Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Siwsan

(27,256 posts)
Tue May 7, 2024, 08:01 PM May 2024

And just like that, she is gone

I went up to brush my teeth and came back to find the beautiful angel has crossed the rainbow bridge.

So strange. She was so active one minute, and gone the next. So her mom did know something was wrong. Something may have been wrong with the whole litter.

It's raining out so I can't bury her with her sibling until tomorrow. I have a therapy session tomorrow morning.

Time for me to cry.

I am crushed beyond words.

87 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
And just like that, she is gone (Original Post) Siwsan May 2024 OP
You cared for her and that matters TexasDem69 May 2024 #1
Please don't be crushed... 2naSalit May 2024 #2
Well said, TS! OAITW r.2.0 May 2024 #27
It's a hard... 2naSalit May 2024 #30
Well, damn. 3catwoman3 May 2024 #3
You sent her on her path with love. hlthe2b May 2024 #4
Exactly. She wouldn't have felt any love otherwise. blm May 2024 #16
I'm so sorry birdographer May 2024 #5
I am so sorry. Lunabell May 2024 #6
True sentiments. AltairIV May 2024 #10
She knew she was loved. You gave her that. onecaliberal May 2024 #7
She felt warmth and comfort. Good on ya, Siwsan. Nt spooky3 May 2024 #23
My heart hurts for you rockbluff botanist May 2024 #8
I'm so sorry for what happened. TexasTowelie May 2024 #9
I am so so sorry montanacowboy May 2024 #11
I'm so sorry MN2theMax May 2024 #12
I'm so sorry, Siwsan. As others have said, you gave brer cat May 2024 #13
I'm so sorry wryter2000 May 2024 #14
You gave her so much in her short time InstantGratification May 2024 #15
She was warm and fed in the last day of her life. You did good. fierywoman May 2024 #17
such a heartbreaker of a story orleans May 2024 #18
Rip nt XanaDUer2 May 2024 #19
She was warm and loved godsentme May 2024 #20
Momcats generally do know Warpy May 2024 #21
I am so sorry. JMCKUSICK May 2024 #22
Thank you, for the comfort and care you gave her . wendyb-NC May 2024 #24
You did all you could. Thank you for your humanity and your caring heart. COL Mustard May 2024 #25
I am so sorry jtb653 May 2024 #26
So very, very sorry. AverageOldGuy May 2024 #28
I'm sorry Siwsan MustLoveBeagles May 2024 #29
Sad news for both you and the wee one. Sorry. yonder May 2024 #31
Life is so fragile ALBliberal May 2024 #32
You did what you could. Please dont take her passing revmclaren May 2024 #33
You were there for her. Hope22 May 2024 #34
I'm sorry. Thank you for caring for her. AllyCat May 2024 #35
So sorry orangecrush May 2024 #36
You held her and made her short time better. AloeVera May 2024 #37
I'm so sorry... CaptainTruth May 2024 #38
So sorry, Siwsan, Let yourself cry and grieve for your little baby. debm55 May 2024 #39
I'm so sorry, you did what you could. She passed knowing love and care. 58Sunliner May 2024 #40
You are amazing. You are resiliant. You do good in the world. You've saved so many. Gore1FL May 2024 #41
I'm so sorry. sinkingfeeling May 2024 #42
She was not alone, not unloved. That is the great gift. n/t TygrBright May 2024 #43
I am so sorry. 😞 Owl May 2024 #44
So sorry, Siwsan. JustinBulletin May 2024 #45
Lady Bast, please take Your little one gently home in Your loving arms, niyad May 2024 #46
I'm so sorry, Siwsan. It's so difficult to let the little one transition. My heart is with you. keopeli May 2024 #47
Siwsan, YOU are an angel to these little ones. Permanut May 2024 #48
Sorry to hear that. Have you tested them for FIV? relayerbob May 2024 #49
This was the little baby she rescued this morning. niyad May 2024 #51
Oh, thanks. I missed that. I thought it was the previous kitties. Sorry on all counts relayerbob May 2024 #52
Oh no! Katcat May 2024 #50
take care of yourself now--you did good for the little kitty. riversedge May 2024 #53
So sorry! Ocelot II May 2024 #54
She was loved and cared for by you. Now it is time Polly Hennessey May 2024 #55
I'm so sorry KT2000 May 2024 #56
You took a poor, sick, cold and hungry kitten Laurelin May 2024 #57
What a wonderfully warm, loving, comfortable life you gave her! Think. Again. May 2024 #58
Not how any of us hoped it would play out 10 Turtle Day May 2024 #59
So very sorry, Siwsan gademocrat7 May 2024 #60
Oh my dear Siswan, I too know that sick feeling. lark May 2024 #61
You did everything you could - it was so kind of you to take care of her. nt TBF May 2024 #62
Siswan I just saw this post. I'm teary eyed. So sorry for you. Fla Dem May 2024 #63
You gave her the only human love and care that she had in her short life. appleannie1 May 2024 #64
I know you choose Welsh names and would have selected something... 3catwoman3 May 2024 #65
I admire all you do in the name of love for our "little ones"! pazzyanne May 2024 #66
That is hard. -misanthroptimist May 2024 #67
So sorry. You did your best. She experienced love. nt Shipwack May 2024 #68
So very sorry. Elessar Zappa May 2024 #69
(((hugs))) samnsara May 2024 #70
Thank you SimplyHadEnough May 2024 #71
I'm heartbroken for you. femmedem May 2024 #72
She knew love and caring. No one could have done more than you did. You are a kitty saint. LoisB May 2024 #73
She had something she never would've known without you SupportSanity May 2024 #74
So sorry honey Saoirse9 May 2024 #75
That is a shame. LiberalFighter May 2024 #76
I've been away from DU for a while ggma May 2024 #77
She did not pass alone. AverageOldGuy May 2024 #78
I am so sorry. She seemed so on the road to life. Hard to understand sometimes. Evolve Dammit May 2024 #79
It's hard. ChazInAz May 2024 #80
I am so sorry, Siwsan... slightlv May 2024 #81
I think we're all crushed by that sad news. calimary May 2024 #82
Just. Like that Cinjanik May 2024 #83
You gave her comfort . My cousin buried her 20 yo cat today. TNNurse May 2024 #84
Lady Bast, please take Your little one gently home in Your loving arms, niyad May 2024 #87
I grieve with you. chowmama May 2024 #85
Hard to respond to this as I too was crushed when I read your post this morning Mousetoescamper May 2024 #86

