Dr. Young said that, while their hearts were beating, essentially Whiskey's babies were stillborn, never having taken a breath on their own - and they tried for hours. Joy, Jim and Jess asked that I tell you how very appreciative they are for all the prayers and support. Their hearts are broken (Joy said she literally went through a box of tissues today) but they knew Whiskey's was a high risk pregnancy. She is only 8 months old - that's sort of like a 12 or 13 year old human giving birth. She's biologically capable of conceiving, but her body was not yet ready to nurture babies.
I know our audience is the choir, but this is yet another example of why it is so important to spay and neuter - early! Had Whiskey given birth in the wild, she would not have lived, either - her first baby was stuck in the birth canal. Had it not been for the long, hard work by the vets and techs (at the Banfield, White Marsh, PetSmart, where Joy and Jess volunteer), our Whiskey would not be with us.
But Whiskey is with us... and doing well... and that's cause to rejoice! She is resting comfortably and J2 has set up crates side by side in the living room for Whiskey and Tango to recover from their surgeries. Yes, Tango went in, as scheduled, for his neuter this morning before Whiskey's condition went into crisis. And now Joy & Jim have to figure out how to get two fiesty little semi-ferals to take their pain meds and amoxi!
Wish them luck and not too many scratches, folks (I know they'll do fine - they are two persistent humans!) and, once again, thank you for you immediate outpouring of support! You can't know how much it has meant!
Update: 11:01pm
You can almost see Tango saying, "I've had a rough day!" Joy will try to send some pics of Whiskey tomorrow - she's resting now and Joy doesn't want to disturb her. I told her not to worry about it... taking care of these two should be all she needs to concentrate on.
It is tragic that the kittens were lost but we are so glad that Whiskey was saved. Bless the Js!
ReplyDeleteOh we are so sad that they weren't able to save the babies, but we know they tried very hard and did the best they could. And the good news is that Whiskey survived and can go on to a happy life now. We are sending out lots of comforting purrs and prayers to everyone right now - we know this must be so hard on them.
ReplyDeleteVery glad to hear the Whiskey is alright! :) It's so sad when they wind up without any kittens left :(, though.
ReplyDeleteWas this likely another instance (like Kayla's litter likely was) of premature kittens, given the difficulties they had breathing (that seems to perhaps happen fairly often in kitteh teen mothers)? :(
I'm so sorry that the babies all died, but also so glad that Whisky will be okay.
ReplyDeleteThis story serves as a sad but excellent example of why cats should be spayed as soon as possible. Just sad that Whisky has to be a poster child for something that everyone should be doing.
Oh no! Much love to Whiskey, Joy, and you, Lisa. We're glad Whiskey is resting and with such good caretakers.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear that Whiskey had such a traumatic experience, but I'm thanking all the stars and heavens that she seems to be making it through safely. Thank goodness she was in safe hands when the trouble started.
ReplyDeleteThe kitties send many purrs and I'm keeping her and Tango in my prayers. We know our Blossom babies, Seamus, Elijah, Daisy, Pablo and Dancer would have been waiting to welcme Whiskey's babies to the Bridge with much love.
I am so glad Joy was able to get her to the vet, and those kittens do not know yet how lucky they are to have her!!
ReplyDeleteSuch sadness that the little ones didn't survive... However, there is some consolation in the fact that Whiskey survived and that she was (and still is) surrounded by kind humans who care for her. I wish her a long and happy life.
ReplyDeleteSo sad about the wee kitties, but I'm so thankful that Whiskey is ok. Props to the vets for their hard work and to J2 for taking such good care of Tango and Whiskey.
ReplyDeleteWhat a tragedy that all the kittens were lost ~ but what a blessing the mom survived. We are thankful for that.
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry about the kittens. Healing purrs to Whiskey and Tango. ~AFSS
ReplyDeleteBlessings to the vet staff for trying so hard to save the kittens...and of course for saving Whiskey. I wish her and Tango long and happy lives.
ReplyDeleteJoy, my thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
I am so very happy that Whiskey is doing well and Tango too. It is so very sad about her babies. We send our love and purrs to all. We are so glad you made it Whiskey!
ReplyDeleteWhiskey is a very, very lucky little girl. And Tango is a very lucky, and now responsible, young man. Yep, both very lucky indeed to have found such wonderful people to take them in.
ReplyDeleteIt must have been a very sad day for all of you! We're glad Whiskey survived, sorry for the babies.
ReplyDeleteI'm so relieved that Whiskey has made it through her ordeal. Sad the last kitten passed, but some thing aren't meant to be. Thrilled that Whiskey will be spayed and never be pregnant again.
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed for Joy and Jim, getting the cats to take their meds. :-)
And all universal blessings and healing Light to them, to Whiskey, Tango....to all!
-Kim
Poor little Whiskey... I'm so glad she's going to be okay. And that she has found a good home with people who will take good care of her.
ReplyDeleteOh...no. *sniffle* *snuffle* *splutter* Run free, play and grow up happily at Rainbow Bridge, littlest ones. I've asked my babies who have been there for a few years (one furkid and one feathery one) to welcome you. Good thoughts to J2, who I am sure are heartbroken. They can take some comfort in knowing that they did everything they could for the little ones and their Mama, and it just was not meant to be.
ReplyDeleteAs I read paragraph 1, I thought to myself that this is why spaying and neutering are SO important. And then I read paragraph 2 :-)
But I am so happy that Whiskey is still with us. Someone, remove her bits as soon as she is ready! Good luck to Tango and Whiskey as they recover from a rough few days. Good thoughts going up.
Echoing every single sentiment here. Even if the babies didn't make it, Whiskey at least did, and she's in good hands.
ReplyDeleteHugs to Joy, James, and Jess.
It's so sad to hear that all of Whiskey's kittens have gone to the bridge but we're really happy that Whiskey is here and doing well.
ReplyDeleteSniffie and the Florida Furkids
News like this is always sad, and tough to take. Thank goodness that you got Whiskey through it ok.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear all of this, but very glad to hear that Whiskey is okay.
ReplyDeleteHope all is well with you and the other babies too.
I know this is a very sad time but I found this very interesting that the kittens were stillborn and still had a heart beat. I also find it very sad that Whiskey was such a young kitten herself. Yes I sure do agree on nutering and spaying. So very glad that Whiskey and Tango are recuperating. Still, purrs and prayers for them.
ReplyDeleteCasper and crew
Oopsss...
ReplyDeleteSorry for my late visit
I was blog lazy and I missed alot here SORRY :(
Take care ....
HUgs from Kareltje =^.^=
We're so glad that Whiskey came through okay and so terribly sorry to learn that there are three new angel kittens. Sending purrs to all of you and Tango, too!
ReplyDeleteCharlemagne and Tamar
so thankful for everyone who helped whiskey through her ordeal. and now she can grow up to be a happy, responsible adult cat. :)
ReplyDelete