On Monday, February 13, 2023, my heart broke. I had cared for this tiny, innocent, struggling baby from her first day in this world. I wrapped my arms around her and stroked her soft fur as she drifted off to her final rest. The Vet and I had come to the painful conclusion that Taji would not recover from the organ failure that was affecting her little body. We hugged in shared sadness, and I carried Taji out to go home with me for the last time. I could not hold back the tears when I saw the lit candle in the lobby, signaling the loss. Taji was loved, and will be remembered forever.
So many people say they couldn't do rescue work because they would fall in love with every kitten and want to keep them all. I understand! I do fall in love with them all. I know that the greatest gift I can give them is a healthy life, and a loving family to live it with. The part that I have the most trouble with, is losing one. Every. Single. One. Breaks my heart. Most of the time, when we lose one, it is a new kitten that fails to thrive. There is a certain amount of acceptance that comes with losing one or two from a litter that came from a malnourished mother, born in cold, unhealthy conditions. But Taji was born here. Her mother got fixed the same day she was put down. This one hurt.
Please join me in wishing this tiny spirit an afterlife of love & peace over the rainbow bridge.