Lions, Tigers and Skunks, Oh My!

As I approached the corner vacant house on Central this morning, to refill some food dishes that I fill on a daily basis for at least four cats that depend on it, I saw something black and white.  And I knew, it was a skunk.  I backed away, verrrrrry slowly, and went to the back of the house, where there is a second porch, to replenish those bowls.  I thought, at least the kitties will get something here.  As I came down the steps from that end of the house, the skunk was approaching me.  I made a quick movement toward it to scare it, but it wouldn't budge.  Finally, it ran in some hedges, just a foot or so from the steps, and I looked around trying to find something to get it out of there, because I didn't want it to eat the cat food, but also didn't want it to spray me!

I've had some experience with skunks before.  My late father, when I was very young, had a small farm with a horse, a dog and many other small animals, which included a skunk!  I believe the skunk was 'deskunked' of its smell, because the skunk was in the house at times.  This I can remember.  Not much else of my childhood do I, but these memories, of animals, I do.   Also, a few years back, when my 90+ dog Thunder was alive, I went to let him out early one morning, out on to the porch, and a skunk was waiting for him, and got him good.  I had the door propped open because I feed a stray cat in my neighborhood, and have for many years now.  I've had possum, raccoons, and now skunks on my porch!  Anyway, it was a nightmare.   After many shampoos, I went to Wegmans that morning to get more stuff to treat, like tomato juice, which I had heard helps, and as I walked around, I noticed people turning, and whispering to each other.  Lo and behold, I smelled like a skunk!  That was something.  I mentioned to the coffee lady there, and told her the story, and she laughed and said, we thought so. 

The skunk this morning wound off sauntering off in the tall grass and hopefully did not turn back for the food.  I continued on down Central, where there was a shooting last night, which resulted in death.  This occurred just a block from where I have a feeding station and shelter.  Its always unnerving to wake and watch the news and hear about this kind of thing in the area where you have to venture out to.  Especially when they haven't caught the perps.  But, I was safe (Mom), and nothing out of the ordinary happened this morning.

On Friday, it turns out that I trapped someone else's cat (Redmund - who's name is really Jerold), and he lived in the house across the street on Hayward.  Turns out that the people who got him from Rochester Animal Services had him microchipped, so he was identified when he went in for surgery, that he didn't need (he also was not eartipped) that morning and the woman was notified.   She then called me and I wound up taking Jerold back to her that evening.  Uggh.  A wasted spot.  I asked her to please get Redmund a collar - I told her I would get her one - and leave it on her doorstep.  She said he kept getting out.  She wanted to know how to keep him in.  I said open a window or two to let him view the outdoors, keep his litter box clean, and keep fresh food and clean water in his bowl, throw a few toys around.  That would do the trick.  I hope she does. 

Otherwise, Laura was able to trap Tuffy for me.  He was neutered, and received a shot of penicillin.  He also tested negative for leukemia, which I thought might be positive, but he was negative.  If he turned out positive, I would have had a good reason to have him put to sleep.  He has been through so much in the years I've been feeding him.  So many injuries.  It was hard to let that old boy out the next day.  I also trapped a male tabby, who also was let back out.  I would have given anything to get Tuffy off the street permanently.  But I am running out of foster folks. 

That's it in a nutshell.  I wish you all a great day!

"No matter how hopeless or bleak things appear, the moment always comes when suddenly our spirit revives, and hope is reborn. That is why we must never give up."

One Cat Two Cat Three Cat Four!

That is what I am hoping the total will be once the hour is over.  Laura is out there trying to get #3 and #4 as I type this.  I loaded my traps into the car, and set out to trap two kitties this morning.  I got to Hayward to set it, to trap one of the four tabbies that I've been feeding there, and up came a red kitty, one that I have seen before, but not every day.  He went right in to the trap for the tasty tuna morsels before I could even get back in the car.  (I've named him Redmund) 

As I went to get him, I saw four others surrounding him, obviously wondering what the heck was going on, but very hungry, I figured I would set it again.  I set it, drove to my next feeding spot, came back and voila!  Another.  A tabby.  (I've named her Tabitha!) 

