It's been a long, hot, week. Adoptions have been good for an August and the never ending calls for cats that are in need continue. We have one more day in our Petsmart location for the month and I'm looking forward to being "off the clock" for another month.
Very few things about cat rescue give me anxiety more than three words: "FIP", "Ringworm" or "Distemper". I can handle anything - but when faced with a possible outbreak of any of the above, I want to shut down. We heard there was a small Distemper outbreak in the "high kill" shelter. Of course, we had just rescued a bunch of kittens so have been on "watch". I hate that. My anxiety rises and every call about diarrhea, or "quiet kitten" makes my stomach turn.
We know of a kind woman that found a cat and unknowingly took the cat to the local SPCA that is next door to the "high kill shelter". The woman spoke with the CEO of the SPCA personally and told her that after the cat is there for her standard "3 day stray time - she would adopt the cat! She was promised "nothing will happen to this cat.... I promise!" They immediately took the cat next door to the high kill shelter, where she was euthanized 3 days later.
Nobody from either agency called this woman. The cat died alone in an empty shelter cage when there was somebody who wanted her.
This kind of shit used to drive me insane. I'd go absolutely nuts, make calls and cry.
Now? It just makes me feel tired and beaten up.
What can I do? I have to keep pushing forward through stories like this. There are thousands of them every year. They used to empower me. Now I just add this to my ever growing mental list of sad stories that I can share with others that have a fresher outlook on this horrific situation.
Friday, August 30, 2013
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Taking Some Responsibility
My rescue partner and I received a "call to action" for a very kind sounding farm family who have had quite a few cats dropped off at their property. Honestly, we get a lot of calls like this - desperate sounding people who just want it handled. They usually don't offer any help or donation.
These people seemed different and we decided to help them. We only had room for in the rescue kittens and this family had promised they would look after the adults and get them fixed. They were very credible, kind and we really had no doubts about it. I really felt that we could make a huge difference for them and help them PERMANENTLY resolve their problem.
I won't take kittens unless provisions are made for the adults to be fixed. Period.
It took us an hour to drive out to the country. It was a beautiful drive - an area of Ontario I hadn't been to before, but I knew right away what house it was when we drove up. Cats in the front yard. Cats in the side yard and Cats running through the bushes in the back.
We started feverishly gathering up kittens. Bless their little hearts - grubby little farm kittens. ;) The resident 10 year old little girl started crying - devastated that the kittens were leaving. For two hours we trudged through bushes, assessed kittens and loaded up the carriers into our car. We were so stressed. I stood there, sweat pouring from faces, the daughter still crying, kittens meowing in the car, and adult cats in the yard wondering what was happening....
....suddenly it occurred to me...
There would be no thank you. No Donation. No fixing of the adults. Don't ask me how I knew it - maybe it comes fro years of dealing with people. But I was right. Once again - I believed the public and they lied. I just provided these people with a band-aid solution which was never my intent. Why didn't I offer to help get the other cats fixed? Because they said they could do it. They could afford it. They would provide for the skittish little Mom cats left. In the winter, more kittens will come.
They'd better not call me again. I don't like being used.
We drove 2 hours round trip with 20 kittens in the car, stopped at the high kill shelter and rescued 7 more kittens, plus 2 "high risk" adults. It was a big day and we were exhausted. As pissed off as I was, I'm happy that 20+ cats and kittens were rescued in a day. Those faces that needed us out in the farm won't become victims to a busy road, raccoons or a life unloved. I need to spend more time focusing on that part - not the users.
These people seemed different and we decided to help them. We only had room for in the rescue kittens and this family had promised they would look after the adults and get them fixed. They were very credible, kind and we really had no doubts about it. I really felt that we could make a huge difference for them and help them PERMANENTLY resolve their problem.
I won't take kittens unless provisions are made for the adults to be fixed. Period.
It took us an hour to drive out to the country. It was a beautiful drive - an area of Ontario I hadn't been to before, but I knew right away what house it was when we drove up. Cats in the front yard. Cats in the side yard and Cats running through the bushes in the back.
We started feverishly gathering up kittens. Bless their little hearts - grubby little farm kittens. ;) The resident 10 year old little girl started crying - devastated that the kittens were leaving. For two hours we trudged through bushes, assessed kittens and loaded up the carriers into our car. We were so stressed. I stood there, sweat pouring from faces, the daughter still crying, kittens meowing in the car, and adult cats in the yard wondering what was happening....
....suddenly it occurred to me...
There would be no thank you. No Donation. No fixing of the adults. Don't ask me how I knew it - maybe it comes fro years of dealing with people. But I was right. Once again - I believed the public and they lied. I just provided these people with a band-aid solution which was never my intent. Why didn't I offer to help get the other cats fixed? Because they said they could do it. They could afford it. They would provide for the skittish little Mom cats left. In the winter, more kittens will come.
They'd better not call me again. I don't like being used.
We drove 2 hours round trip with 20 kittens in the car, stopped at the high kill shelter and rescued 7 more kittens, plus 2 "high risk" adults. It was a big day and we were exhausted. As pissed off as I was, I'm happy that 20+ cats and kittens were rescued in a day. Those faces that needed us out in the farm won't become victims to a busy road, raccoons or a life unloved. I need to spend more time focusing on that part - not the users.
Friday, August 16, 2013
Chew. Biting Off More Than I Can...
I'll preface this blog post by saying that I'm on some wonky cold medication. I'm not really "that sick", but just sick enough to take cold meds and need some daily naps. Blah.
I decided to try one more time to apply at a dog rescue. If you didn't hear what happened earlier, you may want to start HERE. Within 24 hours my foster application was not only approved, but I received the sweetest "Welcome to the family" email!
I'm really pleased to be part of this well organized and kind group: Homeward Bound Dog Rescue. It's just nice to be appreciated! Not only did my application get approved, but I was also approved to rescue THE cutest little girl named, "Sadie":
This little girl is so full of fear. She had been hit by a car, had a crushed pelvis, and the shelter had hoped she could be rehabilitated. But she didn't do well in a shelter environment.
