Sunday, February 1, 2009

Dancer Darling Claus

Some of you might remember the lovely foster litter we had over Christmas- the Claus family. I got some sad news today about Dancer.

When we take the kittens back, I watch them online via the adoption listings. When a kitten is taken off the list, I choose to believe that means they have been adopted. To the best of my knowledge, that has been true so far. We had asked to only be notified of a kitten that is sick or put to sleep if it has potential consequences for Fui and Suey. In a high kill shelter, the alternative could be too difficult, especially as we had only recently lost the Blossoms and Seamus.

While I was dropping Apollo off today for his hoohaectomy, one of the people let slip what had happened to Dancer.

We live in Far North Queensland, which means it gets very hot and steamy. Any kind of smell is magnified. To help with air flow, and to keep the animals comfortable, a lot of the shelter is open to the air. Rather than solid walls, there is a lot of metal mesh type stuff. This keeps things cooler, and helps keep smells down.

There is a flaw in this kind of arrangement that I never realised. One day a short while ago, we had had a lot of rain. The shelter chose that day not to open, because a lot of the roads were closed, and the vet couldn't get out there. Blitzen had been adopted earlier, so Dasher and Dancer were placed together in one of the central holding cages, where they are more secure than the adoption cages (the shelter has had incidents of animal thefts in recent times). The next morning when they went to get them out, Dash raced out, and Dancer was nowhere to be found. There was a dirty big snake in the cage though. The snake had attacked and eaten Dancer, and Dasher had broken his paw while spending the night fighting it off. They were going to euthanise Dash, but one lady insisted on paying his medical bills. It turned out to not be a bad break, and he was adopted a few days later by a family who knew what had happened.

I wish I had have given her extra cuddles and kisses, and played with her more. I am just crushed thinking how scary it must have been for her and Dasher. I wish I had have been there and could have helped her.

Dancer was such a pretty, darling girl. She loved snuggles and kisses, and was mad about the furry rat wand toy. She was always first to dinner, and kept herself so clean and tidy. Though she was the smallest of the Claus family, she could regularly be found doing her very best to pin Dash and Blitzen. I know that the Blossoms and Seamus will be taking good care of her. I just wish that they didn't have to yet.Dancer, you are loved, and you always will be loved. We will see you at the Bridge and hold you tight one day.

I would also like to ask for your purrs for Polly Smitten-Kitten. She is staying overnight to be checked by the vet, as she has not been very well. I'm very worried about her. Hopefully I will be able to pick her up tomorrow.

18 comments:

Ana said...

oh my, reading this makes us so sad. poor little dancer! we hope she didn't have to fight for too long.

PS: Mommy said she got a card for you. Now we have to stand behind her and tell her what to write ;-)

Poppy Q said...

Oh noes, that was terrible news. Poor wee girl, we hope she is being looked after at the bridge now by all of our friends.

I am so glad there are no snakes here.

Big hugs.

(angel) Grrreta and Fam said...

Our eyes are leaking. It is so heart breaking to think what sweet Dancer had to go through. We are so very sad. On the other hand, we are so grateful for the kindness of the lady who covered Dash's medical bills so he could go on to have a forever home. We are so sorry for the loss of sweet Dancer.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

We did say how we felt, but unlike me, thought better of it.. because we know if we feel this damm bad we can only imagine how devastated you are feeling, and we are thinking of you and wanting to.. I don;t know.. just wanting to change what happened.. make it up happen...
Our thoughts are with you

The Florida Furkids said...

Our eyes are leaking after reading this story and seeing the pictures of sweet little Dancer. We're glad Dasher got a home and is loved and safe.

Sniffie and the Florida Furkids

Parker said...

There are no words to describe how awful we feel. We can't imagine how heart-breaking this is for you. Our prayers and our love go to you.
Poor sweet little Dancer...
We wish Dasher all of the best in his new home.
xoxoxoxox

Cory said...

Poor sweet little Dancer, our eyes are leaking too. How terrifying for both her Dasher. We are grateful that someone made sure that Dasher was saved and he was able to be adopted. Dancer was loved, and we will all see that little sweetie at the Bridge. We can only imagine how you are feeling right now.

AM said...

sniff, sniff....We are so sorry to hear this news. We can't imagine how you are feeling if we are this sad. Thank you for giving her all the love and kisses that you did.

The Island Cats said...

Oh...this is so sad...our eyes are leaking...poor Dancer...and poor Dasher...

Purrs and headbutts to you...

Victor Tabbycat said...

We is so sorry to read bout little Dancer. Dat is so sad! At least Dasher was saved. Yur colage of pictors is a loverly tribute.
Purrs and sandpaper kisses,
Victor & Nina

Daisy said...

Oh no, my heart is breaking for sweet little Dancer, too. There is so much sadness, but thank goodness there are little miracles, too. Like the bravery of Dasher and his happy ending in a Forever home.

Many {{hugs}} to you. Also, purrs for Polly.

Mickey's Musings said...

We are very sorry to hear this terrible news. Sadly, we sometimes do not realize what problems may be present until something happens. I hope the shelter will be able to take measures to be sure this does not happen again. It cannot be a good thing either to not have someone be at the shelter every day.Leaving animals without food or checking up on them is just sad.
I am sure you did not want to hear that news!!!
We will purr for Dancer and hope she went quickly.
We send big purrs to Polly too!!!!
Purrs Mickey& family

Quill and Greyson said...

Oh how sad. Big snugs to you.

Moki The Wobbly Cat said...

Oh my how horribly heart breaking! I just can't imagine...Our hearts go out to you!

P.S.

Despite all that you must be going through, you still took the time to purr and pray for Moki. We are VERY touched! Thank you.

Kaz's Cats said...

We're so sorry about Dancer, but really glad that Dash got to go to his forever home. Please accept our headbutts and purrs for your hurting heart,

{{{hugs}}}

Gypsy & Tasha

Unknown said...

The mom is finally catching up wif reading blogs ... and dis made her eyes get lots leaky. We has werds to say but sum of dem aren't furry nice so we's not goin to say dem, cept dis D@mn F'in snake! We hopes yoo gots PTS fer dat bad bad bad fing yoo dids!!

Everycat said...

We are so very sorry that darling little Dancer met such a horrible end. You gave Dancer et al a wonderful time in foster care, a time that they would not have had otherwise, don't lose sight of that love. We send loving purrs for all the kittens, for Dancer on her journey to The Bridge, for Polly Smitten-Kitten and for you...

Your strength and fairness shines through

Whicky & Mum