Where There's A Will, There's a Way

I rescued Prince and Cedric, two males that I had been feeding for ages on a regular basis on Central Park at a boarded up house, with feeding stations and shelter on both the porch and in the back of the house.  I brought them to a barn out in Scottsville after this kind woman posted for cats for her horse barn.  Things went well, she kept them caged for two weeks - Cedric was shy and ran and hid when he was released, and Prince was Prince, just the sweetest and friendliest boy.  A week later he had an injury to his paw, but his new 'mom' said it was getting better, and he was also seen by a vet tech that comes to look at the horses there.  Cedric was still in hiding but coming out to eat.  There is lots of hay and straw there for the several horses that are kept there.  Its a nice 'barn' building, I could live there!  Anyways, all was going well until Monday when Pat informed me "wanted to let you know Prince wasn't at breakfast yesterday or today. I hope he's just out roaming but it's very unusual fro him at the barn. He spent all day friday with us as we were working in the barn. He had lunch with us, sat on out laps around the fire. I remain hopeful but sad at the thought that he may have left or ...... "     That was on Sunday night. On Monday I got this:  "Some friends told me they saw a cat that looked like prince at the side of the road on sat. I went to try to find it but it was not there today. I am very sad about all this"

I also am very sad about this.  It makes me rethink the whole barn situation.  There are predators in the country, lots of fox, coyotes - I am so sad to think that something has happened to my little Prince.  Then again, it happened in Webster to my mother's cat when a coyote snapped her little neck seconds after she was let out of the house in the early morning hours.

The other bit of news:  Winky/Zoey - this is the kitten I rescued when she was about four months old - a sweet little thing that ran across the road to me starving - on Garson Avenue.  I was able to swoop her up while gobbling food, thought she might be feral because of how frantic she was, and within minutes after soothing her in my bathroom, she because a cuddle bunny.  Sweetest little thing in the world.  My neighbor fostered her, fell in love with her, and then she was adopted by Chelsea.  But there was something that just wasn't right with her- after Tracy mentioned to me that she wasn't feeling well, I brought her to the doctor for lethargy, and not eating, she was placed on antibiotic and got better.  Then after her adoption, Chelsea reported the same thing, and here is what she reported yesterday:  "We are waiting to hear from the Doctor today regarding Zoey's test results. We are hoping the test went out on Friday so we can know today. If not today then Wednesday. She is SOO active when we give her the steroids. She acts like a wild kitty, you would never think she was sick, unfortunately she "crashes" shortly after. I thought we had turned a corner on Thursday, but sadly we have not. She is not eating as much as she use to and you can just tell that she is uncomfortable. She would be happy just to lay in your arms forever.  My heart is quite heavy, but I am reminded often that she is very loved and happy where she is right now. I have loved every second of being with her and I am grateful that you were able to find her and bring her to us. I will let you know if we hear anything else today. "

Of course, this is doubly sad for me.  But I am so grateful she is not suffering in the streets like she would have if it hadn't been for that one second I was able to grab her.  Thank God.

There are two sweet kitties I want to rescue so bad out there.  One is a little black girl, uneartipped, but not pregnant.  The other is Gordie on Garson.  He is such a sweet grey boy.  Where there's a will, there is a way.

Have a nice day.

What You Don't Know Can't Hurt You

Some updates:  My cold is still hanging on, and I am still miserable!

Winky/Zoey - her mom reports:  "I'm sorry that I have to share this with you, but our Zoey does not have a good prognosis.  She has a large amount of fluid in her belly which is pushing on her heart.  They are almost positive that it is FIP and it is not treatable.  There is not much at this pont we can do but just love her."

Or course, I am very upset about this.  This tiny little baby that I rescued from the street, nursed and loved until her adoption a month later, only to have her get sick with some terrible disease that is not curable a month after that is just heartbreaking, for me and for her new parents.   I continue to pray for this little girl, who would have suffered a great deal had it not been for my daring rescue.  You have to remember, these cats would rather get hit by a car than let some big human grab them and take them away, but once they realize they are in safe hands, they are so grateful.  I can't tell you the feeling to rescue an animal.  I get teary eyed just thinking about it.  To see the ones remaining out there, suffering, and to see all the rescues I've made and to know the warm safe environments they are in now is priceless.

