Oh, what a weekend! :D

We're home from our delivery! The boys are now safe and happy in their new home.

The past couple of days happened so quickly, and oh my, I am tired. As soon as I got in the door this afternoon I curled up in bed and crashed out for a few hours. I slept like I hadn't slept in months.

My post right now is going to be pretty scattered because even now I feel a little sleepy-headed, but I wanted to let everyone know how things went.

I don't think it's really hit me yet that -they're gone-. I still can't believe that we found them a home, and I owe it to all of you who stood behind me and helped spread the word and give advice. The internet is such a powerful tool, and it's amazing how people can come together to help each other out. So thank you all again, from the bottom of my heart. These boys will now grow up and live happily, and it's because of you.

We had debated back and forth for some time if they would be okay to go. It was up in the air for so long because I knew that Ann had a severe CH cat at home that she already had to watch regularly. Plus, we wanted to wait to see how the boys progressed over the week. After talking to each other on a daily basis on how they were doing, Ann called me on Thursday to confirm that she, for sure, felt that she was going to be able to help us out. The boys were doing well, by eating out of the dish on their own, and occasionally using the litterpan (and box with help).

Now, Ann has quite the fur-family there (which I will get to in a minute), so we have also talked about options once the boys get older. Right now, she will work with them while they are young - and has even hired a pet-physiotherapist for her other severe CH cat, which she will be able to incorporate sessions with the boys. Which is AMAZING. We have another special and wonderful person, Michelle (the one I had been talking to on Facebook), who has been interested in adopting them as well. The only thing about that, as I mentioned, was the worry about not being able to use the litter. But if Ann can get them trained, she will let her know, and she then can possibly re-adopt them from Ann. If not, Ann will wholeheartedly keep them indefinitely. She has been able to train her other CH cats though, so I have faith in her.

When we got to her house, which took us a 4.5 hour drive, I was amazed. What an amazing person, and a terrific home, full of very sweet and VERY cared for cats. I believe the CH total is.... something like 5 or 6 cats with CH. The rest of her fur babies are normal. Now, this may sound like a lot of cats, but the way she has it set up for them is absolutely wonderful. They have tons of room to run and play and they all seem SO happy. She does such a great job with them, you can tell. (I was SO relieved!!!!) . She even had a room dedicated specifically for the boys, which was full of bedding and specially-made CH litterboxes (she cuts a little opening in the front for easy access, and tapes it with duct tape so the edges are smooth = GREAT idea).

I had spent the last half of the trip getting there holding and snuggling Wes - saying goodbye to him. When we finally left her house (after an hour or so of tea, talk, and playing with her adorable kitties), I got a little misty eyed saying goodbye to them. But, it wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be, because I could just see how much care and love they were going to get. Also, as I've mentioned, I don't think it's hit me quite yet that they're officially gone from me forever.

She has promised to send us pictures and to keep in touch often to let us know how things are going. I find I'm thinking about them all the time, wondering what they're doing, and how they're adapting to their new surroundings. I'll be eager to hear from her to see how things are going.

I just want to let you know that it was a perfect ending. I couldn't have asked for anything more. I'm glad we worked so hard for these two, and while it was sad to see them go, I am so glad to see them in a place that they can continue to flourish with someone caring helping them with adapting to their needs.

I brought my camera, but of course, stupidly, I left it in the trunk while we were driving. Then, when we were there, I felt it would be a bit rude to take pictures in her house... so I just snapped one picture each of them quickly. I also got some videos of their last night and last morning at our house before we left. But... since I'm lazy and posting in bed right now, I'll get them in my post tomorrow.

Well, that's it for now. Where does that leave us? Well, Rosie is still here, and seeming a little lonely. We're going to move her to the -actual- foster room now, and then scrub down the office from top to bottom. Rosie is going in for shots and spaying in about 2 weeks (she's on a waiting list), so we'll have her for a while longer at least (gotta find her a home, too!).
After that, we're taking a bit of a vacation from fostering for a while. It's not the end of it for us though... We will keep going with more. As far as having a mama have kittens here, well, that will be something we will put on hold - but, taking in other fosters will be just fine :)

So, I'll be back tomorrow with the pictures. Thanks for being here with me through all of this. It has been quite the ride! :D