thebean

911

2012-02-27T04:03:00.003-08:00

Yes, after a few months of giving them a break from me, I had to call again this morning. As I was leaving my fourth spot, and just before I was getting into my car I heard a faint meowing.... I am really glad I checked it out. I got closer to the sound, and looked up into the third story window of the house next door, shined my light and there was kitties eyes illuminating in the window. Poor thing. I shined my light inside the windows - the house sits upwards on a hill, so couldn't see at eye level, but I could see the house was empty. Damn people. They left their cat when they moved out. How cruel. I gave my usual name and number and asked for a call back but doubt I will get that so I will be following up until I get an answer today. I will call so many times they will have to come arrest me. ha.

Another situation on hand. , the little girl kitten I named Muffin, not much older than six or seven months, I suspect she is pregant. I will be calling Habitat for Cats today to ask for an appointment at their clinic for her, and pray I can get someone to transport her as this is the difficult part for me to do with my very busy full-time job.

As I mentioned in my Saturday post, I have not seen either sick kitty in days, so there is no news there. Jackson and Jimmy await me each morning and beg me, in their feline way, to take them home and out of their misery.

The good news: Its Monday, and its a weatherless day, and all 13 locations that I feed in - all the kitties have full bellies.

This is a picture of Jimmy, one of the sweet kitties that runs to me in the morning before I can even get out of the car. Sweet boy.

I must tell you about the fundraiser I attended yesterday, when I have more time this week. Wonderful people! But so lucky as they are all part of groups, whereas I do what I do all by my lonesome. Will report more tomorrow! Have a GREAT day!

Snowy Saturday

2012-02-25T09:31:00.000-08:00

Yes, when you are all in your snuggly warm beds this morning at 5 am., the winds were howling something fierce outside, and the snow was pelting. It was not a good night for the kitties out there. I made the best I could for them this morning, but it will be a miserable day for them. The snow is just coming down, and the wind is still whipping. I did not see either sick kitty, the severe one, nor the one that is getting close to severe, but very sweet. I was going to pick up pills from someone who offered them to try to give to these cats yesterday but my day got away from me, so I wound up searching in my cabinet and found some old pills and pocketed them, hoping to give one or two the the sweet sick one, but he wasn't there. I have to tell you about that certain spot also. I have mentioned about a nutty person that must go there during the day and rearranges things, and leaves crazy food and containers. Seems to have a good heart!, but you can tell there are some apples missing from the basket! Well, I had a door as a lean to on this porch and under it I placed straw, and put a carrier at one end of it with towels and blankets to protect it. Recently, the door has been moved to different spots, and sometimes thrown into the yard. Each time I would set the porch up again the way it originally was - I know the cats were using it. I knew their security was being disrupted each time this person did this, but I couldn't stop it. Finally, earlier this week, the person did it. He/She finally broke the door in half and it was strewn in the yard. Well, the next day, I left a note on the back of a paper plate stating something like "You won - did that make you feel better? You took the only warm shelter these cats had and broke it - I am sure God is proud of you" - something like that. Well, do you know, the next day, half of that door was placed over the straw against the house. Somehow, I got to this person. I am still in shock, but I feel better knowing that this person actually has a conscience!

I wanted to say one more thing, and then I am going to go read my cooking magazine that just came in the mail, and relax. I wanted to say that there may be some folks who would like to see me try to pill the very sick kitty rather than have it euthanized. Here is my take: This cat, is very very ill - It would take many days of treatment to make it well. Due to the chances of this cat getting the treatment, and the severity of its illness, if I were to ask this cat what would it choose, life on the streets where it has to struggle and suffer every day to make it on these very dangerous and miserable streets as a very sick cat, even a healthy one, or to have it life end in a humane way, without suffering, I am sure this cat would chose the latter. I don't do euthanasia on a whim. I know when its right and when its wrong, and I've done both, and I feel this time its right. Show me the person who can take this cat in and make it well, and then I have a choice.

TGIF... For Sure...

2012-02-24T03:52:00.001-08:00

It was a very long week - it just dragged, didn't it? I have the day off, thank the Lord! I need these three day weekends to regroup. I get all my cleaning done today, grocery shopping, and then I can really enjoy the two day weekend after that!

No sign of the very sick kitty out there, but there sure are a lot of other ones! I can hear their labored breathing, but none as bad as the very sick one, except for one. At one of my spots, where the crazy person goes during the day, there is a very sweet kitty with snot coming out of its nose. Its getting very sick, and I am sick over it. This cat would easily go into my carrier if I placed it there, but its got no where to go. I will not go into why I can't take another cat into my home, but please know if I could, I would. And some might say, why can't you try to pill the cat yourself? Well, if I had the meds, and if I were able to do that the first time, the cat would be so spooked it would be frightened of me for some time. Its happened before. If I put the pill in the food, it might work, but I need the meds. But remember, these cats are going downhill quickly too. He is sicker each day.

I wish someone could help me and take in a sweet sick kitty - and that includes Jackson, who was waiting for me again as always. Its so hard for me to leave these guys in the morning after I feed them. Its just so hard.

I am going to a fundraiser on Sunday with my friend Kristin. There should be a lot of different groups, some that do what I do but have help by others, which I don't. I am on my own. I hope I am able to connect with someone that can help me.

I will post if something good happens this weekend, otherwise, have yourself a good one!

PS, attached pic is one of the kitties I feed - Jimmy. He has a collar, but a lot of these strays do. He is definitely a stray, lives under a porch on Third.

Spread the Love

2012-02-23T03:40:00.000-08:00

Goodmorning. I have seconds this morning as I have to drive an hour to Newark for work. No fun. No sign of very sick kitty this morning. I tried, with one hand holding the carrier, and the other the food. I have no idea where he is. When I first go back behind the house and close to the board, I listen for his breathing, which you can definitely hear. And then I shine my flashlight under the board to see him, and he is usually sitting there. I wonder if cats can die from this, and I wonder if he has. I pray for him each day that he is not suffering.

The other cat that I have to feed near the street when I first get there so that he doesn't disturb my trapping of sick kitty behind the house I've named Jackson. He just looks like a Jackson. This morning Jackson, as I got into my car very disappointed once again, followed me and climbed right in. He always stands on my chest as I am sitting there with the car running, luxuriating in the warmth and loving the heavy petting! :) Its a crime I have to leave cats like this. I beg of each and every one of you to spread the word, to your friends, and then their friends, and the friends of their friends, and the friends of the friends of their friends - ok, I know.... but you get my drift. Please spread the word far and wide about adopting a cat. They don't deserve to live in outdoor conditions that they are barely surviving in now. They are throwaway cats by ignorant people, and they need loving homes. Spread the word.

To Feed Or Not To Feed - That Is The Question

2012-02-22T06:09:00.001-08:00

First, I had help this morning to try to trap the very sick kitty. We were both at opposite ends of the board, with the trap stuck in one end, and me at the other, and the gaps secured so the kitty couldn’t escape. Well, as I went to open the board and shoe the cat toward the trap, the cat was not there! Of all days, when I have the help, the cat was not there. I don’t know where the poor baby went, but I will try again this Saturday when I have help again. I will try again tomorrow, by myself, who am I kidding. The suffering of an animal is something I cannot handle – I will keep trying. I will keep you posted.

On the subject of people who think its wrong of me to keep feeding homeless animals and not having them spayed or neutered, let me give you a few facts. Unfortunately, unwanted animals are a part of our society. They are the kittens that were dumped because they grew up, started being inconvenient and stopped being cute; and the cats that were too expensive (difficult, annoying, problematic) to move when their owners did and were, therefore, abandoned.

I can tell you that they way these cats live, especially in this area that has harsh winters, its inhumane. If people don't feed them, they are gaunt and starving. They get killed by cars and dogs. Diseases run rampant. They are better off euthanized peacefully than left to live on the streets, freezing and starving.

The answer, of course, is yes, you should feed strays. Since cats became domesticated they are no longer wild animals that can fend for themselves outside. They don't survive very well outdoors on their own without human intervention.

I have had many many many cats neutered. Most of these cost me from my own pocket. Many were discounted, and many I paid full price for. The majority of those I found homes for because I couldn’t bear to put them back on the streets. And the others I have had to put back on the streets, and it was heartbreaking each time. I won’t get into all the specifics trying to defend why I can’t spay or neuter all of these cats I feed, but I can tell you there aren’t enough people like me out there trying to make a difference. I need help in many ways, some friends would say mentally - ha ha, but for those that criticize me, step into my shoes for one day and you will see the difficulty I have in even getting out there to feed the 40+ cats I do each morning in all weather conditions, let alone trapping them, bringing them to one of two clinics we have for spaying – one open only one day a week and cat must be there at 8 am. and picked up at 2 pm., the other is once a month, and you are on a waiting list, and both a distance to drive. And I have a full time job.

The best that stray cats can usually do is to eat from garbage cans. Every now and then they may find a mouse to eat, but in general most stray cats are starving. Especially during the winter.

A lot of people are reluctant to feed strays for several different reasons. One of these is the idea that strays will breed out of control if you feed them. The truth is that strays can breed out of control whether or not they are fed. Not feeding stray cats will NOT reduce the stray population. Even very hungry cats can still breed and then they will produce starving and unhappy little kittens.

Also, remember that it isn't the cat's fault that he or she is a stray. Often strays are cats that have been abandoned by their owners for some reason. Other times, the strays are born outdoors to other stray cats. In any case, it isn't the cat's fault that they have no home. Also, cats are intelligent animals with feelings and individual personalities and it is cruel to let them go hungry.

So, I guess my point is, don’t criticize those that feed cats. Do something to make a difference in your own neighborhood, or help someone else in theirs. Lend a hand to help.

Help

2012-02-21T04:10:00.000-08:00

I tried again to trap the kitty with the serious upper respiratory infection. The kitty stays under a board against the back of a (lived in - and permission given to feed there) house on a warm blanket. The past two mornings I've placed the trap at one end of the board, and go to the other side and with my foot coax the cat to move to the end with the trap. He was almost in it this morning but jumped through the gap that was open next to the trap. I need another body to help me. This is very upsetting to me each time. Saturday morning, I actually cried on my way home. I don't often let this get to me, but this cat is really getting to me. I've seen a lot of severely injured cats - where they've been hit and their eyeball is out of its socket, or bitten by something where they have a huge bloody wound on the neck, or been in a big fight with some other animal, but never one like this just plain sick, not able to breathe well. Its really getting to me. I have a hard time asking for help, but if anyone knows anyone that might be willing to get up and help me at 6 am., it would be awesome. Thats the time I arrive at this spot. I have to be at work one and half hour later, so its a fast situation. Of course, I would have to drive the cat to the emergency hospital for euthanization, which is another sad situation in itself, but one that I know is the right thing, rather than just turning my back on this cat and leaving it to suffer.

There was a news report about dogs being euthanized here in Rochester because there are so many unwanted and abused and neglected ones out there, and they are being brought to shelters. And here we have puppy mills happening in our country. Its sickening. I hope people get involved at the very least by never buying from pet shops, and never buying from a breeder. If you want a purebred, go to the rescue shelters, you will find them there, and for the price of getting them spayed, you will save yourself a lot of money.

Tomorrow I want to address what someone mentioned to me the other day that someone mentioned to her about me = Why is she feeding these animals when all she is doing is helping them to reproduce? Can't WAITto get into THAT! HAVE A NICE DAY! :)

Choices

2012-02-20T03:53:00.000-08:00

This is something I don't have the luxury of having -- There are some terribly sick cats out there, and there is no one offering to take them in and care for them since Nancy, my Webster angel, did a month or so ago with five of them. Bless her heart. I have spent the past four morning trying by myself to trap a very very sick kitty at one of my spots. He has severely labored breathing, yet is waiting each morning for me under the board, on top of a warm blanket. He won't let me come too near him. I placed the trap just under the board so he basically couldn't get out one side, and I had a freshly opened can of tuna inside to lure him, but I then remembered that he probably cannot smell the tuna due to his severe congestion. I left and came back just before I finished my rounds. I wonder if cats can die of suffocation when filled with their own mucous (sp?). I am going to try placing the trap down again tomorrow, and going towards him from the other side to force him in - pray that works. If I am successful, he will then go to the only choice I have - the emergency hospital for euthanization. I have no money to care for him, nor do I have a place for him to heal. Very sad that thats the only choice I have - Rochester is such a small city - we don't have enough people to care and love and foster animals. I have had Another Chance Rescue group help me in the past but I believe their foster people are filled to capacity. I've been on my own rescuing cats now for close to a year, and have four in my house that need adopting too. Its just too much.

We have an epidemic out there folks. For each spot I go to, I hear a labored breathing. None as bad as this poor angel I've been trying to trap, but its getting worse at each location. I'm praying for a miracle.

Nutty Friday

2012-02-17T05:32:00.000-08:00

My morning was crazy. I wound up sleeping past my alarm - til 5 am., which I never do. I scrambled around to make it out the door to feed the kitties at 5:20 (five minutes late - I am so rigid!) - of course, teeth brushed, make up on, and hair swept up looking decent. I will never be accused of keeping a man waiting!

My plan was to try to trap the very sick kitty this morning, so armed with my trusty smelly tuna, I quickly did the first half of my route and went on ahead to Second where the sick kitty was. I knew this would be tough because there is a cat that lives under a porch there that was dumped, obviously, due to its sweet nature, and starving each day, and quickly runs to me, and I knew this cat had a good chance of going into the trap. But I placed food down for him, and then I heard my name called. It was Kenny G., the dude I met a year or so ago on the streets, breath always smelling of alcohol, riding his bicyle. Kenny used to be married to a doctor, had a son that was shot a few years ago, and obviously something took effect and he because sort of a homeless alcoholic. He has a good heart. I took him home and made him breakfast once, and gave a him a good warm coat (and a beer). He will NEVER forget that. He gets tears in his eyes when he sees me, and thanks me over and over again and tells me what a good person I am. He says he brags about me to all his friends, and will defend my safety to the end. Wish I had him as a bodyguard, but thats another story. Anyways, here I am running late to begin with, and he is scaring the kitties by being there - they are used to just me and the quietness of my visit. I talked to Kenny for a few minutes, and then went to the back area and there was the kitty, under the board/shelter, breathing erractically and wet all over his nose area. I ran for the trap, set it on the driveway, prayed the cat would come to it, went on my way to finish my route, and came back. The wrong kitty was in the trap, and as I watched, the cat got out the trap! I have a very bad trap. Anyways, I was running late to begin with so I had to leave. The poor animal. I will try again tomorrow, although this trap I have is not very good. I will have to try to figure something out.

Grave Matters

2012-02-16T03:59:00.000-08:00

I am beginning to feel like no one is reading my blog anymore, I never get comments --- I hope someone is! Although if no one is, writing each day is cathartic for me. Plus, its a sort of journal for me to keep track of all the cats I've rescued. I still wish I had enough money to buy a decent camera to take pictures of what I see - last time I took my camera I couldn't figure out the flash - my cheap Kodak camera by the way. I don't have money for squat these days, nor any day. I spend so much money feeding these cats, caring for them, washing, drying, my washer and dryer is shot. I've got to get a break someday, soon I hope.

The grave matter I was referring to is a cat that I just discovered yesterday on my second to last stop in the morning. From this spot I have rescued MANY cats, and have had a few neutered and returned too. Just recently Nancy took in two kitties we trapped that had upper respiratory infections, and are doing fine now. I am hoping she will send me some good pictures of them soon. Anyway, there is a cat that there is very very sick. You can hear this cat's labored breathing a mile a way, as he came close to gobble the food I placed down I noticed wetness all around its nose area. Now I want to get this cat and relieve it from its suffering. I would have to take it to the shelter here in Rochester, where it would surely be put down. But I would do this in a heartbeat to relieve the suffering of an animal. Its a frightened cat, not sure if I could call it a stray or a semi-feral. But I would have to trap too many others before I get this one. Or at least I think thats how it would work. There is a very sweet stray there that got in my car the other morning begging me to take it home. Crawled all over me while sitting there in the car. He/she would be the first one to get in the trap. And after seeing that cat in the trap, all the other would be frightened. So there goes one day. To my critics for not trying to trap more, keep in mind I have just so much time each morning before I have to get ready for work. Work is vital. I have to have a paycheck to feed these cats. I am just sick over this situation. I wish I had help. This cat is also infecting the others, I know. Please pray for this cat.

Wanted: A Forever Home

2012-02-15T04:08:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentines Day!

2012-02-14T04:08:00.000-08:00

All my little babies are dry, snug and fed. It was a mild morning, the towels I layed down yesterday were dry, and the crazy person did not disturb one of my spots that I find in a disarray every other morning just about. This is an abandoned house - or boarded up I should say - on a very busy corner in the hood, near the public market. You would think daytime activity would be noticed, or you wouldn't want to be noticed, but this crazy person leaves crockpots with crazy food stuff in it, platters of crazy stuff - I use the word crazy because the food is indistinguishable!

Anyways, I did take a lot of pictures, but some just turned out hard to really see whats going on, and what the shelters look like. I share a few here.

I mentioned the shelter I had to take Emma to on Saturday in Buffalo. I was just overwhelmed by the sense of goodness I felt when I walked in the doors. And it didn't smell! There were different rooms for each type of kitty. There was a room just for FIV kitties, and a GP room (general population), and a room for recovering sick kitties, and the room that newbies are brought to for observation before they are placed. Also, there is a room for kitties on their way to the stores for adoption! This place is awesome, and its something we lack here in Rochester. AND they adopt out so much that they do accept kitties most of the time. Its WONDERFUL. As usual, running out of time, but I do want to share more about this place with you, and my vision of what we could have in Rochester if only we had the funding for it. A lot of cat lovers would be very relieved to know that these beautiful strays on the streets now would have a forever home. We just need to pull together for this one common goal. Have a great day!

Broken...

2012-02-13T04:35:00.000-08:00

hearted... thats the way I've felt all weekend. We had over a foot of snow Saturday and Sunday. I personally love the snow, I love to drive in it - especially before the plows are out in the morning, I love to shovel it, and I love to play in it, but for the cats, thats another story. I see these poor creatures come out of some pretty rough spots trying to stay warm and dry - the locations where I don't have a shelter, or an ideal one - which is few to begin with - some of the snow is higher than the cats, so they have to try to navigate through it, and when they get to where they are going, the food that was left there is now covered deep with it. I got a lot of towels over the two days that were snow covered and wet and frozen, and layed a lot of dry ones down. I shouldn't complain because its been a very mild winter, but days like these, where I am sure these cats are overstressed, and my toes are frozen after the first half hour of being out in the temperatures in the teens and 20s.

I asked someone to rate me on positivity the other day, they said they would give me about a 7 or 8 being on a scale of 1 as negative and 10 as positive - they said I didn't get a 10 due to my sadness when its bad out weatherwise. Otherwise, I do consider my self a very happy and positive person. I have hope for the future.

I also visited a shelter in Buffalo this weekend - yes, I had to take Emma (Cynthia now as she was named by the neighbors who cared for her while we tried to find her home) there due to no response from anyone to take her. No one claimed this little homeless stray. The shelter is a no-kill shelter and after I left, I realized this place was what I dream of for myself. I will tell you about it in my next post as I am so late getting myself out the door for work. I have high hopes that Emma/Cynthia will be a very happy kitty after she gets out of 'observation'. Ten Lives Club is amazing. I will tell you more, and share some pics I took this weekend with you tomorrow.

Have a great day!

Dog Days...

2012-02-10T03:41:00.000-08:00

The following letter was written by a good friend of mine. Kristin and her husband have done a lot for me, and I am so grateful to have them in my life. She found me through my blog, and has built shelters for me and donated in so many ways. Kristin lives in the sticks, and has seen a lot of sad things regarding animals and the way' country folk' keep their animals... She wrote this in hopes of changing a dog's life - the dog lives just near her home. I commend her for doing something - too many people turn a blind eye in this world when there is an injustice in front of them either out of fear, selfishness, or ignorance. Thank you Kristin, for trying to make a wrong right. I will keep you posted if anything comes out of this! Here it is:

February 3rd, 2012

Hello to you. Although we have never met, I am a Churchville resident and have been for many years. I live on a neighboring road and I often walk my dog along Palmer Road as part of my routine. I noticed recently that you have acquired a small dog. It makes me very sad whenever I see him or her and it is for this reason that I am writing to you. I hope that you will take a moment to read this. I would like to say first that I am just a fellow human being who is by no means perfect and that this letter is written with humbleness, with my hat in my hand so to speak and my heart probably too much on my sleeve. I can only hope that this message will be taken in the kind and respectful spirit in which I write it.

I see that your dog appears to be an outdoor dog as he or she seems to be out whenever I happen by – which is at various times due to my work schedule. I also see that he or she has a nice house and a run which lets me know you must care for your dog very much. But it breaks my heart to see him or her alone, day after day, night after night, knowing how much dogs need and want attention, companionship and affection. I understand that many dogs cannot be in the house during the day when the owner is at work. I myself tried this with my shepherd years ago and she chewed through my mattress one day, right down to the springs. When I got home, it looked as if a bomb had exploded in my mattress. Needless to say, she spent her days happily in her pen while I was at work. So I truly understand the need to have your dog outside at various times. What I am hoping is that you may consider bringing your dog in when you are home during the day and at night. A dog tied up alone for the vast majority of its life is a sad and lonely animal. Dogs are pack animals and do not like or want to be alone. Sometimes they may not want other dogs around but they always want human contact. A life spent tied to a small house all alone day and night - except for a few minutes of contact when someone brings you food and water is sad life for any animal, let alone a dog. I think of the excitement your dog must feel when he or she sees you walking towards him and then his unhappiness when you walk away and he or she is alone again. There is no doubt that dogs have emotions. They love us, want to please us, and want to be with us. Dogs can think and feel - feel pain, sadness, and loneliness as well as love, loyalty and happiness. If they did not, they could not be the wonderful pets they are as well as police dogs, hunting dogs, military dogs, companion dogs for the blind and disabled, search and rescue dogs, and therapy animals for those in hospitals and nursing homes and schools. There is a reason there are no search and rescue lizards or police fish. J And regardless of what job they do, at the end of the day, they need to be taken into the home and treated as the pets they deserve to be. There are many misconceptions about certain dogs losing their abilities if they are not kept outside – guard dogs, hunting dogs, sledding dogs. But this is untrue and if you check any reputable website it will explain why.

