The Rainbow Bridge - Furball and I

I never thought I'd be updating my blog this New Year's Day. I was planning to do it this coming weekend but a furry little friend of mine made me. Here's our short story...

Almost three weeks ago, I was on my way home from work and was waiting for an FX along P. Tuazon in Quezon City with my co-worker when we heard a tiny meow coming from somewhere near us. I couldn't ignore and looked back and I saw this seemingly newborn kitten already near a manhole, crying and meowing, probably scared because she's alone and her eyes are still closed. She had thick, white fur with two patches of gray on her hear. Such a cute little one. I couldn't leave her there to die so even if I knew it would upset my mom, I still brought her home. I had to help her live, she had to live.

I nursed and fed her, I found an old cosmetics box which I no longer use and made it her "room". She has two small pillows to play with and pink Pooh face towel as gifts to her from my niece. I made sure she was warm and well-fed and even brought her with me to work, much to the dismay of some bosses because I was attending to her when I was supposed to be working (Yeah, my bad, I know).

I felt so much joy when her eyes started to finally open. And every time her tiny paws reach for my finger like she was playing with me, I always tell her that she'll live 15 years and we'll grow old together. I was happy and have grown to love Furball. Oh, I named her Furball, by the way. I once again had a pet and I convinced my mom and aunt that I can keep her even though I have asthma.

Since the 30th, she has been a very sleepy kitten, easily falling asleep and meowing only when I stirred her up, then back to sleep. I still make her drink milk and she'd fall asleep right after. Then last night, just half an hour before midnight and New Year, she refused to drink milk and was very, very weak. She wouldn't move and just lie down, she won't even make a sound. I knew she was sick and had to keep her warm. I made a makeshift bed and blanket out of a small face towel and placed her beside me on my bed. I wake up every now and then to make sure she's alive. I woke up this morning to find her snuggled on my arm and was sleeping there. She seemed fine - she was once again meowing and was moving a lot. Then suddenly, she was weak again. I held her on my hand and realized how weak she really was and wouldn't move. Then she made a silent meow 3-4 times and pee'd and she's gone. I couldn't believe how quick that was.

I can't stop crying because I love that kitten, she has really found a spot in my heart. I don't know what else I could've done to save her and see her being the naughty kitten that she was. She's still in her "room" lying down because somehow, I am still hoping she's only asleep and will spring back to life. I still kiss her forehead and caress her but I know I'll never see those sweet, innocent eyes again. Never. So in an attempt to comfort myself because I have lost this cute little furball that came into my life a few weeks ago, I found a poem. A poem about pets and their carers reunited once again in the distant future. Who knows, maybe I'll see Furball together with all the other cats I had since I was a kid someday. I hope Tinkerbell, Cedie, Malikot, Kuting, Fluffy, Red, White, Black, and the others welcome her on her new home in heaven. :)

Here's the poem...

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. 

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. 

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. 

There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. 

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. 

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. 

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. 

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. 

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... 

Cheers,