Mr. DeMille, I'm Ready For My Close Up

I had a news camera in my face all morning.  Yes, indeedy.  I did.  A nice - handsome I might add - guy named Scott from RNEWS (Channel 9 Time Warner) http://rochester.twcnews.com/ followed me all around this morning, filming, interviewing, watching, absorbing just what I do each day.  And the kitties were all out in full swing.  They were the stars!   Can't wait to see what they put together. I think they will have to splice one hour into one minute, not sure, but hopefully they will capture the plight of these animals.  Now, keep in mind, the winds were whipping, so my hair looked BAD, and Scott caught me in some unflattering positions, bending down trying to get bowls that were pushed back in their shelters for me to fill, with my big ole butt high in the air.  Oh man...  fifteen, even ten years ago I wouldn't have minded so much.  :)  So, if you catch the newscast (Friday at 6 pm.), don't look at me.  :)

I touched on a lot of good points for the interview.  Scott was not only touched by what he saw, but also blown away knowing the neighborhoods I feed in.  He said he's worked the overnight shift for 20 years and has covered many a homicides in that area.  He was blown away.  I told him that I was known by many around there as the cat lady, and that from homeless people, homeless cats, to drug dealers and prostitutes, and I had respect from most of them for what I do there.  Not to mention, 5 am. is a pretty quiet time in those areas!

On top of all that, I have two spots at the clinic this morning.  One female that I believe is pregnant, and a boy.  The female, Tuxie, is sort of feral, and she's been in my bathroom overnight.  She is actually handle able.  She will be going back to a girl who has been fostering all four cats that were 'dumped' on her a week or so ago, for her to foster and try to socialize her for adoption.  Its a long story, but it is one of the Robert's Wesleyan cats - this sis the same girl that recently adopted Autumn/Bonnie from me.  She will hold on to two of them  and the other two more feral will be gone today, someone is coming to get them, and they will go somewhere until their neuter/spay appointments next week.   The other two she is willing to work on, to socialize, and hopefully get them adopted.   

My question is - and believe me - I've read all the manuals about socializing feral cats/kittens.  My question is CAN it be done, even though they say it can't be after they get to a certain age.  I know it takes a lot of patience and a lot of time.  But what are some of the little things you can do to make a good start at it?

I took the time to grab one of them, and hold it for a long time, and gently talk to it, and pet it, and believe it or not, it began to purr, after it stopped shaking.  I know it can be done, with a lot of patience and a lot of love.  But in the meantime, when you have someone who is not willing, or make the time, what can you do? 

So, thats it in a nutshell.  Its getting colder out there, and it actually snowed a bit while out this morning.  I must get these poor animals off the streets, but in the meantime, I must get their shelters secure, so that they have somewhere to go to to get some rest, some sleep, some peace, some security.  There are just so many.

There will be times in your life when you have to choose between being loved and being respected. 

Always pick being respected. 

Love without respect is always fleeting…

but respect can grow into real lasting love