I should go out of town more often. Never am I more organized and settled than when I'm preparing for a trip. I received a call from my Southern California daughter last month that said she wanted to spend some time with her "Mama" and do some shopping. What better place than San Francisco? :) No men, a downtown boutique hotel and some credit cards - should be a great trip!
Of course, the timing was off because we just took cats and kittens into our Petsmart Adoption Centre. The first few days when we open in the centre are always a little insane. I wish I could be there for added support, but our volunteers are on the ball and I'll probably only be in the way.
We just rescued 26 kittens from a hoarding house a few days ago. The look on the veterinary staff was priceless as the kittens were paraded through the clinic for vaccines and checkups. (I think they thought we were kidding!) I really expected this little group to be frightened, malnourished and having goopy eyes. But my fears were put to rest. They (surprisingly) looked really good!
Our first two adoption days of June have been great with 8 adoptions already. The adopters have been lovely and several of the cats weren't even on the website! Adult cat adoptions over the past week have been uplifting! O' how I love adult cat adoptions! The biggest surprise has been the number of phone calls we've received on "Brando" - our 30 pounder! We've had a ton of adoption calls on this guy. He hasn't been adopted - but I think it's around the corner.
As kitten season is now in full swing, I have to admit that over the past 20 years since I've been rescuing I have NEVER found a box of kittens, personally. Everybody I know has found a box, or bag of kittens. This morning, one of our volunteers rescued a feral, sick kitten in a neighbour's yard. Don't you think it's weird that I've never found kittens? Maybe I'm just destined to take painful walks through local pounds.
It is possible that THIS is the kitten season that I won't stress out? Right now, I'm feeling peaceful and happy about rescuing. Our foster homes are pleasantly full, cats are not ill, and although the phones are busy I'm not overwhelmed. There's always one funk every kitten season. Several years it was Distemper - last year it was FIP. I wonder what this kitten season will have in store for us?
Since I'm really never off the clock with rescue, I'll bring my laptop. Our hotel has free Wi-Fi and while my daughter sleeps, I'll check emails, etc in the morning.
I hope I don't find any boxes of kittens.
Sunday, June 02, 2013
Monday, May 27, 2013
Country Roads
I decided to take the day off yesterday. David is playing Bridge at the Canadian National Bridge Tournament For Geeks, this week and I'm finding myself remembering what it's like to not have to wait and free to do whatever I want. So I drove about an hour into the country to visit a huge antique mall.
Like many men, going to an antique mall would've been hideous for David so I was pleased to be able to putter through it by myself. As I drove through the country roads with the sun roof down, the sun warm on my face and singing whatever was on the radio, I stopped suddenly at a "Free Kittens" sign in front of a farm driveway.
"It's your day off. Keep driving, Beth." My inner voice pleaded with me to continue on, but my "inner cat rescuer" put her foot on the brake and pulled into the farm. I could see the cats and kittens from inside my car. All feral - eyes dilated with fear and distrust. They disappeared into various corners around the house and barn.
I could've knocked on the door and asked more questions, offered my help to get the cats trapped and fixed. But I didn't. I probably have a list a mile long on my desk at home with people asking for help. Do I want to add another? I put the car in reverse and left, leaving the cats and kittens, along with a dust trail from my car behind me.
It only took me 1 hour to get through the 3-story antique mall. My heart wasn't in it any longer. I have to admit that the whole situation at the farm ruined my day. The guilt was heavy on my shoulders and my heart. Those little faces... I could still see them scampering away from me. What would become of them? Did they have any chance at all?
If I had known the area better, I would've found another way to the highway in order to avoid that farm and the "Free Kittens" sign. Oddly enough, I didn't see the sign or the farm again.
Sadly, I was relieved.
Like many men, going to an antique mall would've been hideous for David so I was pleased to be able to putter through it by myself. As I drove through the country roads with the sun roof down, the sun warm on my face and singing whatever was on the radio, I stopped suddenly at a "Free Kittens" sign in front of a farm driveway.
"It's your day off. Keep driving, Beth." My inner voice pleaded with me to continue on, but my "inner cat rescuer" put her foot on the brake and pulled into the farm. I could see the cats and kittens from inside my car. All feral - eyes dilated with fear and distrust. They disappeared into various corners around the house and barn.
I could've knocked on the door and asked more questions, offered my help to get the cats trapped and fixed. But I didn't. I probably have a list a mile long on my desk at home with people asking for help. Do I want to add another? I put the car in reverse and left, leaving the cats and kittens, along with a dust trail from my car behind me.
It only took me 1 hour to get through the 3-story antique mall. My heart wasn't in it any longer. I have to admit that the whole situation at the farm ruined my day. The guilt was heavy on my shoulders and my heart. Those little faces... I could still see them scampering away from me. What would become of them? Did they have any chance at all?
If I had known the area better, I would've found another way to the highway in order to avoid that farm and the "Free Kittens" sign. Oddly enough, I didn't see the sign or the farm again.
Sadly, I was relieved.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
A Personal Defect
We decided to try to stay ahead of all the incoming kittens by having a mini-adoption event today. It was rather impromptu with a weeks notice and a paid online ad. We let the Petsmart staff know about 5 days ago that we'd be putting out cages, etc.
It wasn't our turn in the adoption centre, so the cages would have to be in another area of the store. We had about 13 kittens and 5 adults. Nice numbers and friendly, cute kittens!
I wasn't there when it happened, but one of the volunteers from the OTHER rescue went bizerk when she saw us with our cages. She started red-faced screaming at our volunteer - obscenities... demanding we pack up and leave! Gratefully, our volunteer was sensitive enough to politely suggest she go speak with the manager of the store. The other rescue's volunteer stormed to the manager and started screaming at her too. Her arms her waving, her face was red, people were staring.
How horrifying. What kind of personal defect do you have to have to treat other volunteers that way?
It's pathetic when these things happen with rescues; Lack of class, tact and professionalism. You'd think we were competing for a profit or something. Shit. I just wanted to adopt out some cats into loving homes today. Honestly, I'm glad I wasn't there when it happened this morning. I don't think I would've been as ...um....diplomatic as our volunteer over the situation.
Those of you who have read my blog over the past 5 years, know that I'm not a stranger to altercations and other rescue's bullshit. But I usually retreat. It's one of the reasons I started my own rescue. But I've NEVER verbally assaulted another volunteer like what happened today.
I'm tired tonight and this crap has hovered over me all day today. It sat on my shoulder like a piece of bird shit. (I guess I could've said "dark cloud", but "bird shit" felt more accurate) We had 9 adoptions today - 3 of them were ADULT cat adoptions. That's enough to make me smile and make the whole day worth it.
I'll think good thoughts about this other rescue. I know how embarrassing it must be for their volunteers, the customers in the store, and the store staff to have witnessed it. It's an imperfect world and we're all volunteers trying to make the world better for animals.
It wasn't our turn in the adoption centre, so the cages would have to be in another area of the store. We had about 13 kittens and 5 adults. Nice numbers and friendly, cute kittens!
I wasn't there when it happened, but one of the volunteers from the OTHER rescue went bizerk when she saw us with our cages. She started red-faced screaming at our volunteer - obscenities... demanding we pack up and leave! Gratefully, our volunteer was sensitive enough to politely suggest she go speak with the manager of the store. The other rescue's volunteer stormed to the manager and started screaming at her too. Her arms her waving, her face was red, people were staring.
How horrifying. What kind of personal defect do you have to have to treat other volunteers that way?
It's pathetic when these things happen with rescues; Lack of class, tact and professionalism. You'd think we were competing for a profit or something. Shit. I just wanted to adopt out some cats into loving homes today. Honestly, I'm glad I wasn't there when it happened this morning. I don't think I would've been as ...um....diplomatic as our volunteer over the situation.
Those of you who have read my blog over the past 5 years, know that I'm not a stranger to altercations and other rescue's bullshit. But I usually retreat. It's one of the reasons I started my own rescue. But I've NEVER verbally assaulted another volunteer like what happened today.
I'm tired tonight and this crap has hovered over me all day today. It sat on my shoulder like a piece of bird shit. (I guess I could've said "dark cloud", but "bird shit" felt more accurate) We had 9 adoptions today - 3 of them were ADULT cat adoptions. That's enough to make me smile and make the whole day worth it.
