All Guts, No Glory

I am referring to the little grey kitty I scraped off the streets on Sunday morning. The thing is, I found another with its face smashed in on Monday morning. Most people have no regard for hitting an animal and just leaving it in the street, to be hit over and over again. Some people make me sick, and I know its not the majority of people that are this heartless, but there are a lot, especially in the neighborhoods I go into. I buried baby #1 in my garden under a large hosta. Wrapped in a pretty soft blue blanket from the hospital I work at. The second baby is not as lucky to be buried in my yard, but it is wrapped in a soft clean white towel. I feel so guilty leaving it by the side of a building. I just couldn't keep bringing these dead animals home with me. I just buried the Seventh Street bunny a few weeks ago in one of my gardens also. I have a tiny place, so its not like I have a ton of burial space. Sunday morning, I was given the opportunity to TNR a cat from one of the spots I feed at. So off I went, with two traps, and set the first one at the kitten spot that I won't give up on, and the second was set on Second Street where there are a ton of kitties, including a very pregant one. I placed some fine smelling tuna, and went on my way to feeding at my other spots. Well, after an hour and a half, no bites. The kittens I've learned will not go into the trap, so I've been bringing a fishing net with me. The other trap is really a piece of junk, and twice when I went to check on it, the door was shut, so it must have closed really easily, by the wind perhaps! So, sadly it just didn't work. I know there are folks who are probably mad at me for not getting one, but what can I do. I do what I can, and I try my best. My focus was on the three kittens mostly, as they are suffering a great deal now. Their eyes are practically shut. They are only 12 or so weeks old. No mom in sight. But I do have somewhat good news. I was able to get one this morning, the one with the most infected eyes. Its so so sad to see this angel, but I know this is the most humane thing for me to do for it. I have to believe that. I have to continue to try to get the last two, and then get the very pregant mom on Second. Say a prayer for me! Picture is of the kitten I got this morning.

The Sacrifices we Make for the Sake of Animals

The following was sent to me this morning by a very caring lady who runs Pet Pride in Victor. She occasionally donates food to me and she must read my blog, thank God someone does! I am sharing this with you instead of my weekend update, which includes a lot, but I may write more on that later in the day for tomorrow's post - because its important too. But when I read this, I teared up, as usual, but its just so true. I am not the only one who cares for animals, but I am on the front line every morning, I see whats going on with the ones I can care for. Its pretty sad, but there are also so many good stories that come out of what I do. This girl must have a blog, which I will look up, but her words could be identical to my feelings also. And I have sobbed just like her thinking about stuff. I woke this morning at 3:30 when my dog needed to 'go'. I layed there for 20 minutes after thinking about the three orphaned baby kittens I still can't get myself. Here is this girl's comments:

IF you’ve been a regular reader of the Kitty News Network blog, you may have noticed that I’ve started taking a more personal approach to the stories I share with you. And to my surprise, this has had some unintended consequences. I do my best to share stories with happy endings, but unfortunately, a lot of those stories do begin with a tragedy. Although I certainly felt pain and anger when I reported stories of abuse and neglect, writing those stories as “straight news” allowed me to put an emotional buffer in place as I made those articles as impartial and factually based as I could. But being more of a blogger and less of a reporter has stripped me of my ability to keep that emotional distance. As I lay in bed last night before drifting off to sleep, I pondered what I’d write about in this, my first KNN editorial. I started composing an article in my head, when suddenly all the stories of abuse and abandonment, the horrors of “shelters” full of sick and injured cats, finally hit me. Hard. And I wept. Seriously — wept out loud. I cried like I haven’t cried in years. I soaked my pillow with tears as I said prayers for all those cats that never had a chance at a decent life of love and caring, that lost their lives or were permanently maimed at the hands of cruel and sick individuals. I soaked the fur of my elderkitty, Siouxsie, who’s shared my life for 15 years now, even as I reassured her that I was going to be all right and thanked her for her kindness. As my tears slowly stopped flowing and my chest stopped heaving, I thought about the shelter workers, the rescuers, the veterinarians, the animal cruelty investigators — all the people who see this stuff every single day. How can they stand it? I wondered. How can they even get out of bed in the morning when they know what’s in store for them? What kind of emotional strength does it require to simultaneously have the compassion to gently hold an animal as it receives life-saving treatment — or takes its final breaths — and at the same time, to aggressively prosecute a case against an abuser or provide medical treatment for a cat that has been the victim of cruelty? How do these incredible people manage to hold it together and do what they need to do? How do so many of them avoid burnout when they’re faced with such horrors on a daily basis? I don’t know, but if you’re one of those people, I salute you. I can’t even begin to express my profound gratitude and admiration for the work you do. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all the lives you save, for the sacrifices you make for the sake of the animals who need you, for the strength and fortitude that keeps you going … and for your compassion and your need to seek justice for those who can’t speak for themselves. May you be abundantly blessed in every way — because you surely deserve it!

SPRACK - (adj) Sprightly; lively; brisk; alert

The picture was taken just this morning by a good friend in Colorado - out her back door - Colorado is so beautiful. This is just a blip in the sphere of beauty there... (did that make sense?)

