It was a normal morning here in Rochester, snow. Although its springtime, its still snowing! I saw my share of raccoons this morning. There are a few spots now where I think they know my cat call when I arrive to alert the kitties I am there and am going to feed them. Because the raccoons come a runnin! They are also the fattest things around. They look like small bears. And they are not easily scared off, so they sit at a distance waiting for me to leave, which drives me nuts, because I place dry towels and fresh food and water, and I know that minutes after I leave they will come and scare the cats away and make a mess of things. There is not much I can do about that. I actually came back to a spot yesterday just to scare one away, but he jumped into the basement of this abandoned house through the bars of the window and I am not sure how he could ever get out of that. The cats are able to jump up on ledges but I am not too sure about the raccoons. I wanted to trap a very sick kitty this morning, but she was not around. My friend Gina was going to take her and bring her to the vet, she hates the thought of any cat going to a shelter. So do I, but sometimes I feel I have no choice. I will try again tomorrow. It was quiet out there this morning, I did not see my usual suspects. I did meet a nice man who was out on his porch smoking, he waved to me as I was heading back to my car. We had a nice brief conversation about the animals and compassion towards them. I told him there is a real problem in his neighborhood with the strays. He agreed. I told him I picked up an injured cat once from the street, obviously after being hit, and brought it to emergency. And how I've picked up dead cats along the way. He told me how he watched his dog run across the street once, someone hit it, and kept driving. We both agreed these are sick people. He was a nice guy. I left him asking him to watch over the animals for me. NEXT POST: A recap of my rescues for 2011.

God's Kingdom

Yesterday, I sent around a YouTube video about a duck named Maria as my daily update of my blog. I received the following from one of my blog readers after that, and I thought it justified to share it for today's post. Its another great animal story. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Thanks Lauren!

"This story warmed my heart and hit very close to home! I rescued 5 Toulouse geese from suffering and starvation that were abandoned on the Erie Canal in Pittsford. I used to own a boutique in the village there and my shop's backyard was the canal. I started to care for them when I realized that they are not indigenous to the area and they needed food year round. I took care of them year round. When I closed my shoppe, I moved them to a sanctuary where they would be fed and sheltered year round.

There was a female that I named "Lucy" and her mate "Jim", after my parents. They were all sweet and acted as watch dogs whenever a customer pulled into the parking lot. Lucy had a leg that dangled and she couldn't walk on it. We think she fell through the ice in the canal and broke it. She limped in pain and also had a tumor or growth on her belly. I trapped her and took her to the vet. She had to have half of her foot amputated. The tumor was just a large fatty growth. For the entire month that she was gone, her mate called out every day, looking for her. He was so sad. The day I returned her to the canal, Lucy called out for her mate. He heard her call from across the canal and I heard a huge splash as he tried to get to the other side of the canal. Lucy hobbled as fast as she could to the waters edge and swam to him. You could hear "cooing" as they swam off together and they actually hugged each other with their necks. I had tears in my eyes, as I realized how these geese were more than just animals.

I think the geese were about 4-6 years old when I found them. I created huts for them out of large bales of hay and the next year for the first time, Lucy & Jim had a baby. They hadn't had proper nutrition or shelter to make a nest, so that was a big deal!

Thanks again for sharing the youtube link, it warmed my heart."

Grappling

I am still grappling with the moral issues of bringing kitties to the shelter. God knows I've brought a few in the past, and I know I will in the future, but for today I really struggle with the issues surrounding it. Sometimes though, like this morning, when I see a cat come out of an abandoned house, through bars on the basement punched out window, and I see their faces, one a black, one a grey, and both look so sad and miserable. They have no visible signs of trauma, so what do I do with them? I know I have decreased the population in some spots of my morning journey, that is evident especially where Benny was. There used to be eight cats over the summer and fall, now I see only one, in the dark. The food bowl is always empty there so I know there is more than one. But not many. On the other hand, Hayward Avenue is still overpopulated. I saw 5 cats there this morning, the most I've seen since last winter. Sweet Red has turned semi-feral and looks like a wreck. And there are others I've never seen. They were all there eating when I placed the food down. So, I still grapple with the decision to bring them to shelters. I just wish there were enough people to take in a cat or two. Rescue cats bring such joy, and give so much love. On another somewhat happier note, Olivia, one of the kitties I rescued that was pregnant delivered six babies at 4 am. yesterday morning. Here is a picture of her and her babies later. Mommy and babies are all doing fine.

