Sunday, February 17, 2008

Farewell, Mites & Tortie Family

The Mites have moved on to a new chapter in their lives.
And they have taken my heart with them.
We took them to Citizens for Animal Protection (CAPs) Saturday morning.
There are no kittens in their shelter and people are wanting kittens.
They were very impressed with the beauty and health and disposition
of these wonderful little cats.

In spite of the joy of knowing Missy is recovering,
it has been devastating to be without my rowdy little boys.
They were always all over me, talking to me, playing, purring,
helping me with whatever I happened to be doing.
I miss them more than words can say.

My husband is paralyzed on the left side, and the number of cats
running about made it dangerous for him to get around.
A fall could be life-threatening due to the blood thinner
he takes to prevent another stroke.

They told me they can almost 100% guarantee my Mites
will all get fantastic forever homes.
I will never forget them and the joy they brought me.
Today we took Momma Dinah, Autumn, Babie Tortie,
Baby Socks & Tippy to the shelter.

People are going to be so happy to see this wonderful selection of
healthy, happy cats that we raised.
And we took them in and raised them just for today,
when they can go and find homes of their own!
Love & Hugs, ML

Thank you, Ann, for the beautiful graphics, which I will treasure forever.

And many, many more thanks for all the posts that have helped me deal with this.
I know it is the right thing to do, the only thing to do, and you have helped me even when I didn't choose to acknowledge it.

My utmost admiration and awe goes to anyone who fosters, who knowingly give their hearts aware that one day it will be broken.

Deb, of the Taylor CatSSSSS, posted a beautiful poem about fostering, the last line reads:
I may not be yours, but you will always be mine.

56 comments:

Lisa said...

I feel your pain. I know you had your mites much longer than I had Scully's babies (only 2 months for me) and boy did it hurt to let them go! I'm just glad I still have my Scully. I know your mites will all get great homes because they were raised by wonderful beans and kitties!

Anonymous said...

I can certainly imagine how you feel. A friend of my daughter wanted to adopt Riley, but I couldn't stand to part with her. (Grr would have been happy to see her go though.) You were the best possible foster mommy and those sweet kitties will find loving forever homes very quickly. You did keep Sol and Smokey though, didn't you? (Riley was asking.) Did Dinah go with the kittens? Anyone who sees that gorgeous family will want to adopt them for sure. God Bless You for all you've done for the kitties.
love & purrs,
Karen & kitties

Anonymous said...

You are an angel to have given them so much love and caring over the last months. I remember when I had to find new homes for Xavier, Joaquin and Carmen. I cried for days after , but knew in my heart I could no longer foster them and have a safe home for Sophia. Sending purrs and nose bumps.

Anonymous said...

Fostering is joyful and heartbreaking. You gave them a great start. Wer'e so glad Missy's eye is on the mend and she & KC are back home together.

Anonymous said...

We know exactly how you feel when saying goodbyes to the kittens. They bring so much joy and fun when they're growing up in your house, but we have to be fair to them, they all deserve a loving forever home for themselves, and who know, someday, they show up in the cat blogosphere!:-)

Purrs (some extra for Missy)
~Ruis

KC and the Giggleman Kitties said...

Karen & the Kitties,
Unfortunately, Sol and Smokey went too. I am most broken hearted about them. They were the gentlest, dearest little souls that ever lived.
Momma Tortie also went today. She got rave reviews. I have been grooming her daily and playing with her. She is a stunning tortie.
Tomorrow we will take Babie Tortie, Tippy, Baby Socks, Autumn and Momma Dinah. As much as I love and care for them, it does not compare to the feelings for Sol & Smokey. We shared a real bond. I hope they don't get separated and can stay together.
At least Charley has his snuggle cats, I guess it just wasn't meant for me. Sorry I'm feeling sorry for myself, but I am.

Anonymous said...

Oh no - you aren't keeping ANY of them? You certainly do have a very valid reason for feeling the way you do. I don't think I'd be able to stop crying. Is KC going to be sad or stressed that her little brothers aren't there anymore? Poor sweetie - I know she loved them too. We'll all pray for excellent homes for them - hopefully in pairs. I sure wish I could have taken Baby Tortie (or Baby Socks, or...), but Grr says she can't even put up with the two new additions we already have.