I'll think good thoughts about this other rescue. I know how embarrassing it must be for their volunteers, the customers in the store, and the store staff to have witnessed it. It's an imperfect world and we're all volunteers trying to make the world better for animals.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Holding Tight
It's been "one of those days". It started out just fine - a rescue, a vet appointment, and moving newly rescued cats into foster homes. As I type this at 9 pm, I'm grateful that David has a Bridge game tonight and isn't here to see the ugly frown on my face.
Two months ago, I had promised an elderly lady that I would help her get her cat spayed and bring the kittens into our program once they were 8 weeks old. I hadn't forgotten my promise, so when the lady called me, David and I drove the 45 minutes to her house to pick up the 6 kittens.
I could smell the stench of the house from her front yard. The front door was completely blocked with debris and we entered the side door. I can't describe it. If you've seen the program "Hoarders", you'll get the idea. The kittens seemed healthy, but lacked any socialization. From the look of the place, I thought that the kittens would have goopy eyes, ear mites and fleas....but they were totally fine. When I asked the lady about the number of cats in the house, she didn't know - "Maybe 15?"
How am I supposed to help this person? It's a rhetorical question, I guess. I know what to do. I'm just tired of people not helping themselves! She couldn't even drive the kittens to meet me part way!
The lower adoption rate this month has seemed to accentuate other issues and problems. I've missed the 'adoption high" that I get seeing a cat or kitten going to their new home. Instead, I've been bombarded with veterinary problems, bank reconciliation challenges, and just a big ol' CRAP-FEST in my direction.
My two foster kittens have eye infections that I can't seem to clear up. Poor little guys are just getting bigger in my house and I need to get a solution to this eye problem. Is it bacterial? Viral? Why haven't the past 6 medications worked?
Sooooo....this has just been a nice little whiny rant tonight. I'm actually fine and feeling better now as I type this. David is playing Bridge all weekend, so I'm hopeful for some quality shopping time at the local Mall and some better adoptions coming up.
As usual, I'm holding tight and waiting for the good part to come. It always does!
Two months ago, I had promised an elderly lady that I would help her get her cat spayed and bring the kittens into our program once they were 8 weeks old. I hadn't forgotten my promise, so when the lady called me, David and I drove the 45 minutes to her house to pick up the 6 kittens.
I could smell the stench of the house from her front yard. The front door was completely blocked with debris and we entered the side door. I can't describe it. If you've seen the program "Hoarders", you'll get the idea. The kittens seemed healthy, but lacked any socialization. From the look of the place, I thought that the kittens would have goopy eyes, ear mites and fleas....but they were totally fine. When I asked the lady about the number of cats in the house, she didn't know - "Maybe 15?"
How am I supposed to help this person? It's a rhetorical question, I guess. I know what to do. I'm just tired of people not helping themselves! She couldn't even drive the kittens to meet me part way!
The lower adoption rate this month has seemed to accentuate other issues and problems. I've missed the 'adoption high" that I get seeing a cat or kitten going to their new home. Instead, I've been bombarded with veterinary problems, bank reconciliation challenges, and just a big ol' CRAP-FEST in my direction.
My two foster kittens have eye infections that I can't seem to clear up. Poor little guys are just getting bigger in my house and I need to get a solution to this eye problem. Is it bacterial? Viral? Why haven't the past 6 medications worked?
Sooooo....this has just been a nice little whiny rant tonight. I'm actually fine and feeling better now as I type this. David is playing Bridge all weekend, so I'm hopeful for some quality shopping time at the local Mall and some better adoptions coming up.
As usual, I'm holding tight and waiting for the good part to come. It always does!
Friday, May 17, 2013
A Tiny Bit of Love
I hate it when foster parents lose their foster cats. They put in so much work and love and to have the cat die....well...it's just awful. With kitten season upon us, it seems to happen more frequently.
Tiny is a really special, sweet kitten. She appeared with one of our affiliated veterinarian's on a local television show, "Animal House Calls." Normal size for an 8 week old kitten is about 2 pounds. Our Tiny was under 1 pound at almost 8 weeks:
She has been in foster care with her brothers for a month and her brothers are twice her size. The runt of the litter often struggles and needs some extra TLC. The other night I received the dreaded call that Tiny appeared to be failing.
The foster Mom took Tiny into the vets this morning and was encouraged that Tiny might be just a little constipated! Wow! Could it be the little girl just needs to poop?
We weren't that lucky.
They did an x-ray and the vet called me: "Mrs. Turner, I have NO idea what this is and I've shown it to three other vets and they've never seen internal organs that look like this! It could be cancer, it could be FIP...We just don't know and doubt she'll survive."
David and I are in the grocery store. He hates it when I take these calls while we're together because he's left wandering around the grocery store. But this time, he could see the look on my face as I leaned against the frozen food doors and listened to the vet.
She proceeded to tell me that there was a vet tech in the clinic that had fallen in love with Tiny and wanted to take her home - even if it meant her survival for a few days. Apparently, the tech had wrapped her in a baby blanket and didn't plan on getting any work done today. She would spend her work day loving Tiny and giving her the very best chance of survival.
I was practically speechless. Other than a full recovery, how it could it possibly get better than this? Tiny has a home. She has somebody that will love her and care for her - regardless of the outcome. She'll get around the clock medical care.
Just for now, my heart feels very full this afternoon. Tiny has a home. :)
Tiny is a really special, sweet kitten. She appeared with one of our affiliated veterinarian's on a local television show, "Animal House Calls." Normal size for an 8 week old kitten is about 2 pounds. Our Tiny was under 1 pound at almost 8 weeks:
The foster Mom took Tiny into the vets this morning and was encouraged that Tiny might be just a little constipated! Wow! Could it be the little girl just needs to poop?
We weren't that lucky.
They did an x-ray and the vet called me: "Mrs. Turner, I have NO idea what this is and I've shown it to three other vets and they've never seen internal organs that look like this! It could be cancer, it could be FIP...We just don't know and doubt she'll survive."
David and I are in the grocery store. He hates it when I take these calls while we're together because he's left wandering around the grocery store. But this time, he could see the look on my face as I leaned against the frozen food doors and listened to the vet.
She proceeded to tell me that there was a vet tech in the clinic that had fallen in love with Tiny and wanted to take her home - even if it meant her survival for a few days. Apparently, the tech had wrapped her in a baby blanket and didn't plan on getting any work done today. She would spend her work day loving Tiny and giving her the very best chance of survival.
I was practically speechless. Other than a full recovery, how it could it possibly get better than this? Tiny has a home. She has somebody that will love her and care for her - regardless of the outcome. She'll get around the clock medical care.
Just for now, my heart feels very full this afternoon. Tiny has a home. :)
Thursday, May 16, 2013
A Midnight Post
It's 12:30 am, and I'm usually an early-to-bed kind of gal. But rescue comes with a price and I'm either exhausted or too wide awake and worried to sleep. Tonight? It's the latter.
Cats and kittens are coming into shelters with such velocity that rescues can't keep up. Usually, I don't lose sleep this early into kitten season, but I'm looking at our foster list and realizing that we have a lot of foster parents out on holidays and some with circumstances where they can't foster for another month or two. I'm sinking - but I'm not drowning :)
I've been working with a really sweet family who adopted two kittens from us over the big adoption event 10 days ago. Sadly, one of the kittens has become extremely ill with some unexplainable symptoms. It's awful when a kitten is this sick and worse when I'm trying to console a new adopter. "I promise, the kitten was FINE when he was adopted....these things sometimes happen...What did the vet say?....how can we help you?" What's worse? They just lost their beloved elderly cat a few weeks before the adoption. Kids are crying, parents are upset... I guess this family is on my mind tonight. They're going to an A+++ vet and he's doing all the right things. I'm just praying this little dude turns the corner soon.
When David and I bought our house, we truly fell in love with the HOUSE. The yard was another story. We are not gardeners, but this yard is like a frickin' football field, so decided to give gardening a try. I've never had a REAL garden and I was getting excited about the prospects. I bought books. I cultivated the soil, and got my hands muddy and it felt great! I started with strawberries. I lovingly planted sprouted strawberry plants - 10 of them - in my little garden.
I felt like Martha Frickin' Stewart, and I was proud of myself.
Then I woke up the next morning....
My little strawberry plants were GONE! All that was left were some stems. I stood there. Incredulous. I didn't know what could've happened to my beloved little strawberry plants. Then I heard a voice from behind me. It was my neighbour: "Rabbits. Ya got rabbits. Didn't you see them in your yard?"