Weekend Updates

SO much happening out there... Where do I begin? It was a very crazy weekend, lots of stuff in my life... number one it was a birthday weekend for me, so that made it extra unusual for me, with all my friends and family doting on me - :) but the mornings were just as hard. I made it through the grief of losing my dear sweet Benny - God had the plan for him and I had no control over it. Sweet Cassie - the first pregant cat I rescued and AnotherChancePetRescue fostered, pictured here with her dear sweet babies, had her five beautiful babies last week. Cassie has turned out to be a very nurturing mother. The other stuff going on - Sunday morning I heard a vicious cat fight going on near where I feed, and I discovered it was happening inside a house next door that had been condemned due to arson. As I was investigating where the opening was for the cats to the house, I discovered a floor board on the porch was missing and somehow they were getting in there through that way. I did manage to open a window and peer inside, and there was Buttons, and a few others I had not seen. I shook the food, and hopefully scared them enough to stop and come out to eat. Hopefully they did. This morning, Buttons was waiting, but she her eyes are very wet and look infected. I need to do something about that. I could easily give her something, if someone has suggestions? The other situation is there is a cat that I believe is pregnant at another spot. I just don't know what to do. There is a black cat at another that I suspected might have been TNR'd because of its tip missing on its ear, but I was able to feel his behind this morning, so the ear is most likely frostbitten. He is also a very pretty boy, luxurious coat, and he purred while I stroked him. I need to find him a home quick. And I need to name him! With all that being said, I would like to draw everyone's attention to a letter written to the Democrat and Chronicle's Letter to the Editor today. I saw recent episode of the Pit Boss, where Shorty was so discouraged by the lack of human compassion for animals, and not being able to place homeless animals in homes, that he cried. He was going through a real down period, and I feel this way quite often. Sometimes rescuers need a renewed sense of hope. But is it more humane to bring these cats to a shelter for a humane euthanization, or let them linger, suffer and die out there. Here is what the letter said:

"Regarding Mark Hare's March 1 column about the "Friends of Ferals": I, too, am a 50-something woman who has always been a cat lover. I used to think the best help for feral cats was to have "human helpers" for food and shelter. I have had a feral cat "living" under my deck for about four years. This cat led a horrific life, aging quickly, while infected with fleas and worms, along with very few teeth left. This winter's elements took their toll. By the time I was able to coax him inside, he was little more than a skeleton with filthy fur, despite the food and water I provided daily. He allowed me to hold him, as he slowly died in my arms. In rare moments, he relaxed on the deck in the sunshine, but overall this cat suffered terribly throughout his life. Are these colonies really the best thing for these abandoned and feral cats? Not in my opinion. Perhaps humane euthanizing needs to be the answer or at least considered."

I have to say, this made me pause, and think about my situation. I am really torn with this option. I need to do something, and on my own, its hard to do 'the right thing'. We just need more compassionate people to open up their homes and take in some of these unwanted creatures. We need to give them a chance.

Reminder to self. Littering, and adopting rescued cats...

Benny

I am ending my posts for the week on a sad note. I got a call from the woman who adopted Benny after I rescued him from the streets about two and half weeks ago. Now I've been feeding and caring for Benny for well over a year now, and Benny used to run down a very long driveway each and every time after spotting me in the morning when I parked my car on Central Park. Benny would do pirouettes around my legs in anticipation of the treats I would be leaving him. Benny came to trust me, and we formed a special bond. The woman called me at work yesterday to tell me Benny had not eaten since Saturday, that would be five days at least. I asked her to get him to the vet quickly, and then she did. Keep in mind, Benny was diagnosed with Leukemia, and for cats, there is not much you can do about that, but they can live long lives in spite of it, but when its their time to go, they are certainly ready. Benny was fat and happy when I got him, if not a bit weary and war-torn after a very long winter's survival. He did not look as if he were in his final stages, enough to stop eating. Benny is at an animal hospital in Brockport, and I am paying his vet bill, as this woman cannot afford to. All these animals I rescue are like my children, and when they are adopted, I trust that they will be spoiled and loved just as I would do for them. You must never abandon an animal in their sick times, especially if they are close to death, or be there with him if it is grave. UPDATE: The decision to euthanize Benny has been made. Apparently when Benny was neutered last week, it compromised his already weakened immune system, and he is not responding to treatment now. The kind woman that cared for him for this very short time will be at his side. Benny, may you rest in peace, and meet your friends in heaven. I will see you there someday!

