October 15th, 2024
We had to let our sweet Marvin go. What a fighter this little man was. He overcame being abandoned with his brother, having CH, losing his brother to panleukopenia, and surviving panleukopenia himself. Marvin’s amazing foster mom helped him though every up and down of his time with her, and there were many.
But last week, Marvin let his foster mom know that he was ready to go, and he went peacefully in her arms at the vet.
Thank you to everyone who supported Marvin’s journey, and thank you to the vets who cared for him. Special thank you to Marvin’s forever foster mom for giving him all the love and smooches during his time with her. We will be forever grateful for all she did for this special kitty.

Sleep well, sweet Marvin. We will never forget you.

A note from Marvin’s foster mom:
“He’s gone 💔.
This is so incredibly difficult to write, has taken all day. My sweet angel was put to rest last night. I held him tight until the very end, and he took his last breath in my arms.
We spent our last night together cuddled on the couch, and thankfully the sun came out for a bit yesterday so I could take him for his final walk through the park.
I hated with everything in me to let him go, but he knew it was time, I knew, he told me with those big beautiful blue eyes. He said everything with those eyes, could read him like a book.
He fought so damn hard!, he didn’t deserve this disease! The most precious soul…
I keep looking at his bed and still see him there..I expect to walk up and kiss his furry little nose..it’s going to be a struggle, but no longer for him.
He’s at peace now, and I want to believe Paco, Swayze and Merlin greeted him with open paws at the gate of the #rainbowbridge 🌈.
I’m forever grateful to @ladybirdanimalsanctuary for letting me be his mom, he was always such a bright light in my life and now one of the brightest stars in the sky.
Love you always and furever sweet boy, I’m going to miss your crazy whiskers, fuzzy little nose, those bright baby blues and especially your hugs. Fly free with the furangels now Marvy🕊.
#gomarvin💙”

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Merlin and Marvin were found in a carrier next to some train tracks in Hamilton with a note on the carrier that said “Lost cats.” Thankfully someone found them and brought them to safety at Hamilton Animal Services. In our opinion, Merlin and Marvin were likely dumped by a breeder who realized they could not sell these two to make money, so they were dumped like trash. Being left in the summer heat with no food or water in the carrier, they were very lucky to have survived this ordeal. The kittens waited out their stray time at the shelter, and when HAS reached out to us for help, we were more than happy to get these two sweethearts out of the shelter and into a foster home.

As you can see from the video, Merlin and Marvin are very wobbly kittens. They have a condition called cerebellar hypoplasia. It’s a neurological condition that most commonly occurs when a pregnant cat becomes infected with feline panleukopenia virus. CH causes an inadequate development of the cerebellum, a section of the brain that is largely responsible for modulating motor skills. Hence the wobbling. CH causes no pain, and most cats with the condition can live a somewhat normal life, with some adjustments to their living area.

Merlin and Marvin are super affectionate and purry kittens. They’re soaking up all the love from their foster mom, and doing well so far. They have a vet visit coming up, and we’ll have another update for you then.

Welcome to Ladybird, Merlin and Marvin! We’re so happy you’re here!

* AUGUST 16/22 UPDATE *

Heartbreaking news.
Little Merlin has passed away. He developed severe diarrhea overnight, and became lethargic in the morning. His foster mom rushed him to the vet, and despite the vet and staff’s best efforts, sweet Merlin passed away at the clinic.
We’re waiting for test results to come back to see what caused Merlin’s passing, and we’re shocked at how quickly this happened. Our hearts are breaking for Merlin’s foster mom. She’s devastated. And we’re so sad for Marvin. He loved his brother so much. Foster mom is giving Marvin all kinds of extra love to help him through. Marvin had a health check and blood tests done at the vet and thankfully he seems to be healthy so far.
Merlin – you were such a special kitten. We’re so sad to have lost you, but we take comfort that you knew nothing but love during your time with us.
We’ll never forget your sweet face.

* AUGUST 19/22 UPDATE *

Marvin was rushed to the vet this morning – he’s got the runs, he’s lethargic and has a very high fever. Same symptoms his brother had. 🙁
Tests came back that both cats had panleukopenia, which is basically the equivalent to canine parvovirus. After Merlin passed, Marvin was started on medication to try to keep the symptoms at bay, and he had been doing well until this morning. Chances of survival for very young cats who contract this virus is slim, but we’re hoping he got to the vet for treatment in time.
Please cross your fingers for this sweet boy.

* AUGUST 20/22 UPDATE *

Marvin made it through the night!
He was transferred to a 24 hour clinic yesterday, and though he still has diarrhea and his blood levels are still off, he’s bright and alert, eating, and purring up a storm for all the staff. We’re so proud of this little fighter!
Marvin will stay at the clinic over the weekend, and hopefully he’ll continue to fight the symptoms of this horrible virus.
Go Marvin! We’re all rooting for you!

* AUGUST 27/22 UPDATE *

* SEPTEMBER 14/22 UPDATE *

* DECEMBER 17/22 UPDATE *
Since surviving panleukopenia, Marvin has been left with severe mobility issues. He still isn’t able to stand on his own, but he has regained some use of his legs. Marvin’s amazing foster mom is helping him live his best life, and we’re here with him every step of the way.
Because of his condition and the level of care he will need going forward, we’ve made the decision to make Marvin a Ladybird permanent resident. That means he’ll stay with his foster mom, and we will continue to cover the cost of his medical care, food and supplies. We can’t imagine a better place for Marvin to be. His foster mom has been there for him through every challenge he’s faced, and she’s more than happy to continue to give him the love and care he needs.

You’re forever loved, Marvin!

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There are many ways you can help us help Marvin!
Monetary donations can be made through this page.

And if you’d rather donate items, here is a list of things Marvin needs:
🐾 Royal Canin brand canned kitten food
🐾 Small soft blankets
🐾 preemie size baby bibs
🐾 WAHL brand pet shampoo
🐾 Huggies Nourish and Care baby wipes

Donate items at our Amazon Wish list
or at Dundas Pet Valu – 86 Main Street, Dundas, Ontario.

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* YOU CAN FOLLOW MARVIN’S PROGRESS IN HIS FOSTER HOME ON INSTAGRAM AT THIS ACCOUNT