I dropped the handful of dirt and stood up. "Bunnies? I..I.. have Bunnies??"
Hell with the garden. I have bunnies! Probably bunnies having...(dare I say it?) BABY BUNNIES! I'm going to give them all names and feed them every day.
I didn't want that damn garden anyway.
Cats and kittens are coming into shelters with such velocity that rescues can't keep up. Usually, I don't lose sleep this early into kitten season, but I'm looking at our foster list and realizing that we have a lot of foster parents out on holidays and some with circumstances where they can't foster for another month or two. I'm sinking - but I'm not drowning :)
I've been working with a really sweet family who adopted two kittens from us over the big adoption event 10 days ago. Sadly, one of the kittens has become extremely ill with some unexplainable symptoms. It's awful when a kitten is this sick and worse when I'm trying to console a new adopter. "I promise, the kitten was FINE when he was adopted....these things sometimes happen...What did the vet say?....how can we help you?" What's worse? They just lost their beloved elderly cat a few weeks before the adoption. Kids are crying, parents are upset... I guess this family is on my mind tonight. They're going to an A+++ vet and he's doing all the right things. I'm just praying this little dude turns the corner soon.
When David and I bought our house, we truly fell in love with the HOUSE. The yard was another story. We are not gardeners, but this yard is like a frickin' football field, so decided to give gardening a try. I've never had a REAL garden and I was getting excited about the prospects. I bought books. I cultivated the soil, and got my hands muddy and it felt great! I started with strawberries. I lovingly planted sprouted strawberry plants - 10 of them - in my little garden.
I felt like Martha Frickin' Stewart, and I was proud of myself.
Then I woke up the next morning....
My little strawberry plants were GONE! All that was left were some stems. I stood there. Incredulous. I didn't know what could've happened to my beloved little strawberry plants. Then I heard a voice from behind me. It was my neighbour: "Rabbits. Ya got rabbits. Didn't you see them in your yard?"
I dropped the handful of dirt and stood up. "Bunnies? I..I.. have Bunnies??"
Hell with the garden. I have bunnies! Probably bunnies having...(dare I say it?) BABY BUNNIES! I'm going to give them all names and feed them every day.
I didn't want that damn garden anyway.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
An Orderly Weekend
It's been nice blogging again. I honestly didn't think people would miss it, but once I started again I had some jubilant emails. :)
What people don't realize about having 121 adoptions in a month is that with those kind of adoptions come an equal number of questions, problems, and complaints. If I have 30 adoptions, I might have 2 post-adoption problems. With 121? Good Grief. Fortunately, all the adopters were kind, thoughtful and compromising. But it's been one helluva week for spinning my wheels!
Oddly enough, the adoption lines have been VERY quiet! We've had some calls for kittens, but other than that, it's been super quiet. Usually, this kind of quiet comes in July and August. I hope it picks up again soon. We have LOTS of people calling with found kittens and hurt cats and need the help.
I'm fostering two kittens right now. "Fillmore" and "Abigail". Abigail has a home and I'm babysitting until her parents come back from Cuba. They adopted her before they left and I told them I would hang on to her. Well....damn if Fillmore and Abigail have become fast buddies. I'm hoping that Ab's new family will want Fillmore too. But they already have one cat....ugh. I hate this part. I'm going to have to grab another kitten just to keep Fillmore happy!
I'm feeling more like myself again and less hurried. ( Except for one cantankerous cat we have in our care, things have been moving along smoothly. ) My roots have been coloured, my nails have been done and the hair from my upper lip has been ripped out with hot wax. David has played in a Bridge Tournament all day today and there are dirty breakfast dishes still in the sink. I think I'll leave them there until tomorrow morning.
Yes, things are just as they should be. :)
What people don't realize about having 121 adoptions in a month is that with those kind of adoptions come an equal number of questions, problems, and complaints. If I have 30 adoptions, I might have 2 post-adoption problems. With 121? Good Grief. Fortunately, all the adopters were kind, thoughtful and compromising. But it's been one helluva week for spinning my wheels!
Oddly enough, the adoption lines have been VERY quiet! We've had some calls for kittens, but other than that, it's been super quiet. Usually, this kind of quiet comes in July and August. I hope it picks up again soon. We have LOTS of people calling with found kittens and hurt cats and need the help.
I'm fostering two kittens right now. "Fillmore" and "Abigail". Abigail has a home and I'm babysitting until her parents come back from Cuba. They adopted her before they left and I told them I would hang on to her. Well....damn if Fillmore and Abigail have become fast buddies. I'm hoping that Ab's new family will want Fillmore too. But they already have one cat....ugh. I hate this part. I'm going to have to grab another kitten just to keep Fillmore happy!
Yes, things are just as they should be. :)
Tuesday, May 07, 2013
"Milo"
We've back to rescuing at the "high kill" shelter. They seem to have figured out the sickness there and although it's an imperfect system - they need us. Apparently, THIRTY cats came into the shelter from different people within 10 minutes today. Nine kittens, some bottlefeeders and some adults. I just can't figure out how a shelter like this with a community that doesn't give a shit can eventually go "no kill".
/rant
So we rescued some bottlefeeders today, 4 older kittens and "Austin":
Austin is a 5-7 year old declawed guy that caught my eye today. I wanted to rescue a mellow, easy cat for a house of University students that wanted to help over the summer. I named him "Austin" for no particular reason other than it put him at the top of our Petfinder page. :)
When I brought him to the girls, he was immediately at home. He trotted around their tiny house like he owned the place and they were thrilled. THEN....I went to leave....
Those of you who have cats always play the "leg game" when you leave to insure any door dashers don't accidently get out. This time it was no different: I opened the door and Austin BOMBED the door. He was out the front door SO FAST...I couldn't believe it. He didn't just saunter outside - he bolted and RAN like the wind!
My rescue partner was with me and we bolted after Austin with the college girls behind us shaking a bag of Temptation Treats. We ran through bushes, flower gardens and into back yards. I was panicked. "What if we lost him?"
Austin finally laid down under a car peacefully as I crawled in under the car with him and grabbed his leg. Austin looked at me without comprehending what the big fuss was all about. He went limp in my arms as I took him back to his new foster home. We talked about "door dashers" and what needed to happen to insure his safety. I was sweating and panting - not sure if it was from the running or just the fear. I've never lost a cat like that.
I left a message for the girls tonight and received the following reply from them:
"Hey Beth,
Sorry for missing your call. It was great meeting you too! I decided that Austin seemed more like a Milo and I think he likes that name better! It's been going great so far, he's the sweetest cat I've ever met and loves snuggling and taking naps with me- which is awesome because I love to nap! He's been eating his dry and wet food and used his litter box without any problems! All my housemates love him too and I think he's adjusting really well! I'm so glad to have him here and to have been able to help save him! I'll be sending you some awesome pictures in a few days, but overall Milo is doing fantastic and he's just an overall amazing cat!"
I think "Milo" is going to be OK and sounds like he's enjoying the life with some pretty young girls. But I'm still going to buy him a break away collar with a name tag!
/rant
So we rescued some bottlefeeders today, 4 older kittens and "Austin":
When I brought him to the girls, he was immediately at home. He trotted around their tiny house like he owned the place and they were thrilled. THEN....I went to leave....
Those of you who have cats always play the "leg game" when you leave to insure any door dashers don't accidently get out. This time it was no different: I opened the door and Austin BOMBED the door. He was out the front door SO FAST...I couldn't believe it. He didn't just saunter outside - he bolted and RAN like the wind!
My rescue partner was with me and we bolted after Austin with the college girls behind us shaking a bag of Temptation Treats. We ran through bushes, flower gardens and into back yards. I was panicked. "What if we lost him?"
Austin finally laid down under a car peacefully as I crawled in under the car with him and grabbed his leg. Austin looked at me without comprehending what the big fuss was all about. He went limp in my arms as I took him back to his new foster home. We talked about "door dashers" and what needed to happen to insure his safety. I was sweating and panting - not sure if it was from the running or just the fear. I've never lost a cat like that.
I left a message for the girls tonight and received the following reply from them:
"Hey Beth,
Sorry for missing your call. It was great meeting you too! I decided that Austin seemed more like a Milo and I think he likes that name better! It's been going great so far, he's the sweetest cat I've ever met and loves snuggling and taking naps with me- which is awesome because I love to nap! He's been eating his dry and wet food and used his litter box without any problems! All my housemates love him too and I think he's adjusting really well! I'm so glad to have him here and to have been able to help save him! I'll be sending you some awesome pictures in a few days, but overall Milo is doing fantastic and he's just an overall amazing cat!"
