This is my last post for 2010. It's hard to believe that I've been writing this blog for three years now! I'm always surprised when somebody says that they read my blog. "Really?"
I'm still in Seattle until Sunday. I wish I could turn off my rescue mentality for a vacation, but I haven't been able to do so. My Mom has a neighbour who recently adopted two sister cats from a local rescue: "Beth, do you want to meet her?" ("No, but I would love to meet the cats!")
The neighbour was wonderful. She had adopted two unimportant looking tabby sisters who were the casualties of domestic violence in the house and left to give birth to their kittens in a storage shed in the backyard. They were the fortunate ones. A rescue came forward to take them, and this couple wanted to adopt a pair of cats. One of the sisters is extremely skittish and the other friendly. Bless these people for taking both cats - the skittish one wouldn't have much of a chance without her sister.
My friend and volunteer web designer showed me the new Forever Home Cat Rescue website he has been working on. It's 95% finished and looks amazing! I can hardly wait to launch it when I get back. As I looked through the pages, I felt the goosebumps rise on my arms.
While I've been away, the rescue has had two more adoptions and 5 (maybe six!) rescues! Things are percolating along as they should be, and I am excited about the future.
I still remain in "scared to death" mode, but feel SO incredibly humbled by the volunteers who came forward to join me on this new page of my life. I guess it's not just a new page in MY life, but their lives and the lives of the little felines that rely on us for help too.
Happiest of New Years to all of you. Thank you for your love, care and support. 2011 will be another year of rollercoaster rides in rescue - hop on, and enjoy the ride with me.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
What About "Timmy"?
I'm still in Seattle on my mother's ancient computer but felt like I needed to rant a bit.
My parents know a couple that they have best friends with for the past 30 years. Lovely people...really. They're the kind of people that bring chicken soup when you're sick. I was saddened and shocked to hear that they were going to rehome their "beloved" TEN YEAR OLD cat "Timmy" because they felt like they "couldn't meet his needs" any longer. Timmy is a HUGE fluffy orange guy, who crawls into your lap the moment you arrive. I've always loved Timmy - he's a gentle, 20 pound love muffin. They're sending him to a friend's farm - whatever the hell that means. Of course, they're keeping the dog who needs to be walked, etc. I guess cleaning up a pile of poop in the litterbox has become too much for this 74 year old couple? But walking and cleaning up after the 3 year old dog is OK?
I immediately lost all respect for these people. I feel shallow for feeling that way...they've been there for my parents and I've known them since I was in University.
I guess this is EXACTLY the reason why I have trouble maintaining friendships with people who aren't "animal people." For the sake of my parents, I kept my mouth shut last night. But I'll never feel the same way about these people. I wanted to cry as I said goodbye to Timmy. He was curled into a rocking chair in the only home he's ever known. He's 10 years old.
Even as I type, I want to call them and offer to take Timmy back to Canada, but there are Canadian cats that need me.
My parents know a couple that they have best friends with for the past 30 years. Lovely people...really. They're the kind of people that bring chicken soup when you're sick. I was saddened and shocked to hear that they were going to rehome their "beloved" TEN YEAR OLD cat "Timmy" because they felt like they "couldn't meet his needs" any longer. Timmy is a HUGE fluffy orange guy, who crawls into your lap the moment you arrive. I've always loved Timmy - he's a gentle, 20 pound love muffin. They're sending him to a friend's farm - whatever the hell that means. Of course, they're keeping the dog who needs to be walked, etc. I guess cleaning up a pile of poop in the litterbox has become too much for this 74 year old couple? But walking and cleaning up after the 3 year old dog is OK?
I immediately lost all respect for these people. I feel shallow for feeling that way...they've been there for my parents and I've known them since I was in University.
I guess this is EXACTLY the reason why I have trouble maintaining friendships with people who aren't "animal people." For the sake of my parents, I kept my mouth shut last night. But I'll never feel the same way about these people. I wanted to cry as I said goodbye to Timmy. He was curled into a rocking chair in the only home he's ever known. He's 10 years old.
Even as I type, I want to call them and offer to take Timmy back to Canada, but there are Canadian cats that need me.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
...And In Conclusion...
As I type this, Christmas is just about over. It's 9 pm, and although it's still officially Christmas, I'm feeling in my heart that it's time to move on to the new year and put the holiday festivities behind me. You may think that I'm crazy, but I have a Christmas tradition of taking down ALL of my decorations the day after Christmas! I know..I know.. it sounds rather scrooge-like, but it really isn't meant to be.
There's such a build up to Christmas. As a mother, I've always felt the pressure to give my children the perfect Hallmark holiday experience - Great gifts, family love, the joyous Christmas dinner. I guess after all this self imposed pressure, I needed to bring Christmas to a conclusion. So I started taking stuff down the day after Christmas just so I could move on with life.
My three foster tabbies had a wonderful "first" Christmas. They were in and out of boxes and wrapping paper as all cats should be on Christmas Day. I tried to snap a million different pictures, but the pictures didn't quite say what I wanted to say about the morning. The older cats enjoyed watching with the occasional scuffle as the "wild bunch" got too rowdy.
I've spent part of the evening tonight writing foster parents, asking questions and following up. I can almost see them looking at the time and date of the email, shaking their heads and thinking, "Beth needs to get a life..."
I will have a life...just as soon as those decorations are down tomorrow. :)
Merry Christmas everybody!
There's such a build up to Christmas. As a mother, I've always felt the pressure to give my children the perfect Hallmark holiday experience - Great gifts, family love, the joyous Christmas dinner. I guess after all this self imposed pressure, I needed to bring Christmas to a conclusion. So I started taking stuff down the day after Christmas just so I could move on with life.
My three foster tabbies had a wonderful "first" Christmas. They were in and out of boxes and wrapping paper as all cats should be on Christmas Day. I tried to snap a million different pictures, but the pictures didn't quite say what I wanted to say about the morning. The older cats enjoyed watching with the occasional scuffle as the "wild bunch" got too rowdy.
I've spent part of the evening tonight writing foster parents, asking questions and following up. I can almost see them looking at the time and date of the email, shaking their heads and thinking, "Beth needs to get a life..."
