Said goodbye to my furbuddy Elvis yesterday...
I rescued him, along with his three littermates back in the early Spring of '99.
A neighbor called to tell me that the resident feral had given birth under her deck. They had been leaving food out, but would be gone for a couple weeks. Could I possibly do something?
Always up for a challenge, I spent about six hours one Saturday tricking them into the cage, one at a time. This yet-to-be-named one (since I wasn't gonna keep them under any circumstances), being the boldest of the bunch, was the first one trapped...and so he graciously "volunteered" to serve as bait for his siblings.
Did I mention that I wasn't going to keep them? I already had two cats. So, I arranged for the local feed store to take them once all the eye infections, and fleas were taken care of. The store took unwanted litters in the spring and summer, and then re-homed them. No problem, huh? 
Much to my husband's dismay, I could never seem to pronounce these guys healthy enough for adoption. No one in the world could take better care of them than me. Had to get them in the best of health to insure someone would adopt them. 
The feed store was unusually full of kittens that year, and this short story has already become a bit too long...
I named him Elvis Purrsley, mainly because his two brothers and one sister seemed to regard him as "The King". Really, for the first few months, it was like the other three looked to him for permission to pass by, to eat...it was hilarious. Elvis was the boss.
He quit eating Tuesday. He didn't seem sick, otherwise; but anytime a 16+ year old kitty's behavior changes, you can't waste any time. And so, within 10 minutes of arriving at the vet's office, she told me the bad news. His body temperature was much lower than normal, and he was jaundiced. His liver was failing. At best, he had another week or so. She said he wasn't suffering yet.
I have taken in so many strays since I was young. Doesn't seem to matter. It still breaks my heart to let one go...
= new reply since forum marked as read
We have taken nine strays and feral kittens over the last thirty or so years. At one time we had seven cats in the house at once. The were all over fifteen years old when they died and the oldest was 22. All of them succumbed to some illness or anther associated with old age. It's always sad so I feel you loss. It's it strange that they all have different personalities, but all still manage to find a place in your heart. We have one big guy left, Max, and we got him out of a shelter when he was about five. We will be looking for a companion for him after the new year.
Hopefully there will be more cats in your life in the new future. After all what good or people and unless they have cats that own them.
in your heart and memories. Thanks to you he had a wonderful life.
Hugs for you. It's so hard to lose these fur babies.
So sad when one loses a family member.
and it's very good you brought him in right away after he stopped eating. Can't let that go on very long with a cat.
Elvis had an excellent life with you.
Noogie, who of course would be the least social one of the bunch. I lost his brother BT right before Christmas of '14. Baby, the only female died back in 2010.
Scarlett, their mother died last February. I was never allowed to be within 5 feet of her. But, she showed up every day to be fed and talked to. I figure she was probably around 17 years old. My vet had not heard of a feral living that long.
She actually brought a second litter to my door, I would guess around 2003. Eventually trapped the little boogers and found good homes for them. Finally trapped her after that, and was able to have her spayed.
The vet said that Scarlett had been "around the block several times". 
I don't see any signs of Elvis being missed, except maybe by my other feral rescue...Bunny. They seemed to cuddle a bit, even though not related. Well, who knows? Maybe they were.
So now, I am left with 4. Noogie, Gigi, Toody, and Bunny...the fewest number of kitties I have taken care of in 16+ years.
I think my kitty rescue days are over. I'm getting too old now, and any new ones would most likely outlive me.
Of course; if another one should show up on my doorstep...???
It's such a deep sadness - my heart goes out to you. But what a great kindness you have done for these precious little lives in your loving care.
Safe journey Elvis Purrsley... you were a lucky kitty to have such a great mom.
sounds like you gave him a great life
i have worked in rescue, and no matter how many times you do it, every loss hurts. every precious life.
peace
...
Grieve not,
nor speak of me with tears,
but laugh and talk of me
as if I were beside you...
I loved you so --
'twas Heaven here with you.
by Isla Paschal Richardson
Elvis may have left the building but he'll never leave your heart. RIP, Elvis.
May he rest in peace
beagle. He was diagnosed with lymphoma in August, after we noticed some swelling and extra sensitivity in his neck, and the chemo (Madison protocol) didn't really do much to help him. Your thread here brought tears to my eyes yet again.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10027488690