A few notes from this morning:  Its icy and cold out there - I picked up and held GORDIE - the grey kitty from Garson that I want to rescue next.  I actually kissed his soft fur this morning - so I know he is good to go.  Gordie from Garson.  I think its a great name!

There were EIGHT cats on Baldwin this morning.  EIGHT.  Two furry red fluffballs, that literally have red fluffballs - they are not fixed - and the other usual kitties that have been hanging around.  I've never seen the calico kitten in over a month there.

There were at least six cats on Pennsylvania and Fourth.  The sweet little black one, and the pretty fluffy red one still run to me, rolling on the ground at my feet.  They are not fixed either.  Big Red #2 and Baby Kitten are still there, along with a host of others.

On Sixth, a pretty grey with white, very shy, continues to limp on her back foot.  And a pretty red on Central continues to limp also. 

That's about all I have to report today.  I will get some more pictures tomorrow morning so that you can see for yourself all the sweethearts that need your help - from feeding to adoption. 

Have a great day!

"For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.  For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people."

Friday

Thank you for the sweet comments yesterday.  I have some very intelligent people reading this!  :)

I don't have much of an update on Zoey/Winky - her 'mom' sent me this yesterday morning - "She is doing ok. She socializes with us when I get home from work until we go to bed (she groomed herself for the first time last night!!) and is up with us when when I go to work. She is doing less hiding under the bed and coffee table and her eyes seem to be improving as well. We will take her  back to the vet either later today or tomorrow on my day off."  I continue to keep her in my prayers and hope she continues to improve, from whatever is ailing her.  Poor baby girl.  :(

While this blog is mainly about the cats I see each and every day, my thoughts and feelings creep in and this blog becomes sort of cathartic for me - a diary almost.  I have been down lately due to finances, and expressed this to a distant cousin who lives in the Catskill Mountains with my favorite Aunt Mary - whom I remember with great joy from my childhood.  My grandmother had six sisters, and Mary was one of them.  She lived in New Jersey, was a wild redhead who was larger than life to me with her makeup, constant tan, jewels galore, and that Jersey accent.  Her husband, Uncle Don, was a handsome man too.  Her daughter and I have recently started to keep in touch after many years apart.  I sent her a note telling her about some of the difficulties I've had recently, and with Christmas coming and how down I was about it.  She sent me something that was so beautiful I wanted to share it.  I hope you get something out of it also.

"Dearest Cousin,

 

It is never a trouble when you share your concerns with me.  On the contrary, it is what family and friendship is all about; to help share the burdens of those we love.  I truly believe that capitalism has just ruined the real meaning of Christmas.  It is not about Santa Clause bringing us all lots of presents.  The real meaning of Christmas is to celebrate God's love and HIs gift to us, Jesus.  And Jesus's love and gift to us of salvation and eternal life.  That is why we give a gift to those we love, to honor that memory.  But our gift does not have to be a material thing.  However we can give love to those we love; either with our time, our service, a heartfelt note, or even food.  You know what those you love can use the most.  Love, support, time, all count as gifts.  So don't fret about not having enough money to BUY something.  Gifts from the heart mean much more than those things purchased in a store.  And those who love you realize your situation and do not judge you or think any less of you.  Hard times, poor health, injustices happen to us all at one time or another.  With God's love and grace, if we trust in Him, we will get through anything and come through it stronger and with a blessing for being faithful.  

 

Mom's dementia is progressing.  She will be 96 in February.  She does not get dressed and rarely bathes.  She only wants to eat cookies, desserts and ice cream.  Her short term memory is non-existent and her long term memory is failing her.  I can no longer leave her alone for very long and she refuses to have anyone come in to stay with her if I have to go out for the day.  Each day is a challenge.  She asks the same questions over and over and complains about the same things nonstop.  However I count it as a blessing that she is still here with us, still able to walk and talk and still there for me to hug and love. "

So, thanks for that note Cousin.  I am so thankful for all the people in my life.  The new and the old. 

