Cooni, I love you

[Traci]

Cooni belonged to my neighbor, you might remember my post about him recently in the Other Room. But my heart belonged to her.

Having read that thread, you'll probably understand my broken heart.

I learned today that Cooni acquired a "URI" from the shelter, became very sick, and they euthanized her this week.

It didn't have to happen. Cooni was young, healthy, strong and vibrant. The shelter did not take precautions to quarantine sick cats and allowed them into the healthy population. I am so angry, heartbroken, sick and appalled.

It was me who handed Cooni as a sweet little 8 month old kitten into Randy's arms just 5 years ago. I helped him take care of her, and helped with her and her sibling kitty's veterinary costs whenever Randy was down on his luck.

It was me who took all three cats into my home when Randy had his first mental breakdown. They were safe, protected, loved, I didn't want to let them go when he came home from the hospital.

I was bonded to them as much as I am to my own cats, I loved them so much. I prayed so hard they would be adopted into loving homes, I wanted to believe they would.

It kills me that Cooni is gone. The SO tries to comfort me by telling me that maybe Randy and Cooni needed to be together in Heaven. But, I can't believe in or trust a god who allows children and animals to suffer. Maybe I'm a hypocrite, I try to pray and believe, but the losses and injustices just keep mounting. Please forgive my lost faith.

Randy in life, would never have allowed his furbabies to go to a shelter, least of all a shelter who would not protect them. My heart hurts for Randy too. Please let this be a warning that even no-kill or private shelters are not without harmful consequences. I know this happens every day, I know it is always the same. But, I can't help feeling I should have marched right over there and taken them myself when I learned of Randy's passing.

Photos taken while they were here in my home with me while Randy was suffering his first mental breakdown. At least I am blessed with having that time with them, and for the absolute joy they brought me over the years.

Cooni, safe, sweet, gentle journey...



Rusty, sweetest boy



Squeaky, sweet and beautiful, I pray your perfect owner rescues you soon...

[k9Karen]

I'm so sorry this happened, but you mustn't blame yourself. I'm sure the shelter did the best they could - the sick cat probably wasn't showing any symptoms when he was placed with the rest. Just like a mom who drops her kid off at daycare or school and he's fine, but then several hours later is sick and running a fever and her kid ends up infecting the others. Unfortunately, it happens all the time with humans, and I suspect it's no different with animals. It's sad that the family didn't care enough to take them in. My DD knows if something happens to me and my DH that she has to take care of our dogs. I do hope the other two find good homes soon.

[momPaws]

They're all beautiful. Bless you Traci for helping Randy and the kitties. Cooni has such a sweet look...hugs...(((Traci))))

[Traci]

Karen, thank you.

Unfortunately, the shelter is not operating sufficiently, there is room for a lot of improvement despite the tools they have available to them. The "board" is a joke, and when you have an inefficient board, it trickles down to inefficient employees. There was no precaution taken, at all. They are equipped with those tools, they simply did not employ them. Which makes them failures at protecting community pets (they rely on the community's donations and support).

I'd be the first person to agree that it is difficult to run a shelter efficiently. This one however, fails miserably.

As for the family, I begged the son to at least take them to a rescue where I knew they would keep them as long as it took, they only take on a small number of pets and take steps to ensure isolation is a priority. I was under the impression he was going to do just that, but he simply didn't care, it was convenient to just "dump" them at the other shelter, not even inquiring about the facility, the policies etc.

I won't make excuses for them, for me, or for anyone. I'm even more sickened by what I DON'T know, which is why I rarely get into it with the employees, I know enough to know there are more needless losses that could have been prevented. The SO was there a few weeks ago when we were looking for one of our strays, they had cats all over the place, in the office, on desks, everywhere, and children on the premises. No handwashing between handling of pets, they are responsible for this.

Sorry for ranting, it just makes me sick.

[Marty]

I'm sorry, Traci...that stinks. Run free with your Dad once more, Cooni.

[Auntie Debbie]

Awww Traci, I'm so sorry about all of it, especially sweet little Cooni. I know how much she meant to you...please don't blame yourself for this, you had no idea. Such a sweet little thing should have had better care from the shelter. Cooni, Daddy will care for you again now.

[Traci]

Thank you Debbie (it's great to see you again - hope things are well with you and kiddens).

I know you understand, you were "there" with me when Cooni came into our lives. And everything else.

[Tina B and crew]

*sigh* I'm so sorry Traci...don't know what else to say. It seems 2010 was a horrible year for animal companions all around. May Cooni's journey be a safe one....Willow will greet her gently

[Shannon's Mom]

Oh, Traci, I'm so sorry. I do pray Randy and Cooni are together again. How sad. My heart goes out to you. I pray the other two find forever homes. Safe journey, little Cooni.

[Traci]

Thank you everyone. I'm having such a hard time with this. My Christabel looks so much like Cooni, and has similar traits, so everytime I see her, I am reminded of Cooni.