Apathy

I suppose I've been fortunate that after 8 years of living in the greater Toronto area I've never run over a squirrel.  Those guys are *everywhere*, and I'm always on alert.  So when I was driving to our vets office this afternoon, seeing an injured black squirrel flopping in the middle of the street put me in a full panicked alarm.

We live in an urban community.  Lots of people walking on the sidewalks with their dogs.  Seeing the squirrel made me immediately pull over to the side of the road.  As I instinctively opened the back of the SUV to get a towel and a cat carrier, I noticed that people were breezing by the injured squirrel with only a moments glance.  One lady stopped to see me with carrier in hand and said without remorse, "I think it was hit by a car." "No shit, eh?" 

As I got closer to the squirrel, I noticed blood was everywhere.  My heart sank.  The squirrel went on alert and managed to get up and drag himself off the side of the road.  I cautiously opened my cat carrier to see if I could coax him in, but he started to run.  Not really "run", but quickly dragged  himself, with blood trailing.  I ran through the wet grass after him, when a man I couldn't see yelled after me, "JUST HIT HIM WITH A SHOVEL!!"  "asshole."

I never found the squirrel.  I don't know if he's suffering somewhere and the whole incident has completely ruined my day.  How do people look away?  How do they walk by a suffering animal that is in need?  Why was I the ONLY person who seemed to care?

Right now, I wish I didn't care.  I wish I could forget, but now that it's raining outside, I'm sitting here wondering if he's in a place where he's dry.  ARRRRGGGH. 

I suppose there's lots of sadness in the world.  You can go to your local shelter and get the same shitty feeling as I'm feeling now.  My parents are HUGE animal lovers, and it's always ticked me off that they didn't volunteer at their local shelter.  But I get it - they're protecting themselves.  One can only stand so much hurt before you stop getting hurt and start to get pissed off. 

Tonight I'm pissed off.  Not just because of the squirrel, but because dozens of people walked by that hurt little creature.  They're living their apathetic beautiful lives.  Despite all I'm saying now, I'm glad I don't live an apathetic life.  Even if my night is ruined because of a squirrel.  Even so.   

It's Black. It's White.

I wish somebody could give an intelligent answer to the question everybody wants to know:  "What's wrong with adopting black or black and white cats?"

We have B and B-W kittens who have grown up in their foster homes because despite our best efforts they haven't been adopted.  Oh sure, everybody wants the oranges, calicos, or fluffy tabbies....but Black and B-W cats are overlooked.

Such is the dilemma for all rescues and shelters - dogs and cats.  I've tried reducing adoption fees, and featuring them on our home page, adoption events and adoption centres.  Yesterday, my favourite little girl named "Quinn" was FINALLY adopted after NINE months in our program:

Look how cute she is!!!  Thank heavens somebody finally saw what a treasure Quinn is and gave her a Forever Home. 

I've only known one person who has had great success at adopting B and B-W cats, bless her little heart.  She markets them beautifully with interesting names and pictures that would make you want to call about them.  I try to explain to foster parents that their choice of fostering  sweet B and B-W cats might mean more time spent in foster care.  After a while I can understand why they're discouraged.  It's a time when I wish I had been wrong. 

When a black cat is adopted in our rescue it's a great source of celebration!  I post it on Facebook and want the world to know that *somebody* thinks they're fabulous!!!   Earlier this month we had FOUR black cats adopted!!  Holy crap...I'm still amazed about that!

I have two black cats - one is a little girl named Pella who was thrown out on the highway in a box with her kittens.  NEVER was there a sweeter cat.  I can't imagine my life without her.  She puts up with more crap from those rowdy tabbies in my house than most cats wood.

I don't really expect anybody to have an answer as to why Black or Black and White cats are harder adoptions.  Simply put:   I really feel that people are missing out on some really sweet cats because of colour. 

But once again...I'm preachin' to the choir. 

Grief, Joy and Decision Making

I woke up in the middle of the night to my tabby girl "Newman" having a seizure.  She's an epileptic and despite being medicated 2 x per day, she still has breakthrough seizures.  Not only does she shake and jerk, but she also loses her bladder.  Yesssss Sireee....pee spraying all over my bed at 4:30 this morning.  Right after her seizure stopped, our 11 year old black cat Pella barfed all over the bed.  Thirty minutes later, Sherman spilled my coffee and I slid down on my ass on our basement stairs in my stocking feet.

