It was really wonderful to have a reprieve from the frigid air yesterday. The thermostat said 14 degrees celcius (57 degrees Fahrenheit) and watching the squirrels frolicking yesterday as if it were Spring was a lovely change. I imagine that the homeless cats who live outside felt the same way.
Today, I woke up to blustery gusts of freezing wind and my heart hurts for the cats outside that are (no doubt) huddled under cars and dumpsters. I wish I could enjoy cold weather like other people. I end up worrying about animals outside. My 140 year old house bravely stood up to the wind last night as my cats snuggled into the quilts on our bed. It isn't fair.
I feel like I've been glued to the computer over the past few days. Between closing out the books on 2012 for the rescue, adding more cats to our website AND going into Petsmart two days early, it's been an insane couple of days. I'm always so grateful for our volunteers. There's no way I could do everything myself.
I'm spending the afternoon picking up cats and kittens from volunteer foster parents and bringing them to our Petsmart Adoption Centre. It's a stressful time for both foster parents and the cats. We have some foster parents that say "NO WAY is my foster baby going into a Petsmart store." I'm way ok with that - we're a foster-home based rescue FIRST. Petsmart is a luxury :)
David and I rescued 8 cats over the weekend. It's hard to believe that I used to rescue 20+ cats alone, because rescuing 8 seemed like a big deal to me. I love that David's retired and can help me. Certainly it's nice to have somebody to moan and groan with when a startled cat poops in his carrier. :)
At the risk of an already dull blog post this morning, I'm going to push the "Publish" button and hope for something interesting to write about tomorrow. Lack of sleep last night has dulled the mind!
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Monday, January 28, 2013
Thinking about Dexter
There are so many things I don't say about my life in cat rescue. Things I wish I could say but I'm not an "anonymous" blogger. :)
I woke up to my cell phone ringing by the bed a few days ago. It was 8:30 in the morning. Nothing good happens at that hour and by the time I cleared my blurry eyes the call had gone to voicemail. I remained in bed and listened to the message. At first all I heard was a foster parent trying to announce her name through tears.
My heart broke.
"Dexter died last night of a cardiac embolism"
The worst part is that the foster parent had JUST adopted him. This particular foster parent has been fostering with me for TEN YEARS. She never adopted one....until now.
At least Dexter died in his Forever Home. He was truly loved.
Sometimes I wish this blog could just have cute cat pictures or videos. Certainly I have enough material with just The Sherminator:
The last picture was taken when we had an alarm company installation yesterday. Sherman wouldn't leave this guy alone and insisted on sitting on his paperwork, biting the ends of his pen and knocking his brochures to the ground. Fortunately, the installer had 2 cats of his own and was amused with Sherman.
For a long time I had wondered which cat was playing in the toilet. Sitting on a wet toilet seat when I occasionally use my son's washroom is disturbing. I could never catch the little bugger that's playing in the toilet until yesterday....
It feels good to talk about something that makes me laugh. Cat rescue is a lot of things - but usually not funny. As I've always said, it's one big emotional rollercoaster.
I'll try to focus on "funny" today, but my heart will be thinking about Dexter and his Mom. This is a cat rescue after all.
I woke up to my cell phone ringing by the bed a few days ago. It was 8:30 in the morning. Nothing good happens at that hour and by the time I cleared my blurry eyes the call had gone to voicemail. I remained in bed and listened to the message. At first all I heard was a foster parent trying to announce her name through tears.
My heart broke.
"Dexter died last night of a cardiac embolism"
At least Dexter died in his Forever Home. He was truly loved.
Sometimes I wish this blog could just have cute cat pictures or videos. Certainly I have enough material with just The Sherminator:
For a long time I had wondered which cat was playing in the toilet. Sitting on a wet toilet seat when I occasionally use my son's washroom is disturbing. I could never catch the little bugger that's playing in the toilet until yesterday....
It feels good to talk about something that makes me laugh. Cat rescue is a lot of things - but usually not funny. As I've always said, it's one big emotional rollercoaster.
I'll try to focus on "funny" today, but my heart will be thinking about Dexter and his Mom. This is a cat rescue after all.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
The *Unusually* Rude
I'm back from my four day family visit with The Parents. It's always nice to see them, but just like any trip that takes me away from home, I'm happiest when I arrive through my front door. As always, my son took care of the family pets and our hardworking volunteers took care of the rescue in my absence. It's definitely getting easier to leave knowing that everything will be *handled*.
Very few things in rescue make me visibly angrier than when an adopter mistreats one of our volunteers. While I was away, we had an adopter not show up to an appointment to meet one of our kittens in their home. No phone call. Nothing. Just didn't show up. People don't realize that our volunteers MAKE TIME for the appointment. They clean their house, and fret about their beloved foster leaving their care.
Yesterday, we had an adopter stay at a foster parent's house until after 11 pm - FOUR HOURS! In the end, she pulled out catnip and the cat became overly stimulated and bit her really hard - drawing blood. Needless to say, she didn't take the cat home. But c'mon - FOUR HOURS? I had to wonder how long she would've stayed if the cat hadn't bit her. (*snicker*)
I suppose this blog post isn't a plug for fostering. But I must say that in the 20 years that I've been doing this, I think that we've only had about 5 unpleasant incidents like this. People are generally kind, courteous and very very polite. I have no qualms about telling an adopter that the "interview is over" - especially if they aren't going to adopt.
The good news is - we had NINE adoptions while I was gone for the 4 days! I was busy updating the files and working the administrativecrap stuff today. So much going on and the rescue phones have been busy.
As I'm about to push "Publish" on this blog post, I hesitate because of the negative comments (above) regarding fostering. But I've always given honest viewpoints in this blog and will continue to push "Publish" without soft-pedaling the text.
I couldn't complete this post without saying how much I appreciate those of you who give an opportunity for a 2nd (or 3rd or 4th...) chance for any animal to be loved once again. Every foster parent who gives their time, their home, and their heart to the unloved, unwanted and homeless animals deserve to be treated with respect, care and kindness. In our rescue, I wouldn't have it any other way.
Very few things in rescue make me visibly angrier than when an adopter mistreats one of our volunteers. While I was away, we had an adopter not show up to an appointment to meet one of our kittens in their home. No phone call. Nothing. Just didn't show up. People don't realize that our volunteers MAKE TIME for the appointment. They clean their house, and fret about their beloved foster leaving their care.
Yesterday, we had an adopter stay at a foster parent's house until after 11 pm - FOUR HOURS! In the end, she pulled out catnip and the cat became overly stimulated and bit her really hard - drawing blood. Needless to say, she didn't take the cat home. But c'mon - FOUR HOURS? I had to wonder how long she would've stayed if the cat hadn't bit her. (*snicker*)
I suppose this blog post isn't a plug for fostering. But I must say that in the 20 years that I've been doing this, I think that we've only had about 5 unpleasant incidents like this. People are generally kind, courteous and very very polite. I have no qualms about telling an adopter that the "interview is over" - especially if they aren't going to adopt.
The good news is - we had NINE adoptions while I was gone for the 4 days! I was busy updating the files and working the administrative
As I'm about to push "Publish" on this blog post, I hesitate because of the negative comments (above) regarding fostering. But I've always given honest viewpoints in this blog and will continue to push "Publish" without soft-pedaling the text.
I couldn't complete this post without saying how much I appreciate those of you who give an opportunity for a 2nd (or 3rd or 4th...) chance for any animal to be loved once again. Every foster parent who gives their time, their home, and their heart to the unloved, unwanted and homeless animals deserve to be treated with respect, care and kindness. In our rescue, I wouldn't have it any other way.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
More Unwanted
I'm leaving tomorrow for 5 days - Heading to Seattle to visit my parents. I wish it wasn't such a hassle to get out of town - I'd travel more often. Fortunately, my youngest son is babysitting cats and our senior dog. David is coming with me. It'll be nice to see my parents and just as nice to see "Buddy", their overly spoiled Rat Terrier.
I had a disgusting moment today when I heard that there is a woman who is currently searching the online classified for kittens to use for her birds of prey - for food. I wonder how many people she's fooled into giving her sweet defenseless kittens only to be used to train her red tailed hawks. We've all heard the rumours about people collecting kittens to use for snake food. But kittens to be used to train hawks?? That's a new one for me. Those of you in the Greater Toronto Area - please spread the word about this woman.
We rescued a Mom cat and two kittens today. They came from the public - something I so rarely do. When I arrived at their "home", it was a nice young man that (for a variety of reasons) could no longer care for this little family. It was the Mom cat's 7th litter. SEVENTH litter and she is only 2 years old. Disgusting. I kissed her little calico face and whispered to her "You'll never have to do this again." When I picked her up, it's very apparent that she's pregnant again. *sigh* I hope I'm wrong - a vet will be able to tell me. But it sure looks that way to me.
I'm feeling a bit melancholy tonight. I think going into other people's homes and seeing firsthand their lack of care for their animals saddens me. What would this guy have done if I hadn't bailed him out? He had the Mom cat since she was a kitten and didn't seem remotely sad that she was leaving his home. I just don't understand that.
While I'm away, our volunteers will be back to the shelter to rescue. I like to hear who they end up with and to hear their enthusiasm. It's contagious!
I had a disgusting moment today when I heard that there is a woman who is currently searching the online classified for kittens to use for her birds of prey - for food. I wonder how many people she's fooled into giving her sweet defenseless kittens only to be used to train her red tailed hawks. We've all heard the rumours about people collecting kittens to use for snake food. But kittens to be used to train hawks?? That's a new one for me. Those of you in the Greater Toronto Area - please spread the word about this woman.
We rescued a Mom cat and two kittens today. They came from the public - something I so rarely do. When I arrived at their "home", it was a nice young man that (for a variety of reasons) could no longer care for this little family. It was the Mom cat's 7th litter. SEVENTH litter and she is only 2 years old. Disgusting. I kissed her little calico face and whispered to her "You'll never have to do this again." When I picked her up, it's very apparent that she's pregnant again. *sigh* I hope I'm wrong - a vet will be able to tell me. But it sure looks that way to me.
I'm feeling a bit melancholy tonight. I think going into other people's homes and seeing firsthand their lack of care for their animals saddens me. What would this guy have done if I hadn't bailed him out? He had the Mom cat since she was a kitten and didn't seem remotely sad that she was leaving his home. I just don't understand that.
While I'm away, our volunteers will be back to the shelter to rescue. I like to hear who they end up with and to hear their enthusiasm. It's contagious!
Monday, January 14, 2013
The Stack
As I type this, Boo-Boo is still at the shelter. I never heard back from the woman who showed interest in her. Fortunately, she will not be euthanized at this shelter unless she becomes unadoptable or seriously ill. But she continues to become depressed in a cage and I think she's adorable - in a homely-fat-cat -sorta-way. Many thank you's to all who inquired about her. I won't give up on her until she's out of a cage.
I rarely get really angry at any of my cats or dog. But when I heard a huge CRASH yesterday in the kitchen, I knew that nothing good had happened.
I was right.
Walking downstairs, I saw a scatter of cats with *poofed* tails. Only Sherman remained at the scene of the crime. On the floor was my favourite vintage etched mirror. I spent (what I thought was) a small fortune on it and it had been laying on the kitchen counter waiting to be hung later this evening. There was glass everywhere and Sherman looked ridiculously guilty. My favourite mirror - oh how I LOVED that stupid mirror!! I'm so angry with Sherman!
It's hard to be angry with something that cute. *sigh*
I spent the majority of the day closing out 2012 in my office. The amount of paper that accumulates with this rescue astounds me! Adoption files, veterinary files, tax stuff, foster applications....blah blah blah! But looking at my "stack" of adoption agreements from 2012 was a proud moment for me.
That stack represents more than 600 cats who are now Forever Home in 2012! SIX HUNDRED! I leafed through the names and fondly remembered most of the cats. It's strange how quickly I can forget cats that had such meaning to me 8 months ago.
I wish I had taken a picture of the OTHER stack on the floor near the adoption agreements. That's the Veterinary bills for 2012. It's twice the size of the adoption stack.
C'est la vie!
I rarely get really angry at any of my cats or dog. But when I heard a huge CRASH yesterday in the kitchen, I knew that nothing good had happened.
I was right.
Walking downstairs, I saw a scatter of cats with *poofed* tails. Only Sherman remained at the scene of the crime. On the floor was my favourite vintage etched mirror. I spent (what I thought was) a small fortune on it and it had been laying on the kitchen counter waiting to be hung later this evening. There was glass everywhere and Sherman looked ridiculously guilty. My favourite mirror - oh how I LOVED that stupid mirror!! I'm so angry with Sherman!
I spent the majority of the day closing out 2012 in my office. The amount of paper that accumulates with this rescue astounds me! Adoption files, veterinary files, tax stuff, foster applications....blah blah blah! But looking at my "stack" of adoption agreements from 2012 was a proud moment for me.
