Foster Kitten Update.
After introducing this pair, I have not written again about these kittens; I’ve been waiting to have a better report… I have it now, and everyone gets a gold star.
These two were SO sick– tiny kittens are susceptible to an upper respiratory infection that you can imagine if you think of the very worst cold you ever had– the kind where you cannot breathe, your nose runs endlessly, your eyes water and everything feels terrible.
Tiny tuxedo kept getting it AGAIN… he’d improve a little, and then it would come roaring back… I now believe that it was a stress response; this little one was different than any other I have had— he was TERRIFIED of humans.
I could not convince him that I was safe and well-meaning… and it did NOT help that I kept stabbing him with needles and forcing him to eat.
It is an awful feeling to watch a tiny helpless little creature with an endlessly crusty face who literally cannot breathe; to not be able to HELP… and worse, every vet visit, every attempt to make things better, was so stressful for him that it put us back to square one.
Square one is standing on the toilet while the hot shower runs, with the bathroom door shut, to create a sauna, (you stand on the toilet to get as close to the ceiling as possible because steam rises.)
It has been rough– it has sucked my entire brain.
Then, I had A DAY– I found myself in a situation where I needed to literally plunge my arms into a bush filled with poison ivy.
You know when you feel ON FIRE WITH FRUSTRATION AT YOUR OWN STUPIDITY… this was all of those times, rolled into one–> WIT’S END.
That night, as I prepared syringes of food; no one wants to eat on their own when they are so sick… and I got towels for the mess-to-come, and heated the IV fluids and got the butterfly needles… I was discouraged and so overwhelmed.
I went over to where little man was curled up– he was exhausted, we had been to the vet for the nine-millionth time; I gave him some pets and said— I am so sorry but I have to give you needles now… and he rolled over and pulled his feet up to show me his belly AND HE STARTED PURRING…. SO LOUD.
PEOPLE.
I did not even believe what I was hearing.
I was… dumbfounded.
THE RELIEF IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PUT INTO WORDS.
And now?
Oh my gosh.
This little dude is a lovebug.
He does this thing now– he TELLS you he wants you to put your face at his level; then he walks back-and-forth VERY EXCITEDLY while purring AS LOUD as possible and rubbing his face and body on your general head area… you can SEE in his face that he is communicating with you. AND THAT HE IS HAPPY.
If a human can die of love, this will be the kitten who kills me.
I always forget – the ones who NEED you the most?
Those are the ones who GET your heart.
But they are going to need a special family— humans who can have patience.
They are both very shy with new people.
If their new family can be understanding— spend time just hanging out and letting them adjust… playing with them with their favorite toys. They will all be best friends very soon.
What I’m reading: Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive, by Stephanie Land
Did I like it?
No, I did not.
You know why? Because it is an immersion in tedium— the sluggish grind of poverty… having ZERO OPTIONS. Being judged. Being found lacking… JUST TRY HARDER.
Why?
wHy?
WHY?
Why do we give ALL of the money to rich people?
You’re a billionaire? HAVE A TAX CUT!
Better idea:
Take the money we give ENTIRELY TO THE RICH… and divide it evenly amongst EVERYONE.
Why not make EVERYONE’S life easier?
Why give it ALL to the Koch brothers?
WHY?
While I was reading this, I listened to the Pod Save America interview with Andrew Yang— it is worth your time; dude is smart and thinking about things I do not hear anyone else talking about.
He sold me on the absolute necessity of universal basic income… it benefits ME/YOU/US/EVERYONE/SOCIETY— we will never solve anything; especially climate change, while people are suffering so much in their daily struggle to just SURVIVE.
He has a plan to pay for it… and also the math to explain how wildly it will benefit the economy. Think about it— we are all idiots! Are we going to save that money? No! We are we going to spend it on unicorn pool floats and other frivolous stupidity like car repairs and going to the dentist.
I found him very compelling; he has a lot to add to the conversation– EXAMPLE: I did not know that Alaska ALREADY has a universal income! (for nearly 40 years! including children!) Shocker: Alaskans love it.
I’ve requested his book from the library– The War on Normal People: The Truth About America’s Disappearing Jobs.