Feed Me! Feed Me!!

Thats a line from the Little Shop of Horrors. I love movie quotes if you haven't noticed. But that is also what my little angels say to me each morning, although in cat language,and of course, body language! The one spot, where there is a tortoise, a grey and a black kitty, the grey is in bad shape. I need to get him out of there. The black is not far behind. The grey let me pet him this morning, the black one is very friendly, shy, but friendly. Same with the torty, she is timid, yet there. They are for sure hungry. The grey is injured, and I must help him. I just hate the thought of bringing him to the shelter, but he has no where else to go. I have not seen a cat around where I rescued Benny in many many days. I know something is eating the food, and its not a raccoon as they make terrible messes, so I would notice. I also have seen Red only once in two weeks at another spot. Its been eerily quiet out there since I got the four pregnant females off the streets. Funny how that is. Wonder if its a coincidence? or not? We had a lot of snow yesterday and overnight, so I was nervous about what conditions I would find this morning, but only one spot was bad, where the two injured cats are, so much snow got in between the lean-to's - you always feel bad knowing their dry towels were covered in snow.

The picture here is of a cat that a friend of mine rescued from a shelter where he was surrendered after being beaten and caged for two years. God bless her. He is very scared right now, and with a lot of patience and love, I am sure he will come around. Go Julie!

Merry Christmas!

Sorry, thats what it looks like as I look out the window. Its spring, and its snowing today. just lovely. Its been the worst year weatherwise that I can recall... and not just in my town, but all over the world there have been so many major disasters. You just sometimes wonder... It was quiet out there this morning. All my spots are secure, and dry. I really wish I could get the babies out of the 7th Street spot, they watch me from a distance, inch every so closer to me each day, waiting for thier daily grub. And then there are the Pennsylvania babies, the grey and black that come out of the abandoned house's basement, through the bars that are there. They just look pathetic. The black kitty has been TNR'd, you can tell by its ear that has been clipped. Its either that or it had a really bad fight and its tip was ripped. I hope its just TNR'd, but he is a friendly baby, so he could really use a home. Pretty too. The grey, he is slightly injured and a bit more timid.

I have an update on Daisy/Fluffy and Copper, as she is now called. I rescued her several weeks ago. He has a slight urinary problem, so has been moved from his original home, but her caregiver now is trying to rehabilitate him from that annoying problem. SHE is a beautiful kitty, and is suspected of being pregnant also. I attach a photo of her here.

Animal Rescue

I did not write the following, I borrowed it, but I wanted to share that this is exactly who I am:

"I am an Animal Rescuer. My job is to assist God's creatures. I was born with the need to fulfill their needs. I take in new family members without plan, thought or selection. I have bought dog or cat food with my last dime. I have patted a mangy head with a bare hand. I have hugged someone vicious and afraid. I have fallen in love a thousand times and I have cried into the fur of a lifeless body. I have Animal Friends and friends who have animal friends. I don't often use the word "pet." I notice those lost at the road side and my heart aches. I will hand raise a field mouse and make friends with a vulture. I know of no creature unworthy of my time. I want to live forever if there aren't animals in Heaven, but I believe there are. Why would God make something so perfect and leave it behind? We may be master of the animals, but the animals have mastered themselves-- something people still haven't learned. War and Abuse makes me hurt for the world, but a rescue that makes the news gives me hope for mankind. We are a quiet but determined army, and making a difference every day. There is nothing more necessary than warming an orphan, nothing more rewarding than saving a life; No higher recognition than watching them thrive. There is no greater joy than seeing a baby play who only days ago, was too weak to eat. I am an Animal Rescuer, My work is never done, My home is never quiet, My wallet is always empty, but my heart is always full. In the game of life, we have already won."