I can only imagine the joy your dog would feel to be brought in at night with you, to curl up next to you feeling warm, safe and loved. I think you too would find you love having your dog with you, to play with or simply be by your side. It would not take much to change the life of the wonderful creature now tied up alone in the backyard.

I know this may not be easy for you to read or even consider – I know it has not been easy for me to write. But I think that in this world that can be so heartless and cruel to both people and animals, we should take every opportunity we have to make it a kinder and more loving place. So, I truly, truly have not written this to offend you or anger you in any way. Just to offer some food for thought about your dog’s living situation because I care very much about the happiness of people and animals. Also, if it helps knowing how others view this subject, the lawmakers in 3 states (Texas, Nevada and California) have passed laws making it illegal to tie up or pen a dog for more than a certain number of hours a day. Not too many people know about that. Our state as well has a proposed law limiting tethering which has not yet been voted on. The city of Canandaigua however, already legally limits the number of hours a dog can be tied up or penned. I know other cities have similar laws too.

I hope that maybe you will consider what I have said and decide to bring your dog into your home and your life a little more. The kindness you show a dog will always come back to you and is never wasted. Thank you very much for taking the time to read this. I know it’s kind of long.

I wish you nothing but the best ~

Sincerely,
A fellow dog lover

(Kristin did give an e-mail address that this person can contact her at).

Emma

2012-02-09T03:38:00.000-08:00

This is Emma. This young very thin very friendly female was at my doorstep on January 29th and is lost. No one responding to ads. Please, if you know of anyone that can take her and give her a good home, please let me know. She has been kept in a bathroom by my neighbor for two weeks now and has to be moved this Saturday. Please give her a chance.

I Can't Get No... Satisfaction

2012-02-08T03:56:00.000-08:00

I can't get nooo -- satisfaction, but I try, and I try, and I try, and I TRYYYYY sorry, I got carried away singing to the tune of the Stones... love that Mick!

I was thinking about things this morning. Someone left me a three small bags of cat food on my porch overnight last night. I don't know who, but hopefully they will reveal themselves so that I can let them know how grateful I am for their kind gift to the kitties. Someone also sent me a note with a monetary donation in the mail yesterday, which also brought me to near tears. Such selfless acts - to want to help the animals I feed in any way they can. It really makes me emotional when I get these few and far between gestures. My eyes are not going to see my computer very well today because when I tear up, my contacts get all oogley. So enough of my emotions! But back to the subject, for someone who doesn't make much money, devotes her paycheck, after paying bills to helping animals, and really does live paycheck to paycheck, and most of the time does not get a break with food, donations are just so appreciated.

I saw most of the normal kitties out there this morning. The first spot I am resorting back to feeding under a tree next to the road. I had four food bowls down, with five kitties. One had to wait. I have only so much food to bring withe me in the morning, and have to ration, so I felt bad for #5 but what could I do? I can't ever be in a position where I run out of food at #13 spot. And its happened pretty much. Didn't have much to leave at that point. Also, at each of my spots, there is on average one cat that will come up to me for a pat. So, right there, thats 13 cats that could be adoptable easily, if only given the chance. I am hearing sneezing from a few, if only I could treat those.

On another funny note, I was at Wegmans last weekend and pulling up the checkout kid, with my six 16-lb bags of Dad's dry food, one 16-lb bag of Purina Indoor formula -for my own cats, two 24 -pk canned BuJu and Ziggy for the homeless kitties, one 40-lb box of litter -for my own cats, me and the kid struck up a conversation that started with cats! Well, he thought I had told him I feed homeless KIDS and had started to tell me he had a few friends out on the street and that they were probably very grateful for me. That was kind of comical. He didn't have a clue that there were CATS on the street that didn't have a home. These cushy kids from the burbs... ah, bless them.

Enjoy your day!

A Rescuer's Creed

2012-02-07T03:58:00.000-08:00

I shall be a believer of all that is good in man and of all that is deserving in animals. I shall plead for their lives, campaign for their safety and uphold their right to a natural death. I shall seek out the injured and the maimed, the unloved, and the abandoned and tend to them in their last days. I shall not forget their place in the hierarchy of life, nor that we walk in each other's paths. I shall bear witness to the wonder they bring into our lives and to the beauty they bestow upon our souls. I shall renew their spirits when they are waning, bind their wounds when they bleed, cradle them when they whimper, and comfort them when they mourn. I shall be near them in their hour of greatest need - a companion and friend when the time has come. I shall watch over them and console them and ask that the angels gather them in their arms. From the creatures of the earth I shall learn the fruits of compassion and undying love, and I shall be called the beloved of God. In their company I shall indeed be blessed. ~

The Monday Scoop

2012-02-06T04:04:00.000-08:00

Lots going on, but number one, the kitty that showed up in my yard a week ago yesterday, the one that my neighbors have been keeping in their tiny bathroom, has been given a reprieve. She was all set to go to a shelter in Batavia but neighbors wanted to keep trying to find her a home for one more week. They will not give in to take her, and I myself CANNOT due to many circumstances, but she is just the sweetest, most loveable little lap cat that deserves a home, not a cage in a shelter. As it is, I am still trying to find homes for Rufus, Midnight, Buster and Buddy. They are all awfully sweet kitties too, just so deserving. Speaking of kitties needing homes, as I pulled up to Second, the kitty that
I told you about that has to have been dumped, because she is just so friendly, yet she runs out from under the porch where she most likely stays at night - I have temporarily named her Violet.
She actually got into my car this morning, first onto my lap, then to have a sniff around the car, and then back to my lap again, just craving to be petted. This is heartbreaking. I will get a picture of her tomorrow. This is heartbreaking because I know there is a home for the little bathroom girl, and Violet, but people aren't willing. Open your hearts and your houses for one of these sweet cats, you won't regret it! I am willing to pay for any vet expenses I have to to get one of these cats a home.

Speaking of vet expenses, my Thunder, who has the large lump, and was urinating blood, went to the vet on Friday. $476 later, he has a bladder infection. The lump he has is most likely a large fatty tissue.

Another note, on my route at the first location, I've been feeding under bushes for about 7 cats. The people that own the bushes must have come out yesterday and found the bowls and trashed them. Back to the corner under the tree by the street for these little ones this morning. So sad. So many nice kitties there too. Don't these people on this street realize that all these animals are in need of some sort of comfort, let alone to be fed? How can everyone on that street turn their backs on these creatures in need? I have no where to feed these animals come snow storm time. And it will come. I must find a solution!

Friday

2012-02-03T09:28:00.000-08:00

I have a vacation day, which is wonderful. It allows me to have a REAL weekend. I get all my chores done today and tomorrow I get to relax a bit.

News about the emaciated kitty I rescued about a week or so ago. He is unneutered, so was scheduled for spaying, but after they saw him, they said he was too thin to put under. Was told to fatten him up. Well, he had a visit to a vet to check him out and have him tested. His results: ringworm, ear mites, heart murmur, FIV, and Feline Leukemia. My poor baby. We don't know what we will do with him. Nancy, who is caring for him, wants to try. She has hope for him. I would not be getting the popular vote here. I feel he is at his end. But I have to say I am so grateful to Nancy for trying. She is keeping him separate from the others she's recently rescued from my route, and will work with him with the meds he's been given. I am also very thankful that I got him off the street. Can you imagine, suffering like that out there.

The little girl kitty that came onto my property last Sunday will most likely go to a shelter in Batavia. Its a no-kill shelter, and I feel terrible about it, but no one else has stepped up to the plate, except of course my sweet Bonnie, but she has enough right now to worry about, so I don't want to burden her if I don't have to. I have to get her out of my neighbor's bathroom. She is so lonely and isolated in there.

So thats the news, nothing good - but lets hope for good stuff tomorrow! Have a great day!

Desperate Measures

2012-02-02T03:54:00.000-08:00

Well, its another day and I have to drive about 40 miles outside of Rochester to an affiliate of the hospital I work at. I love the drive, but its extra wear and tear on my car that I don't need. And its a little over a quarter tank of gas, approximately half a tank to get there and back. I take the back roads to cut down on the stress level I feel when I have to drive and people insist on either going under the speed limit or they feel the need to drive in the left lane, the passing lane, even though they are not passing anyone. I am not aggressive, but I am a good driver and I like following rules. I like to break them occasionally too, but I tend to follow them more.

This morning was slightly odd, normally its rather dull, but I encountered a young man who came out of the front of the house where I feed in back of the house. There was a car with two young women waiting for him, and as I got out, he said to me, where do you deliver from? I was confused, and I said 'uh - my house?" and after a few more words, I told him I fed the cats and am friends with Wally (as this was in front of Wally's house). He said a few unintelligible things, but was OK, and got in the car and took off. I could tell he was nice, in that brief exchange. And off I went to feed the fluffy one that waits for me between the two houses there. At my next few stops, nothing unusual, Big Red was waiting for me, as well as Talky. She meows a lot when I just pull up, maybe happy to see me?

But at my next stop on the corner, I could tell something was off. Its the spot where I see some crazy dishes and stuff and this person moves my stuff around, and now, this morning, the second carrier I've placed on the porch was gone, and the door I had propped up against the house with straw under it was thrown to the front lawn. Who ever goes there each day and moves things around is a nutcase. I would LOVE to drive by there sometime and see who is doing it. Again, I am fearless. I don't know if thats good or bad. But the other thing I am is CAREFUL. So, don't worry Mom... :)

The kitty I found on Sunday by my garage is still being cared for by my neighbors, but they must move her out of their bathroom soon, and its just not good for the kitty to be in such a tiny enclosure for over five days now. Still trying to come up with an alternative to taking her to a shelter. I was told about a no-kill shelter in Batavia. But then she would be in a cage, of they can even take her. This is the SWEETEST little kitty in th world. A real lap cat. Very young and very thin. Her picture is a post or two ago. Please pass the word. Have a wonderful day.

Six O'Clock News

2012-02-01T03:49:00.000-08:00

How did the word "O'Clock" ever get its name? Whats the origin? Is it because clocks are round - so there is your "O", and clock, is something that tells time? Not sure, but its a curiosity to me...

I was thinking this morning, when people ask me how many cats I have, and I say more than enough, and actually, its not too bad of a number, but I have four more than I should have right now - Rufus, Buddy, Midnight and Buster - and they need adoption in a bad way, and until that happens, I cannot rescue any more from the mean streets of Rochester - but in reality, how many cats do I have? I would have to say over 50! Thats because of the amount of cats I am feeding out in the streets! I have a friend who actually does have over 50 cats at her house. She manages fairly well, to take care of these animals, and maintain her professional life, and her personal life. Its not something I could ever do at my personal space namely my home, but she manages. I applaud someone like this but I realize I am sort of in the same situation by caring for this many cats.

Some other news, the cat that showed up outside my house on Sunday, that clearly is lost, is still holed up in my neighbor's bathroom, waiting for a new mommy. She is a sweet little petite thing, picture posted yesterday, and also posted on Craigslist and the newspaper. I had two calls, one from each, but no such luck. One woman lost her cat a month ago when it jumped on a furniture delivery truck! When she called the furniture place to see where their next delivery was, they wouldn't tell her. Would love to know the name of that company and never use them. This woman is looking for her poor kitty named Baby for a month now, and she and her boyfriend are sick over it, as I would be. Another had e-mailed me the night before, and the next day her kitty showed up. Thank God.

My own babies are hanging in there. They all have issues, some are just bratty, but some are really sick, and I don't have the money to properly get them diagnosed, so I love them dearly each and every day and pray they stay happy as they are now. Life is tough, but when you have an animal to hold and kiss and snuggle your nose in their fur, its a little bit easier! I love my babies!

A Prayer for All the Street Kitties

2012-01-31T03:55:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine, Norma, who runs the Pet Pride of WNY - http://petprideny.org/PPNY/Home.html sent me this poem and said she thought of me when she read it. She warned me it was a three Kleenex read, so I am glad I did not read it at work. Its touching, and oh so real. I hope you all read it through and let me know that you did! I need to know what I post is not going unread! Thanks Norma, you've been such an inspiration to me!

A PRAYER FOR ALL THE STREET KITTIES
From kittenhood you lived your life upon unforgiving streets.
Tough existence for a cat, though you never asked for peace
And now all I can offer you is the needless final peace.

Think of a world where every litter’s planned.
Where every cat is wanted in every town and land
Why are so many homeless? It’s hard to understand
Why every shelter cats and strays.
Praying for adoption within their seven days.
Accusing us of negligence in each compelling feline gaze.
If I took you to a shelter you wouldn’t stand a chance
When even cuddly kitties don’t get a second glance;
And you just growl and hiss and spit while they all purr and prance.
I hope God understands why I cannot offer more
Than a filling bowl of cat food placed outside my door
And a blanket in the garage so you can rest your weary paws.
You are a wild spirit but you could live inside with me.
You need my protection, and you still could be happy.

To neuter and to nurture, that is my responsibility.
And now you’re old the time has come to bring you final rest.
That you let me pick you up at last, I feel that I am blessed
Though I know it’s just because you’re too weak to resist.
I pray that God has mercy on me and will understand,
That for his wild creature I’ve done the best I can not
to just love you from a distance, my wild street kitty friend.

For all the other kitties that live upon the street,
I pray someone will neuter/spay them and give them food to eat, a home
And a helping hand right at the end to ease them into sleep so they will not be alone.

Monday Mania!!

2012-01-30T04:09:00.000-08:00

We had our first significant snowfall last night. I thank God that the temperatures are not as low as they could/should be for this time of year. So far I have actually managed to go out on my route with out my shovel. Believe me, I have shoveled paths for my babies in years past. The snow gets so high you can't even see their little heads as they hop through the snow. But I made sure each of them had a towel to stand on over the snow to eat and drink before I left them. And I made sure the sheltered spots had a dry towel inside.

This is a quick post as I have to head to Newark to work today, after having my breaks serviced on Friday for $325! What a RIP!. But I needed it. I guess what I do each day really wears and tears more than the average. They were mading a high pitched squeaky sound and when diagnosed, was told they were metal to metal. No choice. Oh well.

Pictured here is a kitten that was next to my car yesterday crying her little head off. She is very thin, and I will be posting an ad for her on Craigslist and the newspaper today. My very kind neighbors have taken her in after I begged - I am so bad - and I am sure her husband could kill me - but we need to find her home. She is definitely a stray that has lost her way.

I also drove Wally to visit Miss B's new place. He enjoyed getting out, and I learned he is just like me, we don't like to stay in one spot too long, so we chatted for about 10 minutes and were out of there! He asked if we could drive over to his son's across the city, which I" didn't mind. It was nice to see him out and happy. As we drove through the inner city, he reflected and pointed out certain places, where he used to live, landmarks - two whorehouses... we laughed. Wally has lived a full life, and is content for now with his lot. He dreams of traveling to Jamaica, and every once in a while, with a dollar and a dream, he tries to make that a reality with a lottery ticket. Of course he promises me part of his winnings so I "can take care of Buster and all the other homeless kitties". Thanks Wally, I hope so too.

Two Horses

2012-01-27T03:47:00.000-08:00

Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it. From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse.
But if you get a closer look you will notice something quite interesting...

One of the horses is blind.

His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made him a safe and comfortable barn to live in.

This alone is pretty amazing.

But if you stand nearby and listen, you will hear the sound of a bell. It is coming from a smaller horse in the field.

Attached to the horse's halter is a small, copper-colored bell. It lets the blind friend know where the other horse is, so he can follow.

As you stand and watch these two friends you'll see that the horse with the bell is always checking on the blind horse, and that the blind horse will listen for the bell and then slowly walk to where the other horse is, trusting he will not be led astray.

When the horse with the bell returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, he will stop occasionally to look back, making sure that the blind friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.

Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect. Or because we have problems or challenges.

He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need.

Sometimes we are the blind horse, being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives.

And at other times we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way.

Isn't that a beautiful story. If I tear up from a story, it makes my day because I have experienced something from the heart. Thats not to say that what I see each morning doesn't touch my heart, but its because of what I see is why I need inspiration like this. I must believe that there is SOMEthing good that is going to come my way, or change for the better for these animals. So, share away if you have a special short story yourself! Pictured is Scooter and Cosmo, my two bratty babies, doing what they do best with each other, every single day. Have a GREAT day!

Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms

2012-01-26T03:49:00.000-08:00

Ain't that the truth. Although do we NOT feel guilt if we've done something stupid or wrong in the eyes of our animals, like they KNOW what we did, they just don't say anything? Its almost like people who have passed in my life, like my father - can he see what I am doing 24/7??? Good Lord, I hope not! :) I do hope he is watching OVER me, but not WATCHING me! :)

It snowed a bit over night, nothing to bother me with, but I did lay a towel down on the ground and set the bowls on it so the kitties little feet would have something dry to stand on at my first spot. There are about four cats there still, that I know of, that come around. Then to the back of Wally's, there is a fluffy kitty there thats very friendly, that I know has slept in the little covered litter box I have set up there with a plastic tablecloth and board set - very cozy - has straw inside. Then onto the next stop where RED usually hangs, but hasn't lately, but there is Talky cat there, who runs to me every morning. I have found kitties in the shelters I have set up there on the abandoned house's porch. I thought to myself that I must place a note this spring to the guy that owns the house thanking him for not trashing my stuff, where there have been occasions where I know someone has been along, but they have not disturbed my stuff. Then onto the next stop where both Big Red and Red were, along with the two collared black and white kitties, and another young tabby. Then to the next stop, then on and on until the 13th and last stop. I am running out of food faster. Nothing out of the ordinary though, so I am back within the hour.

I have another story I want to share with you tomorrow. I do take the time to read a good inspirational story. It brightens my day just a bit. I hope you tune in tomorrow, have a great day!

Food For Thought

2012-01-25T04:04:00.000-08:00

Something different today - friend shared with me this story... its an uplifting sort of story which I believe we can all use, I for sure can... but before I share it, some news from this morning. At my spot on Third, there was pretty little angel in the snow kitty, other kitty that gets in my car, and the black and white one with the collar. No sign of the Bully Boy, but I was ever so grateful to see the other three. I got out of the car and said, where have you been??? They didn't answer, but they did have a look of mischief all over their face, so I knew they were up to no good. HA!!

Potato Chips

A little boy wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with a bag of potato chips and a six-pack of root beer and started his journey.

When he had gone about three blocks, he met an old man. He was sitting in the park, just staring at some pigeons. The boy sat down next to him and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the old man looked hungry, so he offered him some chips. He gratefully accepted it and smiled at him.

His smile was so pretty that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered him a root beer. Again, he smiled at him. The boy was delighted!

They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word.

As twilight approached, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave; but before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the old man, and gave him a hug. He gave him his biggest smile ever..

When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, "What did you do today that made you so happy?"

He replied, "I had lunch with God." But before his mother could respond, he added, "You know what? He's got the most beautiful smile I've ever seen!"

Meanwhile, the old man, also radiant with joy, returned to his home. His son was stunned by the look of peace on his face and he asked, "dad, what did you do today that made you so happy?"

He replied "I ate potato chips in the park with God." However, before his son responded, he added, "You know, he's much younger than I expected."

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime! Embrace all equally!

Have lunch with God.......bring chips.

I'll Get You My Pretty!

2012-01-24T03:55:00.000-08:00

Thats what I had playing in my head this morning on my rounds - the Wicked Witch of the West saying from the movie the Wizard of Oz. It was windy and cool out, with debris flying through the air. I also imagined her saying this when I pulled up to Third Street, where normally there are three cats waiting for me, one has actually climbed into my car before, the other one rolls on the ground at my feet, has even made snow angels in the snow rolling around, and the other is the bully. Oh, don't let me forget, there is another that has been hanging around, a very nice black and white with a collar on, but sleeping in the tote shelters on the porch of this dilapidated porch. When I pulled up this morning, day two of nothing. Not one cat. And they have been there religiously for a year now. Has someone REALLY been poisoning these cats? Is it the man who sees me each morning from across and down the street - who barely speaks English but I have said hello to many times to let him know I am of no threat to him. Is it the neighbors, who I have never met, but who once threw all their leaves they had raked up on this porch, and who have thrown other items up in the past... I pulled the board away that shelters the wind from under the porch, where each year I place a new bale of straw down, and I did see soft nests made in the straw where they have kept shelter and warmth so far. And as I walked up on the porch not knowing what I would find, nothing looked unusual, but I did see another huge heap of food on a plate - this was a lot of white rice and some other sloppy slop piled up. I wanted to scream, thinking that someone has hurt these poor animals. And Poppi is missing, and as I drove away from that spot, I said to myself, you were too late to save her.

Its hard out there. I still wonder sometimes why I do what I do and how I do what I do. Really, its hard. I guess the actual rescues I make give me the strength I need. Its the ones I can't that overwhelm me. Have a good day.