That's where David and I come in:
So now we're home. Sadie hates me. She loves David:
She's starting to HOWL when he walks away from her! She looks at me like I'm spawn of Satan. I can touch her - but barely. This is only the third day - I can be patient. :)
I'm starting to sound like one of our cat rescue's new foster parents, right? I probably bit off more than I can chew, but I don't care. :) She's really an endearing little thing....
I decided to try one more time to apply at a dog rescue. If you didn't hear what happened earlier, you may want to start HERE. Within 24 hours my foster application was not only approved, but I received the sweetest "Welcome to the family" email!
I'm really pleased to be part of this well organized and kind group: Homeward Bound Dog Rescue. It's just nice to be appreciated! Not only did my application get approved, but I was also approved to rescue THE cutest little girl named, "Sadie":
This little girl is so full of fear. She had been hit by a car, had a crushed pelvis, and the shelter had hoped she could be rehabilitated. But she didn't do well in a shelter environment.
That's where David and I come in:
So now we're home. Sadie hates me. She loves David:
I'm starting to sound like one of our cat rescue's new foster parents, right? I probably bit off more than I can chew, but I don't care. :) She's really an endearing little thing....
Monday, August 12, 2013
End of Summer 'Crazy'
I must have the End-of-Summer burnout. My rescue partner is feeling the same way. We spent probably 30 minutes on the phone today prattling back and forth. I don't think we heard each other - we just vented.
As the summer comes close to an end, I'm SICK of voicemails that start with....
"I know your message said that you can't help with owner surrenders, but we're moving and..."
"There's a really pregnant cat living under my porch...."
"My cat had 7 kittens. We found homes for 5 of them and there are two black ones left..."
"Sorry. No adoptions today at Petsmart...."
"I think raccoons are going after these kittens in my back yard...."
"We're moving..."
"I'm pregnant and can't clean the litterbox..."
"My son has allergies..."
"My husband has allergies..."
"My grandson who visits ONCE A YEAR has allergies....|
"PLEASE help this cat I found outside..."
"He's such a sweet cat...."
"Somebody moved away and left these cats in the house...."
Bah!! I guess it's nothing new to those who read this blog or are in rescue.
Our awesome and well organized Petsmart Volunteer Coordinator contacted me about the adoption event in September and I wanted to cry. September! I just need to keep up with our Foster Parent spreadsheet from yesterday!
Our foster parent list has grown exponentially recently. We have lots of foster parents who have found kittens, or nursing Moms temporarily giving love, food and shelter to the cats they've found. Because these wonderful volunteers will probably not be permanent foster parents, they (understandably!) require more care. I can only hope and pray that our regular foster parents understand why I'm a little slow on the response. :)
I haven't really resolved the dog fostering or dog adoption situation. I've always wondered how ANYONE who knows ANYTHING about rescue could EVER adopt a dog through a breeder. Now I understand. Adopting or fostering a dog through a rescue is really difficult. I'm not saying it isn't worth it - I'm sure it is. But I'm insanely frustrated - maybe it's because it's a frustrating time of year. But I'm tired of going on dog rescue sites and having them say "FOSTER HOMES DESPERATELY NEEDED" only to find out that I'm either not good enough or they didn't really mean it.
I get a foster application and I'm calling TONIGHT. I get an adopter calling and I'm calling TONIGHT! I look for ways to make the adoption - not for ways to turn people down. Yeah yeah..dog rescue is different. I get it.
Yesterday, I put out an urgent plea for a sweet VERY pregnant cat left outside:
I received a response from a lovely woman that adopted a Mom cat from the "high kill" shelter two years ago and wants to help this girl have her kittens safely! I'm over-the-moon and am hoping this mom-to-be hangs in there until we can sort out the details. (Is it safe to jump for joy yet?)
As rescuers, I think we need to hold on to these victories as long as we can.
Tomorrow? I'm going to get my hair cut and roots coloured. ( I wonder how many times I've written THAT in this blog?) I'm going to tell the young lady that makes me feel aesthetically human again that I don't feel like talking and she'll be happy. No small talk tomorrow morning!
Just me and my iPhone. :)
As the summer comes close to an end, I'm SICK of voicemails that start with....
"I know your message said that you can't help with owner surrenders, but we're moving and..."
"There's a really pregnant cat living under my porch...."
"My cat had 7 kittens. We found homes for 5 of them and there are two black ones left..."
"Sorry. No adoptions today at Petsmart...."
"I think raccoons are going after these kittens in my back yard...."
"We're moving..."
"I'm pregnant and can't clean the litterbox..."
"My son has allergies..."
"My husband has allergies..."
"My grandson who visits ONCE A YEAR has allergies....|
"PLEASE help this cat I found outside..."
"He's such a sweet cat...."
"Somebody moved away and left these cats in the house...."
Bah!! I guess it's nothing new to those who read this blog or are in rescue.
Our awesome and well organized Petsmart Volunteer Coordinator contacted me about the adoption event in September and I wanted to cry. September! I just need to keep up with our Foster Parent spreadsheet from yesterday!
Our foster parent list has grown exponentially recently. We have lots of foster parents who have found kittens, or nursing Moms temporarily giving love, food and shelter to the cats they've found. Because these wonderful volunteers will probably not be permanent foster parents, they (understandably!) require more care. I can only hope and pray that our regular foster parents understand why I'm a little slow on the response. :)
I haven't really resolved the dog fostering or dog adoption situation. I've always wondered how ANYONE who knows ANYTHING about rescue could EVER adopt a dog through a breeder. Now I understand. Adopting or fostering a dog through a rescue is really difficult. I'm not saying it isn't worth it - I'm sure it is. But I'm insanely frustrated - maybe it's because it's a frustrating time of year. But I'm tired of going on dog rescue sites and having them say "FOSTER HOMES DESPERATELY NEEDED" only to find out that I'm either not good enough or they didn't really mean it.
I get a foster application and I'm calling TONIGHT. I get an adopter calling and I'm calling TONIGHT! I look for ways to make the adoption - not for ways to turn people down. Yeah yeah..dog rescue is different. I get it.
Yesterday, I put out an urgent plea for a sweet VERY pregnant cat left outside:
I received a response from a lovely woman that adopted a Mom cat from the "high kill" shelter two years ago and wants to help this girl have her kittens safely! I'm over-the-moon and am hoping this mom-to-be hangs in there until we can sort out the details. (Is it safe to jump for joy yet?)
