A story of animal cruelty with a happy ending in Ayzha's Attic
**Information on this site is not meant to replace veterinary care. You should always consult your veterinarian for advice and support in hand raising any orphaned animal**
Her name is "Roadie" as a grim reminder of where she was tossed. Like someone's trash, she was left on a busy road along with her brother. At about 10 days old, eyes just opened, she could only belly crawl like tiny kittens do. Yes she could have crawled smack into the line of traffic and never be seen. So tiny, so fragile, so innocent, so unaware of the cruel world around her and even less aware of the cruelty bestowed on her by an uncaring "thing." This "thing" cannot even be classified as a "human." Did anyone dare look into the eyes of this innocent before tossing her out? Did anyone ever hold her and tell her she's loved? She did not ask to be born...she is here because of the irresponsibility of a person. But she is here and now she IS a person's responsibility! Isn't it sad so many take it upon themselves to allow these precious babies to be born only to shirk their responsibility in finding them homes. Look deep into her eyes, I mean really look. You will see, as I have, a sparkle of hope, a tinge of trust for humans, a yearning to give love and receive love in return. She is just too precious for words. I am making this promise to "Roadie"...you will be loved...you will never again suffer from the hands of humans...and you will have a loving home.
Roadie's brother, Oreo...what a face, what an absolutely adorable face! The tiny crystal blue eyes shining from a jet black face, like two little pools you could swim in! Surely this kitten had peered into the eyes of the person who so calously put him along a road. Perhaps not, perhaps if the person didn't make eye contact there would be no guilt. What went through his mind as he was put in these strange new surroundings? Did he dare move? Abandoned, no mother to care for him, no more shelter, no one to hear his cries, strange horrible noises, no food and no love. Huddled beside his sister was the only security he had left. Society would label him a "stray." Oreo I promise you, I will love you forever!
On Sunday September 10, 2000 Roadie and Oreo were "reborn" into a world of "Helping Hands." As she passed by, my daughter noticed some movement along the road. This is not unusual as we all watch for the little critters such as turtles, frogs and snakes. She didn't know what it was, she only knew it was something alive and very very tiny. After turning the car around and scooping up the kitties, she checked the area for any others. I happen to be outside when my daughter pulled up and knew immediately I had a "hand raising" job on my hands, just wasn't sure what yet! Well, my heart just melted when I laid eyes on these precious babies. So tiny, so fragile, so scared, I could only hold back the tears. A small crate was set up with blankets and the first thing on the agenda was to get the babies on a bottle. Once the little tummies were full, they settled in for nap time. The babies would start out getting a more concentrated dose of formula, but more on that in the "Raising Kittens With a Mother's Love" section.
"Ivy" is our Great Dane who for some reason took to these kitties immediately. She knew I had to feed them but she made it quite clear she would be the one to lick and nuzzle them! Supervision is necessary due to the huge size difference, but overall, Ivy is quite gentle. She can't help having this huge tongue and sometimes rolls the babies over, but they seem to love the attention. Ivy will lay by their crate when they're napping and she'll be right there for play time when they wake up. Recently the kittens have started to nuzzle up to her face, or climb on her paw, or suck on her lip and through it all, Ivy is extremely patient. It's no wonder the Dane is known as the "gentle giant."
September 27, 2000: According to my calculations, the babies will be 4 weeks old tomorrow and today we celebrated Oreo taking his first bite of solid food!! What a milestone!! "Kitten" food soaked in the KMR (kitten milk replacer) was just too irresistable! A litter box was introduced 2 days ago and all is going well! The babies still nurse from the bottle and are still wobbly on their little legs, but getting stronger every day and starting to explore their surroundings more and more each day. It's hard to put into words how much I am enjoying these cuties!!
UPDATE As of 12/2/00 Oreo now has a new and wonderful home with 2 adopted "sister" kitties and 3 children to play with! He even has a little puppy! He is doing great!
As of 12/8/00 Little Roadie is still with me. She had to be put on antibiotics for the second time and now we're dealing with ear mites! You can read more on this in Raising Kittens With a Mother's Love
To read more about Roadie and Oreo visit Raising Kittens With a Mother's Love
For heartwarming stories on the rest of the "family" visit Cat Tails
Email franb222 at embarqmail.com (use normal @ sign in email)
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