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.

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

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