I will have a life...just as soon as those decorations are down tomorrow. :)
Merry Christmas everybody!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Diana, Winkle et al
I was back at the shelter today to rescue 1 fortunate cat. Believe me, I was very aware that this cat would have a home for Christmas and I could hardly look at the rest of them as I walked through to pick up "Diana":
The foster Dad that took Diana only asked for a "fluffy" cat that needed him. Boy did Diana need him! Diana must weigh 5 lbs soaking wet. She's a gentle, sweet soul that was spayed and declawed when she came to the shelter. When I brought her to the foster Dad's home, she immediately started to purr and acted like she had lived there forever.
Don't you wish you could put bad things behind you as quickly as Diana?
It looks like I'm going to have another adoption this week! More on that when I have the adoption agreement in hand. To me, unless there's an adoption agreement - there is NO adoption.
I ran into a woman from another rescue today. She was taking Nicholas! I love running into other rescues at the shelter. It doesn't happen very often, but it feels good to know that other people are helping the cats there from time to time.
Kim saw me and excitedly asked, "Did you see Winkle????" I know I'm in trouble with a name like "Winkle". Such an endearing name!
I feel so badly for a cat like Winkle. No doubt he's feeling better tonight with the nails out of his skin.
The stress of the season is definitely catching up with me. I feel exhausted! Of course, as soon as I fell asleep on the couch this afternoon, David comes home early. Why couldn't I be vacuuming or something?
Lots of wonderful cats at the shelter right now and it's filling up fast. There won't be a Christmas for some of them. Please let me know if you can help.
Don't you wish you could put bad things behind you as quickly as Diana?
It looks like I'm going to have another adoption this week! More on that when I have the adoption agreement in hand. To me, unless there's an adoption agreement - there is NO adoption.
I ran into a woman from another rescue today. She was taking Nicholas! I love running into other rescues at the shelter. It doesn't happen very often, but it feels good to know that other people are helping the cats there from time to time.
Kim saw me and excitedly asked, "Did you see Winkle????" I know I'm in trouble with a name like "Winkle". Such an endearing name!
I feel so badly for a cat like Winkle. No doubt he's feeling better tonight with the nails out of his skin.
The stress of the season is definitely catching up with me. I feel exhausted! Of course, as soon as I fell asleep on the couch this afternoon, David comes home early. Why couldn't I be vacuuming or something?
Lots of wonderful cats at the shelter right now and it's filling up fast. There won't be a Christmas for some of them. Please let me know if you can help.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Some Christmas Happiness
I took my usual 30 minute nap on the same red couch with a fire crackling in my 100 year old fireplace and the Christmas tree lights beaming in their full glory. I woke up to 3 tabbies asleep on me and I'm pretty sure at that very moment, I had defined the word "content". Today, I screened foster parents #15 and #16, and Forever Home is really starting to feel like a "real" rescue. Although I haven't received my first vet bill yet, I'm going to try to think magical Christmas thoughts with hope I'll be surprised that the bill wasn't as much as I thought it would be. (Has that ever happened?)
I received some awesome news that "Sophie", a recent rescue, that hadn't been eating is now eating. We were terrified of the prospects of a feeding tube or worse - euthanasia. The foster Mom gave her a banquet of food - including cooking her chicken and bacon. She wanted no part of it. Sophie wanted Whiskas "crap food" dry food. Go figure.
Sophie Before:
...and Sophie AFTER....
She's beautiful, isn't she?
I finished designing the rescue's brochure today and sent it in to the printers. David and I are paying for the start up costs ourselves. Brochures may seem like an unnecessary, luxury item, but nothing spells "legit" (other than a charity registration) more than a quality glossy brochure! It's important to me that people feel proud to volunteer AND adopt from this rescue. Granted, if we run out of money too quickly, the brochures won't get reprinted for a while. :)
I've been so happy watching Forever Home slowly blossom. Of course, where there's good news, there's always bad news on the horizon. But I feel like I'm building a team of people that truly care about the rescue and me. Surrounding myself with people like that - I can get through anything.
I received some awesome news that "Sophie", a recent rescue, that hadn't been eating is now eating. We were terrified of the prospects of a feeding tube or worse - euthanasia. The foster Mom gave her a banquet of food - including cooking her chicken and bacon. She wanted no part of it. Sophie wanted Whiskas "crap food" dry food. Go figure.
Sophie Before:
...and Sophie AFTER....
I finished designing the rescue's brochure today and sent it in to the printers. David and I are paying for the start up costs ourselves. Brochures may seem like an unnecessary, luxury item, but nothing spells "legit" (other than a charity registration) more than a quality glossy brochure! It's important to me that people feel proud to volunteer AND adopt from this rescue. Granted, if we run out of money too quickly, the brochures won't get reprinted for a while. :)
I've been so happy watching Forever Home slowly blossom. Of course, where there's good news, there's always bad news on the horizon. But I feel like I'm building a team of people that truly care about the rescue and me. Surrounding myself with people like that - I can get through anything.
Monday, December 20, 2010
After the Weekend
I was hesitant to write since I just got back from dropping off my daughter from the airport, but I'm not feeling as melancholy as I thought I might. We had a wonderful visit! As usual, it was too short. Katy had a ball with the cats and I think the feeling was mutual. When she was in her bedroom, the cats were there too!
I can't help but look at this picture and wonder, "Who is that old chick on the left?" Ahhh...to be 26 again!
Over the weekend, I received a really neat email from a very special lady with whom I placed a cat more than a year ago. She heard I had started a rescue and wants to foster for me!! To refresh my memory, she sent me a before and after picture of Chewey:
How pitiful can Chewey be in this picture?
...and his "After" picture:
I wouldn't have guessed this to be the same cat. This lady obviously saw something in Chewey that I didn't. I remember thinking that (although I was SO HAPPY Chewey was getting out of the shelter), he wasn't the kind of cat I might have chosen for rescue. Boy, was I wrong, wrong, WRONG!
...and an update on the little dilute Tortoiseshell that I recently rescued - her name is now Gwen and she's settling in beautifully! Her foster Dad sent me this picture and I could only laugh:
She looks like "The Rose Between the Thorns", doesn't she? I'm wondering who was on the sofa first - her or the dogs??!! Adorable!! Adorable!
I sent out my first Forever Home Cat Rescue "Rescue Update" today. It felt really good to write it and I don't think I realized how much had really been accomplished in the past 30 days until I wrote it all out!