Monday Scoop

2012-01-23T03:52:00.000-08:00

Little time this morning again due to working out in Newark and it being nearly a one hour drive, so quickly, the happenings around town over the weekend. Saturday morning I rescued this little guy, I call him Skinny Minny, just simply skin and bones. I have never dealt with a cat this emaciated before. I am SO thankful he is a friendly little guy, but not so little back there (he is unneutered). :) And I am so thankful for Nancy, who took in the fifth cat from the streets for me. She is going to be trying get them adopted out, so will keep you posted when I get some pictures of all the babies we've rescued! Thanks to the person who wrote in about Flikr for downloading and sharing my pics, I am still trying to figure that out!

Weather it cooperating again, mild temperatures, although supposed to rain, and perhaps get a bolt of lightening and a clap of thunder today! Speaking of Thunder, here is a picture of my boy. Thunder has had a lump on his belly for a long time now, and I've just noticed it getting larger. He urinated a bit of blood the other day also, so I am keeping an eye out on that. My poor boy.

I also have not seen Poppi in over a week now. Another strange happening is that the spot right past Poppi's, a sweet orange cat that rolls on the ground at my feet and another that runs to my car, and where Mr. Bully hang, no one was seen there this morning. Someone puts slop on a plate occasionally - chicken, macaroni and cheese, bones of something - on the porch of this abandoned house, and I am thinking the worse - that they are poisoning the cats. I will pray for their return tomorrow!

I wish you all a great day, will share more tomorrow. XO!

Friday's Angels

2012-01-20T03:51:00.000-08:00

Thats a song title by Generation X! Its also who I saw on this particular day, Friday! All my angels out there waiting for their breakfast! I was a bit disturbed this morning because I have been seeing this very sweet kitty hanging around Second. I also noticed that people moved into this house next to Paul's and I recall seeing a cat in their window. I also know they have a small dog. I have seen this cat, not 100% sure, but I am thinking its the cat they moved in with. This cat cries, and as petted it, I felt its fur a bit wet and clumping. Its very hungry, and looks at me like, why am I out here? I am wondering if these are bad people, and let their cat go for one reason or another. So, thats disturbing, besides the fact that I have not seen Poppi in days, did not see Big Red this morning, , and I did NOT see Pippa, the kitty I just named that is skeletal on my first spot. I DID see Red though, so that was a good sign, I guess.

I received a donation of two bags of cat food, some canned, and some fleece blankets. Thank you to Sharyn and Rosalie. What kind people to do that. Thank you also Sharyn for dropping those off at my work place. You made it so convenient for me. I thank those I have not publically thanked before, and I will be sure to do so. You are all so kind to think of me and the hardships I go through to feed these animals. As I was pouring the food for tomorrow morning earlier, I thought, I go through one bag of 16 pounds of dry food and 16 cans of wet food per day, thats about 9 dollars a bag of dry, and $13 for a 24 can case of wet. Thats a lot. Thats close to $60 a week in dry and $40 for wet. Thats $100 per week. Thats a lot. So, thank you so much for all of your generosity. I can use it. And I don't have trouble any more saying no! :)

I am on my way out to Newark today, sorry my posts have been rather dull lately, having a hard time getting my groove back on after being so sick! I wish you all a wonderful day!

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”

2012-01-19T03:45:00.000-08:00

Boy thats the truth! Can't say that about cats! Not much happening out there this morning. I am always sure to give each kitty that crowds around my legs as I am placing food down a good pat and scratch. Big Red was there this morning, and boy does he know me. All I need to do is pet him, and he just intertwines in between my legs for more. He doesn't even care about the food. I wish I could save that guy.

I have to get updates on some of the kitties I've adopted out lately. And get pictures up. My sweet friend Jessica is trying to find another website I can use for this blog, because I am having a hard time with the pictures - I can download them, but they stay a tiny size, and when you do use the options of making them larger, they are blurred. This website never used to do that, but for some reason it changed and I can't figure it out, and I have some great pictures to share, but you just can't really see them! So if anyone has a solution, please tell me!

I have an opportunity to save one more this weekend, from my first spot, a pretty little thing that is practically skeletal. Skin and bones. I hope he/she comes along without a fuss. Thanks to Nancy, whose heart is huge, and she just wants to save every kitty, but I have to remind her she can't, but she says she has room for one more, so I will let her do it! :)

I am off to Newark today, an affiliate of the hospital I work for. Its about an hour drive, and not fun if it were snowing, but its ok for today. I will be there today, tomorrow, Monday and Tuesday so depending on the weather and me leaving early due to weather, I may or may not be able to post. So stay tuned, and lets hope what I write is of more interest to you! I am boring myself to death this morning with this post! :) Have a great day!

The Howl of the Whisperers

2012-01-18T04:22:00.000-08:00

That is the name of Patricia Peterson, my Aunt Patty's, third novel. Its a mystery, and its a good one, according to the members of my family who have read it thus far, and the press. Check out the website to order a copy: http://www.authorhouse.com/. Its GREAT!

As far as howling, the winds were howling in Rochester last night, up to 78 miles per hour they were. I thought my house was going to blow down. Scary. And I was a bit nervous going out this morning checking on my shelters, but most were still in place, thank God. I had some very frozen towels covering some of the shelters that I had to bend into place, or replace, and a few boards were scattered, but most were accounted for. Its amazing how trees can tumble in winds like that, but little paper bowls stand in place on the ground. Well, maybe the law of gravity has something to do with it, or the law of something, but it is amazing.

Big Red was missing again, and Poppi on 4th and Pennsylvania hasn't been seen for a few days. I worry about her, so dainty. There is a very skinny young kitty, maybe 6 or 7 months at my first spot that needs rescuing desperately. If anyone can think of a situation where a young kitty is needed, I can try to help get it fixed, and placed.

Updates on Miss B. and Wally, Miss B. has moved into her new pad. She is not in need of much, but
I need to talk her out of smoking in the house so that I can get Buster and Midnight moved over there, besides a few other issues, and Wally misses me. He was promised a futon a while back, by me, from someone who was donating it, but that fell through, so if anyone knows of a couch or bed for Wally, clean obviously, he would be forever grateful. His mattress, in his living room, you can feel the coils coming through. Pretty pathetic actually. But I am so grateful to all that have donated anything to both of these individuals. I need to step back and take a break for myself for a while. I need to let them both take care of themselves for a change. Have a great day!

Back in the High Life Again

2012-01-17T03:57:00.000-08:00

Thats a song, can't remember the artist...

I am back in full swing, well, not full, three quarters maybe, still dizzy, but then again, my mother tells me I was born dizzy. Back to work though, and was out feeling a bit better this morning doing my rounds. It was about 40 degrees out so not so bad for the kitties either. Big Red finally came around, I have not seen him in three days, the very days it was bitter cold. I wonder where he was. Poor guy. And as far as Red goes, he has turned recluse. I feel terrible because he had a chance to be rescued, but the woman (she asked to be taken off my e-mail list last year) got another cat, couldn't wait. Red was dying to be rescued, just was taking a bit of time, but he would have given in. The cats in shelters already have a 'home'. He is either dead, or just scared to death. I pray he is dead, and he doesn't have to suffer the streets like he has been for at least three years now that I know of. He was definitely a stray at first. Poor guy.

It was wet, there were plenty of wet towels out there. Mr. Possum was in the igloo hut begind Paul's house on Second Street, hissing at me with his ugly teeth. I love all animals, but these guys make it hard for the kitties to eat and nestle in their beds. They are scary looking!

I did see pretty Red guy that I neutered last week. I think I did. There were two of them. I have now downloaded the picture of him and share it with you. If anything, these are my recordings of who I've rescued, and who I've trapped. This is my diary, and I hope you have enjoyed reading it as much as I've enjoyed writing it! Sorry for the boring post today, but still not feeling my best. Have a great day!

Sicker Than a Dog

2012-01-16T08:31:00.000-08:00

Yes, I've been! Years go by before I get sick like this... Not a good weekend for me at all. Started out with total dizziness, and a dim sound in my ears, like I was on a plane and my ears plugged. Sick day at work today for the first time ever! Broke my record! Bummer!

Yes, out I was, each morning, sicker than ever, but I did it. I have NO ONE to back me up. It was the hardest two mornings of my life. But those animals never depended on me more than this weekend with the single digit temperatures. They were all hungry and freezing. All I could do was empty the ice in the bowls and replace with warm water, and place towels down for their feet to stand on rather than the ice and snow while they eat. Its really really sad, but so worth it once I am there.

So, this is a short post today, just to let you know all is well, somewhat, and I am going to walk my puppy and go back to what I've been doing for two days now, laying down. I am not used to that either, but I must get better, for the sake of my job, and the animals! :) Have a good day!

And So It Begins....

2012-01-13T03:52:00.000-08:00

Friday the 13th, the first storm of winter... how fitting... While you were all in your snug beds, maybe listening to the hard rain/snow pounding down on your windows, and the wind howling outside, I was making my way to my first stop with boards in hand, trying to figure out a way to shelter the food for the four sweet kitties on that corner. I STILL could not locate a place to put the boards down to place the food under so that at least that wouldn't be covered in snow by the end of the morning. We are supposed to get a lot of snow today, and the winds will be fierce, and I still cannot locate shelter for these cats. But I did place the food down under a very heavy large bush by this house, and they came and ate, after not eating yesterday when the rain was so bad there was no way it would not be swimming in water within minutes.

Yes, this is time of year I dread. Not only is it hard on the cats, its hard on me. I was covered in snow driving from spot to spot. When the snow begins to accumulate, I have to wade through it to get to the locations. I have not seen Big Red in a few days now, I worry so about him.

In the meantime, I continue to try to adopt out Buddy and Rufus, and I have Buster and Midnight waiting to go to Miss B's house as soon as she gets situated. She has been MIA in my book for four days now and I am a bit upset by it as there is stuff I am trying to help her with and her cell phone minutes must be up and she hasn't purchased new ones. Crazy how some people can live.

Mr. Oppossum was on Third Street, all snug in the straw, and I had to chase him out with a stick. Saw lots of kitties using the tote shelters that were donated, thank you so much. They surely will come in handy with these kind of storms. Thank you thank you thank you!

The Cat, The Raccoon, and the Fox!

2012-01-12T03:51:00.000-08:00

Yes! I saw all three in the past 12 hours! It was absolutely MISERABLE out there this morning. Pouring pouring rain when I left the house at 5:15. It started to let up right around the time I was finishing my last stop. The only part of my body that wasn't soaking wet were my feet because I wore my pink wellies. I had my trusty yellow raincoat, but even that didn't stop the rain from getting inside and down my neck. I stopped at the first stop, where there are four beautiful cats that greet me, and I couldn't even find a spot to place the food down without it getting soaked, its my one spot I have NO shelter for due to no vacant houses around. Not even the kitties were there to greet me, so I went on my miserable way. I really have to wonder sometimes how I can do this.

Last night, after not hearing from Miss B. for a few days because I think her cell phone has run out of minutes, and she has supposedly moved into her new place because the gas and electric was turned on Tuesday, I went over there with some stuff for her and to check on her. No sign of her. I don't even think she owns a lamp, so she was not staying there I don't think. Anyways, after doing a U-turn on her dead end street, I saw up ahead something that I thought must have been a dog, then as I got closer saw a lot of fur, then saw a red fox! Amazing how these creatures are in the heart of the ghetto. Poor thing. I hope it survives and finds wilderness, somehow. I am hoping Miss B. will contact me today so I can give her some stuff that has been donated to her. I thank everyone that had any part of that, from her Christmas gifts from Sharyn, Jessica's Mom, to Pat. And everyone in between. Thank you. You have enriched someone's life a little more than they ever had.

After trapping lil' red kitty yesterday morning, thanks to Julie for taking care of the payment for the spay, and thanks to Val for bringing kitty to the clinic, and back to my porch, I was able to let it go. I didn't feel as bad this time because of the mild weather. Poor thing was very doped up, but it managed to race out of the cage once I opened it. I pray it survives and lives a long life. I have a picture of it, but cannot download until I get a new computer monitor. I have issues at home and one of my cats peed on it, before I banned the cats from the computer room, and now you can't see the tabs at the bottom of the screen. So, must get new monitor. Joy. Have a great day.

Lil' Red

2012-01-11T03:46:00.000-08:00

I did it, I trapped a kitty this morning, he/she is in my backseat now waiting transport to Val's where she will take to clinic for me. The cat will be neutered/spayed, and Val will pick up and return to my house, leave on porch until I can get home from work. The hard part is when I have to return this poor animal to the street, the very bad corner and shelter I have built there, where some crazy person keeps moving stuff around on me. A nutcase, for sure.

I've lost my time to write today with trapping and rushing to get to Val's house, so farewell everyone! Will catch up tomorrow!!

The Cat, The Rat, and Joe

2012-01-10T03:53:00.000-08:00

Yes, I saw a cat, but no, did not see a rat. I just thought it was a good title. I actually saw close to 40 cats this morning. I also saw an oppossum but that didn't fit well in the title. I did see Joe, Wally's 'nephew'. He was out hustling - or just having fun drinking at 5:30 am. and hanging out at the bootlegger's house trying to hustle a dollar for a beer. Very innocent. I like Joe. He wouldn't hurt me, and is very nice to me. The oppossum has been hanging out at my last spot, where I have a decent shelter built. He has been caught sleeping in the covered cat litter box that I have a cushion in - I actually had to lift the box yesterday - very carefully, I know... - lift it over the board, and toss him out. They stay still when frightened. They won't move. But there he was again this morning - he crawled under the crate I have set up to keep stuff off the ground, and he wouldn't budge, so I am sure the cats had to share their meal with him.

I have a good friend who has offered to pay for the clinic to TNR two cats tomorrow. Thats the sweetest and most kindest offer. Really it is. I go out and feed homeless cats 365 days a year. When I go, I am there briefly talking to them, petting them if I can, and then I turn around and leave, and go onto my next stop, all in all 13 locations. What I see is heartbreaking each day. So when I am done with that last spot, I go home and get ready for the next 23 hours. I try to put this in the back of my mind, because it is very stressful both physically and mentally. I also have a job that is extremely stressful, and people are getting let go left and right. I don't know one day to the next if I will have a job. I know I am a good worker, but that doesn't seem to matter these days. So, my point being, I don't trap cats well. There are so many factors involved. If I got two cats, I would have to stack up the traps on top of each other in my small back seat., they would tip, and the cats are scared enough. Then I have to keep them on my porch until - if I can get someone to bring them to the clinic at a certain time. They then need to be picked up by 2 pm. - if I can get someone to pick them up - and then the problem for me is bringing them back to their neighborhood after I have put in a 9 hour day at work, and letting them go. I know that my friend runs a rescue group, and mostly gets the cats she adopts out from the shelter where they would most likely be euthanized. But I am a one woman show who has to do the legwork to get them, and its very very hard and stressful for me. My dream would be to have enough money to pay someone on a full time basis to do trapping for me. Serious. That would be my dream. I know these cats will get pregnant if I don't get them. I know that. I don't want to be reminded of that because I know it. But I can only do so much. I need help!

Feed Me!

2012-01-09T03:58:00.000-08:00

Thats what they say when I pull up. My first spot, I have four cats RACING to me. It was quiet out there though this morning, and this weekend. Not much really happening - the weather has been mindblowing. We have had two great months so far, being winter and all. Just a trace here and there of snow. No below zero degree days. Wonderful. Forecast today: sunny and 40 deg. I'll take it. So will the kitties out there.

Nancy came with me Saturday to try to trap the kitty thats eyes have been sealed shut with infection. No luck. We trapped one, but not the right one. We let it go. Where am I going on a Saturday morning with it? No clinics open for spaying on Saturdays. Will try again though. I have a chance, maybe, for two neuterings this Wednesday, although the more I think about it, I can't afford it after a very expensive weekend I had. My Cinnamon was close to death on Friday, and she cost me $350 with tests. After eye drops, pills and Lisine ointment on her tongue three times a day since, she is doing much better, but I had a lot of unexpected financial situations this weekend, and I can't afford the $50 per cat at the clinic, so will have to wait for next payday. Life sucks sometimes, when it comes to money. Really. Doesn't it? Back to Nancy, she is the girl that took four beautiful babies off the street recently. She has Abby and Snowflake, the two sick kitties from Second, who are much better, she took Emma, mama to Rufus and two other girls that a woman adopted in September. I still have Rufus. She also took in Boots, or Cutie Pie as she has been calling her, from behind Wally's house. She had a neck wound that is also healing nicely. What a saint this woman is. God has a way of bringing people into our lives at certain times, and this was a good time for him to bring her to me. These cats needed rescuing. Thanks Nancy.

Miss B. will finally be moving into her apartment on Tuesday, and will take Midnight and Buster off my hands. I can use the downsizing. Her new place is minus a stove, refrigerator, washer and dryer, but she doesn't care. Can you imagine living in a women's shelter for four months? She is so grateful that someone accepted her. I am happy for her. She is a neat woman. Really. I like her. Speaks her mind, and is very honest. Thats what I like in a person. If anyone has ANYTHING they would like to donate, I would be ever so grateful. Friend Mary has donated a bed, and linens, and a chair. Otherwise, she doesn't have much else. No TV, not even an electric skillet to cook her meals until she gets a stove. Gotta be tough, but so is she.

My Critters

2012-01-06T03:49:00.000-08:00

Meet Buster: She is one sweet girl. She has a darling face. If you can't make this picture bigger, let me know and I will send it to you via e-mail. Its worth the close up. I went and picked her up from Wally's last night, and made it known to Wally that I was unhappy about this. But what am I going to do. I can't force my life upon someone else. If his landlord said get rid of it, then he had to. He can't afford to look for another place. There are a lot of reasons why he is in his situation in the first place, and who am I to scold him. So, I have to let it be, and pray that Miss B. moves into her new apartment, which she tells me will be Tuesday when the gas and electric are turned in, and she can take Buster, who is now prisoner in my bedroom. Yay.

Each morning, while you are all snug as bugs in your rngs in bed, I am out there feeding cats braving the elements. I hope you all feel guilty! Guilty I say, guilty! ha ha. I thought about this as I was driving around, and how nice it would be for me to be laying in bed not having to do this. But do it I must. My own animals have me trained, and I don't like it. By 3 am., I hear scratching, and I hear the dog whimpering. I can usually get up, feed the cats, give Trouble her insulin shot, let the dog out, feed the cat on the porch (homeless, but I leave the door propped open for her to sleep on chair), clean out litter boxes, take my vitamins, turn on TV and coffee, and get back into bed for an hour until 4:30 am. I usually lay there, too wound up to go back to sleep, or this one or that one wants to cuddle, like Rufus, the feral kitten I rescued in November, who is now sleeping on my bed, and cuddles face to face with me now. Anyone want a kitten? Anyways, at 2:30 this morning the dog is crying and the cats are scratching. They know how to stir me. I refused, and layed there, and then heard a bowl crash on floor, and heard the million little pieces of dry cat food that was in it cover the entire kitchen floor. I put the cat food on the counter at night so the dog doesn't eat it. Well, let me tell you, that was fun having to get down on my knees and pick up each little piece of food. I was so mad, but they got fed anyway, and Thunder was let out to do his business, and the kitty on the porch was fed, and everyone was happy, but me. Got back into bed, and tossed and turned, and went out on my route, and here I am now, exhausted, and ready to go to bed. But go to work I must. And thats that.

You have a choice: To do good, to do bad, or to do nothing at all...

2012-01-05T03:46:00.000-08:00

Love that. Really powerful that is...

BUSTER: Its always something in my life. Last night, as I finally got home from work after working the usual overtime that I put in daily, and I was sitting relaxing having my usual egg white omelette with one slice of 2% cheese (I know, how boring, but I love it!), I got a call from Wally. He said 'you got to come get da cat, my landlord wants it gone - he says no cats no dogs'. I was stunned. Here I was thinking this kitty had a temporary home until Miss B could get her place, which is supposed to be sometime soon - I pray - and here Wally comes with this. I think Wally knew full well before he placed the call to me that I would be very upset. Well, I did my best to control myself and not scream at him, thinking he should have stood up for himself to this landlord, who I think is in cahoots with the witch tenant upstairs from Wally. Wally could have asked for a break saying he was keeping the kitty for Miss B. until she got her place. I don't think Wally has a backbone, and I believe he is very simple-minded. I think he is also very fearful of losing his apartment, and will do anything his landlord tells him. What, is the landlord allowed to come in at any time to make inspections? Buster is a quiet kitty, sleeps a lot in the back room, how did the landlord even know he was there? What is this policy, no cats no dogs? Whats up with that? If I were a deeply religious person, I believe these two people, the witch and the landlord, will pay in the end their treatment of God's children. I am not deeply religious, but I have a strong faith from a lot of different sources, and I do b elieve we will all be judged in the end by our behavior in life. I hope so at least.

In the meantime, after sitting there stunned, for a good 10 minutes with my mind racing as to what I was going to do, I called Wally back and told him I would be there after work the next day to pick up Buster. I told him he'd better not put him out on the street. I will go get Buster and keep him in a room for now. I must find a temporary home for Buster, if anyone can volunteer their space. She is a very sweet, and gentle girl, and I will get her picture on here by Friday or Saturday. I have way too many kitties now, with Buddy and Rufus still not being adopted. I need serious help this time. Pass the word, please.