As rescuers, I think we need to hold on to these victories as long as we can.
Tomorrow? I'm going to get my hair cut and roots coloured. ( I wonder how many times I've written THAT in this blog?) I'm going to tell the young lady that makes me feel aesthetically human again that I don't feel like talking and she'll be happy. No small talk tomorrow morning!
Just me and my iPhone. :)
Thursday, August 08, 2013
Here's to Hope
Tonight I'm thinking about an urgent plea that went out for a fluffy 8 month orange cat at the "high kill" shelter.
Despite an enormous number of recent adoptions, I have no space for this young orange guy. I've checked around, made calls, send emails - without luck.
This poor guy has some (hopefully) minor medical issues. The vet tech at the shelter said he was probably running a fever and had been vomiting for 4 days. It's not the money that's keeping me from rescuing him.
Where will I put him?
I already have two adult cats boarding at a veterinary clinic because I have no room. I have NEVER had to board cats because of lack of space. I'm a PLANNER. But I was lied to and "2 eight week old kittens" turned out to be "two adult cats".
Now this poor young guy may pay the price.
It's been a while since I put a finger on a particular cat. I usually can squeeze in "one more". But August adoptions have been slow and we're buried.
I'm going to leave this in the hands of other rescues to help him. But I'll be going to bed tonight thinking about him.
(((AN UPDATE - August 9th at 9:30 am - A LOCAL VETERINARY CLINIC HAS COME FORWARD TO SAVE HIS LIFE!!!!)))
He's marked for euthanasia tomorrow at noon.
Despite an enormous number of recent adoptions, I have no space for this young orange guy. I've checked around, made calls, send emails - without luck.
This poor guy has some (hopefully) minor medical issues. The vet tech at the shelter said he was probably running a fever and had been vomiting for 4 days. It's not the money that's keeping me from rescuing him.
Where will I put him?
I already have two adult cats boarding at a veterinary clinic because I have no room. I have NEVER had to board cats because of lack of space. I'm a PLANNER. But I was lied to and "2 eight week old kittens" turned out to be "two adult cats".
Now this poor young guy may pay the price.
It's been a while since I put a finger on a particular cat. I usually can squeeze in "one more". But August adoptions have been slow and we're buried.
I'm going to leave this in the hands of other rescues to help him. But I'll be going to bed tonight thinking about him.
(((AN UPDATE - August 9th at 9:30 am - A LOCAL VETERINARY CLINIC HAS COME FORWARD TO SAVE HIS LIFE!!!!)))
Wednesday, August 07, 2013
Thanks. But No Thanks.
So here's a rant of a different flavour:
We've been missing our dog Maggie. If you missed that part of my blog posts, you can read about her Here and Here. David and I have given it great thought and decided that we have so much to offer a dog, but really want to wait to adopt. We're busy and are enjoying not being tied down for the moment.
Since I'm in rescue, I hear things. I knew there were several dog rescues that interest me, and filled out a foster application for one of them. I was really careful about what I wrote - knowing what they were probably looking for and wanted to be diligent and honest. "Yes, I can drive the dog to vet appointments; Yes, I can have adopters to my home; "Yes, I can meet adopters at THEIR home; Yes, I can give medication; Blah blah blah blah....
I received an email response 4 days later:
We've been missing our dog Maggie. If you missed that part of my blog posts, you can read about her Here and Here. David and I have given it great thought and decided that we have so much to offer a dog, but really want to wait to adopt. We're busy and are enjoying not being tied down for the moment.
Since I'm in rescue, I hear things. I knew there were several dog rescues that interest me, and filled out a foster application for one of them. I was really careful about what I wrote - knowing what they were probably looking for and wanted to be diligent and honest. "Yes, I can drive the dog to vet appointments; Yes, I can have adopters to my home; "Yes, I can meet adopters at THEIR home; Yes, I can give medication; Blah blah blah blah....
I received an email response 4 days later:
Dear Beth,
I am writing to you in regard to your application to foster for ****** dog rescue. Although we appreciate your interest, and thank
you
for applying to our foster program. It has been determined that at
this time we are unable to use your services.."
They went on to say that I was DECLINED to foster a dog. Seriously. Me!!! I feel angry, humiliated and incredulous. We have a fenced-in GORGEOUS yard the size of a fucking football field and they think that we're not suitable as foster parents???
They didn't even have the courtesy to CALL AND TALK TO ME.
David thinks most rescue people are nuts and even he raised an eyebrow.
Somewhere there's a dog that needs out of a shelter, or is going to die that needs us and THIS RESCUE didn't think we were good enough.
I'm too pissed to write any further. I'll post comments - maybe somebody has some insight.
David thinks most rescue people are nuts and even he raised an eyebrow.
Somewhere there's a dog that needs out of a shelter, or is going to die that needs us and THIS RESCUE didn't think we were good enough.
I'm too pissed to write any further. I'll post comments - maybe somebody has some insight.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
The Best of Rescue
Since Sunday, I can't tell you what I've had to eat or drink. It's been a blurr of excitement and a rescuer's dream.
Our big Adoption Blitz was a huge success. Something I've never experienced before - 41 (yes, FORTY ONE) adoptions in a 6 hour time period. Adopters were actually lined up out the door to take turns meeting the cats in our small adoption area. Some had printed out cats they had hoped would be there and others just wanted "any sweet cat".
Hard to believe I'm actually typing this, but....we adopted out EVERY cat that we brought that day! Not one cat was left!! I had two families FIGHTING over a 12 week old BLACK kitten! Holy crap!
Adoption screening was easier than I thought it would be. I turned down a BUNCH of impulse adopters. The rush of people took us all by surprise and the LACK of phone calls after the event tells me that we made some great decisions for our cats.
With 41 adoptions means more rescues, so we headed out to the shelter yesterday and rescued nearly 30 cats and kittens. Vet visits and assessments have left us exhausted and exhilarated. We're trying to get everybody spayed/neutered etc before we go into Petsmart for the month of August.
Last night I had an emergency call from one of our foster parents. Apparently, someasshole guy dumped a Mom cat and her 3 kittens in an alley behind her apartment building. "Can we help?"
