Clyde

We are expecting snow beginning tomorrow.  They say it will be a nasty storm.  As I went to my spots this morning, greeting each kitty and giving them their breakfast (and lunch and dinner), I made mental notes as to what I need to bring tomorrow.  At some spots, it will be more boards to tighten up and try to keep the snow out, some will be a tarp or plastic table cloth for the same purpose.  Maybe a little more straw for the inside of the plastic tote huts.

I place towels down under shelters only to replace wet ones after it rains, or moisture gets in, which isn't a lot of the time out of the year, but my purpose for this is for a tiny bit of comfort for these cats.  I know they are not insulators by any means, but under their feet, compared to the cold wet ground, I am sure its of some miniscule comfort for them.

I also place my shelters so that the openings are facing east, as I know most storms come from the West, but many still come from the South and the North.  Blizzards, it doesn't really matter!  I just have to dig out, replace, and pray they stay warm and dry for that day, until I come around and do it all over again the next day.  I've been doing this for years so I have become familiar with wind directions, etc.  My main objective is for these cats to have a dry, and warm place to bundle in during the storms.  Right now I am not fully equipped to give them that, but I am trying.  I can still use more shelters, if any of you know or have it in you to make a few.

After Jingle's departure to her new foster home last evening, which I could not bear to make the exchange myself - I've become so bonded with her, I decided I was going to rescue the next most neediest.  I got the grey Parsells boy this morning!  He is in the 'holding area' for today (bathroom), until I can socialize with him a little more.  I am hesitant with this one as he is hissing, and I am always fearful if they are not immediately sweet right off the bat.  He is not one of my lap sitters out there.  But he seemed like he was getting a cold or something, so I thought I should get him in.  Will keep you posted, and pictures to come.

A friend of mine that I used to work with, Elyse, sent me a note yesterday that really lifted my spirits.  I hope you enjoy the story as well!




Clyde!

 "Janine, I have a heartwarming story for animal lovers, and you are the number one! My cousin, who is single, lives alone, and is like a sister to me, (plans to move here when she retires in 3 years or sooner if possible) has talked about someday having a dog. We have talked about sharing a family place in the ADKS and what kind of dog we would want for our family there. We have talked about this on and off for years. She recently had a break-in in her home and called me terrified that someone had been in her house. (She lives 300 miles away and I was the first person she called and she didnt really know where to go overnight because she didnt want to stay in the house.) Anyway, we have a "pack" of animlas between us and my daughters here in Rochester ....cats and dogs, and my cousin loves them all. They are family to us! So last weekend we went to visit her because she needed some company following the break-in the prior weekend. We took one of our dogs along and had a fun Friday night in her home. Saturday we went to a quaint little town to shop and lunch. As we were walking we ran into a couple with an adorbale dog wearing, none other than, a vest that said "ADOPT ME".


Clyde meeting his future Mom


We stopped to chat with the couple and my cousin bent to pet the dog and a passerby knocked her to the ground accidentally. The dog immediately nuzzled next to her and covered her with kisses. It was an instant bond and love at first sight. He was a boxer/lab mix, exactly the kind of dog she and I had talked about in our conversations. The couple gave her a card from the rescue organization (Lulu's rescue) and as we walked on we talked more and more about this beautiful 8 month old pup, Clyde. We talked about how she really wants and needs a comnpanion and how she wants to get her work life into balance (she has the ability to work from home) and wants motivation to stay on track with walking and exercising and how Clyde could be just the perfect companion. Well....she applied and was accepted and she and Clyde are today, right now, bonding! He has his forever home and she has her beloved companion! When the foster left him at her house, he jumped into my cousin's lap and snuggled close to her. Then he took a nap, comfy in his new home.


Clyde going for a ride with new Mom!


Next she took him for a ride in her VW Bug, and they went to a nice place to take a long walk. I have not seen her this excited and happy ever! This is the start of a wonderful friendship and a great success story for this awesome rescue organization.


Clyde at his new home


I thought of you because I knew you would love the story. My daughters and I have shed happy tears about it! Such a great holiday story! Clyde is home in his forever home for the hoildays!  Merry Christmas, Janine! Love ya! "