I have a soft spot for helpless animals particularly kittens and young cats, which led me to find Keedy one fine day back in December 2010....
At probably 1-2 months old, she was such a frail and sickly little furball, crying her eyes out but completely helpless. I'd thought she was hungry although she refused to eat/drink anything. I quickly bundled her up and we immediately went to the vet, who diagnosed her with having a respiratory infection, mange and - worst of all - a lower back injury, which I later figured was the main reason for her pitiful cries. The vet and I suspected that someone must have either knocked her down with a bike or kicked her on purpose. Either way, she could never walk again.
I didn't plan on taking in a kitten, seeing that my mum wasn't not a fan of cats. AT ALL. I've always loved animals, but ours was a no-pets household by default. But we agreed that I would nurse the little one back to health and decide what to do later. What was supposed to be a two-week recovery period, turned into a two months-long ordeal as she remained very sick. It came to a point where the vet said the best thing to do for her was to put her down because she may not have long to live anyway. I decided to wait and take her back instead, so I could contemplate on what would *really* be best for her (I hated the idea to euthanize an animal, unless absolutely necessary). Miraculously, she gained her strength within a couple of days and I thanked God everyday for giving her a chance....and because of her strong will to live, my family and I decided to keep her, taking it as fate had wanted us to be together.
Keedy "officially" became mine from then on. She was my Christmas baby.
We had a marvelous two years. She still wasn't able to walk, but she was happy to be able to crawl around on the carpet as often as we could let her (diapers was a must, or she would pee wherever/whenever -- due to her condition, she could not be litter-box trained). Also, she only had one good eye, as she had damaged her left eye when she tried to scratch the itch from the respiratory infection. Had I known, I would have prevented her from doing so. I had always wanted to send her for surgery to repair her eye and lower back injury, but my finances never allowed it.
Nevertheless, she grew quickly into a healthy and happy cat, with gorgeous silky orange fur and big round eyes -- a big difference in appearance from the day I found her, no doubt. Despite the obvious defects, she was the most beautiful cat in the world to me. It was also probably why everyone who knew Keedy found her so charming and endearing. She was incredibly intelligent, playful, patient, affectionate, well-behaved, sweet, funny and all-round lovable. Cheeky though she was, we could never stay mad at her for more than a minute. She had a special talent to somehow melt one's heart. That talent more than made up for her shortcomings.
She was also never short of hugs and cuddles, especially during the times when I needed some. In return, I took care of her as best I could, showering her with plenty of love and trying to make her life as comfortable as possible. I indulged her as often as I could, wanting her to be happy and to know that she meant the world to me.
http://youtu.be/SIF-5sGy59kOver time, however, I think I became hers more than she was mine and we both accepted that. Late nights were our special alone time together. It was just the two of us, enjoying each other's company. I developed a habit of scooping her up to cuddle and kiss her every so often, and she would sleep on top of me during our nap time with her head nuzzled deep beneath my neck. It was pure bliss.
Unfortunately, her physical injury eventually resulted in internal complications. In November 2012, she developed urinary tract infection and severe constipation. Even after several visits to the animal hospital and plenty of coaxing, her appetite reduced significantly and she drank a minimal amount of water. Her condition deteriorated when she suffered from some kind of infection that made it hard for her to breathe.
On December 23, 2012 my precious baby girl died after choking on her food. Her throat must have seized as she tried to swallow and she could not breathe either. Tried as I might, I was unable to revive my poor beautiful furkid. She died within few short minutes in my arms. I was completely devastated. I still am. I miss her so very dearly. Keedy's passing left a huge void in my life -- one I hope to fill someday soon (although that is never to say that Keedy is replaceable -- she was definitely one-of-a-kind!!).
I am still in mourning, but maybe someday, I would be able to find another stray/abandoned kitten in need of plenty of loving and care, and whose affection I can count on receiving as I am more than ready to reciprocate in large amounts.
Keedy also left a wonderful legacy as she paved the way to making my home open to future furkids. Even my mum is looking forward to having another one adopted soon! :)
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FINAL NOTE
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My dearest darling Keedy,
I love you so very, very much. You're my beautiful baby girl, always and forever. I hope you're in heaven now, walking around on all four legs instead of two, running freely to your heart's content as I know you've always wanted to, being able to see with both your lovely round eyes, being as happy as you could possibly be and no longer be in pain.
I am proud to have been your mommy for the two short but wonderful years we were together and thankful to have been a part of your life as you had been in mine. You will always be remembered and missed. Sleep well, my sweet baby. May you rest in peace. <3 xox
