Bittersweet blessings and life lessons . . .

This post has been one of the most difficult for me to write.  With my heart in my throat though, life must go on.  Carmela finally gave birth Monday afternoon!  It was a very long day of waiting for both her and I as she began contractions around 5:30 am and didn't give birth until 5:30 pm.  She gave birth to two beautiful little boys.  Heartbreak struck though when her first born, who we named Leo, showed obvious signs of being under developed.  He was unable to stand and had no suck reflex.  Sadly after 6 hours of struggling to keep him alive, he passed away.  Carmela's second born son, who we have named Draco, is strong and healthy and doing fantastic!  With the death of Leo, it has been very difficult to celebrate the safe arrival of Draco, but we are finally managing.  Although sometimes it doesn't make much sense as to why a beautiful creature is born into this world, only to be unfairly taken away hours later, we do have to try to learn the lessons laid out for us.  For me, I think Leo was sent to help teach me about letting go.  I am not used to losing the battle for an animals life!  I save animals.  It is what I do!  Being completely helpless is not something that I a used to and I am far to stubborn to ever give up.  With Leo, there was no choice for me.  He wasn't going to make it and that's all there was to it.  Bittersweet indeed.  I don't think my heart ever forgets.  I still cry thinking about Toby and we lost him several years ago!  Leo was a beautiful soul who wasn't given a fair shot at life.  He will never be forgotten by me though.

On a much needed and happier note.  Carmela is doing wonderfully as a new mother!  She is very protective and attentive to her surviving son.  Draco is vibrant and active and just the most devilishly handsome little man!  He looks so much like his Mom and was fortunate enough to have inherited her beautiful ice blue eyes and white and gold colouring!

---

Draco seems to be endlessly hungry and even when he isn't eating he is walking around with his tongue out, sucking away as if he is forever in search if another teat to try out!  He is too precious for words and will definately make someone a wonderful breeding herd sire.

---