Thursday, March 02, 2006

Henry Update

We all heard the stories of the animals left behind after the Katrina disaster. I blogged about our Katrina foster kitty Henry, who came to us via our local animal shelter's Orphans of the Storm recovery effort.


Henry lived with us for 3 months in his own room, away from our resident cats (SOP for foster cats). He was quite sick for much of time, but eventually he got well and we brought him back to the shelter to be put up for adoption.

His stay at the shelter has not been a pleasant one. Because of stress and I'm sure myriad other reasons, his illness would reoccur and Henry would be taken off the adoption circuit to recover. For one brief long weekend, he came back to our home to recuperate once again.

My husband and I have visited Henry every week since he's been back at the shelter. And always it's the same story from the adoption staff: "Yes, Henry is such a sweet cat but no one seems interested in him."

My husband was convinced that Henry would never get adopted and really wanted to give him a loving home. Even with our existing cat family (hello?? 6 cats!), my CrazyCatMan husband felt that we must take Henry home.

We agreed that when he returned from an upcoming 10-day business trip, if Henry was still not adopted, we would seriously consider adopting him.

Unfortunately, this week while CrazyCatMan was on said trip, Kristen, the Foster Care Manager from our shelter, IM'd me.

Basically, she said, Henry was not doing well. He was sick again and they did further bloodwork on him to see if he is FIP positive. And he is. Feline Infectious Peritonits. A deadly cat disease with no cure.


Henry can't come home with us. His disease would put all of our resident cats in severe jeopardy. Moving him to a former co-worker's cat sanctuary is also not an option because the trip would compromise his condition further.

It breaks my heart to write this, but Henry will be put to sleep on Saturday morning. CrazyCatMan and I will be by his side to love him and make his last minutes on earth pleasant. Even though we feel we did the best we could for him, sometimes the best is still not enough.

15 comments:

InkyW said...

You and your husband being with Henry when he goes is the very best thing you can do. Our thoughts are with you and you have been wonderful cat foster parents. I am so proud of you.

jae said...

This tugged at my heart, its so sad...I am glad you will be able to comfort Henry. Hopefully, your remaining cats can comfort you somewhat. Golly, I wanted to get a cat myself but i am afraid I'll get too attached.

Valerie said...

oh noooo. I'm so sorry to hear that StacyO. He's beautiful. You guys are truly an inspiration. Thank you.

Jenn said...

Oh I am so sorry that Henry has to be put to sleep.

You and your husband have done all you could and Henry is very thankful!

Vanessa said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Henry, but bless you for giving him such a loving home.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry. But good on you and the man for trying so hard.

Gewel said...

Oh god... I'm so sad to hear that. I just had to put one of my own to sleep, and it's awful. However, I think that Henry is really fortunate that he has human friends who will stand by his side as he crosses over. You're good people.

riseyp said...

o stacyo-

poor henry!!! my heart goes out to you and CrazyCatMan.

thank you for being so good to this little guy who deserves nothing but gentleness and care... how could anyone not fall in love with his beautiful eyes?? one a bit bluer, the other a bit greener.

thank you for making his last day a bit easier.

Chela Jane said...

My thoughts are with you and Henry. Henry was lucky that you were there for him after Katrina. God speed little guy.

Carrie K said...

Aww, that is so sad. But you did the best you could for him.

Marissa said...

sniff, sniff, tear. I remember his chirps and his little feet on my leg as he begged me for a little more attention. He had it darn good with you guys, and you did the best you could.

Tanya Kristine said...

Oh. i'm so very very sorry. life can be so unfair and hard. But Henry knew you cared for him and that might have been all he's ever had! or maybe he was super loved before so he really has had a wondeful life. either way...he'll be much more comfortable now then going through the stress of his daily life...you tried and that is wonderful. if everyone were like you, the world would be a MUCH kinder place...

cindi said...

I lost 3 cats to FIP between April & July 2004...it's the worst...but it sounds like Henry has known love through you and your husband...

Nik said...

that TOTALLY makes me sad.

Caroline said...

I'm sorry for your loss : (
What you and your husband do is wonderful. I hope this sad experience doesn't put you off of fostering again. Thanks for including the link to the shelter! I am going to donate either to them or to one in my area tonight!