So started my day - before 5:30 am.

...Should've gone back to bed.  I really should've.  I knew I would have days in rescue that would make me scratch my head in wonder,  but today was completely ridiculous.  I dealt with a bunch of stuff that wasn't the rescue's fault, nor was it anybody's fault.  It just *was*.  Sometimes being diplomatic when you feel like screaming is one of the most difficult parts of being a sane human being. 

I worked on tax receipts today and was reminded of the incredible generosity of the people who support our rescue.  It was spectacular to read the notes attached to the donation.  I recalled the urgent pleas for donations on special medical cases on cats that are now Forever Home today.  Yes, wallowing in GOOD things does make a difference in my attitude. 

Although I have lots of care and support, there are times I feel very isolated with decisions I've had to make.  Last night I had to help a loving foster parent make a decision to not take tiny kittens that were not suitable for her busy lifestyle and they were euthanized this morning.   When I was with a larger rescue, it was reassuring to be able to share the grief, joy and decision making.  Now I just sit here and feel pitifully alone with this stuff. 

So yeah....today is a pity party.  Waaa. Waaa for me.  :)  I'm OK, really.  This has never been a 100% "Look-how-great-rescue-is-why-don't-you-join-me" kind of blog.  It's my life - the good, the bad, and the ugly...and I like it that way. 

Monday Stuff

I called today "Business Development Day".  I know that might ruffle a few feathers to those who think rescuing cats isn't really a business, but I beg to differ.  I spend countless hours per week in administrative duties.  I am accountable to Revenue Canada (Canadian IRS) for what I do and how I receive and spend the rescue's money.  Yes, it's a business alright. 

Our adoptions over the weekend were wonderful and I'm actually finding myself with available foster space!  Discovering available foster space is like winning the lottery.  Finding out that the foster home can take TWO is like winning the lottery - twice! 

Looks like I'm going to be going back out to the shelter.  There's lots of juggling to do, as I have foster parents that need to move cats, and we're leaving Petsmart for the month.  Lots of planning to insure everybody is where they're supposed to be.  It's never a good thing to over-rescue. 

Wish I had something exciting to report today, but alas, it was quiet with some adoption calls and a couple of lovely adopters who were having trouble integrating their new kittens with their current cats.  I really like giving counsel to knew adopters.  It's tough to bring home a new sweet kitten only to have the current cat hiss, growl and act like a jerk.  

I've definitely worked my 8 hour day today and don't have much to show for it.  That's not always a bad thing.  In fact, it feels kind of normal.  I like *normal*.

Friday Wrap Up

I decided I'd better write in my blog now, because tonight I'll no doubt be too tired.  It's true, the majority of my energy is spent from early morning until around 3 pm, where I clunk out until about 4 and then I'm renewed.  I have to drive out in Friday traffic this afternoon to pick up 7 kittens at the vets and check them into Petsmart.  God, I hate traffic.  I thought I left that when I left Southern California.  Silly moi. 

I'm happy to report that "Romeo" the urgent sick tabby at the shelter has been rescued!  I had a lovely sounding adopter for him, but another rescue snatched him up after seeing my blog.  I don't care in the least bit - I'm just glad he's out of there and there is (unfortunately) never a shortage of cats. 

We have a foster Mom going to the shelter tomorrow to rescue a Mom and kittens.  I love hearing that and pray they all stay healthy.  Sick, dying newborns is a struggle for any foster Mom to contend with...

Our adoption line is ringing this Friday afternoon.  I love hearing that phone ring!  While the phone is ringing and I'm busy working,  I have a friendly helper with my new foster kitten:

I was asked to give some awesome information about the shelter from where I rescue.  The only problem is I've NEVER mentioned the name of the shelter in my blog, so I won't do it now.  On October 1st, they're offering a LIFETIME cat registration and microchip clinic for $12.50!  I wish I lived in that area - I'd take advantage of it.  I think it's a big step in the right direction for this high volume shelter.  Baby steps - nothing is fixed overnight. 

Our big Comedy Fundraising Event is in one week from tonight...I'm starting to get excited!  I love stand up comedy and am hoping that we'll sell out! 

