They deserved more time. We just wish we could have given it to them.
We had hoped this story would have a different ending.
When Carina arrived at RAIN’s Wickersley centre in Rotherham with her three tiny kittens, they were already desperately unwell. They had been born as strays and had faced the dangers of life on the streets, with no safe place to sleep, no guaranteed food and no one to care for them when they became seriously ill. Their mum, Carina, had been trying to keep her babies alive in circumstances no mother should have to face.
Heartbreakingly, one of her tiny kittens died shortly after they arrived with us. That left just Orbit and Onyx, two tiny babies fighting alongside their mum.
They had finally found somewhere safe
For the first time, this little family had a safe place to be. They had warmth, food, somewhere comfortable to rest and access to veterinary care. Most importantly, they had people who cared about them deeply and were determined to give them every chance.
Carina became increasingly unwell, suffering from severe diarrhoea that left her and the kittens incredibly weak. Our team did everything we could. They received veterinary treatment, medication, food, warmth and constant monitoring. Every change was watched and every possible treatment was considered. We hoped that somehow, they would turn a corner.
We fought for this little family every step of the way.
But sadly, we weren’t able to save them all.
We couldn't save them, but they weren't alone
This is the part of rescue that never gets easier. We can open our doors, call the vets, provide medication, keep them warm, feed them and fight for them with everything we have. But sometimes, despite everything we do, we lose them.
Carina, Orbit and Onyx were three tiny lives who mattered. They deserved more time. They deserved the chance to grow. They deserved to know what it felt like to be safe.
We wanted so desperately to give them that.
Although we couldn’t change the outcome, we could change their experience. They weren’t left to suffer on the streets. They weren’t cold. They weren’t hungry. They weren’t alone.
They were warm. They were cared for. They were loved.
And because of your support, they had somewhere safe to spend their final days.
That matters more than we can put into words.
Your support helped us say yes
When Carina and her kittens arrived at RAIN, someone had to say yes. Yes, we will take them in. Yes, we will get them veterinary care. Yes, we will give them food and warmth. Yes, we will keep fighting for them.
Your donations made that possible.
£5 could help provide a meal for an animal in our care.
£10 could help provide food and everyday essentials for an animal who needs us.
£25 could help towards a night of care for an animal at RAIN.
£50 could help towards essential medication and treatment.
£100 could help towards an emergency veterinary visit when an animal needs urgent care.
There are still animals waiting for their chance
Carina, Orbit and Onyx are no longer with us, but there are still animals at RAIN who need someone to say yes.
Animals who are frightened, hungry, sick or injured. Animals who need food, warmth, veterinary care and someone to fight for them.
We can’t promise we will save every animal. But we can promise we will always try.
