Loved until his last breath

This is a bitter-sweet real life story. Even though the end is not happy, the love and sensitivity it speaks of is heart-warming and inspiring.

This is Juja. She was rescued in May from the streets of Bulgaria as a small, dirty, weak and hungry ball of fur. Juja was completely covered in ticks and was so exhausted from trying to survive on her own that she kept falling asleep in the rescuers' car, as they drove her to the vet. Animal Aid International funded Juja's vet care and she, thankfully, turned out not to suffer from any other of the terrible diseases that animals on the streets often contract. Juja was fostered by the rescuer herself (as usual, at that time there was a shortage of foster homes). The little girl fit so well into her foster home and showed her tremendously sweet personality that the decision was made - the rescuer adopted Juja!

Diesel was found on the streets of Bulgaria a few days ago. Tiny, weak, hungry, and alone, he was crying out in hopes that someone would notice him. It's anyone's guess how long this baby had been on his own and what his story was. The same rescuer who adopted Juja couldn't resist the sweet baby and took him into her home to hopefully save and find an adoptive home for.

Juja showed an immediate interest in Diesel. She took every single opportunity to be near him, groom him, respond to his weak little meows. Unfortunately, even with food and shelter now a nonissue, Diesel kept getting weaker and losing his appetite. Medications and supplements were started. The sicker Diesel got, the more vigilant Juja became. She slept with him and nuzzled him gently when he would adjust and make himself cozy in her fur.

Sadly, yesterday Diesel passed away. His body had gone through too much too early in his innocent life and the rescuers' and vets' best efforts couldn't save him. However, as Diesel crosses over Rainbow Bridge, we are beyond certain that he does so knowing with the entirety of his little heart that he was loved until his last breath. Rest in peace, Diesel! Juja, you are a little 4-legged angel, thank you for giving love and comfort to this tiny boy!