Pets
Yesterday, while I was walking with Ginger, she suddenly stopped at my neighbour’s gate. I peeked through the gap and saw her lying down with three tiny kittens nursing from her. That was the moment I realised Ginger is already a mother. She’s only eight months old — still not quite an adult — yet she already has three babies. They looked so adorable. One of them even has a little cross-shaped pattern on its back. I might call that one Cross, though I’m not sure if I will keep it.
I told Odile that Ginger is now a mama, and she immediately said she would lend me something to help catch the kittens so she could bring them to Dr. Umika for sterilisation. Odile is such a rare kind of kind-hearted person on this island.
I can’t help wondering if Lilu might be the father. I’ve seen Ginger kiss him and share food with him before.
Today, when I told Dr. Umika about Odile’s plan to bring the kittens for sterilisation, she said it would be better to wait until they are around five months old. Right now — at about one month — they are far too young for any operation.
When I relayed the message to Odile, she shared some heartbreaking news. One of her dogs had to be put to sleep because of a tumour. The dog suddenly went blind, and Dr. Umika discovered a tumour that was growing too rapidly. Keeping her alive would have meant unbearable pain. I can imagine how devastated Odile must feel; she loves animals so deeply.
I will pray for her and her dog. In Hong Kong, we have pet funeral services, but I doubt such things exist here. I didn’t want to ask too much about what she will do with the body — it’s too painful. Losing a pet is always heartbreaking. I still keep the ashes of my cat from Hong Kong, so I understand exactly how she feels. I will message her again tomorrow. I hope she finds comfort and recovers from her loss soon.