I still have three tabbies that need to be done, one looks pretty fat.  We all know what that means....

So that was easy for me this morning.  Now they are waiting on transport from Laura, who hopefully will get the grey tux limping kitty on Short, and Tuffy on Second.  UPDATE:  She got Tuffy!  Both injured, and in need of medical attention.  Pray.

I wish I could get some attention, good attention, from community leaders, actually I wish all those that do TNR around Rochester should get it.  TNR benefits our community in so many ways.

1.  A compassionate society knows there is a better way to solve overpopulation than needlessly euthanizing unwanted cats.

2.  Communities spend millions of dollars to control the unwanted. Spaying and neutering helps reduce the number of strays and feral cats in our community.

3.  Spaying or neutering reduces an cat's desire to roam, resulting in fewer deaths on the road and neighborhood complaints.

4.  Fixed cats are less likely to mark or spray urine.

5.  Female cats in heat can cry incessantly, act nervous and attract males from all around.  Having them  spayed eliminates the heat cycle.

6.  Cats that have been spayed or neutered are less likely to bite, roam or get into fights.

If anybody knows anybody, please share my blog with them!  I am doing good in other people's neighborhoods!

Thanks to those comments yesterday, and what a wonderful idea about making a card up with all that information.  I purposely got out a few extra business cards out of my drawer this morning with that in mind.  My friend Jessica was kind enough to order those and surprised me with them last year.  They have my e-mail, cell number and blog address.  With a really cute picture of a kitty on them!  I figure it may be too much to have all that information on them, but I can hand them out and when need be, write the clinic's number that I now have permanently ingrained in my head.

I did not see the Mexican man this morning.  But I dutifully gave a pill to the black kitty on 7th that is not looking good these days.  This time I slipped it in his tuna.  Hopefully its making him feel at least a little better.

So, that's my morning locution.  I wish you all a wonderful day, AND weekend!

"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."

Pussy Galore! 2014

The title is the name of a character in a James Bond movie.  I've used it before, but its fitting for my thoughts today.

As I was nearing my route, which consists of 14 locations, I got out of my car at the second to last, on Fifth and Central, and a man was approaching.  I could see he was collecting bottles and cans from garbage bins.  We nodded hello to each other, and as he began to pass me, I mentioned with a smile that I was feeding the kitties, which was obvious by the four cats there gathering around me.  He went on his way, and I continued to set breakfast, lunch and dinner down for these hungry cats.

As I drove down 7th, to my last stop, I saw the man walking down that way toward where I stop.  I got out, walked to the back of the lot, and as I was preparing the medicine for the sick black kitty to hide in his precious wet food, I saw the man walk past watching me.  I then heard 'excuse me'.  I told him I would be right there, and I gathered up my things after setting breakfast down for these three regulars there, and walked toward him, patiently waiting.

This man, a Mexican, told me his brother had six kittens and didn't know what to do with them.  Now, I know this will not make me popular, but after a minute of assessment, and him telling me that his brother could not keep them, I told him the most humane thing would be to bring them to a shelter. I told him they will be euthanized, but that would be the most humane thing.  I told him some people would dump them somewhere in a field or on a road, or give them to bad people who would use them as bait for dog fighting.  I asked him if his brother was a compassionate man, and would he do that.  He replied 'no, he has a good heart.'  He thanked me and went on his way.

Now, my first instinct would be to tell him I would take them, and find them homes.  But realistically, I have my hands full with a million other things in my life.  And in that flash of a moment, I thought of all the other people in my life, and could they take them.  No, there is no one that could take these kittens right now, everyone has their hands full.  There are kittens being born every single day in the springtime.  And with litters being on average of 4-6 kittens, that's a lot.  Right now as I am realizing as I type this, I wish I had gotten this man's number, because I forgot to educate him on getting the mother spayed.  I could kick myself for the things that I woulda, shoulda and coulda done.  Especially SHOULDA.

