Friday, February 12, 2010

Rest In Peace Turtle

Day 34
I don't know if you remember my earlier post about Turtle, but today I woke up to a very bittersweet phone call. It was the humane society claiming that they had a cat that matched the missing report I had filled out almost a month ago. For a split second I was ecstatic. The voice on the other end then told me that this kitty was dying from renal failure and I needed to come down to authorize her being euthanized. I rushed my babies over to my mom's and headed straight there. Within seconds of my arrival-before I could get back to be with her, she passed away. They did take me back to see her, and it was indeed Turtle. Her precious little body was still warm and she looked peaceful. This cat had such a hard life. She was only a year old and had already birthed babies and lived as a scavenger on the streets. Her only reprieve was the brief time she spent with us. And I would like to think that made her life worth living. She brought joy to my children and enjoyed a warm, cozy Christmas with people that loved her. Unfortunately, during the time after she ran away she survived two nasty snow storms and endless freezing nights. She was a runt to begin with so being exposed to such elements was especially painful. It's so sad, to know that she was picked up only a block away from my house. This whole time she was so close. I have driven to the humane society every three days for the past month looking for her. I even made Trenton go door-to-door in our neighborhood in search of her. How tragic that she was brought in last night, finally safe from the cold, and she passed this morning. I am grateful for the closure, but I just feel sick. I have learned a couple things today.
  1. After seeing what I saw today I am so thankful that all of the humans in my life are healthy and safe. I know it will happen sooner or later, a family member passing, but for now I am grateful we are all well.
  2. 40,000 animals were euthanized last year in COLORADO ALONE. 40,000!
  3. 60 dogs and 50 cats are brought into the Humane Society EVERY SINGLE DAY!

We have got to do something! For starters-get your pets spayed or neutered!

When I walked into my mom's house to pick up the kids I noticed Emma sitting quiety on the couch next to Oliver-my mom's cat. Emma hadn't notice me yet so I watched her for a moment as she caressed her own face with his feather-duster tail. Then she leaned over to kiss him. Poor girl-she's destined to be just as in love with animals as her mother, and that kind of love can often lead to a broken heart.

I am off now, to listen to some Nirvana, Bush, Pearl Jam, and all the other music I listen to when I'm feeling things that are bigger than I can handle.

Janet

2 comments:

  1. Janet, I love this blog!! Keep it up! Sorry about your kitty. We are cat lovers here, and I dread the day one of ours disappears! When you're ready, maybe you could save another kitty from the same fate and bring a new one home from the humane society. That would help heal the hurt - for both of you. :)

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  2. Oh no! So sorry Janet. I know the pain of being an animal lover. AND...I am so with you on the spaying and neutering thing. I get so irritated with people who tell me they are going to try and "breed" their pet (not a show animal by any means, just because they think they can make some money and their cat/dog/whatever is so cute someone somewhere will want one like theirs.). There are too many homeless animals that need a loving family, please, please people stop contributing to the problem! (I have always wanted to work in some establishment that takes care of animals, but know that my soft heart would try to bring too many home, and I can't save them all myself.)
    Thaks for your post, and I will step down from my soapbox now. :o)
    Again, so sorry to hear about your cute kitty. :o(

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