Soaked to the Bone

B B B B Baad...... Its been pouring out since last night so this morning was not a lot of fun. But out I went anyways... My first spot, someone was into the mischief again because the lean to was down and the boards were all over the place. But they didn't destroy anything so for that small bit I am grateful. I was able to place the lean to back and put food and water, although everything was soaked. I did exchange dry towels for wet, but they way the lean to is right now, I am sure the water would soak them within a half hour after I left. Such is the way in that one spot, where I wish I could eliminate, but yesterday, I did see five cats there, so it won't be easy to find homes, relocate, etc. They are all shy there too. Thats where I just rescued Fluffy from. Fluffy was very friendly. Three great things happened this weekend. First, Mittens, who has been diagnosed with leukemia, was adopted. She was spayed on Friday, and brought to her new home on Saturday. Thank you thank you thank you to her adopter. Such a good heart to want and to care for the sick. Secondly, DEXTER WAS ADOPTED!!! This woman and her son came Petco that day for dog food and wound up taking home a cat! A little hard selling on my part helped too (wink)! :) (AnotherChancePetRescue has graciously allowed me to 'show' Dexter at their Saturday Adoption Days at Petco) I miss my boy very much - I've had him for over a month now, and have grown quite fond of him, and although my other older cats at home weren't so much, I think they miss him too. He is just a young kitty and had too much energy for my old guys. The third great thing that happened was that Lucy, the pregnant cat I rescued last week, was adopted! YES! She was spayed, and then adopted by a really great girl. I am so grateful that all these animals that I've removed from the bad streets of Rochester have found homes. YAY!

Sweet Mittens

Sad news... Mittens tested positive for leukemia where she was brought to for fostering after i rescued her yesterday. They are going to do a second test on her today, hoping it was a false positive. Mittens is pregnant, due to give birth within a few weeks. She is one of the most loveable sweet kitties I've picked up in a long time. This makes me very very sad. If she turns out to be positive, there is no known cure, and her kittens will most likely be positive. She will be euthanized. I have to prepare myself for this. Its sad, but its part of life and we have to accept life as it happens. I am sorry to be so down today, my wonderful readers of my blog, but,,, it is what it is. I can't help it. I wish you a good weekend.

PS, I received the following with the news of Mittens, and just had to share. If this doesn't leave you with a tear in your eye, I don't know what will...

I think God knows when this is going to happen and guides these kitties to a place they will know soft hands, warm hearts and loving words if only for a brief little time. Your hands are soft, your heart is warm and your words are loving. You can't change that, it's your nature and God made you that way for a reason. It doesn't make it any less painful for you but you are an Instrument of God. NONE of us can understand the reason or purpose of this, we can only do what we can. You are BLESSED because you can't look the other way, you're willing and unselfish enough to do what you can for these little souls.

I lost a baby today

The angels came and took her away

They came down and took her sweet soul in the night
On wings so golden and so light
She was just a tiny kitten you see
A small frail baby that was set free
I did my best to give her warmth and love
But it did not stop the angels coming from above
I picked her up and held her close to my heart
and wondered why she had to depart
I feel I've failed this tiny kitten
And my heart breaks as I was so smitten
Then I heard whispers in my ears
As I wept soft warm tears
The angels said she wasn’t meant to stay
She wasn’t meant to live this way
She wasn’t meant to stay for me
Her soul was meant to soar free
So I cry no more for little her
As she is happy and singing her sweet purr
I know I will see her beautiful again someday
When it’s my turn for the angels to come take me away.

Fly free little baby, you were loved.

Determination

...is all I need on mornings like this. When I awake, I think of everyone else still snuggled in their beds, able to sleep for another two hours at least - for those that get up at 6 for work - and I think how nice it would be to go back to sleep for another two hours... but, I am on a mission each morning, and thats all it takes is determination to climb out. It was a good morning, the weather is getting better, it was dry, and not too cold. But the good news of the day.... drumroll..... is that I also rescued Mittens! She was the last - that I know of - pregnant females out there that I am feeding. I am SO lucky that someone knew someone, and they will foster her. I know I say this a lot, but she is just the sweetest. The moment I let her out of my carrier, she curled up in my lap. Purring loudly too!

Lets not forget that these mothers will need to be adopted into good homes. And lets not forget, rescue cats make the best cats. Cute? Cuddly? Affectionate? Sure. Everyone knows that cats are the cutest pets alive, and the most huggable and petable. Rescue cats are the most affectionate and loyal pets imaginable. What you may not be aware of is that cats are the best teachers! Cats spend most of their time (when they are not cat-napping) trying to teach their human companions about things they should know in life. Here are just a few examples of life's lessons that a talented cat can illustrate.