I wish I had taken a picture of the OTHER stack on the floor near the adoption agreements. That's the Veterinary bills for 2012. It's twice the size of the adoption stack.
C'est la vie!
Thursday, January 10, 2013
"Boo-Boo"
I was back at the low-kill shelter this afternoon. I knew I wouldn't leave with any cats today, but was there to make some choices for our foster parents. We're fortunate enough to have a volunteer driver that will pick up the cats from the shelter this evening and deliver them to their foster homes.
My shoulders sank when I saw that "Boo-Boo" was still there. Boo-Boo is a homely overweight black and white girl whose owner died and the family left her there. She came in with a very handsome brother who was quickly adopted. (YES...*ADOPTED*....they have adoptions at this shelter...what a brilliant idea! (end sarcasm)
Over Christmas, the shelter was loaded with people hoping to take a cat home for the holidays. But nobody was noticing "Boo-Boo". She sat in her cage wondering what happened to her "mom" and her brother.
Even though they have adoptions at this shelter, Boo-Boo's plight was starting to really get to me.
As I type this blog post, I've been doing some matchmaking on Boo-Boo's behalf. One of our adopters who called in is looking for a particular type of cat and I think Boo-Boo might just be her girl. I'm sitting here on pins and needles waiting for a call back to find out if the family wants to go to the shelter to meet Boo-Boo.
Our rescue won't get any adoption money for BooBoo, but the thought of this chubby girl with tiny feet going to a home is making the effort worthwhile. It's always worthwhile, right?
Sooooo...why haven't I rescued Boo-Boo and put her in a foster home? I haven't had an available foster home that can take her! But I like her so much that I'm about to bring her home myself. "Bowling Ball Cats" are a huge favourite of mine! (Bowling Ball Cats = Chubby, round body with tiny legs and pea-sized head)
I also wanted to thank those of you who sent encouraging notes privately and public comments about this blog. I've definitely missed writing. We had 98 (!!!) adoptions during the month of December and I wanted to blog about it so badly. LOL
4:30 pm....no call yet about Boo-Boo. UGH! (Call...call...call)
My shoulders sank when I saw that "Boo-Boo" was still there. Boo-Boo is a homely overweight black and white girl whose owner died and the family left her there. She came in with a very handsome brother who was quickly adopted. (YES...*ADOPTED*....they have adoptions at this shelter...what a brilliant idea! (end sarcasm)
Over Christmas, the shelter was loaded with people hoping to take a cat home for the holidays. But nobody was noticing "Boo-Boo". She sat in her cage wondering what happened to her "mom" and her brother.
Even though they have adoptions at this shelter, Boo-Boo's plight was starting to really get to me.
As I type this blog post, I've been doing some matchmaking on Boo-Boo's behalf. One of our adopters who called in is looking for a particular type of cat and I think Boo-Boo might just be her girl. I'm sitting here on pins and needles waiting for a call back to find out if the family wants to go to the shelter to meet Boo-Boo.
Our rescue won't get any adoption money for BooBoo, but the thought of this chubby girl with tiny feet going to a home is making the effort worthwhile. It's always worthwhile, right?
Sooooo...why haven't I rescued Boo-Boo and put her in a foster home? I haven't had an available foster home that can take her! But I like her so much that I'm about to bring her home myself. "Bowling Ball Cats" are a huge favourite of mine! (Bowling Ball Cats = Chubby, round body with tiny legs and pea-sized head)
I also wanted to thank those of you who sent encouraging notes privately and public comments about this blog. I've definitely missed writing. We had 98 (!!!) adoptions during the month of December and I wanted to blog about it so badly. LOL
4:30 pm....no call yet about Boo-Boo. UGH! (Call...call...call)
Wednesday, January 09, 2013
Still Alive in 2013
It's been a LONG time since I've written in this blog. I don't think I've ever gone this long without writing. Certainly I would usually do a "year end" wrap up and a 'Happy New Year' thing. I'm not really sure what's changed for me.
I've been writing in this blog diligently since 2008. It was intended to be a blog about my life in cat rescue. It was never supposed to be an ongoing rant about the shitty shelter I was rescuing from, but I was looking at the videos posted and the comments I made (and were made about me) and realized that even *I* was getting bored with the despair and lack of control that I had about the shelter.
When I started a more positive rescuing experience for myself and the rescue, I didn't realize what a shit storm of ugliness from (of course) anonymous posters who thought I had abandoned the high kill shelter. But that really wasn't so. One staff member from the shelter told me to STOP RESCUING from the shelter if I was going to bitch about the illness in my blog. :)
When my rescues became more positive and encouraging, they also became boring for the reader and myself - the writer! "Yes, I rescued 5 cats from the low-kill shelter, they're healthy, cute and friendly."
So I thought that perhaps it was time to discontinue the blog.
I stepped on a huge pile of cat barf this morning in my bare feet on the way to the washroom. It was during that not-so-delightful-half-asleep moment that I realized perhaps I have more to offer this blog. It might end up being more of the same, but I'm hoping it'll continue to give those few some insight to what we do and encourage those who are in the same boat.
It's been 5 years. More to come....
I've been writing in this blog diligently since 2008. It was intended to be a blog about my life in cat rescue. It was never supposed to be an ongoing rant about the shitty shelter I was rescuing from, but I was looking at the videos posted and the comments I made (and were made about me) and realized that even *I* was getting bored with the despair and lack of control that I had about the shelter.
When I started a more positive rescuing experience for myself and the rescue, I didn't realize what a shit storm of ugliness from (of course) anonymous posters who thought I had abandoned the high kill shelter. But that really wasn't so. One staff member from the shelter told me to STOP RESCUING from the shelter if I was going to bitch about the illness in my blog. :)
When my rescues became more positive and encouraging, they also became boring for the reader and myself - the writer! "Yes, I rescued 5 cats from the low-kill shelter, they're healthy, cute and friendly."
So I thought that perhaps it was time to discontinue the blog.
I stepped on a huge pile of cat barf this morning in my bare feet on the way to the washroom. It was during that not-so-delightful-half-asleep moment that I realized perhaps I have more to offer this blog. It might end up being more of the same, but I'm hoping it'll continue to give those few some insight to what we do and encourage those who are in the same boat.
It's been 5 years. More to come....
Friday, December 21, 2012
Attention Mr. Mayor
I never include this kind of propaganda, but the video below totally *rocks* and expresses my sentiments about this "high kill" shelter. I don't always see eye-to-eye with this group, but whomever produced this video was right on the money this time:
Turn on your sound and let's hope the Mayor of this ass-backward city will do something positive for the animals for a change.
I understand that this shelter had a large "kill day" yesterday. No rescues were aware that the cats would be killed on an unusual "vet day" and couldn't rescue any of the little souls in time.
Turn on your sound and let's hope the Mayor of this ass-backward city will do something positive for the animals for a change.
I understand that this shelter had a large "kill day" yesterday. No rescues were aware that the cats would be killed on an unusual "vet day" and couldn't rescue any of the little souls in time.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
The Sick Ward
I've been SO sick all week! It happens every year - always the worst time of the year. It's probably just a cold - but holy crap - it's a cold that has really knocked me on my ass for the past 4 days.
I'm not half as sick as the poor souls we recently rescued from the high kill shelter last weekend. Every goddamn time we rescue from that place I throw my hands in the air and say, "I'm *DONE*" But how could I ever say "no" to a volunteer who wants to help one, two or more from there?
The majority of these cats are brought into this shelter healthy. If they don't leave the shelter dead, they usually are brewing some sort of virus or infection. Here's the picture I received this morning from a distraught foster parent who chose "Zeke" a week ago.
Zeke has been to the vets twice in 7 days. He was left at the vets today to be on IV, and get more intensive care. He's going to die unless he receives this care. He stopped eating a week ago - right after rescue. The blood you see in his nose is due to Calici virus - ulcers are all over his tongue.
If I lost my cat and picked it up at this shelter 2 days later (they are able to kill them on day #4) and I got stuck with $1000.00+ vet bills because of a f*cking virus that runs rampant at that shelter, I'd be royally pissed.
Truthfully? I *am* royally pissed. So are the other rescues who want to help the cats at this shelter. I received a lovely donation recently and every dime of it is going to go to help this one cat.
I feel like billing The City for the care of this cat. Ha.
It's been a while since I vented about this shelter. Maybe I was due. We've rescued 30+ cats and kittens in the past 14 days from the low-kill shelter. The majority of them were adopted IMMEDIATELY because they were healthy.
Why can't this shelter stop this constant barrage of sickness? I want to help them. I desperately want to be on their side. I want to be enthusiastic when a volunteer wants to rescue a cat from this facility. There are DOZENS of sweet cats like Zeke in this Animal Services that need rescue. I don't want to walk away because "I can't afford it."
/rant
I'm not half as sick as the poor souls we recently rescued from the high kill shelter last weekend. Every goddamn time we rescue from that place I throw my hands in the air and say, "I'm *DONE*" But how could I ever say "no" to a volunteer who wants to help one, two or more from there?
The majority of these cats are brought into this shelter healthy. If they don't leave the shelter dead, they usually are brewing some sort of virus or infection. Here's the picture I received this morning from a distraught foster parent who chose "Zeke" a week ago.
If I lost my cat and picked it up at this shelter 2 days later (they are able to kill them on day #4) and I got stuck with $1000.00+ vet bills because of a f*cking virus that runs rampant at that shelter, I'd be royally pissed.
Truthfully? I *am* royally pissed. So are the other rescues who want to help the cats at this shelter. I received a lovely donation recently and every dime of it is going to go to help this one cat.
I feel like billing The City for the care of this cat. Ha.
It's been a while since I vented about this shelter. Maybe I was due. We've rescued 30+ cats and kittens in the past 14 days from the low-kill shelter. The majority of them were adopted IMMEDIATELY because they were healthy.
Why can't this shelter stop this constant barrage of sickness? I want to help them. I desperately want to be on their side. I want to be enthusiastic when a volunteer wants to rescue a cat from this facility. There are DOZENS of sweet cats like Zeke in this Animal Services that need rescue. I don't want to walk away because "I can't afford it."
/rant
Monday, December 10, 2012
*Home*
It's definitely been a few days of happiness for me and the rescue! I'm trying to wallow in some rescue happiness while I have it!
After writing about the purebred Bengal named Seamus at the shelter, one of our own foster parents came forward and offered to give Seamus a temporary home. It was obvious to this doting foster parent that Seamus was not just stressed but very depressed. My heart sank whens he told me that she thought that Seamus came to realization that he was never going back home again. God, how I hate hearing that.
But The Seamus' Story wasn't over. A wonderful couple who read my blog came forward and offered to adopt Seamus! They already have a Bengal of similar age and understand all the Bengal idiosyncrasies. My heart soared when they updated the foster Mom that he wasn't hiding and greeted them at the door - totally opposite of what the foster Mom experienced!
Seamus knows he's *home*! Is there any better word than that? Home!
Speaking of awesome adoptions, my own foster kitten "Merry" was adopted within 24 hours of her picture on our website! I hardly got to really know her :)
Merry was my first foster in a long time. Honestly, I think she was probably too young for my house. She promptly tinkled on my new living room rug. (Of course, it's a WHITE RUG - what was I thinking when I bought that stupid thing?) It wasn't her fault. I need a foster cat old enough to make it downstairs to the laundry room litterbox. I don't keep a main floor litterbox.
Our volunteers were back to the high kill shelter on Saturday and rescued 2 adult cats and 2 older kittens and one tiny little 5 week old dude. I laughed when I found out they were ALL tabbies!
I don't think I've stopped smiling :)
After writing about the purebred Bengal named Seamus at the shelter, one of our own foster parents came forward and offered to give Seamus a temporary home. It was obvious to this doting foster parent that Seamus was not just stressed but very depressed. My heart sank whens he told me that she thought that Seamus came to realization that he was never going back home again. God, how I hate hearing that.
But The Seamus' Story wasn't over. A wonderful couple who read my blog came forward and offered to adopt Seamus! They already have a Bengal of similar age and understand all the Bengal idiosyncrasies. My heart soared when they updated the foster Mom that he wasn't hiding and greeted them at the door - totally opposite of what the foster Mom experienced!
Seamus knows he's *home*! Is there any better word than that? Home!
Speaking of awesome adoptions, my own foster kitten "Merry" was adopted within 24 hours of her picture on our website! I hardly got to really know her :)
Merry was my first foster in a long time. Honestly, I think she was probably too young for my house. She promptly tinkled on my new living room rug. (Of course, it's a WHITE RUG - what was I thinking when I bought that stupid thing?) It wasn't her fault. I need a foster cat old enough to make it downstairs to the laundry room litterbox. I don't keep a main floor litterbox.
