I don't think I've ever felt it so cold before. We're in a deep freeze in the Toronto area and instead of snuggling with my sweetie by the fire I have found myself very depressed thinking about the abandoned domestic animals who are outside and have no escape. I received a call last night from a woman who went out and rescued a "shivering, skinny cat" who was living under a loading dock. I guess that was the trigger for me and I felt so helpless for them all.
Yesterday, we moved into our new Petsmart location. The staff was great and it was sort of like playing house as we set up in the new store. This particular store is only about 10 minutes from my house, so that's going to be helpful in the event of emergencies, etc. The exciting part was we already had TWO adoptions while we were there setting up! Fingers are crossed that this is a good location for us.
I received some feedback from my last post regarding the "rescuer" who threatened to euthanize cats with ringworm unless she received some help. As I said in that post, I realize I'm very critical of other rescues mainly due to the fact that I don't want to end up in similar situations. I take mental notes of other's mistakes and try not to repeat them. Of course, some things are unavoidable.
I'm in agreement with several large local Humane Societies that private rescues like mine and others should have some kind of accountability and inspection. There are people out there calling themselves "rescues" that should never be running a rescue. I'm not talking about a single person trapping cats, spay/neuter and releasing them - or finding homes. I'm talking about people with a rescue "name on the door". They have no fiscal responsibility to themselves or others. They rescue cats and hope for the best! They mean well and are usually very caring people, but many live in horrible conditions with many cats. It's been my experience that they have a certain local following and supporters, but mainly because they don't turn people down who want to dump or rescue cats.
I can tell you that I miscounted our stats for 2013 - we had 715 adoptions - not the 600 that I previously reported. So much for my mathematical wizardry! So here we are - 2014. What will the year bring? I suppose it will bring the usual life's ups and downs.
But is it too much to ask for more ups than downs? :)
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7 comments:
OMG.....715 !! Amazing :)
I know your numbers are close to large shelters with a building and paid staff !!! Congrats !!!
Here's to another great year of rescuing and rehoming the abandoned and unwanted and finding them their Forever Home !
Happy New Year Beth! So glad to have you back :-)
Tina
A HUGE concatulations for rescuing 715 cats - most of whom would probably not be alive if not for your group!
I'm the same way Beth….I worry about all the poor souls outside in this horrible weather. I look down at all the kitties piled on top of me all toasty warm and feel sad about the ones outside. I did create an outdoor kitty shelter and there is a kitty using it (paw prints in the snow gave him/her away) so that makes me feel better. It's sometimes hard to feel joy when you know there are so many suffering. I say a prayer for them every night.
Good luck at your new Petsmart location and continued success in 2014. I hope the new year is a great one for you and your rescue.
The one of the 715 that we adopted from you is doing so well. Despite his small stature, Quincy is like a bat out of hell and we love him to bits. Thank you xoxoxo
Good luck at your new Petsmart location and continued success in 2014. I hope the new year is a great one for you and your rescue.
The one of the 715 that we adopted from you is doing so well. Despite his small stature, Quincy is like a bat out of hell and we love him to bits. Thank you xoxoxo
Beth, it's so wonderful to be a part of an organization that has such sound values, and a practical outlook on things. I agree with what you're saying- sometimes people mean well, but then they get in way over their heads. There has to be a healthy balance of sensibility and heart. You have a good handle on everything- you know where we stand, and you know what you're capable of without overextending the group.
I'm definitely proud to be a foster parent with FHCR!
PS- glad you're back to writing again. I enjoy your blog :)
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