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hamsterjill

(15,214 posts)
Tue Feb 9, 2021, 12:58 AM Feb 2021

Rescue is hard!!!

I’ve posted many times before about kitties in our rescue. We tend to get the medical needs ones, the ones who are not completely feral, but not lap cats either, and the ones that for whatever reason at the time have no other place to go.

Sometimes, it all stacks up. Right now is one of those times.

We’ve got one guy with a stubborn ear infection that just won’t go away. He’s now been to the vet weekly for five weeks. The vet says there is improvement, but the guy has just been miserable. He goes back again on Friday and I’m going to insist that they try a different med. It’s not unheard of for these to take a while to resolve, but he needs to feel better.

Another guy just isn’t feeling well. I noticed it over the weekend and he has an appointment tomorrow afternoon. I suspect teeth. He won’t let me get much of a look but I can see he’s drooling. He’s obviously in pain which is breaking my heart. Vet is closed on Mondays or else he would have gone today. I’m trying to keep him comfortable. Started an antibiotic and giving some CBD oil for what that’s worth.

The third is a very old man. So sweet. My rock. My protector. My heart. We think he’s near twenty and he’s letting go. Having to gently syringe down food. He goes for evaluation on Friday afternoon (different vet than the others) and I doubt he will come home from that appointment. I think he’s ready. I am not ready to let him go, but I will do what’s best.

It all just sucks right now.

Please send us some good vibes. It would be much appreciated. I’m not trying to act like a martyr. I love what I do and wouldn’t change a thing. But sometimes, it just gets hard when several have issues at once. I know a lot of people here do rescue, and I know you understand.

Thanks for letting me say this out loud. I just needed to let it out.

40 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Rescue is hard!!! (Original Post) hamsterjill Feb 2021 OP
Been there. It stinks. But...I'm glad they have you! Karadeniz Feb 2021 #1
I know you have and I know you understand. hamsterjill Feb 2021 #4
I've never treated such a persistent ear infection. They can be caused by many things, so you're Karadeniz Feb 2021 #5
Same cat did this two years ago. hamsterjill Feb 2021 #9
Lucky for him he's not an outdoor cat...cedar! Karadeniz Feb 2021 #13
Thank you for all that you do. Big Blue Marble Feb 2021 #2
Thank you. hamsterjill Feb 2021 #12
Thank you so much for tending to those kitties. Phoenix61 Feb 2021 #3
Thank you. hamsterjill Feb 2021 #25
I appreciate your bravery nocoincidences Feb 2021 #6
It is rough. hamsterjill Feb 2021 #14
I think your name should be kittyjill. 3catwoman3 Feb 2021 #7
Thank you!!! hamsterjill Feb 2021 #15
Good vibes sent your way. Thank you for what you do for the kitties. virgdem Feb 2021 #8
No, we don't. hamsterjill Feb 2021 #11
Yes, it is Bayard Feb 2021 #10
Thank you, Bayard. hamsterjill Feb 2021 #17
Thanks for all you do. cate94 Feb 2021 #16
Thank you. hamsterjill Feb 2021 #26
Please forgive me so as not to offend. I just now accessed these my husband sent to me several years sprinkleeninow Feb 2021 #18
Thank you so much for the prayers. hamsterjill Feb 2021 #27
Holding you, and the kitties, in my heart. n/t TygrBright Feb 2021 #19
Thank you. hamsterjill Feb 2021 #28
I admire your big heart and dedication to these cats Blue Owl Feb 2021 #20
Most definitely. hamsterjill Feb 2021 #29
Thank you! ❤️ flibbitygiblets Feb 2021 #21
Appreciate your kind words. hamsterjill Feb 2021 #35
If you have a go-fund site... Duppers Feb 2021 #22
Thank you for acknowledging the cost. hamsterjill Feb 2021 #30
Thank you for the love and care you give to rescue kitties! pazzyanne Feb 2021 #23
Bless you! hamsterjill Feb 2021 #31
Thank you for your offer of a listening ear, hamsterjill! pazzyanne Feb 2021 #33
I mean it, too. hamsterjill Feb 2021 #34
Completely understand! imaginary girl Feb 2021 #24
Thank you. hamsterjill Feb 2021 #32
Sending Healing Vibes to a Good Hearted person and the Cats Nictuku Feb 2021 #36
Thank you so much! hamsterjill Feb 2021 #37
Aw damn. That hurts with the ones suffering. cwydro Feb 2021 #38
Thanks my friend. For the kind words and for fixing the ones you care for. hamsterjill Feb 2021 #39
Thanks! cwydro Feb 2021 #40

hamsterjill

(15,214 posts)
4. I know you have and I know you understand.
Tue Feb 9, 2021, 01:05 AM
Feb 2021

It’s (seriously) when it all stacks up. It gets hard and things get dark and sad. Gotta let it out or it will consume us.

