Weekends
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| before the vet visit yesterday |
Well well well, I've had quite a weekend! Yesterday while coming home from the grocery store preparing for my daughter and son in law's overnight visit to see us. I was turning up our road and I spied a little orange ball of fluff. I thought "God rest its soul" assuming it was dead. Then it moved.
I put my four way flashers on and picked it up and drove home. I was on the phone with the vet off and on for a half hour trying to assess how serious the kitten's condition was in. Eventually they said 'bring it in'.
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| after the vet visit yesterday |
Meet Holly.
She was below body temperature and had low glucose and dehydrated, not to mention below weight. I don't know how long she was in the woods and I cringe thinking she was with litter mates who didn't make it.
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| snow! |
My Saturday was a slurry of a vet visit, a second grocery store run and then a third grocery store run. Buying all the 'stuff' that a kitten needs. We set her up in the dining room in a large dog crate until she officially gets her shots, dewormed, de-flea-ed etc... I think they want to check her for leukemia too. We have a baby gate up so dear Frodo (whose world is up side DOWN) cannot disturb her.
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| she sees you! |
Apparently being rescued from death is hard work, she sleeps a lot! Poor thing.
My husband and I are angry that a human did this to a creature of the earth. This is the second time we've rescued. Our first time was a litter of six, five made it and we were super lucky to know someone who found homes for them all. I want to scream "spay and neuter your pets people". Seriously. Grr.
Anyways, Frodo is jealous when we interact with her. Deep down I think he wanted to eat her but she is feisty and has done a silent hiss and once swatted at him. He acts like a bully but inside he was crushed and defeated. We try to praise him up whenever we can.
She is only in our living area on our laps (remember fleas...). She will remain in the dining room and eventually we will move her probably to the front room that has doors.... Got any advice for me? Please give me some, especially introducing a kitten into an old dog home.
Also keep your fingers crossed (or pray) she is not seriously ill. She is lucky to have no broken bones or any critical injuries (like being tossed out of a vehicle).
By the way, I am exhausted physically and emotionally, so is my husband!
How was your weekend?
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| this afternoon today |
OMG! I think you found Kola's long-lost sibling. Holly looks just like Kola!
ReplyDeleteDid you know that only 20% of orange cats are female? They are very special.
You are such good people for rescuing this little ball of fur. I will keep my fingers crossed that she is in good health.
they could be soul sisters :)
DeleteI am so happy that you were able to rescue her. I know what you mean about people just tossing away unwanted kittens ---- at the least, take them to a shelter!
ReplyDeleteShe is absolutely adorable and I hope that she will get better each day. Welcome little Holly! You are so sweet!
She is getting better every single day :)
DeleteHolly is so lucky that you were the one that found her! I'm glad she is well, and I hope her health continues to improve. Fingers crossed for a clean bill of health and that everyone (including Frodo) can begin to settle in and feel like a family together.
ReplyDeleteWe are on a long road of harmony!
DeleteOhhh!!! Holly's so lucky to have found you! I'm afraid we have no experience at introducing a kitten to a longtime dog household, but I'll think good thoughts for you all. Congratulations!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a kindness you have done for this little kitty. I hope she recovers easily and Frodo can help you adopt her. I am a little envious of your snow. It is too dry in our neck of the woods.
ReplyDeleteI wish I had more snow!!
DeleteBest thing to do is let them sort it out. Just be on hand and don't be nervous or tenuous. They will pick up on your nerves. She's adorable!
ReplyDeleteI wish you could be here! I'm a ball of nerves with them - however every one is being somewhat respectful with supervision.
DeleteSuch a cute kitten! I really hope she makes it. At least thanks to you she's safe, warm and cared for right now.
ReplyDeleteso far she is thriving!
DeleteBless you for taking her in, she looks like a dear little soul. I hope she settles in well and becomes fit and healthy soon. X
ReplyDeleteWe are doing everything the vet tells us to do!
DeleteI think it is really wonderfull you taking that kitten in ! She's so lucky you have spotted her !
ReplyDeleteShe is VERY lucky :) So are we!
DeleteThis is a true Christmas story, Karen. Bless you and yours for taking her in. Hopefully she and Frodo will become fast friends! blessings and hugs ~ tanna
ReplyDeleteThat would be a great Christmas present!
DeleteYou are a good woman! I have two ginger kitties that I love, and we introduced them to a grumpy older dog that had never had cats before. It was a bit slow going at first, and it sounds like you are doing it right, it just takes time. Two years later we are all happy, but the dog needs everyone to know she is alpha. Introduce them through the cage until both feel more used to each other. People can be cruel, and heartless, but those of us with love and joy make the world better. People like YOU!
ReplyDeleteYou are so sweet! Thanks for your story - we hold her on the couch and Frodo comes and smells she hissing a little less every time. She has not swatted for a few days. She will have her own room when unsupervised. I hope within a year??
DeleteOh, Karen, she is really quite darling and I hope she continues to perk up. And, Sherman and I are sending some extra love and good wishes to dear Frodo and we are confident that that sweet kitten will win over his heart in no time.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kat! We need the well wishes :)
DeleteWhat a kindness you have given. Thank you for not looking the other way.
ReplyDeleteThank you Juliann, I am amazed at how many people tell me they would have NOT stopped. Breaks my heart....
DeleteIt's possible you have a feral colony nearby. We have one in our neighborhood. If you think you might, you can talk to vets/shelters/animal rescue places about setting up a spay-and-release attempt. Thank you for taking her in. She reminds me of a kitten (male, floofy, calico) we rescued in our neighborhood. The vets were amazed he made it but now, years later, he's a giant and healthy fluffball.