Ah, regrets and sadness this morning.  Sadness for the kittens, all the kittens out there that won't have a chance at life, or happiness and safety. 

Domino - needs someone to adopt him!

Tomorrow, between Laura and myself, we have four clinic spots - a chance to spay and neuter four cats.  Laura will be focusing on the grey tux on Short, and Tuffy on Second.  They both need to be seen medically - Tuffy has suspected mites in his ear, which might have caused the blood that I saw pouring out of it one day.  And Grey Tux is limping, his left front foot.  I will focus on one of the three tabbies on Hayward, and a grey stripe or a red kitty on Baldwin.  Tomorrow will cost $200 for all four to be neutered.  That's a lot of money.  I need help.  Please consider making a donation for the spay of a cat.  You can call the clinic directly at 585-288-0600.  Its $50 per cat.  And I am doing the dirty work!  You don't have to!  :)  Remember, you are helping just as much by donating to this very worthy cause.  We need to stop the cycle! 

Thanks for listening, and have a great day!

"Always tell someone how you feel, because opportunities

are lost in the blink of an eye,

but regret can last for lifetime."

Adopt a Cat Month!

A note about the felt animals being made per order, on the right hand side of this blog.  If you are interested in purchasing one, please advise me and I will get your name and address and have one sent directly to your home.  You can then send me check or cash, or if  you do the credit card it asks for, just let me know you have just placed an order.  This talented woman who makes these can do just about anything!  Half the proceeds go towards feeding the homeless kitties.  Please order one!

A few updates from people who have adopted a cat from the streets, from me:

Carol - she adopted Candy - now named Greta, and Abby!  Here is what she wrote me this morning:

The Abster

Greta/Candy

"I so love that little Greta and Abby.  I have no idea what possessed Greta last night but she walked right up to the water bowl while Scotchie (dog) was drinking.  She put her head down to get a drink, trying to push him aside.  He did not like that and gave her a bit of a growl.  She shot off like she had a rocket up her you know what.  She definitely has a mischievous streak in her.  She’s trying so hard to play with Abby, but Abby won’t let her in just yet."

Here is Cody, Fraser's (who is still up for adoption) brother, who was finally rescued from Hayward Avenue in the freezing chill of February. Cody had to have part of his tail amputated due to an infection he had.  He was suffering so.  After a month or so of healing at my house, he was adopted by a wonderful family, who love him SO much.

Rachel reports MacKenzie loves her Cody so much!

And Nichole, who adopted Lucky #2 from Ferndale and Webster, now named Luigi,. who hid in her house for the first four months of his captivity!:

"Can I just tell you how happy Luigi is now it is too funny. He follows Rick around like he's a dog. He roams the house now. He hangs out in the window sills and every chance he gets he is looking to be petted. He tried to go outside once but looked around and turned around and came back in. He is getting along with the kids now and the dog. Its amazing the change now that spring is here. I told you he would be fine. :-)"

And then there is Yesenia, who adopted Buddy, now named Winston - She continues to send me pictures of him, and keeps me updated on his progress.  She is quite the photographer!

"Ok...So he hates the harness, BUT he loves being outside with me. As I am gardening, planting or just cleaning up the backyard, he want to be by my side. If I I don't bring him with me, he sits on by the window howls like a puppy (I am not kidding!)... I think he spent sometime with wolves. So everyday after work, I walk in, kick my shoes off, I feed them, and then Winston waits by the back door while in change out of my work clothes.  

Why I love this cat, he's got charisma, he's talkative (like me), fearless, loyal, and extremely cuddly. He is a mama's boy...and I hope that never changes."


In the meantime, these three kitties are in need of a good home:

Fraser was rescued in the bitter dead of winter from Baldwin Street, where he was eating from under a park bench for months.  I was finally able to rescue him after the kindness of a girl named Sheryl offered to foster him until we found him a home.  Fraser is your BFF.  He sleeps on laps, watches daytime TV, won’t judge you for staying in your pajamas for an entire weekend..  Its time for him to find someone to love him up!  