2naSalit

(92,371 posts)
2. Please don't be crushed...
Tue May 7, 2024, 08:08 PM
May 2024

You have done what you could and it wasn't meant to be that she survived. As you said, the mother must have known something was amiss.

Be sad, briefly, but don't let it tear you up. Be glad that you found them and can give them some kind of dignity at the end. Sometimes that's what we're there for, to handle things at the end and that is all. You've given respect and that's truly the best you can do in this case.


3catwoman3

(25,378 posts)
3. Well, damn.
Tue May 7, 2024, 08:09 PM
May 2024

Thank you for caring for this wee one for her all too brief life. She knew comfort and caring.

birdographer

(2,527 posts)
5. I'm so sorry
Tue May 7, 2024, 08:18 PM
May 2024

I was sure she would make it since you found her and got her going. She was too young. Not strong enough. But she left in comfort and love and care. I would be crushed as well. You did a good thing and you earned some karma points (animal-wise, I discovered that those can get cashed in when you don't expect it and something wonderful can happen as a result--no other explanation in my case). It's okay, don't cry. You sent her on her way. There will be another who is sent your way.

Lunabell

(6,776 posts)
6. I am so sorry.
Tue May 7, 2024, 08:18 PM
May 2024

She felt loved, dry, warm and had a full tummy when she passed. You were her angel when she needed someone. Thank you.

rockbluff botanist

(360 posts)
8. My heart hurts for you
Tue May 7, 2024, 08:20 PM
May 2024

I lost two sweet little babies last week in just the same way. Perfect little sweeties doing very well and then just gone. My vet said it was probably pneumonia. My vet always tells me, you can't save them all, but I'm so glad you try.

Siwsan, you have a big loving heart, and please know that you do so much good in the world.

TexasTowelie

(116,507 posts)
9. I'm so sorry for what happened.
Tue May 7, 2024, 08:20 PM
May 2024

At least she could feel your love and she had eaten well before she passed.

