Gratitude

Today wasn't such a great day, I was feeling physically ill and tired which led to being emotionally drained and moody. I had meetings from morning until evening and I just wanted to crawl in my bed or maybe just go to the moon.

At the end of the day I passed by a drugstore and got more underpads for Potato. As I carried my bundle, I could picture his sweet face in my mind. He was at home waiting for me and depending on us to take care of him. I could only imagine what he was going through as his life was suddenly disrupted the day he was run over. From running around and doing what he pleased to becoming paralyzed and dependent on humans. He can't even stand up to use a litter box and now he has to wear an e-collar so he wouldn't be able to lick his wounds. And all this time, he was still a very gentle soul, not attempting to scratch or bite us even if we force him to eat (at the start) or give him his long list of medication. He would growl when we clean his wounds and change his underpads but other than that there are no signs of aggression.

Potato's stock of underpads

So, thank you Potato for being such a great example of patience, gentleness and forberance.  We learn a lot from you.

A Long Battle Ahead for Potato

Last Sunday, October 30, my Mom informed me that a cat outside had been run over and he was still alive. When I went out to check, there was an orange and white cat laying on the side of the road.  I could see a part of his thigh was very dirty. We brought him to the hospital and his x-ray showed several bones were broken in his hip area. The vet asked me what my plans were, because the cat was a stray. He said that if organs were damaged, he would have no more quality of life and if that would happen I would have to think of putting him down. I discussed with him that we will see first how he will respond to medication and go on from there.

I could understand his concern. I know he wanted me to be ready in case Potato doesn't pull through. But in our experience, strays have very strong fighting spirits and wills to survive. My brother Anton was with me and he was worried about the cat after he heard our conversation. We talked while the cat, who we named Potato, was being cleaned and placed with IV. Out cat, Popoy was beaten and also had hip fractures but is thriving now and has surpassed Pacquito in terms of being the house heavy weight. But the greatest example we have of a cat's will to live was our late Wild Cat. He was a tough cat when he first showed up and looked like a meanie. He came around during meal times until eventually we were able to pet him. His face was run over by one of the neighbors and his chin was cracked in the middle. His tongue was turning black and hanging. He already reeked of rotting flesh when he came to us one morning. But he recovered and lived for several more years, succumbing to kidney failure in his old age. This battle scarred tough guy let me hold him in my arms and even let me kiss him on the head during his last days.

Potato was discharged yesterday and is now recovering at home. He has to take a lot of medication and since he didn't want to eat this morning, had to be force fed. He still cannot stand up. We are waiting for  advice from the hospital's orthopedic surgeon if he needs to undergo surgery. In the meantime, we have to build up his strength.

Potato's doggy bag of medicine

His first night at home

It's still a long battle for Potato, but as long as he's not giving up, we're not giving up on him either.

A Brave Dog Named Jabbar

I first learned about Jabbar through the FB post of CARA Welfare Philippines and and his progress through the correspondence between CARA volunteers. As with others, I felt so bad for the poor boy, having to suffer 3 years in his condition. He was attacked by drunkards who wanted to make him their meal. He was fortunate to escape but the damage had been done. His caregivers did the best that they could, with having no extra income for his treatment.

It is so touching to see people respond and help for his treatment, even people from other parts of the world who would probably never see or meet him. Folks would visit him in the hospital to give comfort and lift his spirit.

Biopsy results came out and Jabbar has cancer. I went to see him tonight. My heart felt like it was being twisted when I saw him in person. He was so quiet. The doctor said he had chemotherapy and this was one of the effects. As I sat there, I quietly talked to him, hoping that he will remember me, and that he knows that he is loved by many.

Jabbar, like many others, is a victim of cruelty. I hear so many horror stories and see the gruesome pictures. I hate it when I see that some poor soul has to be put down because he was unfortunate enough to be unwanted. And yet, it is important to have our eyes open to know what is happening around us.  And more importantly, to do something about it.

Jabbar was supposed to be released tomorrow to be cared for by a CARA volunteer. He will need to stay in the hospital to regain his strength after his chemotherapy. His will to live is strong and he is happy when people visit and spend time with him.

If you would like to help or know more about CARA Welfare Phils., please visit their website

http://www.caraphil.org.

Gone But Never Forgotten

A friend of mine recently lost her beloved cat. Although I didn't know her cat, Piki, personally their bond could be felt from her stories and their pictures. She is in pain and I can't help but share it with her.

