In less than two weeks I'll have to take them back, the foster kittens.
They turned 6 weeks old on Tuesday and I had to put them in a crate and take them in for vaccinations. It was the first time I had to see them behind bars.
They went here for their shots and check-up, to the place that actually owns them, a no-kill shelter 20 miles away.
Aw, gee. They've been with me for a really important part of their lives, and perhaps of mine too. I know I'm gonna miss them.
I wonder what they'll remember, and how that works with animals.
Will they remember Hester Prynne, their good mama? I hope so, even if it's blurry.
No scarlet letter for this Hester.
ReplyDeleteoh, this would just almost kill me...
ReplyDeletethe kittens are so adorable and sweet Hester. that must be so hard.
ReplyDeleteOh, what beautiful service you perform!
ReplyDeleteStephen: No scarlet letter. Somebody will re-name her, but I wonder what?
ReplyDeletetwg: It does hurt, even though I steeled myself for it.
Ellen: It's pretty hard not to get attached when you're taking care of such helpless, cute little things. But they must go on to new lives.
Rosaria: It's true that a shelter can only be no-kill if they have the help of foster homes, lots of them. Last year there were 249 foster families helping out for this one little shelter.
What a lovely interlude in your life they have given you and you given them. I am hoping they find a lovely new home!
ReplyDeleteIt has been a sweet interlude. They better find good homes; I bet they will.
DeleteOh, they are so cute! See, I have often thought of volunteering at the Humane Society, but honestly, I don't think I could stand it. And I would *definitely* not be able to hack fostering. I am a sap, and I would never be able to give them up once I'd had them. I'm glad there are stronger-minded people in the world to do these important things.
ReplyDeleteHi Annette! You would be a terrific volunteer. I've actually worried a little that there won't be enough volunteers to spend time with the kittens, playing and cuddling with them which is important.
DeleteFostering ain't for the weak of will, that's for sure.
They're so darn adorable, I'll bet you have grown attached by now. I'm hoping they all find loving homes. You did a really good thing!
ReplyDeleteThank you Gail! I know there must be perfect homes out there, better than mine perhaps.
DeleteOh my .. they'll be hard to part with, won't they. That's such a kind thing you did. I wonder, will you foster more if the need arises? Geesh, they're adorable.
ReplyDeleteHilary, the need for kitty foster homes in spring and summer is very great. Now that I've done it once I know what I'm in for and will definitely consider doing it again.
Deletehow hard that would be for me to let them go .. and Hester, i wonder if she will miss her babies .. you know kids they'll be fine ... off on a lifetime adventure but you .. with that empty nest .. sigh it cant be easy (i know, i am projecting but still .. hugs to you)
ReplyDeleteDaryl, I've watched Hester separate herself from her babies in the past 3 weeks. She's still attentive, but she wants to be away from them too. I'm thinking she won't mind the empty nest when it happens?
DeleteGood wishes to the cute kittens and their mom. I hope they find nice homes.
ReplyDeleteLaoch, who wouldn't want these cuties? I feel sure that they will find homes quickly. And Hester has the looks of a movie star, plus good manners. I know there's a good place for her out there.
DeleteHester Prynne! That's wonderful, and the picture matches the name. Do you know of this cat person: http://catwomanflix.blogspot.com. You really should take a look at her blog as she single-handedly runs a cat rescue in your area, and her photography is terrific.
ReplyDeleteHi Snow! Yeah, I've looked at her blog and been impressed with the number of cats she has rescued and fixed. She has built some crazy outdoor cat runs on the side of her house! It's like cat heaven over there. She works with Heartland Humane Society here in town. I chose to work with Safe Haven which is more successful at being no-kill, and very welcoming to volunteers like me; unfortunately it's 20 miles away.
DeleteAlso, Snow. You may be the only person besides Stephen who immediately knew the name "Hester Prynne," and have guessed why I gave it to her. Even more obscure, I named one of the babies Pearl, the name of the baby in The Scarlet Letter.
DeleteGood luck little family! The kittens are adorable.
ReplyDeleteThank you Rebecca!
Delete