I think "Milo" is going to be OK and sounds like he's enjoying the life with some pretty young girls. But I'm still going to buy him a break away collar with a name tag!
Monday, May 06, 2013
Content, Thrilled, Stupified
I haven't been injured or given up on rescuing or blogging. It's really and truly been the craziest month I've had in rescue in a long time. It hasn't necessarily been a bad month - just busy beyond imagination. Sure, I've had "busy months", but none that kick my ass like April!
Since April 1st - May 4th, the rescue has had more than 121 adoptions! That kind of adoption number takes super human strength, huge support and volunteers that are rockstars.
It's funny. When I first started the rescue, I would be content/thrilled/stupified with 30 adoptions per month. (....and STILL would be happy!) A month that equals to an adoption each day would've been INCREDIBLE. (We're not a big rescue, so am still stupified!)
If you look at my desk, my home, and my life you'll probably see what DIDN'T happen:
1. The Charity's Return was sent out OVERNIGHT mail on the last possible day without penalty.
2. I have adoption cash in piles in drawers because I haven't had time to count it out and go to the bank. Too busy to make a bank deposit????? SERIOUSLY????
3. I take great pride in keeping our website up to date. But that ain't happening with a 121 cat adoption month.
4. Tight follow up with foster parents who have sick cats or other concerns. Thank you for doing a great job when I wasn't so great of a leader.
5. Healthy, wonderful meals....um....no.
6. Sex. Ask David. Men don't forget this stuff.
7. I have dark roots, unmanicured hands and feet and hair on my upper lip. (Hmm. See #6)
By 10 am yesterday morning, I had 5 HUGE emergency calls from foster parents with kittens in distress. My own foster kitten was in emergency vets Saturday night after making a Peter Pan dive off the banister onto our wood floors....$500.00 ThankYouVeryMuch. Our white cat Ozzy had a full mouth extraction on Friday and needed me too.
I woke up this morning with a *start*. I made a pledge to do NO cat stuff today. I left the website alone and David and I took off for a hike on The Bruce Trail. We went shopping, had lunch at a cute bistro and neither one of us cared that I had hairy legs.
Sitting back tonight, I'm thinking about 121 cats in their new homes. That's a load of cats, eh? I need to get going on the administration of the rescue. *Somebody* needs to insure that there is money for the 75 of the 121 cats (kittens) adopted to be spayed and neutered 3 months from now. But I think a bank deposit will help that! (See #2)
So yeah. I'm still alive. I miss blogging. I've never stopped this long and promise to continue on a much more regular basis. I really appreciate all the emails and comments I received asking if I was OK.
I'm definitely OK, but a little too tired to enjoy the mega-adoption buzz. :)
Since April 1st - May 4th, the rescue has had more than 121 adoptions! That kind of adoption number takes super human strength, huge support and volunteers that are rockstars.
It's funny. When I first started the rescue, I would be content/thrilled/stupified with 30 adoptions per month. (....and STILL would be happy!) A month that equals to an adoption each day would've been INCREDIBLE. (We're not a big rescue, so am still stupified!)
If you look at my desk, my home, and my life you'll probably see what DIDN'T happen:
1. The Charity's Return was sent out OVERNIGHT mail on the last possible day without penalty.
2. I have adoption cash in piles in drawers because I haven't had time to count it out and go to the bank. Too busy to make a bank deposit????? SERIOUSLY????
3. I take great pride in keeping our website up to date. But that ain't happening with a 121 cat adoption month.
4. Tight follow up with foster parents who have sick cats or other concerns. Thank you for doing a great job when I wasn't so great of a leader.
5. Healthy, wonderful meals....um....no.
6. Sex. Ask David. Men don't forget this stuff.
7. I have dark roots, unmanicured hands and feet and hair on my upper lip. (Hmm. See #6)
By 10 am yesterday morning, I had 5 HUGE emergency calls from foster parents with kittens in distress. My own foster kitten was in emergency vets Saturday night after making a Peter Pan dive off the banister onto our wood floors....$500.00 ThankYouVeryMuch. Our white cat Ozzy had a full mouth extraction on Friday and needed me too.
I woke up this morning with a *start*. I made a pledge to do NO cat stuff today. I left the website alone and David and I took off for a hike on The Bruce Trail. We went shopping, had lunch at a cute bistro and neither one of us cared that I had hairy legs.
 |
| Taken in front of the Bistro today |
Sitting back tonight, I'm thinking about 121 cats in their new homes. That's a load of cats, eh? I need to get going on the administration of the rescue. *Somebody* needs to insure that there is money for the 75 of the 121 cats (kittens) adopted to be spayed and neutered 3 months from now. But I think a bank deposit will help that! (See #2)
So yeah. I'm still alive. I miss blogging. I've never stopped this long and promise to continue on a much more regular basis. I really appreciate all the emails and comments I received asking if I was OK.
I'm definitely OK, but a little too tired to enjoy the mega-adoption buzz. :)
Sunday, April 07, 2013
When All Else Fails? Count Your Blessings.
It's been a painfully long week. It's been one of those weeks where I've dealt with some very difficult people. My stooped shoulders have been demonstrating the burdens from the past 7 days.
I've been lied to, bullied and my integrity questioned. I've been asked for a refund of DONATION money that was sent 3 months ago. To add insult to injury, a shitty letter was attached with the "2nd request" to refund her donation money so that she could pay her vet bill. (Who does that?) My face is broken out, my nails need done and my roots are dark.
It's just been "one of those weeks." There's really no sense in ranting or listing all the crap that's happened. I don't think it's going to help me or the cats. I've been known to write some pretty scathing blog posts when I'm frustrated. I know when ranting is going to help. Today is not one of those days.
Sometimes it's better to count your blessings:
It's April 7th and we've had 20+ adoptions for the month of April alone. That's close to 3 adoptions per day! So far, they've all been successful adoptions - no complaints and loving "parents".
I met an awesome young man at the shelter yesterday. He wanted to adopt an adult cat. We didn't have the right fit for him at the rescue, so I had hoped he could connect with a cat from the shelter. He left with an adult black cat and an adult black and white cat!! BOTH had been at the shelter for a year.
We lost an incredibly special foster parent to cancer. Before she passed, this unselfish woman asked for donations to our rescue in memory of her and in lieu of flowers. Thanks to her kindness we have a nice dent in the money needed to pay for orthopedic surgery on one of our rescued cats. I'm going to miss knowing that this lady is in this world. She was a class act. I count my blessings having known her.
One of our foster parents has an adorable 6 year old boy. As part of his birthday invitations for his 7th birthday, he asked for DONATIONS for our rescue! He made $265.00 to give to the rescue. His parents have obviously done something right.
(Insert sarcasm here) I've had some really difficult challenges (end sarcasm): I can't figure out my new Iphone 5; we're still looking for a more gas efficient car; and David wants to go on a cruise for our Anniversary, but I want to go to the Arctic and see polar bears. Our kids are healthy and my parents are still alive.
I'm feeling better. Maybe I should've listed those ridiculous First World problems first. The Pizza Delivery guy should be here soon and I'm going to make time to get my nails done tomorrow if it kills me.
Last week isn't looking so bad any longer. :)
I've been lied to, bullied and my integrity questioned. I've been asked for a refund of DONATION money that was sent 3 months ago. To add insult to injury, a shitty letter was attached with the "2nd request" to refund her donation money so that she could pay her vet bill. (Who does that?) My face is broken out, my nails need done and my roots are dark.
It's just been "one of those weeks." There's really no sense in ranting or listing all the crap that's happened. I don't think it's going to help me or the cats. I've been known to write some pretty scathing blog posts when I'm frustrated. I know when ranting is going to help. Today is not one of those days.
Sometimes it's better to count your blessings:
It's April 7th and we've had 20+ adoptions for the month of April alone. That's close to 3 adoptions per day! So far, they've all been successful adoptions - no complaints and loving "parents".
I met an awesome young man at the shelter yesterday. He wanted to adopt an adult cat. We didn't have the right fit for him at the rescue, so I had hoped he could connect with a cat from the shelter. He left with an adult black cat and an adult black and white cat!! BOTH had been at the shelter for a year.