Angel MoMo and Charlotte said...

You have been the best foster mom. I am going to miss hearing about alla them.

Good to hear that Missy is getting better.

Purrrrrrrs for all the kitties. Hope they all get wonderful furrever homes.

Zippy, Sadie, Speedy and M'Gee said...

Oh gosh, we'z gonna miss dem (prolly not as much as yoo and KC) but we knew dey wuzzent gonna stay furever. Dat is a lot of paws and tail in one house. We do know dey is gonna get great homes.

Kimo and Sabi said...

Boo hoo - we will miss da mites! We wish them good luck in gittin' furever homes!

Astrid (…and the kitties too) said...

Oh gosh no momma is crying all over and well we feel so sorry for you all too.
We knew it had to happen some time but it'S so hard when the day is finally here,isn't it.
I feel your pain and loss, you've raised them and seen them grow... I am so sorry you couldn't keep at least Sol and Smokey. Don't feel bad that you are feeling sorry for yerself. It's ok you are such an angel and such a goos foster mum to them it's ok to feel sad.

sending hugs
Astrid and Kashim & Othello too

Karen Jo said...

Don't feel ashamed of feeling sorry for yourself. You gave all the Mites and Dinah and Mama Tortie and her kittens all your time and love and of course you are broken-hearted to see them go. I will miss reading about them and their many adventures. I am sure that they will all be adopted quickly and find great forever homes. Who knows, maybe even some of them will show up with their own blogs.

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

We are sorry that all the kitties had to go furr new homes, and we know you must feel devastated. You had to think of Missy and KC though, their comfort and safety must be a priority. We are happy that Missy's eye will recover.
Purrs and (((hugs))) to you all. Just remember that you gave them a wunnerful start in life.

Dragonheart, Merlin, Devi, and Chloe said...

We are so sorry to hear that the Mites have gone, including Sol and Smokey. You gave them a wonderful start in life and we are sure they will find wonderful Forever Homes. Many purrs and hugs to you.

ZOOLATRY said...

May each and every one of you find joy in the days ahead... may all your little ones find new homes... and may you be filled only with the most wonderful memories of your times together.

Parker said...

Healthy, well loved, socialized gorgeous kitties like them will find great forever homes. I know how it feels to do this - fostering those babies was a very wonderful thing and it's so hard to say good-bye.
You are an angel.
God bless you!

The Taylor CatSSSSS said...

This collage is a beautiful keepsake for you. Just like I have with all the pictures of Grace & Company. I KNOW you miss them, but I promise that they are going to go to great FOREVER HOMES. You did everything you could to ensure that they were healthy and ready for their next adventure. Just think how happy their new “slaves” are going to be when they get their new kitties home!

Call me any time! My eyes are leaking for you!

Love, Deb

The Taylor CatSSSSS said...

Our blog is dedicated to ML today!

http://taylorcatsssss.blogspot.com/

Marilynn said...

Grace & Company have no idea, but I know what you're going through. It's hard to let go, but just remember they they will find their forever homes and live wonderful fun lives. Yes, you'll miss them, but remember that you love Missy and KC, too.

((((((hugs and kisses))))))

Marilynn

Mickey's Musings said...

It must be a very sad day in your home. We will miss the little tykes very much too.We do know that while the little ones are cute,they grow into big cats That would be quite a handful then. They are all happy and healthy and should get wonderful forever homes. You gave them a great start in life, and as a result will make lovely ,friendly pets!
Purrs & Headhutts Mickey

Laura W said...

Oh yes...I know how sad you are right now. We all felt that way after fostering two kittens for just 4 weeks!
I'm very lucky I was ML's first foster ever because I got to stay!
Those that come after probably won't be so lucky
You did GREAT WORK with these Darlings.

Anonymous said...

Someday they wills come backs to fanks you even if you cant hear them.. You are a great woman ML.. For Taking their mommy in and letting her haff them in your house. I know its for the best. I know your Husband Bean Charley Is importants to you, And my beans here dont wants to see anyfing happen to him. With all the love we can possible give from our hearts.. The moone-collins Family

Daisy said...

