Rest In Peace, Sweet Theo
This is Theo. A nine month old kitten who lived at the Trailblazer Foundation. For the past two months, Jeremy and I have come to love this kitten. This morning, we witnessed the end of his short, playful life.
In Cambodia, as with most of the developing world, cats and dogs are not well received by locals. They are often viewed as pests or are only kept around to be the first defense against venomous snakes, tigers, or thieves. There is little to no empathy for these animals as pets or living creatures. But they live here and deserve to be cared for and loved.
Theo, named by Jeremy, was one of the sweetest kittens we’ve ever known. Every day at work, he’d play around our feet, chasing moths in the sand or meow to be held for a cuddle. We loved him and today we watched him die.
After a careless move by a local, Theo’s two hind legs were crushed under the wheel of truck, breaking both femurs. After a stressful, painful morning of holding poor Theo in my arms trying to find a qualified veterinarian, I finally found Angkor Paws Animal Rescue. Even in the hands of professional, our little kitty’s injuries were too severe. He was unlikely to ever walk again. Theo was in agonizing pain, so upon recommendation from the vet, we released him from the suffering and had him put to sleep.
I am so thankful to the trained doctors and veterinarians who have come to this part of the world to offer their skills and educate locals. But I’m most thankful that we were able to find a way to stop Theo’s pain.
Please join me in taking a moment to recognize the thousands of neglected, abused and injured animals living in countries that do not offer them proper medical attention. I will be donating to Angkor Paws Animal Rescue today.
We will deeply miss Theo while we work and even after we are gone from Cambodia. I’m so sorry to him that we couldn’t save him. The distressing memories of today will be with me forever.
RIP our little, sweet Theo. You were loved.
you made an interesting point about these animals being a first defense against snakes, tigers and thieves. That must ensure a certain level of tolerance? given the degree of poverty in the region, isn’t it understandable (and justifiable) that resources to care for house `pets’ will be limited?
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Yes of course it is justifiable and not surprising that domestic animals are not the priority here. However, that is changing and people here are becoming more attached to “pets” (animal therapy is good for everyone). Also, if they learned to care for cats and dogs as pets, there probably wouldn’t be so many diseased stray animals on the streets. It’s just sad when someone does have an animal they love and can’t help it when it’s hurt.
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I’m so sorry. It’s awful to lose a pet that way.
Peter
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I’m so sorry to hear about Theo. But what makes me smile is that both of you made a big difference in the short life he had. Thanks to you both for your love and open heartedness towards this sweet cat. xox
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JUJUBEE! Can you hear me crying from there? I am so sorry, but also so glad Theo got your loving while alive. You did the very best you could for him.
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Heartbreaking story, Julie. Find comfort in knowing you made little Theo’s all-too-short life better. He’ll reward you both by greeting you when it’s your time to cross over to the other side. 😥
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Thanks Joann, I was so sorry for him, but I am glad to know that at least we were there to take care of him when he needed it. Hope you are well.
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Julie & Jeremy, I’m so sorry about Theo. And I am so inspired by the two of you – generosity, curiosity, and compassion. I think what you’re doing is fantastic and am so looking forward to reading more. All the best, Terri
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Thanks Terri for your condolences and for reading my blog! Jeremy and I are having a great time and have been learning so much along the way. This world is incredible…. so many beautiful places and people, yet so many problems…
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