With blurry tear-filled eyes, I'm writing this post to let everyone know that little Azkadellia passed away just after 2:30am today (June 20th). Mabel refused to take care of her and weaned her way too early. We tried bottle feeding but she wouldn't take the bottle. We tried mushing up hard food, bought cans of soft kitten food, and tried offering water and goats milk in dishes. She couldn't figure out how to lap it up. We made small progress getting her to drink a couple drops at a time if she licked it off a finger, but she wasn't able to eat enough to keep her going. She seemed to be doing better today, walking around, climbing up on the couch, and snuggling with the kids, but our bedtime rounds found her seizing on #2's pillow (he's been sleeping on the floor to offer comfort and warmth when Henry and Mabel decided they no longer wanted to snuggle with Azkadellia). She passed away surrounded by warmth and love. Mabel licked her and tried to pick her up to bring her back to the pillow, but seemed confused why the kitten wasn't responding. My heart is broken. I should have force-fed her or attempted tube feeding, but I was so sure that she would be better and she was drinking goats milk (albeit in very small amounts). The kids will be crushed when they wake up.
My sweet little Azkadellia, you gave us the joy of your company for six weeks and two days. Long enough to melt our hearts and short enough to break them. I'm so sorry that we weren't able to save you. Had I known Mabel was going to be so bad, I'd have started you bottle feeding the night you were born. Safe journey tiny friend, and we will see you again at the Rainbow Bridge. Forever in our hearts, thank you for sharing your life with us.