We lost an incredibly special foster parent to cancer. Before she passed, this unselfish woman asked for donations to our rescue in memory of her and in lieu of flowers. Thanks to her kindness we have a nice dent in the money needed to pay for orthopedic surgery on one of our rescued cats. I'm going to miss knowing that this lady is in this world. She was a class act. I count my blessings having known her.
One of our foster parents has an adorable 6 year old boy. As part of his birthday invitations for his 7th birthday, he asked for DONATIONS for our rescue! He made $265.00 to give to the rescue. His parents have obviously done something right.
(Insert sarcasm here) I've had some really difficult challenges (end sarcasm): I can't figure out my new Iphone 5; we're still looking for a more gas efficient car; and David wants to go on a cruise for our Anniversary, but I want to go to the Arctic and see polar bears. Our kids are healthy and my parents are still alive.
I'm feeling better. Maybe I should've listed those ridiculous First World problems first. The Pizza Delivery guy should be here soon and I'm going to make time to get my nails done tomorrow if it kills me.
Last week isn't looking so bad any longer. :)
Friday, March 29, 2013
The Visit
Thank you all for your comments regarding my recent post Shackin' Up. It sounds like I've been doing it right - "case-by-case basis". I can't imagine turning down anyone because they are living together and not married. Certainly more questions need to be asked.
I arrived late last night from Southern California after visiting my daughter and her husband. The rescue line was busy and adoptions seemed to be plentiful while I was away. (Thank you Susan, for holding down the fort for me!) Besides shopping and eating Mexican food, I really wanted to visit my cat-rescue-mother-ship The National Cat Protection Society. I guess this was the place where it all started.
My first passion was bottlefeeding kittens. I remember "NatCat" calling me and asking me to take on 6 two day old bottlefeeders. When they told me not to be surprised if I couldn't save the litter, I was shocked. ME? Not saving the whole litter??? I was so naive and I was a lot younger then. I suppose it was that naivety that kept me from never giving up and never losing a kitten. Twenty years later - those words still surprise me: "I never lost a kitten." I can't say that today.
I used to think that the shelter where I volunteered and fostered was really militant and lacking in social skills. I still think so. They were hesitant but nice when I went in and the place was (as usual) spotless. I saw an adorable 10 year old hairless calico named "Gizmo":
She was in a gorgeous play room by herself. Apparently, she doesn't really like other cats. She was meowing at me through a window and rubbing against it. She looked like a chubby little piece of calico velvet. Ooooooh, how I was needing a "kitty fix". I coo'd and started to open the door. The employee stopped me. "I'm sorry, only current volunteers can go in there." Must be a liability thing, but I was really disappointed.
They told me that adoptions have picked up and that they've had FOUR adoptions this month already. "FOUR???" Maybe if they didn't treat every visitor like a criminal, they'd adopt more.
The week before I left, I visited another local shelter and it was the same thing: Low adoptions and grumpy volunteers and employees. I think some people forget that this is NOT an animal business but a PEOPLE business. I deal with people far more than I deal with the cats.
Smile, dammit! :)
Maybe I'm being too harsh. Maybe I'm envious because they have a shelter. (*wince*) What am I thinking?
I arrived late last night from Southern California after visiting my daughter and her husband. The rescue line was busy and adoptions seemed to be plentiful while I was away. (Thank you Susan, for holding down the fort for me!) Besides shopping and eating Mexican food, I really wanted to visit my cat-rescue-mother-ship The National Cat Protection Society. I guess this was the place where it all started.
My first passion was bottlefeeding kittens. I remember "NatCat" calling me and asking me to take on 6 two day old bottlefeeders. When they told me not to be surprised if I couldn't save the litter, I was shocked. ME? Not saving the whole litter??? I was so naive and I was a lot younger then. I suppose it was that naivety that kept me from never giving up and never losing a kitten. Twenty years later - those words still surprise me: "I never lost a kitten." I can't say that today.
I used to think that the shelter where I volunteered and fostered was really militant and lacking in social skills. I still think so. They were hesitant but nice when I went in and the place was (as usual) spotless. I saw an adorable 10 year old hairless calico named "Gizmo":
They told me that adoptions have picked up and that they've had FOUR adoptions this month already. "FOUR???" Maybe if they didn't treat every visitor like a criminal, they'd adopt more.
The week before I left, I visited another local shelter and it was the same thing: Low adoptions and grumpy volunteers and employees. I think some people forget that this is NOT an animal business but a PEOPLE business. I deal with people far more than I deal with the cats.
Smile, dammit! :)
Maybe I'm being too harsh. Maybe I'm envious because they have a shelter. (*wince*) What am I thinking?
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Shackin' Up.
In just a few short days, kitten season arrived. Kittens are starting to pour into local shelters with a vengeance. Sadly, they often arrive 1 week old and missing their Mom. Fortunately, we have a few nursing Mom cats and they have been amenable to taking on a few surrogate kittens.
With kitten season come the phone calls. Every young couple who are starting out want something that they can share together. Which brings me to the dilemma that I have every year: How long do boyfriends and girlfriends need to be together to be considered a stable relationship for a kitten?
I've wanted to write this post for years, but have worried about offending people. We have amazing foster parents who live together and aren't married. Living together doesn't negate their commitment for each other. I'm not talking about that.
I was speaking with my sons - ages 22 and (almost) 25 years old. They're both single. Apparently, living together is the next step after you've been dating for a while. THEN engagement and marriage.
OK. I'm old. But I'm flexible. I can live with this. But how do I screen adopters? I'm guessing that about 35%-50% of adoption calls that I have received over the past 2 weeks have been from couples that want to adopt and are unmarried but share a home.
This is a problem that I've wrestled with for years. If a couple are 20 years old and have been living together for 6 months, are they less responsible or stable than a 20 year old couple who has been married for 6 months? I guess it all depends on who you ask.
When I'm screening a prospective adopter, I can't ask people who aren't married "How long have you been together?", because I wouldn't ask a married couple that question. I've become sneaky about how I can make an educated guess. But I don't like that either.
So I end up asking about their families. "Have you ever had a cat before?" The answer might be, "Oh yes....my family has 3 cats and Mr. Mittens died last year after 21 years!"
Bingo! That's a family that will pick up the pieces if the couple aren't able to commit for the next 20 years for a kitten. I end up indirectly screening the family to insure the security of the cat! There has to be a better way.
Let it be known that this isn't a moral issue for me. Not in the least bit. I've never turned anyone down for an adoption if they were qualified, loving and committed to loving the cat for the next 20 years. Bottom line is: There are NO guarantees with any relationship - married or unmarried. But I go absolutely insane when I call these couples about spaying or neutering their kitten to find that the kitten is part of a broken home....."ALREADY? I just adopted to you 3 months ago!"
Holy crap. I can't believe how offensive this sounds to me. I sound like I'm 100 years old. I'm going to hit "PUBLISH" on this post and I'd really like to hear what you think. You don't have to comment publicly, feel free to send me an email. I have a feeling there isn't an easy answer. I can't be the only rescuer who thinks about this. Can I? If you can't find this post in a few days, I may have offended too many people. :)
With kitten season come the phone calls. Every young couple who are starting out want something that they can share together. Which brings me to the dilemma that I have every year: How long do boyfriends and girlfriends need to be together to be considered a stable relationship for a kitten?
I've wanted to write this post for years, but have worried about offending people. We have amazing foster parents who live together and aren't married. Living together doesn't negate their commitment for each other. I'm not talking about that.
I was speaking with my sons - ages 22 and (almost) 25 years old. They're both single. Apparently, living together is the next step after you've been dating for a while. THEN engagement and marriage.
OK. I'm old. But I'm flexible. I can live with this. But how do I screen adopters? I'm guessing that about 35%-50% of adoption calls that I have received over the past 2 weeks have been from couples that want to adopt and are unmarried but share a home.
This is a problem that I've wrestled with for years. If a couple are 20 years old and have been living together for 6 months, are they less responsible or stable than a 20 year old couple who has been married for 6 months? I guess it all depends on who you ask.
When I'm screening a prospective adopter, I can't ask people who aren't married "How long have you been together?", because I wouldn't ask a married couple that question. I've become sneaky about how I can make an educated guess. But I don't like that either.
So I end up asking about their families. "Have you ever had a cat before?" The answer might be, "Oh yes....my family has 3 cats and Mr. Mittens died last year after 21 years!"