Life Lessons for Humans from Cats

1.Actually, cat-napping itself is a good lesson."Get plenty of rest, and you will be ready for anything," I say.

2.Ever watch a cat wash himself? "Personal hygiene is essential."

3.Where would the world be without healthy curiosity? Who would discover the next great invention without curiosity? "Learn to be curious, and you will expand your horizons."

4.Patience. Ever watch a cat watching something? "Patience and self-control will enlighten your life."

5.If a cat wants something, he won't give up until he has it. "You have to overcome any obstacle to get where you want to be."

6.Cats are the best at playing. All it takes is a little piece of string. "Playing and having fun add spice to life."

7.Finally, and most importantly, a cat is above all a little ball of love. "Love is the most important lesson of all."

So you see, if you adopt a rescued cat, you will have the opportunity to give a great deal. But you will receive even more. Take it from me, the expert.

UPDATE: Lucy

(see previous post today)

I just received this from the org. that took in Cassie - the tortoise colored pregnant kitty I rescued (first pregnant cat I've EVER rescued) a several weeks ago. I thought it was a kind thing to say, but she did open my eyes to facts I didn't think about. I share it with you here. I am not patting my self on the back, I just think everyone should know these statistics simply put:

"Do you have any idea how many lives you have saved in the past few weeks by taking these pregnant cats off the streets? 4 pregnant cats, who will have anywhere from 4-8 babies each, even if half of those babies survived, in 6 months the females would be having babies right along with their mothers!! It's mind boggling. I just wish we had more room to take them all! Glad Lucy is safe! She is gorgeous :)"

Mind boggling! The picture here is of Lucy:

Lucy

I rescued one of the two pregnant females out there on this miserable rainy morning. Albeit a warm one. Thank God. I think we've seen the last of the frigid temps for the season. The only reason I did this was because someone - a true angel - offered to take her. This angel also has two of the three other pregnant cats I rescued in the past three weeks. "Lucy" (LOOSEy, get it? :))) is a very young grey kitty. I am hoping that I can get help with trapping and spaying on that street, as it is one of the highest populated street of cats on my daily route. I did one TNR (trap-neuter-return) there last summer, but its so hard for me to do on my own. I just need more bodies to help me with this! I do not know what I will do with sweet Mittens. She let me hold her in my arms this morning, she was sitting there in the rain when I pulled up. She is a young kitty too, just as sweet as can be. I need to think of a plan. If anyone knows of anyone that would be willing to foster her, it would be wonderful. She is not ready to give birth yet, but it will be soon. Here is a picture of Mittens.

Where The Wild Things Are

As I was out and about this morning, feeding at all my spots, all my kitties... with the new daylight savings time, its very dark out there! You can hear all sorts of sounds... I was thinking, many years ago, this would have been very scary for me to do. Walking in the inner city, where I know bad things happen, and I am going behind houses, into open fields, on the side of boarded up houses, etc. But I have such a confidence - almost a strength to push forward because these cats are waiting for me - they know me and have come to depend on me, so its almost a mindless journey for me. My senses are at their highest peak of the day at that time. I am quick and ready for anything that might happen, but it hasn't so far, and I am thankful for that. There are two pregant females out there, one is very young, a pretty grey girl - unnamed as of yet. The other I've named Mittens, because she is sweet, and has let me hold her in my arms. I must think of a plan for these girls, before they have their babies. I wish we had more homes to take these cats in. I have two friends, whom I won't name, they each have one cat in their house. These friends love to travel, and when they go away, their babies are so lonesome by themselves. I wish they would adopt another cat, and they would have companionship, and I wouldn't feel so bad catsitting for them! Now we will see if they read my blog! HA! This is a picture of my babies, Cosmo and Mary Jane, both rescues! Cosmo was found being stoned by kids on a downtown street, and Mary Jane and her brother Scooter were running across Main Street in January years ago at 5 in the morning!