I'm finally caught up from Monday.  After an afternoon of sending several humiliating emails, "Which cats do you have now?" I think we're in good shape.  Our bank account is balanced, my desk is clean and phone calls have been returned.

The weekend is shaping up....now on to the adoptions...

Taking a "Me Day"

The Weight Watchers meeting was just the ticket for me today.  I had a million other things I should've been doing, but as soon as I sat down and the WW facilitator said, "Make some 'Me time'", I knew I had come to the right place.  I've never been ashamed to take "me time".  I did it when the kids were younger too.  I was a better parent and wife because of it.  But the past two weeks have taken their toll on me.  Several days ago I had even worn a shirt that I took out of the dirty clothes hamper.  David said he has had to resort to wearing underwear from the BACK of his underwear drawer.  We were a pitiful looking couple - no doubt about it.

After my WW meeting, I was motivated.  I went to the nail salon and had a mani-pedi, then called the local spa.  If I didn't get my upper lip waxed today, I'd have to start pee'ing standing up. 

It only took 2 hours to renew myself and I feel so much better.  I was sure that the world had come to an end as I checked messages on the rescue's phone line.  There were no messages.  "REALLY?"

Tomorow is a busy cat rescue day, and I feel equipped to handle whatever comes my way.  I really hope other rescuers, (no matter what you rescue!) learn a lesson from my mistake.  The world did not come to an end, and my toes are a gorgeous shade of deep purple.   

Do I hear an "Amen"? 

Rescue Day This and That

 I was happy to be able to rescue this little man today!  It's been a while since I sang my little rescue song!


This little guy spent the afternoon in my washroom.  I also rescued a tiny grey kitten that desperately needed help, along with a newcomer grey and white kitten from the shelter that had been passed around on a school bus between children. 

I was going to give my newest little tabby boy to another foster home, but I couldn't let him go after I took the following video of him yesterday:



Yes, it's true - he might be a "Sherman Part Deux".  I thought I was taking a  video of a darling foster kitten moment  when he took a flying dive towards me off the stair ledge.  I love him.  :)

I took 4 kittens to Petsmart yesterday and 3 have already been adopted.  Our adoptions are amazing this month!   I've been trying to tell excited foster parents that it's not always this way.  There will come a week where the phones don't ring.  But until then, I'm enjoying the chaos of many adoptions. 

A foster Mom sent me a darling picture of Elroy (now George) - couldn't help but make this a great "before" and "after" moment:

I'm looking forward to more adults getting adopted.  Maybe I'm wrong, but they just seem to appreciate it more.

Crawling Out For a Better Day

When the phone rang in the middle of the night two nights ago, it's never good news.  My 16 year old granddaughter had gone to the corner market in the middle of the day and never returned.  In her bedroom was her purse and wallet that she had left behind.  She also left behind a 2 month old baby (she dearly loves) that made me a 49 year old great-grandmother in July.  The police were called and I was left wondering if I would end up identifying a body. 

Making a long story short, she's safe and at home now.  She decided to sneak away for a few hours with a friend, but once she felt a bit of teenage freedom, she just couldn't go back home and face her responsibilities.  The police brought her home late last night.  We're all grateful, but an emotional mess.

For me, getting back to doing something normal today was going to be harder than I thought. I found myself missing highway exits, forgetting names, and a simple bank password.  

But I did go back to the shelter for a rescue today.  I hadn't been there in more than 2 weeks, and left with several adorable kittens when I intended to only take one.  :)  A staff member approached me to help with a special boy that she had taken off the euthanasia list - twice:


If you can help this adorable tabby fellow, please let me know.  He's such a snuggler and he's almost over his upper respiratory infection.
I decided to take this video inside "the sick room".  Some people believe that this shelter only kills the cats and doesn't medicate or help them.  This isn't true.  There's an entire room dedicated to helping the sick guys through URI.  Unfortunately, if the shelter becomes too full, this room is one of the first one cleaned out.

One of the kittens I rescued is a 16 week old brown tabby baby that I've named "Leonard".  I'm hoping he'll be a buddy to The Sherminator and praying he doesn't pick up The Sherminator's raccoon-like behaviour.  He's adorable beyond belief and every inch a "Turner".  I love him already.  God help me.