FRASER

Next is George, who I rescued about three weeks ago.  I had been feeding him on Stout and Grand Avenue for almost a year.  He went from fat, to very skinny over the winter, I almost think he was stuck in someone's garage for a while.  George is a buddy.  He lounges on shag rugs, hangs out with friends, contributes his purring aura to acoustic jam sessions.  After getting him fattened up, this sweet sweet boy is ready for his forever home.

GEORGIE PORGIE

Last but not least!, we have Domino.  Another situation where I had this little boy neutered, and had to return him to the street because I had no one to foster him, until along came a girl named Joy who offered to take one of my kitties off the street and into her home.  He is SO happy to be off of Hayward Avenue, where he had been 'living' for so long in the brutal elements. Domino is a ninja. He does triple somersaults off window sills, opens cans of tuna with his bare claws, intimidates all canines within a quarter-mile radius.  He is now ready to be someone's loving companion.  

DOMINO

Please share!

"One new perception

one fresh thought,

one act of surrender,

one change of heart,

one leap of faith,

can change your life forever."

The Meaning of Life

My neighbor passed away yesterday.  She was my age, which I consider to be young still.  She died of breast cancer, and left behind her husband, two older sons, a dog and kitty.  It came on suddenly last year, and ended quickly for her.  I got to thinking about my own mortality early this morning as I woke and couldn't fall back to sleep fast enough.  As sad and tragic as it is, I have very few regrets in my life.  But one of them would be, if I had to pick a recent one, is that I never got to know this woman.  We live our lives surrounded by people, the same people day after day, and we rarely ever know them.  We have our co-workers, our neighbors, the guy at the liquor store, the girl who checks me out at Wegmans on a usual basis (checks my groceries out!), and sometimes it our own family members, especially in step family situations.  And then they pass, and you think.... if only I had done this, or done that.   Life is now, and we always have a choice, do we drown in regret over what never came to be, or use our energy to create what can be? Today, I am choosing the latter.

Consider this:

A dying insect on its back.
A human sees it as suffering.
But it moves his legs not by suffering, but of joy.

Like a baby.

It wants to live.
It knows not that it will end.

If it knew: the movement would stop.
But why the joy?

Back to another reality...  and to end that thought, I do not regret the path I've chosen in trying to save and soothe the homeless cats of Rochester.  A spay here, a neuter there, daily feeding, and trying to earn their trust, picking up a dead cat here, and rescuing a cat there - its a wonderful feeling to know you've made a difference, even if no one else notices.

Have a wonderful day.

Things That Go Bump in The Night

Above are some of the kittens I've rescued.  I can't begin to count all the cats and kittens I've rescued, and adopted out.  So many - and I miss each and every one of them.  They all meant something to me.   They each had a story.

This morning I heard a loud crash, in the wee hours of the morning, just an hour before I had to drag my self out of bed at 3:45.  It startled me, but for the one second I had the thought that someone, who wasn't supposed to be, was in the house and I would be murdered.  Of course, that dissipidated quickly because when you have cats, anything goes.  I knew it had to be one of the cats knocking over something, or something went flying down the basement stairs.  So I ignored it, until the usual kitty started to climb on me, hoping to wake me up so that I could give it my undivided attention.  It didn't need food, there is plenty for all of them in the two bowls in the kitchen.  They begin to get bored, and just want me up.  So, up I finally did, and started a new Monday. 

Its definitely quiet out there at 5 in the morning.  I find myself running out of dry food these days, during my route.  I fill two 2-gallon baggies and an old coffee canister with dry food, and usually a small bag of dry food just in case, and then five large yogurt tubs of wet food every single day.  Sometimes, when I forget that smaller bag of food, I start rationing off the food towards my last half of the route I take each day, 14 stops total.  I feel bad because I know that food will be gone in an instant in some locations, because not only am I feeding the four on average cats that I DO see, I know there are the real ferals lurking in the shadows never to be seen, but still hungry nevertheless.