As I type this, I'm sitting here wondering who is at the shelter right now and wishing I could do just one more rescue before Christmas. It's agonizing thinking of the homeless cats that are there right now while my own catspull ornaments off nap under my Christmas tree.
If you can give a cat a home - permanent or temporary, please let me know. I know the season is busy for everybody - but there are little lives that need help. ( Don't make me take a video of the shelter!!! *sigh*)
Over the weekend, I received a really neat email from a very special lady with whom I placed a cat more than a year ago. She heard I had started a rescue and wants to foster for me!! To refresh my memory, she sent me a before and after picture of Chewey:
How pitiful can Chewey be in this picture?
...and an update on the little dilute Tortoiseshell that I recently rescued - her name is now Gwen and she's settling in beautifully! Her foster Dad sent me this picture and I could only laugh:
I sent out my first Forever Home Cat Rescue "Rescue Update" today. It felt really good to write it and I don't think I realized how much had really been accomplished in the past 30 days until I wrote it all out!
As I type this, I'm sitting here wondering who is at the shelter right now and wishing I could do just one more rescue before Christmas. It's agonizing thinking of the homeless cats that are there right now while my own cats
If you can give a cat a home - permanent or temporary, please let me know. I know the season is busy for everybody - but there are little lives that need help. ( Don't make me take a video of the shelter!!! *sigh*)
Saturday, December 18, 2010
"Dem Changes" Are Here
It's been a whirlwind few days. My daughter is here and my youngest son is gone. I'm very aware that my life with my adult children is now going to become a series of hello's and goodbye's.
It's the damndest thing to walk into my son's room and find it empty. Of course, the move wouldn't be a REAL family move without the usual tension and fighting. By the time we were done moving his stuff into his new apartment, David and I were barely speaking to him. Maybe that's nature's way of saying, "it's time." He took his favourite cat "Wilbur" with him, so not only am I minus one kid - I'm also minus one cat. Wilbur doesn't like the other cats, so this is a GOOD thing.
It's funny - when I announce that my daughter is coming into town, the emails and communication from my friends *STOP*. I think I've had 5 emails in 2 days!!
Yesterday, I received an email from a lady who was looking for a younger cat. She had been already thoroughly screened by another rescue (verified), but didn't drive and had heard that I was a bit of a cat yenta. She wanted to adopt a cat that needed her. Unfortunately, I couldn't make it out to the shelter, so my friend Kathleen made the trek out there to find the perfect cat for her. Kathleen and Kim chose a darling little grey tabby girl named "Kaylee" and drove her to her new home. I still find it amazing that people trust us like this, but it was a perfect match. Kaylee loved her and the feeling was mutual.
It's 10:45 am on Saturday morning and the house is quiet. My daughter and older son hit the pubs last night and are sleeping in. David and I are having a preview of our life without anyone in the house - but us - and the cats.
Blissful. Really blissful...
It's the damndest thing to walk into my son's room and find it empty. Of course, the move wouldn't be a REAL family move without the usual tension and fighting. By the time we were done moving his stuff into his new apartment, David and I were barely speaking to him. Maybe that's nature's way of saying, "it's time." He took his favourite cat "Wilbur" with him, so not only am I minus one kid - I'm also minus one cat. Wilbur doesn't like the other cats, so this is a GOOD thing.
It's funny - when I announce that my daughter is coming into town, the emails and communication from my friends *STOP*. I think I've had 5 emails in 2 days!!
Yesterday, I received an email from a lady who was looking for a younger cat. She had been already thoroughly screened by another rescue (verified), but didn't drive and had heard that I was a bit of a cat yenta. She wanted to adopt a cat that needed her. Unfortunately, I couldn't make it out to the shelter, so my friend Kathleen made the trek out there to find the perfect cat for her. Kathleen and Kim chose a darling little grey tabby girl named "Kaylee" and drove her to her new home. I still find it amazing that people trust us like this, but it was a perfect match. Kaylee loved her and the feeling was mutual.
It's 10:45 am on Saturday morning and the house is quiet. My daughter and older son hit the pubs last night and are sleeping in. David and I are having a preview of our life without anyone in the house - but us - and the cats.
Blissful. Really blissful...
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Scrambling!
It's quite a busy day for me with my daughter's arrival this evening, but I had some fun rescues today!
I received a phone call from Teresa whose foster kitten "Jethro" was recently adopted. She was ready for another kitten, PLUS her Mom was interested in adopting "Lemon" a deaf white cat that had been at the shelter for more than a month!
I walked the shelter floor looking for one single kitten and came across a pair that had been left in a box in a parking lot. I can't even imagine how cold they must've been. How incredibly cruel. I'm happy to announce that Teresa took BOTH of them. Teresa wasn't home for the delivery, but left me a key, so I was alone in her lovely home when I took the video. Imagine how fun it was for me to deliver ALL THREE cats to her house today:
As promised, I've also rescued The World's Saddest Kitten:
I named him "Little Bobby". I think he needed a "jolly" sounding name. He looks so sad. :(
What a crazy couple of days - my daughter arriving tonight and my youngest son is moving into his first apartment tomorrow. I'm really glad my daughter will be here to help distract me because of the weird empty nest feelings I'm having. My older son is still at home, but that's only for a few more months.
Maybe "Little Bobby" and I have more in common than I think...
I received a phone call from Teresa whose foster kitten "Jethro" was recently adopted. She was ready for another kitten, PLUS her Mom was interested in adopting "Lemon" a deaf white cat that had been at the shelter for more than a month!
I walked the shelter floor looking for one single kitten and came across a pair that had been left in a box in a parking lot. I can't even imagine how cold they must've been. How incredibly cruel. I'm happy to announce that Teresa took BOTH of them. Teresa wasn't home for the delivery, but left me a key, so I was alone in her lovely home when I took the video. Imagine how fun it was for me to deliver ALL THREE cats to her house today:
As promised, I've also rescued The World's Saddest Kitten:
I named him "Little Bobby". I think he needed a "jolly" sounding name. He looks so sad. :(
What a crazy couple of days - my daughter arriving tonight and my youngest son is moving into his first apartment tomorrow. I'm really glad my daughter will be here to help distract me because of the weird empty nest feelings I'm having. My older son is still at home, but that's only for a few more months.