Our volunteers were back to the high kill shelter on Saturday and rescued 2 adult cats and 2 older kittens and one tiny little 5 week old dude. I laughed when I found out they were ALL tabbies!
I don't think I've stopped smiling :)
Wednesday, December 05, 2012
After the Rescue
As always, it felt sad to be at the shelter yesterday. Although it was a "Vet day" that morning, there were still quite a few cats that were hopeful that their family or a rescue might show up to save their lives. But it's always the EMPTY cages that bother me the most.
It was time for me to pick a foster for myself. We're settled into our new home and the cats seem happy. I may have bitten off more than I could chew with "Merry":
Merry was meowing pitifully in her cage and although I figured she might have a chance at another rescue taking her....why couldn't THAT rescue be ME? She's 10 weeks of perfect cuteness:
I didn't realize it at the time, but the spots on this girl are pretty amazing. She definitely has an attitude and I'm terrified that Sherman might teach her some tricks of the trade.
As promised, I also rescued a sweet Persian that we've named "Feliz":
It never ceases to amaze me what 24 hours worth of love in a foster home can do:
Doesn't that look like THE PERFECT spot for a cat? I feel like getting a cup of tea and curling up with her in that sunny window!
Let's hope they stay healthy...
It was time for me to pick a foster for myself. We're settled into our new home and the cats seem happy. I may have bitten off more than I could chew with "Merry":
As promised, I also rescued a sweet Persian that we've named "Feliz":
It never ceases to amaze me what 24 hours worth of love in a foster home can do:
Let's hope they stay healthy...
Monday, December 03, 2012
Purebred and Hopeless
I was so happy to receive an email from a foster Mom asking me to rescue a specific cat from the "high kill" shelter. Although I don't need an excuse to go, I like knowing that I'm taking somebody that would have no other chance:
I look at her little face and wonder what she's like. Will she be happy to see me? Will she like my little rescue song? Apparently, she's very sweet and everybody really likes her. Poor baby was loaded with fleas when she came in. Of course, she's already sick from the shelter, and Persians don't have it easy when they get an upper respiratory infection. Their stubby noses make it nearly impossible to breathe. Fortunately, she's going to an experienced foster Mom.
At a not-so-high-kill shelter, there's a purebred Bengal that needs help. He's five years old, soooo sweet and handsome:
The shelter contacted me and asked for me to put the word out that this boy needs out of the shelter. Bengals can be a tricky breed and this guy doesn't seem too thrilled with other cats but really seems to like dogs! Go figure! I certainly wouldn't want him to go to somebody who thinks Bengals look "cool". He needs somebody who understands the breed.
I don't know what people are thinking spending copious amounts of money on purebred cats and then dumping them at the shelter. Don't the breeders ask questions of the people who adopt? I suppose reputable breeders do.
People are surprised that purebred cats are at shelters and being killed due to overcrowding. They seem to think that it makes sense that the shelters kill the black ones, or the plain ones. But heaven forbid they kill the purebred cats - the special cats.
I received an email this morning from a woman asking for help with a cat. She's moving TOMORROW into a place that doesn't accept cats. So this guy is going to be homeless tomorrow:
I'm not surprised that this shit happens. People think that pets are disposable. They'll just get another one when they're life "sorts itself out."
In the meantime, that 7 year old tabby guy is killing me. He has no idea that his life is hanging in the balance. He's sitting there all warm and happy in his home and soft carpet. He thinks somebody loves him. Tomorrow he'll be abandoned in a steel cage. I wonder how he'll feel when the door *clangs* shut and he's given food that he's never eaten before.
He'll feel the same way the Persian and Bengal feels. Hopeless.
At a not-so-high-kill shelter, there's a purebred Bengal that needs help. He's five years old, soooo sweet and handsome:
I don't know what people are thinking spending copious amounts of money on purebred cats and then dumping them at the shelter. Don't the breeders ask questions of the people who adopt? I suppose reputable breeders do.
People are surprised that purebred cats are at shelters and being killed due to overcrowding. They seem to think that it makes sense that the shelters kill the black ones, or the plain ones. But heaven forbid they kill the purebred cats - the special cats.
I received an email this morning from a woman asking for help with a cat. She's moving TOMORROW into a place that doesn't accept cats. So this guy is going to be homeless tomorrow:
I'm not surprised that this shit happens. People think that pets are disposable. They'll just get another one when they're life "sorts itself out."
In the meantime, that 7 year old tabby guy is killing me. He has no idea that his life is hanging in the balance. He's sitting there all warm and happy in his home and soft carpet. He thinks somebody loves him. Tomorrow he'll be abandoned in a steel cage. I wonder how he'll feel when the door *clangs* shut and he's given food that he's never eaten before.
He'll feel the same way the Persian and Bengal feels. Hopeless.
Friday, November 30, 2012
The First Snow of the Season
The weather forecasters said we would just have a dusting of snow today. I don't mind driving in the snow. For a California girl like me, I find it a bit of an adrenalin rush to drive in my SUV down the highway with white powder gently blowing across the highway.
The forecasters were wrong.
David and I were almost to the shelter for a rescue when the red light on the dash indicated a flat tire. We were able to pull into a car repair place and were practically high-fiving each other that this happened BEFORE we did the rescue and didn't have 10 cats in the car. The repair of our tire took two hours and the snow was already falling by the time we left the car repair location.
We loaded up a Mom cat and kittens, along with 4 more cats and headed out in Friday rush hour traffic with the first snow of the season barreling down. What would usually be a 40 minute drive took us THREE hours. My bladder was about to burst by the time we arrived at the foster Mom's house. I think my car door was open as David drove into the driveway. Damn my menopausal bladder!
When we arrived home, my 21 year old son had shoveled the driveway and put a fire in the fireplace. Pizza was ordered and 3 kittens are safely playing in my spare room as they wait to go into Petsmart tomorrow.
It's hard to believe that we managed all that driving without ONE poop in the carrier accident! (Although admittedly, I almost didn't make it to the foster parent's house! LOL) I wonder if David will be as enthusiastic to come with me for the next rescue? A Flat tire? Snow? Three Hours?
I need to be at Petsmart tomorrow morning by 9 am. Santa Pictures and putting cats into the adoption centre will prove to be an exhausting day. At least Petsmart has a washroom.
The forecasters were wrong.
David and I were almost to the shelter for a rescue when the red light on the dash indicated a flat tire. We were able to pull into a car repair place and were practically high-fiving each other that this happened BEFORE we did the rescue and didn't have 10 cats in the car. The repair of our tire took two hours and the snow was already falling by the time we left the car repair location.
We loaded up a Mom cat and kittens, along with 4 more cats and headed out in Friday rush hour traffic with the first snow of the season barreling down. What would usually be a 40 minute drive took us THREE hours. My bladder was about to burst by the time we arrived at the foster Mom's house. I think my car door was open as David drove into the driveway. Damn my menopausal bladder!
When we arrived home, my 21 year old son had shoveled the driveway and put a fire in the fireplace. Pizza was ordered and 3 kittens are safely playing in my spare room as they wait to go into Petsmart tomorrow.
It's hard to believe that we managed all that driving without ONE poop in the carrier accident! (Although admittedly, I almost didn't make it to the foster parent's house! LOL) I wonder if David will be as enthusiastic to come with me for the next rescue? A Flat tire? Snow? Three Hours?
I need to be at Petsmart tomorrow morning by 9 am. Santa Pictures and putting cats into the adoption centre will prove to be an exhausting day. At least Petsmart has a washroom.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Humbug in the "Bah"
I haven't felt much like posting in this blog lately. It feels like over the past week or so everything I've been doing for the rescue has been incredibly boring or terribly sad.
One of our foster parents was babysitting 3 kittens for a week while another foster parent went on vacation. She called the the other day and had some concerns about one of them with a "Fat belly and a very thin and boney back". My heart sank. We had seen so much FIP lately that I knew it could only be that. The vet took an x-ray, confirmed the kitten's belly was full of fluid and was he was lovingly euthanized shortly after that.
I feel awful for BOTH foster parents. Terrible for the foster Mom who was doing something nice like a 7 day fostering gig and awful for the foster Mom who will return to find her foster kitten gone.
Blah...blah...blah...blah.
Last night I did an adoption (I was the meeting spot for foster parent and adopter) at my house. It was fun to sit by the fire and chat about kittens. The adopter brought "Jordan" a kitten she had adopted a week ago from us. Jordan was NOT impressed with Maggie (our 14 year old dog) and promptly bit my finger as I tried to pick him up.
I've only been doing this for 20 years....you'd think I'd remember that picking up an arched-back-spitting kitten is a bad idea. It was a knee-jerk reaction. ugh. Hopefully, I won't need antibiotics. I've kept the wound clean. All part of cat rescue, right?
I declared that today would be a huge catching up day. I had a bunch of pictures to put on our website, emails to answer and a foster list that needed some care. People forget that even though a cat is in our program, I still have to look after the little guy to insure he/she is fixed at an appropriate time and touch base with the often-neglected foster parents.
Waking up at 9:30 this morning was NOT a good start to my ambitious plans. Why on earth am I sleeping in so late? I've always been an early riser, so I feel like 9:30 is the middle of the afternoon. I came running downstairs like there was a fire, only to find David sipping coffee in front of a roaring fire, and reading the newspaper. He smiled cheerfully and said he fed the cats and thought I might enjoy sleeping in for a change.
I mumbled something about needing to getshit stuff done today.
Wow. I can be such a jerk.
Now that I'm fairly caught up - except for the rescue's bookkeeping, I think I have some making up to do at home. Dinner and a movie tonight - senior citizen's special, perhaps! *Wink*
One of our foster parents was babysitting 3 kittens for a week while another foster parent went on vacation. She called the the other day and had some concerns about one of them with a "Fat belly and a very thin and boney back". My heart sank. We had seen so much FIP lately that I knew it could only be that. The vet took an x-ray, confirmed the kitten's belly was full of fluid and was he was lovingly euthanized shortly after that.
I feel awful for BOTH foster parents. Terrible for the foster Mom who was doing something nice like a 7 day fostering gig and awful for the foster Mom who will return to find her foster kitten gone.
Blah...blah...blah...blah.
Last night I did an adoption (I was the meeting spot for foster parent and adopter) at my house. It was fun to sit by the fire and chat about kittens. The adopter brought "Jordan" a kitten she had adopted a week ago from us. Jordan was NOT impressed with Maggie (our 14 year old dog) and promptly bit my finger as I tried to pick him up.
I've only been doing this for 20 years....you'd think I'd remember that picking up an arched-back-spitting kitten is a bad idea. It was a knee-jerk reaction. ugh. Hopefully, I won't need antibiotics. I've kept the wound clean. All part of cat rescue, right?
I declared that today would be a huge catching up day. I had a bunch of pictures to put on our website, emails to answer and a foster list that needed some care. People forget that even though a cat is in our program, I still have to look after the little guy to insure he/she is fixed at an appropriate time and touch base with the often-neglected foster parents.
Waking up at 9:30 this morning was NOT a good start to my ambitious plans. Why on earth am I sleeping in so late? I've always been an early riser, so I feel like 9:30 is the middle of the afternoon. I came running downstairs like there was a fire, only to find David sipping coffee in front of a roaring fire, and reading the newspaper. He smiled cheerfully and said he fed the cats and thought I might enjoy sleeping in for a change.
I mumbled something about needing to get
Wow. I can be such a jerk.
Now that I'm fairly caught up - except for the rescue's bookkeeping, I think I have some making up to do at home. Dinner and a movie tonight - senior citizen's special, perhaps! *Wink*
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
A HodgePodge Of Rambling....
It's 10:00 am and I'm still in my robe working on administrative stuff for the rescue. Since David's retirement, my schedule has completely changed. I wake up at 9 am, and go to bed at about midnight. I'm not sure what on earth possesses me to wake up at 9 am! I feel like it's the middle of the day.
Yesterday, I went into my favourite store (Home Sense!) to buy new towels. David wanted to come with me - believe me - that wasn't encouraged! I came out with 4 new towels and some ridiculous "Kiss the Cat" sign. Admittedly, it was a huge impulse buy. Maybe it was my way of showing my newly retired husband that the house is still my domain and I'll buy a frickin' (albeit stupid) cat sign if I want to. :)
Despite the new changes in my life, I've enjoyed November enormously. There have been very few rescue pressures and little drama. The phones are ringing with adoption calls and the neighbourhood is showing signs of Christmas decorating.
My BIG news is that our other house has FINALLY sold! Soon we will no longer have the burden of both houses and that could be a major reason for my lighter-than-normal mood.
As the holidays begin, I always get horribly sentimental about the homeless animals and wonder if they notice that there's less spotlight on them and more on holiday decorating, shopping and family.
It's time for me to get a foster cat. It's long overdue and now that we're settled...it's time.
