A testimony and labor of love

[KitCatty]

So many of you don't know me as there are several newbies.... My name is Nikki and I found this wonderful site 3-4 years ago! An excited newbie myself and brining home 2... No wait 3 Sphinxies. I was hooked and in LOVE. My boys are my world and over the next year I decided I wanted to make them a part of my life for ever and spoke with my breeder about breeding one of my boys. I took my time, making very thought out plans a decisions for my program. Last year I brought 2 girls into my home. I did all of the tests, vaccines baths, nails, ears and have loved my kitties through and through.

In October of this year our beautiful Mystique went into labor and struggled so off to the vet I went... She delivered her first still born on the way their... No contractions so a sono it was... 3 heartbeats were detected and a possible heartbeat A c-section was required. My head was spinning... I wanted nothing more than Mysti to be ok. She made it through with 3 babies... One of which who struggled to latch. I was able to bring them home next day. I stayed up countless hours supplementing, keeping Mysti as comfy as possible, caring for her incision, hot compresses, more vet visits for stitches, weight checking and such but we all got through it.... Mind you I also have babies of my own... a 7 yr old and a 1 yr old. My days and night blurred for a while but I felt it was worth it all!

The babies thrived even the little one. I bonded with them and LOVE them dearly. And then last week monday it was time for their first shots! I was praised for a job well done, a success!!! A clean bill of health for all YAY! Only a day later our tiniest tyke stopped eating, vet recommended supplemental feedings and a call the and or visit the next day. I took him in and he had lost no weight so off home I went (big mistake). I stayed up all night with my little guy to watch him fade 2 hours before the vet opened on Thursday (he was 9 weeks old)... So packed up my crew and off to the vet I went... Tests and fecal exams and fluids were the prescription. A virus to weaken the immune system and a parasite is all it took to claim one babies life. I am responsible and feel so terrible but I am not writing to find pity. No I write to inform you all, that while these babies are cute and we love to look at pictures. They can be fragile and breeders put time, effort, money and LOVE into them. I know my family has!!!!

I am not going to let this break me and I needed to share because I feel that many of you are family and those that are not or that I have not had the pleasure of meeting should know the sacrifice of those who give you your precious little gifts So please during this holiday time be thankful for you babies. These precious bundles of life!!!

RIP Remington aka Little Remi

Happy Holidays to you all and a Very Merry Christmas

 

[PrimateLove]

Sending prayers to little Remi across the rainbow bridge. He is looking down on your purring knowing he was loved for his short time on earth! It's hard not to beat yourself up, I am the worst at it on myself, but you did everything you could for these babies, know that in your heart!

Hugs to you guys!

 

[admin]

So many of you don't know me as there are several newbies.... My name is Nikki and I found this wonderful site 3-4 years ago! An excited newbie myself and brining home 2... No wait 3 Sphinxies. I was hooked and in LOVE. My boys are my world and over the next year I decided I wanted to make them a part of my life for ever and spoke with my breeder about breeding one of my boys. I took my time, making very thought out plans a decisions for my program. Last year I brought 2 girls into my home. I did all of the tests, vaccines baths, nails, ears and have loved my kitties through and through.

In October of this year our beautiful Mystique went into labor and struggled so off to the vet I went... She delivered her first still born on the way their... No contractions so a sono it was... 3 heartbeats were detected and a possible heartbeat A c-section was required. My head was spinning... I wanted nothing more than Mysti to be ok. She made it through with 3 babies... One of which who struggled to latch. I was able to bring them home next day. I stayed up countless hours supplementing, keeping Mysti as comfy as possible, caring for her incision, hot compresses, more vet visits for stitches, weight checking and such but we all got through it.... Mind you I also have babies of my own... a 7 yr old and a 1 yr old. My days and night blurred for a while but I felt it was worth it all!

The babies thrived even the little one. I bonded with them and LOVE them dearly. And then last week monday it was time for their first shots! I was praised for a job well done, a success!!! A clean bill of health for all YAY! Only a day later our tiniest tyke stopped eating, vet recommended supplemental feedings and a call the and or visit the next day. I took him in and he had lost no weight so off home I went (big mistake). I stayed up all night with my little guy to watch him fade 2 hours before the vet opened on Thursday (he was 9 weeks old)... So packed up my crew and off to the vet I went... Tests and fecal exams and fluids were the prescription. A virus to weaken the immune system and a parasite is all it took to claim one babies life. I am responsible and feel so terrible but I am not writing to find pity. No I write to inform you all, that while these babies are cute and we love to look at pictures. They can be fragile and breeders put time, effort, money and LOVE into them. I know my family has!!!!