Bingo! That's a family that will pick up the pieces if the couple aren't able to commit for the next 20 years for a kitten. I end up indirectly screening the family to insure the security of the cat! There has to be a better way.
Let it be known that this isn't a moral issue for me. Not in the least bit. I've never turned anyone down for an adoption if they were qualified, loving and committed to loving the cat for the next 20 years. Bottom line is: There are NO guarantees with any relationship - married or unmarried. But I go absolutely insane when I call these couples about spaying or neutering their kitten to find that the kitten is part of a broken home....."ALREADY? I just adopted to you 3 months ago!"
Holy crap. I can't believe how offensive this sounds to me. I sound like I'm 100 years old. I'm going to hit "PUBLISH" on this post and I'd really like to hear what you think. You don't have to comment publicly, feel free to send me an email. I have a feeling there isn't an easy answer. I can't be the only rescuer who thinks about this. Can I? If you can't find this post in a few days, I may have offended too many people. :)
Friday, March 15, 2013
Kitten Season? Almost...
I wonder if every blogger (who has been remiss in blogging) begins every post with "Where has the week gone?" I'm rather embarrassed that I haven't been writing as much. It isn't that I haven't been busy. I've been insanely busy!
Every year I declare "kitten season" when unwanted kittens start pouring into the shelters. Sure, kittens are showing up on Craigslist and other online classifieds, but they're finding homes. It's when litters are being born and the surplus of available homes fills up - that's "Kitten Season" to me. I hate those online classified ads. It's 'first come, first serve' - ' pick up yer kitten today!' They don't care who takes them.
We've taken in quite a few surgical cases lately. We have two cats (unrelated) that need major eye surgery and a couple of kittens whose hind legs don't work properly. This morning, I'm picking up one of our kittens who appears to have been "smooshed" and his rib cage is either caved in or non-existent. Poor little guy. I'm interested in hearing what the vet says.
As kitten seasons approaches, (or as some think "it's already here!") I need to stockpile a little bit of cash from any donations that might in just to make sure I have enough to get through to October. Kittens are expensive! It's not the freaky surgical problems, but just dealing with a kitten's bad case of diarrhea can really create a big dent in the rescue's budget.
Speaking of "budget", David and I have been car shopping again. Right now, our primary car is an SUV. No thanks to David's retirement, he's been documenting our gas consumption for the rescue and has determined we spend $250.00 PER WEEK on gas just transporting cats! Holy shit, that was a sobering number. David looks at me with "tsk tsk" in his eyes and then with horror when he realizes that we're over the kilometers on our lease. We also have an ancient Ford that David used as commuter car, but it's so unreliable and I won't drive it because it smells like vomit. (Don't ask me why.)
Soooooooo.....we're parking the SUV for a while, and buying something "gas efficient" and "inexpensive" - three words that don't resonate well with me. David is trying to get me to muster some enthusiasm for a new car, but I'm trying to figure out how many cat carriers I can get into these economical cars. My old sports car used to get 21 cats in carriers in it, so my argument against a small economical car isn't working.
Fortunately, kittens are small and this is a ridiculous "First World" problem. I think I can cope ;)
Every year I declare "kitten season" when unwanted kittens start pouring into the shelters. Sure, kittens are showing up on Craigslist and other online classifieds, but they're finding homes. It's when litters are being born and the surplus of available homes fills up - that's "Kitten Season" to me. I hate those online classified ads. It's 'first come, first serve' - ' pick up yer kitten today!' They don't care who takes them.
We've taken in quite a few surgical cases lately. We have two cats (unrelated) that need major eye surgery and a couple of kittens whose hind legs don't work properly. This morning, I'm picking up one of our kittens who appears to have been "smooshed" and his rib cage is either caved in or non-existent. Poor little guy. I'm interested in hearing what the vet says.
As kitten seasons approaches, (or as some think "it's already here!") I need to stockpile a little bit of cash from any donations that might in just to make sure I have enough to get through to October. Kittens are expensive! It's not the freaky surgical problems, but just dealing with a kitten's bad case of diarrhea can really create a big dent in the rescue's budget.
Speaking of "budget", David and I have been car shopping again. Right now, our primary car is an SUV. No thanks to David's retirement, he's been documenting our gas consumption for the rescue and has determined we spend $250.00 PER WEEK on gas just transporting cats! Holy shit, that was a sobering number. David looks at me with "tsk tsk" in his eyes and then with horror when he realizes that we're over the kilometers on our lease. We also have an ancient Ford that David used as commuter car, but it's so unreliable and I won't drive it because it smells like vomit. (Don't ask me why.)
Soooooooo.....we're parking the SUV for a while, and buying something "gas efficient" and "inexpensive" - three words that don't resonate well with me. David is trying to get me to muster some enthusiasm for a new car, but I'm trying to figure out how many cat carriers I can get into these economical cars. My old sports car used to get 21 cats in carriers in it, so my argument against a small economical car isn't working.
Fortunately, kittens are small and this is a ridiculous "First World" problem. I think I can cope ;)
Tuesday, March 05, 2013
Feeling the Responsibility
It's been a week of remembering our dog Maggie. It's hard to believe a week has passed already. Many thank you's for allowing me to express my pain and sorrow here. I knew I was in good company.
Earlier this week, I was made aware of a young woman who could no longer take care of her two cats due to an illness. I've never made it a secret that I don't like taking owner surrender cats, but her plight touched me and I decided to pursue it. When the picture arrived, I remember thinking, "Oh gosh, these cats are five years old and overweight - how will they ever get adopted together?"
I placed them into foster care and immediately tried to think about how I would get these guys adopted separately....or COULD they be split up? Were they a bonded pair? The prior owner wasn't sure and it was too much for her to deal with at that moment. I agonized about what to do and put them on our website separately with a note to the other partner cat.
The phone rang within about 24 hours and a couple drove TWO HOURS ONE WAY to meet them. In keeping with "We have the best volunteers EVER" - their foster Mom dropped everything to take these guys to the vets to insure they were examined and vaccinated before the couple's arrival. Holy crap - they hadn't even been vetted yet!
I'm still speechless. Why can't all adoptions work like this?
I had an opportunity to do a rescue at hoarder's house. I felt a little queasy even using the word "Hoarder", because I think messy houses are starting to be called "hoarders" thanks to the t.v. shows. One of our volunteers went and rescued several nursing Moms, while another rescue went in and took dozens. (She *rocks*)
Nobody was really certain how many cats were in there, but the house had been "cleaned up" BEFORE these pictures were taken. I can't imagine what it looked like before. Apparently, there was 6 inches of filth on the floor that volunteers had to walk over.
I wish we could've done more after I saw the pictures:
Fortunately, this woman is getting help. The cats were practically bald from flea infestation. The small townhome smelled of urine and feces. I can't imagine a mental illness of that magnitude that I would not care for my cats. I'm not judgment passing at all - in fact, I really empathize and hope she's OK.
I've been busy with rescue stuff every day, as always. I should start writing daily again, but it always seems like "same shit, different day" to me. David and I are (finally) getting into his retirement groove, but oh how I miss having more time to myself.
In the meantime, I have a few really cute kittens on our site and my phone is ringing off the hook for them. I listen to their voicemails and feel the weight of responsibility for the future of these babies. "Who will love them for the next 20 years?" I click *delete* as soon as I hear the words "gift", or "my girlfriend wants a kitten", or "My kids want a kitten" or "How much for IT?"
Sounds like I have more to write about than I thought....
Earlier this week, I was made aware of a young woman who could no longer take care of her two cats due to an illness. I've never made it a secret that I don't like taking owner surrender cats, but her plight touched me and I decided to pursue it. When the picture arrived, I remember thinking, "Oh gosh, these cats are five years old and overweight - how will they ever get adopted together?"
The phone rang within about 24 hours and a couple drove TWO HOURS ONE WAY to meet them. In keeping with "We have the best volunteers EVER" - their foster Mom dropped everything to take these guys to the vets to insure they were examined and vaccinated before the couple's arrival. Holy crap - they hadn't even been vetted yet!
I'm still speechless. Why can't all adoptions work like this?
I had an opportunity to do a rescue at hoarder's house. I felt a little queasy even using the word "Hoarder", because I think messy houses are starting to be called "hoarders" thanks to the t.v. shows. One of our volunteers went and rescued several nursing Moms, while another rescue went in and took dozens. (She *rocks*)
Nobody was really certain how many cats were in there, but the house had been "cleaned up" BEFORE these pictures were taken. I can't imagine what it looked like before. Apparently, there was 6 inches of filth on the floor that volunteers had to walk over.