August 7, 2019 @ 3:10 pm
The kittens are just adorable, and what a sweet story. Aren’t animals amazing? Despite the unpleasantness, this little guy knew you were taking care of him, and is now returning the love you have given him. I have two rescues, now three years old, who initially were also very fearful of everything! It took a considerable while, and lots of patience on my part, until they felt safe and eventually became very loving – towards me, anyway. (They are only somewhat OK with the human male that lives in the house.) Now they are only fearful of everyone else. It would be interesting to know more about their background, and what happened to them that made them so fearful and anxious. Were they once feral? Were they, God forbid, abused? I’ll never really know. You must have some magical, special ability in dealing with cats so that they are able to come around and become their best selves. If mine had the health issues that yours have had, I’m not sure I would have done as well as you, but you’re the Kitty Whisperer!
I hope you didn’t get the poison ivy rash, because it certainly can be miserable.
I’ve said this before, but I SO LOVE reading you blog, Victoria. Please don’t ever stop blogging.
August 7, 2019 @ 3:24 pm
Love the kitten updates!
Completely disagree with “wealth redistribution”. And what kind of scale will determine my ability to “donate” a portion of my belongings to the rest of the country? At a certain point, I would just quit my job and go on the system that is in charge of ‘equitable wealth’, because what would be the incentive to do anything if I’m never going to get any further than the place society puts me?
And would you be willing to give up your fabulous GFT and your new sink and your home? And your ability to financially care for these kittens? Because animal welfare would be at the bottom of any socialist regime.
But we are all different and I don’t get mad at anyone’s political leanings:)
August 15, 2019 @ 3:03 pm
Susanna, next thing you know the government will want to regulate our cars! They will make us put a unique identifier on our vehicle, so they can TRACK US and know in a moment who is driving each car! Talk about a privacy violation!
My satirical comment is to prove the point that you don’t think about things like this, because you are used to it. It seems normal and rational to you, doesn’t it? Vehicle registration and driver’s license and insurance requirements. Because you grew up with it, you accept it. Just like everyone in Alaska who has grown up with the concept of each Alaskan receiving six or seven thousand dollars. Have you thought of asking them how much they mind their Universal Basic Income?
Victoria, I’m sorry if you don’t want such rebuttals on your blog. I just love the concept of UBI and of helping everyone in society. I’m not Christian but some of the people who are against UBI might be. To them I leave this quote, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”
p.s. The kittens are adorable and you are so, so wonderful for what you do. Peace.
August 7, 2019 @ 4:03 pm
Victoria, you are a wonderful storyteller. You should write a book about your fosters and fur babies. Everybody else is doing it! Btw I’m so glad the new kittens are finally well. You and the hubby are saints. I’m caring for my sick senior cat and I feel fortunate after reading your post.
Thank you for sharing your views on what we can do to fix the national divide. So many people are insanely wealthy and so many more are shamefully poor. The divide is growing each year although a lot of the rich know they are blessed and share their wealth with those less fortunate. You know, even those of us who are just getting by do what we can for others. IMHO most of those jobs that are sent overseas won’t come back because too many Americans don’t want to work for little pay and the employers don’t want to pay them more. I was always happy to hold a job for reasonable pay. I never ever tried to live beyond my means. Maybe some Americans need a reality check. Michael Moore’s movie “Where to Invade Next” is a good place to start.
August 7, 2019 @ 4:18 pm
we have a little tux that some one droped off at our place he was very small at the time however he was not sick and continued to be healthy.but he is very scared of every one except my husband and i.no one else can get near him.btw hubby has spoiled him something terrible.
August 7, 2019 @ 4:32 pm
I have read all your posts, and have looked forward to and loved every one of them. Today, I wanted to let you know you have entertained me, made me think and touched my heart many times.
You are an amazingly kind and loving person and what you did for these sick kittens stole my heart. Your kindness and warm heart are admired and appreciated by all of us that follow you and are honored to share moments in your life. Thank you!
August 7, 2019 @ 5:43 pm
Love seeing the baby pictures so much. Went to Amazon and read all I could for free Andrew Yang’s book.
