I was so sorry. As she hung up she asked - Can I bring him home? I’m guessing he won’t make it that long, but if he’s still alive when I leave . . . . I can’t leave him here to die all alone tonight.

And so I prepared myself for what I knew was to come. I just don’t do that very well. I will give EVERY effort to saving a little animal’s life, but oh how I hate to watch one die. I knew, however, that this would be the gift we could give to this tiny little kitten who never had a chance. My daughter said it in her conversation with me, but I had already thought of it. Here was a baby like Winnie. Only worse. Someone had found this little one lying IN THE ROAD, completely limp, eyes sealed shut with infection. This person had raced into the shelter, thrust the kitten towards the person behind the desk, and said - I can’t keep this; I’m allergic. And with that, the little coma kitty was in the hands of the shelter personnel. And one of those people was my daughter.

When it was after 5pm by quite a bit, I began to worry again. Still no call from Older Daughter. And then, the phone rang. She told me the kitten was still alive, but she didn’t really expect him to make even another hour. She said she had to run by the gas station and then she would be home. As I was listening, I thought I heard a tiny little meow in the background. My heart leaped, and I asked - Is that the kitten? Is he meowing? There was complete silence on the other end. I asked again. Wait a minute. I could hear more than one tiny little meow. And then my daughter broke the silence with - Well, there were a couple more I needed to bring home. They’re in really bad shape. I’ll explain when I get home.

I alerted Younger Daughter as to what was about to happen. She needed to work on a history essay project that evening, but we both knew we were about to have to shift into critical care mode. Bless her heart, she said - OK. Well, I can always work on it late tonight or even late tomorrow night.  Keeping something alive always trumps everything else.

When Older Daughter got home that evening, she had the coma kitty in a small carrier by himself. The other group was in a bigger carrier. The "couple" of additional sick kittens was actually SIX. All were in terrible shape. I thought about the seven kittens we were fostering at this very time last year. All seven had survived. But they weren’t sick. They had been bottle-fed and returned to the shelter. Older Daughter (who was volunteering at the time) saw that they weren’t receiving the individual care they needed to assure that everyone was actually eating. We took them in and helped them transition from bottle to eating solid food. Even with no illness, it was touch-and-go for that very young group. Now we had a very young group that was also very sick - extremely underweight, matted eyes, raspy breathing. I scanned the group of faces and wondered who would make it and who wouldn’t. I could see that a couple of them were stronger. They would survive. And I looked at the smaller, weaker ones. My heart broke as I thought of losing even one of these precious babies. We would try. And I would hope.

That was Thursday. And then, on Saturday, another very sick kitten was delivered to the shelter. My daughter was working, and the shelter had reached beyond capacity. They simply could not take ONE MORE ANIMAL. Between the flood victim animals that were coming in and the regular overabundance, there was not one more spot anywhere in that shelter for another animal. It would have to be turned away. I spoke with my daughter and we decided to take the little thing ourselves because of having the second cathouse now. This kitten, maybe a week older than the others we had taken in on Thursday, had an added complication. He had a sealed eye, but his real problem was continuous, bloody diarrhea. I was on the phone several times yesterday (Sunday) with the on-call vet. She was afraid to try antibiotics because of the depleted and very delicate nature of this kitten’s system. We were to force feed tiny amounts every hour of a concoction of baby food, rice cereal, and water, and start the wormer which my husband went and picked up.

During the course of the weekend, each of the kittens received a name. But the little coma kitty got his name right away on Thursday night - we named him "Gabriel" because we knew he was already on his way to becoming an angel. It’s possible our Saturday kitten should have received an angel name, too.

Here are some pictures from Thursday night.  The first one is Gabriel.  It looks like he's sleeping, but his eyes re-sealed immediately after each time we bathed them open. 

 
 

 
  

 
 
 
 
And this is the kitten we took on Saturday.  I'll be going to the vet with him today.  It's not looking good.

 
 
More on this kitten story tomorrow.

I’m so tired right now that I can’t remember everything I wanted to talk to you about this week. I will only be posting a few more days.  Starting next week is a series of events including my daughter’s graduation & out-of-town guests, and then some out-of-town time for ourselves.  I am nearly desperate now to find Daphne a home. All of the sick kittens are in our bathroom. So Daphne had to move back to a cage in my kennel office. She just seems so sad. She was so interactive with us - and now I feel she’s being warehoused. Please - if anyone out there has been considering Daphne, believe me when I tell you she is a doll who will steal your heart. Also - please remember that when we head south for vacation, we would love to load up a kitty or two and meet up with a couple of forever homes. As you can see from today’s story - kitten season is upon us. Won’t you consider adopting one of our cathouse adults?