 

Have a great weekend.

 

"Happiness is in the heart, not in the circumstances."

Straight to Hell

That's a note I wrote this morning and laid it on top of a tiny shelter I placed on Central, under a tree, for this sweet black and white kitty who is very homeless to use in storms, not that its going to really be a shelter for him, its very tiny, but it has straw, and stryofoam insulation in it.  Not sure that he can even turn around in it.  I set it there three days ago, and its remained intact until I drove up to this feeding spot where I feed an average of four cats per day, and saw it tossed into the street this morning.  That was someone randomly coming along and destroying something not tied to the ground.  Cruel cruel cruel.

On my way home from feeding over 50 cats that I feed each and every day in the hood, Bob Lonsberry was on the radio preaching about this or that - but what I took from this rant of his was that there are rich people and poor people.  Most of the rich he's met were poor to begin with.  Its the choices we make in our lives that lead us to where we are today.  Now, I didn't go to a four year college, but I did get a degree and I began the illustrious career as a secretary.  Through steady paychecks, and small fortunes thrown my way due to deaths in the family, I was able to purchase a house, and have been able to make the mortgage payment since.  Not that it has been easy, but so far, so good, by the chinny chin hair on my chin?  Isn't that a saying?  I may not have much, but I can say that I've done something in my life that I believe has done good for this world.  Even if its a small portion of this world, I've done something to make a difference.

That's all I have to say today.  I am feeling miserable with this cold, but I still must get to work and bust my tail. 

Have a good one.

"The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt

the person doing it."

Do You Know What Day It Is?

Uh huh, hump day!  hurrah!  I had five days off from work last week - that includes Saturday and Sunday, and boy was it heavenly.  Back at work, the hours drag slowly by.  I am almost asleep by 2 pm.  Oh, how I would love to win the lottery!

Speaking of, its been a very tough year for me - filled with worry, and sadness over my own personal affairs - I also was not able to TNR (trap neuter release) many cats either - certainly not as many as last year - and it showed by seeing a few pregnant cats, and also seeing new kittens running around.  But I rescued over 10 kittens this year, and found them all good homes!  I rescued a ton of adult cats, and found them all good homes too!  I also had to euthanize quite a few of my own, and also some very sick kitties on the streets.  I've also never someone adopt a kitty from me and have them get sick, and die shortly after.  Not to say that this has happened to Winky/Zoey - I actually don't know how she is today.  I think her new family are very concerned about her - but somehow I feel responsible, even though she was tested for disease before she was adopted, and was negative.  I pray I hear good news sometime soon.

I have a cold today, my throat was raw last night, and I am dragging.  Its so hard sometimes to get myself motivated to head out into the cold, and the wet - its raining this morning - and get out of my car 15 times within the hour - to move boards, to fill plates, to pick up wet towels, to trudge to the back of empty lots and behind abandoned boarded up houses.  Its so hard to give a pat here and there to the friendly ones, knowing they are hungry and just want me to put the food down, and then drive away from them.

I guess I am throwing my self a pity party this morning, but that's OK.  I deserve it.  We all deserve our own party once in a while, right?  :)  Well, break out the champagne and pour me a glass.  Kidding.  Its only 6:35 am., and I need to get moving and ready for work. 

Sorry for the lame post today - but I deserve it!  :)

Some more pictures I took yesterday morning:

Pennsylvania (side of house shelter for food)

Pennsylvania (back - shelters - kitty inside!)

Central Kitty (sweet - he was very shy when I first started to feed him)

Again, Black Kitty on Central - definitely homeless - needs a home!)

A few more on Central - Charlie Sr. at left, Snickers in the middle

Have a great day!

"Continuous effort, not strength or intelligence, is the key to unlocking our potential."

Pictures!

My babies!  Left to Right- Smokey, Midnight, Scooter!

