The kittens left behind

I think I've mentioned before about my recurring nightmare that I've left kittens behind but can't remember where well that almost ended up happening.  Remember my tidy rescue from last week, momma cat and two kittens rescued?  Not so tidy after all.  I found out Tuesday night that Jean, the elderly lady, had heard kittens crying a night or two before.  Obviously there were more than two.  I felt sick knowing they were out in the cold and possibly without food for a few days since Jean had stopped putting food out thinking we got them all.  

So yesterday my wonderful husband changed a meeting and I left work early so we could get there before dark and try to find them although Jean had not seen them the night before or that day.  Sure enough, no kittens on her balcony, but we started searching the row of balconies and finally Steve spotted movement, two kittens.  I managed to charm my way into an elderly couple's apartment so I could get out on the balcony and set a trap.  This job is part detective work, part community relations.  Their apartment stank of smoke and was full of clutter but anything for the cats.  After a few minutes they grew tired of me hanging around so I was about to pack up and move my trap when I saw the door was down and best of all, both kittens were inside.  A fist pumping moment!

Heather had already so kindly agreed to take these guys so last night they joined their siblings in warmth and safety.

I'm still coming down from my cat rescuer's high today, I felt so good knowing they wouldn't be out on these cold nights, starving, and crying for their mother.  Many days I feel frustration and disappointment with other aspects of my life, but not the cat rescue part.  That I can feel great about and I went to sleep last night much more relaxed than the night before.  Oh, and momma cat is now spayed and vetted and has settled in wonderfully to her new home!