Alright, so if you're still reading, I'm sorry to have to share this bad news. Two of my four foster kittens have died. I am very worried about the other two kittens. The vet has done some tests and they have a parasite - either giardia or something that starts with a "t" that I can't pronounce. They're on medication and I'm just hoping they pull through. We'll have additional test results in a few days, but in the meantime there is not a whole lot they can do for the two remaining kittens.
Logically I know this can happen when fostering young kittens. I know there was nothing more I could have done for them, and its not my fault they died. I know this logically. But emotionally I am heartbroken. They were my foster cats. They were supposed to have a happy life with a wonderful new family someday. I never even gave them real names.
This one I called "Little Black One". He was my favorite of the four. He was the most cuddly and always the first to greet me when I came in the room. He had little fuzzy black hair all over that always seemed to look all askew.
This one I called "Socks". There were two gray tabbies in the litter and this one had white on her feet, like little white socks which is how I was able to tell them apart.
"Little Black One" and "Socks" are gone now. Please say a prayer for the other two kittens - "Spot" and "Trickster". These are the temporary names I've been using for them. I don't want to lose them too.
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I debated sharing this news. I want this blog to be a happy, fun place to visit. But I also know many of you are friends who really care about my foster animals and would want to know. I absolutely love fostering dogs and cats, and I love sharing my experiences with you, but sharing the story for every pet I foster means including both the good and the bad. And losing a foster pet is the absolute worst part of fostering that there is. But I will try to make tomorrow's post something more upbeat. Perhaps there will even be a new Ziggy story soon. I don't know about you, but Ziggy can always make me smile.
35 comments:
Woof! Woof! I am so sorry about the two kittens. Sending my Golden Healing Thoughts to the other kittens. Sharing happy n sad events is the reason why we blog. I know its hard but stay strong... you doing such a wonderful job. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar
I'm leviing...I'll be bacck tomorrow.
Puuddles
At a time like this all that can be said is... you did your best for them.
No, I'm just kidding.
Well, Dog Foster lovin All Animals Lady...we loves you a whole bunches and it's ok to share your feelings wiith us cuz well...we're you furiends. I know it is hard when a foster passes. I just hopes you know that it wasn't your fault. I'm guessing they was borned witth this.
You are a good foster so I hopes yyoou gives yourself a hug from us.
Puddles
pees: I'm thinking you needs to name one of those kittehs afters me...and I haves an award fur you on my bloggie.
Beth here....I am so sorry to hear about the kittens. No, it wasn't your fault. I know by taking Oz in it is a full time job and not an easy one. We can just do what we are able to do and hope for the best. Oz is 5 weeks old now and is doing great. We also have some wild cats outside that we feed and two I have been able to pet. One was pregnant and then disappeared for two day and came back not pregnant and hasn't left the yard again. AND no kittens around. She just lays on our deck -- her milk sacs are about dried up. So either they were dead when born or something killed them -- like Oz's mommy and siblings. Poor little guys.... Keep up the great work. The animals need people like you!
You are not alone. We're dealing with the same sad situation with our kitten fosters and our kennel staff. It is so difficult--the fosters feel like they've failed when the kittens die. I have been dealing with old, very ill dogs and distemper dogs. I get depressed about my failures, too.
Just know you are doing the right thing and that these little furballs had loving from you before they passed.
And don't be afraid to write about the challenging stuff. People need to hear the good, the funny and the sad.
Fostering can be so hard sometimes. We have foster kittens right now too, and we lost one of them to an unknown something a few days ago. We ended up getting up every four hours to feed everyone with a syringe because they had all stopped eating and drinking. It can be so hard and heart breaking when we lose our foster babies, we want to do everything we can for them. I hope you find comfort in knowing that you gave them all the love they ever knew on this planet, and they are in a better place now. Im sure our little black foster kitten we lost a few days ago was there to meet them when they crossed the rainbow bridge.
Rebecca (Daisy Mae's Mommmy)
Awww thats horrible, but all a part of fostering and even having animals in your life. Just remember that while they didn't have a good long life, they did have a good life with you and thats what counts.
Oh, Dog (and Kitteh) Foster Mom - my mom and me are so sorry to hear this very sad news. But you did everything you could and even though their sweet lives were short - you gaves them a safe place to be and lotsa luv. Some kittehs and doggies that live for lotsa years don't get that, ever!
Even though it was sad news, we are very much glad that you felts you could share it with us. We luvs you lots and lots and we wanna be here for you in the good times and in the sad.
You are super duper terrific, you know that?
Gentle Wiggles & Wags,
Mayzie
Aw, poor kitties. At least they had your love and attention for a little while before they had to go away.
:( that is sad. Im sorry to hear the news. We are rooting for the drugs to work and the other two kittens to pull through!
As much as sad news is a bummer, I think it's a good thing to share to show people the whole side of fostering. That it's not always happy endings (or humorous crazy chewing puppies). Thank you for sharing that with us.