Eyes Wide Shut

2012-01-04T03:51:00.000-08:00

Reality ... Check~! Some of you don't like to read my blog because it contains some sadness. Well, guess what, its reality, for sure! Here are some observations from this morning. There is one good one, so read at your own risk. It is damned cold out there. My fingers were beginning to go numb the first 15 minutes on my trip. You ask, why don't you wear gloves? I don't wear gloves because at each of my stops, I have to thaw out the water bowls, and to do this, I have to pour water over the bowls, and then pop out the ice, and pour in the hot water. This gets on my hands, and gets the gloves wet, and then my fingers are in real trouble. Hence, I don't even bother. Secondly, there are four kitties that ran up to me at my first stop this morning, I have placed their bowls on the side of a house, right next to the other neighbor's driveway. They must see the bowls, and its certainly not a location I can place a board to protect the food from the elements - I just have to do the best I can and hope four people will say they will adopt each one. Right.

Second, Big Red was waiting for me this morning, freezing. I wish he would use his pea-sized brain and use the shelters, I pray he does and just runs out when he hears my car each morning. Otherwise, he is just sitting there, freezing. I have not heard from the girl who advertised for cats for her barn. Hoping she is just busy. It doesn't look promising, as she hasn't returned calls or e-mail. Poor Big Red.

Third, at my Short Street spot, and this is the good one, someone placed a board to protect the little carrier and food dishes I have under a porch on that street. I was stunned this morning to find that! During the summer, if you were to drive down this street, to me its the scariest street, mostly because of the way these people live, with trash all over their yards, and the houses are pretty scary. Its not a street I would walk down without some hesitation, even though its a very short street, hence its name! But at 5:30 am., its pretty safe, and dark, and there is a black kitty waiting for me there every morning, so there is no hesitation for me to go there each day. But for someone to place the board like that, I was SHOCKED. And grateful! I must have a friend there, right?

But at my second to last spot, there is a kitty that is so sick, its eyes are sealed shut due to the crust freezing them closed. Its SO VERY SAD. I don't know how it can even see to run from me when I pull back the board that it sleeps behind. I do have soft warm blankets, and its fairly dry so it doesn't get exposed to the elements, now, and there is a nice igloo dog house with straw stuffed in it, and food each day, but what else can I do. This is where my friend Nancy has now rescued two cats from last week. I have rescued countless animals, including Buttons, the kitty my sister took. We have also TNR'd a few there, but what can I do? I don't have room to care for another cat, nor the money to get it vetted. I must just do the best I can do. Thats all I can do. I feel so hopeless sometimes.

Brrrrr!

2012-01-02T11:13:00.000-08:00

Getting colder here in Ra Cha Cha! I was out this morning bundling up my little shelters for all my little ones out there. Thank God for FUR. I had a dog house donated to me by my sweetie Sue out in Conesus, she runs a dog rescue called Another Chance. I placed it at my Central Park location, and I think it will do nicely. Its such a hodgepodge of different boards, and there is a hut that my friend Mary's husband Mike made for me years ago. Its the spot that was shown in my video with my head getting bopped, the one I had to move next door on account of the owner of the property wanting me to move it by the end of last summer, which I did. Its going to be warm, hopefully, as its tucked into the corner of a house, with the westerly winds being blocked by a back porch. There are several kitties, predominantly black and white kitties. At my second location, next door and behind Wally's place, Joe, a 'nephew' of Wally's was walking (at 5:30 am), I think he lives next door, or crashes at Wally's occasionally and asked for a ride to Second - thats where the bootlegger house is, he 'needed' a beer (at 5:30 am - but hey, its 5:00 pm. somewhere!). I told him he would have to make 'stops' before he gets to Second Street, so along he came, with me on my journey. He was good company. He talked and talked, and even made me laugh, each time at each spot saying 'hey, I know that cat!'. I dropped him off on Second in which he turned to thank me for the ride, and wish me luck with the rest of my stops. Such characters I meet on the streets... But he is one of the good ones.

Posted here are puppies I met out in Conesus yesterday, that will be available for adoption at Sue's Another Chance Rescue for dogs. Aren't they SWEET!

Auld Lang Syne

2011-12-31T06:50:00.000-08:00

The song's Scots title may be translated into English literally as "old long since", or "long long ago "days gone by" or "old times". Consequently "For auld lang syne", is loosely translated as "for the sake of old times".

Yes, it is New Years Eve Day. Australia is already into the thick of 2012 - they being 16 hours ahead of us Americans - well maybe not into the thick of 2012, but into the thick of the first day at least! Its been a crazy year, its had its ups and downs, but about this time of year I had rescued at least five pregnant cats and gotten them off the streets, they produced their litters, most of them and all had or have been neutered, and I rescued at least 10-20 more and either had them brought to shelter due to their sickness, or have had the rest adopted. Thats a really good thing. I've made a lot of new friends through this passion of mine, and have learned that people aren't as bad as I think they are. They are human just like me with their ups and downs, just like mine, and we are all in this together. Some of us are more compassionate than others, but all in all, most people are kind and caring individuals that want to help animals in some form or another. I have met many giving individuals, and maintained my relationsips with many that have already been in my life. I am thankful for each and every one I have met along this journey.

Nancy and I rescued another little black and white kitty from Grand this morning, which Nancy will keep, and she has named her Lucy, at my coaxing, I just like the name Lucy! I rescued another little girl that I named Lucy who was pregant - get it - Loose girl.... ha ha. She is a scrawny little girl, not sure if neutered or not, but she is off the street for the winter. Each morning she comes out of her little cat carrier I have enclosed in warm blankets, so I know she needed to be rescued. Not sure what to do with the others, must touch base with the girl who is offering a barn. Must get Big Red off the street.

Also, I had asked you for your rescue stories, but no one responded until now! Thank you Rene, a girl I've never met, but she has a love for animals that makes me melt! Here is what she says, and here is the picture she shared (I am sorry about the size of it, I just can't seem to get pictures on this blog anymore):

Okay, is this the cutest - funniest thing you've ever seen?!! This is Spookie, a Chinese Crested. My husband's good friend adopted him from RAS. He wasn't there long, because I saw him and called Guy (that's the friend's name) to get down to the shelter right away - he beat me there! He constantly buys him new shirts and jackets and obviously booties. Guy has thanked me a number of times for calling him. He said that Spookie saved his life. I love happy stories.

"To the world you are just one more rescue person, but to a rescued pet, you are the world."

"The godly care for their animals, but the wicked are always cruel." Proverbs 12:10

I Don't Know How I Do It...

2011-12-29T03:49:00.000-08:00

but I do it. Its cold out there. I had to scrape away lots of snow covering some of my shelters. Poor Big Red, haven't seen him in two days. I was informed by several people about an ad online looking for cats for a barn, and I spoke with the woman advertising it yesterday. What a wonderful stroke of luck for me. A place I can bring 2 or 3 of my most needy and give them a roof over their head, and full bellies. She said she wanted mousers for her horse barn. She seems very nice, and I am hoping we can work something out in the next couple of weeks. There is a lot of work to be done to make this happen. I have to trap cats that are used to me just placing food down, and I might have to not place food down for a day or two at one of these spots to make the cat desperate for food, and empty stomachs along with freezing temps and snow underfoot is dangerous for an animal. So, wish me luck, and if anyone wants to help me on a weekend, I could sure use the company. Big Red would be number one, and then it would be so hard for me to decide who the lucky one would be next. They all deserve a home. There are just so many sweet cats out there right now, I can pick them up thats how sweet they are. We just need to find more adopters. I need to find more adopters. I still have Buddy, Rufus and Midnight available for adoption in my own home. As soon as I can get these young sweet babies adopted, I can rescue more. Please pass this on to anyone you might know that could be interested. Thank you!

Winter has Arrived

2011-12-28T03:51:00.000-08:00

Yes, Old Man Winter is finally settling in upon us. This early morning, the rain we had soaking everything yesterday has finally turned to snow, the temperatures are plummeting, and the wind is howling. Supposed to be 40 mph wind gusts, which will bring the temps down into the teens. Its nasty out there. I braved it to be sure my babies were high and dry. I had to change some wet towels out there, but inside their cozy little cat carriers, that are covered in blankets, most on porches of abandoned houses, its dry. I had to secure some boards to cover the food dishes from the wind. My first spot is the opposite end of the street where I had a problem with sheltering a lot of cats this past summer, and now that I've found Wally and am feeding at his place, and he took in Buster, I have to deal with this opposite end, where there are some very beautiful sweet cats waiting for me each morning. This morning though, I got out with food and bowls in hand, while little Black Puff and Whitey greet me each morning, and went in search of a shelter to place the bowls out of the nasty wind gusts. I went to a side of a house just on the corner and placed the bowls down. At least it blocked the wind somewhat, but not sure what I will do when the snow accumulates. All in all, I am hoping I made a diffference to most of my babies out there today. Oh, and to Mr. Possum who greeted me with a smile, and a snarl, at my last stop. Chased him away with a stick. Poor guy, can't get a break. :) Have a wonderful day!

Cough, cough...

2011-12-27T03:57:00.000-08:00

Thats what I've been doing all weekend. Thanks to a cold I contracted end of last week. Some vacation! Some holiday! All in all, it was a good one though. So much happening out there though. Not only did we manage to rescue Emma and a little kitty Saturday morning - both from different locations - but on Monday, we trapped the little kitty's sister or brother! All are suffering from upper respiratory infections, in fact the last one - now named Snowflake, was the worse I think, her nose was very congested, and he/she was sneezing up a storm. The woman who helped me I met through this blog, and she has turned into one of my earth angels! She took all three. Updates are that Emma has acclimated to her bedroom that she keeps her dog in with her at night, and Emma has even come nose to nose with the dog! Thats great! And the two kittens, after some sniffing around, finally cuddled together, recognizing each other after a few days apart. Meds are being given to each, creatively hidden in food, etc., and hopefully they are getting what they need. But my latest earth angel Nancy has committed herself to caring for these three sick cats and has high hopes for possible adoption of both Snowflake and her unnamed brother or sister. They are both a bit wild right now so its difficult to tell what sex they are... But such a Christmas miracle, to rescue three cats from the streets that surely would have suffered a great deal. We are due snow and bitter cold this week, finally, as I say lets get this winter on and over with! We've got to deal with it sooner or later, right? More tomorrow... Have a great day!

We Did It!

2011-12-24T08:33:00.000-08:00

Thanks to two angels this morning, that came over at 5:30 this morning to brave the elements and the hood, we were able to save two more sick kitties off the street. Emma is now safe and sound, and so is one of the two kittens on Second Street with the upper respiratory ailments. I am so thankful for these two women. Such kind souls to do this. I have so many people I am thankful for in my life.
You all know who you are, those that have contributed even a can of cat food to me, you have helped me immensely in ways you will never know.

I wish all of you a safe and happy Christmas, and I will be back very soon! XOXO!

Winter Solstice

2011-12-23T08:37:00.000-08:00

It was two days ago. Funny how it doesn't seem like winter without the white stuff. Although winter is officially upon us, just yesterday was the first day, its days are already numbered, which is wonderful. I feel better about that somehow. Instead of three months of misery for the cats, it will only be two. I love the snow, but I only dread it for the cats. I love all four seasons, they all have something good about them!

Miss B. invited me to the holiday celebration at the Women's shelter yesterday. I was honored to be invited, as she had to clear it through the director there. Its obviously a shelter for women for a reason, so in order to even get in the place as a visitor, you have to be 'cleared'. I was floored when I met the 18 women in there, and the comaraderie that was shared among them. It was clean and organized. There was a good handful of babies and children. All these women have their stories, but they were all very well mannered and grateful, obviously, for this haven. Miss B. I was told did all the cooking, most of it at least, there was fried chicken, collared greens, mac & cheese, macaroni salad, beans and wonderful desserts. As they said grace before their meal, I was just so humbled. And to think this was all on account of CATS! If I hadn't met Miss B. and fallen in love with her kindness towards animals, and her sense of humor, which is so similar to mine, I would never have the opportunity to see this side of life. Hopefully never. I am just so grateful.

I have two wonderful kind women coming over tomorrow morning to go on my rounds, and we are going to try to get Emma, the mommy kitty, and the little kitten on Second Street who has a URI trapped. One of these women has offered to take both. They are both sick, and she has offered to help. So many people out there who are so kind hearted to do something like this. Its a burden but one that thankfully people are willing to bear. I am just so grateful. Wish us luck, and I will keep you posted!

Thank God Its Wednesday!

2011-12-21T03:33:00.000-08:00

That saying should be 'Friday', but its my Friday at work. I have the next three working days off (that includes Monday). I don't have my normal list of e-mail that I have at work here at home, so just hoping you all save my blog into your favorites and check back on your own, without my daily e-mail reminders, and hopefully I will write at least every other day about whats going on!

Quiet on the homefront. The predicted rain held off for me this morning. All kitties accounted for this morning. I have had some feedback on the kitten that is sick, and am going to try ordering some amoxicillan online today and see if I can put it in the wet food and hope that the kitten will eat it. Upper respiratory infections are very contagious, so I dont think the other kitties will be hurt if they ingest it also. As far as trapping kitten, and bringing to vet, there is no where for this kitten to go unfortunately, so that is not an option. If kitten had a home, that would be a different story. And as I said yesterday, chances of me getting this kitten in a trap - which I am going to try on Saturday morning, are slim. Trapping really is hard when you are going after one in particular.

I want to share this article with you that was in the Democrat and Chronicle newspaper a week ago:

"Man Shot on Sixth Street in City: A 34-year-old man was shot on Sixth Street on Friday in an apparent robbery attempt. According to Rochester police Capt. Peter Leach, two male suspects approached the victim about 5 pm. and tried to rob him. The incident ended with the victim being shot at least in the upper torso. Police are seeking suspects, who ran away after the shooting. Leach said. The victim, who was alert and cooperative with police, was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital for treatment." I share this with you because this is one street over from my last stop each morning. I have five feeding spots in this immediate vicinity. This is why I go so early in the morning. The crims are asleep, and its quiet out there for me. I would not go into these neighborhoods at night, never. These things happen on a monthly basis in this area. Poverty. So sad.

One more thing. I hate this blog site. My pictures have now turned out so small, and I cannot enlarge them. If anyone knows the answer to this, help me. If anyone knows of another blog site I can transfer over successfully all of my stuff, help me. I am not good with technology. But its a shame you cannot see my pictures more clearly. The HELP section for this blog site is useless. Thanks. And have a great day!

Its the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

2011-12-20T03:53:00.001-08:00

I keep hearing that song playing through my head - I think its Nat King Cole that sings it? Yes, its Christmas time and you hear all the songs, and I do love them - they help me through from my down times, when I think about all the sad things in life. I hope you all know I do try to keep my blog upbeat, because I have had several people say its hard to read my blog because of the sadness, so I try to keep it positive, and tell you about the good stuff. But once in a while, its hard. Like this morning, there is a kitten, about 5-6 months, with a terrible upper respiratory infection, it has stuff coming out of its nose, you can hear the breathing. Some of you condemn me for not trapping more, but where am I going to bring these cats, and who is to say I can get that particular one when there are so many at that spot. I have rescued LOTS, including Buttons last winter, from that spot, but there are so many. In fact, there are two there that have been TNR'd (trap, neuter and return) that are as friendly as can be and run to meet me each day. Who has the time, or the facilities to bring the cats to once they've been trapped. Not me. I have a full time job. More than full time, and thankful today that I have it because who knows how long I will have it. My boss keeps reminding his staff that changes are coming after the first of the year. I am the lowest on the totem pole, so who knows. But I keep it positive, for myself, I have to. I give the ones I can touch a pat and a scratch, feed them all, try to make them as comfortable as I can with the conditions they are in, and pray for them. I mention the sick ones because I have hope that someday, some higher being will step in and fix this problem. Will help me out here. I say higher being - whether it be God, or just some Godly person who has an answer to all of this. Bring it on! :)

Holiday Blues

2011-12-19T03:44:00.000-08:00

I don't have them, but I am sure a lot of folks do. And I don't think Wally does because I have managed to spruce up his little apartment with lights, a tiny tree that was given to him by a friend of mine, and let me tell you about that... I brought over this tiny little artificial tree, where you just bend the branches out, and with a box of ornaments and a string of lights and garland, told him it was up to him now to decorate it. I left and came back a few days later, and lo and behold, that tree was decorated, and he was SO PROUD, he was beeming when I commented to him how great of a job he did. I don't think he has had a tree in recent memory, for sure. So thank you Sharon and Jess for that donation. On to the kitties, Buster snuck out yesterday afternoon, I was quite upset and told Wally he'd better get him back in there. He said 'he just wanted fresh air' and I scolded him telling him about the dangers out there, and that I'd better not see Buster out at 5:15 am. when I go feeding at that spot in the morning. I didn't see Buster, so good chance he went back inside, he better have. Speaking of that street, I now have the same dilemma at my first stop before Wally's, the same dilemma I had at the corner past Wally's, that I solved a bit by placing a shelter on the house next to Wallys. There are five sweet cats that wait for me each morning, one pure black, one pure white, and the others are mixes. I must find some shelter for their food. I am thinking of going to a house near there that looks friendly and ask them if I can place a board or someting on the side of their house. I must find shelter for food for these cats. Or rescue them, which is most likely not going to happen due to people not wanting a cat or two.

One more mention about Wally, thanks to the kindness of two men, Carl and John, Wally now has two winter coats. And thanks to my friend Diane, Wally now has gloves and a scarf. Now, maybe its time I ask Wally to take in another cat! What do you think... :)

Black Magic

2011-12-16T04:01:00.000-08:00

I am attaching pics of what I took yesterday. There are the two pretty babies on Central - black and white - they are most certainly strays, but scared. They let me get just so close, and then back away. This is the shelter in the back of the house that I have rigged, but its terrible in my opinion. There is a hut, but the boards around it are very loose and blow over when its windy. This is in the back of a boarded up house. The bank owns it, and has been over to mow the lawn in the fall, but left my stuff there. Must be a kind banker. This shelter was next door but had to be moved due to the owner of that property moving his family in after he had been renovating his house. The shelter was featured in my video, where the board slammed my head. That was the best shelter I had. It was always warm and cozy and dry inside even in the harshest of days. But I just can't get it duplicated at the property next door.

These other photos are of my Third kitties. The grey is the bully I told you about. He is so territorial. Such a brat. This is an abandoned house, with a lot of grafitti on it. I am sure its on the list to be torn down soon, its really a mess. This is where I have rescued so many babies, the last one last winter was Gracie, who my mother adopted.

This last pic, or the one that looks odd, is of a very strange thing I found in a driveway of where I feed. To me, it looks like a voodoo doll. It looks like it had been burned on the spot too, as you can see a dark circle around it. It looks like foil, but I have not yet had the nerve to pick it up. It really spooks me. Tell me what you think! I would like to know if anyone knows about this stuff! By the way, its Friday, Thank God. I wish you all a great weekend.

Animal Rescue

2011-12-15T04:00:00.000-08:00

I have some pictures I want to share with you, to go along with a most boring report of the morning, just rainy out there, wet, and muddy. But kitties grateful to see me. I will download the pictures when I can, but in the meantime, I just found the most heartwarming story. Its terribly sad in the beginning, but it just shows you what rescue means to an animal. Its got a good ending, so please, watch it.

http://www.animaladvocates.com/videos/watch/?video=judith#v

Please write me and share a story of rescue that you have done in your life, even if it was from a shelter adopting an animal. What was its background? How much did the animal come to mean to you? I love these stories!

The What Ifs, The Haves, and the Have Nots

2011-12-14T04:06:00.000-08:00

I am not one to wallow in bad times, and I really rarely complain about my life, although I have been known a moment or two with a few friends where I've had my own pity party over the phone, but then I get over it quickly. And I think thats natural for everyone. No one's life is perfect. Thats the way God made it -- we have to work to have what we have, and want only what we need. We learn the latter when we 'mature'. :) I have yet to, but its just around the corner, I can feel it.

The What If is what if I never started to do what I do, feeding cats. I would have an extra $6,000 in my pocket each year, I would be more alert and younger by catching up on the sleep I am deprived of, and I would be able to take a fabulous vacation once a year, maybe. The Haves, I have a lot of those. I really am blessed by good health, a great family, great friends, and a regular income. I am not blessed by security, I take my job security day by day, and financially, I live paycheck to paycheck. That causes stress in my life, which leads to poor health, and aging. Blessed by friends I have met through this blog who have donated shelters, money and food to me, not to mention little gifts for Miss B. and Wally. Blessed by co-workers who have donated gloves, scarf and a jacket to Wally. The Have Nots, I was blessed also by a good upbringing, even though my father was not in the picture full time when I was growing up, my mother did her best to raise me and my sister by a good steady income, and we had more than most in my circle then. We had family cottages on Conesus Lake my whole life. I thumbed my nose at the 'public beach at Charlotte'. We were spoiled. We never lacked for anything. I've learned the difference in welfare and doing good, is that if you are on welfare, what you want, you make due without it, and when you are better off financially, what you want, you get. Eventually. You save, you work harder.

I know I am off on a rant here, so forgive me, because it really is all about the cats, right? They were out in full force this morning, but I do dread tomorrow as the weather we've been having is going to change for the worse, and I am NOT looking forward to trudging out there in the windy nasty morning we are supposed to have. I still need boards and I still need shelters.

The picture I've included is of Gixr, my friend Jessica's kitty. Isn't she CUTE!!!

Silent Night

2011-12-13T03:55:00.000-08:00

All is calm, all is bright... yes, a full moon morning again. Its wonderful, not only to see a full moon, but to be ABLE to see the moon. Rochester is not known for its great weather in the winter, and we rarely have clear nights. So, yes, its a good thing, as Martha Stewart would say.