There's lots of catching up to do.  I rescued, picked up cats from a foster home, took cats to the vets and on to Petsmart.  I accomplished lots today, but still needed a volunteer to help me with phones and emails so I could finish it all!   Still lots to do tonight, but will catch up quickly. 

If I were a drinker, I'd probably have a big ol' glass of wine tonight.  Instead, I'll settle for some iced tea and a few hours of thoughtful gratitude. 

A Gut Check

Thank heavens for this blog to allow me to vent a little.  I've had an incredibly stressful day and I'm not sure I'm ready to publically discuss.  It's one of those days that knock you on your ass and twist your insides around a few times.  It's definitely a gut check for me. 

The weekend was terrific.  We had TWELVE adoptions over the weekend, and I'm completely at peace with the way things have turned out.  I can't take credit for any of the adoptions, as I was busy at a Baby Dedication on Saturday.  Our rescue's volunteers rocked it as always, and we were back at the shelter on Sunday rescuing more cats. 

I was hoping I could muster some hoopla for the new rescues and newly adopted cats, but my heart is elsewhere tonight and will close this post prematurely.  Many hugs and thank you's to the volunteers who have answered the phones and emails today.  One volunteer had to leave work today to pick up a sick kitten from Petsmart...something I would've normally done.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping today.

To end the post with a smile...a gift from Sherman (and last night's leftovers that I stupidly left on the counter)

Last Minute Excitement!

What an awesome day today!  It was business as usual;  adoption calls, emails, etc., when the phone rang and it was our local Humane Society asking us for help.  Apparently, they had a BIG adoption event this weekend at a local pet food store and were unable to attend at the last minute.  The manager of the Humane Society remembered me and asked if we were interested in taking their place TOMORROW! 

It was a big scramble, but we're going to pull it off!  The best part was being able to call two volunteers who said, "Sure Beth, we can handle this!"  I just took cages and tables over to the event location now, and we have volunteers and kittens going in tomorrow.  This is really wonderful, because the Humane Society advertised the heck out of the event along with Hill's Science Diet.  *Fingers crossed for a good turn out*! 

Regardless of the turn out, I felt really honoured to be given this opportunity by the local Humane Society.  I'm sure they didn't want to give it to just anybody and the fact that she thought of our rescue made me feel terrific!

We also had two new foster parents sign up with us and one is asking for a nursing Mom and kittens!  Looks like we'll be able to save a few more lives now. 

I'm trying to really enjoy riding the high point of the "rescue rollercoaster", because what goes up must come down.  But it's a great way to start the weekend.  But (in my best "Scarlett O'Hara voice")"I won't think about that now, I'll think about that tomorrow..."

I'm so excited for the weekend!

Breathing a Little Easier Now

Many thank you's to all the blog readers who sent well wishes regarding my doctor's appointment and subsequent test results today.  I'm happy to report that I'm cancer-free and continued surgery isn't necessary.  Looks like I'll have to have continued biopsies every 3 months, but it's a small price to pay.

Since I'm going to live (*smirk*) I went back to Weight Watchers today.  Again, it felt great to do something normal that meant I was taking care of myself. 

We had a huge number of "owner surrender" phone calls today.  One of them was from our own veterinary office who has a client who wants to euthanize her 9 year old cat because he pooped on the floor.  The cat weighs TWENTY pounds and no longer can get to the basement to the litterbox and the owner doesn't want to move the litterbox upstairs.  She'd rather kill the cat.  God, I hate people sometimes.

I really don't like taking owner surrenders.  God bless the rescues that do.  I find that once I see the cat at someone's home, vet office or my own home, I feel obligated to take the poor thing even though he/she isn't a good fit for our foster homes. 

Case in point:  About 5 years ago, I had somebody call me about a kitten wandering around the edge of the streets.  They thought the kitten was under 6 months old and looked fragile, and starving.  I hopped in my car and drove an hour (!!) to pick up this one little kitten.  Turns out "the kitten" was a 20 year old cat that I'm POSITIVE belonged to the person that called me.  I took the little old lady-kitty and she became the love of my life for the last 6 months of her life.  I have no regrets, but it certainly wasn't what I had expected. 

