Tippy in April

We were so excited to be able to see Tippy again.  The little caracal kitten that we sent to the Born Free Center just outside Addis.  Tippy was still being cared for in Addis by the manager and so he invited us to his house.

Tippy seemed so big and we were disappointed to see that he had forgotten us.  But after 1/2 hour we got to hold him.  We realized that Tippy was not the innocent kitten that he used to be and was growing fast.  Since April, he has apparently doubled in size again.  So this wild kitten was not for keeps but we are glad he is in a safe place.

Photos with Tippy

It was time to say goodbye.  There is nothing quite like a camera to capture a memory (though a few can do it just as well with words).  Personally, I think the children holding Tippy are worth capturing all alone but this was a unique and special kitten.

We were able to send Tippy with a family travelling from Gesses to Addis Ababa and we were relieved to hear that she was well received by Born Free, an organization that cares for rescued orphan wild animals (and I believe some of the lions and other wild cats were in the homes of certain officials).

 About 24 hours after Tippy arrived in Addis, she crashed physically.   I wondered if it was the shock of leaving a hot climate with 5 doting children but it seems that something had been brewing.  A vet took care of her and she is apparently gaining strength.  So we might even get the chance to see her again:) 

 Although I am not a huge animal lover, I was once a child.  It is not so long ago that I forget my deep affection for animals.  In fact I am quite sure that it equaled my own children's love.  And so I find, that I open my arms and even my heart to God's little creatures and allow my children the experience of loving all things that He has created.

  Can't you just see the love? 

Until Tippy came to our front door, I didn't even know these wild Caracal cats existed in our "backyard".  I am always amazed at God's hand of creativity in each part of the world.

Farewell Tippy

Ten days ago, a tiny chirping creature with black ears, tawny fur, big paws and a spotted tummy joined our family. It sounded more like a winged creature than one with 4 legs. We heard it chirring in the bush near our home after the fire swept through our valley and over the mountains around us. An orphan kitten.

We thought it might stay in our home for a few days but we soon realized it could not fend for itself at such a young age and without a mother to teach it. She wound herself around 5 little hearts and maybe a few big ones too.

She was named Tippy within minutes of her arrival as she kept tipping over when she tried to walk. The children fed her milk by syringe and she began to grow stronger and started to run. Although she is likely a Caracal kitten and so a shy, nocturnal animal, she was instead getting used to being handled hourly and left to sleep at night.

Tippy learned that the sound of the back porch opening meant a small hand would pick her up, feed her and cuddle. Our love grew for this little wild yet tame creature but we knew she could not stay. This kitten would not stay small and would eventually outgrow our screened in back porch. This was a wild cat who would grow much larger than the average house cat. Goats and sheep and chickens that roam freely would be in danger.

Oh we could have tamed her but it would not change the fact that she has wild blood. And so our children came up with a plan. We had once visited a place near Addis called Born Free. A sanctuary for wild animals to be cared for. The children started praying and I wrote an email. We needed an answer by Wednesday night. To their delight, we received an affirmative reply at exactly that time!

There have been tears in the letting go but our children know that God heard their prayers. They are pleased. So tomorrow, Tippy will travel the long road to Addis Ababa with our neighbour family. Tomorrow the director of Born Free will pick her up. Tomorrow, she will no longer have little hands holding her, warm laps to cuddle into and little voices cheering for her. But just maybe when we visit her next month, she will remember these little people that loved her so well.

Farewell Tippy. You have been a sweet friend and taught us to love and appreciate one of God's wild creatures. Thank you Lord that you hear the prayers of our little ones.