In answer to someone's comment yesterday, I could really use a large board, and the size of that would be - I would guestimate to be - 5 foot by 4 foot?  Pretty large.  I would probably need help delivering it to Hayward, which is near East Main Street/Goodman/Culver area.  Any help anyone can offer, would be great.  Thank you!

I took some photos this morning of shelters, and kitties!  Here they are!

Hayward Shelter - where they removed the large board - this looks terrible.

Baldwin Kitty

Baldwin Shelters - under the board I place food there too - pretty pathetic



Baldwin Kitties



Sixth St. Shelter that Sheryl built - thanks Sheryl!

Inside the shelter - you can see they've been using it - I refilled with straw this morning

 



Sixth Street Shelters

 



Hatch Shelter on Seventh - Kristin made - thanks Kristin!

OK, running out of time, must get to work, but before I forget, my sweet Rupert, the very sick, white cat I rescued from Baldwin almost a month ago, has been adopted!  The same woman that adopted a kitty from the street from me almost two years ago told me last week that he needed a companion, and she took Rupert, sight unseen.  He is thrilled in his new home - he joins his brother Toby, and two canine siblings!  :) 

 

Rupert

 

Winky/Zoey

 

Some news that has brought me sadness - my baby Winky, the kitten I rescued nearly two months ago, and was adopted a month ago, - she is very ill.  She has been brought to the vet is being watched closely.  I feel terrible about it.  I had her tested for FIV and Leuk before her adoption, and has now had a second test for that because they aren't always 100% correct, from what I understand, along with along with toxoplasmosis and FIP, which is apparently uncurable.  Please keep Winky - now Zoey, in your prayers today. 



My Spots!

I wanted to give an update on all my feeding spots.

Parsells #1 - so far so good.  the man that bought the place and has been renovating it has continued to allow me to keep my shelter on the porch, with boards over it to shelter some of the snow and wind.  I don't know how long I have, but I pray he will come up with a plan to allow me to continue to feed somewhere on that property, so many depend on it.  I only see two in the dark, but I am sure there are more around there.  Neck wound kitty, and a more friendlier long haired grey are the two I mostly see. 

Parsells #2 -  this is where a white guy named John had been living, with his German Shepard Silver, but now there is a black guy named Kevin there, and I am not sure about John.  Kevin came out the other morning and I introduced myself and he did tell me that he was moving in November, and wasn't sure if the landlord would allow me to continue, or the new renters.  I have a wonderful shelter built up in the back.  I pray I am good there.  I am ready for the 'begging' if I need to when and if I am confronted.  The food is always gone, and I've seen cats run from this spot when I approach.  I feed here every other day.

Short - I continue to feed Mr. Black Cat and a red and white kitty here.  There was a white and brown tabby that had been coming around, crying as he waited for me to leave so that he could gobble his food, but I haven't seen him in a week or so.  I  have a couple of nice shelters here inside this garage, but if we get a full blown blizzard, its going to be covered.  Not the most ideal.

Garson/Chamberlain - I pick up and hold a grey kitty here each morning.  He is my next 'victim'.  Grey cats have such sweet personalities.  I know he would make someone a good companion if given the chance.  I have not seen Casey here in quite a while, since I had to move my feeding spot around the corner to a vacant house.  I've placed two large totes filled with straw, and a board on top of it.  Its somewhat sheltered from the westerly winds.  I've also been feeding Lucy here regularly now.  Funny, how they sit at the new spot and wait.  They are so smart!

Hayward - I see several kitties running from two large totes I have placed here.  Occasionally I see a beautiful calico here and she gets just so close, and then goes quickly for the food undernearth the board that leans against the house.  Last week, someone actually stole the large board I had, so now I have it replaced with a very small board.  Its not ideal, I need to find a very large board to place there.  When the snow storms come, the small board is going to be useless in protecting the food.  This morning, to my untrained eye, I think there was a stakeout happening.  Some cop cars, lights off, one cop standing idly by behind his car, watching straight ahead.  I had to make a turn - but I would bet they were after someone on that street, a crim, sleeping.  Oh such excitement!