Through the years, we have lost precious cats who are not just pets but members of the family. We have been with them as they were growing up and they were like our children.

The length of time they were with us does not matter, the impact of their lives in ours is still strong.

I can still vividly recall the first time I saw each and every one of them. I carry them in my heart always.

Cinnamon

Sushi & Sake

Baba Ganush & Falafel

Mallows

Munchkin

Peppermint

And together with Mudpie, Pumpkin, Snickers, Fudgy, Wildcat, Nina and all the street kitties we took care of and have grown to love, we will always miss you. Thank you for being an important part of our lives <3.

"Losing a cat is no less painful than losing any other cherished friend. You miss their presence, their voice, their affection, the way they made you laugh. But as with any lost loved one, their presence will live on in the memories and love you carry with you". Louise Roberts

Ssshhhh, Kitties Sleeping

"Cats are rather delicate creatures and they are subject to a good many ailments, but I never heard of one who suffered from insomnia. " ~Joseph Wood Krutch

These are a few of my favorite photos of my furry babies. It's quite difficult to catch them in action but when they are in deep slumber, they do manage to strike a pose.

Good Night Peppermint

Each night when I get home I am greeted by the front door by a horde of cats and as expected, in front of them will be this small black and white tuxedo kitten. Sometimes, he would be so impatient, that when I open the door he would go out and we will have this chase in the garage.

I have been with Peppermint from the moment he was born. He was the second of three kittens. At first he was a bit aloof. As time passed, he became confident and started showing his true personality.

How do I start describing this wonderful kitten, thinking about him brings a lump to my throat and at the same time, a smile on my face. Peppermint loved human contact, there was this time that I was grumpy because the cable guy arrived at a time I was resting from a long flight. Whenever he would bend down, Peppermint would jump on his back. I couldn't stop laughing. The cable guy told me I had such friendly cats but I could see in his face he was a bit apprehensive. There was no reason to be, but of course he would not have known that.

And no matter how many cats are sleeping on my lap, he would make a straight line for me and make a place for himself among the others until he would be the only one left. Then he would touch my face with his paw as if to say "thank you". He also likes to jump on us, we have to be quick to catch him or he would be left dangling on our clothes, ouch. Then he would slither up our shoulders and look like a kitty scarf before we can put him down.

Peppermint was so affectionate that when one morning he was just lying on the table, we became worried. He showed no symptoms and the night before we were taking pictures together. This was the time one of my cats, Godiva was confined in the hospital. He was brought to the hospital together with Maxx. They were both confined and they found that he had a fever.

To my shock, the hospital called the next night to tell us that my Peppermint had passed away. I was waiting for traffic to get better before going to visit him, so I was too late to see him and be with him in his last breath. As we hugged him at the clinic, I couldn't believe that my beautiful kitten was gone! The vet talked to us and told us what happened. Peppermint had pneumonia. I was asking her questions and she seemed to have read what was on my mind..."how could I have not known?!". She told us that cats are very secretive, they will not show their weakness. She even said that they don't want their humans to worry. This even made me cry more.

When I get home, I still expect to see Peppermint come running to greet me. I think of all the times he made me laugh and took away some of my worries just by being Peppermint. I miss him terribly and I will always be grateful that this beautiful cat was a part of my life.

Mommy will love you always Peppermint and will never forget you! Sleep tight my baby boy...

Street Cats No More - Coco and Butterscotch

It is a never ending cycle, people throwing away kittens because they don't want to deal with them. These are such helpless creatures, sometimes just a few days old, with no chance of surviving alone.

This is the case with 2 tiny kittens my Mom found in a large garbage can. Good thing she saw them in time, before they fell to the bottom of the garbage.

One was male and the other female and they still needed to be bottle fed. Sadly, the male kitten passed away. The female, who now answers to the name Coco is doing well. At first, it was touch and go, she didn't want to take anything.

Then one day, along came this orange and white kitten who kept on meowing in the street. We don't know if he got lost or if somebody intentionally placed him there. It seems he liked living on the wild side, he liked sleeping in the middle of the street. So in he goes, together with Coco. We call him Butterscotch. He has sad, droopy eyes and a very sweet disposition. Coco, the smaller one, likes to bully him and he just lets her. However, when she gets a little too rough, he stands his ground and Coco quiets down.

It's always a joy to watch kittens with all their antics. During playtime, Butterscotch would have fun exploring but Coco seems intent on just going after him, looking for attention. It's funny to watch him trying to get away from her. She's come a long way from that tiny, frightened and dirty kitten.

