The Kittens we Lost

We were warned when we signed up for fostering kittens that sometimes even love isn't enough.
Days after turning in the little gray kittens to be put up for adoption, we were given two kittens that the Humane Society warned us were in "rough shape."  Malnourished, crawling with hundreds of fleas, and suffering from explosive diarrhea, I did my best to clean them up, feed them, and shower them with love.
They ate well, but it blew through them faster than they could absorb the calories from it.
They were given digestive enzymes to try to calm the intestinal distress.
I held them, loved them, and thought they were making progress.  But the diarrhea got worse, almost entirely liquid with blood, and they weren't gaining weight.  They cried out in pain when they used the litter pan, and loud gurgling noises eminated from their abdomens.
One was especially lethargic and weak.  I took a stool sample into the clinic, and ran an errand.  My cell rang and the vet wanted the kittens brought in immediately.  When the vet came out to my car dressed in a fully protective gown, I knew it was bad.  And it was.  Suspected Panleukopenia.
This is the last photo I took of them.  Little did I know that within hours of this portrait they would be gone.  I returned home with strict instructions to bleach all surfaces three times, which I did with a heavy heart.  Boxes, bedding, toys -- all thrown away.  And now we are in a six month quarantine, because the virus is so virulent, and can live for months on surfaces.  Part of me longs for new kittens to love, and another part of me wonders if I can handle another loss like this.   Either way, I'll have to wait.

Comments

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1060463581]

I'm so sorry. It breaks my heart to see or hear about animals suffering, especially little babies. I am so glad they were in a loving home while they were here on earth.

Wendy @ adoptionandfire.com

[Lori]

Wow, how do you do it? These animals are so lucky to have you!