Without getting into all the drama, we were able to secure their safety and transport to a foster home in a matter of minutes. Again - something I'm never usually able to do in the middle of summer! This poor little family was rescued from raccoons and certain death.
The first of Facebook messages came in from the foster Mom:
"Momma and babies are in their new abode. Momma is a sweetheart. She lay down beside me, let me pet her and purred her heart out...."
And this morning:
"Everyone is fine. They are the happiest bunch ever. This morning, when I opened the door, momma sang me a good morning song and she and all of the kittens ran over to me.
They are all love-muffins. Everyone is eating, everyone is drinking, everyone is using the litter box and the kittens rough-house all the time.
I don't think I have had a more delightful group.
I want to keep them all."
My heart is full and happy this morning. I wish every rescue day could be like the past 3 days!
Our big Adoption Blitz was a huge success. Something I've never experienced before - 41 (yes, FORTY ONE) adoptions in a 6 hour time period. Adopters were actually lined up out the door to take turns meeting the cats in our small adoption area. Some had printed out cats they had hoped would be there and others just wanted "any sweet cat".
Hard to believe I'm actually typing this, but....we adopted out EVERY cat that we brought that day! Not one cat was left!! I had two families FIGHTING over a 12 week old BLACK kitten! Holy crap!
Adoption screening was easier than I thought it would be. I turned down a BUNCH of impulse adopters. The rush of people took us all by surprise and the LACK of phone calls after the event tells me that we made some great decisions for our cats.
With 41 adoptions means more rescues, so we headed out to the shelter yesterday and rescued nearly 30 cats and kittens. Vet visits and assessments have left us exhausted and exhilarated. We're trying to get everybody spayed/neutered etc before we go into Petsmart for the month of August.
Last night I had an emergency call from one of our foster parents. Apparently, some
The first of Facebook messages came in from the foster Mom:
"Momma and babies are in their new abode. Momma is a sweetheart. She lay down beside me, let me pet her and purred her heart out...."
And this morning:
"Everyone is fine. They are the happiest bunch ever. This morning, when I opened the door, momma sang me a good morning song and she and all of the kittens ran over to me.
They are all love-muffins. Everyone is eating, everyone is drinking, everyone is using the litter box and the kittens rough-house all the time.
I don't think I have had a more delightful group.
I want to keep them all."
My heart is full and happy this morning. I wish every rescue day could be like the past 3 days!
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Hoop Jumping
David and I just returned from a blissful holiday in New England. Lots of B&B's, hand holding, hiking and high-fat meals. It was heavenly. :) Whenever we go out of town, we always visit the local animal shelter, get some information, play with cats and leave a donation. This time, we went to North Country Animal League in Vermont. Typical - they had only black and white cats and black cats left. But those guys looked happy to see us! :)
The rescue had been very quiet - a little too quiet - when I left. The volunteers ended up being very busy and jumping through hoops to get 4 sweet cats adopted. It's amazing what we have to do to get cats adopted during the summer months. Pathetic. The hardworking volunteers sounded happy to have me back.
I'm doing something this weekend that I've never done before. Thanks to recent donations and very healthy foster cats, we're reducing our usual $175.00 adoption fee to $75.00 for a one day only adoption event. Honestly, I'm scared to death. I'm afraid of everybody being adopted at such an awesome rate, and I'm also afraid nobody will show up! The adoption rate includes everything we usually include - spay/neuter surgeries too!
Obviously, we're losing a ton of money. But think of the cats that will get homes! :)
Another local rescue recently published what they went through at the "high kill shelter" on a vet day. It was very surreal to read about what they went through. I felt as if I was experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as my stomach did flip-flops. I remembered (all too well) and felt the pain of knowing that I couldn't save them all. Those of you who have been reading this blog for the past 5 years know that I'm not a stranger to what happens at this shelter. For a moment, I had a sense of relief that another rescue was taking over the torch, so-to-speak.
The writer of this article usually writes about nonsense stuff - "fur mommies" and "fur babies" and other sophomoric dribble. But this time it was different. She wrote from the heart and the pain was apparent. It's the kind of pain that only somebody that has been there can fully understand. They took a bunch of cats and I wish them the very best with them. This is not a rescue that I support, but am happy for the cats that are alive.
So it seems to be another summer of jumping through hoops. We're loaded with cats in our program and there are others waiting for our help. Wish us luck on Sunday. If you come visit? I'll be the volunteer gripping the adoption fee collections with white knuckles.
The rescue had been very quiet - a little too quiet - when I left. The volunteers ended up being very busy and jumping through hoops to get 4 sweet cats adopted. It's amazing what we have to do to get cats adopted during the summer months. Pathetic. The hardworking volunteers sounded happy to have me back.
I'm doing something this weekend that I've never done before. Thanks to recent donations and very healthy foster cats, we're reducing our usual $175.00 adoption fee to $75.00 for a one day only adoption event. Honestly, I'm scared to death. I'm afraid of everybody being adopted at such an awesome rate, and I'm also afraid nobody will show up! The adoption rate includes everything we usually include - spay/neuter surgeries too!
Obviously, we're losing a ton of money. But think of the cats that will get homes! :)
Another local rescue recently published what they went through at the "high kill shelter" on a vet day. It was very surreal to read about what they went through. I felt as if I was experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as my stomach did flip-flops. I remembered (all too well) and felt the pain of knowing that I couldn't save them all. Those of you who have been reading this blog for the past 5 years know that I'm not a stranger to what happens at this shelter. For a moment, I had a sense of relief that another rescue was taking over the torch, so-to-speak.
The writer of this article usually writes about nonsense stuff - "fur mommies" and "fur babies" and other sophomoric dribble. But this time it was different. She wrote from the heart and the pain was apparent. It's the kind of pain that only somebody that has been there can fully understand. They took a bunch of cats and I wish them the very best with them. This is not a rescue that I support, but am happy for the cats that are alive.
So it seems to be another summer of jumping through hoops. We're loaded with cats in our program and there are others waiting for our help. Wish us luck on Sunday. If you come visit? I'll be the volunteer gripping the adoption fee collections with white knuckles.
