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A Wonderful Life.

Sat, 2011-06-18 16:54 — Robin Olson

Portrait of Young Chester copy.jpg
©2011 Robin A.F. Olson. How much is that kitty in the widow?

Last night I allowed the fosters to run free without being confined to their room. I imagined hearing fights break out and precious belongings crash to the floor. It wasn't that bad. Mac woke me up at 7 AM by standing on my face. I found a plastic bag that contained crackers on the floor of the kitchen. That was it. Not bad.

I had hoped that Chester would have slept with us, but he was in his room with Mazie. It was better this way. I didn't want to get even more attached to this cat.

Family Matters.jpg
©2011 Robin A.F. Olson. The family, missing Cara, who is still being fostered with Aunt Connie.

I got everyone fed and fussed over Bob, hoping he would finally eat-he didn't. I gave him his meds. One of them might make him hungry, so I hoped it would kick in soon. Bob is looking frail and is quiet. It's tough to think about Chester leaving because Bob really needs our attention and Bob needed a bath.

Mother and Son.jpg
©2011 Robin A.F. Olson. Cheser and his Mama-Mazie.

People often ask me how I can let a foster cat go. How I can bare the pain of them leaving. I can't bear it. It's painful! But I'd rather cry because Chester is gone, then because he was euthanized at a shelter that ran out of space for him. Also, though I love Chester very much, it's time for him to go. It's been time for months. He's not attached to his sisters or Mama. They are comfortable together in the same room, but I never see them sleeping together. Mazie gives them a friendly lick once in awhile, but they've grown up and are all independent.

Bookshelf Boy.jpg
©2011 Robin A.F. Olson.

The Leveson's showed up right on time. They're very nice folks. I was really impressed that they drove for over three hours EACH WAY, just to meet Chester. Not only did they drive a long way, but they did so many other things for him that I would be an idiot to deny their application. Read more about then in yesterday's post.

Portait of Polly.jpg
©2011 Robin A.F. Olson. Polly is still waiting for her forever home.

They had a good visit and Chester was as friendly as ever. They were also smitten with Polly, Mazie and MacGruber. They wished they could adopt them all. We all knew it couldn't happen, but it told me that the cats showed well and that was definitely a bonus for me. I asked them to spread the word and let their friends know about the cats. They took some photos of them. It reminded me of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer when he visits the Island of Misfit Toys and promises to come back for them and find them good homes. Ah, if only I could get everyone a good home-as good as the one Chester might go to!

Freakishy Tiny Polly.jpg
©2011 Robin A.F. Olson. Freakishly tiny Polly? Heck no! It's just the camera angle.

As Chester visited with the Levenson's, I kept letting them know they weren't under any obligation, but clearly they didn't need an out. After an hour, they made their decision. They wanted to adopt Chester. Who wouldn't?

Mazie Portrait_6.11.jpg
©2011 Robin A.F. Olson. Mazie STILL has NO applications on her. She's a doll. I wish we could find a family for her, too.

The whole process was very simple and straightforward. We signed the papers and went over the details. They put a soft pillow, toys and some catnip into their cat carrier and Chester was first in line, trying to get inside it. Mazie and Polly came over to the carrier to say goodbye. I gave Chester a quick pet and wished him good luck. I pushed back anything I was feeling. I didn't want anyone to get upset (well, other than me).

Chester on File.jpg
©2011 Robin A.F. Olson.

I congratulated them on their new family member as I walked them to the door. My heart was heavy and my eyes bright with tears. It's time for Chester to move on, I kept reminding myself, and have his new adventures with his new family.

Chester and Family.jpg
©2011 Robin A.F. Olson. Chester with his new family, who were a bit camera shy.

I hope he'll learn to get along with the two Italian Greyhounds and two kitties in his home. I hope he won't be sad and miss his Mother and sisters too much. In time he'll forget us and what was new will be familiar and one day, it will really feel like home.

