Insert Homily About Doors And Windows Here

[ladysprite]

I've joked to my husband before that, if we ever get a new pet, it'll have to be one that fortune hands to us - most likely with three legs, one eye, and some horrible and obscure medical condition. Vets don't generally buy pets, we take on fixer-uppers when their owners can't handle them anymore. It's just the way the world works. But for the past ten years, I've been able to dodge this bullet.

So I'm at work this morning, and I'm waiting for my next appointment to come in, when someone comes hurrying in through our front door, holding something tiny and fluffy in their hands. Their kitten fell and hit its head a couple of days ago, and isn't nursing, and doesn't seem right, and can we help them?

And they can't afford to take it to the emergency hospital. And its head is all squishy. And the mother has rejected it. And if they can't afford the emergency hospital, and maybe not even basic care here, what can they do? And could they just surrender it to us, maybe?

And my cat is dying. And I'm not a big believer in fate or karma or destiny, but....

So now I am the dubiously proud owner of a two-week-old calico Persian kitten with a face so smushed-in it's concave, an open fontanelle (the bones in her skull never closed properly), and probable brain damage. She's already had one seizure since I took custody of her, but she's also demonstrated some impressive skill at drinking milk replacer from a syringe, which is about the only major life skill I can ask from her at this point.

I know I can't get attached. She's a lemon, and her odds of making it are slim at best. And a part of me feels horrible for replacing Tristan before he's even gone. But she's also adorable, and fits in the palm of my hand, and I couldn't just toss her out the door or euthanize her without giving her at least what little chance I can.

And, you know, she's not the only one with a soft spot. Just luckily, mine isn't over my cerebrum....

Comments

[rufinia.livejournal.com]

I think it's possible you have also just named her Lemon.

And, well, you were the one with the crack-baby snake, so... good luck, little kitty!

[ladysprite.livejournal.com]

Nah, I have to continue my trend of naming all cats after obscure figures in Arthurian legend. I'm thinking Lynette....

[dagibbs.livejournal.com]

Yup, just like Buffy-verse vampires, you have a great big soft spot over your heart.

[janetmiles.livejournal.com]

I know this is a good thing for the kitten, and I hope it will be a good thing for you.

[vettecat.livejournal.com]

Hope she makes it - keep us posted!

[droewyn.livejournal.com]

Awww... good luck to the little mite!

[cyan-blue.livejournal.com]

Awww :)

[matildalucet.livejournal.com]

I treasure the soft spot. Good luck with the fluffy one!

[metaphysick.livejournal.com]

She sounds adorable and I must meet her!

[redfishie.livejournal.com]

awww, she sounds adorable.

[johnpalmer.livejournal.com]

And a part of me feels horrible for replacing Tristan before he's even gone.

Well... if you needed a defense, let me try this out. When Skitty was dying, if someone had been able to give me something to do - not even necessarily for a cat - it would have been a great kindness, because I hated how helpless I was. And if I could have dedicated that help to Skitty, after a fashion, it would have been so much better than just not doing *anything*.

[evcelt.livejournal.com]

Think of her as an Emergency Backup Cat.

Bast bless her and you.

[rickvs.livejournal.com]

I don't believe Tristan would be offended; after all, you should always mount a scratch monkey:

http://www.catb.org/jargon/html/S/scratch-monkey.html

In the meanwhile, I hope everyone involved becomes more comfortable one way or another, and that you get a sufficient supply of hugs from your local peeps.

As for your Arthurian naming convention, may I suggest "Cath Palug"? It'd give the wee girl a strong model to aspire to...

[medeaschild.livejournal.com]

Taking care of a kitten who needs a helmet is not replacing Tristan. People (beings? pets? ...Relationships!) are not replaceable, they are each unique and special.

The little miss isn't an attempt to replace Tristan, taking care of her is just another way that you improve the world and make what you can right in it.

[joannahurley.livejournal.com]

+1

I was going to say the same thing; you're not replacing him, he's not replaceable. *hugs*

[browngirl.livejournal.com]

+2

Beautifully and truly said.

[asdr83.livejournal.com]

Well she may not have a lot going for her, but being a vet's weird new friend, drinking from a dropper and being a calico are all pretty good pluses. Her story is weird enough and she should have enough calico spunk to give her a chance. Good luck with her.

I'm sorry about Tristan. I know you know it, but remember to cherish every day. If there is anything I can do for you, don't hesitate to ask.*HUG*

[wren13.livejournal.com]

Go you!