Thursday, July 6, 2017

A Post I Don't Want To Write

I'm Sharing Sad News

Well, I've debated all day about how to share this news, whether to share it, etc. I don't want to share it at all, but since I wrote a big happy announcement 10 days ago, I felt that I should let my readers know. Our little Frisky kitten passed away today very suddenly. We are both in shock and not able to make sense of this. We had him as a family member for just 10 days. We don't know for sure what caused his death. We know that he had developed a slight cough and some slight sneezing. We took him to the vet who checked him over and told us basically that sometimes kittens pick up a virus in shelters and their body fights it off and since these viruses are viral we didn't need to start him on an antibiotic. We were to watch and wait. Well.....we watched and waited.....and Frisky died. We are heartbroken and unsure of our next steps with pets. We both are dealing with the "what ifs" in this situation. But, the bottom line is we did seek medical care for him and he still died. I read online that about 27% of kitten populations die for a variety of reasons, but one predominant reason is called, "Fading Kitten Syndrome." With this syndrome, the kitten gets sick and dies quickly which is what happened to our little guy. So, I'm wondering if Fading Kitten Syndrome is the issue. I also read that in the majority of these cases, there is little that can be done to save the kitten. This knowledge, while helpful, is of little solace to our grieving hearts. We find ourselves, yet again, in a home with no pets wondering what just happened. After losing Gracie so recently, this is a lot to go through. As a tribute to Frisky I would like to share some things about him and his short life.

  • He packed a whole lot of love into the ten days he was with us.
  • He was a true "snuggle bunny" who definitely wanted to be close to us; usually tucked under our chins!
  • He had a cute way of singing when he ate his food.
  • Although he didn't yet have a favorite toy, he loved his soft bed and gray blanket and would settle deeply into the covers.
  • We loved him (and always will)

We may only have had him in our life for ten short days, but I am so glad that we brought him home from the shelter. For those ten days he knew he was loved and there were gentle hands holding him and caring for him. He could have died in the shelter without ever knowing what "home" meant. So, I'm glad he picked us out to come home with us. Rest easy little guy. You are safe now in God's hands. And I hope you know that we did the best we could for you. 


Until Next Time,
Debbie

14 comments:

Lay said...

Debbie, I am so sorry!!! I don't know what else to say. It's just so very sad. What you wrote at the end is so true. Frisky got to experience a loving, comfy home in his short life. And he had a chance to give you and Bill lots of love during that time.

I hope when the shock wears off and your grief is not so raw that you will go back to search for another kitty to fill the void left by Gracie and Frisky. You both have too much love for fur babies not to have one in your lives. I send you and Bill my love and prayers and offer thanksgiving for the joy that Frisky brought to you and you gave to him, brief though it was.

Peace be with you, Laura

Debbie Styles Life said...

Thank you so much, Laura, for your kind words and for caring about us. This has left us both shell shocked and we just have to get through it. God is good, all the time. Sending love to you. Hope you and Doug are enjoying your trip!

Marge said...

Dear sweet Debbie, I am so sorry to hear of your loss and heaven's gain. I feel sure that our sister Sally is now caring for her sister's Frisky. Our pets are family and we grieve their loss but continue caring for other family members that we adopt. Your love and care made Frisky's short life so much better. My love goes out to you and Bill as you grieve this loss.

Sharon said...

Debbie, my tears flowed with you as I read your loving tribute to Frisky. I agree with you that Frisky was fortunate to be with the two of you for those ten days experiencing your home, your love, and your gentleness with him.

Susan said...

OH, Debbie!
I am so sorry! That is so sad for you to lose Frisky after just 10 days!I agree when you say that he had a home for a short while where he knew he was loved.
My sincere sympathies,
Susan

Katheen Fritch said...

I am so sorry to hear about the death of your little bundle of love and joy. I'm glad that he was with you guys for those 10 days because he couldn't have asked for a better place to be. May God Comfort both of you during this very difficult time. Sending love and prayers

Tania Goddard said...

Hi Debbie, I am fairly new to your blog but I did read your post about Frisky 10 days ago and my heart goes out to you. I am an animal lover myself and fully understand how heartbreaking the death of a pet can be. May God bless and comfort you. xx

Karen said...

You gave him a wonderful, loving home for the time he had. My heart breaks for you and your husband. Believe me, Frisky felt your love every day he had with you. He could not have had a more loving home. My son's family lost a tiny kitten the same way, never knowing what caused the passing. I will be lifting you up in prayer, this is so difficult.

Debbie Styles Life said...

Thank you, Susan. It has been very difficult going through this.

Debbie Styles Life said...

Thank you, Sharon, for your love and support.

Debbie Styles Life said...

Thank you, Marge, for reminding me that Sally is indeed available to care for our sweet Frisky! What a comforting thought!

Debbie Styles Life said...

Thank you, Kathleen, for your prayers. I hope you are doing well. How is your knee?

Debbie Styles Life said...

Thank you, Tania, for your kind words and for reading my blog!

Debbie Styles Life said...

Thank you, Karen, for your kind words and I'm sorry that your son lost a kitten this way, as well. It is very difficult.