“If truth be told, and however impossible the idea, I would like to have known, every cat that lived.”
For myself, I am grateful to be knowing Shell even on her bad days.
She’s had a few of those lately and between her and Hope (the white senior kitty who also lived within that colony) they both have kept me on the seat of concern.
For Hope, her ears, once only blackened with pre-cancerous growth have now started showing signs of lesions and oozing. I’ve seen this before and it puts dread into my heart.
Shell has had some bad days recently. I was talking to a fellow rescuer yesterday and telling her about the roller coaster of symptoms that come and go. She said to me- “MA, if this rescue were easy to do, more people would attempt it.”
She’s right, you take the good along with the bad, mix in hope, prayers, TLC and use the guidance given to you by the professionals in the field who also want to help. It’s all you can do. But it’s on the really bad mornings where the drool has appeared, the poop is again on the floor and the kitty is distant from you that you just find yourself wishing for that magic cure which would undo all the harm caused by ignorance and/or neglect. A wish for no more stressful vet visits, no more poking prodding, testing, exploring to find answers when sometimes all you are left with is more questions.
But on the good days when she wants to be touched, can’t get enough lovin, headbumps so hard they would knock you over then you know it is all worth it. One day gained in her life is a triumph. Two is a blessing and Three would be wonderful. And so it goes, the roller coaster of rescue when you hope and pray you have done enough that day to reinforce to her that her presence in this world really does matter. That she is a special as that spot of sun on the bed she seeks out to sleep in. You just hope that God gives you one more day with her, with Hope and with Gadget all from the same colony and all of them suffering from the result of being with someone who didn’t have the capacity or the energy to care about them.
Gadget is another treat- a short haired tortie girl who just wants and needs your lap, your love, your affection. Her uneven gimp from a collision with a car months ago (according to the vet’s best guesstimate) just adds to her charm. When I walk up the stairs, her head peeks out of the canning cupboard and she can’t wait for me to get upstairs and pet her and love on her. All these beautiful cats who somehow landed here teach me every day to be grateful for small things. They also impress upon me how important it is to show people around you that you love them and care about them regardless if you might be deep in a blue funk. Because, life is short and life needs to be treasured every moment.
So although I know, I will never have the pleasure to have known every cat that has existed. I am grateful to at least have met these three courageous felines.
You have written so beautifully about these kitties. You have put into words what I feel for mine too.
You speak for all cat lovers everywhere. I keep you all in my prayers at night.
God bless
Wow, that was really well said. I have a bunch of feral cats here and it is a great challenge but Oh so rewarding. I feel the same as you, it is such a blessing to have them here and what they do for my life in making it so wonderful.
We certainly are sending more and more purrs for Shell and Hope too. Take care.
Such a wonderful post that resonates with all us cat lovers.
I remember having to make the horrible decision to put down a stray cat that I had been feeding for over a year. I named him Pyewacket. Beautiful, all black cat. But very wary and I was never allowed near him. I would be rewarded with a hiss when I put food down for him.
Then came two back to back blizzards. I would shovel paths to my porch and try to keep water and food available, along with a little fabric cat house. Did not see him for 5 days after the storm, then he turned up looking terrible–big gash on back leg and also holding up a front leg so he basically was trying to get over mounds of snow and ice with two good legs. He had leaves stuck to him. I figured he was buried under someone’s porch and finally somehow dug himself out. He made it to my front porch, panting, where he drank water and ate food and then made it to the enclosure. For some reason he left after a few minutes and tried to hobble in the street which was SO dangerous since we barely had room for one car to get by and he couldn’t jump the high banks of snow to get out of the way. I was beside myself worrying about him. He then came back and into his house on my porch. I decided then to go out with my cat carrier and put the opening against the cat house opening and he jumped in the cat carrier, hissing and very upset. My little house was already full with 8 cats and I had no place to put him. I called my vet and they were open and said to bring the cat in. Not knowing it’s history regarding shots they said he would have to be quarantined as it looked like he had gotten into a fight with a raccoon. With another blizzard on its way that evening we made the decision to put him down as they didn’t know when they would be open next due to the storm. Still not able to pet him, at least he was out of the cold and had good food. I told him it was an honor to know him and that his life had meaning.
Sorry for the rambling comment but your post so reminded me of my feelings for Pyewacket and about every stray I’ve taken in. Yes, every life has meaning no matter how long they are with us.
Still praying for Ms. Shell and all the other cats that were taken out of that horrible situation…
You write so beautifully. I enjoy reading all your posts. I too have a white senior rescue kitty. She was “somewhat” cared for with food/water at a business and when they moved they left her with nothing. I volunteer with a rescuer and this kitty with sores on her that no human had touched in 10 years let me pet her. She has FIV and Esinophillic Granuloma Complex. I took her and keep her in an enclosure away from my other rescues. She is stable on a special diet and supplements. Every day she knocks me with those strong head bumps and sits in my lap purring until she drools. What a joy in my heart. Thank you for helping those kitties with such a strong desire to know the love you have for them. God Bless You! Prayers for you, Mike, and all your ones in need.
You are a very special person. I hope you realize that. I admire you so.
We will keep purring for Shell’s off days to wain and her good days to grow. You have made remarkable progress with this little girl. The cats who fall into your care are very lucky.
Whicky