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We had to close due to lack of money, caretaker and almost 270 cats in care. Then I got a call from my vet.
A mother cat was found in someone’s yard with her young cubs, and with no neighbors to pick her up, she was taken to the local vet, her veterinarian. I. Beth, the veterinary nurse, texted me, “She’s so messed up,” so I drove there right away.
I struggled all day to write this because the emotions that hit me over the next hour were just too many. I went out to see the cat’s mother and her young cubs before Beth took me in for an X-ray. This poor girl’s spine was completely severed. None of us had seen anything like it, and it wasn’t a new injury because she developed terrible sores on her legs and feet from trying to take care of her little family. She’s unbelievably thin, her gums are white, she’s dehydrated, and she’s devoted herself to saving her children.
I’ve witnessed a lot of horrors during my years of rescue, but this mom just broke my heart. She is simply amazing, fighting to keep going even though her spine is broken in two and she will be in so much pain, but she keeps going and going to save her kids. The sore didn’t heal so she’d probably been like this since the baby was born.
I’m picturing her in my head, crawling around her front half in search of food and water, and going back and forth with her children every day to keep them safe and make sure she comes back. to feed them and keep them warm. This made me realize why I do what I do, and I know while I really shouldn’t be putting this family into the things that I DO, I owe it to this mom to take over and make sure tell these children to grow up and have loving homes.
I sat with her for a while until the vets were about to close for the day and watched her babies suckle when mom was upset. Tears welled up in my eyes knowing this would be the last time for this, as her spine grieve irreparably and she was standing on her last two feet having done so much for her little family. me. She has nothing left to give.
I stayed with her until the very end, hugging her as she crossed the Rainbow Bridge, whispering to her what a wonderful mother she was and taking care of those kids like no other mother would. different from her. I also promised her that I would take over her children, so she could let go.
She doesn’t have a name because we don’t know where she’s from, but I don’t like them crossing the street without a name and someone there holding them. So I also whisper to her that I am calling her Liberty, for all I can offer her is freedom from this world and freedom from having to keep giving it all. what she has and more for those little babies. Liberty crossed the Rainbow Bridge quickly and peacefully. She was ready to go knowing her children were safe, and she was just exhausted and in too much pain, so she let go for a few seconds and left.
I’ve sat across the Rainbow Bridge many times over the years in the rescue, and while they all affect you, some hit you more than others. I gathered her children and walked back to my car, where I was sitting, and I said. I cried for Liberty, who has been through so much and given so much; Her story of what she went through on the street with a broken spine to ensure her kids were taken care of just drilled into my heart. I cry for the children who are now orphans and are sitting in a pram crying for their mother, I cry with disappointment knowing that if she had responsible pet owners she would be safe. inside and she will be damned.
It was a pretty emotional and difficult week in the rescue, I wanted to give up and walk away, but I know Liberty came to me to remind me why I had to do what I did, why I never did. now given up, why should i continue to be their voice when they don’t, and why i hope her owner sees this post and thinks twice about EVER having another child cat again. If they do, I hope they realize they need to get rid of their cats and keep them safe inside.
Fly free, Liberty. I’m sorry your human failed you, I’m sorry we couldn’t save you, but I’ll keep my promise and your little ones will be safe and loved.
Story sent by Nikki Chapple from The best friends in Brisbane, Australia.
This story was originally shared on the Animal Rescue Website. Share your own rescue story here!