Lately, these blog posts have been a hodgepodge of rambling thoughts. Looking forward to meeting whomever my new foster guy will be :)
Yesterday, I went into my favourite store (Home Sense!) to buy new towels. David wanted to come with me - believe me - that wasn't encouraged! I came out with 4 new towels and some ridiculous "Kiss the Cat" sign. Admittedly, it was a huge impulse buy. Maybe it was my way of showing my newly retired husband that the house is still my domain and I'll buy a frickin' (albeit stupid) cat sign if I want to. :)
Despite the new changes in my life, I've enjoyed November enormously. There have been very few rescue pressures and little drama. The phones are ringing with adoption calls and the neighbourhood is showing signs of Christmas decorating.
My BIG news is that our other house has FINALLY sold! Soon we will no longer have the burden of both houses and that could be a major reason for my lighter-than-normal mood.
As the holidays begin, I always get horribly sentimental about the homeless animals and wonder if they notice that there's less spotlight on them and more on holiday decorating, shopping and family.
It's time for me to get a foster cat. It's long overdue and now that we're settled...it's time.
Lately, these blog posts have been a hodgepodge of rambling thoughts. Looking forward to meeting whomever my new foster guy will be :)
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Need More Hours in a Day, Please
This has been a week of not having enough time for anything. I feel like I've been on the clock for 16 hour days. Every voicemail has made reference to leaving multiple messages for me and wondering when I'm going to call them back.
One voicemail came in at 10:18 a.m. this morning. The next voicemail (from the same person) came in at 12:10 wondering why I haven't called. Gratefully, one of our volunteers returned a bunch of calls for me yesterday as I was starting to get behind!
I've been rescuing quite a bit lately. I was at the shelter this morning and pulled 3 really sweet kittens for foster parents asking for them. Since his retirement, David has wanted to come with me on these ventures. It wasn't until we got home today that he said in an exasperated voice, "We've been on the road for FOUR and A HALF hours!!!"
Duh. Does he think these kittens catch a cab and deliver themselves to foster homes and vet appointments?
The inside of my car looks a garbage bin. There's spilled coffee on the console and A&W paper cups in the cup holders, and Mapquest directions on the floor. It was a really long day today and hasn't ended yet. As I type this, I'm waiting for a call back from a worried foster parent.
I think I'm going to leave David home tomorrow. He's been a trooper and gets "The Good Husband" award for hanging out with me and the cats all week. I'm going back to the shelter in the morning. Since David's retirement, I've missed my shopping detours between rescuing cats. I feel like I need a little dose of sanity and Home Sense is calling my name.
One voicemail came in at 10:18 a.m. this morning. The next voicemail (from the same person) came in at 12:10 wondering why I haven't called. Gratefully, one of our volunteers returned a bunch of calls for me yesterday as I was starting to get behind!
I've been rescuing quite a bit lately. I was at the shelter this morning and pulled 3 really sweet kittens for foster parents asking for them. Since his retirement, David has wanted to come with me on these ventures. It wasn't until we got home today that he said in an exasperated voice, "We've been on the road for FOUR and A HALF hours!!!"
Duh. Does he think these kittens catch a cab and deliver themselves to foster homes and vet appointments?
The inside of my car looks a garbage bin. There's spilled coffee on the console and A&W paper cups in the cup holders, and Mapquest directions on the floor. It was a really long day today and hasn't ended yet. As I type this, I'm waiting for a call back from a worried foster parent.
I think I'm going to leave David home tomorrow. He's been a trooper and gets "The Good Husband" award for hanging out with me and the cats all week. I'm going back to the shelter in the morning. Since David's retirement, I've missed my shopping detours between rescuing cats. I feel like I need a little dose of sanity and Home Sense is calling my name.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Oldies But Goodies!
When I had an opportunity to rescue THREE senior cats from the high kill shelter, I jumped at the opportunity. Who needs drugs, when you can rescue a three "oldies but goodies" scheduled to die at the shelter?
Two of the cats were well over 12 years old. They came from the same home where the owner passed away. Whenever senior humans sound insulted (when they want to adopt) when I ask about their "Plan B" for the cat;...THIS is the reason. Grandma dies and the family dumps her poor senior cats at the shelter. I hope the old lady haunts them. I really do. The fear and sadness emanating from these cats is immeasurable.
The other cat was 12+ years old too. There was an urgent plea for this cat by a fellow blogger at Sparkle the Designer Cat. Because "Sparkle" is a Somali cat, they really wanted to help this little old fella too:
We don't know why he was really there. He was brought in as a stray and left there unclaimed. He was to be euthanized. Fortunately, for this handsome old guy, a lovely woman named Mandi came forward and offered to give him a FOREVER home!
It's been a long time since I've taken a video at the "high kill" shelter. I'm so happy I brought my camera! :)
Sadly, my camera's batteries cut off. I'm always very cautious when I reach in to a shelter cage to a cat with dilated eyes. But our frightened boy turned out to be a lover-boy! The updates from his new Mom have been wonderful! He's eating and purring. I couldn't be happier!!
I'm thinking about these sweet older felines tonight and hope that they continue to thrive in their new environments. I wish they could ALL have a 2nd chance....or 3rd chance...What an important reminder as to why I do this work.
Two of the cats were well over 12 years old. They came from the same home where the owner passed away. Whenever senior humans sound insulted (when they want to adopt) when I ask about their "Plan B" for the cat;...THIS is the reason. Grandma dies and the family dumps her poor senior cats at the shelter. I hope the old lady haunts them. I really do. The fear and sadness emanating from these cats is immeasurable.
The other cat was 12+ years old too. There was an urgent plea for this cat by a fellow blogger at Sparkle the Designer Cat. Because "Sparkle" is a Somali cat, they really wanted to help this little old fella too:
It's been a long time since I've taken a video at the "high kill" shelter. I'm so happy I brought my camera! :)
Sadly, my camera's batteries cut off. I'm always very cautious when I reach in to a shelter cage to a cat with dilated eyes. But our frightened boy turned out to be a lover-boy! The updates from his new Mom have been wonderful! He's eating and purring. I couldn't be happier!!
I'm thinking about these sweet older felines tonight and hope that they continue to thrive in their new environments. I wish they could ALL have a 2nd chance....or 3rd chance...What an important reminder as to why I do this work.
Wednesday, November 07, 2012
Finding Some Energy
I still have so much to do today but desperately need a day off. I don't think I've ever worked so hard as I did at our last adoption event. I think I was there twice a day, every day - only coming home to feed my own pets.
There was no "easy adoption" last weekend. Every adoption needed more than the usual careful thought or had a special circumstance, situation or an adopter that didn't feel quite right for the cat they wanted to adopt.
We had 18 adoptions. I was on the phone the next day calling all of them to insure that everything was ok. Maybe I was just tired. I always worry more when I'm tired.
Gratefully, David was in Montreal for the weekend for a geek-fest Bridge Tournament. This allowed me some guilt-free time to spend at the adoption event. He proudly came home with a trophy, but I was too tired to give it any big fanfare.
The staff at Petsmart reminded me that we have Santa Pictures coming up in a few weeks at their store. It's a big fundraiser and I wanted to cry when I heard that another weekend could be spent at the store. I think I may have to pass on this one and leave it to our dedicated volunteers. We desperately need the money so I'm not comfortable passing it up.
We need a Santa. Anybody? Bueller?
I think it's time to take the day for myself. I've been living on Halloween candy and coffee for almost a week now. I've hit the ground running since I returned from my daughter's wedding. My roots are dark and my nails need a manicure. We have two new foster parents that need phone calls and I'm anxious to do another rescue to fill in the spaces for cats recently adopted.
Next week. For SURE next week I'm going to take a day for myself! :)
There was no "easy adoption" last weekend. Every adoption needed more than the usual careful thought or had a special circumstance, situation or an adopter that didn't feel quite right for the cat they wanted to adopt.
We had 18 adoptions. I was on the phone the next day calling all of them to insure that everything was ok. Maybe I was just tired. I always worry more when I'm tired.
Gratefully, David was in Montreal for the weekend for a geek-fest Bridge Tournament. This allowed me some guilt-free time to spend at the adoption event. He proudly came home with a trophy, but I was too tired to give it any big fanfare.
The staff at Petsmart reminded me that we have Santa Pictures coming up in a few weeks at their store. It's a big fundraiser and I wanted to cry when I heard that another weekend could be spent at the store. I think I may have to pass on this one and leave it to our dedicated volunteers. We desperately need the money so I'm not comfortable passing it up.
We need a Santa. Anybody? Bueller?
I think it's time to take the day for myself. I've been living on Halloween candy and coffee for almost a week now. I've hit the ground running since I returned from my daughter's wedding. My roots are dark and my nails need a manicure. We have two new foster parents that need phone calls and I'm anxious to do another rescue to fill in the spaces for cats recently adopted.
Next week. For SURE next week I'm going to take a day for myself! :)
Thursday, November 01, 2012
Where Does the Money Go?
It's been a wonderful rescue week with 8 more out of shelters. Two kittens were rescued from the high kill shelter. The rest were from the public or the other low-kill shelter.
I've politely taken some flak when I stopped rescuing so many from the high kill shelter. Occasionally I get a bitter troll who attempts to put an anonymous comment on my blog about my lack of interest there. It's always the same person - she obviously doesn't know that her last name and ISP show up.
Believe me - it isn't a lack of interest in helping these poor souls. ANY foster home that wishes to take a cat from any shelter can do so. They all need homes. High kill - low kill - no kill or the random cat living under the porch. Who am I to say who is the most deserving? They all are!
I read an article from the supervisor of the high kill shelter who indicated that the number of euthanasias are down 40% or something like that. Certainly it wasn't due to ADOPTIONS since the shelter doesn't permit adoptions. It's due to a number of reasons, but one of the reasons are the hard working volunteer cat rescuers who are rescuing cats from this facility and paying $1000's in vet bills, force feeding kittens and holding them while they die.
Maybe I just got fed up with making their numbers look better than they really are. Maybe I got tired of begging for money every other day because I kept rescuing cats that I knew would quickly become desperately ill.
Believe me, I'm not making any money. In fact, we're like every other rescue - we're broke! But I have happier volunteers now. Some will only rescue from the high kill facility and others are happy to have a break from the constant stream of sick cats. I'm ok with that - there will always be money for those cats from the high kill facility. It's hard to become ambitious about fostering when every cat you take gets horribly ill.
So what am I doing with any extra money?
Monday, I rescued a sweet cat for a senior lady who is dying of lung cancer. Her 16 year old cat passed away a few weeks ago and she couldn't imagine NOT having a cat for whatever time she has left. Our rescue is paying for all future vet costs for this adorable, affectionate cat. (if there are any) He will never be for adoption unless she passes. "Dexter" is giving her so much joy. I called to check on them both yesterday and she kept me on the phone for almost an hour - her voice was animated and engaged. Isn't that why we have cats, dogs, guinea pigs, horses etc? They give us joy? Isn't that what this is about?
We have two senior ladies that we're helping in this way. We are giving them a chance to love a cat for whatever time they have. They can't afford vet bills and I'm certainly not going to allow adopters to come into their homes and take away their beloved "Foster cat" from their arms. But these ladies are safe and secure knowing that "their cat" is going to be cared for when they pass on.
I'm not expecting a lot of people to agree with me. But I really enjoy helping cats AND people. It feels like a good fit for me. Allowing the cats to bring the kind of joy to others as they have to me is what I love the most.
I've politely taken some flak when I stopped rescuing so many from the high kill shelter. Occasionally I get a bitter troll who attempts to put an anonymous comment on my blog about my lack of interest there. It's always the same person - she obviously doesn't know that her last name and ISP show up.
Believe me - it isn't a lack of interest in helping these poor souls. ANY foster home that wishes to take a cat from any shelter can do so. They all need homes. High kill - low kill - no kill or the random cat living under the porch. Who am I to say who is the most deserving? They all are!
I read an article from the supervisor of the high kill shelter who indicated that the number of euthanasias are down 40% or something like that. Certainly it wasn't due to ADOPTIONS since the shelter doesn't permit adoptions. It's due to a number of reasons, but one of the reasons are the hard working volunteer cat rescuers who are rescuing cats from this facility and paying $1000's in vet bills, force feeding kittens and holding them while they die.
Maybe I just got fed up with making their numbers look better than they really are. Maybe I got tired of begging for money every other day because I kept rescuing cats that I knew would quickly become desperately ill.
Believe me, I'm not making any money. In fact, we're like every other rescue - we're broke! But I have happier volunteers now. Some will only rescue from the high kill facility and others are happy to have a break from the constant stream of sick cats. I'm ok with that - there will always be money for those cats from the high kill facility. It's hard to become ambitious about fostering when every cat you take gets horribly ill.
So what am I doing with any extra money?