Friday, July 12, 2013
Spencer
Anybody who is cat rescue will tell you that we really feel the pressure when a family member calls you for help when they've found a cat. I feel the pressure when our volunteer's family members ask for help too. But this time? It was my turn.
The call came from David's cousin & family. They have a cottage in northern Ontario and had found a young black cat. (Of course, it was black!) "What do we do?"? I told them we could help them, but it was kitten season....yada yada yada....could they please hang on to the guy and I'll do my best as quickly as I can. They don't like cats. Didn't want a cat. Period.
I asked them to show some compassion for this cat. They have children....it's important.
A few more emails arrived from the Mrs. that "Spencer" (he has a name now!) would be staying in their boathouse and "Mr." (staying anonymous here) was not happy about having a cat in his boathouse. Seriously? Was it really that hard to keep this guy in an empty boathouse until I could figure it all out?
I was so happy when the email arrived that they found a foster home for Spencer! It was well within the borders of our rescue, and I couldn't be more thrilled that this was all working out. The email continued, "....but the foster home won't work because the dog doesn't like him."
Oh. My. Gosh. Back to work on finding placement for Spencer.
A few days went by and I kept my head low. I was hoping that they'd get this sorted out on their own. But nothing could prepare me for the email I received next....
"...I am heartbroken. We took him to the vets....he was dehydrated....lots of money...we put him down."
The words jumped off the page. My heart pounded as questions flew through my head.
They had him euthanized because he was dehydrated?
Why didn't I do more?
Why did I let them flail around and figure things out on their own?
What kind vet killed a dehydrated cat?
*I* would've paid for his I.V.!
I could have done something!
I failed. I failed big time on this. They reached out for help and I had hoped it would all go away. Maybe they would fall in love with Spencer, or find a family to love him. I knew they weren't animal people....
They had sent me a picture of him when they first found him.
Now I'm the one that's heartbroken. I'm so sorry, Spencer. I really failed you.
The call came from David's cousin & family. They have a cottage in northern Ontario and had found a young black cat. (Of course, it was black!) "What do we do?"? I told them we could help them, but it was kitten season....yada yada yada....could they please hang on to the guy and I'll do my best as quickly as I can. They don't like cats. Didn't want a cat. Period.
I asked them to show some compassion for this cat. They have children....it's important.
A few more emails arrived from the Mrs. that "Spencer" (he has a name now!) would be staying in their boathouse and "Mr." (staying anonymous here) was not happy about having a cat in his boathouse. Seriously? Was it really that hard to keep this guy in an empty boathouse until I could figure it all out?
I was so happy when the email arrived that they found a foster home for Spencer! It was well within the borders of our rescue, and I couldn't be more thrilled that this was all working out. The email continued, "....but the foster home won't work because the dog doesn't like him."
Oh. My. Gosh. Back to work on finding placement for Spencer.
A few days went by and I kept my head low. I was hoping that they'd get this sorted out on their own. But nothing could prepare me for the email I received next....
"...I am heartbroken. We took him to the vets....he was dehydrated....lots of money...we put him down."
The words jumped off the page. My heart pounded as questions flew through my head.
They had him euthanized because he was dehydrated?
Why didn't I do more?
Why did I let them flail around and figure things out on their own?
What kind vet killed a dehydrated cat?
*I* would've paid for his I.V.!
I could have done something!
THIS IS WHAT *I* DO!
I failed. I failed big time on this. They reached out for help and I had hoped it would all go away. Maybe they would fall in love with Spencer, or find a family to love him. I knew they weren't animal people....
They had sent me a picture of him when they first found him.
Sunday, July 07, 2013
I Hate July
I had vowed to be a little more chatty with my blog, but lately it
hasn't been easy to update. July really sucks for most rescues. While
many people are going to cottages and holidays, I sit by the adoption phone line and try to work some miracles for our cats and foster parents.
I don't like the way I feel. Our local SPCA had a huge adoption blitz and lowered their adoption rates to almost nothing. I think 46 cats and kittens were adopted during that time. My phones didn't ring. I should be THRILLED for the cats that were adopted. Believe me - I really am! They all need a home! But I have volunteers that I have to be accountable to and kittens that are growing up in their foster homes. I can't be the only small rescue that feels competitive and helpless. Fortunately, my friend called me out on it and said, "Beth, look at the last few years adoptions in July...what were they?"
She was right. July sucks every year.
On a happier note, our Kismet is doing very well! If you didn't read about her, please click on the link. It's a very sad story with a great ending:
She's in a foster home where she's being adored. Sadly, she'll have to have another surgery to be spayed. She was so full of infection, that the vet was going to stay cautious and wait. Good call.
For me? I have a new foster kitten named "Dunkin':
Typical of me, I'm already in love, and as I type this, he's sitting on a pad of paper next to my laptop and playing with a pen. He doesn't leave my side and I'm already beginning to wonder how I'll ever let him go. But he's a black kitten, so maybe I won't have to. LOL
We have some adoptions pending today so I have my fingers crossed. But then again...it's July and I won't hold my breath.
I don't like the way I feel. Our local SPCA had a huge adoption blitz and lowered their adoption rates to almost nothing. I think 46 cats and kittens were adopted during that time. My phones didn't ring. I should be THRILLED for the cats that were adopted. Believe me - I really am! They all need a home! But I have volunteers that I have to be accountable to and kittens that are growing up in their foster homes. I can't be the only small rescue that feels competitive and helpless. Fortunately, my friend called me out on it and said, "Beth, look at the last few years adoptions in July...what were they?"
She was right. July sucks every year.
On a happier note, our Kismet is doing very well! If you didn't read about her, please click on the link. It's a very sad story with a great ending:
For me? I have a new foster kitten named "Dunkin':
We have some adoptions pending today so I have my fingers crossed. But then again...it's July and I won't hold my breath.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
A Few Updates From "BurnOut Central"
It's been a long time since I had to bottle feed kittens. But with the long holiday weekend, I'm "babysitting" six cuties until Sunday night. Bottle feeding kittens was how I first started in cat rescue. I was younger then, and waking up throughout the night to feed newborn kittens didn't seem like such a big deal. I really treasure my sleep now. :)
Last night, my favourite little foster boy "Fillmore" was adopted:
There's always great tension while I wait for an adopter to arrive, but my anxiety quickly dissipated when I saw how lovely and kind this couple was. Fillmore would be cat #4 for this couple. :) I was reassured when I found out that their vet was also MY vet, so I quietly called to get a reference before they came over. The receptionist said, "GIVE THEM ANY CAT THEY WANT! THEY'RE AWESOME!"
