July 2004
For those of you familiar with my kits, Sasha and Crystal, you know my older gal is nearing the end of her battle with mammary cancer, and it has been worrying me non stop over Crystal's complete attachment and dependency on her ailing companion. I had decided that when it was Sasha's time, I would look for a new companion for Crystal to ease what is no doubt going to be a most upsetting ordeal. I had also decided that it would be a boy this time around. Well, imagine my shock when a little boy showed up right before the holiday! I'll admit I made some decisions I regret and am trying to rectify - so read on for this interesting story.....
July 3rd, during the midst of a bad thunderstorm, complete with sheets of rain I arrived home after a shopping trip, arms full with bags, soaked to the bone I ran into my house only to hear this pitiful crying of a cat. Immediately I dropped everything- and hunted for my gals (since my biggest fear is coming home to find Sasha passed and Crystal in a fit). Both were in a window in the living room intent on watching outside. Listening, I hear that this is coming from outside and between thunder cracks and rumblings I was mortified a cat was outside in this so, I went out my side door, walked around to peep at the front area and called out to the cat, urging it not to be afraid... within minutes a little black face peeped at me from the bush and when I tapped my leg it emerged into an adorable kitten who, also soaked ran to my legs and cried, weaving in and out. Gently I picked it up and brought it in the kitchen. Holding it up I couldn't determine if it was a boy or girl, but checking the claws, teeth, coat and ears I figured this was no way a stray- it was too clean and had no objections to my investigating. Cuddling it in my arms I grabbed a towel and started to dry it off. The kit was quiet and meek, snuggling up to me and quite content to stay in my arms. Crystal appeared to investigate and tried to help out cleaning it's tail but the lil kit got very alarmed at this strange kitty trying to clean it- so it hissed and growled- of course making Crystal upset and she too, started a fit. I walked the kit into the living room and Sasha quickly took off and hid in the master bedroom-she wanted nothing to do with this situation. Crystal followed but didn't do anything except to go in her spot on the chair and watch. Pacing back and forth I didn't know what to do- did I keep a possible stray- without knowing what its condition was with my cancer kit? How could I leave them all alone and work my long hospital shifts in a day? When the rain slackened I went out front and put the kitten down to see if it would go towards a possible home area -then I could return it to the proper home, only it went racing to my side door crying like mad to get back in. Frustrated, the rain beginning to get worse again, I scooped it up and went back in. I went into the Den and tried to see how it would react to a litterbox, it seemed to have fun digging about but it didn't go, so that worried me that this might be a stray indeed. Of course Crystal busted the door open and they started to growl and hiss and Sasha appeared to block the door entrance of all things. So, putting Crystal out of my way I scooped up the kitten and headed back out to pace. Cannot let him out, cannot keep him in and let him down- I was perplexed. So, out came the kitty carrry all and in he went with a blanket and some treats and I grabbed the phone. He was most upset for a few minutes but then he snuggled up in the blanket and was rather happy, though he could care less about the treats. I found no help. No one wanted it, the Humane Society was closed, the Animal shelter was closed, I was at a loss. It seemed to me I couldn't keep it without being able to monitor it and I still didn't know if it's health was okay. I called the local police dept and asked what I should do. They said they would come to take it and drop it off at the shelter (since they can get into it when it's not open). Feeling wretched I said okay. Docile little kitten was fine with carrier swapping and the lady cop was amazed at how adorable and nice it was. Then it was gone.... but not from my mind. Little kitten face haunted me, I felt I had done the wrong thing. So Monday morning at work I looked up the MADACC site and found it, a cage snap of my stray- and a shocked discovery that it was a little boy about 3 1/2 - 4 months old. I also read the policy of non claimed pets and the putting down issue and I was mortified. I cannot condem this boy who came to me to death if he's not claimed. So I called and inquired into what I could do to get him back. MADACC will not allow adoptions, and I had a very frustrating time with this. Finally I found I could fill out a 'Finders Commitment' so I left work early to do this. Now the Humane Society will be involved, checking on if they will allow him adoption (they will do this the 13th of July) and I must go through applying for adoption, and paying for the services and adoption fees. Considering my house is rather full and with a sick kitty to boot I figured my accceptance was slim so I've done everything I can to try to bring this kitten home. Crystal goes in today (July 8) to be current on the required shots, I have cleared everything with the Landlords, I have emailed back and forth with the Humane Society, and I am waiting for news.
Since Sasha is terminal I will not take her in for shots- and I hope that doesn't reflect poorly on this requirement from them on adoption. So far I've not heard anything since I submitted my pre adoption application the other day.
Regardless of how I fare with the adoption process I hope little boy finds a loving home that he deserves, and I urge anyone that is considering getting a pet to check out your humane society! Whether adopting or supporting - you can help a little life!
I'll keep you posted on the outcome....
7-8-04 ~Webmistress Kit~