Maybe "Little Bobby" and I have more in common than I think...
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Moments of Insanity
(Before I begin my blog post I wanted to say that I had TWO MORE ADOPTIONS last night!!! I've already had three adoptions in total and am not even 100% up and running yet. I guess if cats are vetted, adoptions agreements are printed and the bank account is open, that's good enough for right now. But I'm just too excited!)
On to the blog post:
I suppose like everybody else during the holiday season, I keep having periodic moments of insanity. I tried to wrap Christmas presents today without locking the cats out of the room. What on earth made me think that I could wrap Christmas presents with 11 cats in the house? It took me more than an hour to wrap 6 presents! "Doodle" kept walking away with the bows, Ozzy kept laying across the wrapping paper, and "Parker" would shred the paper as I tried to fold it across the box!
The insanity part wasn't that I DIDN'T lock the cats out of the room, but the fact that I let them REMAIN even though I was going out of my mind! I guess it was just too much trouble to corral cats out of the area.
I keep listening to Christmas music while in the car and working around the house, which is leaving me in a constant state of sadness for the cats at the shelter. How insane is THAT? So now I'm not listening to Christmas music just to save my sanity. Try listening to Elvis singing "Silent Night" and you'll know what I mean.
To add to the insanity, I'm rescuing The World's Saddest Looking Kitten (TWSLK) tomorrow. I saw this guy at the shelter yesterday and wanted to cry. He's about 6 weeks old and quite sick. He came into the shelter starving, dehyrated, his bum completely raw from God-knows-what and shivering from the cold. Bless his little heart. The shelter gave him some medical care when he first came in so I'm praying that his future medical care will be minimal. I'm so thankful for Wendy who is going to take this sad little waif. (I'm guessing she had a moment of Holiday Insanity too!) Pictures coming tomorrow.
Our broken legged boy "Stoney" has come through his surgery with flying colours this afternoon. The vet said he's going to be in quite a bit of pain, but will keep him on pain meds. I'm just glad it's over and am anxious for this guy to be on the road to recovery.
Even this blog post seems a bit insane. I'm all over the place. I suppose this is as good a time as any to include the Paypal donation button as promised:
Please Note: I've been asked to put a Paypal donation button on this blog post. Please don't be offended - no pressure to donate!! But there are several people who would like to donate via Paypal and when I figure out how to put it in the sidebar, I'll do it! In the meantime, here it is. Thank you so much!
On to the blog post:
I suppose like everybody else during the holiday season, I keep having periodic moments of insanity. I tried to wrap Christmas presents today without locking the cats out of the room. What on earth made me think that I could wrap Christmas presents with 11 cats in the house? It took me more than an hour to wrap 6 presents! "Doodle" kept walking away with the bows, Ozzy kept laying across the wrapping paper, and "Parker" would shred the paper as I tried to fold it across the box!
The insanity part wasn't that I DIDN'T lock the cats out of the room, but the fact that I let them REMAIN even though I was going out of my mind! I guess it was just too much trouble to corral cats out of the area.
I keep listening to Christmas music while in the car and working around the house, which is leaving me in a constant state of sadness for the cats at the shelter. How insane is THAT? So now I'm not listening to Christmas music just to save my sanity. Try listening to Elvis singing "Silent Night" and you'll know what I mean.
To add to the insanity, I'm rescuing The World's Saddest Looking Kitten (TWSLK) tomorrow. I saw this guy at the shelter yesterday and wanted to cry. He's about 6 weeks old and quite sick. He came into the shelter starving, dehyrated, his bum completely raw from God-knows-what and shivering from the cold. Bless his little heart. The shelter gave him some medical care when he first came in so I'm praying that his future medical care will be minimal. I'm so thankful for Wendy who is going to take this sad little waif. (I'm guessing she had a moment of Holiday Insanity too!) Pictures coming tomorrow.
Our broken legged boy "Stoney" has come through his surgery with flying colours this afternoon. The vet said he's going to be in quite a bit of pain, but will keep him on pain meds. I'm just glad it's over and am anxious for this guy to be on the road to recovery.
Even this blog post seems a bit insane. I'm all over the place. I suppose this is as good a time as any to include the Paypal donation button as promised:
Please Note: I've been asked to put a Paypal donation button on this blog post. Please don't be offended - no pressure to donate!! But there are several people who would like to donate via Paypal and when I figure out how to put it in the sidebar, I'll do it! In the meantime, here it is. Thank you so much!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
"THE" First Adoption!
I'm pretty excited this afternoon! I'm pleased to report that Forever Home Cat Rescue has had it's FIRST ADOPTION!!! Little Lloyd has been adopted and is being loved and kissed as I type:
I felt like taking a picture of the cheque, but that was too tacky even for me. :)
It was another day of running around - picking up cats, delivering cats, and saving cats. One guy in particular is going to be VERY lucky - "Pringles" is going to a forever home tonight. An awesome young woman is adopting him sight unseen!
Time to start dinner....it's going to be a busy evening! I just had ANOTHER adoption phone call!
It was another day of running around - picking up cats, delivering cats, and saving cats. One guy in particular is going to be VERY lucky - "Pringles" is going to a forever home tonight. An awesome young woman is adopting him sight unseen!
Time to start dinner....it's going to be a busy evening! I just had ANOTHER adoption phone call!
Monday, December 13, 2010
"Tidbits"
There's so many little tidbits I wanted to share today! Where to start?
The x-rays came back on Stoney and it looks like he's going to need major orthopedic surgery on his foot. I haven't alerted Stoney's foster Mom yet, so I'm sure she'll be surprised when she reads this! Argh!
I rescued a Lynx Point Ragdoll recently that is very very sick. I'm praying it's not Fatty Liver. Sophie is such a sweet girl and is with an awesome foster Mom - if anybody can pull her through, it'll be Julie.
Looks like I'm jumping into my rescue with both feet and treading water! It's ok. Sick cats are part of rescue. So few rescues are truly financially stable, but I had hoped that I could go a few frickin' weeks without some major crisis that didn't strip the ol' bank account. Oh well - it's money well spent.