During their vet visit last week, we were expecting just a normal ride to the hospital. But Coco decided to poop on the way so the two were given a bath when we got there. Made us a little dizzy, too. When the staff was trying to get them dry I could see the bottles on the table flying everywhere, it was so funny.

When they are ready, we hope to have them adopted but as a pair. They have grown too attached to each other and it would be too stressful for them to be apart. This is the hard part, growing attached to them as well. But if a good home can be found for them, where they will be loved and cared for, then it would mean more space and resources for us to help other cats who are struggling out there. One thing is for sure, they will never be back in the streets again.

The Ugly Cat

I was reading some articles today and I came across this one special one that I felt needed to be shared.

The Ugly Cat

by poypoy (Shared by Paul Tengco CLICK HERE)

"Everyone in the apartment complex I lived in knew who Ugly was. Ugly was the resident tomcat. Ugly loved three things in this world: fighting, eating garbage, and shall we say, love.

The combination of these things combined with a life spent outside had their effect on Ugly.

To start with, he had only one eye, and where the other should have been was a gaping hole. He was also missing his ear on the same side, his left foot has appeared to have been badly broken at one time, and had healed at an unnatural angle, making him look like he was always turning the corner.

His tail has long since been lost, leaving only the smallest stub, which he would constantly jerk and twitch. Ugly would have been a dark gray tabby striped-type, except for the sores covering his head, neck, even his shoulders with thick, yellowing scabs. Every time someone saw Ugly there was the same reaction. "That's one UGLY cat!!"

All the children were warned not to touch him, the adults threw rocks at him, hosed him down, squirted him when he tried to come in their homes, or shut his paws in the door when he would not leave. Ugly always had the same reaction. If you turned the hose on him, he would stand there, getting soaked until you gave up and quit. If you threw things at him, he would curl his lanky body around feet in forgiveness. Whenever he spied children, he would come running meowing frantically and bump his head against their hands, begging for their love. If you ever picked him up he would immediately begin suckling on your shirt, earrings, whatever he could find.

One day Ugly shared his love with the neighbors huskies. They did not respond kindly, and Ugly was badly mauled. From my apartment I could hear his screams, and I tried to rush to his aid. By the time I got to where he was laying, it was apparent Ugly's sad life was almost at an end.

Ugly lay in a wet circle, his back legs and lower back twisted grossly out of shape, a gaping tear in the white strip of fur that ran down his front. As I picked him up and tried to carry him home I could hear him wheezing and gasping, and could feel him struggling. I must be hurting him terribly I thought. Then I felt a familiar tugging, sucking sensation on my ear- Ugly, in so much pain, suffering and obviously dying was trying to suckle my ear. I pulled him closer to me, and he bumped the palm of my hand with his head, then he turned his one golden eye towards me, and I could hear the distinct sound of purring. Even in the greatest pain, that ugly battled-scarred cat was asking only for a little affection, perhaps some compassion.

At that moment I thought Ugly was the most beautiful, loving creature I had ever seen. Never once did he try to bite or scratch me, or even try to get away from me, or struggle in any way. Ugly just looked up at me completely trusting in me to relieve his pain.

Ugly died in my arms before I could get inside, but I sat and held him for a long time afterwards, thinking about how one scarred, deformed little stray could so alter my opinion about what it means to have true pureness of spirit, to love so totally and truly. Ugly taught me more about giving and compassion than a thousand books, lectures, or talk show specials ever could, and for that I will always be thankful.

He had been scarred on the outside, but I was scarred on the inside, and it was time for me to move on and learn to love truly and deeply. To give my total to those I cared for.

Many people want to be richer, more successful, well liked, beautiful, but for me, I will always try to be Ugly."

After reading this, I just sat there at my desk at work, unsuccessfully trying not to cry. It moved me so much, knowing that this is really happening. I wanted to hug and comfort Ugly. 


It is not my intention to make people sad with this article. But there are so many more like Ugly out there, only wanting love and compassion and yes, a little affection. What would it take to show kindness or even tolerance? And like the innocent soul that Ugly was, he still managed to show unconditional love through the worst of times.  We all could learn a lot from this beautiful boy.

Living in a Cat Household

It is sad to see so many homeless animals trying to survive on a day to day basis.  Most of my cats have been from the streets needing care in one form or another. And to be honest, it is a huge responsibility as they depend on you for their life. We take into consideration their needs and well being for decisions done in the home. It's similar to child proofing your house. And when their time comes to go to the Rainbow Bridge, the heart break is staggering.

