Good Bye Little Bucky

My little Bucky went to his forever home today. I started to type something that sounded pitiful and sad, but the truth is....he went to a GREAT home. I've known Sam (not his real name) for a long time and was thrilled when he stepped forward and wanted to adopt my little man.

I brought Bucky to Sam's house and despite the fact that I've known Sam for a long time, I still had that damn gnawing feeling in my stomach that I get right before any foster cat is adopted.

Sam has cats and dogs of his own, so I knew Bucky would be in good company. For the first few minutes Bucky looked worried, but seemed to settle in fairly quickly.

Bless Sam's heart - he didn't make me feel like a doofus for telling him how to feed Bucky. (Yes, I really did)

At this point, I'm sure Sam is REALLY sorry that we're friends on Facebook. Our messages today have looked something like this:

Sam: Bucky is now having fun. Casper (Note: Sam's cat) was hiding under the arm chair in the living room; he came out shortly after you left. Within an hour he and Bucky were chasing each other around the basement. Bucky has also smacked out both the big dogs, so now they're afraid of him. What a bully!

Me: Oh my gosh! You have no idea how much I needed to hear that, Sam! I'm SO glad Casper has found a "runny buddy".

Sam: Bucky (now Pippin) has made friends with all the cats, including Tulip. He's still a bit nervous with the dogs, but I expect he'll be fine with them by tomorrow at the latest. Now if I can only convince him that he really ISN'T meant to sleep on the kitchen table ...

Me: I think you should let Buck...err....Pippin do anything he wants! :)

Sam: He's defintely settled in -- right now he's curled up in my lap, purring up a storm. And I don't really mind cats on the kitchen table and counters -- I just don't want to see them doing it. Wiping off the footprints later is ok.

Me: Awwww! He loves you already! He didn't snuggle in with me like that until a week after he arrived. Maybe he's a "Guy's cat". The house seemed quiet when I came home today. I miss the little booger.

********************************

Although my back is still in pretty bad shape, I consoled myself by going from Sam's house to the shelter. I rescued "Humble" the big, sweet Tom cat that I posted for a few days ago:

I'm not the one fostering this guy, but I was so happy to get him out. I'm hoping to go back to the shelter later in the week to find another foster for me.

To Bucky: You're welcome, little man :)

To Humble: You're welcome, big man :)

Toronto Humane Society Opinion

I've been pretty quiet throughout the whole Toronto Humane Society fiasco . If you haven't heard about it, please click on the link and read away. I've had so many people ask me what my opinion is regarding the mess over there. I've always said "I just want to rescue cats and don't want to be involved in politics."

I can no longer say "it's political." It isn't.

A fellow blogger at "One Bark at a Time" speaks for me in his recent post after a mummified dead cat was found in a "humane trap" in the ceiling at this shelter. This (probably) feral cat was trapped, and forgotten.

I really encourage you to read his post: Of Dead Cats and Politics at Toronto Humane

I'm having nightmares about this cat. I can't imagine what the poor thing went through screaming and clawing at the cage bars. Nobody heard him. Or perhaps nobody would listen.
It must've been like being buried alive.

Bottom line? I used to sit on the fence regarding the allegations of Toronto Humane Society. Not any more. I hope they throw the book at them.

A Friday Update

I had no idea that cat lovers were also a Chiropractic wealth of information and Pharmaceutical hoarders!! LOL!!! Thank you all so much for all your kind thoughts and suggestions. I think I'd rather give birth sideways than have this kind of pain. I've never been one that actually has major back pain, so I'm not doing well with it. Holy crap. How do people live with this all the time?

I lost my temper yesterday and had David and my son's scrambling...they were vacuuming, taking out garbage, emptying the dishwasher, etc. I swear...nobody does ANYTHING unless I tell them to do it. Why is it I'm the only one that sees things that need to be done? There are still tumble weeds of cat hair floating around the hardwood floors, but at least they tried to vacuum, and I'll try not to complain.

Maggie's water dish had dry cat food floating in it, and I couldn't bend down to empty her water dish. One of the cats pooped in the litterbox and didn't cover it up, so the whole room smelled like crap. Did anybody think to scoop it???? Noooooooooooooooo..... Why would they? These are the same men that leave the toilet seat up.

My favourite little senior guy "Nash" is still at the shelter despite a lot of kind folks putting his picture on their Facebook pages. Thank you all so much for trying. I'm not giving up on him, and if somebody calls this hour and says, "Go get him for me!" I'll do it!

