13/03/2024
This is a long one. CW: Pet death
I typically don't share much about cats who are facing medical challenges. It's hard to find the right words to make a touch-and-go situation seem positive, especially with so much sadness already on social media. However, I feel compelled to share Norman's story. When he came to us, he was severely underweight and seemed disinterested in anything but lounging around. At just 7 months old, he weighed only 3.5lbs. Despite seemingly normal bloodwork, something wasn't quite right as he struggled to gain weight. His previous foster mentioned that he was a social eater, so I asked my son to foster him in his room, where he spends most of his time. It was there that Norman and my son quickly became inseparable. We started to notice changes in Norman - he began showing more interest in food, playing with shoestrings, and most importantly, gaining weight. Just two weeks ago, he finally reached 4.2 lbs, and I was excited to create his adoption bio, highlighting all his quirky habits. We thought he was thriving. I was eagerly refreshing the rescue website, waiting for the perfect application. Then, everything changed. Norman's weight started fluctuating again, and he began losing interest in kitten food. On Monday morning, he woke up disoriented, staggering, and experiencing seizures. It was heartbreaking to witness. After consulting with the vet, we made the difficult decision to let him go so he could find peace. We may never know what caused his struggles, despite our efforts to give him the best possible chance at life. There are so many lessons embedded in this experience but I only care to highlight one one:
Every living thing deserves a chance to thrive, even when the going gets tough. Norman embodied that resilience, fighting hard to find his place in the world. Despite the challenges he faced, he was surrounded by love and support in his final months, thanks to the caring fosters who looked after him with devotion. My son, in particular, became his steadfast companion, spending countless hours wrapped in Norman's warmth, whether they were tackling schoolwork, playing games, or lost in the pages of a book. Norman's presence became a cherished part of our daily lives, with bedtime rituals of snuggling under blankets and moments lived fully in the present. Through it all, Norman's journey serves as a poignant reminder of the beauty in perseverance and the profound impact of unconditional love.
The loss of Norman doesn't change my dedication. I'll keep fostering because countless animals still need love and care. If I were to stop now, it would feel like abandoning the memory of all the precious souls we've helped. So, I'll continue, knowing that every foster is a tribute to Norman and all the furry friends who've left paw prints on our hearts.
