One of our ferals...

[indysteel]

Thanks, Mimi and V. We lived with them over the summer with a false sense of security in that part of our road was closed to traffic due to a bridge repair. They reopened it Thursday. So there you go. I need to try to take some comfort that he had a good summer with us. The number of unwanted animals really bum me out. I know where some of my next charitable donations are going and how to volunteer my time.

[indysteel]

Here he is about a month ago. He was a handsome boy.

[OakLeaf]

Oh, I'm sorry. (((((indy))))) Thanks for doing what you could for them.

[makbike]

Indy so sorry for your lose. Know you guys did your very best and because of your compassion this beautiful guy knew the gentle touch of your kind soul. God speed to your furry friend.

[redrhodie]

I was really hesitant about clicking on this thread because I'm going through dog loss (my best friend's, but I love him) and knew it was going to be sad. You did not fail that kitty! He had a better life because of you. I'm so sorry for your loss. I know how much it hurts. Be kind to yourself.

[indysteel]

Thanks Mak and Red. I'm sorry about your loss, Red. I've gotten close to friends' pets over the years, and it's just as hard to lose them. And, Mak, I know you've dealt with way more than your fair share this year. It just sucks. I took some comfort when Sophie died last year that she'd lead a good long life with much love. Callie couldn't have been more than 6 months though. I could still just strangle whoever dumped these animals and left them for dead.

To top it off, our adult male stray has gone missing again. He does this every few weeks but usually returns in a few days. I hope that's the case this time and that he's ago. Callie's mom needs him.

[Artista]

You're a good person, Indy. This kitty had a better life because you were in it. I'm sorry for your loss.

[Kubla]

[COLOR="Indigo"]Indysteel, so sorry about your loss. Our first cat came to us as a tiny feral kitten who appeared from out of nowhere. DBF spent many hours working with him to gain his trust-presumably so he could be tame enough to take to a kitty shelter for adoption. (Our street is very busy and we cannot have a cat in the house due to my allergies.) Of course he grew attached after all this intense bonding time and did not want to part with him. He's still with us 6 years later, but I worry about him all the time.

Now we have another stray who obviously wants to move in with us. She's the sweetest, most endearing kitty but we can't handle any more pets. I don't know if she was dumped or just wandered in this direction, but she's intent on making this her new home. <Sigh>

You did not fail this little cat-someone else did. It's heartbreaking to lose him despite your care, but you made his short time on earth more bearable.COLOR]