Today is a Euthanasia Day at the shelter and feel so helpless. I've done 4 rescues this week, but it still doesn't feel like enough. Maybe my back is telling me that it's "Enough for now". I believe our bodies give us hints to slow down.

I won't rest today until my Christmas wreath is up on the front door. Today, that's all I ask for - a Christmas wreath on my front door....

....and "Nash" being rescued...

...and "Humble" too...

...then again, "Beanie" has been at the shelter for TWO MONTHS in a tiny cage:

Forget the Christmas Wreath....Let's go get Beanie!

AN UPDATE: Just before I pushed the "Publish" button on this post, I got word that "Nash" had been rescued and is in a FOREVER HOME!

Many thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers for this old man! :) I think I'll put up that Christmas Wreath after all :)

Crippled by a Cat Crate?

I wanted to post about the rescue yesterday, but I've somehow hurt my back. The only thing that doesn't hurt is my fingers typing away on the keyboard and sitting on the edge of my desk chair. I've got a call into my chiropractor this morning and will be on his doorstep when he opens at noon. I don't think I can drive myself. Now I understand what people are feeling who have a "bad back". I managed to feed the cats this morning, but not without breaking into a sweat.

The rescue yesterday was great! I had my eye on this rowdy little black guy with a huge white dot on his chest. He's one of those 12 week old kittens that had his paw ALL the way out of the cage to get my attention. I wish I could foster him - I'm guessing he and Bucky would've had a ball. The picture doesn't do him justice, and I'm sure his new foster Mom will love him:

I also rescued a sweet little girl named "Georgia":

The lady that adopted the grey kitten yesterday was going to adopt her until the tiny grey kitten came into the shelter. She came so close to being adopted, that I couldn't leave her. She's a pretty little thing, I think! :)

I'm hoping my ice pack has refrozen by now. I took Advil and it hasn't touched the pain. I'm looking out my front window as I type this and see all the "Starbucks" ladies power-walking by my house. I hate them. I really do. :)

Painkillers....why don't I have painkillers in the house?

Spinning Around

I'm tired tonight. I keep starting this blog post and erasing, because it's not even making sense to me! It's all good stuff, really.

We rescued 4 cats today. One went into a forever home right away, which is always a bonus. I ended up taking the adopted one into the city this afternoon to meet his new Mommy. She is a 6 week old grey kitten that was abandoned at the shelter. She was too young to be there, so the staff let me take her right away. She had only been at the shelter for an hour. :)

By the time we got on the highway I was ready to slit my wrists. THE NOISE that came from that little girl was deafening! She screamed the entire way despite me taking her from the crate and holding her in my arms. I weaved through traffic with what looked like a grey mouse around my neck from the passing motorists. Her new Mommy was thrilled with her. I can only hope that she didn't notice the hairline scratches around my chest and neck.

For those keeping track - Humble is still at the shelter. He hasn't been vaccinated and I'm worried that he's going to get sick beyond hope.

Nash is still there too. It doesn't appear that he'll be marked for euthanasia tomorrow. I think the staff is starting to pull for the old guy too. That doesn't mean they'll keep him indefinitely, but it does mean they'll give him (and me) another day.

I had a lovely voicemail message from the lady that adopted Thumper and Missy. She had never had a cat before so I've been trying to stay pretty close to her. She sounded SO happy with them. She said that Missy is the most affectionate one and Thumper is getting a shelter cold. (Blah) But she said they were eating and she loved them so much already. Yahoooo!

I ran into a man coming into the shelter yesterday with an older Burmese cat. He said he was bringing her there due to the cat having a "flea allergy". I promised the manager of the shelter I would stop talking with people who are trying to surrender their cats. (Gee. I wonder why?) So I bit my tongue. But....HOLY GOD....people never seem to amaze me how stupid they can be.

Speaking of stupid....I can't believe no one has adopted my little Bucky. I was leaving for the shelter this morning and went into my office to grab my purse and found this:
I'm thinking if anybody saw this picture, they'd be BEGGING me to adopt him. :)

(Please somebody adopt him. I'm falling in love and I can't keep the little monkey.)

Back to the shelter tomorrow to rescue one or two cats that I should've rescued this morning. I'm totally disorganized right now and the holiday season is right around the corner. I used to finish Christmas shopping in July.....I used to be so organized!

