Saturday, January 17, 2009

Teary Eyes and a Heavy Heart

Hi My Friends,
It is with a sad and heavy heart that I inform you that we sent Bob away today to find another family. For the past couple of days, I've been speaking with Lori Spala from the St. Francis Animal Society about finding a good home for our beloved Bob. This non-profit organization is a NO KILL rescue for abandoned, sick and injured animals, and pets like our Bob, who just need to find another home. I explained that he is a GREAT cat, one who has never had an accident outside of the litter box, loves children and small dogs and people, very playful and is very affectionate. However, with the results of James' allergy testing, he just can't stay at our house anymore. For the past three days, I've kept him outside on our lanai (except for the cold, cold nights) and I've already seen a difference in James' symptoms (no more sneezing or red, swollen eyes.)
Lori (the chairperson from St. Francis' Society) explained that the cats are housed at a foster home (her home) until they are adopted by a family. They personally "screen" each family and transport the cats to weekly adoptee events all around the Tampa Bay area at various pet stores. So today, I went ahead and drove him over to meet her. It's a good thing the drive wasn't too far because I was bawling my eyes out the entire way there. After speaking with her at length about their adoption process and where he would be staying until then, I explained his super cool history of being the mascot at my school and spending his days motivating young children and lingering around classrooms during supervised reward time.
Lori was very comforting and gave me at least three hugs (I really needed them) during our visit. I have to believe that Bob is in good hands and that this is the best decision for James. As my child, his health DOES comes first, but it was just a sad, hard thing giving up Bob.
I will be in touch with Lori and she will keep me informed of when he is adopted.
After a tearful drive home, Will greeted me at the door with a big hug and my fav comfort food, chocolate milk. I didn't have an appetite, but the hug really helped. Afterwards, I went down for a nap.
The nap was greatly needed due to my morning. I ran 18 miles this morning with my faithful running partner/best friend Veronica. We are going strong with our marathon training. I am very thankful that my legs held up and there was no pain. Of course, by mile 15, I was fatigued and my legs were TIRED! But, no major pain. We continue to train using the Galloway Method and today, we ran 2/1's (run for 2 minutes, then walk for 1 minute, repeat!) I swear, I could not complete this high of mileage if I had to run it continuously! Anyway, it was a physically demanding and emotionally draining day, so I'm ending this post and going to bed!
I hope everyone else out there enjoys their Saturday night for me!
And, please pray that a good, deserving family comes to find Bob and gives him a "forever family."

2 comments:

  1. Kalani - So sorry to hear this, but it sounds like you made the right decision. It is great that James is doing better! Take care, Courtney

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  2. Hey Kalani, I have been reading your blog and following up on the news about James' allegies. You made the right choice, as hard as it must have been. I will pray that the animal society finds a good loving home for Bob. Good to hear that James is doing better.
    Take care.

    Jackie

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