Little Lightning

engine4154

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I was working on the house Sunday and needed to make a trip to the hardware store. I noticed a small kitten, maybe a couple weeks old, sitting in the shade in the street. As a truck driver by trade, I hate seeing cats and kittens (and other animals) close to the road. My street isn't heavily traveled but still, I went to move it. The tiny calico limped off towards the house, so I followed her. It took some doing, but I finally caught her. She was VERY light and it was clear she wasn't well. I set her on the porch and put some food out, hoping she would eat it and went on to the store.

Whrn I returned, the food was there but she wasn't. I was in and out of the house the rest of the day and later saw her sitting under the steps. She was easier to catch this time so I took her inside to an unused bathtub, put some food and water and a litter box in and made her a bed with a towel. She moved around in there but couldn't get out. Whatever was wrong with her leg didn't hamper her mobility TOO much, but she still had problems. I tried to clean her up a bit and she seemed to enjoy being scratched under the chin. She wasn't eating or drinking and I tried getting her some water with a needless syringe. She was pretty frail and wasn't having it, so I tried to get some around her mouth at least.

The plan was to get her to the vet the next morning before work. I checked on her every half hour or so until bed time. Picking her up and holding her, telling her to hang on as best she could and we'd get her some help. Bonnie and Clyde knew something was up at the end of the hall, so I brought Bonnie in and held her up and let her see their visitor. She stared calmly as the kitten looked up at her.

Before going to bed, I gave her a small stuffed mouse. I told her again to hang in there, but if she had to go she'd have friends waiting on the other side. I asked Bugs, who passed almost 2 years ago, to watch out for her. I held her for a few minutes and set her down. She let out a tiny 'mew' as she looked up. It was the only sound I heard her make.

The next day I got up around 5 and went to check on her. She was outside the bed I made, looking like she was asleep, but she was gone. She looked so peaceful and almost happy. Her suffering was over and she'd crossed the bridge. I like to think that she at least knew she was wanted and cared for before she went. And though it hurts, I know that I at least tried and not all can be saved.

I wrapped her in a shirt and left the toy with her and went out into the still dark morning to dig her grave outside the window where Bonnie and Clyde sit. Two other ferals (who I'm certain weren't her mother) were out there watching. As I dug, lightning from an approaching storm lit up the sky. Her time was brief, but thinking back to her initial speed despite being injured, I named her 'Lightning'.

Rest easy, Lightning. You're among friends now.

 

catlover73

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Thank you for giving Lightning love and security for the short time she was with you. Even tough she was only with you briefly your were her guardian angel.  I am sorry for your loss and I am sure Lightning is no longer in pain and has met your other departed babies across the bridge.  You did everything you could for Lightning and it is great that she got to feel loved before she passed away.

Rest in peace and run free Lightning.

Hugs to you during this difficult time.

 

hellomisskitty

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[emoji]128149[/emoji]RIP little Lightening[emoji]128149[/emoji]

Thank you for making sure this little one felt loved and valued during her all too short life. She crossed the Rainbow Bridge knowing she mattered.
 
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engine4154

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Thanks. There have been so many times I've seen ones I've wanted to help while driving for work but couldn't for reasons of practicality. It felt right to bring this little one in and despite the sense of loss,  I'd do it again.

At the same time I'm glad someone did the same for Bonnie before I adopted her. And Clyde...he's my buddy and he adopted me.

I appreciate the kind words!
 

Loving Mickey

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Oh, how sad! I sure wish she could have been saved. You are so kind though to have tried your best to help her. I am glad that you took her in and showed her love. The poor little kitty knew she mattered and that she was important to you. Now, she means something to all of us here at TCS.
RIP Sweet Lightning!
You will be remembered always!
 

brokenheart

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Bless you a zillion times for letting her know the joys of love and a home before her brief time was over.
 

di and bob

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Others would have ignored that little bundle by the side of the road, but you stopped and you gave that sweet little girl something so precious, the feeling that someone cared and could love her. For that I am sure you will be blessed, I pray that her little soul is at peace now, free from the pain and anguish she experienced in her short time on this earth. It truly breaks my heart that she had to go, she could have at last been happy and taken care of. But it was not to be, but i am so thankful for people like you that can take the time to help a helpless kitten when she needed it the most. You tried, and that is more then many others who saw her by the road that day and did nothing.  I'll keep that little girl in my thoughts and prayers today, there will never be an answer to why she had to go. RIP precious Lightning, you experienced comfort and love in the last moments of your life, for that I am thankful. Please know there will be many who mourn you now, you will never be forgotten thanks to someone who cared and loved you for a few hours and mourns your passing as we all do now. May you be at peace and join the others who went before you at the Rainbow Bridge who welcome you into their family!
 
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engine4154

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Thanks all. I'm sure she's in a better place.

@Di and Bob   I think I got it from my dad. He brought our first cat home after he and his crew found it at the steel mill where he worked in the late 60s/early 70s. I've found and brought home  few over the years. Two from railroad yards and one from a friend's mother's garden after she was spraying it with a hose to leave. One of the RR kittens had feline HIV and had to be put down and the other stayed with us for 4 years or so before disappearing. The garden kitten became a favorite of my dad, disappeared for a while, then returned shortly before he passed away. My mom held onto her for many years after that.

We're cat people and something as small as Lightning out fending for herself sometimes needs help. I can't look the other way when I can help. It's harder passing them by on the interstate.

Here's one more of her napping after I brought her in.

 
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