Goodbye, little Mites. I know you will have very happy and wonderful lives. It was fun watching you grow bigger and get such a wonderful start in life.

jenianddean said...

We completely feel your pain ML! When we brought in Josie and Huggy Bear's litter, we could only keep one because of where we lived. After we nursed them back to health and totally fell in love with them, we had to put them up for adoption. It was so heartbreaking, but so rewarding to know we had saved their lives and now they were in loving safe homes. Huggy was the last one to be adopted, and we just couldn't bear to take him back to the shelter one last time because he had stolen our hearts. So as you can figure out, he is ours and we are his.

And the same story goes for Maggie's litter. It broke our hearts when we found those ten little sick and dying kittens. But the reward is knowing that we saved the kittens and found them forever homes.

As we say in the South, you are good people! Just remember you gave them all the love and caring you could, and now they will find their forever homes. Take care of yourself.

Good-bye sweet babies!
-Jeni and Dean
Jasper McKitten-Cat's mom and dad

The Tower Hill Mob said...

You are SUCH a good soul! You absolutely did the right thing. I wish we lived closer- I loved the torties, especially.
You have helped those kitties immeasurably by raising them to be friendly, loving pets. There's a front row seat in heaven for folks like you.
Thank you and God bless!

Jan Price said...

Oh, yes, that is so hard to do, even if it was planned. We admire your courage to raise them and then part with them so others can have the joy of having them for a lifetime.

And we're glad Missy's eye is continuing to heal.

jans funny farm

lambj said...

ML, you're a saint. You've done the right things all along, from taking in Dinah to taking in Momma Tortie to taking them to a shelter that can find them wonderful forever homes. Doing what's best for you and your family is best for them, even though right now it hurts. They'll be fine and because of your wonderful care, they have a terrific future.

I could never foster because I doubt I could ever give them up again. And anyway, Bonnie'd be furious and Victor'd be jealous.

Hugs! Have a good cry if you need to. ~ Jen

Karen said...

you are such great people. you took care of alot of cats for a good amount of time. I can only imagine how hard it is. I will always have fond memories of MY first valentine :)

Hot(M)BC said...

Like Deb said, they're off to their new adventures. *hugs* for your missing them, though.
Robyn

Gemini and Ichiro said...

Oh what a bittersweet joy that must be--to know that these kits will get such wonderful homes but to be without them.

Purrs to your family. You all have had such upheavals lately.

Lux said...

Oh, I will be visualizing so hard that all the babies find the best forever homes ever! They're off to a good start, thanks to you!

Sunny's Mommy said...

I know it's hard and very sad, but they'll soon have good homes.

Emma's Kat said...

Many hugs sent your way ML! I know as a foster of many, just how hard it is. But I am proud of you, because you loved them all so much you are doing the right thing! They will for sure find their purrfect furrever homes and will make awesome kittehs because of how much time and love you gave them. KC might miss them briefly, but she will be a happy kitty with her sister Missy. Hugs & love, Kat

Fat Eric said...

We will miss hearing about the adventures of the Mites but we think you did the right thing. You still have Missy and KC to give you lots of purrs and snuggles. They will have to work overtime to keep the house running now - a kitty's work is never done...

Wrigley, Cobalt, & Penelope said...

We bet all of these lovely cats will find wonderful furrrever homes. They were very lucky to spend a part of their lives with someone who cared for them so incredibly much.

The Meezers or Billy said...

Mommy ML - thank you for being their guardian angel. Because of you they will have long and happy lives with their new forever families. They learned how to love and be good cats because of you. God Bless

Cats~Goats~Quotes said...

Mom has the highest regard for people that foster. Without them, many lives would be lost.

~ The Bunch

muffinmidi said...

God bless you!

caspersmom said...

ML you have every right to feel sorry for yourself..........for now. You did a great job as foster mother and we will miss the antics and pictures that you posted of the mites. God Bless you ML for everything you have done for those precious mites. I am hoping that some of them will show up on the cat blogoshere. They all will find great forever homes.

So very thankful that Missy is getting better.

Lisa said...

The house must feel pretty empty right now with all the babies gone. They will always be your babies and with a broken heart, you can feel good knowing you gave them a wonderful start to life and are giving many families the chance to having wonderful companion animals share their lives.

