Little Bijou came into foster on April 23 at just 48 hours old, part of a litter of five from a small rural shelter where they had been sitting in a cold cage for hours just waiting to die...but they were some of the lucky ones...transport and a trained foster were found (one of the amazing results of networking and caring people). Though they arrived in very poor condition, the foster was able to stabilize them. Sadly, one of the boys passed away the next day, but, with 24 hour care, Bijou and her remaining three brothers began to thrive; the boys progressed normally and moved on to rescue for adoption right on schedule. Bijou, being the smallest at only 2.6 ounces on intake, progressed more slowly and at about 4 ounces seemed to stop growing...would gain a few grams, lose a few grams, then one night she crashed and it was a long night to stabilize her, but she seemed to come back stronger and passed the 5 ounce mark in the next week. There were a lot of discussions about the best course to take for her, but the foster insisted that as long as Bijou was fighting and comfortable, she would fight right along with her. It has been a long nine weeks and Bijou still only weighs 8.2 ounces, but otherwise is a healthy, happy "micro" kitten, albeit spoiled rotten. People often ask "why spend so much time/effort on one kitten when so many need help"; the answer for me is that every life matters and once a commitment is made, we don't give up just because the road is tough as long as the quality of life is good for the baby. There are no guarantees for Bijou's long term future, but she is enjoying life and basking in love...the joy she radiates to everyone around her is contagious...and her eyes say all I need to hear about why I choose to foster.

Bijou is being fostered by Susan Spaulding, co-founder of The National Kitten Coalition.