I am not going to let this break me and I needed to share because I feel that many of you are family and those that are not or that I have not had the pleasure of meeting should know the sacrifice of those who give you your precious little gifts So please during this holiday time be thankful for you babies. These precious bundles of life!!!

View attachment 18677

View attachment 18678

RIP Remington aka Little Remi

Happy Holidays to you all and a Very Merry Christmas

Sorry to hear about little Remington - RIP. Breeding can be somewhat complicated and not as expected at times.

 

[susi794]

Nikki, I am so sorry for the loss of one of your precious babies. I know all too well the pain that you are feeling right now. Breeding sphynx is not for the weak of heart. It is HARD and often HEARTBREAKING but it can also be so rewarding and wonderful. My prayers are with you, Sweety......hang in there. RIP little Remi---and kiss all our babies that undoubtedly came to meet you at the Bridge's gate. Tell them they are still loved and will never be forgotten. You were loved, little man--and love is everything.

 

[Lickleone]

((((Hugs))))

 

[Inflamed]

I'm so sorry you lost little Remy Nikki, it's always so sad when they die so young.
Know that I'm very grateful for all the hard work breeders put into their kittens and that I'm so happy & thankful to have these crazy boys in my life!!
Hugs to you and your family, I hope the other kittens continue to thrive.

 

[kimmyhm]

I'm so sorry for your loss, it's heartbreaking especially when they they were all thriving, I went through very similar with a furry baby, mum had 3 kits one was still born, I named the other 2 little and large for obvious reasons, little got an eye infection at 3 weeks and we went to the vet weekly, her eyes ulcerated but the vet plodded on, after 6 weeks one eye was totally better and the other just had a mist, so vet have more drops and said to make an appointment for a fortnight, a week passed then one morning little wouldn't eat her breakfast but appeared to be suckling milk, by the evening her belly was swollen, I was worried about her so rung the vets and was told to take her in the next morning, unfortunately that wasn't to be, little aka tinkerbell was collapsed clap cold the next morning and died before reaching the vets, she was ten weeks old and the whole experience broke my heart.

Rip Remington and my thoughts are with you at this sad time

 

[GoldHazel]

So many of you don't know me as there are several newbies.... My name is Nikki

Hi Nikki, I hope you feel better that you shared your story with us. We all support you and by no means would anyone here ever blame you for what happened. I'm so sorry that you experienced this horror, but find joy in the fact that the remaining little ones and Mama are all doing well. Also, your determination with two young children of your own amazes me.
I wish you the very best, much success in breeding and nothing but health and happiness with the New Year and your endeavors.

Always,
Robin oxox

 

[KitCatty]

Thank you guys for your kind words and encouragement.... I have learned a lot about myself, my husband and our 7 year old through all of this. I will keep you posted and want my kitty families to introduce their little ones. In all honesty I don't really intend to announce new litters and such as I love this site as a community of Sphynx lovers and want it to stay that way for me!!!

 

[Catzzzmeow]

Nikki,
I am happy you reached out for the extra support and to share your story. I hope the holiday season only gets merrier and brighter and the New Year will be a fresh start for you and your family.

Patti

 

[andreanar]

Im so sorry for your loss! Thank you for sharing your story. While breeding always seemed like candy and rainbows and flowers to me, and Im sure it is at times, I know I could not deal with the heartbreak side of it, so I respect you immensely (and all others) who go thru these types of sorrows so that alot of people can have such joy in their lives.
Happy Holidays and may the new year bring you much success and happiness!

 

[ElvirasMum]

Hey there Nikki lady! Please don't beat yourself up. Hindsight is always 20/20 vision. RIP sweet faced little Remi boy! You may not have been of this Earth for very long, but your impact will always be felt by those who loved you!!! Including your lady mama and those that loved you from afar!!!!

 

[GoldHazel]

Thank you guys for your kind words and encouragement.... I have learned a lot about myself, my husband and our 7 year old through all of this. I will keep you posted and want my kitty families to introduce their little ones. In all honesty I don't really intend to announce new litters and such as I love this site as a community of Sphynx lovers and want it to stay that way for me!!!

You are very welcome. I wanted to mention to you before that in a perfect world, all breeders would be just like you! Unfortunately, not all breeders are like you. I found that out the hard way.