On a happy note, I met an adopter at the shelter today. She was a lovely person that happily fell in love with "Gill":
I received the following cute email from her shortly after Gill's rescue: (Note: The adopter works from home)
"Gil is settling in nicely – I do have him separated from my dogs and cat but he doesn’t seem the least bit unnerved when he hears the barking upstairs or the whining at the door to get in. However, his typing skills are somewhat lacking and although he tries desperately to help I’m afraid I had to set him to guarding the filing cabinet – which he fell asleep in so he isn’t much of a guard either! Thanx for your patience and keep up the good work!"
Looks like things are going to be great for Gill, my stubby tailed boy!
I also rescued "Stanley" the Himalayan today and a very cute little guy named "Jethro":
Don't let that sweet face fool you - I think there are horns behind those ears! He's a rowdy little thing that will certainly be climbing the curtains in his new foster home. Be good, Jethro!
Speaking of foster homes....Forever Home Cat Rescue officially has THIRTEEN new foster homes! It's very exciting and keeps me in a constant state of renewed enthusiasm. :)
Remember this little guy?
That was little "Rusty" whom I rescued last month. His new Mom sent me the following "After" picture:
As you can see, he's been horribly abused in his new home. (*wink*!) I do wonder what Rusty thinks of the pink collar!! LOL! Regardless, he looks like a spoiled, happy little man, doesn't he?
It was a busy, busy day for me and tomorrow doesn't seem that much more quiet. I guess it's just the season. My daughter arrives from California on Thursday for a long weekend - so much to do!
Think good thoughts for Sophie and Stoney, please. They're in good, loving, capable hands. But I still worry :)
The x-rays came back on Stoney and it looks like he's going to need major orthopedic surgery on his foot. I haven't alerted Stoney's foster Mom yet, so I'm sure she'll be surprised when she reads this! Argh!
I rescued a Lynx Point Ragdoll recently that is very very sick. I'm praying it's not Fatty Liver. Sophie is such a sweet girl and is with an awesome foster Mom - if anybody can pull her through, it'll be Julie.
Looks like I'm jumping into my rescue with both feet and treading water! It's ok. Sick cats are part of rescue. So few rescues are truly financially stable, but I had hoped that I could go a few frickin' weeks without some major crisis that didn't strip the ol' bank account. Oh well - it's money well spent.
On a happy note, I met an adopter at the shelter today. She was a lovely person that happily fell in love with "Gill":
"Gil is settling in nicely – I do have him separated from my dogs and cat but he doesn’t seem the least bit unnerved when he hears the barking upstairs or the whining at the door to get in. However, his typing skills are somewhat lacking and although he tries desperately to help I’m afraid I had to set him to guarding the filing cabinet – which he fell asleep in so he isn’t much of a guard either! Thanx for your patience and keep up the good work!"
Looks like things are going to be great for Gill, my stubby tailed boy!
I also rescued "Stanley" the Himalayan today and a very cute little guy named "Jethro":
Speaking of foster homes....Forever Home Cat Rescue officially has THIRTEEN new foster homes! It's very exciting and keeps me in a constant state of renewed enthusiasm. :)
Remember this little guy?
It was a busy, busy day for me and tomorrow doesn't seem that much more quiet. I guess it's just the season. My daughter arrives from California on Thursday for a long weekend - so much to do!
Think good thoughts for Sophie and Stoney, please. They're in good, loving, capable hands. But I still worry :)
Friday, December 10, 2010
Christmas Roulette
I'm happy to report that I rescued the little Dilute Tortie today, along with "Evie" a darling little Tortie kitten! Many hugs and thank you's to Forever Home Cat Rescue's newest foster parents. We're now up to ELEVEN new foster homes!
Like many of us, I listen to holiday music and sometimes it feels comforting - filled with childhood memories - and other times it leaves me feeling angry for the little ones in the shelter who will have no Christmas this year other than a plop of canned Friskies in a tin bowl in a steel cage. When I went into the shelter this morning to rescue the two cats, I was hurt and angry by the empty cages from this morning's Euthanasia Day.
One of my blog readers sent me a powerful poem yesterday that she wrote in tribute to this blog. I hope that you cut and paste it and pass it along. It speaks volumes for ALL the animals at shelters everywhere:
Christmas Roulette
By: Kristen J.
Red and green stringed beads,
Deafen ears once alert
For the true souls in need.
Wide eyed and sweet,
Once just a kitten at play,
Has worn out his welcome
and can no longer stay.
Family time is coming;
Turkey, stockings and snow.
Too many guests in the house,
He will be the one to go.
Kids have lost interest,
A new dog is in store!
The reasons are endless,
He matters not anymore.
The entity of convenience;
A commitment on sale.
To Kijiji a loved one,
Once they become stale.
In the crate he goes,
A tearful goodbye even made.
The memories are many,
But too quickly do they fade.
“Don't worry” promises mom
“He'll get a good home soon”.
But he is left at the shelter,
Heat is low, darkness looms.
The family is in bliss,
“A good home” they had said.
And still he sits at the shelter,
crouched on a newspaper bed.
In fear and terror he sits,
The cage so cold and black,
He watches the door intently,
Sure his family will come back.
Green eyes once so bright
have dulled with passing days.
With confusion setting in,
Ever vigilant, he still waits.
With empty promises of lies
the family has eased the load.
But no happy home awaits,
No fork at this end of the road.
He bears no ill-thoughts
No anger or blind rage.
He just wants to understand
The events leading to this cage.
With but one simple thought,
A loved companion so easily goes,
Blind illusions ease the guilt,
And dim the lights on death row.
A new kitten for Christmas
marks where this tale started.
But home for Christmas turned
him to the House of the Discarded.
Like many of us, I listen to holiday music and sometimes it feels comforting - filled with childhood memories - and other times it leaves me feeling angry for the little ones in the shelter who will have no Christmas this year other than a plop of canned Friskies in a tin bowl in a steel cage. When I went into the shelter this morning to rescue the two cats, I was hurt and angry by the empty cages from this morning's Euthanasia Day.
One of my blog readers sent me a powerful poem yesterday that she wrote in tribute to this blog. I hope that you cut and paste it and pass it along. It speaks volumes for ALL the animals at shelters everywhere:
By: Kristen J.
Red and green stringed beads,
Deafen ears once alert
For the true souls in need.
Wide eyed and sweet,
Once just a kitten at play,
Has worn out his welcome
and can no longer stay.
Family time is coming;
Turkey, stockings and snow.