Oh we are so sorry about the loss of the two kittens. We know that you have to be very sad - we are sending tons of purrs and prayers for the other two - we so hope they will be ok. And you are right that it isn't your fault - it stinks that you have to go through this but keep this in mind - you gave those kittens a wonderful, loving home for the short time they were there. Without you they wouldn't have had that - you gave them a wonderful gift, not matter how short of a time it was.
Ok, I am heading to the Ziggy fan page now because I am crying and need a happy thought. I am sending you lots of hugs too!!
Oh, I'm so sorry to hear about the kittens. But like you said, there's always a little heartbreak with fostering. There's nothing we can do. The kittens knew love and caring before they crossed the Rainbow Bridge, so take comfort in that.
Love,
Shannon
Just so you know I posted a link to this at the Cat Blogosphere to get some more purrs prayers and good thoughts headed their way.
We just came over from the CB. We're so sorry about Little Black One and Socks, and we're purring for Spot and Trickster - come on little ones - you can do it!
Charlemagne and Tamar
Thanks for visiting my bloggie. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of the kitties. From reading some of your posts, I KNOW you gave them the very best life. It goes without saying that by fostering these critters, you are doing an AMAZING thing. You're a hero!!
Wags,
Zona
I guess I'm just more used to losing kittens. It seems that whenever we had a cat growing up, we would always lose several of her kittens before they could grow.
This is the worst part of fostering, hands-down. I'm tearing up right now just thinking about it. Hang in there, and just know that you gave those sweet little kitties the best life they had during their short time here. It is not your fault and you did the best you could for them. Heck, the poor babies lived in a van before you rescued them, so at least they got to experience real love and care. When I lost Tyler suddenly, I kept wondering if I should have done something differently or if I missed a sign that he was ill. The plain truth is that I didn't - it was just his time to go. I'm so sorry for your loss, but just know that you have lots of friends thinking of you and praying for the other 2 babies to pull through. Keep doing what you are doing because you truly are an angel to our furry friends. Hugs from the Bauman clan!
I am so, so sorry. I know how it can be when you foster those little guys. I've been in your position and it just breaks your heart. You try to be objective but when it comes to a little life - objectivity goes right out the door.
Oh, that's so sad. I'm glad that you did chose to share this, even though it's not upbeat, because it really is important to see all the sides of fostering.
I am crying while I'm typing this - but don't for a second think that you shouldn't share this news! You are doing wonderful work for these puppies & kitties. Sometimes things don't work out - no matter how hard we try. But we're all here for you & each other through the good times and the bad!
Little Spot and Trickster are in my thoughts & I am hoping they pull through!!
Cory (Nico & JayJay)
I am so sorry that the two kittens had to go to the Rainbow Bridge. I am hoping and praying and Herman is purring for the other two.
We send you love and rumbly purrs to ease the loss of Socks and Little Black one.
Thank you for giving them love, care and a chance, what you do is very special, never forget that.
Special purrs for Spot & Trickster
Whicky Wuudler
We are so sorry about the two babies having to go to the Bridge. We are purring very hard for the remaining two. Bless you for fostering them. (((hugs)))
I know that I'm late to the party, but thank you! Thank you for opening your heart. Thank you for caring for those little furry bundles of kittiness and giving them a good place. Even if it is for a little while. That counts. It really does.
All you have to do is look back at the fosters you have placed to know that what you do makes a difference. What you share of your journey inspires.
Thank you!
Oh, we are so sorry to hear about Socks and the Little Black One. Thank you for loving them, and all the animals you foster. You are in our prayers and purrs.
oh we are furry sowy to hear this. thos babies lived the happiest days of their short lives suwounded by love and kindness . we'll let our angel brofur know to show them around as well.
we'll be pwaying for you and the rest of the babies
pibble sniffles
the pittie pack
miss dog foster mama,
i am so sorry that little black one and socks didn't make it. i'm sending you lotsa gooey nose kisses, and me and asa and mama will be praying for spot and trickster to be okay.
*woof*
the booker man
Life isn't all upbeat so there is nothing wrong with sharing your sadness with your readers -- they care. We're sorry your two foster kitties didn't make it. We hope the other two do. Purrs and tail wags.
yet another reason why it takes a person far stronger than I to be a foster
I'm so sorry the bebbeh kittens had to go to the Bridge. I am purring my best for little Spot and Trickster.
We are so sorry to hear about the two kittens going to the Bridge. At least they went knowing they were loved. We are purring very hard for Spot and Trickster and we hope they are okay.
You are a special person for fostering these babies. We send you big hugs!
We are sending healing purrs to little Spot and Trickster, so sorry their siblings had to go to the bridge. We knows you are doing the best you can for them.
So sorry two of the little darlings went to the bridge. I am so purring hard that you dont lose the other two. I came over from the CB to say Hi and send my purrs and support.. Hugs GJ xx
Please don't ever feel bad about sharing sad news. Its good to get things out and give them a little tribute as they were loved and deserve a nice send off when they head for the bridge.
-Katie
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