Monday, I rescued a sweet cat for a senior lady who is dying of lung cancer. Her 16 year old cat passed away a few weeks ago and she couldn't imagine NOT having a cat for whatever time she has left. Our rescue is paying for all future vet costs for this adorable, affectionate cat. (if there are any) He will never be for adoption unless she passes. "Dexter" is giving her so much joy. I called to check on them both yesterday and she kept me on the phone for almost an hour - her voice was animated and engaged. Isn't that why we have cats, dogs, guinea pigs, horses etc? They give us joy? Isn't that what this is about?
We have two senior ladies that we're helping in this way. We are giving them a chance to love a cat for whatever time they have. They can't afford vet bills and I'm certainly not going to allow adopters to come into their homes and take away their beloved "Foster cat" from their arms. But these ladies are safe and secure knowing that "their cat" is going to be cared for when they pass on.
I'm not expecting a lot of people to agree with me. But I really enjoy helping cats AND people. It feels like a good fit for me. Allowing the cats to bring the kind of joy to others as they have to me is what I love the most.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Kevin
Tomorrow is going to end up being a huge rescue day. As I sit at my computer and figure out available foster space, it's a fine juggle between "available foster space" and "have enough cats for an adoption event this coming weekend".
The weather is supposed to be awful, so I'm going to grab a coffee and head out early. There's going to be traffic and problematic parking in the city, but I'm anxious to rescue. It's been far too long.
I had a terrible adoption call this weekend that really tried my patience. As somebody who regularly speaks with the public, I work hard at trying to make people feel OK if they're turned down for adoption. Turning down a prospective adopter is usually very difficult. It takes diplomacy and tact....
...but "diplomacy and tact" wasn't on the docket today:
(After all the nice-chat is over, we get down to business)
Beth: So have you ever had a cat before?
Kevin: Oh sure! We had a cat until recently...
Beth: Oh? What happened?
Kevin: Gave it away because we bought this fucking puppy that chased the cat and it really pissed off the cat royally.
Beth: So you gave away your cat....
Kevin: Yes! But to The Humane Society so they wouldn't kill him.
Beth: (stammering)
Kevin: Fucking puppy was a nutcase so we ended up giving him away too! Imagine that we could've kept the cat after all! What bad luck!
Beth: So you've given away two pets this year?
Kevin: We've had 3 cats in the past few years, but they just didn't work well with us, so we had to find them new homes too.
(At this point, I'm thinking "Candid Camera......gotta be Candid Camera...)
Beth: I don't want an adopter that is going to dump one of our cats. We want an adopter that will honour a 20 year commitment to the cat.
Kevin: Nobody can do that. Things change in life, lady.
Beth: Sure they do, but...
Kevin: Oh, I get it now...you're one of THOSE crazy cat ladies.
Beth: No. I just want good homes for the cats we rescue. We make a commitment to each and every cat. I promise them.... We're called "FOREVER Home Cat Rescue for a reason."
Kevin: You're a fucking nutty bitch. There's plenty of cats out there that need homes, I'll get one of those.
***click***
I didn't get a chance for a retort, but hung up angrily and feared for the poor cat that he'd end up with. I feel like posting this blog post on Craigslist to warn other people. But I suppose there are desperate people out there who won't mind dumping their cat with a "gem" like Kevin.
In the meantime, I can only hope that Kevin doesn't reproduce.
The weather is supposed to be awful, so I'm going to grab a coffee and head out early. There's going to be traffic and problematic parking in the city, but I'm anxious to rescue. It's been far too long.
I had a terrible adoption call this weekend that really tried my patience. As somebody who regularly speaks with the public, I work hard at trying to make people feel OK if they're turned down for adoption. Turning down a prospective adopter is usually very difficult. It takes diplomacy and tact....
...but "diplomacy and tact" wasn't on the docket today:
(After all the nice-chat is over, we get down to business)
Beth: So have you ever had a cat before?
Kevin: Oh sure! We had a cat until recently...
Beth: Oh? What happened?
Kevin: Gave it away because we bought this fucking puppy that chased the cat and it really pissed off the cat royally.
Beth: So you gave away your cat....
Kevin: Yes! But to The Humane Society so they wouldn't kill him.
Beth: (stammering)
Kevin: Fucking puppy was a nutcase so we ended up giving him away too! Imagine that we could've kept the cat after all! What bad luck!
Beth: So you've given away two pets this year?
Kevin: We've had 3 cats in the past few years, but they just didn't work well with us, so we had to find them new homes too.
(At this point, I'm thinking "Candid Camera......gotta be Candid Camera...)
Beth: I don't want an adopter that is going to dump one of our cats. We want an adopter that will honour a 20 year commitment to the cat.
Kevin: Nobody can do that. Things change in life, lady.
Beth: Sure they do, but...
Kevin: Oh, I get it now...you're one of THOSE crazy cat ladies.
Beth: No. I just want good homes for the cats we rescue. We make a commitment to each and every cat. I promise them.... We're called "FOREVER Home Cat Rescue for a reason."
Kevin: You're a fucking nutty bitch. There's plenty of cats out there that need homes, I'll get one of those.
***click***
I didn't get a chance for a retort, but hung up angrily and feared for the poor cat that he'd end up with. I feel like posting this blog post on Craigslist to warn other people. But I suppose there are desperate people out there who won't mind dumping their cat with a "gem" like Kevin.
In the meantime, I can only hope that Kevin doesn't reproduce.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Tuesday Chatter
I thought I'd heard everything. I'm sitting here dumbfounded at the ridiculous reasons that people use to dump a cat or (in this case) return a cat.
I received a call this afternoon from a young woman who adopted an 8 week old kitten from us about a week ago. Apparently, the kitten "wants to gouge her eyes out".
Seriously.
This adopter was really paranoid and was no doubt suffering some form of mental illness. The kitten is darling and the volunteer who screened the adopter would have missed this if she was in a more lucid state at the time of adoption. I can't get this kitten back in our care fast enough. I'm frightened for the little guy and want him back *now*.
As I've always said, dealing with people is the best AND the worst part of running an animal rescue organization.
I received a donation today from the woman that adopted our sweet boy "Clinton" - he was the cat dumped at the shelter for being "too affectionate". Her handwritten note started with, "Dear Beth, how can I tell you how grateful we are for people like you?" She went on to say how much she loved Clinton, etc. My heart soared with every word.
There are so many people like me out there trying to make a difference for the cats. I see them every day. We're all out there juggling our lives, getting hurt and living for notes like the one that I received today.
I've had a lot of difficult situations since I've returned from my daughter's wedding. I think I'd better keep that note handy to remind myself why I do this work. :)
I received a call this afternoon from a young woman who adopted an 8 week old kitten from us about a week ago. Apparently, the kitten "wants to gouge her eyes out".
Seriously.
This adopter was really paranoid and was no doubt suffering some form of mental illness. The kitten is darling and the volunteer who screened the adopter would have missed this if she was in a more lucid state at the time of adoption. I can't get this kitten back in our care fast enough. I'm frightened for the little guy and want him back *now*.
As I've always said, dealing with people is the best AND the worst part of running an animal rescue organization.
I received a donation today from the woman that adopted our sweet boy "Clinton" - he was the cat dumped at the shelter for being "too affectionate". Her handwritten note started with, "Dear Beth, how can I tell you how grateful we are for people like you?" She went on to say how much she loved Clinton, etc. My heart soared with every word.
There are so many people like me out there trying to make a difference for the cats. I see them every day. We're all out there juggling our lives, getting hurt and living for notes like the one that I received today.
I've had a lot of difficult situations since I've returned from my daughter's wedding. I think I'd better keep that note handy to remind myself why I do this work. :)
Monday, October 22, 2012
I Cried.
I have no idea why I'm so surprised when the rescue runs so beautifully while I'm away. We had more than 20 adoptions in the five days of my absence and 2 more today! Maybe I need to go away more often.
The wedding was amazing and exceeded my expectations. Yes, I cried. I was totally fine until my two handsome sons escorted me down the aisle. When did they become taller than me? Memories kept coming back to me - diaper changes, Barbie Lunchboxes, cheerleading meetings, and University graduation.
I thought David looked VERY handsome walking Katy down the aisle...more tears from me...
Thank heavens for cell phone cameras! In the old days we had to wait until the photographer coughed up the pictures. I think these pictures were on Facebook before the end of the night! :)
My own cats and geriatric Maggie did well while I was gone. In the first 30 seconds of being home, Maggie pee'd on the carpet in front of me. Nothing like a good dose of "guilt" for being gone to make you feel welcome by your own pets. :)
The newlyweds are off to Maui and we returned to Autumn colour. I'm glad to be be home, but feel older than when I left. The Petsmart manager was surprised to hear that I have a 28 year old daughter that's married. (She's going to be my new best friend! LOL!)
David's first full day of post-wedding retirement was spent in Petsmart with me, running cat medications to foster homes and racking leaves.
I think we're ALL going to be OK. *happy smile*
The wedding was amazing and exceeded my expectations. Yes, I cried. I was totally fine until my two handsome sons escorted me down the aisle. When did they become taller than me? Memories kept coming back to me - diaper changes, Barbie Lunchboxes, cheerleading meetings, and University graduation.
I thought David looked VERY handsome walking Katy down the aisle...more tears from me...
My own cats and geriatric Maggie did well while I was gone. In the first 30 seconds of being home, Maggie pee'd on the carpet in front of me. Nothing like a good dose of "guilt" for being gone to make you feel welcome by your own pets. :)
The newlyweds are off to Maui and we returned to Autumn colour. I'm glad to be be home, but feel older than when I left. The Petsmart manager was surprised to hear that I have a 28 year old daughter that's married. (She's going to be my new best friend! LOL!)
David's first full day of post-wedding retirement was spent in Petsmart with me, running cat medications to foster homes and racking leaves.
I think we're ALL going to be OK. *happy smile*
Monday, October 15, 2012
Wedding Belles...err...Bells
It's the evening before I leave for Southern California for my daughter's wedding. It's been a day of nostalgia as I faced my husband's first day of retirement and packed my mother-of-the-bride dress. Tears seem to happen readily today.
Our favourite Petsitter came over to get the lowdown on the gang and insure that the routine is maintained. I'm always a little embarrassed to go over everybody's eating schedules and routines. I asked Paula (the pet sitter) if we were her only crazy clients. I had hoped she would laugh and say "Naaaah.....this is NOTHING!" But instead she just smirked. :) Things are much better than it was a few years ago - I had pages and pages of directions!
The guest room bed has clean sheets and bedding and is ready for Paula the Pet Sitter...I hope she doesn't mind a LITTLE cat hair:
How do cats know where to go EXACTLY where they aren't supposed to be?
It's going to be a four crazy, emotional days for me. Our volunteers have told me not to worry about things. I never really do - the rescue is in good hands without me.
My prime mission for the week is to be able to make it through the wedding without making a fool out of myself and sobbing. An "ugly wedding cry" will not make for good photography.
Have a great week all!
Our favourite Petsitter came over to get the lowdown on the gang and insure that the routine is maintained. I'm always a little embarrassed to go over everybody's eating schedules and routines. I asked Paula (the pet sitter) if we were her only crazy clients. I had hoped she would laugh and say "Naaaah.....this is NOTHING!" But instead she just smirked. :) Things are much better than it was a few years ago - I had pages and pages of directions!
The guest room bed has clean sheets and bedding and is ready for Paula the Pet Sitter...I hope she doesn't mind a LITTLE cat hair:
How do cats know where to go EXACTLY where they aren't supposed to be?
It's going to be a four crazy, emotional days for me. Our volunteers have told me not to worry about things. I never really do - the rescue is in good hands without me.
My prime mission for the week is to be able to make it through the wedding without making a fool out of myself and sobbing. An "ugly wedding cry" will not make for good photography.
Have a great week all!
Friday, October 12, 2012
Changes Are Coming...a Little Too Fast
Friday. It's really Friday. Maybe I've been in denial that today is David's last day as a working Canadian citizen. He'll officially be retired. It's strange that I haven't really told anybody. I think I've just been trying to figure out how he will fit into my life as a post-working-guy.
Last night we had a scare and ran our 6 year old brown tabby boy "Thomas Turner" into the emergency vet clinic. When Thomas didn't come downstairs for Temptation Treats we knew something was wrong and found him completely *flat* on the guest bedroom bed. After close examination, we noticed that his EYEBALLS - not the tissues surrounding his eyes - were filled with blood. Nothing is simple, or cheap.
This morning we have $1000.00 less in the ol' bank account, and Thomas seems fine. Nobody knows what happened to him or why. Couldn't I at least have a diagnosis, please?