Truly a wakeup call. I didn’t realize how much closer we are to so much more job phaseout fallout due to automation. I was just in a McD’s that was torn down and rebuilt recently, and saw the order kiosks that Wall Street applauded. Our local mall is also getting more and more empty.
August 7, 2019 @ 7:14 pm
I had to take a six month break from fostering, due to a situation like this one with your current fosters. Three kittens I called “The Three Amigos (Tiny Tim, Pawlina and Pinto). Weak and sickly from the beginning, they wouldn’t eat or drink, etc. Multiple vet visits and emergency clinic visits in the middle of the night because I didn’t think they would make it to daylight. Then, the dreaded ringworm appeared. I couldn’t interact with my own cats for three months throughout all of this, and they are still “punishing” me! The kittens thrived and I desperately wanted to keep them, but we are at our number limit that the shelter allows, so no more adoptions. I had to take them to the kitten room at the shelter, and they were adopted within an hour. I got to meet their new families; Pawlina and Tiny Tim went together, fortunately. Both families PROMISED to give me updates, but I never heard anything. I grieved hard when they went. I told the foster coordinator that I would be available for emergency placements of mother cats with kittens, but not kittens alone. I currently have a mama and three kittens. She gave birth on July 5th and two days later her “family,” and I use the word loosely, left her in the shelter night drop. She was in the shelter for six days and wouldn’t eat or drink. The kittens are currently 4 1/2 weeks old and doing great! The mama’s name is “Painty Face,” as she is a dilute tortie with splashes of color; she came with that name. I know she was abused and hit. Anytime an arm is raised (not at her, of course), she runs to hide. Breaks my heart. Anyway, thank you for all of the babies you have rescued. I love your stories.
August 7, 2019 @ 7:42 pm
Corporate green, IMHO, is what is killing this country. I really think that animal abuse, mistreatment or neglect should be criminally prosecuted as seriously as we prosecute people who abuse, mistreat or neglect human beings.
August 7, 2019 @ 9:48 pm
Hi,
I am looking for the pod save America that you wrote bout with Yang and cannot find it, please can you post exactly where it is?
Thanks, all the way from New Zealand!
If it can save America, it can save anywhere!
Go those kittens!!
August 7, 2019 @ 10:10 pm
Glad to see the kitties are doing well.
Alaska does not have a Universal Basic Income. Look up the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend. Over the years it has ranged from $300-2000, but average is probably less than $1000. This is per person, if you are a resident for the entire calendar year and you are not planning to move. It doesn’t offset the higher cost of living.
And while I love this blog and will continue to read it, you might want to visit a few socialist and communist countries, or talk to former inhabitants who managed to escape them, before you proclaim Universal Basic Income to be a good thing. There is no such thing as a free lunch … somebody always has to pay, and it’s usually the working class. See Venezuela for a current look at what socialism does for average people.
Any politician promising you something free? Better check your wallet.
August 8, 2019 @ 12:02 am
Just prior to President Obama’s 2014 State of the Union Address, media[7] reported that the top wealthiest 1% possess 40% of the nation’s wealth; the bottom 80% own 7%; similarly, but later, the media reported, the “richest 1 percent in the United States now own more additional income than the bottom 90 percent”.[8] The gap between the top 10% and the middle class is over 1,000%; that increases another 1,000% for the top 1%. The average employee “needs to work more than a month to earn what the CEO earns in one hour.”[9] Although different from income inequality, the two are related. In Inequality for All—a 2013 documentary with Robert Reich in which he argued that income inequality is the defining issue for the United States—Reich states that 95% of economic gains went to the top 1% net worth (HNWI) since 2009 when the recovery allegedly started.[10] More recently, in 2017, an Oxfam study found that eight rich people, six of them Americans, own as much combined wealth as half the human race.[11][12][13] This is the class that must pay taxes and the corporations-not you-you pay your fair share. This group keeps acquiring money which they then invest in the stock market which inflates the values to ridiculous which then precipitates the next plunge that devastates the 401 K holders (we lost $48,000.00 in 3 days) but the billionaires can take a hit and feel it no more than a mosquito bite. They tell you socialism is going to hurt you because they know damn well that they need to start paying their share of the 1 million dollars per day that our congress costs us and the Pentagon 2019 budget of 716 billion dollars and you know it’s more than that. Amazon paid not one dime of tax why not? If we had manufacturing with fair pay – everybody would pay income tax and have a decent life-a huge population ill paid is a drag on the economy-lack of health care creates an unhealthy population that ultimately is more expensive than good care throughout life. common sense. There is no pride in government charity-jobs that pay,opportunity to own a house that is passed down begins a pathway to wealth-small but so significant in one’s life.