Ok! Done!
I just had a very interesting phone call as I am typing this blog post. A woman contacted me about a kitten that she had found in her live trap (for raccoons). She said that she had called Animal Services to pick up the little guy (not knowing that this was a high kill shelter). When the Animal Services Officer arrived, she opened the trap and let the kitten out! As the kitten ran away, the officer said, "We'll just kill it in 3 days, he'll have a better chance out here than in the shelter."
What a terribly sad, sad statement. Since when does a kitten have a "better chance" outside, with raccoons, cars and disease than in a shelter? Something is VERY VERY wrong here that a shelter can't be a safe haven for animals in need. It's incredibly sad that this Animal Services Officer felt that being hit by a car, or eaten alive by a wild animal is a BETTER choice than being at the shelter.
...and what happens when this kitten becomes sexually mature?
Anyway. She's going to try to trap the kitten again and call me.
So with this sad story, comes a story of hope when a staff member at this "high kill shelter" took home a kitten that was brought into the shelter with burned feet and singed fur. She nursed the poor baby back to health and contacted us to help the kitten along the rest of the way:
I'm so grateful to this employee for helping this little one. We named her "Kindle". :)
It's too early to feel so burned out with kitten season. I'm really fighting it.
Last night, my favourite little foster boy "Fillmore" was adopted:
Ok! Done!
I just had a very interesting phone call as I am typing this blog post. A woman contacted me about a kitten that she had found in her live trap (for raccoons). She said that she had called Animal Services to pick up the little guy (not knowing that this was a high kill shelter). When the Animal Services Officer arrived, she opened the trap and let the kitten out! As the kitten ran away, the officer said, "We'll just kill it in 3 days, he'll have a better chance out here than in the shelter."
What a terribly sad, sad statement. Since when does a kitten have a "better chance" outside, with raccoons, cars and disease than in a shelter? Something is VERY VERY wrong here that a shelter can't be a safe haven for animals in need. It's incredibly sad that this Animal Services Officer felt that being hit by a car, or eaten alive by a wild animal is a BETTER choice than being at the shelter.
...and what happens when this kitten becomes sexually mature?
Anyway. She's going to try to trap the kitten again and call me.
So with this sad story, comes a story of hope when a staff member at this "high kill shelter" took home a kitten that was brought into the shelter with burned feet and singed fur. She nursed the poor baby back to health and contacted us to help the kitten along the rest of the way:
It's too early to feel so burned out with kitten season. I'm really fighting it.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Was It Really "A First"?
This was really a first for me. An urgent plea went out that our local high kill shelter had stopped taking in stray cats and owner surrender cats. They were *that* full. The urgent plea was that they were going to kill many, many cats last friday unless rescues would come forward. I sat and stared at the words on my Facebook page and found myself sick and immobile.
If you've been reading my blog over the years, you'll know that this kind of urgency usually puts me in high gear. My adrenalin gets pumping, and I start posting sad pictures of cats that need help. My rescue's foster space was full, but I could squeeze in a little brown tabby kitten at my house if he was in danger of being euthanized the next day. I don't know why I even said "Brown tabby"....I don't really care about colour. But I truly felt frozen and unable to react.
Is it possible that I'm just burned out with this bullshit? I'm tired of rewarding this city's lack of care and compassion for the animals with our rescue's hard earned money and donations. I watched the Facebook page spring into action with other rescue's coming forward to help cats that they didn't have room for or money to take - but they did it anyway.
So where was I? Why did I feel so immobile? I have no idea. I thought about it all weekend, and I still have no idea why I didn't do anything. I just felt pissed. Hurt. Yes...very, very, hurt.
The rescue's phone line was ringing off the hook for people who had found cats...kittens...feral trapping help....injured cats. We had a big weekend adoption event last weekend that I was preparing for and couldn't risk taking in sick cats that would possibly prohibit the healthy ones from attending the event.
Or is that just an excuse?
Whatever the reason, innocent cats and kittens died on Friday at that shelter because there weren't enough homes. Or compassion. Or Love. Or space in Foster Care. And this City keeps saying, "Nah, we're not going to let cats or dogs get adopted...either they're claimed by their owner, rescued or they die."
Those of you who read this blog know this isn't my first, second, third or fourth rant about what happens to these innocent beings at this shelter. But this IS the first time I wasn't able to rally to even take one when they needed me. Maybe it's because I'm still paying the vet bill on the poor "tortie' Mom cat that this shelter "sent out" to our local vet to die - along with her FOUR healthy kittens - with an enormous, infected wound in her belly....
We named her "Kismet". She has no foster home and we have to pay an enormous vet bill at the end. The city said that she was supposed to be going in for "care" - not for euthanasia. Funny, but where's the fucking donation from The City to help her now that she's rescued? They were going to pay for her care anyway....apparently.
This blog post has more profanity than I usually like, but this kind of crap brings out the worst in me. I'd better get my shit together. Kitten Season isn't over yet.
If you've been reading my blog over the years, you'll know that this kind of urgency usually puts me in high gear. My adrenalin gets pumping, and I start posting sad pictures of cats that need help. My rescue's foster space was full, but I could squeeze in a little brown tabby kitten at my house if he was in danger of being euthanized the next day. I don't know why I even said "Brown tabby"....I don't really care about colour. But I truly felt frozen and unable to react.
Is it possible that I'm just burned out with this bullshit? I'm tired of rewarding this city's lack of care and compassion for the animals with our rescue's hard earned money and donations. I watched the Facebook page spring into action with other rescue's coming forward to help cats that they didn't have room for or money to take - but they did it anyway.
So where was I? Why did I feel so immobile? I have no idea. I thought about it all weekend, and I still have no idea why I didn't do anything. I just felt pissed. Hurt. Yes...very, very, hurt.