MN2theMax

(1,701 posts)
12. I'm so sorry
Tue May 7, 2024, 08:22 PM
May 2024


You did your best. Served a meal and warmth. Not much more you could have done.
You are an angel of mercy to those dear feral babies. Thank you for all you do for them.

brer cat

(26,127 posts)
13. I'm so sorry, Siwsan. As others have said, you gave
Tue May 7, 2024, 08:26 PM
May 2024

her love and comfort, and that matters a lot. It won't take away the sorrow, but maybe it will give some measure of peace going forward.

15. You gave her so much in her short time
Tue May 7, 2024, 08:31 PM
May 2024

She knew a full belly. She knew the pleasure of a warm cuddle. She knew the caress of a kind hand.

You said she made tiny biscuits on you, so she knew contentment.

You gave her all those things and another that is the most priceless gift:

In her very short time, she knew a mother's love.

godsentme

(104 posts)
20. She was warm and loved
Tue May 7, 2024, 08:42 PM
May 2024

So sorry. I know your heart is broken. That little one was blessed knowing warmth, comfort and love. Thank you Siwsan.

Warpy

(113,130 posts)
21. Momcats generally do know
Tue May 7, 2024, 08:47 PM
May 2024

Sometimes we get lucky and the health problem isn't catastrophic and we get a kitty who does fine as a house cat. Likely that kitty wouldn't have survived long as a feral. Other times, the problem is catastrophic, like seizure disorder or a heart abnormality. While it seems cruel to us to cart a kitten who is still alive out into the rain, Momcat likely thought that would finish the kitten off a little more quickly than starvation would have and she had to devote her energy to the kittens with a better chance of survival.

You sent that kitten off with a last experience of being dry, warm, and fed. There are worse ways to go.

JMCKUSICK

(373 posts)
22. I am so sorry.
Tue May 7, 2024, 08:52 PM
May 2024

Maybe you were way station to help her get to the Rainbow bridge. She was loved when she passed, and that has to matter.
I'm so sorry, please know and believe that your love spring flows abundantly.
I'm not smart enough to know how this matters, but I'm certain that she needed you.

COL Mustard

(6,861 posts)
25. You did all you could. Thank you for your humanity and your caring heart.
Tue May 7, 2024, 08:56 PM
May 2024

Grieve as you need to. Peace and hugs to you and to her.

yonder

(10,002 posts)
31. Sad news for both you and the wee one. Sorry.
Tue May 7, 2024, 09:05 PM
May 2024

As brief as your acquaintance was, you can remember HerHe for the squeaks and biscuits. HerHe will remember you for the bellyfull and a caring, warm, dry respite.

Good works.

ALBliberal

(2,826 posts)
32. Life is so fragile
Tue May 7, 2024, 09:13 PM
May 2024

You strike me as such a lovely giving person thank you for giving love and comfort to this tiny being. Knowing it takes a piece of your heart to do so. That is truly love Siwsan.

Hope22

(2,632 posts)
34. You were there for her.
Tue May 7, 2024, 09:19 PM
May 2024

Baby was loved and cared for. You did your best. That babe came to the right doorstep. Thank you for caring for her. I’m so sorry for this loss. Hugs and love to you!💗💗🐈?⬛🙏🏼💐

AloeVera

(1,819 posts)
37. You held her and made her short time better.
Tue May 7, 2024, 09:25 PM
May 2024

She knew she was loved. She snuggled in your neck.

I am so sorry. It hurts, I know. One day her memory will bring you no more pain, only good feelings. You are awesome and a good soul.

I always say to my pets when they're going under that we'll meet again. I think we will.

CaptainTruth

(7,184 posts)
38. I'm so sorry...
Tue May 7, 2024, 09:29 PM
May 2024

Just know that in her short life she knew how it felt to be loved & you gave her that.

Sometimes that is all we can do.

Gore1FL

(21,803 posts)
41. You are amazing. You are resiliant. You do good in the world. You've saved so many.
Tue May 7, 2024, 09:54 PM
May 2024

The fact that your heart breaks with every loss demonstrates just how sstrong your compassion is.

Thank you Siwsan. You are to be aspired to.

