Animals need our help, love

Huddled against the rosebush, the seven-week-old kitten didn't run away or object when I went out to water the plants. As I cautiously approached, I could tell it was pretty sick.

After a moment of, "Aaagh, what do I do?," I called my vet to see if they could look at the kitten. I couldn't leave it there, sick, alone and suffering without trying to do something.

I dropped it off at the vet's office and, after an initial diagnosis of a severe upper respiratory infection, they promised to call with more information. What followed was five days of determined, dedication compassion and care by the veterinarians and their staff as everyone fought to save the kitten. In doing so, they more than earned my respect and gratitude.

Unfortunately, she didn't make it. "Little K" — a name I gave her afterward because I couldn't stand the idea of her passing without a name — was just too sick.

Her death saddened me — and it made me angry. Too many people drop off cats and dogs when they move or the animals have offspring, figuring they "can take care of themselves." They can't. They don't have the skills to survive on their own. Those which survive, depend on people.

What can you do? First, if you have a cat or dog, follow Bob Barker's advice — spay or neuter your pet. Second, if you can, help out. There are plenty of options, including the Panhandle Animal Shelter which are dedicated to helping abandoned pets needing a good home as well as stray cats and dogs looking for a chance.

It be a "purr-fect" legacy for "Little K."

Caroline Lobsinger is the managing editor of the Daily Bee.