But seeing them grow from a scrawny, frightened kitten to a beautiful, confident cat is a reward in itself. And each of them have their own unique personality. I've observed that each may have the following characteristics or a combination of some.

- the brat - he comes first
- the affectionate one - always happy to see me
- the obsessive one - always happy to see me and never leaves my side, always almost causing me to fall on my face
- the loner - lives in his own world except at meal times
- the bully - has his own private space and woe to the kitty who trespasses
- the lap kitty - always has time to snuggle whenever a lap is available and the reason for my stocks of lint roller refills
- the prima donna - her attitude is that every other cat is beneath her

No matter the character or temperament, they all have a special place in my heart and I couldn't imagine life without them.

Christmas Presents

Except for the babies, Bitty is the only cat I have who is not neutered. Since he is blind, I am extra paranoid about having him separated from familiar surroundings. He also gets stressed out when he is held by strangers. The only time I was forced to leave him at the hospital was the time he was ill and dehydrated. He would hiss at the nurses and they would be afraid to go near him. Incidentally, I became the mayor of Animal House in Foursquare because of the amount of time I spent there, falling asleep with Bitty on my lap so that he won't be too agitated. Anyway, now that he is 11 years old I am not comfortable with him undergoing any surgery unless it is imperative.

Late last year, Cupcake, one of my female cats came into heat. She had to undergo blood tests and then be scheduled for spaying. She's quite small, so we didn't think she'd be in heat so soon. Bitty and Cupcake didn't interact, with Bitty being the snob that he is. And I was also thinking, he's blind, chances of him getting her pregnant were small. Well, I will never underestimate you again, Bitty!

We welcomed 3 beautiful babies last January 5, 2011. I was at work when my Mom called and told me "You have to get home right away, Cupcake's about to give birth".  I was so excited to see Bitty and Cupcake's babies. When I got home, Bitty's miniature version was already born. During the intervals, we got clean cloths, a bigger box for Cupcake, some sterilized scissors and a small dropper. Cupcake didn't have any problems with the two other babies, but the fourth one was breeched. She must have been exhausted at this point so we had to rush to the hospital. Sadly the fourth one didn't make it.

We named them Toffeenut, Peppermint and Macchiato. They are all boys and all welcome addition. As they are growing up each are showing their distinct characteristic, Toffeenut is the wild child, Peppermint is the sweet-always-in your face-kitten and Macchiato is the big and quiet type.

Cupcake has been spayed after the 3 kittens were weaned. But her mother instincts are still there, the other cats better beware when they play rough with her babies. Mommy Cupcake just comes out of nowhere to defend her babies even if they are bigger than her now.

It is a delight to watch these three kittens grow up. Whenever I get home, seeing all of them happy and healthy just makes it all worthwhile :).

Peppermint

Toffeenut aka Bitty Junior

Macchiato

Compassion and Responsibility for Animals

In almost every part of the city, homeless cats and dogs can be seen wandering about, looking for food and shelter. Everyday for them is a struggle for survival.

CARA Welfare Phils. - Compassion and Responsibility for Animals is one of the NGO's here which does something to help the plight of these poor creatures. Their advocacy is spaying and neutering animals to help control the population of unwanted cats and dogs through a low cost clinic.  

I first encountered CARA when I had several feral cats who kept on having kittens. The cost of spaying and neutering could be expensive but something had to be done for these street cats. The kittens would be tossed in garbage cans or left alone to die. 

I called CARA to ask about their program and I became quite curious about their activities. I found a group who had the same passion! It was so uplifting to see people go out of their way to help these animals have a better life. Some people thought you were crazy or stupid to spend on an animal that wasn't your own, and a street animal at that. 

CARA is not a shelter because there is no area big enough that would house a number of cats. When a cat is rescued it would be fostered in the home of one of the members until it is big enough and well enough to be adopted out. There would be a regular adoption event, where the cats are brought in, with the hopes that it will go to a loving home. 

Adoption events is the program I volunteer in. I love to see the adoptive parents find their new babies but mostly I do it for the cats :). It is a joy to know that they will be going to their new homes and be part of a family. 

I have also met and have become friends with some wonderful people. We share stories about our pets and tips on caring, food and everything about our furry babies. But it is the love for animals that bind us together. 