All was quiet on the homefront. The kitties were out in full force. Big Red seems to travel in between three spots. He is either on one street, at two different houses, or on the next street at another abandoned house. This abandoned house, that I have had a couple of kitties neutered at last year and returned, looks like it was on fire at one stage - the house looks gutted, windows all open and exposed. One morning recently, I was on the porch talking quietly to the kitties and placing their food down, and the front door opened. Out walks this guy, and I said 'what are you doing?' and he said 'taking a pee', and I am like, WTF, why is this guy IN THE HOUSE 'taking a pee'? Anyways, after a brief conversation, he was trying to wake his sister up where he lives in the house across the street (apparently he had just gotten dropped off or something - yes, its 5:30 am.), but couldn't, his phone died, and he was just sick of being outside. Don't ask me, yes, its odd, but he was harmless, and wasn't hurting the kitties, and wasn't doing drugs, so I didn't make a deal of it. We introduced ourselves, and I was on my way. My point in this story: days later, the door was boarded up. But my stuff was still there! My carrier that a cat actually sleeps in, my towels and blankets, my board covering up the food and the entrance to the carrier, and the bowls of food and water. I was thankful. Whoever owns this house, or the city worker if the city owns it that came, respected what I was doing, and obviously had a heart for the animals.

Anyway, thats my story for the day. Not much going on out there, or in my head! Gotta get to work now, have a great day!

She won this round...

2011-12-11T13:26:00.001-08:00

Well, she finally did it, the Witch of Grand Avenue finally got her way. Wally and I spoke yesterday on the phone telling him I was going to swing by really quick to drop off some Chili I made, and he told me his landlord wanted my stuff out. He said the landlord was sick of listening to her complain to him about the shelter on the side of the house, and asked Wally to ask me to move it. I went over there ready for tears, and Wally took me to his back window and pointed to where I could move it. He got his coat and went out with me and actually helped me move it to the house next door’s back yard against a wooden fence. He swore to me it was his ‘nephew’s place, and that I wouldn’t have a problem. I was in tears by this time, not just for the fact that these cats ‘shelter’ was displaced again (the first time was when they were literally discarded in the first place – they are all strays that I feed – whether they got out of the house, or people moved and just left them there) but because this woman got her way. This “Christian woman”. This is what she called herself when she first apologized to me and told me I was doing “good” for these animals. Until it was on her own doorstep is when it became a BAD thing to do. How can you live with yourself knowing you are helping to allow animals to suffer. Why do so many black people hate cats? Wally had a younger friend over, her name was Connie, and she said she ‘don’t like them’. I am NOT racist, I don’t look at color, I look at your heart first when I meet you, not your color. But for some reason, in these neighborhoods, the majority hates them. Paul on Second Street has two that he loves, he is an exception. Wally is tolerating Buster, and maybe Buster is getting closer to his heart, but he is an exception also.

Miss B. is still at a woman’s shelter. If anyone knows of an apartment in the $500-600 range monthly, and accepts Shelter Plus, let me know. She is losing her spirit. And Wally needs a winter coat. And gloves!

Its Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

2011-12-09T07:47:00.001-08:00

every where you go... la la la la la... can you just hear Bing Crosby singing now?

It started snowing this morning. There is a pretty white coating on the ground. Its more wet and a nuisance than anything else. Its not even that pretty. Its just a sign of things to come. I hate to say it but its prettier when the ground is frozen. But you know what that means, COLLLDDDDDD..... BRRRRR... My poor babies out there. All was well, I am making sure they have a little spot to cuddle in at each of my stops, but the problem is, some of them will be covered in snow, I don't have enough large large boards to lean over the carriers I have placed, and to fit snuggly against a wall. And under that board I would also have their food and water. So you see, I am actually looking for very large boards. Like 5' by 7 ' would be ideal. My spot outside of Wally's place is still there, although you can tell the witch keeps taking the paper bowls placed outside of the board that is leaning against the house. There is a long haired black kitty that is sleeping inside the little sheltered roofed litter box I have there. Thats a good sign. Thank God some of these kitties know enough to 'get out of the rain'. Some of them really don't. I had to remove another poor kitty from the road this morning also. My skin is beginning to thicken doing this. Its the second one in a week, right? I used to cry for them. Now, all I can do is say a little prayer over their bodies while I wrap them in a towel and place them under a tree on the side of the road. Poor baby. May God bless you and welcome you to his Kingdom.

I have a vacation day today, and am busy getting my own crib under control. Lots of cleaning, washing, vacuuming and dusting to be done. My cats and dog are wondering why Mommy is running around like a maniac ignoring them all morning. Oh well, I am just their maid, and they know it!

The Grand Witch

2011-12-08T03:39:00.001-08:00

That is her title, because she is a witch, and because she lives on a street by that name. I called Wally last evening just to check in on him, make sure Buster was in and doing ok. He told me that the landlord wanted the board on the side of the house gone because the 'I am a Christian woman' witch was complaining again to him. I woke up this morning and that was all I could think about. There is no other place to put a shelter for the three or four cats I SEE when I go there for one second in the morning to place food and water down. I also have a covered litter box that is covered by a plastic tarp with some towels in there. Its very small, for one cat, but this morning, lo and behold, there was a cat inside. On one hand, its such a joy to see that these cats are using the shelters, but on the other hand, I was saddened to think this may be taken away. I told Wally he must fight for me, and for the cats. I don't want to get him in to trouble, maybe I can speak to landlord himself, and he can just placate this witch that lives in the upstairs apartment of this house. If you want to know more about my encounters with this woman, see past posts. She scolded me for weeks about feeding on the corner and then came about and apologized and told me what I was doing was good. But obviously not on her turf. I could say some nasty things here, but will let you use your imagination on what I would say...

Big Red has really changed ... he may be sick, but he is very loving, and half these cats practically follow me to my car, saying please don't leave me here. Emma has a very bad cold, I must get her rescued and get meds in her. Poppi is letting me touch her more. There are just so many wonderful cats that need homes. Please consider one!

Days Gone By...

2011-12-07T03:35:00.001-08:00

People ask me, how did you start doing this, why this spot, why that spot? I can never remember. I just was chatting with a friend for a second on Facebook, because it was she that 'turned me on' to this, and she has a much better memory than me! I say 'turned me on' because I was having lunch with her and her friend, prior to 2001, and her friend mentioned having seen cats behind the restaurant. And thats how that began. Then my route became bigger and bigger. Wow, that was how many years ago? I would have to say at least 12-15 years ago. The more cats I saw, and knew they were sick and starving, the more I fed. I remember one spot came about because someone I knew said they had a co-worker that was leaving their job and moving to Buffalo and she was going to abandon her cats if she couldn't find a home. That was on Hayward. I have since rescued around six cats from that street, including Mama Girl, Betty, Jack, and a few others. This is also where Red, Big Red, and Emma reside. She did abandon her cats by the way. Another start up came when I was coming home from the public market and took a side street that allowed me to see, with the headlights of my car, that there were about 8+ cats in the field ahead of me, on Bay Street and First, and I just had to get out and give them food, then brought shelter, then got permission from Wilbert to begin feeding there. So many memories... ha!

It was a chilly damp drizzly morning out this morning, but I am thankful to have placed food, water and dry towels down for the babies. So many out there, so many needing homes. Have a great day!

Baggage Handler Fired Over Concern for Starving Dog

2011-12-05T16:33:00.001-08:00

I love this story! We need more people like this woman in this world!
Leslie Smith, Editor in Chief
Monday December 5th, 2011
Lynn Jones (photo credit: Marilyn Newton)

Sounds like Lynn Jones is looking for a job, so I’ve got a suggestion for the Humane Society of the United States. Dump your current spokesperson and hire Jones.

The former Reno-Tahoe International Airport baggage handler put her job on the line — and eventually lost it — for the sake of a starving, suffering dog. When she refused to load him into the cargo compartment of a plane bound for Texas, her manager responded with a show of compassion the Nazis would have admired: the dog had its papers and was not Jones’s concern.

Jones felt differently. "The dog was so weak and torn up. It didn't look like it could survive the flight,” she said, referring to the animal’s bloodied paws and emaciated, sore-infected body. So instead of keeping quiet or doing as she was told, Jones went to airport police who in turn called local animal services.

The good news is that the dog was taken into custody by Washoe County and treated for his wounds and malnutrition. Bravo to those who intervened and ensured the dog at least a few days or weeks of kindness, not to mention meals and medical treatment. The unfortunate news is that the dog is now in Texas, where he was originally scheduled to be shipped. It’s unclear as to whether his owner at that time is again the legal custodian.

As for Jones, who was fired on the spot, a message: Know that you are a hero and a role model. We need more like you, people who take action when faced with suffering and injustice, people who refuse to be even the least bit complicit in cruelty.

Jones told the Reno Gazette Journal, "My supervisor said it wasn't my concern, but animal abuse is everyone's concern who sees it." Indeed. Fire the supervisor for the “just follow orders” attitude. Promote Jones to the head of the department

http://renoairport.com/contactus
Use the above link to contact the airport directly and let them know your thoughts. Tell them that firing Lynn Jones - a true animal hero - was a mistake.

Roadkill

2011-12-04T15:18:00.001-08:00

I picked up another cat off the road this morning that had been hit on Bay Street. This is the second one in a month for me. The poor baby’s head was crushed this morning, the rest of her body intact. I am sure this poor animal did not suffer for a minute. I was thinking about the person who hit the cat, and just left it in the road – was it some 80 year old man that neither saw nor heard it, was it a cop on its way to a call and had to make the decision about whatever he/she was heading towards, or go back for the cat, but just kept on driving, was it some young person, the typical kind of person in that area that lacks compassion towards animals, that hit it and just kept going without a hesitation. I personally could never hit and then leave an animal. Not even a chipmunk. I love every kind of animal, whether it be a bear, or a tadpole. Anything that has a heart and it beats, I love.

People think I am a cat person. I am only a cat person because they are the most neglected of all the four legged animals. We as humans turn the other way when we see cats outdoors, thinking they have a home, or they will live by eating mice. We are the biggest abusers in the world to cats. I would be a dog person if it were dogs roaming the streets, hiding out under porches, eating garbage from garbage cans trying to stay alive. It just happens to be cats that are the overpopulated creatures we see out roaming. That’s another reason I don’t believe in letting your cat outdoors. You take that chance the moment it goes out that it won’t come back to you again. It could get hit by cars, it could get attacked by another animal, it could pick up God Knows What out there. I have a friend in Colorado who has a cat named Three’er because her first two cats were eaten by the coyotes in her back yard.

Speaking of cats indoors, you will never believe what happened. You know how I’ve been hoping Wally would take a cat. Well, I brought over a small lasagna I made yesterday for him, and thankfully Miss B. was there too, but she doesn’t like Italian food, but Wally was very appreciative. I also brought him a strand of Christmas lights, blue, for his little place, to liven it up, along with an old comforter I had, and a Christmas table cloth for the new donated kitchen table he was given last weekend by a good dog rescuer friend of mine, Dee. Anyways, I also brought over a small litter pan, litter, scooper, wet and dry food, and was going to tell Wally I really needed him to take Buster in for the winter, that he would make a good companion, and he would be saving a cat, and not to mention continue to get scrumptious meals from me! J But he called me and said ‘bring over a litter box please’. I couldn’t believe it. Well, he agreed to take Buster in, now we just had to get him! This morning, as I stopped to put food and water down for the kitties that eat outside his house, near the lean to I have there, I looked up and saw Buster in the window! Miss B. must have gotten him sometime after I left yesterday afternoon! So that is GREAT NEWS! Another cat off the street! Pictured here are my two kittens available for adoption, Rufus (white and black) and Buddy. Are they not the cutest!

Rufus and Buddy

Friday's Frivolities

2011-12-02T03:25:00.001-08:00

Just having fun. I am getting lame when it comes to thinking about what I want to write without boring you to death.

I am so thankful its Friday. Even though last week was a short week, it seems this week went on forever, and ever, and ever... For some reason, I always think its easier for me on the weekends going out and feeding strays - maybe it is. I don't have that time pressure like I do for the work week. There was a bit of interest shown by someone in adopting one of my adult kitties out on the street. I thought about it and I am having a hard time thinking which one is best. Do I go by the one most deserving? The one most desperate? The cutest one? The sweetest one? How do you pick? There is Red, there is Big Red, there is Tuffy, there is Emma, there is Buster, there is another Red yet unnamed that is very timid - he is where Mr. Bully is. How about the Pushy, the grey on Second Street, who pushes against my bag as I am trying to pour and the food ALWAYS spills. There are SO MANY others that are unnamed that I feed in the morning. There are so many I could never keep them straight. There are just so many deserving cats. Then there are my three other babies just under a year old I am trying to adopt out that are already in my house, Rufus, Midnight and Buddy!

I am going to post some pics this weekend. A few friends have sent me ideas on shelters and I thought, hmmm... simple, yet ingenious! Will get those on this weekend. I wish you a great day!

Help Wanted!

2011-12-01T03:42:00.001-08:00

Part-Time position open. Duties include one hour + a day, 365 days a year, must be morning person, must have valid driver's license. You will be expected to work in many different environments including potentially dangerous and strenuous situations. have a love for dangerous situations in high risk criminal areas Benefits include: Nothing. No insurance, no pay, but occasional pats on the back will be most rewarding to you. You will be expected to perform remote visual inspections in the field for a variety of clients including but not limited to cats, raccoons, opossums and occasional dogs. Must love animals!

I have had a total of three people offer to help me within the past year and half, to give me a break, but that never happened. Thats not to say I never had help. Heather was the only one who was there for me when I needed to travel and be away. She was a trooper through and through and I cannot thank her enough for doing that, even to this day. I keep on trucking along though, especially when I see their little faces sitting there waiting for me. There are so many wonderful adult kitties that need adoption out there. They would make the sweetest, cuddliest kitties. And don't forget I have three kittens ready for a home! Rufus, Midnight and Buddy!

I had a surprise yesterday. A woman wrote me to say she had been reading my blog, offered me a built shelter, and said if everyone had just a fraction of compassion that I have, the world would be a better place. And its true, if we all opened out hearts and homes for JUST ONE MORE, I could possibly get that needed break I so deserve, to not have to go out and feed all these animals each day. But this woman - who doesn't know me at all, opened her heart to donate this shelter and a bag of food, and that was my pat on the back. It meant the world to me. Thank you to everyone who has ever patted me on the back!

Wednesday's Woes

2011-11-30T03:46:00.001-08:00

Boy, I am getting lame with my titles!!! Must get my mojo back! Anyways, it was a quiet, yet very damp morning out there. It poured and poured and poured all day yesterday. All I could think about was my babies out there as I sat at work for the eight hours listening to the rain hitting the skylight just above my desk. I kept telling my co-worker "I hate the rain" and its only for the fact that its miserable for the cats. Would rather have it lightly snow than rain. I had to pick up soaking towels this morning. The bully kitty was out in full swing on Third Street, going after Tuffy, with lots of growling. He is so territorial. Tuffy is ten times larger than Mr. Bully, but also a sweetheart, obviously, because he backs away when confronted. Tuffy has been around for a long time now, I first noticed him on Second Street years ago. He is a large orange and white kitty, male, very large head, but you can tell a sweetheart. You can also tell he was once someone's kitty, but for one reason or another, is now a street cat. I wish it were lighter in the morning, and more conducive for me to take pictures. I have to sneak around and constantly watch my surroundings every second, so its not easy to whip out the camera, the crappy camera. I can never get it to flash in the seconds I am able to take the picture. There are so many sights that are worthy of showing on my blog. I also had someone mention that the pictures I post you cannot enlarge anymore, like they used to. Not sure what happened with the blog, but it was not my doing. I just take the same pictures, and post, but when you click on them, they do not enlarge to see them better. I will work on this. In the meantime, Midnight, Rufus and Buddy are all doing well, and I am waiting to get them adopted. They are wonderful little kitties, all under a year. Take a look at posts back, you will see their pictures!

Tuesdays Tales

2011-11-29T03:42:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I mentioned Part Two would come today of the past week, with mean spirited people. First off, where I've been feeding under a tree for the past summer, a few houses down from where Miss B. used to live, and from where Wally, her friend, lives now, I was there Wednesday after having brought something to Wally during the day on my vacation day, and out of the window yelled this huge woman screaming at me to stop feeding cats under that tree! "my grandbabies are scared of them!". She went on and on, after me telling her that the cats weren't going to her her grandbabies, and that she should be teaching them, compassion. She yelled for me to move the bowls from under there or she would put poison in them. So I moved the bowls to across the street, told her how mean she was, and waved goodbye. In the meantime, I finally moved the bowls to a tree in front of Wally's house, I had been hoping to move these remaining five adult kitties down to where I had a 'friend' instead of the bleak corner I had been feeding at. On Friday morning, the day after Thanksgiving, Wally's neighbor, actually the woman who lives in the same house, different apartment, came out and told me she didn't want me to feed the cats under her tree because they bring varmints, mice, etc. I looked at her and said 'that didn't last too long.' This is the same woman that scolded me for days before she came back to me one morning and apologized and said she was a Christian woman, and that what I was doing was good. She then went off on a rant. Loud. And then she decided to call 911. Now I am not a confrontational person. Not at all. I am not good at confrontation. So Wally just motioned for me to come in the house, all the while I can hear her describing me, taking down my license plate. She was NUTS. I told Wally to give me a call, and to give the police my number if they did come for such a stupid thing. I left, and things calmed down after that. Apparently Wally spoke to his landlord, and he had no problem with me leaving the board on the side of his house for the kitties as shelter. Thats why this woman went off - I told her I would continue to feed on the side of the house. But as long as Wally was good with it, and the landlord, I have continued to go there each morning, very quietly, and call for the kitties to come get their sustenance. I may not be able to verbally fight with you, but I have a lot of fight in me! I won't back down! Not when it comes to the welfare of animals, children and the elderly! Have a great day!

Helping the Helpless

2011-11-28T04:05:00.001-08:00

Thats what I said to the pastor of a small white church on the corner near where I've rescued many cats - Teenie, Benny (my mother renamed this one), Barney, and so many others - I said 'please don't trash my shelter for the cats, I am a kind person, and I am only trying to alleviate some of their suffering'. He has left it alone since. I also treated Wally this past week - he is the gentleman that lives down from where Miss B used to live, where I have been leaving a small shelter at the side of his house so that I can give some protection to the food that I used to leave under the tree near the corner, where there was no shelter from the weather, and I was desperate to find some for the five or so remaining adult cats. This is the place where I have rescued Midnight, Cloe, Phoebe, Buddy, and two others that I have forgotten their names - shame on me! - Anyways, I wound up cooking the meal for Wally and he shared it with Miss B. I brought over TV tables and my kitchen chairs for them to sit on for the day. I then went about my own family celebration, but I felt good doing this for these two downtrodden people. On Saturday, I took Wally out for a pair of reading glasses. Remember, he is blind in one eye. He has not been able to read without them and I bought him a newspaper. He was thrilled with them. He felt like a professor he said. I then took him for a haircut. Not only his hair, but I motioned for the barber to do his nose, ears, etc. He was a mess. He came out of there looking like a totally different man. He went from looking like a hobo, to looking great. I felt good about that, but warned him that it came with a price, and he had to start thinking about adopting one of the kitties outside his door! So, I will continue to get him to take in Buster. Much to the dismay of his neighbor, which is another story in itself. That Part Two for tomorrow.

Misery

2011-11-23T07:40:00.001-08:00

Loved that movie. Especially when Annie Wilkes yells to Paul Sheldon "You dirty bird! He didn't get out of the cockadoodie car!" - not in the same sentence, but those were classic lines...

It was pure misery this morning. I would rather have it snow. Did you see or hear the rain last night beginning around 5 pm.? Did you awaken during the night and hear it pouring? Did you see it outside this morning at 5 am.? Miserable. Pouring. Wet. Streets flooded. Towels soaked. Kitties hiding and miserable. I have to say, I actually held out until 5:40 this morning, waiting, hoping. And wouldn't you know it, when I got to my first spot, which I reversed my route this morning due to where I feed under the leafless tree near Miss B's old house, I had brought a board to lean against the tree to cover the food in the bowls I left so it wouldn't get soaked. Anyways, wouldn't you know it, the rain subsided, long enough for that one hour I was out. I do believe in God, and I do believe He watches over me. It had been pouring just prior to me leaving the house. I am so thankful. Nevertheless, it was still miserable out there.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and I am thankful for all the friends I have in my life, who have been there for me through thick and thin, and I am thankful for the people in my life who have made donations to me, no matter how big or small. Even the strangers, I am thankful for you too. I will be making a nice dinner for Wally, the half blind man who lives down the street from Miss B's old house, and hoping to make his day a little more cheerful. I am going to have him cook stuff himself, but I bought some of hopefully his favorite things. Turkey breast, cornbread, sweet potato casserole with marshmallows (which I am making), cranberry sauce, and gravy. I even bought him a small pecan pie. I hope he likes it, and can cook! I am also slowly trying to talk him into taking a cat in! Say a prayer, and cross your fingers! Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

An Ode to Jake

2011-11-22T03:43:00.001-08:00

I have a good friend in Australia, Jen Brown, a very interesting girl in many ways, like her childhood, her career now, and her very cool personality. I wrote about her dog's passing a few months ago, Jake, and she sent me the following note recently after getting a new dog, Brady Brown. I will post his picture tomorrow as I don't have access to it right now, but stay tuned, because he is one PRETTY pup! I do, however, have Jake's picture, and his gravesite. Our animals are our family, and whoever can give up a member of their family is... well, its beyond my comprehension their way of thinking. I know there are circumstances, but these animals, like a dog, when you come home, are their tails not wagging a mile a minute? Or the kitties, when you walk in the door, are they not looking at you lovingly? Or maybe thats hunger, but nevertheless, if you have not cried openly before, and your cat did not come up to you to figure out what you were doing, then, you don't have my cats!