Sunday & Monday

It's been a great few days in rescue. I've met an several adopters at the shelter and watched as two different families gave deserving cats forever homes:

Boris had been at the shelter for 2 months:
He was NOT going to let this wonderful family leave without him. He struttled right by the dog cages - the family has 2 dogs and were thrilled to take him home!

I met a very sweet lady at the shelter this morning. She had never had a cat before, and had many questions. She fell in love with BOTH "Thumper" and "Missy" who were surrendered to the shelter due to allergies:

Thumper acts like he owns the place and Missy will take a little longer to get used to things. She's a delicate, sweet little girl. Their new home is perfect - their Mom is a physican who lives alone. They'll be greatly loved - I can just tell.

I also rescued "Luke" this afternoon for another foster home. I hope his foster Mom can forgive me, but I just HAD to post her email that she wrote to me after she picked up Luke from the vets:

"Not long after making the left onto (the street) the car became enveloped in a distinct poopy smell. No problem here, after all, this ain’t my first rodeo!! So I pull over after lifting off the top of the carrier I pick up the offending feces in one of the ever-present plastic bags that decorate the interior of my car. I’m feeling pretty proud of how I handled the situation at this point. Luke seemed quite content to be out and about so I started the car and we drove off…for about six yards. Then Luke jumps down to the driver’s side floor. Now as I mentioned before….I’m no novice in the field of live animal transport so I promptly pulled him back up on my lap. He was quite determined but after a few more attempts he finally gave in to my wishes and peed all over my lap and car seat."

(Bahahahahaa!!!! ...what we do for the love of rescue!!)

When I was at the shelter on Sunday, there was a senior cat with a "Marked for Euthanasia" on his cage. He was supposed to die today for no other reason than he was 10-12 years old:

After I got home on Sunday, his face haunted me. I really needed Nash to survive the day today, so I contacted Kim and "Nash" was taken off the euthanasia list. He has a small reprieve and won't be so fortunate when the vet comes on Wednesday. He's a handsome mackaral tabby that seems mellow and sweet. He didn't seem to mind the other cats at the shelter and has been neutered. I'm no veterinarian, but his health looks good - he eats like a horse.

I need this boy to find a forever home. A retirement home. A loving home. I've got him posted on my Facebook page. There isn't much time left.

Gah! I really wanted to end this post on a happy note. There had been some wonderful rescues over the past few days and I'm not done yet. Looks like I'm going back to the shelter tomorrow...

....I going to spend some time with Nash tomorrow too...

A Friday Update

I've been in a "wait and see" position regarding rescuing for the majority of the week. I'm hoping that things will be back to normal on Monday, because I have foster homes asking for cats! The viral problems in the shelter seem to have abated, so it's time to get back to business.

I just got off the phone with someone interested in adopting "Arbie":

Typical of the majority of the population, they don't quite understand why a cat who is already neutered, declawed and VERY sweet would be scheduled for euthanasia. They don't get it. I'm hoping they'll call me back and will want to meet him tomorrow. I don't usually like going to the shelter on Saturdays, but I'd like to see this cutie get into a home.

I have another favourite. Her name is "Betty":

Betty is SWEET! She's already been spayed and declawed. She definitely didn't seem too thrilled with other cats, but it's hard to say in the shelter. She hissed, but didn't go bizerk. She's a butterball and has a VERY kissable tortie face.

If you like "Headbutts"...there's always Leroy:

Some of the staff at the shelter doesn't like Leroy, because he tries so hard to get your attention that he gives little "love swipes." I love him. He's personality ++++. He loves to give headbutts and has the sweetest face!

If you like big headed Tom cats, "Humble" is your man:

He's such a gentle, sweet soul. I really hope he makes it out of the shelter.

Whenever I start feeling sorry for myself that I'm the only woman in the house, I think about this Mom with FOUR male kittens - locked in a small double cage:

They're a cute little family. I wonder if Daddy was the same buff colour?

The lady interested in "Arbie" just called me back and cancelled. Her voicemail said she wasn't ready for a commitment yet. Maybe I could get her to foster Arbie!

Regardless, I'm looking forward to getting some cats out of that place next week. Let's hope everybody stays healthy...

A United Front

I had to take two of my own cats to the vets today and ran into a woman who is on the board from my Former Rescue . The conversation went something like this:

ME: HEY you! Good to see you!!!! (Enthusiastic smile)

HER: Hello.

