Some of you who have been around TCS a while may remember a little of kittens I ended up rescuing and fostering 3 years ago. They were so sweet and adorable. Two of them - Cosmo, buff colored boy, and Rocco, his black/white brother - were adopted into what seemed like a wonderful home. The adopters were carefully screened, references checked and I visited their home. Over the summer, I happened to be perusing Craigslist purely by chance and saw the boys being given away as "free to a good home." I would have recognized them anywhere, especially Rocco who had very distinct markings. I immediately got a hold of the couple, reminded them of the adoption contact they signed and got the boys back into our rescue. The couple's reasons for giving them up - having a baby, moving and they were planning to breed a Rottweiler they adopted last year. I'm just grateful we got the boys back! Both Cosmo and Rocco did well at the rescue and quickly became volunteer favorites. Just like when they were kittens, Cosmo was more outgoing and dominant of the two, with a friendly and mellow personality. Rocco tended to hold back just a little until he got to know people, but he was the most sweet, gentle and trusting boy and loved laps. We were determined to find a home for the boys together since they were so closely bonded.
Sadly, just about three weeks ago, Rocco's appetite started to decrease. One of our volunteers, thinking maybe he needed to take a break from the rescue, took him home to foster. By the end of the weekend, it was clear he needed vet care. Ultimately, after xrays, an ultrasound, and various other tests were run, it was determined that Rocco had FIP and that his organs were essentially shutting down. The only thing we could do for him in the end was let him go with love. He left us peacefully and surrounded by love. Several of the other volunteers were present as we told Rocco how much he meant to us and what a good boy he was. Rocco will be buried in the garden of one of our volunteers along with a number of other kitties who were taken from us too soon.
As hearbreaking as Rocco's passing is to many people, I'm grateful that he found his way back to us, received the best of care and knew so much love. Cosmo seems to miss his brother, but in his good-natured, playful way is making everyone smile. He's at my house now in foster, mostly because I just wanted some time with him. He's a special boy and we're hoping he finds a home of his own soon - especially one where there are other kitties to play with - just like he did with Rocco.
Thanks, everyone, for listening.
Sadly, just about three weeks ago, Rocco's appetite started to decrease. One of our volunteers, thinking maybe he needed to take a break from the rescue, took him home to foster. By the end of the weekend, it was clear he needed vet care. Ultimately, after xrays, an ultrasound, and various other tests were run, it was determined that Rocco had FIP and that his organs were essentially shutting down. The only thing we could do for him in the end was let him go with love. He left us peacefully and surrounded by love. Several of the other volunteers were present as we told Rocco how much he meant to us and what a good boy he was. Rocco will be buried in the garden of one of our volunteers along with a number of other kitties who were taken from us too soon.
As hearbreaking as Rocco's passing is to many people, I'm grateful that he found his way back to us, received the best of care and knew so much love. Cosmo seems to miss his brother, but in his good-natured, playful way is making everyone smile. He's at my house now in foster, mostly because I just wanted some time with him. He's a special boy and we're hoping he finds a home of his own soon - especially one where there are other kitties to play with - just like he did with Rocco.
Thanks, everyone, for listening.