Karadeniz

(22,283 posts)
5. I've never treated such a persistent ear infection. They can be caused by many things, so you're
Tue Feb 9, 2021, 01:08 AM
Feb 2021

Right to ask for a new medicine. Stiff upper lip!

hamsterjill

(15,214 posts)
9. Same cat did this two years ago.
Tue Feb 9, 2021, 01:28 AM
Feb 2021

It’s triggered by cedar allergy. Good ole Texas!!!

Vet is using osurnia and a convenia shot. Two years ago, it was baytril drops that finally helped. I’ve been begging for those for two weeks. Vet said not needed but agreed that if the cat isn’t better by this week, that he will prescribe.

Tends to piss me off when the vets think they know more than us!!! LOL But seriously, I keep extensive files on each cat so that I have records of what worked. And it’s the same vet from two years ago. I think the osurnia is relatively new and he is trying it out. We will have a come to Jesus this next visit.

Big Blue Marble

(4,978 posts)
2. Thank you for all that you do.
Tue Feb 9, 2021, 01:03 AM
Feb 2021

Sending you light and love to re-energize your heart. It take so much heart energy to
give as much as you do for these precious ones.

hamsterjill

(15,214 posts)
25. Thank you.
Tue Feb 9, 2021, 08:10 AM
Feb 2021

There are days when I wonder myself. But having them to care for has saved my soul during this pandemic.

nocoincidences

(2,195 posts)
6. I appreciate your bravery
Tue Feb 9, 2021, 01:11 AM
Feb 2021

and love in caring for these pussums who are not easy to care for, even if they are easy to love.

I have an old one right now that I am trying to listen to very closely, to know when he is ready to go on. It is so hard to hear that message when you love them so much.

Bless you.

hamsterjill

(15,214 posts)
14. It is rough.
Tue Feb 9, 2021, 01:40 AM
Feb 2021

I try to be grateful for all of the years, but I very selfishly want more.

Our guy truly is my protector. I believe he’s trying to hang on because he worries about me. I have given him permission to go on, but he breaks my heart. There will be a huge void when he leaves.

I wish you and yours peace and love for your remaining time together.

hamsterjill

(15,214 posts)
15. Thank you!!!
Tue Feb 9, 2021, 01:42 AM
Feb 2021

I heard that it’s pretty cold up there right now, and it’s heading to Texas. Hope you are staying warm.

virgdem

(2,119 posts)
8. Good vibes sent your way. Thank you for what you do for the kitties.
Tue Feb 9, 2021, 01:22 AM
Feb 2021

I follow so many rescues on Instagram and I'm so impressed with the care that you guys give under difficult and stressful situations. Do you have a presence on Instagram?

hamsterjill

(15,214 posts)
11. No, we don't.
Tue Feb 9, 2021, 01:34 AM
Feb 2021

We are a small rescue and we operate pretty quietly because our resources are limited. There are five of us who are involved, but I run the operation. We pool resources and cry on each others’ shoulder when we have to say “no” to a request for help. But we stay overwhelmed. I’m in Texas and we have a huge overpopulation problem. While we spay and neuter anything we can get our hands on, we still have a lot of idiots here who absolutely refuse to be responsible.

cate94

(2,797 posts)
16. Thanks for all you do.
Tue Feb 9, 2021, 01:44 AM
Feb 2021

I know it takes a kind heart and love that goes beyond what many of us can do. Sending good vibes and a again thanks!

hamsterjill

(15,214 posts)
26. Thank you.
Tue Feb 9, 2021, 08:15 AM
Feb 2021

Add in a little “crazy”, too. I’m in an area that has a huge overpopulation problem. That’s what got us started. With the pandemic, spay/neuter resources have been less available to people, and I fear we as a city/state/nation are losing in our fight right now to keep cutting numbers down by sterilizing.



sprinkleeninow

(20,136 posts)
18. Please forgive me so as not to offend. I just now accessed these my husband sent to me several years
Tue Feb 9, 2021, 02:07 AM
Feb 2021

ago. I just prayed them. 💞

Prayers for Sick Animals

When our beloved animal companion is sick, it's vital to remember the promise of God in Psalm 91: 14-16~

♡Since he clings to me I rescue him, I raise him high, since he acknowledges my name. He calls to me and I answer him: in distress I am at his side, I rescue him and bring him honor.♡

Of course, our animals are helpless to raise this cry of and by themselves -- hence, it is our call to be intercessors, on their behalf, in their hour of need.