I wish we could've done more after I saw the pictures:
I've been busy with rescue stuff every day, as always. I should start writing daily again, but it always seems like "same shit, different day" to me. David and I are (finally) getting into his retirement groove, but oh how I miss having more time to myself.
In the meantime, I have a few really cute kittens on our site and my phone is ringing off the hook for them. I listen to their voicemails and feel the weight of responsibility for the future of these babies. "Who will love them for the next 20 years?" I click *delete* as soon as I hear the words "gift", or "my girlfriend wants a kitten", or "My kids want a kitten" or "How much for IT?"
Sounds like I have more to write about than I thought....
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
It's Over
Almost 10 months after her diagnosis of having four weeks to live, our little Maggie is gone:
At almost 15 years old, she was ready to go. David and our son Will took her to the vets this afternoon and she went peacefully.
Like anyone who has lost a loved one, my heart hurts. I've been anticipating her death for months, so maybe it should be a relief. But it's not. The last month meant daily accidents in the house and carrying her up and down the stairs. We heated "people food" for her and there was nothing she asked for that she didn't receive. We wiped her face, wiped her butt and wrapped her in warm blankets at night.
So now we grieve.
A friend posted this from an unknown author on my Facebook page a few moments ago. (Thank you, Renee - it's beautiful:)
"It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are."
---Unknown
Like anyone who has lost a loved one, my heart hurts. I've been anticipating her death for months, so maybe it should be a relief. But it's not. The last month meant daily accidents in the house and carrying her up and down the stairs. We heated "people food" for her and there was nothing she asked for that she didn't receive. We wiped her face, wiped her butt and wrapped her in warm blankets at night.
So now we grieve.
A friend posted this from an unknown author on my Facebook page a few moments ago. (Thank you, Renee - it's beautiful:)
"It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are."
---Unknown
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
"Wilson"
I never respond to online classified ads for people giving away cats. Why would I do that when there are cats dying in the shelter? But I still surf the ads anyway and came across an ad that made me stop in my tracks:
Nice, eh? You would think at this time of year it wouldn't be too hard to find a home for a kitten. So I sent an email. The response was immediate. "Sure. Here's my address: XXXX"
No questions. Nothing about me or if I was going to torture the cat, or give "it" a good home. Nothing. The address was in an awful area of the city, so David and I left right away and arrived at what I can only describe as a crack house.
Maybe I've been part of La-La Land for too long, but I know a shitty area when I see one. They had several unfixed Pit Bulls in the house and 2 unneutered male cats. They didn't know I was with a rescue and they didn't ask.
She brought out a frightened little guy that she said was 2 months old. He is probably closer to 5 months old. The lady told me that the kids play with him and he's very sweet.
He *IS* sweet and is safe and sound in my"cat room" spare bedroom in the house. Poor kid took a while to come out from his carrier:
He's a Polydactyl and I named him "Wilson". I was trying to figure out a name that didn't sound good with "Turner", but I may have failed. LOL
Since I thought he was 2 months old, I had set up the spare room with my "kitten litterbox". Sherman thought it was WONDERFUL and was happy to wait for the new guy to come out and play:
Sherman looks like a chicken sitting on a nest!
Looks like I'm back to fostering again. I don't think Wilson will last too long on our website. He has HUGE HUGE feet - not just from the extra toes and I'm wondering if there's some Maine Coon in those genes.
Welcome to The Turner's little Wilson. :)
"Kitten must be gone in 2 hours"
Nice, eh? You would think at this time of year it wouldn't be too hard to find a home for a kitten. So I sent an email. The response was immediate. "Sure. Here's my address: XXXX"No questions. Nothing about me or if I was going to torture the cat, or give "it" a good home. Nothing. The address was in an awful area of the city, so David and I left right away and arrived at what I can only describe as a crack house.
Maybe I've been part of La-La Land for too long, but I know a shitty area when I see one. They had several unfixed Pit Bulls in the house and 2 unneutered male cats. They didn't know I was with a rescue and they didn't ask.
She brought out a frightened little guy that she said was 2 months old. He is probably closer to 5 months old. The lady told me that the kids play with him and he's very sweet.
He *IS* sweet and is safe and sound in my
Since I thought he was 2 months old, I had set up the spare room with my "kitten litterbox". Sherman thought it was WONDERFUL and was happy to wait for the new guy to come out and play:
Looks like I'm back to fostering again. I don't think Wilson will last too long on our website. He has HUGE HUGE feet - not just from the extra toes and I'm wondering if there's some Maine Coon in those genes.
Welcome to The Turner's little Wilson. :)
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
A Rescue and an Update
There are some rescues where I can pick up a bunch of cats and don't hear a peep out of them for the entire length of the trip. But today was a different story.
A fellow volunteer and I went to the shelter this morning and rescued four adult cats! I swear, we no sooner got out of the parking lot and they ALL pooped and barfed in their carriers. I've never heard so much howling and overall "pissed off" than I have for the entire time our trek. When we arrived to our destination, they all left their carriers quietly, feverishly trying to clean themselves as they walked. Each one looked basically apologetic, "So sorry for the mess, Ma'am...thanks for the rescue!" *sigh*
On the way to the shelter we dropped off "Cupid" the white guy that I wrote about on the last blog post. (If you missed it, you can read about him here. ) Cupid is getting neutered, and having some dental work done. "Dental Work". How I hate hearing those two words together. It's such an expensive procedure for any rescue. Usually, dentistry is anywhere between $500.00 - $1500.00. Poor guy must have been in so much pain with the broken teeth. We certainly can't leave him like that!
Thought you'd enjoy a little look at Cupid's "Day of Beauty" before and after pictures:
I think it's VERY brave to put an UNKNOWN adult cat into a bath! But he was extremely sweet and even purr'd through the whole thing! The water was obviously black from the filth this poor guy has been sitting in for so long. He must've given up grooming himself. While he's under anesthesia, we've asked for a "lion's cut" which should make him look even cuter - and certainly feel better. Whomever adopts this guy is going to be fortunate indeed!
We also recently trapped and rescued a VERY pregnant Mommy cat who had obviously been dumped outside. The trapper said she had been around for 4 months. Poor little thing isn't feral. She just forgot what it's like to be loved. We have a new foster family that stepped forward and offered to foster her and her new kittens. This is how she looked when she was first rescued:
She's a tiny thing. Maybe 1 year old. She cautiously lifts her head into your hand for love. Who could just throw her out like garbage?
I'm really enjoying helping some of these tougher cases lately. Can you tell? :)
A fellow volunteer and I went to the shelter this morning and rescued four adult cats! I swear, we no sooner got out of the parking lot and they ALL pooped and barfed in their carriers. I've never heard so much howling and overall "pissed off" than I have for the entire time our trek. When we arrived to our destination, they all left their carriers quietly, feverishly trying to clean themselves as they walked. Each one looked basically apologetic, "So sorry for the mess, Ma'am...thanks for the rescue!" *sigh*
On the way to the shelter we dropped off "Cupid" the white guy that I wrote about on the last blog post. (If you missed it, you can read about him here. ) Cupid is getting neutered, and having some dental work done. "Dental Work". How I hate hearing those two words together. It's such an expensive procedure for any rescue. Usually, dentistry is anywhere between $500.00 - $1500.00. Poor guy must have been in so much pain with the broken teeth. We certainly can't leave him like that!
Thought you'd enjoy a little look at Cupid's "Day of Beauty" before and after pictures:
We also recently trapped and rescued a VERY pregnant Mommy cat who had obviously been dumped outside. The trapper said she had been around for 4 months. Poor little thing isn't feral. She just forgot what it's like to be loved. We have a new foster family that stepped forward and offered to foster her and her new kittens. This is how she looked when she was first rescued:
I'm really enjoying helping some of these tougher cases lately. Can you tell? :)
Friday, February 15, 2013
Another Rescue Rollercoaster Day
Today was truly a rescue rollercoaster ride. Why is it that I can get up in the morning with ONE thing that must be done for the rescue and end up spending the day doing so many unscheduled things?
I knew I was supposed to take "Lady" into the vet today. She was rescued from a man who believed that cats should be "natural" - unspayed/unneuterd and if "coyotes eat them...it was meant to be". Needless to say, the kitten I rescued from him had a major eye injury that is now going to require surgery. "Natural. My ass."