Photo courtesy of Marvie Yap

There are times when the situation can be overwhelming, heartbreaking and often frustrating. Knowing that I have a very supportive family, good friends and good people with me is a blessing I am very thankful for. Being with them for a year and a half now, I am amazed at the dedication and patience of each volunteer. Every life is precious and every life counts!

If you want to learn more about CARA, please visit their website at http://www.caraphil.org.

  

Goodbye, Beautiful Stranger

Today started out as any other day, drove to work and went out to visit clients. On a busy street, I went to the innermost lane to take a u-turn when my attention was caught by a black cat. It wasn't on the island but was on the street, a few inches away from the tires of incoming traffic. It was just sitting there but I could see it was panting. Instinct made me slow down, I wanted to go out of the car but there were other cars behind me and so I had to drive by. My conscience could not let me just drive away and do nothing. I felt something was terribly wrong. It wasn't a kitten that I could just place in a shoe box but a fully grown cat and I didn't have a carrier in the car. So I asked my colleague (who was going to meetings with me) if she'd mind if we looked for a store who sold pet supplies. This was of course, made out of courtesy because we were not leaving that area without looking out for the cat.

There was a big grocery nearby but they didn't sell pet carriers, it was frustrating because as time went by the cat was on the street. We asked for an empty box from the store and the good people there, after hearing that it was for a distressed cat, helped us out, they even punched holes on the sides and secured the box.

When we went out, traffic was slowing down but there were a lot of trucks. So we navigated carefully, going to the innermost lane. The cat was still there but it was on it's back and convulsing. That really got me worried. I went out quickly while my friend waited in the car with tape to close the top. People were kind as they did not blow their horns even if I was slowing down traffic. I approached her and carefully picked her up. I couldn't see any wounds on her but I couldn't just stay there to inspect her. She raised her head to look at me, she had beautiful, round, green eyes. She let out a series of meows and allowed me to place her in the box.

After securing her in the car, we went to find the nearest vet clinic. All the while, my friend and I were making plans on what to do as we had several meetings lined for the day. She was quiet but moved against the box a couple of times, we weren't sure if she was convulsing again so we hurried for a clinic. At that point, any vet clinic would do, not knowing the severity of her condition.

When we found one, the vet quickly examined her. I was certain she was a girl, and after filling out the form I informed them that I was still thinking of a name that would suit her. The doctor said she was run over by a car, based on the marks and wound on her side made by the impact of hitting the pavement. At this point, she started fighting back against the hands which were helping her. We calmed her down and I stroked her head while the doctor continued checking on her injuries. She started to urinate and defacate blood and the doctor gave her a shot meant to revive her. I whispered to her "you'll be okay, just hang in there" but I could see in her eyes that she was gone.

I don't know how to describe how I feel right now. I only knew her for a short time but my heart feels so heavy. And sadly, this happens often to so many homeless cats. I just try to console myself by thinking that she did not die alone and tears were shed in her passing.

photo courtesy of Cyra R. Cancel 

A Stray Cat's Hard Life

Popoy was the neighbor's cat. I saw him when he was still a kitten and he would come by to eat with the stray cats we feed.  He was a very friendly cat, he would stay in the garage at times and would never poop or pee. As he got older, he would seldom hang around as he would be looking for female cats at night and sleep only he knew where, during the day. Sadly, as he was no longer a cute kitten, he was left alone on his own.

As it is their instinct, he would get in cat fights and would come to us when he was wounded. We would be worried for him when he wouldn't be back for days. As we cleaned his wounds and gave him medication I had planned to have him neutered and of course, off the streets. He was a strong cat, however, and wouldn't be confined. After one nasty fight, I kept him in a cage so we could give regular medication. I placed an e-collar on him and when I went out the next morning, he was gone! I was thinking how can he get around the streets with an e-collar, he would get run over. Good thing, kind neighbors helped look for him. The e-collar was gone but we were able to retrieve it too, eventually.

We were not giving up on having him neutered and adopted, but the little rascal wouldn't show up for days. And when he did I was usually leaving for work. Then last February, my worst fear happened. Popoy was laying down in the garage and couldn't stand up. He was still a sweet boy when we placed him in a carrier, but he howled in pain when moved. His x-rays showed that his hip was broken and the vet said it would be caused most likely by a beating. This poor, sweet boy was hit so hard, it broke his hip.