This is Jen's note to me, which I share with you to show you just how precious our pets are to us:

People are sooooo irresponsible with their pets arent they? They are PEOPLE with four legs. And they crave love and attention. When Jake Dog had to go suddenly due to cancer of the spleen it was such a shock. He had slowed down but never complained about any ailment. He ate well and loved going places with us. He just had no energy. Like all our pooches, he was a 'hand me down" and he was fabulous.
When he went we felt such a loss...again losing another faithful friend. I told Jim I needed to get another dog. He said I FORBID YOU. So that was the nail in the coffin. All settled... I got Brady Brown Dog from another lost doggy home. Jim was furious but I told him to accept Brady or piss off. He grew a beard instead. Good, more hugs for Brady Brown Dog then !

Brady is adorable, loving, friendly to all, the house looks like a bomb's hit it with all his toys. Even our kids who said "Don't get another dog ! " love him to bits, and they only see him occasionally.

Jake Dog would have approved. Our beautiful boy has been gone 14 weeks now, and we think of him every day. This time last year we drove to NSW and Queensland Jake came with us and all our friends fell in love with him.

Stay tuned for Brady Brown's picture!

As far as my route these past few days, it was very cold out this morning. Frost all around. I am trying to make my shelters as comfortable as possible but its hard this year. I have had to relocate a few spots and my shelters are very flimsy. I will have a friend come help me hopefully soon to see what she thinks. She is very creative, and I am hoping she may have some better ideas. I picked up a poor dead cat in the street yesterday morning. I spotted him in the road, and just knew I couldn't go past him. I placed a towel around his little black and white body and placed him to the side of the road. I then went back and got the plastic flea collar that must have come off him on impact. His body didn't look damaged, so I am not sure how that happened. He is in heaven now and will not suffer in the coming months. Poor baby.

Sunday

2011-11-20T14:46:00.001-08:00

Its been a long/short weekend, and I didn't get to download the photos of some of my 'shelters' as promised, but here is the first one I arrive at each morning. It takes the brunt of the southern and northern winds we get due to its location. I am having a hard time figuring out the scheme of what will shelter the babies I see here each morning, but wanted to share with you what I see. This is the same location that some crazy person rearranges things like a blanket here and there, some type of breading that is soaked in a container - thinking its to feed the cats - and the most exposed to the elements.

On another note, I went to Wally's house this evening to bring him some grilled chicken and baked potato with butter and sour cream. I try to feed this man. He is blind in one eye - didn't know why until tonight, and he is also allowing me to place a board against his rental apartment in order to feed the cats that I've been feeding at the tree all summer, where I have rescued at least six cats the past two months. He is a soft-spoken man, 63 years of age, African American, and has nothing. I want to help him with a chair, bookshelf, kitchen table and blinds for his little place. I brought him the food this evening and asked him point blank about his eye. He told me that kids came by a few years ago and threw paint balls at him and one hit his eye and he has been blind in that ever ever since. I asked him if they caught the kids, or if he ever got compensated, both of which he replied no.

I spoke to Miss B. also this weekend, and she is back in the hospital due to high blood pressure. She will get out tomorrow and return to the women's shelter. Her biggest concern is the cats she left behind. Thank God we have people like Miss B. and Wally who care. No matter what they have, they are willing to give what they have, even if its just their kindness and compassion.

Sorry about the picture. As I have said... I hate my camera!

Thank GOD its Friday

2011-11-18T04:05:00.001-08:00

Its been a very long week. Longer for me because tomorrow I have to work the hospital gala that my department holds every year. Fancy schmancy. Not only the actual duration of the gala, but all day helping to set up for 1300+ people! So, I won't be on the computer much, but Sunday I will try to post the pictures I took of several spots this morning on my 'cat route'. I brought along a few rickety boards to put up at a few rickety shelters. We had our first really chilly evening and morning with high winds. It was cold for everyone out there. I now have to get really serious to do what I can to give these cats some comfort during what will soon be a very long cold winter. If anyone reading here has access to or can find some decent heavier type boards, like 3x5 or 5x5, they come in handy. They are always being stolen, and they are the only protection for the food I place down for these cats sometimes. Please let me know. I am at janinethebean10@yahoo.com. Also, if anyone's old larger cat carriers are ready for carrier heaven, I will take those too. I will take anything that a cat can get into for shelter. You know I wouldn't be able to thank you enough, but I will try! Check out this weekend for pictures of my shelters! Have a great day!

Bullies!

2011-11-17T03:34:00.001-08:00

Bullies... we have them at schools, we have them at work, and bullies are even in the cat world! The definition of a bully is: a blustering, quarrelsome, overbearing person who habitually badgers and intimidates smaller or weaker people. Not only do I encounter some in my workplace, but I deal with two furry bullies each morning. One is at my third spot. He swats at all the other cats waiting for me until HE IS FED FIRST! He even swats at my head if I am bending down and within reach. He is mean mean mean. Bullies are mean. My second bully is at close to my last spot, a red and orange kitty, who chases all the others away. They feed like hungry lions when I put the food down there. This is the tree that I feed under that is down from where Miss B. used to live, and where Wally lives a few houses down also. I have placed a very small board and a cat carrier down on the side of his house, but its inadequate for the winter. I will keep feeding Wally when I can on weekends. I've made him breads and soup recently, and I know he appreciates that. In fact, he doesn't have much. I toured his small apartment, and he has nothing. His television is the size of a postage stamp. I still don't understand how someone gets to be that age and they don't even own a chair or couch. Sad really. But back to the bullies, they are very aggressive cats, and make it very difficult for their companions. Bullies need to be taught lessons in life, so they don't bully again. But how do you turn a cat bully around? Picture above is where the red and orange bully hangs... sorry, picture didn't turn out very well. I hate my camera.

Nightlife

2011-11-16T03:58:00.001-08:00

This morning as I was driving in between feedings, I noticed several girls, prostitutes, walking the streets. Not that that was unusual for me to see, but I noticed they are getting younger and younger. And the area where they are selling themselves is so poor, I don't know how they make any money. Its a shame. They all know me though, they've seen me every single day on the 'job'. Most people do respect me though, I know this because the old carriers I've placed this week are still intact. And so are most of my rickety old shelters. A board or two was stolen from one spot, but it was in the neighbors yard next to the trash, as if they are trying to tell me something, but I just went and got the boards and brought them back to the abandoned house porch next door. They were still there today. At one spot last week, as I went up on the porch of another place, where I got Rufus, had Emma fixed, Rufus' mom, where Red hangs, and where I rescued two other kittens months ago (Rufus' sisters), I noticed a woman behind the curtain of the house next door. I could only see her silhouette, and I waved to her in the dark, and she waved back. I don't know if that is instinct for humans to do that, or if she really did have a decent and kind bone in her body, despite her very dilapidated looking house. Her porch roof is being held up by two boards, one on each side.

I've been blessed with decent weather too. We had rain a few days ago, but besides that, we are lucky right now. It won't be that way soon, so I am counting my lucky stars. I do need to continue to build up my shelters. The abandoned house's porches are wide open to the elements, I must figure out a way to cover the cat carriers that I hope they will use. I took pictures this morning as soon as I figured out how to turn on the flash in the dark, will have those up hopefully tomorrow. Have a great day!

Out of Order

2011-11-15T03:36:00.001-08:00

That is what another computer is basically saying when I try to login to my blog here. So, my apologies for yesterday's lack of something new, although I hope you all read my Saturday post!

So many things happened over the weekend, and as usual, I failed to jot down, so out of sight, out of mind. For sure.

The most significant thing that happened yesterday was I got into work and an older co-worker asked if I could help place her daughter's dog, who had just bitten their baby. Now this dog, a beagle I believe, is several years old, and was rescued from a shelter by this woman and her now husband. One other incident happened, the dog nipped at the husband a long time ago. This baby is around 9 months? It did bite, enough for the mom to take her to Emergency where the doctor said she might have scarring until she was around 5 and then it would disappear. I asked her to get a picture from her daughter of the dog. A few hours later, I asked her about it and she said the husband came and got the dog and took it right to the shelter. Now, I have never had children, but my three biggest passions are children, the elderly, and animals. I love them and they should be safe. But there are safeguards you place around your children when you have animals. I am not saying it was anyone's fault, but then again, it was someone's fault. And what about that dog? Animals have bad days. Animals are just like humans. We listen to the baby screaming, we get out tails tugged occasionally, there are lots of things animals go through just like humans. I can't tell you how disappointed I was to hear that this drastic measure was taken by these people. It almost haunts me to think this dog had a good home (I think) and it was dragged from there, and placed in cage, with hundreds of other animals in the same boat. What must that dog be thinking, and what must its trust level be with humans now?

I would love to hear others opinions on this subject! In the meantime, after the rains yesterday, I have a full load of wet towels in the wash! I must continue to get proper shelter for these animals!!

Moondance

2011-11-12T06:03:00.001-08:00

Its a marvelous night for one. Van Morrison. Great tune. The moon has been beautiful the past three or four nights. The light of the moon is a help and a great comfort. Its an extra flashlight for me without having to hold one in my hand, or in my mouth when I am multi-tasking as I am bending down pouring food and water and trying to hold up boards, or keep the cats at bay while I am doing all of that. I recently had a donation from my vet's tech yesterday when I had to bring in my Boris for a very expensive check up due to the fact that he is 'urinating' in certain areas of my house lately, several times a day. Well, $220 later, he has had a urine sample taken, and hopefully after testing it will show signs of infection, which hopefully can be treated. Anyways, Kelly gave me several old carriers from her house, and I distributed them around this morning. These will hopefully be of some comfort to these stressed out, homeless stray cats I care for. I need more of them though, including large flat boards to lay against structures to keep the wind and snow out. As I looked around at all the cats I feed at each spot, I always feel a sense of satisfaction knowing I've fed their hungry bellies. Some people though, would disagree. They feel I am only adding to the proliferating population. I feel guilty about that sometimes, but what I do know is that I don't have the means to get them all fixed. Number one, its hard to get appointments for neutering at low-cost, and number two, I just don't have the time to do it. I have a full-time and a half job, and nearly full-time job when I get home. So whats the alternative. Nothing for now, I need to keep feeding and caring and rescuing and doing whatever I can for these homeless strays. Won't you consider one?

Almost Winter

2011-11-10T06:26:00.000-08:00

That was the way it felt this morning. We have had a really nice past two weeks here in Rochester, NY. 60's, no rain. Plenty of sunshine. Great moonlit nights. But this morning, I realized thats all coming to an end. The rain will be coming, as will the snow, and it will be harder and harder for me to get out and feed these animals. Not only harder for me to actually get my foot out the door each morning, but also harder for the cats - their shelters are so poor right now. I really wish I had some help by a creative person to help me build up these shelters. And that is hard to do also because I have to hide them also. I just wish I had help doing what I do every day, period.

I was speaking to a woman last night who is fostering Oreo for me. Remember Oreo, one of Miss B's old house-near-the-corner cats. Her picture is featured a few posts ago also. She is ready for adoption, so think about it! Pass it around! Anyways, I was chatting with this wonderful woman, finding out how Oreo is doing in her new digs, and she mentioned something rather comical to me and I wanted to share it with you - she looked up Cat Lady in Wikipedia.com, and here is what it said:

In at least the Anglosphere, single women who own cats have long been associated with the concept of spinsterhood.[1] In more recent decades, the concept of a cat lady has been associated with "romance-challenged (often career-oriented) women who can't find a man".[1]

The term is also used to denote an animal hoarder who keeps large numbers of cats without having the ability to properly house or care for them.[2] They are generally blissfully ignorant about their situation.

I just thought this was hilarious. It couldn't be further from the truth. There are plenty of pretty, sane and successful women in all walks of life doing what I do. Rubbish. Wikipedia. Rubbish! :) And I keep a pretty good house too! I will not be like the Crazy Cat Lady on the Simpsons! I will not, I will not, I will not! :) I invite you to a great article - I think if you love cats, and are female, you will love this article: http://www.forbes.com/2009/10/14/crazy-cat-lady-pets-stereotype-forbes-woman-time-felines.html

I have a vacation day tomorrow, hooray! Have a GREAT weekend! Please contact me if you want to foster, adopt, or have any shelters you may want to donate to me. Thank you friends!!

Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up. ~Jesse Jackson

2011-11-09T06:42:00.000-08:00

I LOVE that saying! In reference to my post yesterday, I forgot to count ONE more stop I make each morning. Its in between the corner tree, near Miss B's old house, and my last stop, on my way home on the same street, at the next corner. Its right in the middle. A place rented by an older black male that is half blind in one eye. Could be cataract, could be blindness, either way, its a cloudy eye. One time I had to pick Miss B up at her old neighbor's house, Wally. I introduced myself to Wally, shook his hand, and invited him to dinner with us. I wanted to do something nice for her - get her out of the women's shelter, and away from these bleak neighborhoods for a few hours, so I took her for a fish fry. Anyways, Wally turned me down, but I told him 'maybe next time', which he appreciated I think. He smiled. For a few days after that, I thought I would approach him to ask him if he would allow me to place a board shelter against the side of his house for the kitties, I've been trying to find a sheltered location instead of the tree at the corner, because of the winter weather that is coming. He agreed, and I have a small rickety set up right now. Since then, I have been bringing him fresh baked banana bread, and two kinds of soups. He seems so appreciative when I do. A lot of these folks around him hate cats, and a lot also hate white people, but its nice to have a friend ! It makes it a little easier to feed the kitties when you have a 'friend' around. I need to continue to build up the shelter there, little by little, and coax the remaining cats that are at the corner to come to Wallys!

PS, the little cat carrier was still at my first spot. No one took it. Hurray.

Another Great Day!

2011-11-08T05:51:00.000-08:00

Its warm out. Its not pouring out. That makes it a great day. I was thinking this morning, I go to how many spots??? Lets see, there's one, two, three, four, five, six, seven (and the seventh stop is on Seventh Street! how coincidental), eight, nine, ten, eleven, and twelve! Thats 12 stops I make each morning between 5:15 am. and 6:15 am. when I pull up at my house. Thats insane. But... what am I to do? This morning I brought a new little shelter - a rusty old medium sized cat carrier with a blanket stuffed inside. I placed that at the spot that someone took the other one from yesterday. Now, there must be a mentally unstable person that is cohabitating with the cats on this porch, this very open, public porch to this vacant house on a busy corner. This morning, back was the blanket on the floor of the porch that someone had placed there over a week ago. Of course my missing carrier was not back but the blanket was. Its just spread out like a rug. And there is a pet dish, a plastic one that holds both water and food, but both sides were empty, and flipped over. I can't figure out who would be doing this besides a person who is mentally unstable. I never see anyone there, and I view it from a distance like a hawk while I am slowly driving up to this location in the dark. All I ever see are cats, who are frightened of humans, and they are sitting there until I get out of my car, so I know there is no other human there when I get there. I felt good later though, as I passed by that first stop of mine, because I glanced up on the porch and saw the red kitten coming out of the little carrier I set there. I sure do hope no one takes this again. Its the kittens home. Where else do they have to go? Please open your heart and home for one of these kitties I rescue! I have Oreo, Rufus, Midnight and the still unnamed kitty that need homes!

Suddenly Monday

2011-11-07T05:09:00.000-08:00

I did post yesterday, so check it out!

Where do the weekends go? They fly by so quickly. The older you get, the faster time goes. Sad, but very true. I have moments, and I call them moments because they are so brief, on the weekends where I can just sit and think, but then again my mind races to all the things I should have done last week, and put them on my to do for the following week, and things I should be doing while I am sitting there thinking, that I get up and don't take that very much needed time for just ME. I sit and look around and think I should be doing this and I should be doing that. Its ALWAYS something.

Saturday morning I rescued a little boy cat, we will call him a TWEEN - I am very bad at guessing ages - he is another from Miss B's old house's corner, and I have yet to name him! I am attaching a few pictures of him. Very very cute. Very very playful and affectionate. You will be hearing more of him once I name him!

This morning I was very disappointed. At my first stop, I had placed an old cat carrier with a blanket inside on the porch of this vacant house. Each morning I've pulled up there are three little kittens inside it sleeping. They hear my car, I can see them come out, stretch, and go off to watch me from a distance. I feel inside the little hut and its warm where they've been sleeping. This morning, I pulled up, and everything was gone, except the paper plates and water bowl. Sad. Really. Why would someone want to do that? I need shelters very much. If anyone knows of any old cat carriers that may be in bad shape, they are in good enough shape for me. I will take them. If anyone has any old plastic storage bins, I will take those. As you can see, sometimes they are taken, I am always in need of little shelters for the cats. .

The Dark

2011-11-06T08:38:00.000-08:00

Look at these two. These are my friend's kitties, and she has four of the most photogenic cats in the world. Or, at least in Bristol where they live. Two very cute cuties!
My title is appropos with it being Daylight Savings time here in the east. Fall Back, Spring Forward. We set our clocks back an hour last night, but that just meant I was up an hour earlier than normal because my body is used to only so many hours of sleep. Yuck. And I woke with a slight headache due to a fun evening with friends having dinner, and mixing my wine. I realized this time change will not really affect me, because the light still doesn't appear on the horizon before 7:30 am. anyway. So I am still in the dark at 5 am. when I leave the house (now really 6 am.). But I decided thats ok, because the darkness is my friend! I really don't want to be seen doing what I do so lurking around in the dark is much better for me. A little more scary, but better for me in the long run. Plus, I bought a great small LED flashlight, so that helps me too. It was quiet out this morning. Something is going on with Red, as he was coming to the spot that I've been feeding him at, where Emma was, and Rufus was rescued, but he is now hiding on me again. I believe he's very sick. Big Red is still sick, but still waiting for me, sidling up to me, and looking at me with his big gold eyes. I wish I had the means to help him. I think he would be a very grateful only cat for someone, after he was cured of his ailments. I dread thinking about the weather coming. Not for me, but for these animals. Its cold enough now int he morning with the frost on the cars and grass, but the temps will be near zero - which is 40 degrees lower than it is now - in a month or so (January and February are our coldest months), and its going to be very cold for these critters. I do my best, but nothing is going to be good enough. Actually, the little huts my friend, her husband, and her students have built me are not bad shelters, with some straw added. But these cats don't always have the know how to use them! I should put a sign over the entrance saying "Stay here for the night! Come huddle and cuddle with some of your furry friends!"
I might just do that!

Mother and Child

2011-11-04T05:24:00.000-07:00

As you all know, I have rescued two kittens recently. One is Rufus. Rufus is the brother of two girl kittens that I rescued after I had their mother Emma neutered, and returned to the street to be with her remaining child. I took Rufus just a few mornings ago, because I had not seen Emma, his Mom, around in a few days. I knew I had to get him, especially when he was starting to get very sick. URI. He has been good about taking his medicine each morning, and he is getting better. I was actually able to get a picture of him this morning, just before he flipped out after hearing a noise from the shower curtain. I brought him into the tiny bathroom thinking the best place to get a picture without background clutter. Anyways, Emma was there this morning, and she was looking very very lonely. I feel bad for her now, I've taken away all her children. I wonder if cats can feel that. Does anyone know? I wish more people were able to take cats, I would have Emma adopted in a heartbeat. She is a good kitty. Even let me pick her up this morning. I hate leaving her on this dangerous street, to go through a harsh winter. I have not seen Red around either. He slipped through my fingers about a year ago. I had him in my carrier, with someone willing to adopt him, but he got out and never showed up again until months later, and very leery of me. He now lets me pet him, but he has gotten sick over time and is not looking good. Red is not to be confused with Big Red, who still waits for me, who still intertwines his body in between my legs, but is still very sick too.

But the good news is............ There are people out there that do care, and are rescuing animals - both dogs and cats and other critters each day, whether from the shelters, or from the streets. Even people! I know you all remember Miss B. Well, my uncle happens to rent houses in the city, and he just may have a place for Miss B. She can finally get out of the women's shelter she has been staying at for close to two months. I love being able to help in all situations of life, whether it be animal or human. Many times I find that when I offer an act of kindness, it brings a warm feeling of happiness to me. Happiness is about making happy choices. So I make a choice not to lose my happiness because of someone, something or anything. I get up every morning with an expectation of finding joy and happiness at every interval of my day. I dont make an excuse for not being happy. So with that, I wish you all a GREAT Friday! PS, picture of Rufus coming soon!

"For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Today, if ye will hear his voice." Psalms 95:7

Food

2011-11-03T06:07:00.000-07:00

We take it for granted, don't we? The cats don't. I just about ran out of food this morning feeding them. I had to skimp on some of them. In fact, yesterday, the Nasty Boy on Third Street, took a swipe at either me or one of the other hungry cats, and knocked a large bowl of dry food down on the porch, scattering it all over, so I had to use extra. Although for some reason, I almost ran out today, even though I brought the usual amount. I think the difference is I ran out of my back up food. I usually keep a small bag in the trunk of my car as surplus. I always dig into it, because 15 pounds does not always feed the cats each morning. I have received donations of small bags of cat food in the past, and when I do, the donors say to me - I know its not much - but it IS. Those are the bags that I NEED when I run out of the food I pack each morning to use. I appreciate these small bags so much. But I had none, so I skimped on some food for these babies. Anyways, I just thought I would mention the importance of small things, small gestures. They are always welcome to me.