When I arrived at the foster Mom's home to pick up Lady, her face said it all; The kitten she had been working with and working with was dying today. Poor Clarence had been to the vet a zillion times and nobody knew what was wrong. His viral tests were negative and he hadn't been thriving for 4 weeks. He was never really suffering - until today. So with a heavy heart, I took "Clarence" for his last vet trip, along with "Lady" who needed surgery:
Clarence looked like a robust kitten in this picture. But his little body could not longer sustain him and my heart broke into a million pieces.
I picked up 4 kittens from a rescuer and met up with two excited foster parents. The kittens were tiny and insanely cute. Being a "rollercoaster rescue day", it shouldn't have surprised me when an email came in from the foster Mom that said that one of the kittens wouldn't put down his little foot and was walking on 3 legs. *sigh*:
I received a phone call about a cat that was outside and needed help. Apparently, he had been hanging out around the area for more than 2 years. Suddenly, the people were worried about him since he started to look so bad. They didn't know if this cat was a male or female.
Our volunteer arrived at the property to find a very pathetic white cat with gorgeous eyes. He had several abscesses on his face, was horribly matted, and limping:
I'm always so nervous taking cats like this. I didn't know if he or she was going to be nice or if he (or she) was going to be adoptable. I was starting to spin out about the whole thing when an email arrived from the his/her rescuer. It was simply put:
"It is an intact male with small balls. He has a gash on his ear. I cleaned his ears, trimmed his nails washed his face and checked his bum. He purred the entire time."
I laughed and it felt goooood. :)
I knew I was supposed to take "Lady" into the vet today. She was rescued from a man who believed that cats should be "natural" - unspayed/unneuterd and if "coyotes eat them...it was meant to be". Needless to say, the kitten I rescued from him had a major eye injury that is now going to require surgery. "Natural. My ass."
When I arrived at the foster Mom's home to pick up Lady, her face said it all; The kitten she had been working with and working with was dying today. Poor Clarence had been to the vet a zillion times and nobody knew what was wrong. His viral tests were negative and he hadn't been thriving for 4 weeks. He was never really suffering - until today. So with a heavy heart, I took "Clarence" for his last vet trip, along with "Lady" who needed surgery:
I picked up 4 kittens from a rescuer and met up with two excited foster parents. The kittens were tiny and insanely cute. Being a "rollercoaster rescue day", it shouldn't have surprised me when an email came in from the foster Mom that said that one of the kittens wouldn't put down his little foot and was walking on 3 legs. *sigh*:
I received a phone call about a cat that was outside and needed help. Apparently, he had been hanging out around the area for more than 2 years. Suddenly, the people were worried about him since he started to look so bad. They didn't know if this cat was a male or female.
Our volunteer arrived at the property to find a very pathetic white cat with gorgeous eyes. He had several abscesses on his face, was horribly matted, and limping:
"It is an intact male with small balls. He has a gash on his ear. I cleaned his ears, trimmed his nails washed his face and checked his bum. He purred the entire time."
I laughed and it felt goooood. :)
Monday, February 11, 2013
February Freedom
I've been working with the public quite a bit more than I usually do. I'm finding myself answering urgent pleas and returning calls from the public who have found a cat and need help. Because I'm generally not very trusting of people who want help with cats, it's a big step for me to call these people back.
It's a beautiful time of year for cats that need help. In July - nobody will have time or space.
I received a call from a lovely sounding older lady that reported she witnessed somebody "fling" a cat out of a car window. What makes people think that it's OK to throw a cat out of a car window? Apparently, the finder of the cat is highly allergic and not very internet savvy on how to search for help, so this poor kitty spent the night in a box on her front porch. I can't imagine how cold she must've been. (Probably warmer than she would've been if she hadn't been discovered) The finder found how to reach me the next day and this poor angel spent her last night as an unwanted, abandoned cat:
She's happy and safe (and apparently VERY VERY sweet) in a foster home. Now I can only hope she's not pregnant.
We also rescued a very lovely little dilute calico at the "high kill shelter". She's quite pregnant and were praying she doesn't deliver her kittens while she's got the shelter's standard viral infection:
I put out an urgent plea for donations for her. The cost of taking care of these kind of cats is so high. I'm grateful that some generous souls stepped forward to help.
Our adoptions have been very high this month. We've adopted out 30 cats and kittens this month and it's only the 11th! I love knowing that I have the freedom to rescue more. February is kind of the gravy month - not much sickness and many adoptions. I just paid an $8000.00 vet bill today so am truly happy to have a little bit of gravy to help with expenses.
One of our volunteers innocently said to me today, "Gee Beth, it's almost kitten season already!"
"NOOOOooooooooo!" I am not ready. Nope. Nope. Nope. Not ready. I'm enjoying my freedom.
It's a beautiful time of year for cats that need help. In July - nobody will have time or space.
I received a call from a lovely sounding older lady that reported she witnessed somebody "fling" a cat out of a car window. What makes people think that it's OK to throw a cat out of a car window? Apparently, the finder of the cat is highly allergic and not very internet savvy on how to search for help, so this poor kitty spent the night in a box on her front porch. I can't imagine how cold she must've been. (Probably warmer than she would've been if she hadn't been discovered) The finder found how to reach me the next day and this poor angel spent her last night as an unwanted, abandoned cat:
We also rescued a very lovely little dilute calico at the "high kill shelter". She's quite pregnant and were praying she doesn't deliver her kittens while she's got the shelter's standard viral infection:
Our adoptions have been very high this month. We've adopted out 30 cats and kittens this month and it's only the 11th! I love knowing that I have the freedom to rescue more. February is kind of the gravy month - not much sickness and many adoptions. I just paid an $8000.00 vet bill today so am truly happy to have a little bit of gravy to help with expenses.
One of our volunteers innocently said to me today, "Gee Beth, it's almost kitten season already!"
"NOOOOooooooooo!" I am not ready. Nope. Nope. Nope. Not ready. I'm enjoying my freedom.
Sunday, February 03, 2013
The Other "F" Word.
We had to say goodbye to another kitten with FIP.
Saturday must've been a horrible day for "Dustin's" foster Mom. Nobody should have to hold a kitten while it's put to sleep - certainly not somebody who VOLUNTEERS. Saturday should be a day off from work for this foster Mom - a day of cleaning house or shopping. NOT holding a kitten while it peacefully passes. Fostering it supposed to be fun, but it isn't always. This foster Mom can certainly attest to that.
If I never hear the initials F-I-P again, I'll be happy. The past 6 months have even brutal for all rescues and veterinarians regarding this fatal disease. I learned more about FIP in 6 months than I have in 20 years of rescuing.
Strange, but I think I've only seen 5 cases of FIP in 20 years. Over the past 6 months, I'm afraid to count how many. I can't imagine why that's the case. Now I'm completely jaded and am worried about every kitten who has a pot-belly or seems quiet. It used to be a pot belly on a kitten indicated worms, a big meal or a kitten that needed to poop.
We've had SIXTEEN awesome adoptions in TWO DAYS. I should be rejoicing! The cats and kittens went into amazing homes and will be loved forever. But I'm worried and pray that they're OK. I'm sure they'll be fine. They've all had vet exams and have been lovingly cared for by our foster parents. But this stupid disease takes no prisoners and doesn't seem to care who it takes.
Apparently, they're working on a new drug for FIP. It can't happen soon enough for me.
If I never hear the initials F-I-P again, I'll be happy. The past 6 months have even brutal for all rescues and veterinarians regarding this fatal disease. I learned more about FIP in 6 months than I have in 20 years of rescuing.
Strange, but I think I've only seen 5 cases of FIP in 20 years. Over the past 6 months, I'm afraid to count how many. I can't imagine why that's the case. Now I'm completely jaded and am worried about every kitten who has a pot-belly or seems quiet. It used to be a pot belly on a kitten indicated worms, a big meal or a kitten that needed to poop.
We've had SIXTEEN awesome adoptions in TWO DAYS. I should be rejoicing! The cats and kittens went into amazing homes and will be loved forever. But I'm worried and pray that they're OK. I'm sure they'll be fine. They've all had vet exams and have been lovingly cared for by our foster parents. But this stupid disease takes no prisoners and doesn't seem to care who it takes.
Apparently, they're working on a new drug for FIP. It can't happen soon enough for me.
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