Feeling a little sad.....
Posted 04-05-2008 at 02:59 PM by Welshgirl
2 weeks ago, I took some shredded paper to the local SPCA for bedding for the animals, and came away the proud foster-carer of 3 little kittens. They were all under 1kg in weight and therefore couldn't yet be desexed and rehomed, so they were basically just taking up a valuable cage, until they reached their 1kg goal weight. So, in my wisdom, I took them home, promising myself not to become attached and by no account was I to name them, as that was making them part of the family. And so, for the first few days, they remained simply kitten 1, kitten 2 and kitten 3.
2 days after bringing them home, number 3 apparently took a tumble overnight and was limping quite badly the following day, so I took him to the vet to get it checked out. They said that they would keep him in overnight, but if his leg was broken, it would cost too much to repair, and he would have to be put down. Great start to my fostering career, and I barely slept a wink that night, with worrying. To my delight, I got a phone call the following morning, to say that after some painkillers and a good nights rest, he was fine and could I come and pick him up
Seems it was just a sprain after all - kittens will be kittens.
So, I picked him up and brought him home to his brothers, and they settled back in together nicely. After that, much to my dismay, I grew very attached to all of them, as I watched their personalities take shape and their shyness disappear, and they subsequently became known as Alvin, Simon and Theodore. I have cursed them many times, for clawing the furniture and biting the electrical wires and climbing up my legs - you get the idea! - but when they all curl up on my lap and are purring their little hearts out, I just melt.
Anyway, their 2 week vacation with us is up tomorrow. They have to go back to the SPCA, hopefully having reached their target weight (I'll be surprised if they're not, man those kittens can eat!), to be desexed and rehomed. I just hope they don't think that I've abandoned them - do kittens have long term memories, cos I want them to remember me, but I don't want them to remember me for loving them then leaving them?
So, I'm off to take lots of photos of them and give them lots of cuddles, before we say goodbye. I reckon I'm not cut out for this fostering thing, I'm too sentimental
2 days after bringing them home, number 3 apparently took a tumble overnight and was limping quite badly the following day, so I took him to the vet to get it checked out. They said that they would keep him in overnight, but if his leg was broken, it would cost too much to repair, and he would have to be put down. Great start to my fostering career, and I barely slept a wink that night, with worrying. To my delight, I got a phone call the following morning, to say that after some painkillers and a good nights rest, he was fine and could I come and pick him up
Seems it was just a sprain after all - kittens will be kittens.So, I picked him up and brought him home to his brothers, and they settled back in together nicely. After that, much to my dismay, I grew very attached to all of them, as I watched their personalities take shape and their shyness disappear, and they subsequently became known as Alvin, Simon and Theodore. I have cursed them many times, for clawing the furniture and biting the electrical wires and climbing up my legs - you get the idea! - but when they all curl up on my lap and are purring their little hearts out, I just melt.
Anyway, their 2 week vacation with us is up tomorrow. They have to go back to the SPCA, hopefully having reached their target weight (I'll be surprised if they're not, man those kittens can eat!), to be desexed and rehomed. I just hope they don't think that I've abandoned them - do kittens have long term memories, cos I want them to remember me, but I don't want them to remember me for loving them then leaving them?
So, I'm off to take lots of photos of them and give them lots of cuddles, before we say goodbye. I reckon I'm not cut out for this fostering thing, I'm too sentimental
Total Comments 3
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Ohhhhh WG- can you not talk nicely to Taffy and let them stay?
Was a great thing you did though lookin after them like that- there are many that wouldn't. Must say I am more a cat person than a dog person (should I run and hide from you doggy lovers?) so know what you mean about them curling up and purring on your lap. |
Posted 04-05-2008 at 04:03 PM by ebianca
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Wish it was as simple as that, Beth :( For a start, our own 2 cats weren't best pleased (to say the least!) about the new additions, there's been a lot of hissing and spitting recently! They also cost $75 each to adopt, and in our current financial position, we're not in a position to afford that, let alone feed them and provide vet care, etc. So, unfortunately, they have to go back, but I'll look back on my time with them fondly and console myself in the fact that they'll be going to a loving home some time soon. Kittens are usually snapped up fairly quickly, so I doubt they'll be stuck in their cage at the SPCA for too long.
The ironic thing is, I'm normally more of a dog person than a cat person, but I love animals of all kinds (well, most kinds!). I've just taken a shine to these kittens. Ah well, my own fault for kidding myself I could stay unattached :( |
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Posted 04-05-2008 at 05:57 PM by Welshgirl
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I don't think I could easily foster a kitten and then let it go. I fall in love with them too easily. I acquire most of my cats by accident, which works out well for all of us.
I doubt the little ones will remember you badly, WG. They're more likely to grow up a little more secure for having a loving & nurturing environment when they needed it most. Hopefully their adoptive people will be equally wonderful. |
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Posted 07-05-2008 at 04:17 AM by selchie
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