ME: How the heck are ya??? How's the family?? (Bigger smile)

HER: fine, thanks. (Brrrrr....)

I tried engaging her while the vet was dealing with a difficult cat. Nada. Negatory.

Really.

I don't have time for this shit stuff. Be a grown up or go home. We're all trying to save some cats. I've heard of this kind of thing with other animal rescues. "So-and-so doesn't like so-and-so. Holy crap....what grade are we in?" Grade 3? Grade 6?

One thing I've learned is that the rescue world is a small world. The Golden Rule applies here too. We're doing the same thing for the same purpose, so stop behaving like an idiot.

(Insert ***Deep Breath*** Here)

Things at the shelter are OK. I can't figure out why there are still so many kittens coming in. I had a lady contact me about adopting two orange kittens she saw on Kim's website:

I called her immediately. I had already planned on bringing the little black one home with me. I would just tell David *something*. I was already planning on telling him to suck it up. There was no way I would let the little black one stay there by himself!!

She had already stopped at Petsmart and adopted 2 orange kittens from the SPCA. The adoption fee was $120.00 which didn't include their spay or neuter. She sounded so nice.

I'm happy for the SPCA adopting their two little orange ones. Yes, I'm going to be happy for them. They needed a home too.

I'm going to fake it through and smile, because that's what adults do.

"Fonzy"

Back to the shelter again today! I rescued a really cute little guy named "Fonzy" for a new foster home:

Fonzy originally came in with his twin brother a few weeks ago. As you can tell by the picture, they both came in quite sick with an Upper Respiratory Infection. Poor little lambs - they were about 5 weeks old and the brother didn't make it. In fact, a staff member found Fonzy snuggled up to his dying brother. They really wanted to save Fonzy after that pitiful moment.

Fonzy looks great now....his foster Mom was thrilled to have him despite his few remaining sniffles. I wish I had brought my camera with me when I delivered him. The foster Mom has a huge headed older black lab. That kitten BOLTED towards the dog..."HEY! WHO ARE YOU???"

I don't know who was more thrilled - the kitten or the dog! That big ol' lab was SO happy to see the kitten! I guess the foster home had a cat that recently passed away. So it was extra sweet to see that kitten (who was about the size of the lab's nose) run up to him and the dog truly enamoured with the kitten.

Truly a missed Kodak Moment.

Have fun little man and welcome to the beginning of your new life.

"Maggie Sue"

First, I want to thank you all for the support and understanding regarding my recent post, Politically Speaking . I still had mixed feelings about not going to the city meeting and had changed my mind at about 10 a.m. this morning. I was going to go!

My phone rang at 11:30 as I was dressing. It was a woman with whom I had been corresponding via email about a cute little calico named "Maggie Sue". Lori has 4 kids and lives not too far from me. She sounded SO nice and wanted to meet Maggie Sue right away, before her older kids came home from school.

I don't know if y'all believe in "omens", but I do believe everything happens for a reason. The only time Lori could meet me at the shelter was 1 p.m. - the time the meeting started. When I arrived at the shelter, a few of the staff members were surprised to see me. "I thought you'd be at the meeting!" I shrugged.

Lori brought 3 of the adorable kids into the cat area of the shelter and met Maggie Sue. It was love at first site! Despite the fact that Maggie Sue had a shelter cold, Lori was determined to nurse her back to health.

So. No - I didn't make it to the meeting. Maybe I'm not political. Maybe I'm a "short-term thinker". But because I showed up at the shelter today a little girl named "Maggie Sue" is safe and in a home with 4 children loving her to pieces tonight:

Have a wonderful life, Maggie Sue

Too Much Thinking, Not Enough *Doing*

My phone hasn't been ringing lately. I don't know if this is good news or bad news. I suppose it's good news that foster homes aren't calling with emergencies, but that also means foster homes aren't calling and saying that they're ready for another cat. There's been some sickness at the shelter and the staff has been diligently vaccinating and trying to ward off any future outbreaks.

In the meantime....I wait until things are better over there.

I received an email today from a very nice woman that adopted a ridiculously cute cat from the shelter. She keeps me updated and it always makes me smile when I hear from her:

"Hi Beth, I thought you'd get a chuckle out of this. Whenever I complain/rant or whine to my significant other via email, this is what he replies with. It's Cider and according to him, she's good medicine. She is an incredibly sweet girl and we certainly can't imagine life without her. Thanks for bringing her to us."