Every breadwinner who retires has an initial panic about money. I was waiting for David to flip out. But without question, he reminded me of his devotion to me and the cats when he didn't blink an eye when expensive tests were ordered. I'm sure he was silently thinking, "Holy Crap....what if ALL the cats get sick?" LOL
On top of everything else, my daughter gets married next week and we're all traveling to Newport Beach, California for the event. We've paid for the wedding, but the "vacation expenses" will be high. I think my sons are planning a trip to Disneyland next week. *sigh*
Maybe it's me that feels panicked. I have a wonderful life with the rescue and am worried about how David will fit into that life. We have lots of big life changes coming up. It's strange that some of my old friends from high school have children still in elementary/primary school. MY husband is retiring, we have married kids, grandkids and a GREAT grandchild.
With all that goes on in life, there are two things I can count on: David, and an unending supply of cats. Gratefully, both of them seem to need me.
Last night we had a scare and ran our 6 year old brown tabby boy "Thomas Turner" into the emergency vet clinic. When Thomas didn't come downstairs for Temptation Treats we knew something was wrong and found him completely *flat* on the guest bedroom bed. After close examination, we noticed that his EYEBALLS - not the tissues surrounding his eyes - were filled with blood. Nothing is simple, or cheap.
This morning we have $1000.00 less in the ol' bank account, and Thomas seems fine. Nobody knows what happened to him or why. Couldn't I at least have a diagnosis, please?
Every breadwinner who retires has an initial panic about money. I was waiting for David to flip out. But without question, he reminded me of his devotion to me and the cats when he didn't blink an eye when expensive tests were ordered. I'm sure he was silently thinking, "Holy Crap....what if ALL the cats get sick?" LOL
On top of everything else, my daughter gets married next week and we're all traveling to Newport Beach, California for the event. We've paid for the wedding, but the "vacation expenses" will be high. I think my sons are planning a trip to Disneyland next week. *sigh*
Maybe it's me that feels panicked. I have a wonderful life with the rescue and am worried about how David will fit into that life. We have lots of big life changes coming up. It's strange that some of my old friends from high school have children still in elementary/primary school. MY husband is retiring, we have married kids, grandkids and a GREAT grandchild.
With all that goes on in life, there are two things I can count on: David, and an unending supply of cats. Gratefully, both of them seem to need me.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
The New Computer
I turned off my computer for the night as I usually do. The morning brings my usual routine of turning on the computer, making coffee and "feeding the herd". But this time, when I clicked the blue button to turn on my computer, I didn't hear the usual "rrrrrrrrRRRR" of the start up.
After five years, my beloved, comfortable computer was finally dead.
Most people are excited about getting a new computer. I dreaded it. There was a new Microsoft browser out there and I had LOTS of stuff on my old computer that I needed. Ahhh...thoughts of knowing where everything is at a click of my mouse was going to be a distant memory.
The laptop arrived without much fanfare. David and my son were far more excited to get me set up to as close as the original state as I could be. Files were transferred but now found in different places. Foster parents were sending me pictures of their foster cats and I couldn't find the appropriate photo software to edit them.
Only *I* would whine about getting a new computer. How completely ungrateful.
But with an internet-based business as our rescue, a working, fast computer is mandatory. I feel like everything is taking longer than it should. Typing this blog post has been an exercise in patience as my fingers fiddle with the smaller laptop keyboard.
As I'm bookmarking Facebook, Petfinder, and my photo software, I'm feeling far more relaxed as the familiar faces pop up on the browser. My technological life will soon be back to normal. In the meantime, I'm going to summon some gratitude that the worst problem I have today is familiarizing myself with the new laptop.
After five years, my beloved, comfortable computer was finally dead.
Most people are excited about getting a new computer. I dreaded it. There was a new Microsoft browser out there and I had LOTS of stuff on my old computer that I needed. Ahhh...thoughts of knowing where everything is at a click of my mouse was going to be a distant memory.
The laptop arrived without much fanfare. David and my son were far more excited to get me set up to as close as the original state as I could be. Files were transferred but now found in different places. Foster parents were sending me pictures of their foster cats and I couldn't find the appropriate photo software to edit them.
Only *I* would whine about getting a new computer. How completely ungrateful.
But with an internet-based business as our rescue, a working, fast computer is mandatory. I feel like everything is taking longer than it should. Typing this blog post has been an exercise in patience as my fingers fiddle with the smaller laptop keyboard.
As I'm bookmarking Facebook, Petfinder, and my photo software, I'm feeling far more relaxed as the familiar faces pop up on the browser. My technological life will soon be back to normal. In the meantime, I'm going to summon some gratitude that the worst problem I have today is familiarizing myself with the new laptop.
Friday, October 05, 2012
Meet Armando!
It's the Friday before Thanksgiving here in Canada. It feels like everybody is too busy to worry about rescuing or adopting a cat right now. I stopped by our Petsmart store this afternoon and it's totally quiet! UGH!
Last time I was at the shelter, I met a very cute feral kitten and was told that he would be euthanized due to temperament. Fortunately, they were able to put him on hold for me while we worked on finding a foster home for him. A seven week old kitten usually comes around very quickly in foster care! As usual, one of our fabulous volunteers came forward to help this little dude.
It was my pleasure to rescue him today:
I hope this video makes you smile. I held him on the way to his new foster Mom's house. He was purring.
Happy Friday :)
Last time I was at the shelter, I met a very cute feral kitten and was told that he would be euthanized due to temperament. Fortunately, they were able to put him on hold for me while we worked on finding a foster home for him. A seven week old kitten usually comes around very quickly in foster care! As usual, one of our fabulous volunteers came forward to help this little dude.
It was my pleasure to rescue him today:
I hope this video makes you smile. I held him on the way to his new foster Mom's house. He was purring.
Happy Friday :)
Thursday, October 04, 2012
Do I Need "Excitement"?
As I completed an agonizing 3 hours of bookeeping and updating for the rescue this afternoon, I realized that I've been really missing the more exciting parts of rescue. I'm not sure exactly what constitutes "excitement" in cat rescue.
Dumpster diving for kittens?
Death row rescuing?
Crawling under porches to dig out little frightened cat families looking for warmth?
As I sat behind my desk this afternoon clicking "Enter" and hearing the familiar *ping pong* of the Quickbooks programme, I became vaguely aware that I've become more of a pencil pusher than a rescuer these days. Don't get me wrong - I've been to the shelter twice this week already, so I *am* rescuing.
No wonder so many rescues are in a state of financial and emotional disaster. We all get into this for the animals, and many of us end up feeling resentful for doing nothing else but glorified bookkeeping. Those of us who AREN'T doing proper bookkeeping and administrative duties find that their rescue is in a constant state of financial turmoil and disorganization.
Everytime I think I've found a balance, I find the otherside is tipping a little more than the other.
One element of my rescue mentality has changed over the years: "I no longer need to be the biggest and best rescue."
I want to make a difference in people's lives. I want adopters to feel like they got a fair shake and that they dealt with a professional organization that cares about the animals AND the people. I want our volunteers to have FUN and know they're making a difference in this world.
As I keep mentally reciting that mantra: "Have fun. Rescue Cats. Have Fun. Rescue Cats..." I went over our Adopted Cats list and realize that by early next month....
....we will be at our
Dumpster diving for kittens?
Death row rescuing?
Crawling under porches to dig out little frightened cat families looking for warmth?
As I sat behind my desk this afternoon clicking "Enter" and hearing the familiar *ping pong* of the Quickbooks programme, I became vaguely aware that I've become more of a pencil pusher than a rescuer these days. Don't get me wrong - I've been to the shelter twice this week already, so I *am* rescuing.
No wonder so many rescues are in a state of financial and emotional disaster. We all get into this for the animals, and many of us end up feeling resentful for doing nothing else but glorified bookkeeping. Those of us who AREN'T doing proper bookkeeping and administrative duties find that their rescue is in a constant state of financial turmoil and disorganization.
Everytime I think I've found a balance, I find the otherside is tipping a little more than the other.
One element of my rescue mentality has changed over the years: "I no longer need to be the biggest and best rescue."
I want to make a difference in people's lives. I want adopters to feel like they got a fair shake and that they dealt with a professional organization that cares about the animals AND the people. I want our volunteers to have FUN and know they're making a difference in this world.
As I keep mentally reciting that mantra: "Have fun. Rescue Cats. Have Fun. Rescue Cats..." I went over our Adopted Cats list and realize that by early next month....
....we will be at our
1000th Adoption!
NOW I'm excited!Monday, October 01, 2012
How Much Wood....?
I hate it when the phone rings too early. Especially when I see my son's caller ID on the phone. I answered cautiously, poised for another trip to the emergency room. This time he said, "Mom, I'm sending you a picture. Check your email."
Earlier in the spring, I had posted a picture of an animal that I was unsure of what the darn thing was. Apparently, it's a Groundhog or a Woodchuck. You can see his picture here. Apparently, our little friend is baaaaack with a vengeance:
So this little guy must've REALLY busy last night. Remember - this is a house we have that's FOR SALE! I'm afraid to show David. He thought we should've taken steps in the spring to move the Groundhog. But he was so cute and I had already named him "Woody"!
I don't know what we're going to do. I called Animal Services, and apparently, they only kill them - they don't MOVE them and had no advice. Killing Woody isn't an option. I'm actually wondering if we have a "Woodette" and that's damage done by little ones born in the spring. Little bastards!
I was back at the shelter this morning and rescued 8 deserving cats and kittens! I took two of the young adults to a new foster home and brought 6 to Petsmart. (Already had been quarantined) I no sooner had gotten the kittens settled into their cages when an amazing lady showed up and wanted to adopt one of the black kittens that I had just put into the store! Great way to start the month.
We had 3 adult cats adopted this weekend! I certainly wish it could be this way every week. I don't think things have slowed down from the summer kitten season. Sadly, they still seem to be coming into the shelter.
Hang in there .... it's October...it's bound to slow down soon.
Earlier in the spring, I had posted a picture of an animal that I was unsure of what the darn thing was. Apparently, it's a Groundhog or a Woodchuck. You can see his picture here. Apparently, our little friend is baaaaack with a vengeance:
So this little guy must've REALLY busy last night. Remember - this is a house we have that's FOR SALE! I'm afraid to show David. He thought we should've taken steps in the spring to move the Groundhog. But he was so cute and I had already named him "Woody"!
I don't know what we're going to do. I called Animal Services, and apparently, they only kill them - they don't MOVE them and had no advice. Killing Woody isn't an option. I'm actually wondering if we have a "Woodette" and that's damage done by little ones born in the spring. Little bastards!
I was back at the shelter this morning and rescued 8 deserving cats and kittens! I took two of the young adults to a new foster home and brought 6 to Petsmart. (Already had been quarantined) I no sooner had gotten the kittens settled into their cages when an amazing lady showed up and wanted to adopt one of the black kittens that I had just put into the store! Great way to start the month.
We had 3 adult cats adopted this weekend! I certainly wish it could be this way every week. I don't think things have slowed down from the summer kitten season. Sadly, they still seem to be coming into the shelter.
Hang in there .... it's October...it's bound to slow down soon.
Friday, September 28, 2012
Not a Typical Day In Cat Rescue
I no sooner pushed the "Publish" button on yesterday's blog post when the phone rang. I was already stress with my sweet "soulmate cat" Newman in surgery, but I wasn't expecting complete chaos on the other end of the phone when I answered. All I could hear was a man screaming.
It was the voice of my son.
The second voice I heard was his girlfriend's voice: "Mrs. Turner, I've called an ambulance for Patrick, he's in agonizing pain in his head and can't walk. Can you come to the hospital?"
What you don't know is when Patrick was a teenager, he fell 45 feet (approximately 4 storeys) onto the cement when a carnival ride collapsed. He had recovered from a massive brain injury, but we always had the caveat that he could be predisposed to an aneurysm per his neuro-surgeon.
I won't go into all the details, but after a CT scan, spinal tap and 8 hours in the emergency, they didn't know what was wrong.
I would periodically leave the emergency room to check on Newman's surgery at the vets and ask one of our volunteers to take over the rescue's phone lines and emails. I thought I had everything covered and even remembered there was a house showing at our other house for sale that needed to be cancelled! I took a deep breath.
The cell phone rang in my hand as I sat outside of the hospital for a few moments in the sunshine. It was the vet at another affiliated vet clinic. One of our foster kittens was there and he wanted authorization to do an x-ray. He suspected FIP.
I went back into the emergency room to be with my son and waited for another opportunity to walk outside to check on my own cat and the sick foster cat. Another two hours went by and the doctor came in to do the spinal tap.
With coffee in hand, I called the rescue's vet. The kitten was dying. It was FIP and he asked for permission to euthanize. My heart sank. It was just too much. Newman, my son and a dying kitten? I had a moment of complete selfish anguish. Why can't I have just ONE DAY to deal with matters of my own life? I put my hands into fists and closed my eyes.