Popoy was a survivor, he stayed in the hospital to recuperate. He was under pain management. We were told it would take time and his hip would heal on its own. After just a few days, he was already showing signs of improvement. During visits, he would even try to escape. I also talked to his vet about having him neutered before being released.

He has fully recovered at this time and is one of the biggest and friendliest cats at home. It is a wonder how he still trusts so much after all he's been through.

A New Life for 2 Former Stray Kittens

When people ask me the breed of my cats, I proudly tell them domestic shorthair. It's not that I have anything against purebreeds, in fact, I love cats of all shapes, sizes, purebred or not. It's just that there are so many homeless native cats (as they are called here) struggling to survive in the streets.

We have numerous stray cats coming to the house for meals and every so often there will be a kitten who will pop up looking for food and shelter. It is so sad to see them looking from the outside where all my fat cats are playing or just lounging around. And it is so difficult to have cats adopted out. People usually prefer dogs or those with breeds. 

Bee was such a kitten, nobody knew where he came from. He was very friendly and it wasn't hard to fall in love with the little guy. I was constantly worried about him especially when I heard cars coming at high speeds. He wouldn't last out there. We took him in but had to separate him because of skin problems. Before long he was healthy and clean. At that time, my sister's friend was looking for a cat to adopt. We got in touch with them and Bee was welcomed into his new home.

Not long after, on the way home from work, there was a little orange kitten lying on the road. I thought it was dead and I went out of the car to place it on the side as it didn't seem right for the body to get run over into bits. To my surprise, it let out a meow and looked at me when I picked it up. So when I got home, I had this smile on my face and my Mom said "let me guess, you brought home a cat". A few minutes later, she was bottle feeding the kitten.

As a rule, we separate new found kittens or cats from the rest of the brood for health reasons. She stayed in my brother's room, which has now become sort of a nursery. He named her Jelly, short for Jellyfish.

She was so tiny, but very curious and adventurous. At this time, we were told that there was someone looking for a kitten as a companion. But since she was so small and still bottle feeding, we asked them to wait for a bit longer. By the time she was big enough, the person had already adopted a kitten. It was okay with us as it was a chance for the stray kitten for a good home. And then I ran into the couple who adopted Bee. They were looking for another kitten who would be his companion. In the next few days, Jelly was in her new home and best of all, she was with Bee.

I still miss those two, but I am happy for them and very grateful because I know the people who adopted them will give them the love and care they need.

Dealing with Feline Epilepsy

Taffy is one of our older cats. We took him in when someone told us a kitten was being mauled by street dogs. He is mild tempered and very affectionate. He doesn't like to be carried but would rub on his humans and snuggle whenever he can.

A few years ago he started to have convulsions. It was a very scary experience to watch him. We didn't know what to do. He underwent some tests and several possibilities were ruled out, such as ear mites causing it. We had to accept the scary truth that Taffy had epilepsy. I started reading all I could to find out how we can help and comfort him. The doctor prescribed phenobarbital which is his maintenance medication. He also has blood tests periodically to check on the levels of the drug in his body to be sure that his liver and kidney are not damaged. The cause of epilepsy is quite difficult to explain, it could be congenital, effect of toxins, brain tumors or organ disorders.

It was a long process to ascertain the level of medication and the frequency. We also learned to detect the symptoms when he would have convulsions. He would get restless and make eerie loud meowing sounds before an attack. It doesn't happen often now. And when it does, we just try to comfort him as much as we can and make sure that he is not in a high place where he could fall off.

It is important to know, too, the frequency of seizures and the time that elapses when an attack occurs so that the dosage of medication can be adjusted accordingly. And one thing we try to do when a seizure happens is stay calm, which is really quite difficult to do.

Maxx and Godiva

We could never turn away a cat in need, and these 2 kittens were placed in a plastic bag and thrown in the street like garbage. They were only a few weeks old and still nursing. They had to be bottle fed regularly. They stayed in my brother's room and bless his heart, he took turns with us feeding them and cleaning them.

It's not easy caring for kittens this young so our family took turns based on our schedules. We named the female, Godiva and the male kitten, Maxx. We were so glad that these two took to the feeding bottle like pros! We were sure then that they were going to make it.

Maxx and Godiva became inseparable, they played together and got into mischief together. Maxx has now outgrown Godiva. But he is such a gentle soul, other than scratching the kitchen door to death, he's very laid back and very sweet. Godiva, on the other hand, although still small likes to get her way. She's quite a feisty girl.
So whoever decided to treat them like trash didn't know that he was throwing away someone else's treasure.