Otherwise, it was a dull morning. I didn't run into anyone in the hood, and all my other usual suspect kitties were there, minus Red. Big Red moves around. Big Red is the one I took a picture of his wounded head a few posts ago. He is the one I am having a struggle with my conscience about taking him to the shelter. But he has recently been greeting me by rubbing his head and body against my leg when he sees me now. I know that is a sign of affection, and if he can show that, he is worthwhile to someone. But again, that someone is not around, we are short on people to foster these guys, and also he will be expensive to treat, which I cannot afford. And Mama Girl on Third Street, she gave birth earlier this summer, she has an Upper Respiratory Infection, you can hear her labored breathing while I am dishing out the food, but she won't let me get near her, so I wouldn't be able to pill her anyway. Just sad cases. But there is hope! I have saved Midnight, Oreo and Rufus, and they are all waiting for homes! Please spread the word!!

Better Than Butter

2011-11-02T05:56:00.000-07:00

I have no idea why that title, but was thinking about how our weather has been the past couple of days with the warmth and sunshine, and it couldn't get any better, and I do love butter. Hows THAT for reasoning!

All was well this morning. I saw a few houligans out there, I even stopped to talk to a guy that was doing work behind a house on Central that I used to feed at. The guy was doing work for a man that had allowed me to set up shelter on his property while he was renovating his house, but then asked me to move it in late summer because his family was moving in. The location is a highlight of my little video that shows me getting bopped in the head when the wood falls down on me - Here it is:

http://www.locallocal.tv/post/3878263044/in-february-i-got-an-email-from-a-lady-named#.TrE6ca8NfoI.email -

Anyways, the guy was throwing boards out from behind the house, and I can really use large wooden boards for my shelters, and the guy - named Tito - remembered me. And as I write this, I remember meeting Tito, he was riding his bicycle and we spoke briefly years ago when I used to feed Smokey No. 1 down the street. I remember him telling me he had been in prison and was looking for work. He really did seem like a good dude. In fact, I wrote about this in some of my earlier blogs. Funny, how things come back around. Anyways, he was still nice, but walked with a sort of limp. Not sure what has happened to him over the years, but still a nice guy. He told me if he found some good pieces of wood, he would put them on the side of the house next door to where I moved my shelter to. The house where I feed now belongs to the bank, and who ever comes and checks on it to mow the lawn, etc. doesn't seem to mind me being there to feed the kitties. Nothing is ever touched, except for the grass! So that was nice. I do run into some good people, they aren't there to hurt me. I obviously have a reputation around there to most of these early morning people as the cat lady, and I don't mind that.

Another funny story - yesterday I was on the porch of an abandoned house feeding the usual - one very nasty kitty that is always swiping his paw at me while I am trying to pour the food down, a pretty and sweet redhead, a black kitty, and two multi colored young kittys. Anyways, there was a very very large raccoon on that porch. I went to scare it off, and it ran and jumped up on the ledge on the other side of the porch and was holding on to the ledge when I made a loud noise to scare it and tapped its claw to get it down, and went back to my pouring, when I heard a truck start up. I looked up, and this truck was backing up onto the street. As always, I try to let people know what I am doing so I went to the road and waved my hands but the truck just kept on slowly going. I scratched my head and thought, that was wierd. Why wouldn't he stop? So then I go to leave, pass the house next door, and realize its a boarded up house! So I put two and two together. He was either sleeping in his truck in this abandoned house driveway, or was having a little fun and thought it would be a good spot to have it in, until I came along and was making loud noises within a few feet of him! :) After all, there are a few women around that area that are eager to provide fun for anyone for a small amount of money. Either way, it was odd, and I don't think he will be back again too soon.

And off I went to finish my rounds.

Boo!

2011-11-01T05:40:00.000-07:00

It was Halloween yesterday, and all the ghouls and goblins were out in full force. In my neighborhood at least. Oddly, it was very quiet this morning on my rounds after the mischievous night. At one spot, there are usually eight kitties waiting for me, and this morning, there were none. Odd. I would have to say at least once a month I pick up a dead animal from the road and move it over to the grass. I guess this photo is appros pos for Halloween. I don't know what got into me to take this. Sorry for the graphics.

On a better note, this is a picture of one of my latest captives, Oreo. She is a good girl, very shy, but a nice kitty. She loves to have her belly scratched. She was picked up for the corner where Miss B. used to live. There is still one more kitten left there, the rest are a bit older. The kitten left there is about 5 mos., and is unneutered, so I must rescue her ASAP, but cannot do until I can get both Oreo, and Rufus (picture to come when I can get it!) either adopted or fostered. Both great kitties. I hope you or someone you know might want to think about fostering Oreo. I can then continue to save the kitties!!!

I saw this and thought it would be a good reminder to post here: Its so true.

The Ten Commandments

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years.

Any separation from you will be painful for me.

Remember that before you adopt or buy me.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me ... it's crucial for my well being.

4. Don't be angry at me for long, and don't lock me up as a punishment.

You have your work, your entertainment and your friends. I have only you.

5. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words,

I understand your voice when it's speaking to me.

6. Be aware of how you treat me. Would you want to be treated the same way?

7. Remember before you hit me that I have teeth that could crush

the bones of your hands, but I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being 'uncooperative', 'obstinate' or 'lazy',

ask yourself if something might be bothering me.

Perhaps I'm not feeling well or not getting the right food,

or I've been out in the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak.

9. Take care of me when I grow old: you too, will grow old.

10. Go with me on a difficult journey. Never say "I can't bear to watch it",

or "Let it happen in my absence". Everything is easier when you are there.

Rufus

2011-10-31T07:54:00.000-07:00

Well, I rescued the second kitten off the street. There were/are a total of three that are friendly with me, I rescued Oreo a few days ago, and now Rufus yesterday, with one more to go. I cannot get her until I can find foster or adoption homes for Midnight, Oreo and Rufus. I am at my highest max in rescuing cats now. Rufus has severe upper respiratory infection and his mama, Emma, has not been around for a few days now, so I decided it was high time I got Rufus outta there. Poor little guy. And he is not the easiest to give pills to for his sickness. He hides under the bed - I believe if cats are born outdoors, they will forever be somewhat scared. My Cinnamon and Sugar were born to a feral mom in a friend's garage nearly 14 years ago, and are still scared when someone new comes in the house. Nevertheless, Rufus is adorable, about 5 mos old, and I promise to get a picture of him soon to post here. Its getting cold out, and I spent the past two weekend mornings getting my spots somewhat 'winterized'. I got a note last week about towels vs. straw, and wanted to comment. Some of my shelter are so rickety, that snow gets in them. The straw would get wet, and I would have to keep replacing that. At least the towels are somewhat warm and for sure they are dry when I put them down, so I have to do whats best for the location. I would love to use straw for all, but its not always feasible depending on how bad the shelter is, and I don't have many good ones.

The picture attached is of my Boris. I rescued Boris around six years ago behind Lorraine's restaurant on Culver near Main Street. It was around 5 below in the winter. I was feeding cats behind the restaurant under a service truck, and only had a box with blankets for the cats to keep warm. He came around for a week straight, and started to rub against me, and thats when I knew I had to get him out of there. When I got him home, his belly was completely hairless, and I thought that he might be a lost cat and had just had surgery or something there. I didn't know cats can lick their fur right off if they have 'issues'! Anyways, after sending pictures of him to all the vets in the area, I knew he was mine. After having him checked out at my vet, he turned out to be positive for FIV, its like AIDS in cats. His immune system is low, and the most likely way it would spread to another cat is through a severe bite wound. But, thank the Lord he has been a good brother to his fellow sisters and brothers in the house and there has never been too much of a fight between them. He is such a good boy. I love my Boris.

Will Wonders Never Cease?

2011-10-28T03:47:00.000-07:00

Wow, I am still amazed sitting here as I begin to write this. I just had an encounter that made me almost weep. It re-inspired me to think that some mean people might not be as mean as you think they are. The woman who has been nasty the past few mornings going past me while walking her daughter somewhere as I am at my second to last stop under the tree feeding all these cats, the same corner where I've rescued seven cats in the past two months, was there again this morning. She has made it clear she I shouldn't be feeding the cats, and you could cut the feel of hatred toward me with a knife. Read the past few days and you will know what this is about. Anyways, I am bent over, thinking I had missed her because I was a little late, and all the sudden, I hear "excuse me", and I jumped up, and she was standing there. She said "I just want to apologize for the way I've been acting toward you, I am a Christian woman and thats not how Christian's act, and I think what you are doing is a good thing". I was BLOWN OVER. Apparently what I said to her yesterday as she was walking away about compassion, and teaching her child that, must have resonated in her. I reached out for her hand and held it and said "thank you". After speaking a few more words about what I was doing and how I needed to find shelter for the remaining cats there, we introduced ourselves and hopefully she will help me find a shelter for their food before the really bad weather comes. I am just so inspired by that.

At my other locations, I placed some worn and broken little cat carriers down with blankets inside them at a couple spots. Big Red is now injured on his paw. I've got to do something.

I am on vacation from work today and plan on getting lots done around the house. Have yourself a WONDERFUL day!

Riders on the Storm...

2011-10-27T04:47:00.000-07:00

The Doors. LOVE THIS SONG. This song is in the top five of my favorite songs ever. Its quite fitting for this weather too. It hasn't stopped in days now. Its so miserable. The kitties that I can pet while they are gobbling the food I just put down for them, their fur is soaked. People say they go find safe warm spots, but I don't believe that for all them. Some of them either don't have a safe warm dry spot to go to, or they don't know how to find one. The older kitten I rescued yesterday morning hid under the bed all day until I got home, and slid the bed away from the wall, and picked him up. He was frightened to death, you can tell he has never been in a house before, nor has he ever used a litter box, after discovering a very damp spot on my bed! Change of the bedsheets later, and a few times of plopping him in the litter box and showing him with his paws to scratch, he finally used the box overnight. Yay! I keep saying HE, its a SHE! I don't have a name for her either, so much think of one or I will keep calling her a he. I now have her purring in a ball in my lap. She really is a sweet little one, very pretty black and white. I keep telling her how lucky she is. The spot I got her from , only two showed up this morning. One was the smaller kitten that I plan on getting tomorrow, the other is older, but allows me to pet it also. SO many sweet kitties out there. Someone suggested I should post their pictures on here, so I must figure out a way, in hopes of someone wanting to foster these babies, so I can keep rescuing! If anyone is familiar with blogs, I would love to know if I can add a sidebar of pictures that would stay there for each new post I do.

Yes, I had many wet towels this morning. Its getting to be that time again where I will be doing daily laundry with wet and dirty and frozen towels. My washer and dryer are ready to bite the dust. Large wet towels are very hard to carry into the house from the car, especially when you have like 10 of them. But as long as I have my health, I carry on. and on. and on!

Rain in Spain...

2011-10-26T05:13:00.000-07:00

"Happy are they who bear their share of the world's pain: in the long run they will know more happiness than those who avoid it." Jesus (J.B. Phillips translation)

I just love that. Thank you Jessica for sharing it with me. I also want to thank your Mom for her donation of all that wet food. I use 12 cans each day, so I am so grateful for her donation!

I ran into the very ignorant mother again this morning. Somehow we got on the same schedule that she walks her daughter somewhere, and I am feeding the cats under the tree. I picked up a little guy this morning from there, I am determined to get most from that corner. There is NO shelter. I had to feed them in the pouring rain. The little guy is in the forefront of the picture posted, black and white. I will try to rescue the other brown tabby kitten tomorrow. I must get these young ones out of there. This woman - I don't know what she said when I said 'goodmorning' to her, but we both went at it again. She said something about not feeding the cats, and I yelled after her she should be teaching her daughter about compassion, and I said THIS is compassion! Of course she said to mind my own business, I am sure I set her off, but if she would only give me a few minutes to educate her. I told her I had just taken another from this corner. I would love to tell her she can use my trap or carrier to get a few and take them herself to the 'pound', because its HER street, and HER problem! I am just there to relieve their suffering a little bit, by not allowing them to starve to death. If anyone can foster one of these beautiful creatures of God, I promise you we will find them a home, they just need a temporary home immediately!

The other picture is of Big Red, at another stop I make. I've been feeding him for years, and he has been sick and injured for years. I should have relieved his suffering a long time ago, but he continues to rub against my leg while waiting for his food, so that's a hard decision to make.

I haven't told you, but Saturday morning, at one of my spots, I saw a red and white kitty come up very hungry for food. A bit skittish, but allowed me to touch his neck while he ate. I then noticed his tail looked odd in the dark, so shined my flashlight on him and it looked like most of his tail had been severed and the remaining tail skinned. I looked at his behind and it looked a mess. I immediately got my carrier, and was able to grab him and place him in it, drive the the Emergency Clinic, and asked that he be euthanized. This was very very hard for me to do. This cat had to be suffering with these injuries, and I am thankful for the vet telling me that this cat would thank me if he could. I was devastated. But so thankful that this cat came up to me. It would have suffered greatly if I had not been there for him. There are times when this kind of action is necessary, and I challenge anyone who disagrees.

Ignorance

2011-10-25T07:29:00.000-07:00

I was infuriated after I left my second to last stop on Grand this morning. I took a picture of the EIGHT cats there, two kittens are included in that number. I feed them under a tree. I have rescued at least six there in the past two months. Now I took Miss B out for a fish fry last Friday, and wound up picking her up about three houses down from where she used to live - she had been visiting an old neighbor, took the bus from the Women's shelter where she is still residing since being illegally thrown out of her rental house. Anyways, when I knocked on the door, an older gentleman who was blind in one eye answered the door. Seemed like a nice man, I shook his hand, introduced himself, half joked if he cared to join us. He didn't, but I told him maybe the next time. Anyways, I had it in my head that just maybe he would consider me leaving a lean to against his house for the cats to shelter their food at least, so I was sitting writing him a note after feeding on the corner, and drove to his house, started to get out of the car and this woman and her teenage daughter came out of the other door of the house (2 units), and said to me, are you the one who keeps feeding the cats? I said YES, I AM proudly. She said I was causing all kinds of problems with these cats in her neighborhood and I wasn't helping one bit. That the 'pound' should come take them. I went on a rant - a respective rant - but nonetheless a rant about its not as easy as it sounds, and that the 'pound' is not going to do anything about them. There are too many. She started to scuffle off with her daughter, muttering that she would call the 'pound', and I told her she should, and that she needs to start taking care of her own neighborhood! What she didn't know I mean't was that it should be a neighborhood collaborative and they should be handling these strays together, humanely. What she was teaching her daughter was certainly not compassion for animals. Just ignorance, and a hate for people like me helping animals. I just wanted to shake her. I don't know how much luck I will have now with this elderly gentleman Wally, and him helping me to shelter these cats for the winter. I am just beside myself with this situation. Its my only feeding place I have no shelter for these cats. Wish I had some suggestions!

The Star Thrower

2011-10-23T07:19:00.000-07:00

I met a young girl in Bushnells's Basin yesterday evening which was midpoint between her home in Farmington and mine, who read my blog and wanted to donate to me. This girl sent me this note afterwards telling me how nice it was to meet me. She had donated a ton of wet canned food for the cats. I can't tell you how much that touched my heart. She can't drive due to a medical condition so she had her father drive her. I am just amazed at the thoughtfulness of this young girl, and in awe of how strangers can do the most amazing things for each other. She sent this to me and said she wished there were more star throwers like me in the world. It just touched my heart and I am happy to share it with you:

The Starfish Story

Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.
One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.

He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"

The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."

I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.

To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "I made a difference to that one!"

Loren Eiseley was both a scientist and a poet, and to this day his writing is the subject of much discussion and inspiration. In this story he is the "wise man" touched by the innocence and determination of another soul.

"The Star Thrower" is a classic story of the power within each one of us to make a difference in the lives of others. And though it has appeared in many forms (sometimes it's a native american man who is throwing the starfish into the sea, sometimes it's a grandfather, or a young girl or boy) it is none the less a powerful reminder that we should be here for each other, and to seek to help, even in small ways, whenever we can.

In such turbulent times as these, when we may feel alone and small and unable to make any lasting changes we may find ourselves asking "What can I do that will make a difference?" or "What can one small person like me do?"

In reality we don't have to be rich, talented or even particularly intelligent to make a difference in the life of another. We just need to remember that we ARE here for a purpose, and that making small changes in the world eventually add up to something bigger in the life of another.

When we become throwers of the stars, we too, have the power to change the world.

TGIF!!!

2011-10-21T04:52:00.000-07:00

Whew! Whatta week! Today at work we are moving to a new location, so I have very little time to do my post as I must continue to pack all my stuff! Its amazing what you accumulate at home AND the office. Quickly though, it was wet and dull morning. No bodies! No anyone for that matter! Its very quiet out there at that time of day (Mom....) - all the bad people are sleeping. I must find homes for the five kittens that are at the corner of Grand and Stout. They have NO SHELTER where they are. I feed them under a tree. There are no abandoned houses around to place shelter for them. And the folks near that corner HATE cats. Thats why I wish Miss B. still lived there. They are precious little things. Also Rufus on Hayward. His mama has flown the coop to Garson, one street over, and he is all alone. This morning he nuzzled me under the neck while I held him. He is about five months old, black and white.

I am going to try to move some shelters around this weekend, make them a little more weatherproof. I pray they stay where they are and no one moves them. Hooligans, or the owners of the abandonded properties. I wish they understood the importance of having a warm dry place for these animals to nestle in. To keep their food dry. Its a sin when someone ruins a perfectly good shelter I set up. Its not like its in plain view to everyone. They need this, and I pray my shelters stay for the winter. If anyone has time to build little boxes for me it would be GREAT! I need plenty to place for the 40-50 or so I feed!

Never EVER a Dull Moment

2011-10-20T05:28:00.000-07:00

Wow, do I have stories, or do I have stories. First off, I sat on my couch this morning, sipping my vanilla flavored Starbuck's coffee that I had just brewed - I indulge myself occasionally - looking out the window and watching it downpour with rain and lightning, along with listening to the thunder just moments after the lightning, thinking to myself, well, I'll wait another few minutes. I did that for half an hour, but it just kept coming. I finally went out - it was still pouring - at 5:30 - knowing I was going to be soaked again another morning. Luckily, as I started to drive down the already flooded streets, the rain started to let up a bit, so I was somewhat relieved.

There were all the normal things this morning, the soaked and dripping wet towels I had to pick up and replace with dry ones, and the bowls I placed down the day before had to be replaced due to the winds we also experienced along with the all day and night rains... It started off just being a normally quiet morning until I was going to my second to last stop when I saw a body in the road. As I sat there in my car at the corner, disbelieving what I was seeing, I saw some people surround the body and it looked like they were struggling and trying to pick up the body to move it. I then shoved my hand in my very wet pocket looking for my phone, and immediately dialed 911. I started to choke up as I told the dispatcher that the body looked lifeless, and that these people were trying to move it. I told her my location and name, all the while choking up - now I don't know about you, but when I see a lifeless body on a wet street face down, its pretty emotional. And here I work at a hospital. Anyways, so then after a minute or two, I started to drive toward the already moving body being carried away from me - and now I could make out who was carrying. A woman about my age, and two young kids. I opened my window and said 'whats going on' and she said it was her daughter and she had had a seizure. She - the body - was still completely lifeless. Here was her mother and younger siblings quietly and calmly carrying this girls body home. It was surreal. Finally, after what seemed like 10 minutes, I heard sirens. As the police arrived, and I again choked up explaining what happened, and which house these people were going into. I think I am just a super emotional person these days! Anyways, I am assuming the girl was OK, I saw a few ambulances pull up. For a split second, after knowing it wasn't a shooting, I felt almost guilty for calling the police. Remember, just for a split second I felt guilty. I had all these police and rescue vehicles out just for a call I made. But then I realized that it could have turned out really bad, where the girl did actually die, or it could have been a shooting. So I guess I did do the right thing! But boy, that was some crazy stuff to see in the wee hours of the morning!

Judge Schwartz Letter

2011-10-19T08:15:00.000-07:00

In reference to the earlier post from this morning, I thought I would repost the letter I wrote to the judge on behalf of the dog that was starved to death in this woman's garage. The woman who did it, Love Jackson, no longer resides where Daisy now does. I just wanted to share this with you, to show you that I tried, on behalf of the dog.

Honorable John R. Schwartz

Rochester City Court
99 Exchange Boulevard
Rochester, NY 14614

Dear Judge Schwartz,

I would like to re-introduce myself to you as I was one of the spectators involved in a recent animal cruelty case that you presided over, both in the April pre-trial process and the trial on July 27, 2010, the Love Jackson starvation case. You made a great impression on me seeing your sincere interest toward the people involved in bringing charges. Those who took the time to unmask this kind of cruelty, and actively did something about this kind of tragedy. I was grateful for the opportunity to speak with you that July day and sincerely appreciated your advice that you would read and consider any additional information that came after that trial date. As you explained, you could not read my letter attached to the petition until after that trial procedure.

This letter further elaborates my deep concern for animals that are abused. My love of animals stems from an early age when my grandparents and parents taught me how to love, treat and respect animals. My grandfather, Bill McCann, was very much involved in Rochester's political scene in the 1960s, one position was a personal assistant to Rochester's Police Commissioner. He ran for Sheriff taking on Sheriff Skinner. Unfortunately, he did not win the election. He, personally had many pets, even taking in orphaned cats. He was my mentor.

Over these past years I have assumed the task of seeking our feral cats, feeding them, giving them the necessary medical care and finding good homes as much as my position allows. My work has evolved into setting up a blog site.- http://thebean10.blogspot.com -to make this plight known to a large population.

As any large city, Rochester has a major problem with homeless and abused animals, and people with an indifference to what animal's rights should be. With this Jackson case, I saw our judicial system work and it energized me to continue with my goals to bring animal cruelty to the forefront.

With this letter, it is my sincerest request that you give the person who brutally abused God's creatures in such an inhumane and unjust manner, Ms. Jackson the fullest sentence to the extent the law allows. In addition to her jail sentence, we should set a precedence to assign parole-like work to continue after her time served, to work in an animal shelter under strict guidance where hopefully she would find remorse and compassion for the animals in her care.

