Frail Little Finch Boys

There's a lot I don't tell you. I tend to sugar-coat things and make it look pretty rosy most of the time. One reason is because it's a feel-good place. Many of you have told me you come here because it's a little escape. Because of that, I like to keep it positive. I don't want you to feel worried, sad, or stressed.

The second reason is, I don't want to scare off any potential adopters with stories of ill kittens. Our kittens leave here healthy, but often, actually almost every time, one, if not all the kittens in the litter can have upset bellies, vomiting, diarrhea, colds, fleas, or an occasional worm.... it's just part of being a kitten. Especially a kitten coming from Lord knows where, eating who knows what.

Usually the first week is a rocky one. Then once the kittens adjust to their new home and diet, they begin to thrive. By the time their two week quarantine has passed, they are usually A-OK.

With Ira and Walter, it's been rough from the start. They came to us all roly-poly, but from the day one, there's been lots of vomiting and diarrhea.

They ate well the first day or so, but after that, they lost all interest in food, and for the next week, they had to be syringe fed. I've been giving them fluids as well. It's sustained them somewhat, but when everything just rushes through them, they drop weight. As their weight dropped, so did their energy and zest.

Finally, this weekend, they started eating like little piggies. They would devour anything you put in front of them. I was feeling hopeful. Their energy seemed better, there was less vomiting, but the diarrhea continued.

I brought them into the Vet today, they didn't get a good report, and sadly, our boys will be spending some time in Vet Treatment. Hopefully they will be able to come home soon. Hopefully they will come home. Period.

I'm sorry for any sadness this post may cause. Like I said before, I like to keep this a happy place, but I felt the need to share this with you. I guess mostly because I know that good and powerful things happen we join together. We all witnessed it this summer. So let's all think good thoughts for our frail little FInch boys. Let's hope they're healthy, happy and home soon.