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I Feel Just Horrible

post #1 of 13
5/12/11 at 11:07am
Thread Starter 
I may end up having to take the foster kittens to the shelter, as no one seems interested in adopting them in spite of my efforts to find them a good home, and I really don't want to do that. I really can't keep them much longer. They're getting into too much mischief: every time I go into the bathroom where I've been keeping them, I walk into a war zone - in spite of putting everything away that could be a potential hazard to them, or if it's something I don't want to get ruined. Cleaning up after them has taken its toll on my back from all the cleaning & bending & twisting I've been having to do. I've been to the chiropractor about 8 times in the past month since I've had them to get adjusted: I feel okay for a day or so, then end up all crippled up again - ruining the work the chiropractor just did on me. I keep telling myself that I'm just having a rough day, and I'll feel better tomorrow, but the next day I'm not any better. It's breaking my heart knowing that I might have to surrender those precious, adorable kittens to the shelter.

I don't think I'll ever foster again: it's just too emotionally draining. I don't have the stomach for it.
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post #2 of 13
5/12/11 at 11:15am
Sweetie you're doing all you can do! I understand how hard it is though because there have been times in the past where I have not been successful in finding homes for fosters and have had to bring them back to the shelter and it is so hard because I feel almost like I failed them. That being said though we're only human! We can only do so much. Where would those babies be if not for you?!? They probably wouldn't have made it at all.

You have to do what you have to do. In the meantime I am sending LOTS of vibes that some people come foward and take those beautiful babies into great homes.
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post #3 of 13
5/12/11 at 11:49am
....I´ll pray in a special way for you can find the rights homes.............
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post #4 of 13
5/12/11 at 11:54am
I can't foster either, Tiff. And you've already done so much for them - the shelter has a much better network to get them adopted out! I see no reason for you to feel guilty at all!
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post #5 of 13
5/12/11 at 3:41pm
AWWWW sweetie . Listen, those kittens WOULD NOT be doing this great if not for you. You need to give yourself a TON of credit on behalf of the health and well-being of those babies. I promise you this, those kittens will get adopted up VERY quickly at the shelter. Do not worry about that. It is better that you get them there as soon as possible and if they are ready. You have done your part and have done it with lots of love. AND, through the shelter, the kittens will be S/N, so you won't have to worry about someone taking a kitten from you and not getting proper medical care. Don't worry, those kittens will find their furrever homes and you should feel very good about the great start in life you gave them. You did a FANTASTIC job, Tiff!!!
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post #6 of 13
5/12/11 at 5:22pm
Since the kittens are so young, they probably will get adopted from the shelter quickly.
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post #7 of 13
5/12/11 at 6:18pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by My4LLMA View Post
Since the kittens are so young, they probably will get adopted from the shelter quickly.
Absolutely correct - no one can resist a kitten! Once my husband posted a photo on his facebook of one of our new little ones, he suddenly was overwhelmed by folks wanting to adopt.

But never forget how much you helped them by fostering them and giving them a good start in those first challenging weeks of life. It makes me so happy to hear about folks helping kitties in any way they can, and it sounds like you've really gone above & beyond to help them despite your own health challenges. There are people in perfect health who wouldn't/couldn't have done what you did

Tons of vibes in your direction!
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post #8 of 13
5/13/11 at 12:07am
Quote:
Originally Posted by halosix90 View Post
...never forget how much you helped them by fostering them and giving them a good start in those first challenging weeks of life. It makes me so happy to hear about folks helping kitties in any way they can, and it sounds like you've really gone above & beyond to help them despite your own health challenges. There are people in perfect health who wouldn't/couldn't have done what you did
Exactly! Bless your heart for all you've done for these kittens... but it's okay if you can't do it anymore. You can further the cause in other ways that are easier on your poor back.
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post #9 of 13
5/13/11 at 12:44am
It is terribly hard when you have to takie them back, but it is impossible for one person to find homes for all the foster kittens we take in. At our shelter they have special open days throughout spring and summer and I try to take my fosters back so they are 'new' at the shelter in time for one of those events. Then I stay with them throughout the day there and tell those who look at them all about them, their individual characters etc. Often they all get adopted the same day. Ask your shelter if there is anything like that, and if not, try and organise it.
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post #10 of 13
5/13/11 at 5:19am
You've done a fantastic job, Tiff. Please don't feel guilty...you were a great foster mom to that gang. You can't keep them and so you do what you have to do. Sending lots and lots of for your adorable little ones to find great loving forever homes.

for being the sweetie that you are.
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post #11 of 13
5/13/11 at 10:57am
Thread Starter 
You know, I know y'all are right and I really appreciate your kind words and support. Who knows what might have happened to those poor, precious babies if I wouldn't have taken them in after those heartless jerks dumped them off like they did. I think that what makes this so difficult for me is that I ended being their "surrogate" mommy: I was bottle-feeding them when they first came here. How can you NOT get attached when you've basically been their "mommy" and you practically raised them?

If I had the money, space, and good health, and if I didn't already have eleven cats, I would keep them. I know I'll be a blubbering mess when the time comes to say good-bye.

On a more positive note, I got a call from someone last night who may be interested in adopting one of them. It ended up being a good idea to post a flyer at my vets' offices. Thanks to whoever it was that suggested it!
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post #12 of 13
5/13/11 at 11:08am
Of course, you can NOT get attached to those little darlings. You saved their lives and now you have a bond with them. Boy, I would overloaded with cats if I kept all of the cats I have rescued. It is so hard to let them go.....

I will keep my fingers crossed for the person who called about a kitten!!! More and for you today
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post #13 of 13
5/13/11 at 11:18am
YOu have nothing to feel guilty about, these have had a better chance thanks to you. It is hard taking them back but sometimes it can be the best thing for them. I had to take a foster back last year, She had been with me for 12 months, within 4 days She had one enquiry and by 8 days She was in a fantastic home - and not with the first people interested. Maybe if you end up doing it again, think of yourself as a temporary place to teach them things before going to the shelter for a home. You do have to have a certain mindset to be able to give them the love they need while being able to give them up
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