~Lord, I know that I am Your child and as such You hold me higher than the angels and the animals that You have created. Even so, pets are all important to You whether it is a dog, cat, lizard, snake, hamster, pig, a fish whatever it may be, You created it. Lord, I thank You for Your awesomeness and power, for providing for my every need and the needs of my animal. So, Lord, I come to You now praying for healing for my sick pet, (pet’s name). I am in need of Your help. Help them, Lord, deliver (pet’s name) from any pain and suffering. Grant (pet’s name Your peace as I place him/her in Your capable hands. I ask for healing, I ask for strength, I ask O Lord that Your perfect will be accomplish in this pet’s life for Your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.~

~Dearest God, Heavenly Father
maker of all living creatures,
we ask you to bless (pet’s name),
who brings so much joy into our lives.
By the power of Your love, enable him/her to live according to your plan. May we always praise You for all Your beauty in creation. Blessed are You, God, in all Your creatures!~

~Merciful Lord, touch (pet’s name) with Your gentle hand of healing and comfort. We pray that You would supernaturally deliver her of her symptoms of (health issue) and healing the underlying cause (health issue). We also pray that You would use veterinarians, medicines, and natural means to bring her once more to good health. Grant us wisdom and compassion as we care for her as Your stewards. In Jesus’ name. Amen.~


Blue Owl

(49,934 posts)
20. I admire your big heart and dedication to these cats
Tue Feb 9, 2021, 02:11 AM
Feb 2021

They have enriched your life and you have enriched theirs!

Duppers

(28,094 posts)
22. If you have a go-fund site...
Tue Feb 9, 2021, 03:47 AM
Feb 2021

Please post it. It must be difficult paying for these vet bills.

Thank you for your compassion. We needs more folks like you!



hamsterjill

(15,214 posts)
30. Thank you for acknowledging the cost.
Tue Feb 9, 2021, 08:33 AM
Feb 2021

Last edited Tue Feb 9, 2021, 11:28 AM - Edit history (1)

We don’t currently have a go fund me account, but we’ve been considering setting one up.

Edited to add: We are a valid and existing 501(c)(3).

I sneaked over and read your DU Journal entry. I’m so sorry for your loss of Missy. They do tend to tug at our hearts, don’t they? All just fluffy love.

pazzyanne

(6,519 posts)
23. Thank you for the love and care you give to rescue kitties!
Tue Feb 9, 2021, 04:01 AM
Feb 2021

I am presently caring for 12 feral/ semi feral cats and kittens and know how hard it is and how much you have to invest of yourself to do this. Blessings on you and the kitties you take caretake. Kitty !

hamsterjill

(15,214 posts)
31. Bless you!
Tue Feb 9, 2021, 08:36 AM
Feb 2021

Yes, you certainly understand. You give a piece of yourself to each one. The high’s are high, and the low’s are low. Rescuing one is thrilling and satisfying. Losing one is hurtful and defeating.

Thank YOU for your efforts. If you ever need an ear, please let me know.

hamsterjill

(15,214 posts)
34. I mean it, too.
Tue Feb 9, 2021, 10:17 AM
Feb 2021

I’m sure you are familiar with the term “compassion fatigue”. It is imperative that rescuers take care of other rescuers much as we take care of our charges.

imaginary girl

(856 posts)
24. Completely understand!
Tue Feb 9, 2021, 04:08 AM
Feb 2021

I've fostered and volunteered for two rescues the last seven years (In addition to caring for my own many animals). I know, even though it can be hugely rewarding, it isn't easy. As you say, sometimes it can be overwhelming. My best to you and the animals in your life!

hamsterjill

(15,214 posts)
32. Thank you.
Tue Feb 9, 2021, 08:39 AM
Feb 2021

Rescues cannot be successful without the people who foster and help, so thank you for your hard work. Letting a beloved foster go to that perfect forever home can be gratifying, but it can also be emotionally devastating. Thank you for what you do.

 

cwydro

(51,308 posts)
38. Aw damn. That hurts with the ones suffering.
Wed Feb 10, 2021, 04:48 PM
Feb 2021

I take care of two ferals. I’ve had them both fixed (sorted, as my Irish cousin says lol).

Have you ever had one with a sneeze? I’ve taken him in for treatment, I feed him very well...but the sneeze seems to never go away.

All my critters are rescues. Thank you for what you do.

hamsterjill

(15,214 posts)
39. Thanks my friend. For the kind words and for fixing the ones you care for.
Wed Feb 10, 2021, 06:43 PM
Feb 2021

Sneezes are probably allergies but can be from a respiratory virus. Have you tried using l-lysine?

I use a product called “Viralys”, and it’s a gel which I generally syringe up and squirt in their mouth. If that doesn’t work, you can get lysine in a powder form and mix with food. There is debate about the effectiveness of lysine, but I’m a believer.

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