She attaches the following picture:

How wonderful is it to be having a really crummy day and receive THAT face in an email? Heck, she's not even my cat and the picture made me grin from ear to ear.

Her email made me think how much TRUE joy our pets give us. When all else fails, they're always here for me. They're here through relationships that can't be fixed, and some have sat next to the toilet while I threw up. (Sometimes on the same day!)

I talk a lot about cleaning up cat poop and mopping cat pee. I've stepped in cat barf more times than I can count. But I'm grateful for every day that I wake up to see their little faces asking me for their breakfast. I have one cat that meows at my bedroom door at 6 a.m., then throws his hip against my closed door: "Meow!" BAM! "Meoooow" BAM!! There have been Sunday mornings where I could kill him. But I know in my heart that I would miss that little orange booger if he wasn't waking me up.

I've had evenings where I mope in bed praying for the day to be over, only to hear the bedroom door crrreak open. All I see is the cautious face of my dog Maggie. What would I have done without Maggie when I went through the breakup of my 20 year marriage?

I was married for 20 years to a man that only tolerated my love of animals. He "permitted me" to have cats and dogs as long as they didn't act like animals. You can see where this went...

Sooooooooo.....I've rambled long enough. I have no clue where this blog post is going, but it felt good to write down my thoughts tonight. I'm hoping to be back at the shelter in a few days. In the meantime, I've had FAR too much time on my hands.

A Sunday Funny

Thought this looked a little too much like me and David:

(P.S. Please accept my apology if you sent this to me and I'm not giving you credit. I was clearing out some of my old pictures and found this and it was too cute not to share!)

Politically Speaking...

I've had a lot of people ask me if I'm going to a Planning Committee Meeting on November 17th, specifically related to the shelter in which I rescue.

Considering that I'm at the shelter 3 or 4 days per week rescuing, you'd think I might have some worthwhile input at that meeting. If you want to speak at the meeting, you need to register ahead of time.

I honestly don't know if I'm going and I'll tell you why.

One of my biggest fears of attending a meeting like this is being pooled with other "nutty rescue activists." I've considered myself the voice of reason, where rescue is concerned. I've tried to stay sane and supportive with the shelter staff. What's the point of giving the staff at the shelter a hard time regarding euthanasia numbers when it's not their fault?

Anyway....I know there are going to be some "rescue big mouths" at this meeting. Do I really want to be associated with these people? I may feel the way they do on some issues, but why create a ruckus? There are people on Craigslist and other local activist sites that embarrass me by what they post. I'm sure some think that it's me, since I'm at the shelter all the time.

I assure you - it's not me.

One rescue person - who shall remain nameless - thinks that her way of solving the overcrowding at this shelter is to "rescue" several cats, then dump them on another rescue when she couldn't handle it. Helloooooooooooo.....that isn't "rescue".

Other rescues think that by NOT rescuing at this shelter, the problems will go away. Maybe if they stop looking at the pictures of the cats who are about to die, there isn't really a problem.

I've been (strategically) placing cute pictures of "Bucky" on this post with hope it can be a smoke screen on what I really feel. Maybe I don't have the guts to go to the meeting because I feel like my one voice won't change anything.

Truthfully. No matter what tidbits of wisdom that I have, the problem won't change overnight. No matter what I say, it won't save the cats that died in there this week, or the next. What would it take to get everyone in that city to understand the importance of spaying and neutering?

I'm afraid if I'm rejected, I'll be so pissed off I won't want to help anymore...and that would really kill me.

I really hate politics.

"Walker"

You'll be happy to know that I don't have a lot to say today. :) I wanted to post another great Before and After picture:

"Walker" came into the shelter so flea bitten that he had very little hair on him. There were so many scabs and bites that the shelter staff thought it might be more humane to euthanize him right away. But Kim wanted him to have a chance:

This is Walker.....before....

This is handsome "Walker" ...after...

I secretly hope (ok...maybe not THAT "secretly") that Walker's foster Mom and Dad adopt him. His foster brother "Marve" really seems quite enamoured with his new buddy:

Regardless, Walker will get the very best home we can find for him. He sure deserves it.

A Day Off - (Kinda)

I had a day off from rescue today thanks to two lovely sisters who offered to provide Baxter and Fiona transport to their new foster homes in the city. I still answered phone calls and emails from concerned foster parents, but I didn't have to load up cat crates today. What a treat to go to the grocery store and do some laundry. David will be pleasantly surprised to come home from work tonight to clean underwear! (Although I did find that a cat had pee'd in the empty laundry basket!)

