An ice storm has swarmed in and has hit with surprising ferocity. I should have known last night when I got off work as the cats were restless and active and running through the tunnels and leaping around the enclosure as if they were after invisible mice. This morning, the pipes broke in the house and we were without power for a few hours. I know that we got home from my parents at just the right time, because I talked to my sister and they have been stranded in the house due to the snowfall for a few days.
Tomorrow is my day off and I make yet another trip to the vet with Muddy and Chilkoot and Guinevere. Guinnie has an unusual outbreak around her entire neck- scabby nasty sores that I hope is ringworm, but she doesn’t light up like a Christmas tree under the black light. Last time I saw such sores was on Twirl right before they told me she had cancer. I hope that it is a minor irritation and nothing major because I do not think my heart can take yet another loss.
Mike asked me this morning how many cats have survived this feline distemper thus far. The resident cats seem to be okay (knock on wood) and although matuse and toots are still sneezing the URI seems to be drying up.
Our survivors are: Rocky- Sierra-Taylor-Cole-Matuse-Oliver-Charlie-Trump-Everest-Chaplain-Dash-McKinley-Muddy-Chilkoot-Toots-Guinevere-
If Muddy and Chilkoot test positive for distemper, I will put them down without hesitation. It is a horrible way for a kitten to die as it does so much damage inside they have to be in excruciating pain. The virus even splits cells! 🙁 If Guinnie has cancer- she too will be met by the angels. She is 19 years old, she has had a good life and I will not allow her to suffer not even for a moment. She suffered quite enough in the hands of her previous owner who intentionally ran her over and denied her vet care. Then, I vow never to rescue another kitten or cat again. 35 years and I have had enough pain this year to make me walk away from this calling. I will be glad to help others save their feline friends, but this house is closed for rescue as of right now. Besides, the damn virus lives for 2 years so any cat brought in here is at risk to get this horrible disease.
The bookkeeper will be glad to hear that I am leaving rescue. I am sure she wants to throttle me every time she makes out the billing. I don’t even want to think about how much I owe my vet right now.
Onions has been spayed and she is back with her previous owner. None of her kittens survived. 🙁
I am sorry to hear of it. The cats have benefitted greatly and I have enjoyed reading of the victories and have been saddened by the unrelenting struggles that you and your family have faced.
My wife and I care for feral cats in our neighborhood and people continue to discard them.
Everything that you placed on the positive side of the balance sheet remains.
Bless you for what you do for those who are castaways in our uncaring society.
I know you feel that way now but I hope you reconsider. What you have done is incredible, your strength is amazing and the cats are lucky to have you. You have helped so many, even if they aren’t here now.