JustinBulletin

(88 posts)
45. So sorry, Siwsan.
Tue May 7, 2024, 10:00 PM
May 2024

Caring people like you are what keeps us all going. Just know you did the best you could and that little baby felt loved and cared for.

niyad

(119,543 posts)
46. Lady Bast, please take Your little one gently home in Your loving arms,
Tue May 7, 2024, 10:20 PM
May 2024

and send peace and comfort to our dear Siwsan for all she does for your precious beings.

Hugggggggs to you, dear one. You gave that beautiful little one warmth and love and safety for their brief visit here. Blessings to you for all that you do.

Ocelot II

(120,448 posts)
54. So sorry!
Tue May 7, 2024, 11:22 PM
May 2024

Those little ones are so fragile and sometimes there's nothing that can be done. But you loved her for that little while, and that's everything.

Polly Hennessey

(7,424 posts)
55. She was loved and cared for by you. Now it is time
Wed May 8, 2024, 01:45 AM
May 2024

for you to love yourself and all that you do for our precious little friends.

KT2000

(20,801 posts)
56. I'm so sorry
Wed May 8, 2024, 02:00 AM
May 2024

you gave it a good try and let's hope such kitties get another shot some day. I hope so.

Laurelin

(631 posts)
57. You took a poor, sick, cold and hungry kitten
Wed May 8, 2024, 02:56 AM
May 2024

And got her warm, fed, loved and comforted on her final day.

You were wonderful. It just isn't possible to save everyone, but one baby got comfort before she moved on.

Think. Again.

(17,324 posts)
58. What a wonderfully warm, loving, comfortable life you gave her!
Wed May 8, 2024, 04:29 AM
May 2024

You will have the love of that little one for your entire life, how grateful she must have been to you! (And I am grateful to you also.)

10 Turtle Day

(421 posts)
59. Not how any of us hoped it would play out
Wed May 8, 2024, 06:53 AM
May 2024

But we all know that you did everything humanly possible to save her. It just wasn’t meant to be. Thank you, Susan, for all you do for the kittens that come into your life.

lark

(24,099 posts)
61. Oh my dear Siswan, I too know that sick feeling.
Wed May 8, 2024, 08:30 AM
May 2024

I had rescued a tiny kitten, eyes just partially opened, and was bottle feeding her for 2 weeks. She jumped off the bed and hit her head and a few hours later was paralyzed and in great pain and we had to put her on the rainbow bridge. It was 2 years ago, but it still hurts that I wasn't able to save little Misty.

Fla Dem

(25,628 posts)
63. Siswan I just saw this post. I'm teary eyed. So sorry for you.
Wed May 8, 2024, 11:41 AM
May 2024

You did your loving best to save her and what a wonderful life she would've had with you and your crew. But it wasn't to be.

You saved her from passing on in the cold and dark never knowing the love you gave her. It was destined her last hours were with you, she wasn't hungry or cold, and she had love and caring.

As my grandmother would say, you earned another star in your crown.

Thank you for being the person you are.

appleannie1

(5,198 posts)
64. You gave her the only human love and care that she had in her short life.
Wed May 8, 2024, 11:45 AM
May 2024

If not for you, she would have died a cold, wet, miserable life. Instead she died peacefully, warm and knowing love.

3catwoman3

(25,378 posts)
65. I know you choose Welsh names and would have selected something...
Wed May 8, 2024, 12:42 PM
May 2024

...meaningful and special.

I'm going to choose to remember her as Flicker - a brief, bright presence in our hearts.

pazzyanne

(6,597 posts)
66. I admire all you do in the name of love for our "little ones"!
Wed May 8, 2024, 01:08 PM
May 2024

Whenever we choose to engage in helping any animal, we have a deep well of love to draw from. We know the risks, but choose to use our love, resources, and skills to help. When you found the newborn kitten you did not turn your back and walk away. You did not give up before trying your best to get a positive outcome. Hope is still alive in you. I am remembering all the ones you save and rehome in loving "forever" families/homes. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Grieve for the little one you gave so much today. Know that she loved you and appreciated what you did for her today! You are truly a blessing to all you help!

-misanthroptimist

(1,161 posts)
67. That is hard.
Wed May 8, 2024, 02:07 PM
May 2024

There is a feral/semi-feral cat colony in the woods near our property. We've been through this a few times. I know it's hard and makes no damn sense. And it never get easier.

