Little Kumquat was a tiny kitten picked up by my schoolmate, Sharon. Sharon had never handled such a tiny animal before, but she learnt. We communicated, she learnt a lot from the internet, Kumquat was brought to the vet for check-ups, and her two sons helped as well.
Kumquat was doing really well. See this: http://myanimalcare.org/2012/02/15/kumquat-the-kitty-from-a-first-time-rescuer-sharon-anne/
But last night, it was time for Kumquat to leave this life as a kitten. He passed on at around midnight after a short bout of diarrhoea.
Here’s Sharon’s account:
Hi Kah Yein,
I am writing to let you know that we lost our little Kumquat tonight.
He was ill from the last week with diarrhea. He was on antibiotics and then when that didn’t stop the diarrhea the vet gave him probiotics and put him on electrolyte solution. He would improve for a bit and then become weak again. He wasn’t drinking, had to be force fed, even then most of it would just leak out of him mouth. We were just at the vet’s this morning and he seemed like he would be okay. We were due to take him to the vet again for a follow up tomorrow morning.
Tonight, he was so weak he could no longer hold his head up. I held him on my lap when he stopped breathing. I felt his heart stop.
Kumquat was an angel. As needy and dependent as he was being so small he gave me so much joy. I would take him to work with me so I could make sure he got fed every 2-3 hours so he could grow strong and healthy. He was very very tiny, only 200gms at 4 1/2 weeks but he was so adorable. Everyone loved him.
I hope the Angels in kitty heaven look after my little Kumquat.
Sharon
This happens, sometimes, even after we have done our utmost, which Sharon has. There are some things we cannot change no matter what, and here’s where we need the strength of serenity to accept this reality in life.
Hi Sharon,
So so sorry to hear about little Kumquat.
Yes, diarrhoea is the greatest nightmare for kittens. It kills, I know.
Well, in the course of my work, I’ve had kittens and dogs dying in my arms as well. When the numbers are big, one cannot escape from the reality of life – that some make it beautifully and some just don’t. It just serves to remind us how fragile life is, and how we simply cannot control or change certain things that are meant to be.
I’m sure you’ve done everything possible for little Kumquat and he knows it.
For me, when I’ve done my very best and I still lose a life, I’d console myself that lifespan is predetermined (at least that’s what I’ve been told) and perhaps the little one is only meant to live a short life as a kitten or a puppy, cat or dog, and is now off to a better place. Also, time is relative. It may have been just 4 1/2 weeks for us, but that’s a lifetime of love and care for Kumquat. His whole life, so to speak, was filled with so much love and care – now, that’s certainly something we wish we could have, too!
Take comfort in that. I wish Kumquat a better life now. There is this mythical place called Rainbow Bridge (poem below). It’s usually very comforting for pet-lovers to think of their pets being in Rainbow Bridge when they pass on. Who knows…it might just exist. I’m almost certain it does, maybe not as a physical place; maybe it’s a poetic way to describe where our pets go to when they pass on – to a state of being where they do not suffer anymore because animals do not do any evil in their lifetime.
I share your sadness. Please do write again, if it helps. Even if it doesn’t, do stay in touch.
Love,
kahyein
The Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
Author unknown…
Source: http://myanimalcare.org/2012/03/04/little-kumquat-is-now-in-rainbow-bridge/
AnimalCare is a registered society that promotes caregiving to street animals and helps in their neutering and medical needs. AnimalCare has a Medical Fund, Food Fund and Education Fund.
More Articles | Pets For Adoption | Website
AnimalCare 
Mar 4, 2012 
AnimalCare, NGOs 
0 comments
Facebook Comments