March Madness

March has not been doing what I want it to do. Its supposed to be spring, no signs of snow, and decent temperatures... Instead, woke up to a light blanket of snow on the ground, and temps enough to make me wear my scarf. I am SO sick of this weather. Its been a horrific winter and year so far, including around the world, with all of the natural disasters that have happened. I just keep reminding myself to take it one day at a time, thats all we can do! Nothing really exciting happened this weekend, I didn't pick up any strays, although I continue to keep my eye out for two pregant females. I will have to make a decision on them soon. And it won't be a pleasant decision for me either. I did have a newfound friend shadow me Sunday morning. She is the girl that is fostering the two pregant cats I rescued within the past two weeks. One of which, Daisy, has given birth to six beautiful babies. As if my friend didn't have enough on her hands, but she is willing to help me out as I will have to travel for work next month. I thank God for her. I have had no help whatsoever with what I do, so its really really helpful to know someone is willing to step in when I need it most. When the cats need it most I should say! We had our changeover for daylight savings time Saturday, and was dragging yesterday, but for some reason, I am completely refreshed this morning, and ready to tackle whatever challenges lie ahead for me today! I hope you feel the same! PS, Pictures of my kitties Boris (gray) and Toonces, and Dexter (aka Darth Vader) who is still available for adoption!

TGIF

Such heartbreak all around our world. The earthquake in Japan, tsunamis, deadly weather - you would think God is shaking us up - picking up our earth and rattling us - we treat our earth and each other so bad sometimes, I wouldn't doubt if that is what He is doing. This morning was quiet, no signs of the two possums I ran into yesterday on Second Street, they were huddled in the dog igloo I have there, where I rescued the two kittens last fall. No sign of Red, and haven't seen him in quite a while now, last time with a limp. I worry so... There are so many sweet kitties out there waiting for homes...

I spoke to my mother yesterday who just adopted two adult cats I got off the street for her, Nelson and Gracie. You would think that adult cats that have been living on the streets for so long would be hardened to humans, but it has been my experience, 100% of the cats I've rescued (over 40 now?) have all turned out to be the most wonderful, sweet, grateful, well behaved pets to their adopters. My mother can't believe how these two have turned out in the past few weeks she has had them. Nelson (now named Benny) follows her from room to room, and lays on her bed at night. Gracie loves to be on her lap most of the time. These cats are just so grateful for our companionship and giving them a second chance at life. Won't you please consider one of these precious babies for your home?

BellyButtons!

Did you know that kittys have bellybuttons?? I didn't! Yes, and the mommy chews it away when they are born, and the stump falls off a week or so later! Isn't that (gross) sweet!!! :) I went to visit Daisy's newborns last evening, and they are precious. They are what, two days old? Nestled into their mommie's belly drinking the precious milk. I held one, they are not quite 'cute' yet. They look like little rats almost! Their eyes are not open yet, but they do squeal 'put me back with my mommy'! I also was told that they are blind and deaf when they are born. Can you imagine these tiny things being born outdoors? I can't.

On another note, I was asked by a dog friend (no, its not a dog, she's just into dogs more...) to share this in case there was some interest. I am a huge ANY KIND OF animal lover - it just so happens I feed cats. So, I share this:

"The link I sent you is a message from ASPCA regarding legislation that would greatly help puppy mill dogs. By clicking on it you are brought to an email that you can send to your legislators. I thought your bloggers would be interested in this. Thanks. Kim" http://capwiz.com/aspca/issues/alert/?alertid=32733501

Benny to the Rescue

Well, it was a 'fun' morning for me. Lots going on... I successfully rescued Benny, was quite easy actually, as he did his usual routine and ran to my car to greet me when he heard me pull up to the curb on Central. This lovely woman named Jan was willing to adopt Benny, and through Habitat for Cats would be fully vetted. Jan came and got Benny from my house, and she brought him straight to the vets, where he tested positive for leukemia. How sad. Benny is such a good boy. I hope that Benny will live a long life, as best as he can, with Jan, and I hope that HFC will support that decision with their continuance of paying for his neutering, etc. Jan is willing to take care of the little guy. Bless her very wonderful heart. I attach a picture of Benny that I took this morning on his first day of captivity.

