Eliza and Her Kittens

When Eliza arrived at San Diego Humane Society, she needed a safe place to raise her four newborn kittens. This feline family went right into a foster home, so they could have a quiet, secure and comfortable space to thrive. For the first four weeks of the kittens' lives, Eliza took care of everything they needed—and we provided what she needed. Eliza fed and cleaned her kittens, and kept their fragile little bodies warm.

Then the kittens—named Hamilton, Burr, Angelica and Peggy, after the historical figures featured in the popular "Hamilton" musical—were old enough for solid food. Their foster home put fresh wet food out for them multiple times a day and helped them learn how to eat. She offered them dry food and set up a small litter box too. The kittens still relied on Eliza, but they were starting to become independent!

Then one evening, Eliza began showing signs of pain when her kittens approached her to nurse. She was quickly brought to our Pilar & Chuck Bahde Center for Shelter Medicine, where our veterinary staff discovered she had mastitis, which is very painful, especially with nursing. Luckily her kittens could be weaned and continue growing on their own in the foster home, while Eliza received the medical treatment she needed. And she healed beautifully! Within a week, the whole family was ready for spay or neuter surgeries—and it didn't take long before they were adopted into loving homes.

In the musical "Hamilton," Eliza's namesake says, "Look at where you are. Look at where you started. The fact that you're alive is a miracle."

Every day, thanks to your commitment to animals like Eliza, San Diego Humane Society is here to provide shelter, specialized medical care and plenty of love. Thank you for your generosity. We can only give animals the support they deserve because of you.

You can ensure our important work continues well into the future with a gift in your estate plan. To learn more about creating a legacy of love for animals, please contact Katie Chalmers at (619) 798-0498 or KChalmers@sdhumane.org.