We had one momma cat, who was very friendly, bring her litter to our porch, literally right after they were born. A few days later momma cat disappeared. I suspect she was hit by a car. My wife and I saved all four of the kittens. But it was rough going. They had to be fed every couple of hours and stimulated to poop. And we're older, so it was a job. We never could find anywhere to place them, so they stayed with us.

But success is chancy. We've probably lost as many or more as we've saved over the years. There's one I still can't mention around my wife. He lived about a month...and just quit. It broke her heart even worse than it broke mine.

Hope you feel better soon.

Elessar Zappa

(15,708 posts)
69. So very sorry.
Wed May 8, 2024, 03:59 PM
May 2024

I’m in tears here too, animal deaths really get to me. But you gave the little baby a good final hours of warmth and love. You’re a good soul.

SimplyHadEnough

(65 posts)
71. Thank you
Wed May 8, 2024, 05:10 PM
May 2024

Siwsan, you have such a giving and loving heart. You gave that Little one a life time of care. So sorry for your loss.😿

femmedem

(8,429 posts)
72. I'm heartbroken for you.
Wed May 8, 2024, 05:16 PM
May 2024

I hope that in time, it will ease your grief to know that the kitten would have died an awful death without your care, and instead, it was kneading, warm, and loved until something in its tiny body suddenly failed.

But it's still so sad.

ggma

(711 posts)
77. I've been away from DU for a while
Wed May 8, 2024, 05:59 PM
May 2024

And looked for you and found this. Your heart is good and sweet still. I'm so sorry and I send you a hug.

Evolve Dammit

(18,464 posts)
79. I am so sorry. She seemed so on the road to life. Hard to understand sometimes.
Wed May 8, 2024, 06:09 PM
May 2024

We appreciate your compassion and efforts. I have lost a few and know how painful it is. Take care

ChazInAz

(2,771 posts)
80. It's hard.
Wed May 8, 2024, 06:21 PM
May 2024

Whether seniors or kittens. Out of four of her litter, my Grey Mouser lost one at only a week old, and another began to display neurological problems, dying in a massive seizure at three months. I still lovingly recall every cat who has shared my home.

slightlv

(4,237 posts)
81. I am so sorry, Siwsan...
Wed May 8, 2024, 06:25 PM
May 2024

From the way you describe, it sounds like she had a heart defect. But you gave her time, love, and dignity in death. That can't be over rated. She wanted some comfort before the end, and you gave that to her completely. Just know you did all you could do for her, and bless her on her passing. You gave her your love -- the most important thing in the world to give, especially to one like her. {{hugs}}

calimary

(84,133 posts)
82. I think we're all crushed by that sad news.
Wed May 8, 2024, 06:37 PM
May 2024

You did everything you could. Everything anybody could. She was lucky to have a friend like you, even if only for a very short time.

Cinjanik

(23 posts)
83. Just. Like that
Wed May 8, 2024, 07:21 PM
May 2024

You were her Angel. You Are an Angel. Her mommy brought her to you because she knew you could, would, help her over the Rainbow Bridge the way she deserved, With love and dignity.
Bless her, her mommy and you.

niyad

(119,543 posts)
87. Lady Bast, please take Your little one gently home in Your loving arms,
Thu May 9, 2024, 06:33 AM
May 2024

andbsend peacevand comfort to their grieving loved ones.

I am so sorry for your cousin's loss.

Mousetoescamper

(5,014 posts)
86. Hard to respond to this as I too was crushed when I read your post this morning
Wed May 8, 2024, 10:58 PM
May 2024

Although it was traumatic to fall in love with the kitten last night only to learn that it had died this morning, I don't regret opening your post and looking at that sweet little face. There were tears last night and tears this morning, and it was worth the grief to have known of the kitten and your effort to keep it alive.

I understood your work in thought and was touched emotionally when I'd occasionally check in to see what's up with Siwsan and the cats, but now I'm deeply feeling what it's like to be in your shoes, temporarily. You've much strength, Siwsan. Dealing with the death of one of my cats in 2022 was almost too much to bear. You care for so many, with so much more potential for grief (and joy). I admire you!










Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Pets»And just like that, she i...