I was telling someone the other day just how much it costs me.  I know I might sound like a broken record to some, but there are new people that are reading this blog, so I will say it again.  I spend, from my own pocket, an average of $120 per week feeding the homeless cats.  That includes 7 18-pound bags of dry, and a few 32 can cases of wet food.    Actually its 20 regular sized cans a day.  Yes, I have an aluminum heaven for the guys that come around and grab the aluminum cans on garbage day to sell for cash.  I don't have a calculator on me, but $120 times 52 is....  (sorry, was never good at math).  That's a lot, and I don't get breaks, except for the occasional generous drop offs I get on my porch, or delivery from a store.  Donations are always welcome, thank you in advance!  :)

I will be calling the clinic today to schedule more TNR - spay/neuters.  There are a lot of kitties out there that need fixin. 

In the meantime, have a great week!

"A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him."

Lurking in the Darkness

Quick update on the fawn in my 85 year old friend Lillian's back yard - today is day four.  I spoke with a great guy out in Greece who has offered to take it if no mom is around.  We still don't know if she has been coming back to feed this week old baby, who has moved twice now in three days.  I am waiting patiently for Lillian to call me this morning to advise what's happening.  As I was driving this morning, two young deer were trying to cross 104 near Culver.  Luckily, I braked, and swerved, and watched out of my back mirror for the oncoming cars - praying they saw what I did, and sure enough, they all slowed down on this 55 mile per hour highway.  The babies jumped back over the fence into the woods.  As I drove on, with my classic rock songs blasting away, I started to cry, thinking of how many sad stories there are with deer, and their babies.  I must be in a very sensitive mood today, I hope it doesn't last.

My friend Lichi sent me these photos, taken in her back yard, some with night camera.  She lives right here in Penfield.  We forget, or at least I do, that there are foxes and coyotes, and other creatures lurking around.  I am able to view the raccoons, and the possums, but that's about it.  And I do enjoy seeing them, but not when they are stealing the kitty food.  These pictures are pretty good!

I had a breakthrough with a cat this morning, one that I've been feeding for a long time now.  He was first spotted, I think, on Penn and 4th, and then migrated to Short.  He is a beautiful grey tux.  He was limping two weeks ago, but stopped about a week ago.  I am sure it was the glass that is strewn all over the city, especially in these vacant areas.  What is it with smashing glass?  I dunno.  Anyways, as I got out of the truck this morning, he came strutting along, and got very close to me.  As I bent down to replenish the food bowls, he got closer.  I put my hand out, and he allowed me to gently stroke his head.  I snapped this picture of him before I drove away.

Amazing.  It really is, when these cats, that have been so afraid of you, yet so dependent on you, finally trust you!  They finally trust a human!  And its so hard for them to do when they have to fight and struggle to survive on these streets, where most of the folks don't care much for the cats.  If at all.  Now I need to name this little guy (and get him neutered!).  And then get HIM adopted!  :)  So many kitties out there need homes.  Please spread the word!

For those of you who don't already know, I go through 18 pounds of dry cat food feeding the homeless, sometimes a bit more, per day, 365 days a year.  A bag of Dad's is $9.99 for 18 pounds.  Add that up, and I am spending $70 per week just on dry food alone.  Then add that up times 365 days per year.  I am not sure how I've been able to do this on my little old salary from the hospital alone, but with a little help here and there, its been made a bit easy at times.  I thank you who've contributed in the past, and I thank you ahead of time to those that might want to help.  If you can help once in a while, I will continue to do the dirty work of going out there.  I also urge anyone that would like to come along and see what I do to do so now, because its actually light by the time I leave the house to do it!  :)  So you don't have to be such a wuss!  HA.  Kidding.  I know its not in everyone's blood to get up at such an ungodly hour.  That's ok.  Just think of me at least.  :)

Have a great weekend!