Creed

I have to make this quick.  I just got home, leaving the house at 5 am. and just now returning at 7 am.  I need to get to work.  It was heartbreaking out this morning.  I drove home with tears in my eyes.  I saw a lot of sadness, knowing the suffering that is happening out there.  From the paw prints in the snow, to the few cats that I did see, that were waiting there, standing pathetically in the snow covered towels that I placed yesterday under the food and water dishes for some dry warmth, to the cat on Central that was obvious very sick making a pathetic noise, and a horrible smell, to finally the dogs barking on Seventh, probably never have ventured inside a warm house in their life.  The wind was ferocious, I thought my skin would freeze, but then I couldn't even feel it at times. 

Thank you to the kind people who met me at the Stout garage to try to pry it open - they were successful in prying it open a bit, but it needed something to stick in there to keep it open enough for cats to get in.  It was one tough door, the City bolted it with nails so good - thanks City of Rochester, for your compassion towards animals.  I went back after my rounds to try to prop it open with a small rock I was able to find under the snow at some of my other spots, but not sure if the cats can get in this small opening, still.  I will bring something big tomorrow to prop it up more, but by then it will be out of the below zero temps that it will be in all day today.

Another sad note, Gordie's new 'father' called last night and told me that he couldn't sleep, that he was keeping him awake with his crying, and wanted to return him.  He's had him for a week.  He also said something about his Cleo not getting along with him.  I was dumbfounded, not finding the right words or advice because I was overwhelmed when I got the call.  Wally, if you will remember, the poor older black man who took in Larry a year or so ago called me to say he hadn't been home in almost a week, wouldn't tell me why, but I had keys to his place and I went over and took Larry, who's litter box was full, and his food scattered.  I was furious with Wally, and still don't know what I am going to do about it, but I now have poor Larry in my basement, Sargent in my bathroom, and now Gordie.  I asked Tony to please hold on for a few days until I can figure something out.  I don't know what I am going to do with him.  My life is chaos right now, and I am sick over it.  I remember this situation happened with Harold - who cried constantly, and their female kitty did not like him.  He was the kitty I rescued and Kim and her wonderful family adopted and stuck it out and now they couldn't be happier with him.  I am sick over this.  I need help fostering a cat.  If anyone can help out, I would certainly be forever grateful.

Harold

I love this, I like to read it again and again.  Someone else wrote it but it could have easily have been written by me, and thousands of others...  It is what my lot is life is defined by:

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.