ReplyDeleteWe live in an area where they are dumped. Not very often but one kitten is too often enough. We rescued six a few years back, one didn't make it and the others all found homes. They were in horrible condition - fleas, maggots, and super skinny :(
DeleteYou are a good soul and Holly I'm sure is grateful to have a warm & safe home. I hope she regains her health and that Frodo will make friends. And, I hope you have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteThank you Debbie!
DeleteThe second to the last picture is really special - she seems to have a very unique personality and expression! I am so glad you were able to rescue her, poor thing!!! God bless you as you figure out new cat, old dog! HUGS and a lot of love to you!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the prayers Elizabeth!!
DeletePoor Frodo! I have been through similar situations and time is the biggest factor. He may soften, but his envy will be strong. Holly is so sweet and I hope she is well and will heal and strengthen into a lovely addition to your household. Frodo's world may be upside down now, but it might evolve into something even more wonderful.
ReplyDeletehe is super jealous but we are playing with him more now than ever. whenever he checks out at the babygate and doesn't whine/bark, we praise him up and give him a treat. He loves all this attention to HIM.
DeleteOH my Goodness! Female yellows are so cool. SHE IS SO LUCKY you found her. HOLLY!!!! You did all the right things in my book. I put pie in a crate for the first days as she recovered and because of her eyes. Praying little HOlly s eyes get better. I know caring for sick kittens is hard hard work. As a foster it was exhausting. Im so thrilled for you. Im thankful for you. YEs folks Spay and Neuter. I m kind of jealous that you found a kitten. And arent husbands always the last to know that YES we are keeping her
ReplyDeleteI am exhausted with her care but she is doing well!!
DeleteI am so glad that you and Holly found each other! Definitely keep her in the cage and keep that between her and Frodo- start with five minutes, then move up to ten and fifteen at a time. When they're both comfortable with that, you can hold her around Frodo, again starting in short bursts. It takes time, but they'll come to terms with each other eventually!
ReplyDeleteThank you Kat, we are doing that - I keep forgetting that it hasn't been a week yet!! I'm impatient.
DeleteHolly is precious and I hope she brings you, and Frodo, much joy. And good luck with that Holly-Frodo friendship learning curve. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Jeannie!!
DeleteOhh what a sweetie! And you are a sweetie too for rescuing her. She is adorable. here's hoping she does get a clean bill of health. Merry Christmas Holly - you are one lucky kitty.
ReplyDeleteThanks Vera! So far she is doing well, we see the vet December 22nd for shots. I cannot remember what else they will do.
DeleteShe is adorable. I hope she will be well, and become a happy family member, especially being buds with Frodo. It will take a while, but easier to introduce a kitten than a grown cat, if you ask me.
ReplyDeleteGive Frodo and Holly a kiss from me! And God bless you for saving her. I hope the wrath of the universe rains down on whoever dumped her.
I will kiss Frodo now, but when Holly is flea free I'll kiss her :) We have already wished some ill will to whoever did this nasty deed.
DeleteOMGosh she is precious. Yeah, pox on the !@#$% for abandoning her in this weather. I hope she'll be okay and that Frodo will take to her. I like how her name is 'tis the season inspired.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your recent comments; you are always a hug and a smile to me. I made sure this baby beanie had room and am glad she liked it. I need to get back up on the knitting horse with the chemo beanie. Patty of Books, Thoughts, and Adventures had gone through chemo so she validated like you how one's scalp can get itchy. Yes, I'm trying to keep calm also. I have a couple of more gifts to get but I'm glad I won't have to truck out far like I did last year. Jellybean will help me wrap this year and we stepped up our wrapping paper to Costo's which is thick and great prices.
I bet you are busy with the holiday preparations! I'm trying to do a little bit every day. Thanks for the well wishes for Frodo and Holly!
DeleteHolly is one very lucky kitten to have been seen - and rescued! - by you. I have no advice ... just much gratitude for stepping up - thank you!
ReplyDeleteShe is one lucky little kitten to have been found and rescued by you.. but I feel for Frodo.. he is no longer the center of attention and it must suck.
ReplyDeleteFrodo is being showered with lots of attention :) The house is a zoo!
DeleteBless your hearts a million times over.
ReplyDeleteShe is absolutely precious.
With a little extra attention (and treats!!), I am quite sure that Frodo will adjust.
Animals are really pretty good in that way.
treats are working for him, she is not interested in treats at all.
DeleteKaren, she is just so beautiful and what a blessing that you saw her move when you did. What a lucky little girl she is to have found you and your husband. I bet that with time she and Frodo will at least form a truce if not become good buddies, LOL! I remember when we adopted Popeye our older dog Daisy was not at all pleased but managed to tolerate him. Sending you good wishes! xx
ReplyDeleteI would totally dig a truce!!
DeleteI'm upset with whoever left Holly out there, but I'm glad you found her and that your family is able to offer her a home. I am wishing her a full and fast recovery and much happiness to you all, and maybe a few extra kisses and cuddles for M. Frodo.
ReplyDeletewe are extremely upset. It's inhumane. However, now I've got a kitten who is a new fun dimension to our family life.
DeleteHolly is one lucky kitty! She will be loved. Hope Frodo settles and they become firm buddies. Sorry I haven't visited for a while xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Jane!!
DeleteOh bless you, we've fostered kittens for years through a local charity it is really sad some of the states they come in but wonderful to see the change in them,hope Frodo accepts the new addition.
ReplyDelete