On another note, as I was securing one of my spots this morning for the soon to be rains we are expecting to have, I turned around and there was a policeman asking me what I was doing this morning. Actually, three of them! My first reaction was - Oh My God, look at me, I must look like a hobo the way I was dressed. Then I remembered, the two things I did manage to do was brush my teeth and apply makeup. Thank GOD for that. Anyways, turns out one told me he loved cats and asked if he could call me if he ever came upon a situation that he needed to find someone to take a cat that he finds on his shift. Of course I couldn't say no, not to a policeman! :) They said they had heard about me in that neighborhood and had no problem with me doing what I was doing. I thanked them for noticing me. Its good to have 'friends' like that!

Daisy's Update

Well, Daisy survived a very difficult childbirth yesterday. She delivered six babies, the seventh did not survive. They are certainly a miracle, especially knowing the conditions of where they would have been born if I had not rescued Daisy as she went into labor nearly the day I rescued her. I sometimes wonder about the morality of having these kittens aborted before they give birth. Obviously, not at the late stage Daisy was in, but we are overwhelmed in the cat population, and although kittens are easily adopted, more so than adults, do we really need more cats? There is a cat out there now, a sweet little girl, black and white, she lets me pick her up and hold her, and I believe she might be pregnant. I don't know what to do about her. Do I have her kittens aborted, and then let her back out onto the street. I have such a hard time doing that, knowing a cat would make such a wonderful companion to someone. You read about so many situations where you have people that hoard cats and are living in filfty inhumane conditions, and what about those poor animals, who is going to adopt them once they are rescued. What do we do with this? How do we fix this?

Daisy's Babies

(sound of a bugle) (or horn?) announcing the birth of Daisy's babies!!! Daisy's babies began to enter the world around 3 am. this morning. All FIVE of them. And may be another one or two still to come! I attach a picture of them so far...

I can't feel any more happiness than I do about being able to take this cat off the street this past Friday morning. Daisy literally let me carry her from one spot, Central Park, to the next point being the back seat of my car, and drove her home without even a carrier to place her in. I can't feel any more gratitude than I do for having Anotherchancepetrescue being there for Daisy when she needed a place to nest and have her babies. And for mid-wife Heather for helping to deliver these babies. Thank you to everyone involved. I am so grateful.

Just Another Bloody Sunday

Thats a song! There was no blood involved, for me at least, today! We had another storm here last night, with lots of rain, turning into ice, turning into snow. It just never ends. There is another 5 inches at least on the ground so far today. Wonderful. I got to my babies this morning and managed to exchange the very wet towels for dry ones, so that they could eat comfortably this morning. I did not see the suspected pregnant Daffy, but I did notice that a pretty torty that I feed is now looking a bit full around her belly. I believe I am a bit shocked this year because I think I was feeding more feral cats in the past than I am now. Now I am feeding out and out strays, they've been out there, and getting pregnant by the second. Its terrible. I now know of two that I believe might be pregnant, and I've pushed my luck with this rescue group, as they've taken in three confirmed pregant babies since last Friday. I am waiting on the results of the last one I rescued this past Friday morning, Daisy, to see if she delivered her babies from her contracting, swollen belly of yesterday. They are all in warm loving homes thank God. Lollypop had their telethon yesterday and reminded its viewers that one cat can produced many litters over its lifetime, one cat can produce one female, and that female will have babies and produce more females, and that is where all this is coming from. I need help. I can't do this alone. I need volunteers to help with trapping and neutering. I need help from vets who are willing to do this at low cost, and won't make you wait for the neutering. Its just overwhelming sometimes. But the good part is I've saved three in a week, and there will be no suffering when they deliver their babies.

UPDATE: Daisy Rescue

Very pregnant Mama Daisy has been saved. I am so thankful that there are groups out there that devote themselves to saving mothers and their litters. These are some of the most dedicated individuals I've ever seen when it comes to animals. Kudos to AnotherChancePetRescue for their compassion and huge hearts!

I will post a picture of Daisy for everyone. Please remember, these mother cats will not be as adoptable as their cute offspring, so please consider adopting a mother cat! Older cats make the best cats as far as I am concerned, because they are SO grateful to you for giving them warmth, love, food and shelter. They know you rescued them off these mean streets!