Then I realized...Rescue IS my life, and sadly authorized the euthanisia of "Oz".
My son and my Newman are both recovering. I, on the other hand, spent today trying to recover from a Thursday I won't soon forget.
Kiss your loved ones....human and furry...tonight.
It was the voice of my son.
The second voice I heard was his girlfriend's voice: "Mrs. Turner, I've called an ambulance for Patrick, he's in agonizing pain in his head and can't walk. Can you come to the hospital?"
What you don't know is when Patrick was a teenager, he fell 45 feet (approximately 4 storeys) onto the cement when a carnival ride collapsed. He had recovered from a massive brain injury, but we always had the caveat that he could be predisposed to an aneurysm per his neuro-surgeon.
I won't go into all the details, but after a CT scan, spinal tap and 8 hours in the emergency, they didn't know what was wrong.
I would periodically leave the emergency room to check on Newman's surgery at the vets and ask one of our volunteers to take over the rescue's phone lines and emails. I thought I had everything covered and even remembered there was a house showing at our other house for sale that needed to be cancelled! I took a deep breath.
The cell phone rang in my hand as I sat outside of the hospital for a few moments in the sunshine. It was the vet at another affiliated vet clinic. One of our foster kittens was there and he wanted authorization to do an x-ray. He suspected FIP.
I went back into the emergency room to be with my son and waited for another opportunity to walk outside to check on my own cat and the sick foster cat. Another two hours went by and the doctor came in to do the spinal tap.
With coffee in hand, I called the rescue's vet. The kitten was dying. It was FIP and he asked for permission to euthanize. My heart sank. It was just too much. Newman, my son and a dying kitten? I had a moment of complete selfish anguish. Why can't I have just ONE DAY to deal with matters of my own life? I put my hands into fists and closed my eyes.
Then I realized...Rescue IS my life, and sadly authorized the euthanisia of "Oz".
My son and my Newman are both recovering. I, on the other hand, spent today trying to recover from a Thursday I won't soon forget.
Kiss your loved ones....human and furry...tonight.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Thursday Thoughts
I didn't sleep last night. I tossed and turned and fretted about my own 10 year old cat "Newman" who is having dental surgery this morning. Realistically, cats have dental surgery every day and most people drop them off at the vets, pick them up at the end of the day, pay the bill and go home.
Not me.
I was thinking this morning how nice it would be if every cat had an opportunity to have somebody love them SO MUCH that their family didn't sleep the night before they have 3 teeth pulled. I suppose that's what I wish for every cat. That somebody loves them as much as I love my Newman.
There's been an unusual number of calls on our rescue's phone line over the past few weeks with people finding litters of kittens or a cat suddenly appearing at a back door. Strangely enough, the calls are ALL coming from the same city and the same area. It's driving me crazy to think that people are moving away and leaving their cats to fend for themselves. Cowards.
Because these telephone calls are all coming from the same city as the high kill shelter, I'm wondering if people think that the cats have a better chance of survival if left outside than to end up at that shelter. Every person that's called has said, "I don't want to take him/her to (the shelter) because they'll kill him/her." It's great that there's been lots of press and education about this shelter. But it's not so great that people are hesitant to bring lost cats or abandoned pets there.
There are a lot of things worse than being euthanized at the shelter. Ask the volunteers who take care of feral colonies, or people who have witnessed torture of animals.
So yes. I wish every cat had a home and not just any home...but a home where somebody loses sleep with worry for them. That's a lot to ask.
Today, I'll be waiting by the phone to hear how my little Newman did with her surgery. Until she's back home, a little piece of me will be missing.
Not me.
I was thinking this morning how nice it would be if every cat had an opportunity to have somebody love them SO MUCH that their family didn't sleep the night before they have 3 teeth pulled. I suppose that's what I wish for every cat. That somebody loves them as much as I love my Newman.
There's been an unusual number of calls on our rescue's phone line over the past few weeks with people finding litters of kittens or a cat suddenly appearing at a back door. Strangely enough, the calls are ALL coming from the same city and the same area. It's driving me crazy to think that people are moving away and leaving their cats to fend for themselves. Cowards.
Because these telephone calls are all coming from the same city as the high kill shelter, I'm wondering if people think that the cats have a better chance of survival if left outside than to end up at that shelter. Every person that's called has said, "I don't want to take him/her to (the shelter) because they'll kill him/her." It's great that there's been lots of press and education about this shelter. But it's not so great that people are hesitant to bring lost cats or abandoned pets there.
There are a lot of things worse than being euthanized at the shelter. Ask the volunteers who take care of feral colonies, or people who have witnessed torture of animals.
So yes. I wish every cat had a home and not just any home...but a home where somebody loses sleep with worry for them. That's a lot to ask.
Today, I'll be waiting by the phone to hear how my little Newman did with her surgery. Until she's back home, a little piece of me will be missing.
Monday, September 24, 2012
From The Crapper
This must've been the most quiet Monday in history. I woke up expecting the usual deluge of adoption calls, spay/neuter appointment requests, etc. But there was only one call. It was a complaint.
I always try to return complaint calls as quickly as I return the adoption calls. It isn't easy. People forget that I'm unpaid and am often returning calls at 9 am with my first cup of coffee in my robe. If I could guess, I'd say 99% of the rescue's few complaint calls are over post-adoption diarrhea.
God, I'm sick of hearing about diarrhea. Cats get diarrhea. We get diarrhea. I don't know why - food? stress? parasites? Regardless, it makes adopters go crazy. The problem is, a cat could have ZERO tummy problems before adoption, but I have no clue what they're feeding the cat once they leave our care. They might have gotten into the garbage, or failed to kitten-proof the house. Cats can be like raccoons and they'll eat stuff they shouldn't.
This morning, a woman had adopted two kittens from us. Apparently, they were "shitting all over the house". (Her words - NOT mine!) The visual of "shitting all over the house" was alarming, so I called immediately only to find that she wants us to pay a $500.00+ vet bill for....D-I-A-R-R-H-E-A. No, I'm not paying $500.00 for kittens with the squirts. Take care of your own cats.
It has suddenly occurred to me that I haven't posted since last week Wednesday and I'm talking about poop. But I *do* have some really terrific news:
Clinton, the "too affectionate" cat that we rescued last week was adopted today!!!! A lovely lady read about his ridiculous abandonment and gave him an A+++ home. How's THAT for a fast adoption!?
Looks like we're going to have another rescue day soon.... :)
I always try to return complaint calls as quickly as I return the adoption calls. It isn't easy. People forget that I'm unpaid and am often returning calls at 9 am with my first cup of coffee in my robe. If I could guess, I'd say 99% of the rescue's few complaint calls are over post-adoption diarrhea.
God, I'm sick of hearing about diarrhea. Cats get diarrhea. We get diarrhea. I don't know why - food? stress? parasites? Regardless, it makes adopters go crazy. The problem is, a cat could have ZERO tummy problems before adoption, but I have no clue what they're feeding the cat once they leave our care. They might have gotten into the garbage, or failed to kitten-proof the house. Cats can be like raccoons and they'll eat stuff they shouldn't.
This morning, a woman had adopted two kittens from us. Apparently, they were "shitting all over the house". (Her words - NOT mine!) The visual of "shitting all over the house" was alarming, so I called immediately only to find that she wants us to pay a $500.00+ vet bill for....D-I-A-R-R-H-E-A. No, I'm not paying $500.00 for kittens with the squirts. Take care of your own cats.
It has suddenly occurred to me that I haven't posted since last week Wednesday and I'm talking about poop. But I *do* have some really terrific news:
Clinton, the "too affectionate" cat that we rescued last week was adopted today!!!! A lovely lady read about his ridiculous abandonment and gave him an A+++ home. How's THAT for a fast adoption!?
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Rescuing Update
After a weekend of 19 adoptions, I've had the privilege of doing more rescuing than usual. It's strange how I haven't been doing the actual rescuing as much as I used to. I miss it sometimes.
Our volunteers went to the "high kill" shelter over the weekend and rescued 6 cats.
Monday we rescued 3 Mom cats and 14 kittens.
Tuesday was 1 tiny kitten and a 6 month old orange bruiser.
Today, we rescued 1 kitten (because the "tiny kitten" from Tuesday needed a friend) and we also rescued "Clinton". Clinton was surrendered to the shelter because he was listed as "Too Affectionate". Seriously. Clinton didn't disappoint. He walked into his foster home like he lived there forever.
Today, we also rescued a sweet Mom cat from outside. Her family moved away from her and left her sitting on the front porch. Bastards. "Dear God, please don't let her be pregnant too."
With all the rescuing comes questions, vet visits and juggling. Three of the cats have already been to the vets for not eating, a possible urinary tract infection, and an upper respiratory virus. Of course, they came from the "high kill" shelter where it seems like eveybody gets sick and city seems hell bent on bankrupting small rescues like ours. These cats might end up costing more than their future adoption fees. We cross our fingers for the remaining cats, but at least they didn't come out of that shelter. They stand a better chance.
I always get anxious when we rescue this many at once. Rescuing was a lot more fun when I wasn't responsible for paying the bills.
Our volunteers went to the "high kill" shelter over the weekend and rescued 6 cats.
Monday we rescued 3 Mom cats and 14 kittens.
Tuesday was 1 tiny kitten and a 6 month old orange bruiser.
Today, we rescued 1 kitten (because the "tiny kitten" from Tuesday needed a friend) and we also rescued "Clinton". Clinton was surrendered to the shelter because he was listed as "Too Affectionate". Seriously. Clinton didn't disappoint. He walked into his foster home like he lived there forever.
Today, we also rescued a sweet Mom cat from outside. Her family moved away from her and left her sitting on the front porch. Bastards. "Dear God, please don't let her be pregnant too."
With all the rescuing comes questions, vet visits and juggling. Three of the cats have already been to the vets for not eating, a possible urinary tract infection, and an upper respiratory virus. Of course, they came from the "high kill" shelter where it seems like eveybody gets sick and city seems hell bent on bankrupting small rescues like ours. These cats might end up costing more than their future adoption fees. We cross our fingers for the remaining cats, but at least they didn't come out of that shelter. They stand a better chance.
I always get anxious when we rescue this many at once. Rescuing was a lot more fun when I wasn't responsible for paying the bills.
Monday, September 17, 2012
A (Much) Happier Day!
I think I'm still recovering from an insane Petsmart Adoption weekend. I know I brag about our volunteers quite a bit on this blog. But holy crap, we really do have the best volunteers. Friday night, there was a highway closure and one of our volunteers drove for THREE hours just to get there with her foster cats for her shift.
We're not a huge rescue, but we had every Petsmart shift covered from open to close for all three days of the event. We had NINETEEN adoptions!!! Every adult cat was adopted, and EVERY black cat and all but one black and white cat was adopted. It was crazy - nobody adopted the flashy calicos and the one adorable orange and white guy we had.
I met a really lovely senior couple at the event. They only wanted a declawed cat, which we didn't have at the event. So I went to the shelter this morning and picked up a really homely 4 year old declawed guy named "Louie". The staff at the shelter told me that Louie was getting depressed and they were so happy I was taking him. I delivered Louie to their front door and felt a bit like Santa Claus might delivering a very special present. The couple thought Louie was very handsome and were thrilled. Louie found the sofa and the huge picture window in the living room. It was a wonderful moment and I always get teary-eyed to witness it.
The trek to the shelter went much faster than usual. I took a volunteer with me who had never been to this shelter. She left with THREE nursing Mom cats and their kittens. She has a really neat set up for these little families and took a picture of one of the little groups:
Each family gets their own spacious area, and as the kittens grow and become more active, they all get more room. This particular Mom cat is really neat looking, isn't she? Love her smokey/black colour.
I want to hit the "Send" button on this post before anything negative comes up. It's been such a happy few days and I want to wallow in it for a while.
Did I mention that we have THE BEST volunteers? Our rescue and the cats are so fortunate to have them.
We're not a huge rescue, but we had every Petsmart shift covered from open to close for all three days of the event. We had NINETEEN adoptions!!! Every adult cat was adopted, and EVERY black cat and all but one black and white cat was adopted. It was crazy - nobody adopted the flashy calicos and the one adorable orange and white guy we had.
I met a really lovely senior couple at the event. They only wanted a declawed cat, which we didn't have at the event. So I went to the shelter this morning and picked up a really homely 4 year old declawed guy named "Louie". The staff at the shelter told me that Louie was getting depressed and they were so happy I was taking him. I delivered Louie to their front door and felt a bit like Santa Claus might delivering a very special present. The couple thought Louie was very handsome and were thrilled. Louie found the sofa and the huge picture window in the living room. It was a wonderful moment and I always get teary-eyed to witness it.
