Jack and Turner

Today we have 2 Star Kits, Jack and Turner. They were rescued from a shelter when they were 3 days old.

Jack and Turner

I received an email on an account I never check. A litter of five 3 day old kittens has just arrived at the shelter and they needed to be out within the next 2 hours or they would all be put down. I immediately replied and drove out to pick them up. All 5 kittens were covered in fleas. My daughters and I set out to bathe and try and get rid of all the fleas!

It all began again, warm blankets, bottle feedings, bathing, changing blankets and most of all the heartache. One died the next morning, making me doubt whether I was doing the right thing. The kittens were all doing good until diarrhea started and 2 more had to be euthanized, breaking my heart once again! The veterinarian was unable to determine what was wrong. They were only 3 days old and very tiny, had just opened their eyes and were still in a box. When Jack suddenly lost weight, I immediately began to force feed every 15 min with a medicine dropper and had him at the shelter vet first thing the next day. So it began, the kittens had giardia and everything they had been in or around had to be bleached!

The next day Jack began to eat and by night time, Jack was playing! My heart was filled with JOY! I’ve loved and cherished and spent so much time with these babies, they are my babies. Because they were so sick, I kept them for much longer than any other litter I’ve fostered and the thought of giving them up is unthinkable! The day came when they got fixed, which meant the time was nearing. I posted a long essay on my babies as my heart was breaking. They jumped on my neck and settled in to sleep as I wrote about my experience with them!

Jack and Turner

At first I didn’t hear anything and I began to worry. Had my essay been too long, am I not going to find great homes, what if?! Then 2 days later I received an email. A couple was very touched and interested in meeting my babies. I didn’t know if I should take them seriously or not. I wrote in my essay “I will be very picky” because I loved them so much! I had put in so much time, money and love! I couldn’t imagine my house without them! They called and they said they were on their way!

I wanted to tell them to not come, but they were excited and had spent so much effort and time. I couldn’t turn them away. I inspected them and asked tough questions. I didn’t want to give my babies up but I had to. They had driven far, their car broke down and had a loaner and spent so much on supplies already. My heart was breaking inside as I watched my babies playing. They had no clue 2 would be leaving me tonight. I provided a bag with their favorite food (to ease Jack and Turner). I wanted to make them happy and feel loved.

Jack and Turner

I’ve always hated goodbyes and I don’t know if this was anymore painful than the previous goodbyes but nonetheless I wished it didn’t have to be this way. The new mom sent me a video of Turner suckling her had the same way he does with me! I loved it!! She is great new mom and my babies deserve the best. I get pictures and videos of Jack and Turner, but I’m still worried. First day in their new home and a new mom. I know they are ok but wish they could be with me.

Giving up foster kittens that I’ve had since 3 days old is such a painful experience, it makes me doubt if I should do this at all, but my heart is filled with joy as they lay on my lap and I know I’m doing what many won’t do. I hope to receive another email soon and off to the shelter I will be, to once again have my heartbroken all over again. They are so well worth the tears I shed and will do it over and over again.

Author: Tom “The Kittenmaster” Cooper

Tom is the owner of 4 amazing cats, and using the Daily Kitten he provides a place for cat and kitten lovers to share the love for their own cats and kittens.