Sprack - that was NOT me this morning. This stuff gets tiring... I was on my way to my spots this morning, and my at least 10th day in a row of trying to trap the two kittens, and I thought to myself, I don't want to do this anymore. I am 'burnt out'. I want to be able to stay in bed in the morning. I dont' want to have to set a trap for these kittens, and an hour later they still won't take the bait, and I have to see their little faces as I have to leave them, having to go to work. There are folks who question my need to have to bring cats to the shelter on occasion , where their fate is pretty much sealed. If you were seeing what I see each morning, at least one very sick cat at each spot, some cats with gaping holes in their heads or necks, some with severe eye problems. And the poor red kitty that I picked up last winter literally frozen stiff in the front of the abandoned house I feed at - you watch these cats suffer and tell me its humane to keep them out there. Give me a better alternative, one that you can help me with. Then I will rethink my strategy. But until then, I cannot watch these animals suffer. A friend shared with me the following story, I just thought it appros pos to end the week with this: Just simple, childhood memories... I know I told you about when I was a boy on the farm. We had barn cats. The dominant female was Rosebud. She was a ferocious mouser but so gentle with me. I have photos of me very small pulling her tail—laying on her-draped around my neck. She loved me and I her. She must have thought I was her human. When she would catch a mouse—she would bring it and present the mouse to my Mother for approval. Once she got the “approval”—she picked up the mouse and carried away. When she would have a litter of kittens—she would bring them one by one to the back steps where my Mother and me would be sitting. Outside. She would show off her new born with mother’s pride. And get her ears rubbed. Then she would pick the kitten up by the neck (as they do) and carry back to the birth nest. Then bring up the next one and so on. After a while—we’d wonder if she was bringing up the same kitten for second pass cause there were always so many. So watching this miracle of life—After the third kitten trip—I decided to follow and find the “birth/nest/place”. She would not let anyone else follow her. But on this day—she waited for me. Walked a few yards and stop—check to see if I was still coming. Now remember—I was pretty young. Just old enough to remember this event. I can remember my Mother calling to me from the steps to not go into the back sheds. Anyways—that’s where she went and I followed. Amazing. I can’t remember how many exactly—just knew there were a lot of tiny eyes closed kitties waiting for their mommy. She got in and nursed them and showed each one to me. I still miss that cat. She was special to me. The two Himalayans I had in 1979 were also special. But still not the same as my Rosebud. So that’s my cat story of the day. .

Fly High Little Birdies

I was sitting in my yard yesterday after work, enjoying the hot and humid air - NOT - having a glass of chardonnay, just listening to the sounds of the birds. It's usually pretty quiet in my hood, even at that time. As I sat there I observed a number of birds fly to my birdbath, and watched them sipping water, taking a dip, and then fly off into the trees. The cardinals would make a little chirp , and they constantly are watching out for their predators, the hawks that like to come for a meal occasionally. I watched these birds soar high up into the sky and go to the tree across the street. I thought how cool it must be to have that power. I would love to fly! To see from that view of everything. I could satisfy my desire to see behind people's houses, as usually the backyards are most people's sanctuaries. If the house looks nice in front, you can bet its even better in the back! Anyways, after a glass of two of wine, I was almost asleep. My days are very long, and by evening, I am so tired I can't keep my eyes open. My friends laugh at me but its true! Try doing what I do each morning at that god-awful time! Today was as is every other day, except no encounters with anyone, unless you want to count the guy pushing his car around the corner of a street that went downhill. Apparently if he could just make the car coast he could start it. I offered help, he looked like he was going to pass out from pushing, but he didn't want it. It didn't work in the long run because I later came back to see if I had any luck trapping the kitten there and get my carrier before I had to go to work, and the car was still there. No luck trapping the kitten - used tuna today. A friend has offered her fishnet, which I will try tomorrow. Have not seen the pretty black pregnant kitty at my last spot. Poppi has been missing for five days now. There is a pretty pregnant female on Second I really want to get. But there are 8 other cats there and I don't know how I would get just her to go in the trap. Bethany did not have any more babies - I wrote yesterday it was believed she had one dead one unborn. But she is well, Teenie is well, everyone is doing great. So, I will go and sit in my back yard again this evening and contemplate. Its what I do best. :)

Teenies Babies!!!