Thought you might enjoy some Before and After pictures of my recent rescues:

Emily Grace - Before....

Emily Grace - After!

Emily Grace getting lots of love!!

Two scared tabby sisters...before....

These little girls are in a forever home together! They have French names that I cannot spell or pronounce. (Another reason to take French lessons!)

Remember Mittens and Misty in the dog run at the shelter?

Could Misty look any happier?

Mittens still looks a little worried in this picture - but she's safe and loved, thanks to a foster home that came forward to save her life!

I was feeling a bit down yesterday as you could probably tell from my previous post. But there's nothing like going through some before and after pictures to raise my spirits. Thank you to everyone that made it possible for these beautiful cats to - once again - be loved forever...

and ever...and ever...

Extra Kilometers, Vet Visits & Exhaustion

I hate that I feel "hassled" when I have to take my own cats to the vets. I'm at the vet's office so often with rescued cats, that it seems like an imposition when my own cats get sick.

Today was one of those days where I took my own cats Pella and Newman to the vets this morning, then had to take them home again before I left for the shelter. After the shelter, I had to go back to the vets again. Then I dropped off 4 kittens at a VERY excited new foster home.

It was a good rescue day despite the extra kilometers on my car.

I was VERY excited to rescue Baxter:

When I was at the shelter last week, I had decided to rescue this guy for a foster family that only takes declawed males. Unfortunately, it was a misprint on Baxter's cage card and he wasn't declawed. I had to put him back in the cage, which is a HUGE emotional "no-no" in my book. I was on a mission to rescue him.

This is a crap picture of me taken last week with Baxter. He was drooling, sucking on my earlobes, and was the ultimate ooey-gooey-loverboy. The foster family will be THRILLED when they get him tomorrow!

I also rescued "Speck" (Whom I renamed "Fiona")

Fiona was born with her right ear fused to her head. She also has a closed cleft pallet. (Think "Joaquin Phoenix")She's only 4 months old and just freaky enough that I know she'll be adopted in a heartbeat!

I also rescued 4 kittens today.

The shelter only allowed me to rescue the little tabbico (above). I had to leave the orange brother behind. Apparently there's an "owner" for the orange kitten. How could there be an owner for the orange kitten and not for the tabby girl? (Whatever!) I hope they don't show up so I can go back and get the orange baby.

I rescued "Niblet" today, who had been put in the same cage with her new BFF "Marley":Poor little Marley only had half a foot on his hind right foot. I don't think it was a birth defect. It actually looked like it was bitten off or something. That didn't stop him - he was playing with all the other kittens!

You didn't think I'd leave "Popples" behind, did you? Is that the world's cutest little orange face you've ever seen?

I'm feeling tired and a little worn out with worries for my own cats. Things at the shelter were grim today and I left feeling exhausted and ineffective despite the 6 little souls that are now safe. Maybe it was because I was at the shelter in the afternoon.

There's a different feel at the shelter in the afternoons, and I didn't like it.

A False Alarm (I Hope)

It's been difficult to sit at the keyboard today and write. I think my adrenalin is still in full speed. Last night my new little guy became VERY sick. He had vomited so much and was completely flat. I knew in my heart it was Distemper and had to prepare myself that he would die. He was laying in my son's bed and wouldn't even lift his head. I moved him to the basement powder room where he would be warm, comfy and safe.

I sort of expected to wake up this morning to a dead or dying kitten. I opened the door carefully and Bucky shot out of the room like a ROCKET!! Not only was he not dead or dying, but he had fully recovered. He's been partying all day - jumping, playing, and eating. No signs of anything except a playful, healthy happy kitten.

Yesterday, I let him go outside in the cat den. He had a ball! He chased leaves, bugs and was leaping on the other cats. He even figured out how to come inside on his own through the cat door. I swear, this kitten is a friggin' genius! It took my cats TWO WEEKS to figure out the cat door:

I feel like I've been on "death watch" all day today. I was sure he'd collapse at any moment, but he hasn't. I was so stressed! All I can think of is that the little booger got into something that he shouldn't have outside. (Please God, don't let me think that the shitty nasty neighbours put something in the cat den to harm him. )

Needless to say, I didn't go to the shelter and I didn't go to the vets today. It was 1:00 pm before I figured out that I didn't do a thing all morning! All I did all morning was spin around and worry. Worried about the baby....feeling guilty that I didn't go to the shelter.

