You are here

A Downdropping Story

Well? What's the opposite of "Uplifting?"

Sheesh.

Today had some very big ups that I can't talk about right now, other than to say that there are some very interesting, exciting, joyful things percolating. How it all comes to pass, I do not know, but it's nice to have something to look forward to nonetheless. I don't mean to be a turd by keeping quiet, it's just, well, know that I'll tell you as soon as I can. Ok, you want a hint?

I can't. Not yet. Sue me. No, please don't sue me. I really don't want to be sued for teasing my readers!

Anyway, back to being miserable.

I HATE, HATE, HATE this part of rescuing cats. In fact, it doesn't feel much like something that can be described as part of "rescuing" a cat. That said, I know there are many who would disagree with me.

Our brave and tough-cookie Director came for Mama cat-Gabby this afternoon. It was time to remove her from her kittens, forever. Gabby will be overnighted in a trap, then taken to the Vet to be spayed, given her shots, ear tipped and a checkup while she's sedated. After a day of rest, she'll be taken back to where she was first trapped, a few miles from here. I'm not sure if she'll immediately be released or if she'll be in a dog crate for a few days. Regardless, she will go back to living her wild life, free from ever being knocked up again and free to live her life as she decides is best.

I hate separating Moms from kittens. So does our Director. It's another part of the "tough love" stuff we do. It makes me feel like guano, but I know I can't keep everyone together forever. Sooner or later the day will come. Here it is.

Camera shy.jpg

Mama went ballistic when we tried to get her into the carrier. I felt so bad. I know she was terrified. Ironically, with all her running around we finally got her into the big dog crate. She ran over to the end of the crate where I was standing and climbed up the wall. It was the first time I was less than a few feet away from her. Her eyes were dilated in fear, but all I could think of was how pretty she was, close up, and that it would be nice to have been able to pet her during the eight weeks she's been with me.

Our Director got her packed up. The room was a disaster. I'd removed the kittens before we even started so they wouldn't see what we were doing. When I returned them to the room, after I'd cleaned it back up, they seemed nonplused and went about playing with their toys. I'm guessing they'll notice something's wrong, but I snuck out of the room before they could do that. I just don't have the heart.

Farewell.jpg

Even though she was nasty and she'd hissed so many times, her "hisser" was barely functioning, I still feel sad. I'm sorry we had to do what we did, but weighing all the options, this was the best choice for her. As with all my fosters, I wish her a safe, happy, joyful life. Her caretaker and his wife will look out for her and make sure she's fed. A week from now she'll be lounging in the grass, enjoying the taste of freedom and because I've got Jewish and Italian heritage, I'll still feel guilty!

Comments

I know it's awful for you, but please remember that you broke the cycle. If Gabby had one more litter that went unchecked, over 7 years there would be well over 4,000 unwanted kitties. Gabby goes back to the environment where she feels most comfortable, never again to go through mating, pregnancy and more unwanted litters. Her three babies that have you for a foster mom will never have to live that life. If they hadn't come to you, we'd be looking at approximately 12,000 more homeless kittens over 7 years. Gabby will be okay, and when her time comes, it will be in the environment she prefers. It's so sad that to us that her life is that way, but she's as happy as a clam to hang like her big cat cousins. More and more of us are working toward the day there are no unwanted companion animals, and it may not happen during our lives, but we can do our part. Chin up, Robin. You're doing great things for our friends.

HOLY MACKEREL! Those numbers floor me. Thank you for your kind and supportive words. You're a great champion for kitties and their rescuers everywhere!

I agree wholeheartedly with what you wrote and it does comfort me to know that Gabby will be happy even though I know it could have been an easier life for her.

The kittens seem to be doing all right, though I worry about Twinkles because she was particularly dependent on her Mom. I'll watch them closely and make sure they're well cared for. In a week or so they'll all be spayed, then off to their waiting forever homes.

And then the cycle starts all over again and I'll get a new litter of kittens to love and protect and, like you, I hope that one day we'll have chipped enough at this mountain, that it will be barely a rise in the land, then no more. No more euthanasia due to overcrowded shelters and no more animal suffering.

Ahhhh...some day...

Love the story. I got a dog crate for my guy years ago and it was one of the best investments I ever made. Dog Crates are a safe way of transporting your dog in the car, as well as a way of taking him places where he may not be able to run freely. If you properly train your dog to use a dog crate, he'll think his dog crate is a safe place and will be happy to spend time in his dog crate when needed.

That wasn't down dropping at all. You're doing a wonderful thing for all the kitties. Gabby will be fed and won't have any more litters, and the kittens will be homed. I know how hard it is to be a rescue Mom. Keep up the good work.

Add new comment