One of our ferals...

[indysteel]

Was hit and killed by a car over the weekend. DH and I discovered him along our street when we returned from a camping trip. I last saw him on Friday when I gave him some toys to play with. We've tried our best to care for these cats, but I feel like a huge failure. Poor baby. His mother is still with us. I need to find her a home. They were a team. I'm so sad for both of them.

We buried him in our backyard. I hope my Sophie Girl is taking good care of him now.

[Veronica]

Oh what a bummer... Just remember you can't save them all. You're doing what you can to make their lives better. We've lost three of our ferals over the years and while I would love to just adopt them all and become the crazy cat lady... I know that's not feasible.

And even kitties who have owners get run over.

Veronica

[Biciclista]

Indy, he probably would have died a long slow death without your caring for him. At least he went quick. You're a great cat mom. Don't beat yourself up. I'm very impressed with what you know and what you do with the cats. really.
sorry you lost one of your fur babies

[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]

[indysteel]

[COLOR="Indigo"]
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>

Yes, it's hard to know what to do when a stray/abandoned animal picks you for help. "Sigh" is right.

I saw the momma cat running up and down our street today. I can only assume she was looking for her boy. It breaks my heart. I stopped my car and called for her so she could get some pets. I just have to find her a home.... In the meantime, I sure hope she says out of the street.

Ever since I lost one of my cats last year, I've had a really hard time keeping a grip on my pet-related emotions. One of my indoor cats has had two rounds of a mystery illness over the past year (the second was just weeks ago), and I just feel really fragile about the entire subject. I think I've hit my quota for pet angst/mourning. I've been fighting back sobs all morning.....

[jessmarimba]

I'm so sorry I have fortunately never been the one to find one of my ferals after something like that, but every time one disappears and stays away it makes me so sad. I hope you find a home for his mother soon.

[indysteel]

Thanks, Jess. I sure hope your ferals are doing well.

I may have a nibble on a new home for the mother. Everybody keep your fingers crossed. She's asked for a picture of her. My DH takes the most wonderful pictures, he's going to have a photo shoot with her tonight.

[smilingcat]

Innocence of the young kitten, the helplessness we feel when we lose our feral... I think its good to cry.

My condolence and my sadness for such a short life. He had a good life with Indy. A nice summer to enjoy.

I wish you the best.

And mama cat will find a good home.