The soul would have no rainbow had the eyes no tears....

I received a call yesterday from the clinic telling me that for sure Ruthie, who was trapped by Diane for me on Saturday, was pregnant, that they had her under anesthesia, and they could see she had a very large baby, just one, inside her, alive.  They asked my permission to see if they could revive it.   I told them of course, please try to save the baby if its that far along.  They said the baby looked like it was already weeks old, still inside mom.  Minutes before, they called to tell me that she had puss coming out of her .....  vulva, and they needed to know if they could administer meds and ask if I wanted a blood test for any disease, FIV and Leuk because she was so sick.  A third call was to tell me that the tests were negative for both, but to also ask me about the baby. The fourth call was to tell me that after 20 minutes of trying to resuscitate, the baby died.  The baby had been in the sac with very toxic fluids from the mom who was in obvious distress with infection.

After this, my heart was broken, and I went back to work, knowing that I would be picking up all four - well, Diane would pick up Cedric and Ruthie, that evening, I would pick  up Sweet Pete and Sadie.  Diane had trapped the other two, and was keeping them in her garage until this day, and would soon let them back out after healing.  Both feral kitties.

I got home and for the first time since last year, I made myself a drink, on a weekday night.  I had given up that habit since last year when I got on a healthy kick.  I thought, all is well, the the two cats are back with me and situated, and I can sit and relax after a stressful day and sip this drink before dinner.  Right after the drink, and during dinner, I got a message from Diane, who was picking up Ruthie and Cedric, that Ruthie wasn't breathing and they were 'working on her'.   I put down my fork, put on some clothes (I am practically in my PJs when I get home) and immediately went to the clinic to greet a distressed Diane.  After a few minutes we were called into the room to be told by Dr. Bender that Ruthie was basically on life support, they couldn't confirm what went wrong - either the anesthesia, blood clot, or some other situation, but she probably wouldn't make it without the breathing tube.  After confirmation, I asked the doctor to remove it.  Both Diane and I went back to be with Ruthie in her final moments.  I petted her and whispered in her ear that she would be in heaven with all her brothers and sisters.  She took her final breaths, and was pronounced.

I have to say this.  If it hadn't been for Diane helping me trap, Ruthie would have suffered and died on the streets.  She couldn't have delivered this baby, so large inside her.  If it hadn't been for Diane, I wouldn't have known the seriousness of what was happening to Ruthie, with all the other cats that need to be spayed and neutered, I wouldn't have had the wherewithal to know she needed to be trapped first.  I am so thankful that I did ask Diane to use her drop trap there, and catch Ruthie.  She saved her from terrible suffering on the streets.  Diane would do anything to save a life, and she helped Ruthie in her final days, so much.  Thank you Diane for your kindness and compassion.. 

I wish the world could know this story, and see the importance of spay and neutering.  It would save the lives of so many cats and end their suffering in childbirth on the streets.  Its just so important.  This clinic visit for four cats, including medicine and euthanasia also cost me a fortune.  IF any of you want to help in some way, please call the clinic and donate to my account.  You will have contributed to saving the lives of so many cats by doing this.  Thank you to those who have in the past.  I am truly grateful.

Ruthie fought a hard battle out there.  Help me to help them.

The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak

and pain should keep me from my sleep,

Then you must do what must be done,

For this -- the last battle -- can't be won.

You will be sad I understand

Don't let grief then stay your hand,

For on this day, more than the rest,

Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,

What is to come can hold no fears

You'd not want me to suffer, so.

When the time comes, please let me go.

Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,

Only, stay with me til the end

And hold me firm and speak to me

Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree

it is a kindness you do to me.

Although my tail its last has waved,

From pain and suffering I must be saved.

Don't grieve that it must be you

Who has to decide this thing to do;

We've been so close -- we two -- these years,

Don't let your heart hold any tears.

"The soul would have no rainbow

had the eyes no tears."