He made it. He survived that terrible upper respiratory infection. He got a home. At last. Hurrah!

Goodbye Chester! Have a WONDERFUL LIFE!

CICH Content Categories: 
Adoption
Cute Photo
Foster Cat Journal
Kitten
Georgia Rescue
Kitten Associates
Foster Mom

Comments

Sat, 2011-06-18 17:13 — Ellen (not verified)

Hi, Robin,

While I'm happy for Chester finding such a good new home, I completely understand your sorrow in letting him go. As a kind, caring person who has nurtured this beautiful boy through some rough spots in his kittenhood, you very naturally would having him leave, even though you know he'll be in a good place.

I work with Child Protective Services, and I have tremendous admiration for the people who can take in children, often with special needs because of their chaotic backgrounds, and care for them, knowing there's no guarantee they'll get to keep them. And I have the same admiration for foster parents of cats, like you. I honestly don't think I could do it; I would get too attached and would be heartbroken to have an animal I love leave my home. So thanks for all you have done for Chester and his siblings. Thanks to you, they have a great chance at having a good life.

Blessings and comfort to you,

Ellen

Sat, 2011-06-18 17:51 — Robin Olson

I appreciate all your kind and supportive comments on my recent blog posts. We're doing our best and hangin' in there. There are more cats to be rescued so even though I'm sad, I gotta push on.

:-)
Robin

Sat, 2011-06-18 17:18 — catbyte6 (not verified)

Awww...Chester Cheestoes good luck to you in your new home. Even my Meowmy is crying for you Robin. This must be so tough but you are right about having him go to a home instead of being euthanized. That puts it in a much better perspective!
Purrs and gentle headbonkies to you Mr. Bob. We hope you start feeling better soon. We know it's been such a struggle for you dear boy. Our purrayers are with you sweety.

Sat, 2011-06-18 18:17 — Bobbie

and I'm happy for him and his new parents!
Of course I'm sitting here with tears falling.
(((Robin)))

Sat, 2011-06-18 18:41 — Sally (not verified)

He's always looking into the camera like he doesn't want you to forget him. I'm sure you won't.

Sat, 2011-06-18 20:26 — acninee

Congratulations Chester! We can't see much of your new parents, but we CAN see that they know exactly what to do with their hands!

Sun, 2011-06-19 01:09 — Mychal Meyers (not verified)

I never get over what you do for all these sweet kitties. When my time here on earth ends, whatever I have will be left to people like you so that this great work can continue. I cried too, just looking at the pictures and reading the story. That seems to happen with me a lot when I follow your posts, but thankfully most all are happy tears because of the kindness that you show these beautiful creatures.

I just took in two strays that had been in my yard since I moved here, and that I had been feeding. Thanks goes out to the Las Vegas Humane Society, who picked them up, gave them their shots and made sure they were okay. They then returned them to me. I have them in my spare bedroom while I try to get them comfortable and ready to meet my other two kitties, BellieKitty and TigerBabyKitty. I also have a bunny, Bentley. It isn't easy for any of them, having new tenants that occupy their space and want my attention. But I felt I had to help these poor kitties, outside in the extreme Las Vegas heat that were left to fend for themselves when their owners moved on. I will never understand how people can do these things, how hard would it have been to take them to a safe, no-kill shelter or Humane Society... fortunately they found me. I love all my furry children and feel blessed to have been able to do my small part to decrease the numbers on the streets by two.

Sun, 2011-06-19 10:01 — Robin Olson

I'm so proud of you for what you've done for those cats. Great work! Thank you for making me smile. If anything I do helps others to get into rescue, in any form, and help others, whether it be animals or people, then my dreams are coming true.

Helping someone else is the fast track to happiness.
:-)

Sun, 2011-06-19 06:50 — Daisy the Curly Cat (not verified)

Hooray for Chester! I wish him a lifetime of love and happiness in his Forever home.

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