The rescue's phone line was ringing off the hook for people who had found cats...kittens...feral trapping help....injured cats. We had a big weekend adoption event last weekend that I was preparing for and couldn't risk taking in sick cats that would possibly prohibit the healthy ones from attending the event.
Or is that just an excuse?
Whatever the reason, innocent cats and kittens died on Friday at that shelter because there weren't enough homes. Or compassion. Or Love. Or space in Foster Care. And this City keeps saying, "Nah, we're not going to let cats or dogs get adopted...either they're claimed by their owner, rescued or they die."
Those of you who read this blog know this isn't my first, second, third or fourth rant about what happens to these innocent beings at this shelter. But this IS the first time I wasn't able to rally to even take one when they needed me. Maybe it's because I'm still paying the vet bill on the poor "tortie' Mom cat that this shelter "sent out" to our local vet to die - along with her FOUR healthy kittens - with an enormous, infected wound in her belly....
This blog post has more profanity than I usually like, but this kind of crap brings out the worst in me. I'd better get my shit together. Kitten Season isn't over yet.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
A Beautiful Life For Brando
When I rescued Brando a few months ago from the high kill shelter, I figured he'd be a hard sell. Brando was 30+ pounds and could walk as well as any 500 pound man could. He was mid-life, black and white and I figured he had all kinds of health issues.
I was wrong.
We placed Brando into a loving foster home where he was given a strict diet and he promptly lost several pounds. His mobility became increasingly better and he started walking up and down the stairs. He was in good health too! His foster Mom told us that somebody really loved Brando. He was loving, affectionate and longed to be a lap cat despite his size.
Much to my surprise, Brando became a superstar! We must've had 5 or 6 adoption calls on our big boy! But only ONE took him home..
I was wrong.
We placed Brando into a loving foster home where he was given a strict diet and he promptly lost several pounds. His mobility became increasingly better and he started walking up and down the stairs. He was in good health too! His foster Mom told us that somebody really loved Brando. He was loving, affectionate and longed to be a lap cat despite his size.
Brando had a Forever Home! His new family named him "LOGAN" and sent us the following email updated on his first day of his new home (edited and copied with permission from sender):
"As was expected he did hide under a bed for the first few hours but before we new it, just after dinner he was out and about – purring and soaking in all of the love and attention we could give him. We gave him a good brushing and he just loved it, rolling around and purring happily...Logan is all that we expected him to be and so much more! What a love-bug! We are so happy to have him in our lives as part of our family and we promise to love and care for him for the rest of his life! Thank you so much for letting us adopt him, we simply could not be happier to have him!d"....." can’t believe anyone would have ever let him go, let alone abandon him. He is such a WONDERFUL, AFFECTIONATE and LOVING little being ... such a shame. I do however take comfort in and believe that everything happens for a reason ... Logan is our baby now and nothing bad will ever happen to him again!
Have a beautiful life, Brando...errr...Logan!
Sunday, June 16, 2013
"Gus"
One of the shelters where I rescue had an outbreak of ringworm last year. Instead of killing all the cats, (like other shelters do) they rented a trailer and put 53 cats - most of them kittens there to be treated for the fungus.
Months went by and the kittens in the trailer grew. They were bathed in anti-fungal bath and treated regularly. Some never had symptoms of ringworm. But being a responsible shelter, they were all treated and DNA tested. I was never permitted in the trailer until it opened for rescue months ago. Seeing that many cats in one small trailer was incredible. These are now adult/young cats that have never really had much attention, (the staff did the very best that they could!) and have never known what it was like to live in a home.
The trailer was all they knew.
Our rescue took many of the 53 cats over several months. But as time went on there was only one cat left....
...Gus.
Gus has never known a home. He's never known a kitchen, a vacuum cleaner, a doorbell. He's never known regular love or a lap to snuggle. Every time he was picked up he was dunked into a sink and soaked in an anti-fungal bath. I had a feeling this was going to be a difficult transition.
Today was Gus' rescue day:
You can tell Gus was a shelter favourite. He had his own room with toys and a bed. But it wasn't a home. Apparently, Gus had started to meow for attention. He watched 52 of his friends leave the shelter for new adventures.
When David and I left the shelter with Gus the staff applauded. "Difficult transition?" We think not! Gus is dying to bond with somebody! He knows his name and comes when he's called. He purr's and rubs and is dying to explore the rest of his foster Mom's house. Gus is going to be OK! He's going to have a beautiful life thanks to a shelter that cares enough about their animals to make it happen.
Months went by and the kittens in the trailer grew. They were bathed in anti-fungal bath and treated regularly. Some never had symptoms of ringworm. But being a responsible shelter, they were all treated and DNA tested. I was never permitted in the trailer until it opened for rescue months ago. Seeing that many cats in one small trailer was incredible. These are now adult/young cats that have never really had much attention, (the staff did the very best that they could!) and have never known what it was like to live in a home.
The trailer was all they knew.
Our rescue took many of the 53 cats over several months. But as time went on there was only one cat left....
...Gus.
Gus has never known a home. He's never known a kitchen, a vacuum cleaner, a doorbell. He's never known regular love or a lap to snuggle. Every time he was picked up he was dunked into a sink and soaked in an anti-fungal bath. I had a feeling this was going to be a difficult transition.
Today was Gus' rescue day:
You can tell Gus was a shelter favourite. He had his own room with toys and a bed. But it wasn't a home. Apparently, Gus had started to meow for attention. He watched 52 of his friends leave the shelter for new adventures.
When David and I left the shelter with Gus the staff applauded. "Difficult transition?" We think not! Gus is dying to bond with somebody! He knows his name and comes when he's called. He purr's and rubs and is dying to explore the rest of his foster Mom's house. Gus is going to be OK! He's going to have a beautiful life thanks to a shelter that cares enough about their animals to make it happen.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Being Inhumane - In Pictures.
I'm still very very angry about what ALMOST happened with this little Tortoiseshell Mama Cat and her kittens. At first, it was just a sad and simple rescue: Cat and four kittens brought in for euthanasia, volunteer sees what's going on and offers to save the family.
HOWEVER ....When the shelter was approached about their culpability, they denied sending the Mama Cat and her 4 kittens for euthanasia, I couldn't figure out why. Why would they deny doing that? They kill animals all the time. It's a "high kill shelter".
