When we decided to start a rescue, we knew death and loss came with the territory. We knew we wouldn’t be able to save everyone. But, then a sweet, 4 week old kitten came into our lives and we thought we could help.
Reese’s story is one all too common in Houston. An abandoned kitten, screaming for help – suffering in the heat and humidity, asking for help. When a good samaritan heard her cries, she did what she was supposed to – wait. Wait for a momma cat to come back.
So she waited.
For two days.
Momma never came back. Reese was on her own and without human intervention, death was a guarantee. So we intervened. We took her in and nursed her, hoping she could overcome the serious problems she had.
Reese was severely underweight, coming in at less than 0.3 pounds. She was also covered in fleas and had trouble eating and drinking on her own.
We were determined to get her better, so we asked our friends at Dexter and Evie Vet, the Kitty Bodega, and East End Kitties for help. They gave us all the help and information we needed to nurse her back to health – and it started to work! She doubled in size from 0.3 to 0.79 pounds in a matter of days!
Then, over the weekend, Reese started struggling. She couldn’t hold her head up, she wasn’t eating, drinking, or purring like she had been before. We saw it with our own eyes, within the course of just a few hours…Reese was gone.
Reese failed to thrive. She faded, like other kittens with “Fading Kitten Syndrome”. We lost the sweet kitten we had committed to saving. Not because we didn’t have the resources, because she couldn’t overcome the hand she was dealt.
A hand she didn’t deserve.
A hand that she didn’t have to go through.
A hand that should have never been dealt to her.
How can you help?
- Please spay and neuter your pets. Reducing overpopulation helps avoid the experience Reese had.
- Support your local animal rescues and shelters. For every kitten we lose to Fading Kitten Syndrome, we save another – but not without support:
- Donate
- Volunteer
- Adopt
- Educate yourself and your circle about ethical practices for animals:
We are heartbroken. We loved Reese with our whole heart. Rest in peace, Reese. You no longer have to suffer.
🐾 Help us save lives. 🐾
Your donation provides food, medical care, supplies, and second chances for homeless pets across Houston.
No amount is too small—every dollar makes a difference.
Donate via Venmo @midtownmuttsARC or help support our current Rescue, Happy Gilmore, on Zeffy
❤️ Donate today because Every Paw Has a Purpose.
Midtown Mutts Animal Rescue Coalition 
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