Too many guests in the house,
He will be the one to go.
Kids have lost interest,
A new dog is in store!
The reasons are endless,
He matters not anymore.
The entity of convenience;
A commitment on sale.
To Kijiji a loved one,
Once they become stale.
In the crate he goes,
A tearful goodbye even made.
The memories are many,
But too quickly do they fade.
“Don't worry” promises mom
“He'll get a good home soon”.
But he is left at the shelter,
Heat is low, darkness looms.
The family is in bliss,
“A good home” they had said.
And still he sits at the shelter,
crouched on a newspaper bed.
In fear and terror he sits,
The cage so cold and black,
He watches the door intently,
Sure his family will come back.
Green eyes once so bright
have dulled with passing days.
With confusion setting in,
Ever vigilant, he still waits.
With empty promises of lies
the family has eased the load.
But no happy home awaits,
No fork at this end of the road.
He bears no ill-thoughts
No anger or blind rage.
He just wants to understand
The events leading to this cage.
With but one simple thought,
A loved companion so easily goes,
Blind illusions ease the guilt,
And dim the lights on death row.
A new kitten for Christmas
marks where this tale started.
But home for Christmas turned
him to the House of the Discarded.
Thursday, December 09, 2010
A Full Shelter and an Urgent Plea
If I didn't know better, I'd say it was Summer. The shelter is full. TOO full for a winter month. I always forget that December is a big month for dumping cats. People are traveling and want to abandoned the cats at the shelter before they go. It's the same way in June. Also the people who have been feeding and playing with kittens that were born outside in the summer are now bringing in 6 and 7 month old kittens because it's getting cold.
Tomorrow is a euthanasia day at the shelter and it's REALLY grim over there. The shelter is very very full.
I was at the shelter today with my friend Julie to rescue "Sophie":
Poor Sophie had such a bad shelter cold - no doubt they would euthanize her tomorrow morning. With some TLC and antibiotics, she'll be fine. Thank you Julie for saving her....and thank you *everybody* for donation so I could afford to rescue a sick girl!
While I was at the shelter I fell in love. (Yes, AGAIN!) But wait until you see the following two videos. You'll be in love too:
Of course, I had to get her out of the cage and kiss her! (P.S. She LOVES other cats and was grooming another cat she just met!)
Please consider this an urgent plea. I *think* her name is "Keeba" on the shelter website. She's a Dilute Tortie about 1-2 years old.
Please help her. I don't know if she'll make it through the vet day tomorrow.
Tomorrow is a euthanasia day at the shelter and it's REALLY grim over there. The shelter is very very full.
I was at the shelter today with my friend Julie to rescue "Sophie":
While I was at the shelter I fell in love. (Yes, AGAIN!) But wait until you see the following two videos. You'll be in love too:
Of course, I had to get her out of the cage and kiss her! (P.S. She LOVES other cats and was grooming another cat she just met!)
Please consider this an urgent plea. I *think* her name is "Keeba" on the shelter website. She's a Dilute Tortie about 1-2 years old.
Please help her. I don't know if she'll make it through the vet day tomorrow.
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Getting the Pre-Christmas "Sappies"
I loaned my car to my younger son for the day so had an opportunity to walk into town to run some errands on foot. The cold air was perfect and I felt so festive as I trudged in and out of the boutique shops in my neighbourhood and stopped at the local coffee shop for a coffee and a scone. I felt completely peaceful and content to be out and about and suddenly grateful that I started my Christmas shopping early. The older I get the more I hate crowds and the malls. I'm willing to pay more to stay out of them or shop early and hope for the best. Being at home by the fire, working on the text for the Forever Home website felt simply perfect. I was interrupted periodically by a curious tabby wanting to see what I was doing.
Yesterday, I received the news that my youngest son found an apartment and was moving out on December 17th. It was a move we had expected, but were hoping he'd wait until January 1st. I suppose when I was 19 years old, I could hardly wait to get away from my lame family and be independent (until I needed tuition money.) We're certain it'll be the same for him too.
Needless to say, I'm feeling a little sentimental tonight as I type this blog post.
I received a GREAT "after" picture of Sheldon: (Remember this little waif?)
Look what love can do!!!! Isn't he a poster-child for handsome black kittens?
So as not to be a complete downer today, I had forgotten that I took the following video yesterday after "Stoney" arrived. I was standing on the stairs below the landing when I took this video. I hope it makes you smile:
How could anybody say that cats are boring? :)
Fa-la-la-la-la-laaaaa....la-la-la-la!
Yesterday, I received the news that my youngest son found an apartment and was moving out on December 17th. It was a move we had expected, but were hoping he'd wait until January 1st. I suppose when I was 19 years old, I could hardly wait to get away from my lame family and be independent (until I needed tuition money.) We're certain it'll be the same for him too.
Needless to say, I'm feeling a little sentimental tonight as I type this blog post.
I received a GREAT "after" picture of Sheldon: (Remember this little waif?)
So as not to be a complete downer today, I had forgotten that I took the following video yesterday after "Stoney" arrived. I was standing on the stairs below the landing when I took this video. I hope it makes you smile:
How could anybody say that cats are boring? :)
Fa-la-la-la-la-laaaaa....la-la-la-la!
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
An Update on Stoney
Until today, Stoney (our broken legged orange and white wonder boy) has been at the vets. Dr. S decided to try "one more thing" before putting the pins and plates in Stoney's foot. He sedated Stoney, set his broken bones, and put a cast on his leg. In one week, he'll take an x-ray. If the foot remains stable, Stoney won't need surgery. If the bones move, it's "game on" for surgery.
I'm not holding my breath about the chances of non-surgery. I'm just not that fortunate. Regardless of the outcome, Stoney doesn't know he's my Million Dollar Man and seems quite content in my washroom until his foster Mom can take over this evening:
As I'm typing this blog post my son just called down to me: "MOM!!!! Stoney is rolling around in his litterbox and is COVERED in poop and pee." Honestly? I'm afraid to go upstairs and look. I can't deliver the guy to his foster Mom covered in poop and pee, but I'm sitting here hoping the "Poop and Pee Fairy" will come along and clean him up.
Please don't tell me there's no such thing as the "Poop and Pee Fairy".... I think he's related to the "Barf Fairy" and somebody barfed up a big hairball in the basement and I'm hoping the Fairies will make it a 2 for 1 bargain.
