Every time an animal is taken into our rescue organization we are optimistic and always hope for happy endings. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work out that way. The story that you are about to read has a bittersweet ending.
The Ark Animal Sanctuary took a litter of kittens and a mother cat out of a bad situation. They were in a home where there were way too many cats, all were reproducing, malnourished, infested with fleas, and had upper respiratory problems. This was not the first time that we have taken cats from this home. The owner has always been co-operative and thankful for the help. She had originally started out trying to help the felines and do a good thing. However, she was soon burdened with too many cats with kittens and no financial means to neuter or spay.
The last litter that was taken had four kittens, and despite their conditions, seemed to be relatively healthy. There was one adorable little orange fellow that seemed smaller than the rest. He was always hungry and loved his food. His little sides bulged. He was everyone’s favorite, and because of his little belly, was lovingly named Fat Albert. His cute looks soon had him adopted. The family that took him home had just recently lost their cat of nearly 16 years, so they were still grieving. The little kitten did the trick, and it didn’t take long before the love and bonding occurred. The first week of the kitten’s life in his new home was awesome. His new “mother” renamed him Pumpkin. The name was a good fit for this round little orange baby. The kitten’s antics brought daily smiles. Their old cat, Pooh Roo, had long stopped batting at Christmas ornaments. The little kitten couldn’t get enough of this activity.
The start of the second week came with sneezes and eyes that were a bit weepy. There were some other health concerns also, so Pumpkin was packed up for a visit to the veterinarian. I must say that Dr. Pinales worked diligently the next couple of weeks trying everything to figure the kitten’s problems. Pumpkin spent as much time in veterinary offices as he did at home. Various medications were given, food to hopefully aid with digestion, but still no improvement. What was most bothersome to the people who loved this kitten was the feeling that he was having a problem breathing. He would stretch is little neck out and tip his head back, which seemed quite an odd position. Another worry was the lack of energy that little Pumpkin displayed. He had been so peppy at first. The energy was just not there now. He lay in his basket seldom getting out even to eat. Veterinary trips happened almost on a daily basis now. Finally a diagnosis was made. For as many years as Pumpkin’s mother had owned cats, many cats, she had never once had one that could not be cured. There was no cure for this little kitten. He had FIP, Feline Infectious Peritonitis. This disease often occurs in young kittens and older cats over the age of seven. It effects the lungs, filling them with a thick yellow fluid. Pumpkin’s lungs were partially filled, and although drained, I was told they would fill again shortly, and he would suffer. Yes, Pumpkin was my kitten. I was slow to process the news and asked more than once what my options were. “You have none,” was the answer. “There is no cure.” Pumpkin came home with me on the 21st of December and was put down on the 13th of January. I had him three weeks and two days. I have more pictures of him than I had days to love him.
Pumpkin had three siblings that remain FIP free so far, and they are being monitored. As of this date they show no symptoms. In all likelihood, they probably won’t. I feel that Pumpkin was “the runt,” a very small one pound, eight ounces, and may have been more susceptible than his brothers and sisters. I believe I understood that the fat little belly was maybe another sign of the FIP, as fluid can build in the stomach. For more information on FIP, please go to www.vet.cornell.
Lorraine wrote the following. Although little Pumpkin’s life was tragically short, he got to experience what a real home was like. He had his first Christmas, complete with ornaments to play with, got to lay in the sun on the kitty window perch, and have room to run and play, and lots of quality snuggle time.
I am thankful that I was able to make Pumpkin’s days as comfortable as possible. I know I will have another pet in the future, but for now need to be sure that my home is free of this virus before bringing another cat or kitten home. I’ve been told six weeks definitely. A home without a cat or kitten seems so empty, at least for me!
I’ve had some time to again grieve, but this experience also gave me a far better understanding and appreciation of what Lorraine and her helpers do for these animals. They rescue, feed, seek medical care when they know that their own knowledge (which is considerable) is not enough, and then work to find loving homes for these homeless and often neglected dogs and cats. I took time to be sad and shed tears, but they don’t have that luxury. I’m sure they have their own private sadness at times, but they know that there are too many animals out there that need to be helped! Once again, KUDOS to all of you!
The Horn of Plenty again greatly helped the AAS by contributing part of their dinner proceeds on both January 14 and 15. It was a wonderful success despite the cold and snowstorm. Thanks again to the Horn for their support.
We are planning a dinner, “ESSENTIAL PIECES”, to honor those heroes of the Ark Animal Sanctuary. It will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Feb. 26th at the Elks Club. The menu will be roast chicken with all the fixings. Please mark that date on your calendar and join us to pay tribute to those who have helped to make our dream a reality.
Please Help Us! Vote For The Ark Animal Sanctuary In Houlton.
Bangor Savings Bank Foundation is thrilled to once again kick off its unique, grant-making initiative, Community Matters More. As a previous participant in Community Matters More, we want to be sure to give you the opportunity to help us allocate a total of $100,000 to 68 community non-profits throughout Maine.
Each of the 48 non-profits listed on the ballot will receive at least a $1,000 grant for participating in the program, and the top 20 write-in vote-getters will also receive a grant from the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation. The top vote-getting organizations in each region (including write-ins) will receive $5,000. Voting began Jan. 24 and ends March 7.
Please help us by going to www.bangor.com/cmm and vote for the Ark Animal Sanctuary in Houlton.
With these extremely cold temperatures, The Ark Sanctuary worries about all animals that are left to fend for themselves, sometimes outside. Please be aware for your own pet, and keep a watchful eye for those who may need help. Thank you!
Our expenses for the month were $1,457.90. Donations were $452.87, and fundraisers brought in $382.
We took in seven dogs and adopted seven dogs. Currently we have no dogs. We took in no cats, but adopted eight. Currently we have 50 cats.
Thank you for your interest in the Ark Animal Sanctuary and for reading our column.