See you tomorrow.

Comments

[Cat's Cats]

Oh Chrystal, is that eight sick kittens?! I really have to stop reading your blog at work, I so often have to hide my tears and sniffles at my desk. Too many little babies in need, I don't know how you do it!!! I am praying for all of them. They have a chance with you and your family, I just hope they are strong enough to fight for life.

[The Poupounette Gang]

We are, as always, in awe of the amazing work you and your daughters do, Chrystal. We're thinking of you and keeping every paw crossed for the little ones.

[Random Felines]

Sending you all big hugs....but like I said before, sometimes the best we can do is show them a little love and safety and care before they leave. It doesn't make it any easier, and my heart breaks for you....but the world is a much better place for you and your family being in it.

[Fuzzy Tales]

I'm in tears reading your post, Chrystal. All I can offer to you and your family, and all those poor little babies, is universal Light and Blessings.

So, so heart-breaking.

Bless you all for caring so very much, when so many obviously don't.

[LP]

When I see all those innocent, sweet faces, all I can think of is where did they come from and where are the people who knew they had entered this world??! So disappointing.I know it is difficult Chrystal, to see sufferiing in the first stage of life when there should be joy and wonder ; to know they may not even get a chance at life.Thank you for being there for these innocent helpless babies, when others have failed them miserably.
the critters in The Cottage

[Amy & the House of Cats]

Oh Crystal I am so sad that so many sick babies are there with you right now, and that Daphne is so sadright now. I am sitting here at work just crying because I know you will love all those sick little babies and just make sure that even if they don't make it very long, they will know they were loved by you and your family, and by all of us out here too. We are purring and praying for all of them and for all of you too - this has to be so hard and honestly just thank you and thanks to your family for being the wonderful, loving people you are. Giving these babies the love they so truely deserve is such a wonderful gift you can give them all.

[Abby]

It is so hard to see the struggles of babies. I cannot help but pray for these tiny babies and we are sending up prayers for all of them and a special plea for Gabriel.

kitty kisses and purrayers
Abby & Mom Debra

[Katnip Lounge]

You have all my prayers for these little ones...at least they'll end their journey warm and loved.
God Bless.

[The Monkeys]

It's so heartbreaking that these beautiful babies are in such bad condition. I am sending as many positive thoughts as possible that these little angels make it, and that you all continue to have the amazing strength to take care of the ones that need it.

[Ginny&the Fur Family]

you and your daughters have my thoughts and prayers. We are dealing with much the same thing here now with these-- water gets in their eyes and they get infected and they feel so bad already it is hard to try to force things up on them even it they have to have it. WE hope all make it. I always think that as long as there is breath there is some hope. Hope grows and life forces are like a candle whose wick is about to burn down - some times that wick will burn long after the flame goes down and some times that ember can be nurtured into a small flame that grows until life is there again. Gabriel is so sweet and like Winnie - he is just hanging on - all my prayers are going to all but especially to him. - My preyers are for you to be able to get some rest somehow. You fight so galiantly for the helpless ones. You and your family are the best place for these sweet sick babies to be - they will be warm and loved. Prayers for Daphne to find a loving home. Warm wishes - Ginny & The Fur Family

[ginger jasper]

Oh I am reading this late at night here and just cant stop the tears. Those darling babies. I so hope they make it but if they dont then at least they will have known some love in their short lives. You are such special people and if anyone can pull them through then it is you. I hope Daphne can find a forever home and pray that will happen. xx

[Andrea and the Celestial Kitties]

Oh Chrystal, you have more than your share of heartache. Prayers of course, and a plea.
People, we seriously have to help clear out the cat house! Tell everyone you know about these wonderful kitties! We have to try to relieve some of the burden by finding great homes.
We may not all be in a position to help the sick ones that come across her path, but we can help spread the word about the adoptable ones. If you've ever wanted a new kitty, now's the time! And such sweet kitties to fall in love with!!

[Milo and Alfie]

Oh Chrystal ~ if only they could all survive. I am sending love and healing thoughts, and Milo and Alfie are sending purrs. Sometimes life seems so cruel and harsh. If only neutering was widespread ~ then every kitten born could have a happy healthy life.
I hope some adoptees appear on your horizon. Those cats SO deserve a loving home of their own.

Your daughters do you proud. Their hearts are as big as yours. Thank you to all of you.

Jan xxx

[Deb & The Taylor CatSSSSS]

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT FIV CATS PLEASE VISIT MY BLOG:

http://taylorcatsssss.blogspot.com/

I also have a ChipIn started to help raise funds to help Chrystal's Critters!!!

Love, Deb