Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Tummy Tuesday

This post combines two themes...Tummys on Tuesday and Flashback to Fostering! This is Derek. He is a kitten we fostered back in 2003. He came to us with what was thought to be neurological problems because he was so wobbly. We later determined that he was extremely weak, so food helped in that regard. (You can tell by that buddha belly above that he loved to eat!) He also didn't walk around a lot and when he did he limped.

We took him to the orthopaedist and he determined that there was a massive infection of some sort in his joints, primarily the elbows. We started on three times a day antibiotic injections (I learned how to give shots with Derek). It's amazing what we'll learn how to do for our babies! Because of the time schedule of the shots, I brought Derek to work everyday with me, and he hung out in my office. He was the sweetest little fella, with no meow, he would just open his mouth at you! It would melt my heart every time and I'd have to hold him.

After three weeks of the shots and fever reducer, etc...Derek was not getting any better, and in fact, was getting worse. The infection was spreading and more joints were impacted and he was in pain. It was determined that he had some sort of auto-immune disease that was attacking his little body, and we made the decision to have him euthanized. I had only known Derek for 4 weeks, but I'll never forget him.

Derek's ashes are in a sugar pot on my mantel because I had already decided if he were to get well, I'd adopt him. The rescue group was wonderful in letting me keep him forever!

14 comments:

  1. Derek was such a cutie!!!! Life can be so terribly unfair at times. I know you are very thankful for the short time you did have with him......and we know you will be mightily blessed for what you did for him.........xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  2. Oh what a sweetie! And it's so sad that he couldn't get better...but you did everything you could...purrs to you!

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  3. What a cute little guy but what a sad story. We know you gave him the best he could have while he was here!

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  4. Sweet little face on him. So sad they have to have the same kinds of problems we humans use.
    cindy

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  5. Life can be so creul sometimes. I don't think I will ever understand the way nature works.

    We're glad that you shared Derek's story with us. We'll never forget him either!

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  6. Derek was such a little sweetie. It is very sad that his condition was incurable, but he knew love in his short life with you.

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  7. Poor little Derek, but we know he had some serious loving while he was with you.

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  8. Sorry that Derek went to the bridge. He sure was a cutie!

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  9. What a serious little face he had...and he was lucky to have a mom like you!

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  10. Awwww, he was a little cutie. Poor guy, to have such a rough start in life that ended so soon. :(

    Purrs and hugs,
    The Kitty Krew

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  11. Oh poor little honey. We are glad though that you shared so much love with him in his short life. He was lucky to have you as his mom.

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  12. Derek was such a cutie, and we're sad to hear that his life ended at such a young age.

    We're glad he got to experience your kindness and love

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  13. Derek certainly was adorable! I'm sorry he had to go to the Bridge when he was so young but so glad that he had so much love at your house!

    Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrs, Willow

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  14. Aww so cute. As cat owners we have the best of times with our furr-babies...and often the worst. They touch us in such a profound way. You must've been a great comfort to him!

    XOXOXO Puddin

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