The day I picked you up at the center to take you to my foster home, I found the most beautiful little family I had seen in a long time. Your tiny mother was barely 9 months old, a child herself. You were two tiny, round babies with huge, searching eyes, wondering. But so many thoughts were haunting me. Chessie was a red patch tabby, and I had never had one survive. Just a coincidence, I told myself. Donna had told me, "Don't give them names 'til they're stable..." , but I did. They walked around like little drunken sailors, wanting to run and play, but losing their balance and stooling all the time. I could not litter train them, they seemed to have no control. It turned out that they had spinal cord damage at about waist-level, which was causing all their symptoms. Whether it was genetic or the result of abuse, we'll never know. They were humanely euthanized May 6, at only 7 weeks old. I cried like a baby. I'll never forget them. They were two of the most adorable kittens that I have ever seen. It was a gift to be the one chosen to help them. I know they're running and playing in heaven, now, and yes, I believe animals go to heaven. It is a far, far better place they have gone to, than they have ever known.
Jackie Alasimi
