The kittens just don’t stop! Yesterday, we took in a mom and four babies. One of those babies was injured. It is really hard to understand the amount of kittens coming through our front door.
There are spay neuter programs available everywhere and still this? I can’t even begin to fathom the mentality of people.
In the end the ones to pay the price are the animals. Those that have no voice. We are their voice and day after day humans fail them. We become emotionally invested the moment we hear about these guys. It takes its toll, but we push forward trying to make a difference even if it is for just one animal.
Everyday we face new challenges and so far we have rode that emotional rollercoaster to the heavens and back and for every tear we shed there is another life to save.
IHOP (left) and his mom Faith are just two of the many cats that are located at the Ark Animal Sanctuary in Houlton. The Ark is overflowing with kittens and some, like IHOP, have special needs. (Courtesy of Lorraine Monfils)
The kitten that was injured was rushed to the vet immediately. We have named him IHOP. We think he is about 6-7 weeks old. IHOP is paralyzed on his hind right leg and his tail. What does that mean? He drags his leg and tail and there is no feeling so he also cannot use the bathroom on his own.
We were told if it is a fresh injury – which we believe it is – he may get feeling back, but there is also the chance he may not. So for now we are expressing his bladder 4 times a day. The poop comes out on its own and we also massage to help the process. IHOP doesn’t know he is injured since there is no pain. He acts like a normal kitten. He is sweet and loveable and in our eyes he is perfectly imperfect. We are going to give him every chance at a happy life. He goes back to the vet in 2 weeks for a recheck.
For now we have put IHOP back with his mom and she is helping to keep him clean. He loves his mom and was so excited to be reunited with her. His siblings have been separated from them but are doing well.
IHOP is just one of the many kittens out there that needs help. I can preach to the choir, but that is not enough. Everyone needs to preach to the choir and everyone needs to understand that when you don’t get your pets altered kittens like IHOP pay the price. Neuter and spay your pets it is as simple as that. Please keep IHOP in your thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for your continued support and as always thank you for reading our column.
The Ark Animal Sanctuary is located on 101 Old Woodstock Road. To contact Lorraine Monfils call 207-532-7387 or check out their Facebook page.