Uh uh. That isn't right. If it doesn't make sense, it probably isn't true.
The By-Laws say that every stray has 3 days to be claimed by their owner UNLESS the animal is suffering and a vet feels it's humane to euthanize. That's the way that the 3 days stray time can be waived.
This Mom and babies had only been there for TWO days. She suffered for TWO DAYS without anybody noticing that she was in pain. When shelter staff finally noticed, SOMEBODY scrambled and sent her out to the vets be euthanized.
I know this is true. I spoke with the staff at the clinic - including the veterinarian. This family was NEVER to be treated or examined. Just killed. So somebody at the City is in deep "doo-doo" for not obeying the by-law.
Let's not forget how this cat suffered. The following are pictures of this poor baby sent to us by the veterinarian who is taking care of her. (Gore alert) The wound has been cleaned and held together, so look much better than when she came in.
The infection went into her mammary glands and the last picture shows the extent of the necrotic tissue. This shelter left her in a TINY cage with FIVE kittens (one was euthanized) crawling over her and trying to nurse on her sore belly for two days.
My God, I can't imagine...
HOWEVER ....When the shelter was approached about their culpability, they denied sending the Mama Cat and her 4 kittens for euthanasia, I couldn't figure out why. Why would they deny doing that? They kill animals all the time. It's a "high kill shelter".
Uh uh. That isn't right. If it doesn't make sense, it probably isn't true.
The By-Laws say that every stray has 3 days to be claimed by their owner UNLESS the animal is suffering and a vet feels it's humane to euthanize. That's the way that the 3 days stray time can be waived.
This Mom and babies had only been there for TWO days. She suffered for TWO DAYS without anybody noticing that she was in pain. When shelter staff finally noticed, SOMEBODY scrambled and sent her out to the vets be euthanized.
I know this is true. I spoke with the staff at the clinic - including the veterinarian. This family was NEVER to be treated or examined. Just killed. So somebody at the City is in deep "doo-doo" for not obeying the by-law.
Let's not forget how this cat suffered. The following are pictures of this poor baby sent to us by the veterinarian who is taking care of her. (Gore alert) The wound has been cleaned and held together, so look much better than when she came in.
My God, I can't imagine...
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
A Gut Check
I was driving through an urban area today. It was a busy street and cars on both sides suddenly stopped. I had places to go, people to see and felt irritated with the delay. Cars were honking and I opened my car door to peek out and see what was going on.
A coyote pup was drinking water from a pot hole in the road. I thought it was adorable at first until the pup started to run off. He had a severely broken leg and blood over his back. My heart broke into a million pieces as this poor baby risked so much for a drink of water. I watched one other driver pull over and call the local Humane Society. She said she would wait and watch the pup until they arrived.
No. There isn't much I could do. I wouldn't risk being bitten, so I left knowing that "help" was on the way. I'm still thinking about this poor guy.
When I came home I received a call from one of our volunteers. She was at the veterinary clinic around the corner from the "high kill" shelter where we rescue. Apparently, an animal control officer was there to have an injured cat put to sleep. As I would do, she peeked into the carrier to discover it was a Mom cat with 4 kittens. The kittens were to die along with the Mom - for no other reason than there would be nobody to feed them.
The vet gingerly took the Mama cat out of the carrier. She had an 8 - 10 inch gash in her abdomen. The skin was necrotic and infected. Air had gotten under her skin, so she was in a enormous amount of pain. Despite it all, she was purring and nursing her kittens. The sweet, gentle Mama Cat leaned forward and gently groomed one of her babies. She didn't know that they would all die shortly.
Even the vet didn't understand why this family had to die. She was angry and frustrated with the system. She didn't want to kill 4 healthy kittens too.
Our volunteer asked: "Can we take this family?"
I couldn't imagine saying no. She will require a lot of care - expensive care and surgery.
With promises to the Mama Cat to love and care for them, our volunteer carefully took the 4 kittens home to bottle feed them. The Mama Cat will be given nurturing medical care - not death.
Me? I hung up the phone and went to the shelter website and found her:
She had arrived TWO DAYS ago with this 8 - 10 inch open, infected, necrotic gash in her abdomen. She's been suffering for two fucking days and NOW they wanted to kill her? I'm so angry.
Maybe I don't have the whole story. Maybe there's something I don't know or understand. But I do know that some things never change and my heart hurts.
A coyote pup was drinking water from a pot hole in the road. I thought it was adorable at first until the pup started to run off. He had a severely broken leg and blood over his back. My heart broke into a million pieces as this poor baby risked so much for a drink of water. I watched one other driver pull over and call the local Humane Society. She said she would wait and watch the pup until they arrived.
No. There isn't much I could do. I wouldn't risk being bitten, so I left knowing that "help" was on the way. I'm still thinking about this poor guy.
When I came home I received a call from one of our volunteers. She was at the veterinary clinic around the corner from the "high kill" shelter where we rescue. Apparently, an animal control officer was there to have an injured cat put to sleep. As I would do, she peeked into the carrier to discover it was a Mom cat with 4 kittens. The kittens were to die along with the Mom - for no other reason than there would be nobody to feed them.
The vet gingerly took the Mama cat out of the carrier. She had an 8 - 10 inch gash in her abdomen. The skin was necrotic and infected. Air had gotten under her skin, so she was in a enormous amount of pain. Despite it all, she was purring and nursing her kittens. The sweet, gentle Mama Cat leaned forward and gently groomed one of her babies. She didn't know that they would all die shortly.
Even the vet didn't understand why this family had to die. She was angry and frustrated with the system. She didn't want to kill 4 healthy kittens too.
Our volunteer asked: "Can we take this family?"
I couldn't imagine saying no. She will require a lot of care - expensive care and surgery.
With promises to the Mama Cat to love and care for them, our volunteer carefully took the 4 kittens home to bottle feed them. The Mama Cat will be given nurturing medical care - not death.
Me? I hung up the phone and went to the shelter website and found her:
Maybe I don't have the whole story. Maybe there's something I don't know or understand. But I do know that some things never change and my heart hurts.
Sunday, June 02, 2013
Blazing Trails...
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.
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.
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!
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