Abracadabra!!!....
I'm not holding my breath about the chances of non-surgery. I'm just not that fortunate. Regardless of the outcome, Stoney doesn't know he's my Million Dollar Man and seems quite content in my washroom until his foster Mom can take over this evening:
As I'm typing this blog post my son just called down to me: "MOM!!!! Stoney is rolling around in his litterbox and is COVERED in poop and pee." Honestly? I'm afraid to go upstairs and look. I can't deliver the guy to his foster Mom covered in poop and pee, but I'm sitting here hoping the "Poop and Pee Fairy" will come along and clean him up.
Please don't tell me there's no such thing as the "Poop and Pee Fairy".... I think he's related to the "Barf Fairy" and somebody barfed up a big hairball in the basement and I'm hoping the Fairies will make it a 2 for 1 bargain.
Abracadabra!!!....
Monday, December 06, 2010
"Delilah"
I don't believe in coincidences. There's nothing better when "accidents" turn into an extraordinary turn of events.
When I received an email from "Jakob" he indicated that he would like to adopt an easy going cat for his busy family with two younger children. Toddlers are a daunting problem for most cats, so finding the right fit for a cat matchmaker like me can be difficult.
I sent Jakob a few pictures including a video of the shelter, so he knows the plight of the animals and where the cat is coming from. I guess in my haste, I ended up sending him the wrong video. It wasn't a video of the shelter, but a video I recently posted with an unknown black cat that I gave a new donated "blankie".
Jakob said he watched the video with his 4 year old daughter who immediately became enamoured with "Delilah". In fact, his wife said she LOVES black cats. Everybody fell in love with Delilah. But the question for me would be: "Was Delilah a good family cat?"
I went to the shelter this morning and picked up Delilah. She purr'd in my arms while Kim and I set her down on the floor. She immediately flopped over for belly rubs while I roughly (like a Toddler might) rubbed her belly and gently pulled her tail. She didn't care....she wanted love and more of it!
Delilah was PERFECT!
Feeling a bit like Santa, I delivered my little black package into the city this afternoon and Jakob was thrilled with Delilah. She made herself right at home and mew'd at his feet when we walked into the kitchen. She knew that's a good spot for cats to eat! She happily trotted around the house and came back to rub against Jakob's legs. She disappeared upstairs to sniff around, so I figured it was my time to leave before rush-hour traffic. What happened next still gives me goosebumps:
I put on my jacket and shook Jakob's hand. I gently called out, "Bye Delilah...be a good girl!" On those words, Delilah came bolting downstairs and slid into my legs. She rubbed and rubbed against my legs as I patted her. Then she stopped and looked up into my eyes. She didn't just "look up". She looked DEEP into my eyes and I felt the "thank you". I haven't felt that deep communication from a cat in a long time and I could feel my eyes well with tears.
Everything would be OK for Delilah. I could feel it. It wasn't a coincidence that this little scrawny black cat with missing patches of hair found a home. It was nothing short of a miracle. Ask Delilah. :)
When I received an email from "Jakob" he indicated that he would like to adopt an easy going cat for his busy family with two younger children. Toddlers are a daunting problem for most cats, so finding the right fit for a cat matchmaker like me can be difficult.
I sent Jakob a few pictures including a video of the shelter, so he knows the plight of the animals and where the cat is coming from. I guess in my haste, I ended up sending him the wrong video. It wasn't a video of the shelter, but a video I recently posted with an unknown black cat that I gave a new donated "blankie".
Jakob said he watched the video with his 4 year old daughter who immediately became enamoured with "Delilah". In fact, his wife said she LOVES black cats. Everybody fell in love with Delilah. But the question for me would be: "Was Delilah a good family cat?"
I went to the shelter this morning and picked up Delilah. She purr'd in my arms while Kim and I set her down on the floor. She immediately flopped over for belly rubs while I roughly (like a Toddler might) rubbed her belly and gently pulled her tail. She didn't care....she wanted love and more of it!
Delilah was PERFECT!
Feeling a bit like Santa, I delivered my little black package into the city this afternoon and Jakob was thrilled with Delilah. She made herself right at home and mew'd at his feet when we walked into the kitchen. She knew that's a good spot for cats to eat! She happily trotted around the house and came back to rub against Jakob's legs. She disappeared upstairs to sniff around, so I figured it was my time to leave before rush-hour traffic. What happened next still gives me goosebumps:
I put on my jacket and shook Jakob's hand. I gently called out, "Bye Delilah...be a good girl!" On those words, Delilah came bolting downstairs and slid into my legs. She rubbed and rubbed against my legs as I patted her. Then she stopped and looked up into my eyes. She didn't just "look up". She looked DEEP into my eyes and I felt the "thank you". I haven't felt that deep communication from a cat in a long time and I could feel my eyes well with tears.
Everything would be OK for Delilah. I could feel it. It wasn't a coincidence that this little scrawny black cat with missing patches of hair found a home. It was nothing short of a miracle. Ask Delilah. :)
Friday, December 03, 2010
The Heart Knows What it Wants
"Now I've gone and dun it." I've rescued the world's cutest orange and white guy with a very broken foot:
"Stoney" is only 4-5 months old and completely darling. His poor little paw was swollen and he came into the shelter walking on 3 legs. Poor baby was severely dehydrated, so he must've been "out there" for a while.
So I let my heart rule and took a kitten that needs x-rays and treatment. I couldn't let him sit there in pain when I HAVE an available foster home. Argh. Most rescues will wait to rescue a guy like this when they actually *HAVE* money. But I've always lived my life like this; When all my friends were waiting until they had money to start a family, I got pregnant on my honeymoon and figured it all out later. Did it work? YES!
Update from the vet, Friday 5:30 pm: ALL of Stoney's toes are broken. He's going to require surgery and plates will have to be put in to stabilize his feet. Good Lord. :(
I found this little comic on Facebook this morning....thought I'd share:
I'm hopeful that the weekend will be uneventful. I spent much of last weekend doing rescue and was way too busy this week. I know of one special husband that needs some "marital bonding" (Not "Bondage"!!) and I'm hopeful for some Christmas shopping, dinner and a movie and time next to the fireplace...