Obviously, this doesn't apply to our foster parents and people that I know that find cats.  But I'm always leary of  friends of a friend...of a friend...of a friend...that needs to rehome their cat. 

You don't have to agree with me, it's just the way I feel.  I think it's great when a rescue takes cats from the public.  I just wish I trusted the public a little more.  None of what I say on this subject is set in stone.  I keep finding exceptions to the rule.

I had cooked dinner ahead of time before my doctor's appointment.  Just a simple crappy casserole that I can pop in the oven tonight.  I came home to find this:

Take a GOOD look at my casserole, the lid, and the location of the casserole dish.  That dish was on top of the stove in the back when I left....AND....Sherman wasn't even ashamed of himself enough to leave the scene of the crime.  Bad boy, Sherman. (Good thing you're cute)

Life is feeling pretty good tonight.  David asked if I wanted to go out to dinner tonight to celebrate the good post-doctor's news.  But I think we'd better eat that casserole before it's too late.

What's a Normal Day?

Today was the first day that was somewhat normal in a LONG time.  The loose ends that I had accumulated during a very busy two weeks was insane!

This morning, I received a phone call from my doctor's office:  "Beth, you missed your appointment yesterday"  Usually, that's not a big deal to miss a doctor's appointment, but I've been losing sleep over this because it's THE appointment where I find out the results of the pathology after my recent surgery.  Now I have to wait two more days. Believe me, I won't miss the next one.

I glanced at the calendar this morning and was horrified that my daughter's birthday is next week.  She lives in Southern California, so I like to mail her gifts 2 weeks ahead to avoid the stupid extra freight charges.  I ended up mailing her presents today for a ripping $67.89!  Crap!  That's what happens when you're too busy to think ahead.

Today was the first day that my file "Pictures to add to Petfinder" was EMPTY!  I worked hours and hours today updating our site and pictures.  Petfinder hasn't made things very easy for me to update pictures.   If it's an existing cat and you want to update pictures, you have to delete the frickin' cat and add him again to get new pictures!  Otherwise Petfinder doesn't update properly.   Ya. Frickin'. Hoo.

I received a phone call today from an adopter that may have to return a cat that was adopted in June.  Apparently, they've been dealing with wicked asthma that has sent her husband to the hospital where his lips were turning blue.  Last night, he went via ambulance and the wife was scared to death.  She loves loves "Kaluha", but realizes her husband's health is paramount.  I agree.  She was crying and felt like she had failed.  I gave her some recommendations that she hadn't tried before and she's going to give it one more try.  Fingers crossed that my suggestions work.  It sure seems like she tried everything.

Funny how "normal" feels almost "boring" now.  But I'm savouring the "boring".  If memory serves me right, chaos is just around the corner. :) 

A New Venue!

I kicked ass this this morning so that I could have a somewhat normal afternoon.  I answered emails, telephone and even managed to spend time with my own cats this afternoon!  Our 14 year old dog Maggie has a lump on her head so I'm suddenly feeling guilty for being too busy to notice any sooner than this. 

I'm pleased to announce that I spent the better part of the morning settling two of our adorable kittens in a GORGEOUS new Pet-Valu store in Mississauga that is going to feature our kittens full time:

The manager was coo'ing over the two kittens and before I left she said that she would probably take them home at night.  LOL!  She is such a lovely person and we're so fortunate to have another friendly venue to show off our cats! 

I feel like our rescue continues to move forward in the best possible way.  We've had some "bitter pills" that don't share our happiness, but we're not letting bad attitudes get in the way of being so happy and excited.  It takes too much time and energy to feel angry and petty, so we choose "happy" and screw the rest!

One of these days soon, I'll post more on actual rescuing.  Right now, my focus has been on keeping our rescue stable through kitten season and pay our vet bills on time.  I've heard stories of (and have seen) other rescues with cats in cages in their garages and bedrooms and we won't do that.  I don't want our foster parents living like that.  (That isn't rescue - that's insane and probably against the law where you live.)  But not doing it takes planning and careful consideration. It's hard - really hard. 

I've been leaving the actual rescue part to others in our group for now...and they've been doing a GREAT job.  Check out the cuties we just rescued:

Yeah....I'd say the volunteers are doing a GREAT job with rescuing without me. 

Exhausted and Proud!