 

[NinaGato]

Nikki you have a lot of courage. I am sorry for your loss bit with any of us that has been involved in breeding we know the realities and rewards. I wish you continued success and fortitude of spirit.

 

[assibassi]

awwwww so sorry !!! RIP Remi !!
I can only imagine what Breeders go thru, the work and the love and all. I know i wouldnt be able to handle if i loose one. I could never do it, i would get too attached to them and couldnt let go .
My cuddos go out to all Breeders ! You and others . You do a hell of a job !!! Specially with Human kids as well and all the work and and the list never ends.....
THANK YOU !!!

 

[Hairless Blessing]

I'm sorry for your loss, but, i'm sure you did all you could, but, I know this happens to the best of breeders
with many years experience. Sometimes things are out of our hands.
Beautiful babies by the way. Don't be hard on yourself.

 

[Boonecat]

RIP, baby Remi. (hugs) to you also, Nikki.

 

[SphynxKid]

I'm sorry that you went through all of this. Little Remington looked like a darling! But we never know what the universe has planned. It is a good reminder as to why our little babies should stay with momma for a little while longer than normal fur babies, they are so fragile! Even under a close eye, like yours, for 24 hrs straight, they can get sick and go downhill so quickly. Thanks for Sharing. You know we are here for you.

Jen

 

[MyJezebel]

So many of you don't know me as there are several newbies.... My name is Nikki and I found this wonderful site 3-4 years ago! An excited newbie myself and brining home 2... No wait 3 Sphinxies. I was hooked and in LOVE. My boys are my world and over the next year I decided I wanted to make them a part of my life for ever and spoke with my breeder about breeding one of my boys. I took my time, making very thought out plans a decisions for my program. Last year I brought 2 girls into my home. I did all of the tests, vaccines baths, nails, ears and have loved my kitties through and through.

In October of this year our beautiful Mystique went into labor and struggled so off to the vet I went... She delivered her first still born on the way their... No contractions so a sono it was... 3 heartbeats were detected and a possible heartbeat A c-section was required. My head was spinning... I wanted nothing more than Mysti to be ok. She made it through with 3 babies... One of which who struggled to latch. I was able to bring them home next day. I stayed up countless hours supplementing, keeping Mysti as comfy as possible, caring for her incision, hot compresses, more vet visits for stitches, weight checking and such but we all got through it.... Mind you I also have babies of my own... a 7 yr old and a 1 yr old. My days and night blurred for a while but I felt it was worth it all!

The babies thrived even the little one. I bonded with them and LOVE them dearly. And then last week monday it was time for their first shots! I was praised for a job well done, a success!!! A clean bill of health for all YAY! Only a day later our tiniest tyke stopped eating, vet recommended supplemental feedings and a call the and or visit the next day. I took him in and he had lost no weight so off home I went (big mistake). I stayed up all night with my little guy to watch him fade 2 hours before the vet opened on Thursday (he was 9 weeks old)... So packed up my crew and off to the vet I went... Tests and fecal exams and fluids were the prescription. A virus to weaken the immune system and a parasite is all it took to claim one babies life. I am responsible and feel so terrible but I am not writing to find pity. No I write to inform you all, that while these babies are cute and we love to look at pictures. They can be fragile and breeders put time, effort, money and LOVE into them. I know my family has!!!!

I am not going to let this break me and I needed to share because I feel that many of you are family and those that are not or that I have not had the pleasure of meeting should know the sacrifice of those who give you your precious little gifts So please during this holiday time be thankful for you babies. These precious bundles of life!!!

View attachment 18677

View attachment 18678

RIP Remington aka Little Remi

Happy Holidays to you all and a Very Merry Christmas

What a touching post. I truly felt all that you went through and I am sorry that you lost sweet little Remi and for all of the worry that you endured during Mysti's complications. I'm so very thankful for responsible and dedicated breeders like yourself who put your heart and soul into your kitties. I actually hope that you change your mind about announcing your litters because I would love to be able to watch them grow in pictures here on the Lair. While I totally respect your decision not to post about your babies, just know that I would really enjoy being able to celebrate these little lives with you and that as your Lair family, we are here to support you during any tough times you might experience too. Please kiss all your babies for me and enjoy the holidays with your family.
Heather, Jezebel and Finneas

 

[MisoLina24]

So sorry for your loss of lil Remi I'm sure you went above and beyond what could have been done. RIP Remi