I can only hope that it's so quiet :)
So I let my heart rule and took a kitten that needs x-rays and treatment. I couldn't let him sit there in pain when I HAVE an available foster home. Argh. Most rescues will wait to rescue a guy like this when they actually *HAVE* money. But I've always lived my life like this; When all my friends were waiting until they had money to start a family, I got pregnant on my honeymoon and figured it all out later. Did it work? YES!
Update from the vet, Friday 5:30 pm: ALL of Stoney's toes are broken. He's going to require surgery and plates will have to be put in to stabilize his feet. Good Lord. :(
I found this little comic on Facebook this morning....thought I'd share:
I'm hopeful that the weekend will be uneventful. I spent much of last weekend doing rescue and was way too busy this week. I know of one special husband that needs some "marital bonding" (Not "Bondage"!!) and I'm hopeful for some Christmas shopping, dinner and a movie and time next to the fireplace...
I can only hope that it's so quiet :)
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Meeting and Greeting
I love meeting new people! I had been working with Brandon over the past 6 years on several websites and had never met him. He unselfishly donates his time to the cats and is designing the Forever Home Cat Rescue website for me. FINALLY....I met him today and was able to add lots of kisses to Brandon's own two spoiled cats. Children of the world should have half as many toys as Brandon's cats! It's so nice to see cats that are loved like these two. Ahh...if they could ALL be loved like that.
My new website officially has a "Coming Soon" on it: Forever Home Cat Rescue
I had a "date" this afternoon to meet a single man in his early 40's looking to adopt a cat. He didn't care what the cat looked like - he just wanted to rescue somebody that needed him. I felt like a seasoned Cat Yenta. But there was no doubt when Dan saw "Nadia" he wanted her and the feeling was mutual. Nadia had been at the shelter the longest. She was exhibiting signs of distress and depression. Adoption couldn't have come at a better time for Nadia.
I called Dan this evening to see how Nadia was doing and I heard him chuckle. He said, "Beth, you'd never know that Nadia didn't live here her whole life. She's asleep in my lap right now. The only time she's left my side was to use her litterbox. She's the perfect cat for me!" (Insert happy dance!)
I also rescued little "Paisley" the firecracker tabby baby I featured yesterday. (Pictures coming tomorrow) She's quite a little character and I'm wondering if the name "Paisley" is too prissy for this goofy girl.
It's almost 8 pm and I'm exhausted. I didn't realize how much time I had spent in the car until I cleaned out 3 Tim Horton's empty coffee cups, an empty muffin wrapper, an empty McDonald's Filet O'Fish box and an warm Diet Coke. I need some nutrition...badly. Maybe tomorrow...(or not)
My new website officially has a "Coming Soon" on it: Forever Home Cat Rescue
I had a "date" this afternoon to meet a single man in his early 40's looking to adopt a cat. He didn't care what the cat looked like - he just wanted to rescue somebody that needed him. I felt like a seasoned Cat Yenta. But there was no doubt when Dan saw "Nadia" he wanted her and the feeling was mutual. Nadia had been at the shelter the longest. She was exhibiting signs of distress and depression. Adoption couldn't have come at a better time for Nadia.
I also rescued little "Paisley" the firecracker tabby baby I featured yesterday. (Pictures coming tomorrow) She's quite a little character and I'm wondering if the name "Paisley" is too prissy for this goofy girl.
It's almost 8 pm and I'm exhausted. I didn't realize how much time I had spent in the car until I cleaned out 3 Tim Horton's empty coffee cups, an empty muffin wrapper, an empty McDonald's Filet O'Fish box and an warm Diet Coke. I need some nutrition...badly. Maybe tomorrow...(or not)
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Jump On the Rescue Emotional Rollercoaster With Me!
Jump on the "Rescue Emotional Rollercoaster" with me! It has been one of those days where I was either high as a kite from good news, or pounding my fist on my desk with the bad.
I was incredibly sad to find that a cat that was to be rescued TODAY was killed yesterday. "Bryce" was very much wanted by a foster home and a rescue:
He had spent so much time at the shelter to only die there. There was nothing wrong with Bryce - only that his time was up and he was supposed to die. Couldn't they have kept him one more fucking day? I couldn't help but cry for him this afternoon. "I'm so sorry, Bryce..."
I met an active senior couple at the shelter this afternon. What a delightful pair they are! They drove 90 minutes to meet and adopt my buddy "Ozwald":
Ozwald had spent almost 3 hard months at this shelter. He was completely in love with this couple and I think the feeling was mutual. It was wonderful to watch them leave with him. He's going to be spoiled rotten...I can just tell!
Speaking of being "in love"....:
Little Paisley has some pretty bad diarrhea - probably parasites. But she needs a foster home - soon!!
UPDATE on Wednesday 8:42 pm: PAISLEY HAS A FOSTER HOME! I'm picking her up tomorrow morning! Thank you, Wendy!
I received a package in the mail today that I was THRILLED to receive! A really sweet lady had knitted a bunch of squares for the cats at the shelter to lay on. It's so sad that the majority of the cats sit on a single sheet of newspaper:
I wasn't kidding when I said it was a "Rescue Emotional Rollercoaster" today. I cried when I received those lovingly knitted cat beds just as hard as I cried when I heard Bryce was killed so needlessly.
What a day. What a sad, happy, crazy, day.
I was incredibly sad to find that a cat that was to be rescued TODAY was killed yesterday. "Bryce" was very much wanted by a foster home and a rescue:
I met an active senior couple at the shelter this afternon. What a delightful pair they are! They drove 90 minutes to meet and adopt my buddy "Ozwald":
Speaking of being "in love"....:
Little Paisley has some pretty bad diarrhea - probably parasites. But she needs a foster home - soon!!
UPDATE on Wednesday 8:42 pm: PAISLEY HAS A FOSTER HOME! I'm picking her up tomorrow morning! Thank you, Wendy!
I received a package in the mail today that I was THRILLED to receive! A really sweet lady had knitted a bunch of squares for the cats at the shelter to lay on. It's so sad that the majority of the cats sit on a single sheet of newspaper:
I wasn't kidding when I said it was a "Rescue Emotional Rollercoaster" today. I cried when I received those lovingly knitted cat beds just as hard as I cried when I heard Bryce was killed so needlessly.
What a day. What a sad, happy, crazy, day.
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