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Not on My Watch: Heartbreak Times Three

This morning I was notified that one of the litters we were working on saving "got sick." I don't know if it was a simple URI or worse, but it doesn't change the fact that due to the strict health standards at Henry County-the kittens were "humanely" euthanized.

We didn't get a chance to intervene or a chance to pull them. We didn't find out until it was too late. I am horrified, sick, brokenhearted. I know that sticking my neck out and offering to help at High KILL Shelters means, that some times there isn't a happy ending-more often than not these cats don't make it out alive.

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It's just that I was planning for them to be here and trying to figure out how we could make the costs work out and so hopeful we could raise enough money in time to help them. We were so ready to have a house filled the the brim with kittens this holiday season and now...I don't know.

Barb has a bad cold and is "done" for today. She gave me the news and then signed off. I don't blame her a bit. How can we go on when we have to face the reality-THEY DO DIE. THEY DO DIE EVERY DAMN DAY and THEY WILL KEEP DYING UNTIL WE GET EVERYONE TO SPAY & NEUTER THEIR PETS AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR ANIMALS FOR THEIR ENTIRE LIVES-not DUMP THEM WHEN TIMES GET TOUGH.

I doubt I will ever see the day when this sort of thing doesn't have to happen. It's too hard to change everyone's perception about animal care. This happened on MY WATCH. Right under MY NOSE. I am pissed at myself for not doing more and I wish so much I could tell those kittens I'm sorry I let them down!!!! I'm really trying to make a difference, but right now...well right now all I can do is cry.

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Comments

It is horrible to think of these beautiful lives lost, of so many who don't make it every day.

To keep caring, to be able to go on and not be ovewhelmed by so much sadness is profoundly hard.

You do so much. If one in a 1000, even in 10,000, did as much, this tragedy would be the exception, not the rule.

Hi, I visit your blog quite often. I adopted two cats within the last year. It's my dream to do what you do but unfortunately current circumstances don't allow (I'm unemployed and have a one bedroom apt) I am doing everything I can to keep my place for not only me but also my cats. I wish all others would treat their pets like they should be - as family members and stick by them through thick and thin. Then maybe these situations would not occur so often. Pets give so much and require so little in return. That's what makes me so upset about situations like this. Anyway, I think you are doing as much as humanly possible and even more for these cats. I one day would like to help the way you do and your blog has given me a lot of ideas for the day when I'll be able to. Don't beat yourself up over this. I don't have an easy answer but I just wish somehow all would realize how precious pets are and that they are intelligent, caring beings with feelings and treat them justly. And there should be harsher penalties for animal negligence/abuse.

Thank you very much for your kind words. You're doing great by just keeping your head above water and caring for your cats-and not giving up on them. When the spark of compassion is lit, there's no stopping what you will do. Right now you're doing what you can and tomorrow you may find you can do more and more. The fact that you even care so much puts you well ahead of many others. I hope things get better for you very soon!!!! Please let us know how you're doing.

:-)

Robin,

We were so sorry to hear the sad news too, it is absolutely heartbreaking. I just wanted you to know that we think you are so very special for all the wonderful work that you do. We know that it is because these things affect you so deeply that you will continue to succeed in rescuing so many others. You compassion and dedication makes our whiskers grin. Please know that your in our thoughts and we're sending great big rumble purrs your way.

Your friends forever, Brian, Sascha, Gracie, Zoe & Dolly

Hang on to the fact that you did more for these little lives than anyone else. And so many times, your effort makes all the difference.

May God bless and comfort you for trying to help His defenseless little ones. I'd say more, but can't stop crying.

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