Tomorrow I'm definitely going to do a rescue. I've got foster homes waiting for cats. In the meantime, I just need to remember to breeeeathe.....

"Keep Animals Safe" Video

I don't usually include this kind of thing in my blog, but I had to share this with you. It's outstanding and worth passing on:

Keep Animals Safe - Funny videos are here

A Friday Rescue!

What a day! As I type this (5 pm) my older son is on his way back from delivering cats to foster homes in Friday traffic. Bless his little heart - it only cost me a tank of gas. There were so many people involved in helping with this rescue today. Cats were transported all over the place! :)

The rescue went beautifully. I don't have all the pictures of the cats I rescued today, but the pictures that I did take speak volumes:

Look closely! This is our very own "Emily Grace". She was finally rescued today and placed in a wonderful foster home. Many thanks to Caroline's father who drove such a long way to meet me so that I didn't have to drive so far. When Caroline went to her father's house to pick up Emily Grace, she was all curled up in his lap. It must feel good to feel safe again.
This sweet 6 week old black tabby angel was named "Mayday". (Appropriate name, eh?) She was an unexpected rescue, courtesy of a soft spot for black cats that my friend "K" has. Thank you "K" for driving "Murphy" and "Conan" to their new foster home too!

This is "Murphy" being rescued! This gives you an idea how small the cages are. The cats sort of pop out when the cage opens :) You didn't have to tell Murphy twice to get in his cat carrier. He was happy to oblige!

I also rescued a very cute buff coloured declawed guy they named "Potter" at the shelter. I've honestly never seen a cat so matted in my life. I don't know how he was able to walk. The matts were so tight against his skin, that he cried out when I picked him up. His fur stunk and smelled like smoke. I hope whomever left this beautiful boy in this condition...(insert curse here).

The staff at the shelter shaved Potter for me. (Thank you Penny & Lindsay) He must've felt so much better. Look at all the hair! :

It was a happy day to be able to rescue my favourite little grey tabby sisters, "Mittens" and "Misty":

I didn't have to beg Misty to leave the shelter - she was happy to get the heck out of there.

I snapped this picture of Mittens while I was stuck in traffic. She looks like she knows something special is happening. I also received an update on Mittens and Misty from their foster Mom within an hour after they arrived in her home: "So, the girls have arrived...They have been exploring the house.. they both seem a little timid at the moment with me, although, it's Mittens that seems more bold. She's already been up on my lap - Misty is enjoying herself running up and down the stairs..They're quite beautiful.. (I think so too!)

I had some not-so-great news at the sheler today, but think I'd rather not share it, but enjoy the moment of a great week in rescue.

Of course, I'm going back on Monday.

A Thursday Rescue & Friday Hope

Just in case you haven't had enough "sweet" in your life, I thought I'd post a few pictures of my latest foster kitten "Bucky":

Bucky has been sleeping between me and David at night. He snuggles as close as he can and I often wake up feeling like I'm choking because he lays right against my face. When we get up in the night to use the washroom, Bucky thinks it's time to party. I don't think we're getting much sleep, but he sure keeps us laughing. I think he tries to cozy up to my snotty old lady cats that also sleep with us, so we've been waking up to the sound of growling and hissing. We've been watching the show "Ghost Hunters", so being awakened by hissing and growling is particularly frightening! But I love him - as you can see, so does my son Will.

I was back at the shelter again today and rescued "Goliath". Goliath had been at the shelter such a long time. As soon as I heard a foster home wanted to save him, I couldn't get to the shelter fast enough. What a victory when a black adult cat is rescued! I could hear the big boy purring in the crate while he sat in the passenger side of my car.

While I was at the shelter, I always walk by the "Holding cages" to see the cats that came in so far that day. There was The World's Cutest Kitten - (TWCK). I'm certain he was brother to an orange fluffy 5 week old female that I had rescued on Tuesday. I called the foster Mom from the shelter and told her that I thought I had a sibling...she didn't hesitate - "I'll take him!" Bless her heart. :)

Tomorrow is another rescue day - that's 4 days this week! I'm bringing my camera and looking forward to posting some pictures of tomorrow's rescue. I'm waiting to hear back from volunteer drivers. My fingers are crossed it goes smoothly, because I'm putting this together very last minute.

I made some promises today to some pretty sweet faces at the shelter that tonight would be their last night in that place.