Meet Teenie's babies!!!!! Are they NOT adorable??? And guess who else had their babies yesterday??? Bethany! She had SEVEN!!! She has one left inside that may not be alive. Will keep you posted after she gets back from the vet. Can you believe it? These kittens would all have been born outside, and most would have not survived. And the ones that did would be multiplying and multiplying and multiplying. I am just so happy I was able to rescue them just days before giving birth. HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY. And so grateful to Another Chance Pet Rescue for taking them in. And to Heather being the mid-wife, literally, to them all. Thank you Thank you Thank you!!! On another note, there are two pregnant cats that I've seen out there now. What to do, what to do, what to do.... I also was not successful in trapping the remaining two kittens. They are stubborn little guys. Actually, I dont' think they know how to walk into the very long Have a Heart trap. I have tried to leave a little trail of dry food, the only food they know how to eat right now, but its not working. They are getting sicker and sicker out there. If anyone has any other suggestions, it would be most appreciative. Please keep in mind I have only an hour in the morning to do all of this. I need help! On a happier note, as I pulled up to my second to last spot, where Red waits for me patiently each morning, I spotted another kitty on the corner before Red's place, jumped out, put a little food and water down, and as I turned around there standing was a boy of about 8 or 9, asking me if I was the mailman. I had on a hospital scrub top, but didn't think I looked like the mailman. Anyways, he said he had something he needed to mail. He turned around, ran back to his house, ran back and asked me if I could mail in his card for a subscription to NintendoPower - a magazine for kids. He mentioned something about living with his grandmother. He really was a sweet little boy, a little slow (minded) from my observation. I told him the mailman would be coming, but he insisted I take it. I really think he thinks I was the mailman. Anyways, thinking about it, I am tempted to order this for the little boy, and send him a note that I sent the card, and that he didn't have to worry about paying for it, that it was my gift, and all I wanted from him was to care for the animals. My heart goes out especially for the children, that live in such poverty. I don't know how he would be able to pay for this magazine subscription ($19.95), but I want to help him. I just wonder if its the right thing sometimes. I suppose its a kind thing to do, maybe not right, because I certainly can't afford it! Right Mom??? :) Have a great day!

Welcome Back to ME!

I miss posting every day, I really do! I just have such a lousy slow computer at home its hard to sit at it when there is gorgeous sunshine outdoors, and at night, too exhausted due to being up at 4 am. every day! ugggh! When will I get a break! But it was a busy weekend. I trapped Pennsylvania Street kitten #3 on Saturday morning. I still need to get the last two. But I will die trying. Those poor babies. I don't think their Mum is around either, so its very important I get these two feral orphans. One has two very infected eyes. I hope you all read the last post done on Friday, and I will give you an update now on Lightning. I rescued Lightning, and he wound up getting adopted lightning fast! There are SO many wonderful animals wandering our streets, please consider adopting an adult rescue! I am going to try to update you on some of the wonderful kitties I've rescued lately. The pics attached are of Lightning. I rescued Lightning just two or three weeks ago from the same spot we are trying to trap the kittens from. Thanks to Another Chance Pet Rescue, who once again took responsibility for him , he has been adopted! Lightning was brought to us with a nasty infected head wound, in rough shape and clearly been out on the streets for a while. We tested him for FeLv and FIV and he initially tested + for feline leukemia. Fortunately the test didn't look quite rite, so he was re tested and thankfully was negative. He has no idea how close he came to having to be euthanized! He was given antibiotics for his infected head/ear wounds, neutered and vaccinated, and sent on his way. Unfortunately we didn't have any room for him, so he had to stay at Petco in a cage for a few days until we found a foster to take him home. She fell madly in love with him instantly, and was even thinking of adopting him. However, she knew he would be easy to place because of his sweet and docile nature, so she posted him on our website and craigslist. Within 20 minutes, we had a perfect application for him. The woman came to meet him that night, less than a week after he was taken off the street, and adopted him. She could see beneath the healing wounds and scabs, at the wonderful and loving boy he was. Now he has his forever home. Who would have thought!!!

Reality Check

I got a dose of reality and how dangerous it is what I do sometimes when I was getting into my car after setting a trap for the leftover kittens on Pennsylvania, and I found a ID card on the street, and at second glance saw a leather wallet. I picked up, called 911, they met me at my next spot, thanked me and said it was most likely from a robbery that occured the day before at that location. I just keep an extra eye out - the one in the back of my head. I am always keenly aware of my environment before I even open the car door. I have some really great news though, Teenie is a mommy! She had three babies out of her little 9 month old body. They are adorable, and from all reports from Heather, they are all doing well. We are now waiting for Bethany, the kitty we trapped the same day, to have hers. She is pacing, as she went into labor two days ago. Will keep you updated. At the spot where there are THREE remaining kittens, one red, one grey and white, and one tiger, and let me tell you these kittens are still so tiny they can fit in the palm of your hand. Anyways, I set the trap again this morning, but no luck. I don't think the remaining kitties (we've already trapped two) know how to get into the trap. But boy are they hungry. I placed a little dry food down for them after failing to get them on my attempt this morning, and quietly crept back to them while I could see them eating, and they let me get very close. If I only had a big butterfly net, I could have gotten both. One has very infected eyes. They are tiny little things. Its heartbreaking to know they are out there. Haven't seen Mommy in a while. At my last spot, there is an EXTREMELY pregant black cat with a collar around its neck. I really really really need help trapping these cats. I just can't do it myself. I have only so much time to devote to this, I need someone who can pick up after I need to go. There are these three kittens and the one black mommy. I wish someone could step up to the plate and help me! I attach a picture - as blurry as it is, of the little red Pennsylvania kitten. Tomorrow I will have some updates for you! I hope you are all enjoying your holiday weekend!