The trek to the shelter went much faster than usual. I took a volunteer with me who had never been to this shelter. She left with THREE nursing Mom cats and their kittens. She has a really neat set up for these little families and took a picture of one of the little groups:
I want to hit the "Send" button on this post before anything negative comes up. It's been such a happy few days and I want to wallow in it for a while.
Did I mention that we have THE BEST volunteers? Our rescue and the cats are so fortunate to have them.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Too Much Dust to "Brush Off"
I wish I had written in my blog yesterday. I really hate writing two downer blog posts in a row, but such is the life of a rescuer sometimes.
We received the sad news that one of our kittens named "Dori" was diagnosed with FIP. Thank heavens the foster Mom was alert to the signs - huge belly and skeletal-like body. X-rays and a needle biopsy confirmed it this morning. Dori was starting to sleep all the time. She was eating, but not much. Because cats are often called "The Great Pretenders", it was hard to know if she was really hurting but faking it.
Regardless, there's nothing that can be done for a kitten with FIP. It's fatal.
So with tears in my eyes I authorized another kitten to be euthanized.
It took everything I had to say "Yes, it's OK. I give my permission for euthanasia." But when the vet said that according to Ontario Veterinary College I had to say those words a SECOND time to his receptionist for legal purposes, I lost control and started to really cry. Saying it twice was too much and too painful.
I'm grateful that I was able to busy myself with adoption event stuff. We have a large Petsmart event coming up this weekend and organizing cage space and cats is definitely NOT my strongsuit. Fortunately, we have quite a few volunteers who can organize these events far better than I can. "I'll bring the cats! You tell me where to put 'em and how many to bring!"
It's been a tough week for our rescue. I feel emotionally and financially drained. I think this adoption event will be just the ticket for me. Chatting, smiling and adopting out cats. It's what I do best.
Adopted cats mean it'll be time for another rescue. Rescuing is the 2nd best thing that I do. :)
We received the sad news that one of our kittens named "Dori" was diagnosed with FIP. Thank heavens the foster Mom was alert to the signs - huge belly and skeletal-like body. X-rays and a needle biopsy confirmed it this morning. Dori was starting to sleep all the time. She was eating, but not much. Because cats are often called "The Great Pretenders", it was hard to know if she was really hurting but faking it.
Regardless, there's nothing that can be done for a kitten with FIP. It's fatal.
So with tears in my eyes I authorized another kitten to be euthanized.
I'm grateful that I was able to busy myself with adoption event stuff. We have a large Petsmart event coming up this weekend and organizing cage space and cats is definitely NOT my strongsuit. Fortunately, we have quite a few volunteers who can organize these events far better than I can. "I'll bring the cats! You tell me where to put 'em and how many to bring!"
It's been a tough week for our rescue. I feel emotionally and financially drained. I think this adoption event will be just the ticket for me. Chatting, smiling and adopting out cats. It's what I do best.
Adopted cats mean it'll be time for another rescue. Rescuing is the 2nd best thing that I do. :)
Monday, September 10, 2012
Another Cursed Monday
Once again, we faced another start of the work week where I had to tell a loving foster Mom that her beloved foster cat passed away. After spending more than $2000.00 dollars on this sweetheart and days in a hospital, we finally got word from the vet that "Porkchop" is no longer with us.
I hate that he died alone while the vet was closed and I hate that the $2000.00 that the rescue spent didn't save him. There are no regrets about spending the money. Any REPUTABLE rescue organization would do that. I had to tap into our emergency money, but that's what it's for, right? With our emergency money depleted, I'm going to have to do some juggling and pray that some fundraising will help.
As a rescuer, there's never much time to grieve. Porkchop's passing means there's an open space in a foster home and another cat waiting for a chance to live. I'm so grateful that his foster Mom feels the same way. So often foster parents run for the hills when their foster cat dies. Sometimes it's just too damn painful to put yourself out there again.
It's been a gorgeous day. That's been my saving grace today after getting pre-coffee bad news. The sun has been pouring through my office window with a cooler (dare I say "Autumn-like"?) breeze coming through. I've been extremely productive and even had time to stain a new screen door for our front door. The rescue's administrative stuff is now up to date and there might even be time for a 30 minute siesta before I start dinner.
I almost hate the idea of taking that 30 minute nap. I've been too busy until now to think about our little "Porky". But he deserves to be thought about. I don't want him to be "just another RIP in the rescue". I'll spend some time thinking about him at our last adoption event and how he sucked on his foster Mom's ear. Porkchop was such a character.
He's going to be missed.
As a rescuer, there's never much time to grieve. Porkchop's passing means there's an open space in a foster home and another cat waiting for a chance to live. I'm so grateful that his foster Mom feels the same way. So often foster parents run for the hills when their foster cat dies. Sometimes it's just too damn painful to put yourself out there again.
It's been a gorgeous day. That's been my saving grace today after getting pre-coffee bad news. The sun has been pouring through my office window with a cooler (dare I say "Autumn-like"?) breeze coming through. I've been extremely productive and even had time to stain a new screen door for our front door. The rescue's administrative stuff is now up to date and there might even be time for a 30 minute siesta before I start dinner.
I almost hate the idea of taking that 30 minute nap. I've been too busy until now to think about our little "Porky". But he deserves to be thought about. I don't want him to be "just another RIP in the rescue". I'll spend some time thinking about him at our last adoption event and how he sucked on his foster Mom's ear. Porkchop was such a character.
He's going to be missed.
Thursday, September 06, 2012
The Cell Phone Slave
I had a moment of panic 15 minutes after I left my house this morning. NO cell phone! I knew where I had left it - on the kitchen counter. I could see it there as plain as day, waiting for me to pick it up as I walked out the door. Thanks to "Bluetooth", normally I make many calls while enroute somewhere. I'm productive, quick and people appreciate the fast response time from me. Instead, I sat helpless at the stop light. I was certain that my cell phone was buzzing over and over again on my kitchen counter.
What kind of emergencies was I missing today?
How would I check the rescue's adoption line?
My anxiety quickly manifested into a blissful feeling of freedom.
I could feel my shoulders relax as I pulled into the local pet store. I had my nails done in total peace and serenity. I had the nerve to feel annoyed with the noisy toddler another unlucky client was forced to bring with her. For the moment - I didn't care. The world could wait. Let the cell phone buzz!!
My anxiety quickly returned as I drove toward my home and realized that I needed to stop at the grocery store. Another 30 minutes? Could I wait another 30 minutes? Should I go home first, check messages then go back out to the grocery store? How ridiculous. Of course, I can go into the grocery store and pick up a few things.
As I literally ran through the grocery store with my cart, I practiced my speech - telling our beloved foster parents and adopters why I was seemingly so negligent:
"I'm sorry! I didn't have my cell phone with me! What's happened? What can I do? What needs to be done? Is there blood? Have you called the vet?"
I parked in the driveway and ran to the front door with the house key in hand. There was no time to lose - emergencies were waiting! I grasped for the cell phone and pushed the green button to put light on the keypad.
It said "New Voicemails"
I knew it! I pressed the keys and listened intently...
....it was one of our vet's office. We owe $5,068.97 for the month of August and can they bill my credit card for the expense?
Let the anxiety begin (again).
What kind of emergencies was I missing today?
How would I check the rescue's adoption line?
My anxiety quickly manifested into a blissful feeling of freedom.
I could feel my shoulders relax as I pulled into the local pet store. I had my nails done in total peace and serenity. I had the nerve to feel annoyed with the noisy toddler another unlucky client was forced to bring with her. For the moment - I didn't care. The world could wait. Let the cell phone buzz!!
My anxiety quickly returned as I drove toward my home and realized that I needed to stop at the grocery store. Another 30 minutes? Could I wait another 30 minutes? Should I go home first, check messages then go back out to the grocery store? How ridiculous. Of course, I can go into the grocery store and pick up a few things.
As I literally ran through the grocery store with my cart, I practiced my speech - telling our beloved foster parents and adopters why I was seemingly so negligent:
"I'm sorry! I didn't have my cell phone with me! What's happened? What can I do? What needs to be done? Is there blood? Have you called the vet?"
I parked in the driveway and ran to the front door with the house key in hand. There was no time to lose - emergencies were waiting! I grasped for the cell phone and pushed the green button to put light on the keypad.
It said "New Voicemails"
I knew it! I pressed the keys and listened intently...
....it was one of our vet's office. We owe $5,068.97 for the month of August and can they bill my credit card for the expense?
Let the anxiety begin (again).
Tuesday, September 04, 2012
Out With The Bad.....
Part of animal rescue is accepting the good with the bad. But today was a downright shitty day. Waking up to authorizing the euthanasia of our darling "Tater Tot" brought my day to a standstill:
Tater was great at our adoption event! Happy, playful and energetic. By Monday night, he was obviously sick. By this morning, he was dying. We did a viral test to put the foster parent's minds at ease and it was negative. Now we'll just have to guess as to why our little "dumpster kitten" died.
But with rescue, "standstill" isn't always possible. I drove out to meet another foster Mom and picked up our big ol' (former) Tom cat named "Manny". Apparently, a family at Petsmart fell in love with him and is willing to give him a FOREVER HOME. The Animal Services originally wanted to include this guy as part of their barn cat program citing that he wasn't adoptable. Boy, were they wrong! We called him Mr. Big Cheeks . It was a happy moment for me and for the foster Mom that took a chance on him.
Maybe it's the terrible weather today, but I've been unable to shake losing our Tater Tot. Even watching a happy family take Manny home today wasn't enough. I wish there had been a more definitive reason for him becoming so ill. The problem with experienced rescuers, is that we ALL think we're smarter than veterinarians sometimes and we second guess ourselves.
My oldest son is coming out tonight to pick up "his two cats": Parker and Butters. They've only ever lived with me, and I'm feeling nostalgic about letting them go with him. Will my son remember "Snack Time" at 9 pm? Will he scoop the litterbox? He adores these two cats and is 24 years old. I still feel uneasy and hope that those feelings will pass. Whenever my son visits us, Parker and Butters RUN to him. They adore him and it was the agreement when we adopted them: When my son moved out - he would take Parker and Butters.
Tomorrow will be a better day. (I wish I had a nickel for every time I ended a blog post with THAT statement!)
But with rescue, "standstill" isn't always possible. I drove out to meet another foster Mom and picked up our big ol' (former) Tom cat named "Manny". Apparently, a family at Petsmart fell in love with him and is willing to give him a FOREVER HOME. The Animal Services originally wanted to include this guy as part of their barn cat program citing that he wasn't adoptable. Boy, were they wrong! We called him Mr. Big Cheeks . It was a happy moment for me and for the foster Mom that took a chance on him.
Maybe it's the terrible weather today, but I've been unable to shake losing our Tater Tot. Even watching a happy family take Manny home today wasn't enough. I wish there had been a more definitive reason for him becoming so ill. The problem with experienced rescuers, is that we ALL think we're smarter than veterinarians sometimes and we second guess ourselves.
My oldest son is coming out tonight to pick up "his two cats": Parker and Butters. They've only ever lived with me, and I'm feeling nostalgic about letting them go with him. Will my son remember "Snack Time" at 9 pm? Will he scoop the litterbox? He adores these two cats and is 24 years old. I still feel uneasy and hope that those feelings will pass. Whenever my son visits us, Parker and Butters RUN to him. They adore him and it was the agreement when we adopted them: When my son moved out - he would take Parker and Butters.
Tomorrow will be a better day. (I wish I had a nickel for every time I ended a blog post with THAT statement!)
Saturday, September 01, 2012
Birthin' Babies
Ahhhh yes....Labour Day Weekend! Last night I asked David to set the alarm for 6:30 am. He said that it should be illegal to set the alarm for 6:30 on a Saturday. But today is an adoption event!
Yesterday despite a lot of obstacles, we rescued a darling little calico from a construction site. Bless her heart, she was VERY VERY pregnant. It's hard to believe (at the end of August) that I even had a foster home available for her. But the universe agreed and she's safe and sound...
She must've known she was safe, because within hours of her rescue....
It's still early and I'm waiting to hear about more little lives that have come into the world during the night. I can't what would've happened to this little family had she tried to give birth at the construction site.
Labour Day isn't the perfect weekend to have an adoption event, but we were invited to participate and I really hate to turn something like that down. Even if adoptions are slow, it'll be nice to hang out with other volunteers and share a common goal.
Keep that coffee coming...
Yesterday despite a lot of obstacles, we rescued a darling little calico from a construction site. Bless her heart, she was VERY VERY pregnant. It's hard to believe (at the end of August) that I even had a foster home available for her. But the universe agreed and she's safe and sound...
She must've known she was safe, because within hours of her rescue....
 |
| Calico #1 |
 |
| Calico #2 |
Labour Day isn't the perfect weekend to have an adoption event, but we were invited to participate and I really hate to turn something like that down. Even if adoptions are slow, it'll be nice to hang out with other volunteers and share a common goal.
Keep that coffee coming...
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