My desk looks like a war zone.  Honestly, I haven't been this far behind on admin work in months!  Fortunately, it was all worthwhile as our weekend adoption event at Petsmart last weekend was a HUGE success.  We had SEVENTEEN adoptions for the weekend and were left with 4 sweet kittens left in their cages this morning. 

Needless to say, I was out rescuing again this morning to "replenish" supply.  :)  Err...should I say "one of our dedicated volunteers was rescuing today".  *I* was setting things in place for our placement in a local Pet-Valu tomorrow!  We have two really cute kittens going into a large ferrett cage tomorrow.   I hope the store manager there is pleased.

Speaking of "Dedicated Volunteers", this blog post wouldn't be worth a damn unless I recognized several of our volunteers who went over and beyond the call of duty for the adoption weekend.  I've never seen an event go off with more pizzazz, class and excitement.  Two of our volunteers showed up for ALL THREE DAYS, scooping poop, cleaning cages, doing adoptions and organizing.  I basically just had to show up on Friday and Sunday.  (Saturday, I was trying to stay married and delivering a cat in the city to his new home!) 

Running a classy event is a tricky operation.  I was witness to a "not-so-classy" adoption event this weekend and I'm beaming with pride for our little group.  "Y'all made us look GOOOOD!"

I'm looking forward to things slowing down for me a little bit.  I took two kittens to the vets this afternoon for vaccinations and exams and ended up falling asleep in the chair in his waiting room!  My head kept bobbing up and down.  I must've looked ridiculous.  Hahahhaa!

Time to start dinner and I'm sitting here wondering if I'm better off ordering a pizza.  Nah...I did that yesterday.  Chinese delivery, perhaps?

Saving Ferris

You'd have to be nearly dead to not smile when you see this little guy.  His name is "Ferris" and he's now safe in our care.  Many thank you's to Shelley who went to the shelter today on a moments notice to pick him up!

I need to paste this guy's picture on the bathroom mirror to remind  me why I'm killing myself to get ready for this adoption event this weekend.  My throat is sore and I have a headache - not a good start to a busy weekend.

David helped me load cages and tables in my SUV (three cheers for the new SUV!) tonight.  I was in a chipper, energetic mood until about 6:30 tonight and I felt myself fade.  I think that's the difference between a 30 year old woman and a 50 year old woman.  Seriously...I'm pooped! 

We've already had 3 adoptions out of Petsmart since yesterday in anticipation of the adoption event.  People want to get "first pick".  We have so many cute ones, I doubt anyone is going to go home disappointed this weekend. 

I picked up five kittens this afternoon and was able to spend some time with one of my favourite little guys:

"Charlie Chaplin" would make me smile on the worst of days.  I'm so tempted to send his picture to that website: Cats That Look Like Hitler. But I figure if I have THAT much time on my hands, my time could be better spent saving some cats!  Needless to say, if Charlie Chaplin were MY kitten, I'd kiss his little mustache every day!

But then again...I'm sort of hopeless that way. :)

Brain Fog

I haven't been myself since my surgery last Friday.  My mind feels foggy and I feel constantly stoned.  "Stoned" might have been a good thing if I didn't need to be so productive this week.  There's so much to do with a huge adoption event this weekend at Petsmart, and I can hardly coordinate enough energy to make dinner.

Apparently, I really screwed up my story about the Cornish Rex yesterday.  Not only is he NOT a Sphynx, but I guess I got the facts mixed up and Forgotten Ones Cat Rescue was also involved in his rescue.  I may have hit a new blog record for "Screwed Up Blog Retractions" in one week.

We had an adoption call for Sherman yesterday.  What a lovely lady, but unfortunately she only wanted one cat and I think Sherman would've been lonely.  I found myself describing Sherman to her in what quickly appeared to be an unflattering manner.  She started laughing....and laughing...as I described Sherman as the "Resident Raccoon".  A few moments before I took the adoption call, I took the following picture of Sherman as I was trying to make Burgers and Fries for dinner:

I only left that cookie sheet out for a few minutes while the oven preheated!  I came back to find that he was totally relaxed and having a grand time. 