Baldwin - I continue to feed at least five cats here that I can see - I have some very nice shelters here, I hope they hold up in the snowstorms.  We shall see.  I've not seen the calico kitten in over a month now.   If you remember, someone had her fixed, and placed her back here.  No one that I can think of that would even do this will admit it.  No one feeds or TNR's in my area, so I am bewildered as to how she was fixed and returned, or who would take her, if that's the case.  I pray it is.

Webster/Ferndale - I continue to drive past here slowly, always looking for any cats I've left behind, and to see if they are starving by sitting there waiting for me, but I haven't seen them.  But I will continue to look for them, as I still feel so sad that I had to stop feeding here.

Short - I continue to place food down here, mostly for Milly and Morgan, but I am sure there are stragglers that come here for the two totes and a wooden hut, that surely needs to be replaced.  This is where I cleaned out the hut a month or two ago and retrieved a nasty, smelly dead rat.  I believe that smell is still there because of it, or the hut is rotting.  So, I need a new wooden shelter there.

Sixth - I continue to feed at least five kitties here.  Most are still wary of me, but one is allowing me to hold him!  Actually, I think its a girl, and I would love to find a barn situation for her, but I believe she would miss her siblings.  They were all born on this street, and most have been neutered and spayed.  There is one that I noticed limping this morning.  That was a gray kitty with white spots on it.  I drove away very sad about that, but hoping it will heal quickly.

Pennsylvania and Fourth - have not seen Big Red #2 in quite a while.  Its still so dark there, I don't know who I am feeding - they are not always familiar, but I see at least three or four running when I pull up.  One to me, and the others away from me.  I have placed a large board, with holes in it, on the side of the house instead of the porch I feed them on in the summer time.  This porch is open, and sustains the westerly storms that come out way.  There is ample shelter behind this abandoned house, but not enough for these territorial cats.  So, I try to make do with what I can.

Pennsylvania & Second.  The man that lives in this house - whom I've never met, continues to allow me to feed behind his house.  I have not seen the large, sweet black cat there in quite awhile.  There is another black cat that is afraid of me, and a grey one also, that I see usually, lurking in the dark, waiting for me to leave.

Second - Paul continues to allow me to shelter and feed behind his house - but the cats left here are few and far between.  At least what I can see, in the dark, for the few minutes I am here.  Little Ruby is gone, but there is a black cat and a white with brown spots that I see just about every morning.  This street used to be littered with cats, until I came along.   Now, most have been rescued, or have moved on.

Central and Third - I feed a grey kitty here, and Tuffy was there again this morning.  Yesterday, I saw an almost all white kitty there.  I need a large board to cover the opening to the porch here to block out the storms, but there are two nice tote shelters here with a board over it. 

Central - I continue to feed a calico here, she is very shy, and won't too close here.  Rolo shows up occasionally, the black and white kitty with a stub of a tail.  Cedric and Prince are doing fairly well in their new home, a barn in Scottsville.  Cedric is being stalked by another red barn kitty there, but I am hoping they will work things out soon.  Prince is very sweet, and loves his new digs, but has had an arm injury, so his new 'mom' is keeping an eye on him.

Central - The slew of sweet kitties is down to a few - not sure if this woman on the corner is taking some in, or whats happened to a lot of them.  Now I feed - daily - a black with white kitty, Charlie Sr., and another multi colored kitty.  I placed a small shelter down there yesterday, not expecting to see it there today, but it was.  I had placed some down there in the early summer, but they were destroyed.  This is a very open spot. 

Seventh - Kristin came by Saturday morning and placed a beautiful shelter for me - its like a cab of a truck, or something.  Not sure if that is what its called, but I will try to get pics tomorrow and show you.  Pretty ingenious though!  I feed at least four or five kitties here.  I could see indentations in the straw of this cab hut this morning, so I felt pretty good about that.  You never know if they are using these shelters unless you see them actually come out of them.

That's it.  This turned out way too long.  Its back to work for me, and its going to be a very long week.  I will keep you posted on more tomorrow! 

Have a great day!