[lizardlady]

I'm thinking of changing my name to "Someone."

Staff at the school where I'm based found a litter of itty-bitty kittens Monday. It seemed like the mother might have abandoned them. (I wondered if the mom was staying away because so many people were coming to look at the babies.) Anyway, all afternoon people kept saying "Someone should take them home to care for them." then they'd look at me. Well, call me "Someone" We waited to see if the mother would come back after the kids left for the day. No. Then it started to rain. I knew there was no way the babies would make it through the night in the cold and rain so I packed 'em up and brought 'em home (after stopping to buy formula and bottles)

There were three, but one was very weak when I got them home. She didn't make it through the night. The other two seem to be doing ok. They are eating, peeing and pooping.

When I said these are itty-bittys I meant it. They look to be a few days old. Their eyes are still closed and they have stumps on their belly buttons. I've raised orphaned kittens before, but not any this young.

Before anyone fusses at me for bringing them home I normally would have left them for the mama to come back to, but a) she'd been gone about six hours, b) it was starting to rain and they did not have shelter and c) staff was going to take them to animal control where they would've been put down.

I thought I'd post about the ongoing saga.

They are being bottle fed every 2-3 hours. I wipe their little b-hinds after they eat to stimulate peeing and pooping. Mom cats normally do this for babies. They spent most of yesterday wrapped in a towel and tucked inside my shirt to stay warm. I was able to work from home yesterday so could tend to them here. I have to go to the office today so I'm going to smuggle them in.

I always said I'd never be able to foster because I would not be able to let the little ones go. I'm working hard not to become attached to these guys, but suspect that's going to be a losing battle. Please send positive thoughts. Losing the first one that first night was sad, but I kind of expected it. It's really going to hurt if I lose one of the remaining two.

[happysobercrafter]

Why would anyone fuss at you?

I am sending you loving, healing positive thoughts!! And I wouldn't be able to let them go either. Watching them grow and develop? They'd stay with me.

[unaluna]

I wondered what brought you back to life. Im so touched.

[splitimage]

That is so nice of you to do. I hope the remaining 2 thrive under your care.

[happysobercrafter]

Can we see pictures, pretty please!!

[Nammu]

Ohhhhhh that was so kind of you. Yeah it's hard to give up fosters. Sending healing vibes the kitties way and hugs to you.

[SlumberKitty]

Awww. I hope that the kitties do well and continue to grow and get strong. HUGS to you, Kit

[bluekoi]

lizardlady,

The little kittens would have died if you had not saved them. I wish there were more people in the world like you.

[lizardlady]

Thank you everyone.

Sad news is that the other two died yesterday. They seemed to be doing okay then went to sleep and did not wake up. They were only in my life for a couple of days, but I'm still heartbroken. My consolation is that they were loved and cared for for the short time they were here.

My crew seemed to know I was sad last night. They took turns coming to me to snuggle.

I'm back to thinking I'm not cut out to foster. This hurts too much.

[happysobercrafter]

@lizardlady

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((lizardlady)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) I am so sorry to hear this!!! I hear you, honey; it is painful to lose sweet furbabies. You tried so hard to help them!! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

[Nammu]

((((((((((Liz))))))))))))) yes that is hard.

[bluekoi]

lizardlady,

They passed away warm and loved. You did your best for them. I know it hurts.

[happysobercrafter]

@lizardlady

I hope this brings you comfort as it has for me over the years.

[lizardlady]

Thanks Happycrafter. It does help.

[possum220]

Bless your heart for taking the kittens in. I am so sorry to hear that they didnt make it. Sending you gentle hugs.

[lizardlady]

Thanks everyone. I followed a bad old pattern and kept myself busy, busy, busy the last few days to avoid dealing with the pain of losing them. My body grabbed my attention with physical pain this morning. A couple of days late, but I'm going to take today to let myself feel what I feel, even if what I feel sucks.

I like to plant something in memory of people/critters who passed. I buried each of the babies under one of my rose bushes. I also bought an orchid with markings that remind me of the striped one.

Poor little ones, such short lives.