Honestly, I don't want Sherman to go to a home where he's going to be squirted with water or "shooo'd" all the time.  It's true, he doesn't need to be in the kitchen counters.  He doesn't need to sit on the kitchen table while we eat dinner.  He's a cat of his own mind and he keeps us laughing.  No, I'm not keeping him, but I need for  Sherman to be in a home where he's appreciated and loved for all his toiletpaper-ripping-antics.

His most memorable is our refrigerator.  Nobody in the house opens the refrigerator - at any time of day or night - without hearing Sherman galloping through the house and making a run for the open refrigerator door:

I haven't been to the shelter in more than a week.  Cats are still being rescued, so there's no worry about that.  But it always bothers me me when I get lost in administrative rescue work.  BOTH are equally as important as the other.  But I enjoy one more than the other - that's all! :)

I'm hopeful that my foggy-anesthesia-brain lifts a bit in the next day or so.  I really need to be at my best for the adoption event and to add support to the volunteers.  In the meantime, I'm going to let Sherman run amuck and hope there are no adoption calls for him. :)

HUGE FUNDRAISING EVENT!

Last year, I was obsessed with a scrawny little orange sphynx that arrived at the shelter.  He was an older guy.  (For the life of me, I wrote about this, but can't find the post!)  To make a long story short, I mentioned him to one of our volunteers and it turns out that this cat had been missing for WEEKS and belonged to a friend of hers that lived two hours away!  He must've crawled into a delivery truck or something.  I don't believe in coincidences, so to find this 12 year old cat's family was a huge thing for me. 

To thank us for our hard work, the guardian of this sweet kitty  is having a special Benefit Comedy Show for us.  This is a HUGE event and I'm so excited that we're part of it:  (Note the picture of the orange sphynx on the poster)

The fundraiser is for Forever Home Cat Rescue and Toronto Cat Rescue (The rescue I was with when I rescued this little guy)

Tickets are only $15.00 or $20.00 at the door.  You can purchase tickets online HERE. This is an adult show, so you must be over 19 years of age. C'mon out, laugh, and say "hello" to me!!

Please help us to make this a big event!  We could easily raise enough money to pay our vet bills for months!

(PLEASE NOTE:  I was just corrected that this is a Cornish Rex - not a Sphynx!)

Looking Up!

The rollercoaster ride of rescue continues to baffle me.  My week started in absolute chaos and seems to be ending with some excitement! 

We've had SIX adoptions yesterday!!!  What a way to start September, eh?  We don't even have cats in Petsmart until tonight and we're movin' and shakin'.  I crunched some numbers and realized we had 52 adoptions in the month of August!  It's really wonderful to think with all the hard work and care that 52 little lives have found their Forever Home.

Speaking of "Forever Home"...I checked on my "Max" in his new home and he's doing great.  He's sleeping with his new Mom and she said that he's a keeper.  Good stuff!!

I'm having some surgery this afternoon, so as I type this I'm feeling a little distracted, but didn't want to wait until I'm home from the hospital to try to blog.  This certainly isn't going to be my best blog post.  LOL 

We're going to the shelter this weekend to do a rescue.  I wish I could be part of it, but I don't want to push myself too hard.  I'm happy that we're rescuing an adult cat this time.

We woke up yesterday morning to water all over the kitchen floor and a ripped up loaf of bread dead set in the middle of the kitchen.  EVERYBODY looked guilty to me, but I suspect my little Sherminator.  He must've had a great time.  He actually opened the bread drawer, dragged the loaf of bread out into the kitchen sink where I had some dishes soaking.  Then pulled the water-soaked bread onto the floor.  What a party he must've had!  Wish I had the video camera running for that. 

I took a picture of my own cat "Willy" yesterday.  He's such a goofy guy -  I often find him in this pose:

Please note that this is my dining room table - and his partner in crime "Thomas" behind him.  I actually found a pile of barf ON my table this morning!!!  ThankYOUverymuch. 
Tonight, we have foster parents arriving at Petsmart with their beloved charges to place them in a cage for adoption.  Our volunteers have worked VERY VERY hard at making the Petsmart cages look gorgeous.  There are fluffy blankets, toys, and cubbies to hide in.  It looks like cat-xanadu in there!  I'm so impressed and proud. 

I'm logging off for the weekend and heading out to the hospital.  No worries - small diagnostic procedure, but I'm there for the day - but it's hardly Disneyland, right?