The Cat Realm said...

The maid says she can totally relate and feel your pain - I am just glad there are humans like you out there who give my fellow cats a good start into a wonderful live in wonderful forever homes. It is very very sad for the humans when we move away - I think we cats deal a lot better with that! We will purr for you!
Karl

Samantha & Mom said...

Oh ML, you were the greatest Foster Mom they all could of had and you raised them to be the perfect kittens and Cats for others to love! Mom is teary, she had to give away all my brothers and sisters after raising them from pre-babies! But knowing they all will have wonderful forever homes is so cool, too! (((((((hugs for you, Missy, KC and Daddy Charley)))) We are so glad Missy's eye will be okay!!
Your FL furiends,
And Chandra

Just Ducky said...

Mum is all leaky eyed. You have such a loving heart. You touch many lives and all are the better for it. I hope that everyone gets a wonderful forever home. Purrs.

The Lee County Clowder said...

Oh, Wow, ML. That must have been a verryy long trip delivering all those kitties to the shelter. Knowing it was the right - the only - thing to do isn't much help.

Would the shelter let to keep track of them? At least so you know when they get furrever homes? Or maybe let you pass a note on to the new pawrents?

ppuurrrrrrrr's and {{huggss}} from all of us.

Big Piney Woods Cats said...

You are so wonderful to have taken the Mites in and raised them to be kittens everyone will want. I can't imagine the pain of letting them go. We are all thinking of you and purring for you and for good homes for the Mites. You are an angel sent from heaven!

CalicoMom Toni

P. S. Thank goodness Missy's eye is improving.

alohahelper said...

I know it was very hard to give them up, but it's best that the Mites and Torti family find forever homes of their own. They are so much FUN when they are little but when they get older, they'll start to fight for their own space which is hard to do with so many cats locked together indoors. And it will be easier for them to bond with their new family when they are young. The house will seem very empty with them gone, but at least you'll still have Missy and KC. I'm so glad that Missy is recovering from her eye injury.

Linda (Pumpkin's Momma)

Forty Paws said...

I know how painful it is to let them go, but as I used to tell foster moms who I worked with at the humane group I volunteered with, the healthy ones need to be adopted out, because there are plenty of special needs babies that are going to need a forever home that just won't be adoptable. And those are the ones that people like you and I need to keep.

Luf, Maw

Mr. Hendrix said...

aw. you are so brave and loving to do this. it must be so hard. our hearts are hurting for you. just know that because of the love and attention, time and money you put into all these furballs, they will go on to have amazing lives and will be loved in their forever homes. we're so sorry you couldn't keep sol & smokey. we know you loved them dearly too.
i only had Chance for 2 weeks and cried when he went to his mommy.

we'll be sending you so many comforting purrs and prayers. there is a beautiful place in Heaven for you and all your charges past and present ML.

Diamond Emerald-Eyes said...

Parting is such sweet sorrow. But think of all the joy you will be bringing into other people's lives with this wonderful companions you have raised for them. You did a great job caring for them, but now the time has come to let them go.

L. Alida said...

Those sweet kitties will carry your love forever. You're a kitty Guardian Angel. I'm sorry your sad, but I understand completely. (((hugs)))
I'm glad Missy is doing better and has her KC.
Hugs and Purrs,
Lorianna

The Furry Fighter said...

aw *tears* bye bye my little friends, it has been reading bout you all and i sincerely wish you find the bestest forever homes xxxx

The Furry Fighter said...

ps - you did a marvellous job...so admirable x

Ivan from WMD said...

Oh my goodness, I missed so much! I'm very glad to learn Missy will be OK. And our hearts go out to you for those babies leaving home. Please take care~

Hot(M)BC said...

Have fun at your new homes Mites!
Fanks for joining the Carnival of the Cats this week!
Purrrrrrs,
Mini and the rest of the Hotties

JEWELGIRL said...

Awwwwh, a wonderful and sad story
all in one. Wonderful thing you have done and so sad to give them up. I hope they all find great homes! :)

catsynth said...

Yes, we think it's both happy and sad. Sad to say good-bye to the "mites", but happy to know they will all have loving homes and new adventures.

It's great all you have done for them during their time with you.