I am most grateful for the time you took to read this letter and I hope you will give my requests serious consideration prior to Ms. Jackson’s sentencing on August 27th. At present the law considers this degree of abuse a misdemeanor. Life, be it animal or human, deserves respect, kindness, compassion and love.

Thank you.

Soaked to the Bone

2011-10-19T05:18:00.000-07:00

I just started probably the best post in a long time, and for some reason, I deleted it by mistake. Second time is not always the charm, but I will attempt to remember what I said: It was a morning from hell (no, I am kidding, I didn't start out like that) As I left the house this morning at 5:10, I heard the rumbling of thunder and the lightening had lit up the sky. At 5:20, when I made my way to the first stop (I reversed my route this morning because the last two stops have no shelters and I feed the cats under trees) to get the cats fed before the rains came, it was too late. It started to pour. And picture this, its lightening wildly now. The kitties were no where to be seen. I managed to place a plate of dry food down on the top step of Miss B's old house (where no one is living at the moment) where its dry, and I do hope they find it. Otherwise, they are going to be very hungry today. Its terrible. I thought I found some shelter for the one corner yesterday morning, but I discovered it looks like someones does live in this - what I though was - abandoned house just down from this corner. This is why I am desperately trying to find homes for these cats at this corner, because it will be impossible to feed them when the snow comes. Anyways, onto the next stops, where in the end, I was completely soaked. Everything, top to bottom. I compare this kind of weather to a snowstorm, which I go out into also - except in the snowstorm, its more physical exertion because you have to trudge through the snow, which is harder, then trudging through the water and mud. Both situations are just plain bad. On a brighter note, I forgot to mention another out-of-the-ordinary situation that occured this weekend while out on my route. At one of my more scarier feeding spots, there is a house on the corner, a house that used to house the devil. Its where this person lived and starved her dog to death in February, 2010 in the garage behind her house. I went to court for the dog, and I also wrote a letter to the judge about it to spare her no leniency. Turned out she was spared with sentencing of community service - to work at an animal shelter, but apparently this evil person has also moved since then, because out of the house on Sunday morning walked a woman. I backed my car up - in the dark of course - and attempted to just make conversation with her to find out if she knows anything about the cats around there. She did, she said she feeds them too. Turns out her name is Daisy, she has dogs, hamsters, fish, etc. and loves animals. I blessed her, told her what a great person she is. She told me that where I feed - under a porch a few doors down from her house on the corner, the guy that lives there doesn't mind. I asked her to confirm it with him. I hope she does and I hope he is OK with it. Its a very bad street if you go there in the daytime. Scarey, really. But its quiet and calm at 5:30 am. It just goes to show you, even where evil used to reside, good can overcome it. I am so thankful that this animal loving person named Daisy lives there!

I am Losing It...

2011-10-18T06:10:00.000-07:00

This is why I need a recorder. I forgot to mention some highlights to my normally very dull daily early morning routine this past weekend. First on Friday morning, there I was getting out of my car on Central to feed the ... three, no, at least six cats (that I can see in the dark), there was a woman walking past, and I spoke out my usual 'good morning!' greeting, but she kept walking. I watched her and thought, mean... mean.. mean.... the usual typical female out there in this area that isn't high or asking for money -- but when I got onto the porch, and started to pour down the dry food for the beautiful black and white cats that come right up to me meowing each morning, I saw the woman had stopped and said something like 'oh she is feeding the cats too'. Well, that was my opportunity to talk to her. Her name is Loretta, she was a nice black woman who told me she feeds cats too on 4th Street. Its odd though, either these people are too ignorant to know about cats getting pregnant, or they just ignore it. If I lived in the 'hood there, I would be trapping cats left and right and getting them fixed. Then again, its always the transportation and time I have a problem with when it comes to trapping. So maybe I can understand. Anyways, I gave Loretta my number and told her to call me if she ever had a cat in need. She really was a nice lady.

Sunday morning, as I was going towards Hayward from a sidestreet off of Parsells, I saw two animal figures in the dark moving, and knew they were too big to be cats. As I got closer, I saw a pit bull and a white german shepard. I stopped, opened the window, made the kissing sound, and the pit and shepard came galloping over, with the pit climbing up on the side of the car trying to get into the window. You could tell she was VERY friendly. The white guy was just kind of circling the car... I got out and started to pet the both of them. I was totally bewildered about what to do, so I got out my paper plates and bowls, got the small bag of dog food I keep in my trunk, jug of water, and placed it down for the both of them where they gobbled it right down. As they were doing this, the pit started to get into my car and wouldn't get out! He wanted to go with me, whereever I was going! As all this was happening, I had to tell someone! so I got out my cell and dialed 911. Just as I was explaining the situation, I said, oh never mind, two patrol cars are just coming toward me! They stopped, I explained what was happening, and the pit started to go up to the patrol car and try to lick the officer! The officer loved it, was smiling, petting and talking like a baby to the dog. But as usual, there is nothing they can do for the, and animal control doesn't come on until 7 am. By that time, these dogs would either be long gone or hurt or killed. So, I had to shrug my shoulders, give the little guys a pat (the dogs!), and be on my way. I went down the street to feed at the next two spots, and wouldn't ya know it, here come Thelma and Louise, all the way down the street! (yes, that is what I named them that morning). Of course they scared off my kitties, Red and Emma and Rufus, but at least they didn't eat them, proof of that as I was feeding them Monday morning!

Well, this morning, guess who was back? It was the white german shepard running all over the neighborhood - and this time with another dog! Of course I called 911 and did my duty, but what kind of dog owner allows their dog to roam like that, and no collar to boot!! I pray they find their way back home.

Whew!

2011-10-17T08:20:00.000-07:00

Whatta weekend! It was a very busy weekend, with lots of family in from other states for a wedding celebration. All in all a good time was had, despite the miserable, rainy, gusty winded weather both days. I had to replace a lot of towels for the babies out there, and a lot of paper bowls, as the wind carried a lot of food bowls away with it. I will have to get to the dollar store to find some heavier bowls to place down for them. I was also thinking that I should invest in a flashlight, a heavy duty one. I have this tiny one, and it would be really helpful to me to see that I am ALONE when I make my way back into the dark places I venture to. I also want to share that this is spider time of year. Take a look at the spider I became fast friends with last year when I was feeding on Niagara Street. Now THATS a Spider! (said in a Paul Hogan voice). I used to have to pass this big fella each morning, another reason why I need a good flashlight, to see these things, and where they might be lurking!

But I am all into spiders, creepy things, horror movies, etc. Maybe that's why what I do doesn't scare me as much as it would the next person. I am used to horribly creepy scary things! :) My babies are all doing well, Trouble has not been sick in a while, hopefully thanks to the new food my vet tech told me about. The recent cat I rescued from Miss B's old 'hood Midnight is a sweet and adorable little black girl with a tiny white tip on the end of her tail. I must get her adopted. Also, the two kitties I rescued from there about four weeks ago, the two sisters, one of whom got out of her foster mom's house, and was finally found - her name is Cloe - and then Phoebe, her sister, is being adopted tonight! Yay! Thats great news!

All in all, things went well this weekend. I must get Midnight's picture for everyone. She is a petite beauty.

There Aren’t Enough Days in the Weekend....

2011-10-14T06:29:00.000-07:00

Boy, is that the truth. I have a family wedding this weekend, and it will take up my entire Saturday, and most likely half of Sunday with the family brunch that morning. The older you get, the more precious your time becomes. The more precious relationships become. You weed out the bad, and cherish the good. Life goes by so quickly when you get older. There are so many things you can miss if you don't take the time to just sit and listen. To just sit and watch. To just sit, and learn from whatever you are doing. We mourn the loss of relationships, either if someone passes on to their next life, or if we lose someone because that person doesn't want to be a part of our lives anymore, its all sad. But if you are in a good place with yourself, its not as bad. After all, we are all we have, ourselves. We are our own best friend, and we have to treat ourselves that way. OK, that was deep. Lets move on...

My girl Trouble has been getting sick each day after I feed her wet food - Fancy Feast. She is my uncontrolled diabetes kitty. She weighs practically nothing. I have been thinking of her suffering lately, and have contemplated having her euthanized. She looks like she is suffering half the time. She lives on my fridge for fear of a few other cats. So you can imagine what some mornings look like when I get up and she has thrown up from on top of the fridge - its all over. Splatter. Everywhere. Anyways, I called the vets office and sweet Kelly, a technician listened to me and my Trouble frustrations, and suggested we try a special wet food for her, easier on the stomach, and better for cats with diabetes. I picked it up after work and brought it home, and gave her half the can, and guess what, she loved it, and after I fed her the other half this morning, NO VOMIT. YAY! And to think a girl who just works at the vets office could think of that. I am thrilled, and Trouble seemed just a teeny bit happier this morning! Have a great weekend!

Thursday

2011-10-13T05:25:00.000-07:00

How's that for an exciting title. I really should change that too, but I am just in a blah blah blah mood these days. Anyways, it rained over night, and there were a lot of soaking towels, and some wet kitties, but at least I fed them and gave them dry towels to eat on. I stood at the kitchen sink this morning after I returned, and I was rinsing out the 10 cans I had opened and put in containers for the next morning - I feed that much each day - I thought to myself how easy it would be to just STOP what I am doing. How I could afford to take a little vacation each year if I didn't spend over $5,000 + to feed these cats. Thats only the food. Let alone the extra money I spend neutering them, having some euthanized ( even thats close to $100) if they are very sick, let alone my own brood. After all, they are suffering as it is, if I stopped, maybe they would find another food source. Although I know in my heart they couldn't, and I know they would suffer greatly after that. This is where my head is at lately. Its getting to me. But every once in a while, someone comes along, like an e-mail I received this morning from a total stranger who said she had been reading my blog for about a month now, and offered canned cat food to donate to me. What a wonder. What a blessing that every once in a while, someone comes along, a total stranger, and out of the goodness of their heart offers something to me to make my days just a little easier. So, thank you for that. How wonderful.

I have a good story for you, a friend shared with me. To me, its just an enjoyable short story. I hope you enjoy it too. Love the quote at the end too.

A great read- (A letter from someone who wants to remain anonymous, who farms, writes well and actually tried this):

I had this idea that I could rope a deer, put it in a stall, feed it up on corn for a couple of weeks, then kill it and eat it. The first step in this adventure was getting a deer. I figured that, since they congregate at my cattle feeder and do not seem to have much fear of me when we are there (a bold one will sometimes come right up and sniff at the bags of feed while I am in the back of the truck not 4 feet away), it should not be difficult to rope one, get up to it and toss a bag over its head (to calm it down) then hog tie it and transport it home.

I filled the cattle feeder then hid down at the end with my rope. The cattle, having seen the roping thing before, stayed well back. They were not having any of it. After about 20 minutes, my deer showed up-- 3 of them. I picked out a likely looking one, stepped out from the end of the feeder, and threw my rope. The deer just stood there and stared at me. I wrapped the rope around my waist and twisted the end so I would have a good hold..

The deer still just stood and stared at me, but you could tell it was mildly concerned about the whole rope situation. I took a step towards it, it took a step away. I put a little tension on the rope .., and then received an education. The first thing that I learned is that, while a deer may just stand there looking at you funny while you rope it, they are spurred to action when you start pulling on that rope.

That deer EXPLODED. The second thing I learned is that pound for pound, a deer is a LOT stronger than a cow or a colt. A cow or a colt in that weight range I could fight down with a rope and with some dignity. A deer-- no Chance. That thing ran and bucked and twisted and pulled. There was no controlling it and certainly no getting close to it. As it jerked me off my feet and started dragging me across the ground, it occurred to me that having a deer on a rope was not nearly as good an idea as I had originally imagined.. The only upside is that they do not have as much stamina as many other animals.

A brief 10 minutes later, it was tired and not nearly as quick to jerk me off my feet and drag me when I managed to get up. It took me a few minutes to realize this, since I was mostly blinded by the blood flowing out of the big gash in my head. At that point, I had lost my taste for corn-fed venison. I just wanted to get that devil creature off the end of that rope.

I figured if I just let it go with the rope hanging around its neck, it would likely die slow and painfully somewhere. At the time, there was no love at all between me and that deer. At that moment, I hated the thing, and I would venture a guess that the feeling was mutual. Despite the gash in my head and the several large knots where I had cleverly arrested the deer's momentum by bracing my head against various large rocks as it dragged me across the ground, I could still think clearly enough to recognize that there was a small chance that I shared some tiny amount of responsibility for the situation we were in.

I didn't want the deer to have to suffer a slow death, so I managed to get it lined back up in between my truck and the feeder - a little trap I had set before hand...kind of like a squeeze chute. I got it to back in there and I started moving up so I could get my rope back.

Did you know that deer bite?

They do! I never in a million years would have thought that a deer would bite somebody, so I was very surprised when ..... I reached up there to grab that rope and the deer grabbed hold of my wrist. Now, when a deer bites you, it is not like being bit by a horse where they just bite you and slide off to then let go. A deer bites you and shakes its head--almost like a pit bull. They bite HARD and it hurts.

The proper thing to do when a deer bites you is probably to freeze and draw back slowly. I tried screaming and shaking instead. My method was ineffective.

It seems like the deer was biting and shaking for several minutes, but it was likely only several seconds. I, being smarter than a deer (though you may be questioning that claim by now), tricked it.

While I kept it busy tearing the tendons out of my right arm, I reached up with my left hand and pulled that rope loose. That was when I got my final lesson in deer behavior for the day.

Deer will strike at you with their front feet. They rear right up on their back feet and strike right about head and shoulder level, and their hooves are surprisingly sharp... I learned a long time ago that, when an animal -like a horse --strikes at you with their hooves and you can't get away easily, the best thing to do is try to make a loud noise and make an aggressive move towards the animal. This will usually cause them to back down a bit so you can escape.

This was not a horse. This was a deer, so obviously, such trickery would not work. In the course of a millisecond, I devised a different strategy. I screamed like a woman and tried to turn and run.

The reason I had always been told NOT to try to turn and run from a horse that paws at you is that there is a good chance that it will hit you in the back of the head. Deer may not be so different from horses after all, besides being twice as strong and 3 times as evil, because the second I turned to run, it hit me right in the back of the head and knocked me down.

Now, when a deer paws at you and knocks you down, it does not immediately leave. I suspect it does not recognize that the danger has passed. What they do instead is paw your back and jump up and down on you while you are laying there crying like a little girl and covering your head.

I finally managed to crawl under the truck and the deer went away. So now I know why when people go deer hunting they bring a rifle with a scope......to sort of even the odds!!

All these events are true... An Educated Farmer

''Life's tough, pilgrim, and it's even tougher if you're stupid.''-- John Wayne

Blah

2011-10-12T05:55:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the title. I really should change it, but thats exactly how I feel today. My spirits are down, and I can't seem to get them picked back up to where they usually are. Life sometimes gets the best of me. Not often, but occasionally. Actually, rarely. So, on I trudge.... step by step, inch by inch.. Good Lord, I need to sit and watch a few Vincent Price movies ... This morning was usual. Thank God the rain has held off, but will be coming shortly, and lasting for many days and through the weekend for sure. Its going to be tough on the cats and tough on me. I was hoping to get out and stock some shelters with straw, but its going to be too wet and you don't want to expose the straw to the moisture. Midnight had a good evening at my home. She is a very sweet, very tiny, delicate little girl kitty. I know she will make a good companion for someone. I must get a picture of her but cannot find my camera. I will find it and get a few good ones. She has the tiniest little feet and paws... I believe she had a litter already, and I don't believe she is over a year old. Poor thing. Wonder where her kittens went. I must get in touch with Miss B. I have not spoken to her since my visit to her in the hospital.

I see little souls wearing fur,

souls who bark and souls who purr....

Born unwanted and unloved,

I see all this and more from above....

I watch them suffer, I see them cry,

I see them lost, I watch them die....

I see unwanted thousands born....

and when they die...nobody mourns....

These are castaways who will never see love or security....

A few short months they starve and roam,

Or caged in shelters--nobody takes home....

We cry, we feel, we love....

Our presence now only known from God above....

My pain and suffering came to an end,

so don't cry for me, my person, my friend....

The living ones need you now....

Please stop their abuse somehow.

-Auther Unknown-

PLEASE MAKE ROOM FOR AN ABUSED OR RESCUED DOG OR CAT IN YOUR HOME AND IN YOUR HEART

Midnight at the Oasis.....

2011-10-11T05:15:00.000-07:00

Bring your camel to bed...........??? or at least I THINK thats what she is saying in that song??? Yes, Midnight. I rescued Midnight this morning. Another cat off the street. Another very sweet, very very affectionate, very tiny little black cat who needed to be rescued. She was very passive amongst the other four aggressive cats I feed under the tree on Miss B's old street. In fact, she is the cat Miss B had to put out when she was removed from her property due to cockroach infestation. So poor Midnight was beside herself, wondering why she didn't have a home to go to anymore. She is really very sweet. She has a pure white tip on her tail, and a little white triangle under her chin. When I brought her home, brought her to the nice clean little bedroom with a pretty clean bed, a little kitty bed on top of that, a window shelf for her to look out, a nice clean litter box, and a bowl of dry food, wet food, and water, the first thing she did when she got out of the carrier was to hop up on the bed where I sat down and just wanted to be held. She is a lover. I hope I can get some pictures soon to post. I found the following and it is just so profound to me. I love it and I hope you do too!

"I Have Done Something...

I looked at all the caged animals in the shelter...the cast-offs of human society.
I saw in their eyes love and hope, fear and dread, sadness, and betrayal. And I was angry.
"God," I said, "this is terrible! Why don't you do something?"
God was silent for a moment, and then He spoke softly, "I have done something," he replied. "I created you."
-- Author Unknown
"Saving the life of one animal may not change the world, but the world will surely change for that one animal"

Sunday/Monday

2011-10-09T06:58:00.000-07:00

Its a beautiful sunny fall Sunday morning, and here I am at work - bad girl! But am so far behind I just need to catch up, and tomorrow it will be running around to my mother's house before work to feed her cats (Gracie and Benny (#3) both of whom I rescued last winter) while she is in the mountains for Columbus Day weekend with the rest of my fam (yes, that the downside of this, I never get to go anywhere - who will feed the cats?) so no time to blog tomorrow morning! I did have a really fun evening last night though. I went to a comedy club with a co-worker and we saw Louis Anderson. I laughed so hard I was crying. I needed that. Everyone needs that kind of laugh. Seriously, if you haven't laughed like that in a long time, you need to get out and see a comedy act. Its good for the soul. I needed it also because of the rock in my stomach feeling because of little Cloe, one of the two girls I rescued over two weeks ago, who was being fostered by someone, and the unneutered young female cat got out and has not been found. Its been well over a week. The foster mom has been gone all weekend too, so this is not good. I am so sick over it. So, thank you Louie for being there last night!

This morning was pretty typical, except the fear factor was up a notch. I get scared every once in a while, especially on the weekends. Statistically there is probably more violence on weekends, and people are partying, doing drugs, jonesing from the drugs, etc., and its dark to boot, so I do get a little scared the first four stops I make. After that, it gets a little easier, the spots I feed at a little more out in the open. The first four are kind of tucked away, so if anyone was hiding, they could get me. I chased away one raccoon this morning. Little bugger. And I think I've figured out which cat I will rescue next thanks to a couple who took the last kittens in, and offered to take in one more needy one. I am going to rescue Midnight, who was not on the list I gave a few posts ago, but she has been coming around and she really is not fit for the street. I had her neutered a month or so ago, and she is not doing well. Very tiny, losing weight, and very passive due to the other agressive cats under the tree that I feed at near Miss B's old house. So, very soon, you will be hearing about Midnight! Have a great rest of the weekend!!

TGIF!!

2011-10-07T05:14:00.000-07:00

Its a glorius day, minus the fact that Cloe is still missing in an unknown-to-her neighborhood, I am sick over this, and the fact that what I see each morning breaks my heart with the cats that are starving, just waiting for me to come along. God forbid I am sick a day. Its glorius for the fact that the sun is rising, I am breathing, its going to be warm out, and its not raining. I had enough food to feed all my babies, and then some - yes, had to chase a raccoon away. Its glorius because I am trying to get out work at noon today, so I can begin my weekend. Its glorius because there have been no deaths in my family, no serious illness, and I have a job. I am thankful for all that.

What I do need to concentrate on are two things: Big Red has a very serious ear ailment. The other morning, he scratched his head VIOLENTLY. That poor animal. And the little white and black cat that I believe had babies months ago, the ones I saw huddled in the igloo behind Paul's house with both of their eyes closed shut due to infection, I can hear her breathing, she has an URI that needs treatment. I will have to try to trap Big Red and bring him to the shelter. I hate bringing cats to the shelter, but he is suffering, and I have no money to have him treated, nor do I have a place for him to recouperate. Also, I am a little frightened of him as he is a tough cat, and very unpredictable. I could never hold him, I don't think. Although he does circle around my legs at times, and when I pull up he does get up and does a big stretch the way cats do when they get up on their feet. Its heartbreaking to see the illness out there. The shelter is where I know the suffering will end. And its only suffering that I will bring an animal there. I have a friend who transports for me, because I just cannot handle going there. Its too much for me. I did it once this summer and I stood there crying my eyes out while this heartless worker there ignored me. I am so grateful to have this girl who will drive sick kitties for me to the shelter. In an ideal world, I would have the money to treat these cats, and a place to bring them for recouperation. But I don't, and thats that. Regardless, its still a glorius day.