His Brother's Keeper

The two tiny, six-week old kittens were in rough shape when they arrived at Dakin in August.  The brothers were very thin, had upper respiratory infections, and were covered with fleas.  Both of them had significant eye problems including ruptures and infections.

Veterinary Technician Meg Delaney jumped into action.  “I helped with their intake and then took them home (for foster care). Their condition was horrifying.  They were dehydrated, underweight, and had severe eye trauma.”

Meg named them Mabon and Samhain, after Celtic harvest festivals.  She set about getting them clean, healthy and, with the help of Dakin veterinarians, making them comfortable using the best pain control.  Eye medications were given sometimes six times a day.  Samhain’s eyes couldn’t be saved, and they were surgically removed in October to prevent infection. Mabon’s eyes have so far remained stable.

Mabon, left, visits Samhain immediately following his surgery

Despite being limited to seeing just shadows, Mabon became his brother’s “seeing eye cat.”  While Samhain was recovering post-surgery and re-learning how to navigate Meg’s home, Mabon was at his side to help him.  They ate, slept, played and used the litter box, “just like normal cats,” says Meg, and their true personalities began to emerge; Samhain confident (despite his blindness) and Mabon a bit more sensitive.

Samhain, like any kitten, delights in play time

As the pair became ready for adoption, it was decided, because of their close bond, that they would go to a new home together.  That day came earlier this month when they left Dakin behind to start a new life with a family.

Mabon catches some autumn sunshine

Meg has fostered 85 kittens, most of them high-risk for death or euthanasia.  “I’ve learned that kittens and cats are resilient,” she states.  “They don’t care if they have eyes or not, and if they’re blind, it doesn’t hinder their ability to experience a normal, happy life.”