Kubby captured our hearts this past year albeit for only a few short weeks.  Kubby began his life as a homeless kitten in April 2018. Luckily, some kind humans gathered him up with his siblings and placed him in foster care via Animal Rescue Project in Kalamazoo, Michigan.  Unfortunately, Kubby did not thrive and when he visited the veterinarian, he tested positive for feline leukemia.

When we received the sad call about Kubby, we agreed to welcome him into our sanctuary.  On June 9th, we drove to Gull Lake Animal Hospital and happily returned to our home with sweet, quiet Kubby.  During the next few weeks, we did our best to give Kubby a chance at survival; however, he did not gain weight and did not respond to veterinary treatment.  When the seizures began, we knew that it was time to say goodbye. Kubby was humanely euthanized on July 11th.

Frustrated with this outcome, I felt personally compelled to take further action.  I sent the body of our little Kubby to Michigan State University for necropsy. The results demonstrated that Kubby had congenital organ abnormalities and was accumulating fluid in multiple areas of his tiny body.  

We’ve learned to accept euthanasia as a critical component to our Smokey Acres program.  We truly feel that this is an expression of love for our cats. Peaceful endings are just as important as hopeful beginnings.