Childbirth 101

OK, I did it again. I mentioned seeing a cat that looked very pregnant a few days ago at Benny's location. Well, she was out there this morning and was gobbling up food I put down for Benny and the others. I noticed her, and started to move closer and she didn't run. I was able to gently pet her, and then place my hands around her very full looking belly, and sure enough, she let me. I did not have my carrier with me. I thought to myself, how can I keep doing this? I have already overwhelmed Anotherchancepetrescue group this past week with two pregnant cats, and here is another. What to do, what to do. I just could not leave an animal in that condition in these elements, outside. Its unthinkable. So, without even thinking for another second, I grabbed her with one hand by the scruff, and the other around her belly, and actually carried her quite a distance to my car and placed her in my back seat, all without a squabble or cry. I drove straight home, leaving my food at this spot. I managed to get a carrier into the car in my driveway, and placed her in it. She is now in my bathroom, and I am clueless as to her fate. I have never witnessed a birth, nor do I know what to do when it happens. I just don't know what I am going to do. Can anyone offer help or suggestions? I am naming her Daisy. I will have pictures downloaded shortly.

Daffy

Well, I must sound like a broken record this week with the the pregnant cats I gotten off the street, but I think there is another one out there this morning. I am naming her Daffy (short for Daffodil). She is a little sweet black and white who lets me pick her up and hold her. She comes out of an abandoned house basement window each morning and greets me with a meow. I looked at her good this morning and she is a bit rounded in the belly. I will have to keep my eyes open to see if she is growing. Its a tragedy there are so many pregnant cats out there, and I sometimes blame myself that I am not trying to round up these animals to get them fixed, but I have NO time - I am a one woman show! I wish I had help... seriously. I have a more than full time job I have to go to for 9-10 hours a day. I barely have weekends anymore, nor do I have space in my house for any more... Nor do I have a place to conveniently drop them off that morning, and the other issue is I don't WANT to drop these cats back out into the street once they are neutered. They are too sweet and wonderful to put them back out there to fend for themselves. I need a safe haven to bring them to, which is why I would love to be part of a sanctuary. I just need the money!

Boo Rescue

Well, another one saved. The pregnant Boo I wrote about this past week I managed to grab and place in my carrier. She is a pretty little girl, but very pregnant, and very scared. I got the go ahead from Anotherchancepetrescue, who have been lifesavers for me for several pregnant mothers recently. I rescued 'Cassie' just last Friday in the snowstorm, who is ready to give birth any day, and this group took her in. Cassie is a pretty tortoise colored cat. Boo, who I would like to rename Olivia (as in Hussey, get it? :)) is a pretty grey tabby. Olivia/Boo is ready any day now also. So sad, so many kittens... At least we got another female off the street. These newborn babies would have died easily in these elements. I sometimes wonder if cats have the same feelings as humans... Did I take her away from her mate, Benny? Is Benny the dad? Or is the dad one of the other several cats I feed at that location. She hung around Benny though. Benny came running to me right up to my car door this morning. Boo right behind him. I would love to find a home for Benny, so sweet, but it must be home that is ready for him NOW. I cannot keep him. I wish someone would open their hearts to adopting another cat. I do not believe that you can never have enough, but you can have JUST enough. I will have pictures of Olivia posted shortly.

Hello Sunshine!

Yes, the sun is out, my heart is renewed, my spirit is invigorated. Yea, right. :) I picked up a LOT of frozen solid stiff as a board towels this morning. I will have a LOT of laundry to do. But put down fresh warm dry towels in place of them and hopefully the babies out there will use them. The straw is for inside the shelters. Under the lean-to's is where the towels go, because the snow still gets in there and it would not make sense to put straw in there as it would get wet. At one of my spots, there are three sweet babies, one is a tortoise, one is a black and white, and the other is a gray kitty. All three desperate for food each morning. I did see Benny this morning he did let me pick him up, if I only had someone to take him immediately, life would be grand. I did not see Boo, who I believe is full-term pregnant. I brought my carrier with me in hopes of grabbing her and bringing her to someone who volunteered to see her through her birthing, but she was not there. I am so worried about her. I will try again tomorrow. I wish she would nest in the straw filled shelter I have at that spot, but they dont' use it for some reason. It was built by my friend's husband, and includes a tiled roof! The property it sits on is someone who is fixing up their home - vacant at the moment - just waiting for him to sell or rent it and then get ready to be kicked out of there, which will not be good for the babies I feed there. I remain optimistic and hopeful that spring is just around the corner, to give these guys a much needed break from the extreme weather we've all endured this past winter.