August 8, 2019 @ 12:31 am
Victoria,
I think you are going to need to keep Tuxedo… He trusts you and to give him away again… All the work you’ve done will be wiped away. He is YOUR CAT, Mom. 🙂 He will just stress uncontrollably and will panic leaving your home. Something to consider…
He is very cute and I am sooo glad these two babies are doing better!!!
Enjoy these love bugs and stay cool out your way,
Barb 🙂
August 8, 2019 @ 4:10 am
Your blogs are lovely!!
August 8, 2019 @ 6:41 am
Thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! You just made my day. First the kitty story (you’re awesome!) and then your soliloquy on the maid book. You are my new hero.
August 8, 2019 @ 8:01 am
You are truly an amazing and good person!
August 8, 2019 @ 9:37 am
Do what y0u do best…writing, kittens and Craiglisting. An economic genius you are not.
August 15, 2019 @ 12:47 pm
Is she trying to be a genius? Sharing–and listening to other’s ideas–are the ingredients of a healthy community. And reading books helps accomplish that. I appreciate the suggested reading and will check them out.
August 8, 2019 @ 11:08 am
Victoria, you are my hero. Not only are you wonderful with the baby kitties, but you care about people and their well being. That’s a difficult thing for some people. I was well grown before I realized that some people really don’t care if other people literally die in the street as long as they personally don’t have to give up anything. That mindset is so foreign to my upbringing and fundamental being that its hard to wrap my mind around. We’re starting to see research that suggests that its something in the way their brains are wired. Perhaps we will be able to help them become better people through science. What an exiting thought!
August 8, 2019 @ 11:37 pm
How does one go about adopting your foster kittens? I would drive forever to pick these two up, and take them home. I am extremely patient and loving with pets. They would have a good home with me.
August 9, 2019 @ 8:54 am
As I understand it, Alaska’s “universal income” is simply proceeds from their sales of oil, which is a resource Alaska has in abundance. Also, the average payout is only about $1,000-$2,000 per year to each person who resides there. If there is something else you’re referring to, I apologize for the mistake.
Anyway, I don’t support penalizing the rich (and no, I’m not wealthy by a long shot) and having them pay more, simply because they have more. There are programs in place for people who need them. Everyone else should have to work, and earn what they want out of life.
Congrats on the kittens!
August 9, 2019 @ 1:12 pm
So happy about the kittens….Socialists not so much. As an expat living in a country with an extremely high life “ quality “ I can say unequivocally that freedom, liberty as conceived in the constitution truly is something that is the envy of the world. Not to get too into the weeds here but US citizens would be much healthier and not require socialized medicine if you cut out the junk food and stopped all the Pharma nonsense. Also you do realize that as soon as a basic living wage is mandated, employers will be forced to cut hours to make the business viable. You have only to look as far as Bernie Sanders campaign staff to see what happens. As soon as they asked for the 15 dollars he was talking about he gave it them along with reduced hours…..so nothing is achieved. Just go back in history to before the Federal Reserve and central banking, when the US was a earl capitalist economy, before FDR forced the country into a depression to satisfy his banister controllers. What the US needs is less Nanny State and more of the pioneer spirit that made it a great place. I could go on and on about this. Ask any of the people you know from Socialist countries if they would go back there and you will hear a Resounding NO. Because government having MORE control over your life has never made people happier or healthier. Venezuela, USSR, Romania, China where a social credit score decides your life. ( powered by google in a program named dragonfly). You people in America need to wake up and realize government and more of it is NOT your friend. Whee did the 1.5 billion dollars go that was given to Baltimore?????