The 5 dwarf's
Sleepy, Happy, Grumpy, Dopey, & Sneezy
Originally blogged on April 26,2009
Well its hard to believe that I have had these babies for as long as I have. This is the LONGEST that I have ever had to foster kittens until they were "adoptable". I have had these babies MORE THAN 3 MONTHS! Normally it only takes between 2 to 4 weeks to get them up to health and size. Because our Veterinarian specializes in pediatric spays and neuters, they can have surgery when they reach 2 pounds. So I didn't think that these kittens would be any different from the rest.
Sick little babies
But with these babies from the beginning nothing was easy and simple. Not only were they EXTREMELY ILL but they were also very small. When I first brought them home they needed antibiotic twice daily for two weeks, IV fluids 2-3 times a day for the first week, eye ointment 3 times a day, and needed to be hand fed and washed and cleaned 3-4 times a day since there was no mother cat to do this for them.
After feeding and bathing
It was a huge undertaking.... It took me an extra hour and half EACH morning to get them squared away before I left for work. Most days I barley had enough time to get myself ready. Making matters worse, Sleepy didn't have much of an appetite. I had to force feed him because he didn't have the urge to eat. He would throw up his food after I would feed him and he died on the third day after I brought them home.
R.I.P - Sleepy
Grumpy was the lone ranger for the longest time and she was not the most friendliest kitten. She played with the others, but very little. She was a bit uncomfortable being held. I believe that she was scared of heights. She got better with age and before it was over she loved being picked up and being held. She did outgrow her name sake because Grumpy turned Sweet! Grumpy is permanently blind in one eye and her nostril is deformed on one side as a result. Her blindness was caused by the Herpes Virus.
Grumpy
Sneezy was the most playful and outgoing of all the kittens.When he first opened his eyes I thought for sure that he was totally blind in both of his eyes. They were very hazy and red. Thankfully time and TLC cleared them up completely and he fully recovered.
Sneezy
It was easier for me to become more attached to Dopey and Sneezy. The were like my little twins, they were always together in everything they did. They were my little cuddle bugs, they would curl up together in my chair with me.
My babies
Happy was always the healthiest one of the bunch and she never really got sick. However, she had to be treated as if she was sick because her siblings were contagious. She was the neatest looking kitten of them all, her coloring was very unique. For the longest time she was too busy to be cuddled. She thought it was a huge waste of her time and she had better things to do, like playing.
Happy
Dopey was always very sweet. After Sleepy died, I wasn't sure that she was going to make it. She didn't have the urge to eat like Sleepy and that is usually a sign that they are giving up. I was worried that her little body was going to shut down as Sleepy's did.
Dopey
The only reason that I've held on to these babies for as long as I have is because they never really recovered from their original illness. Basically, they were on antibiotic for the entire time that I had them... each time they were finished with their round of antibiotics, they would break out and start to get ill again. We went through several types of antibiotics before they were finally strong enough for Surgery.
After surgery Dopey and Grumpy broke again with the infection and needed 2 more weeks worth of antibiotics. Happy and Sneezy were able to go up for adoption very shortly after Surgery. Dopey and Grumpy were not as lucky and had to stay behind at my house until they were finished with their medication
Happy
Adopted Friday April 3, 2009
at Animal Control
Sneezy
Adopted Saturday April 4, 2009
at PetCo via Adopt an Angel
Grumpy
Adopted Sunday April 26, 2009
at PetCo via Adopt an Angel
Dopey
Surprise! We are keeping Dopey!
Now we have 3 cats! :)
I couldn't bare to send her away because I have had her so long I feel like she is already ours and I am so attached to her. I know this sounds crazy but it broke my heart hearing them cry when I took them away from home to be adopted. My home is the only home they ever knew I cried all the way to work when they were wailing in the carrier. And worse every time they saw me walk by in Cat Adoption they would cry for me... It was pitiful.... It broke my heart. However, I am thankful that they are all in good homes now because I know that I did my best to save them. I just hope that who ever has them appreciates their life as much as I do.
Dopey today >>>>>>>>
My sweet little babies <3~Author, Jenni
All photos are authentic
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