Brrrr... Baby, Its Cold Outside!



Red Kitty on Pennsylvania this morning


With the temperatures in the teens this morning, its no wonder that even with two layers of socks, my toes were frozen three quarters into my rounds.  I could barely feel them, but they ached on my drive home.  There were lot of cops, ambulances in different locations this morning - lots going on in the early morning hours.  But for me, its quiet, nothing changes, the cats are still waiting for me.  I laid down a lot of towels over the snow covered ones.  I do this just where they have to stand to eat, so that their little toes can at least rest on something dry, cottony, instead of the frozen snow.  I also spread a little more straw in some of my spots, but I think someone donated a bag of hay by mistake.  I wish I knew the difference in sight - I think hay is more shiny?  Anyone know?  Tomorrwo, I will pack a bag of the other bale I received - which I am sure is straw.

Regardless, they are cold.  Here is a pic to tell all.  These cats are waiting on Central for me each and every morning.  These cats need adoption, fast.  If you can't commit, at least foster one of them?  Please please please spread the word.  Winter has not even started.  I fear that the Almanac may be right this year - we are going to  have a brutal winter.

Central - my only location where there is NO shelter - they destroy whatever I put there

Day Two of Captivity - Abby!


Abby's Match.com picture - SEXY!

Abby's Mugshot

She is a very very sweet kitty - I am now wondering if she is pregnant.  Her belly feels a little round to me.  I must get her to a vet.  She is NOT very good getting a picture of.  She is quite camera shy.  But she does love her belly rubbed!  I must find her a home, and fast!  Gordie looks at me every morning now on Chamberlain and says "is today the day you will rescue me, is today the day you will take me to your nice warm home?"  Heartbreaking.  Please consider fostering a kitty - you will not regret it.

I have tomorrow off - hurray.  I also am late getting ready for tomorrow's feedings and then getting myself read for work, so keeping this short but sweet. 

Have a great day!

Zoey and Other Stuff

 

Zoey's mom sent me her picture yesterday, along with this little note:   

Dec 10 at 8:41 PM

I found out today that the meaning of the name Zoey is "life".
The vet had to shave the side of her neck, but she still looks beautiful.

Makes me cry, it really does.  Such a sweet little kitty.  I still pray for a miracle for her.

In regards to yesterday's post, and comments, I have to say a few things.  First, thank you everyone for all the comments, I love to hear differences of opinions, that's what makes our world the way it is, complex and beautiful.  We all have our opinions and there is nothing wrong with them.  They are the way we see life to be, and who is to judge?  I do have to say though, unless you are who I think you are, you really need to walk in my shoes day in and day out to know whats best for these cats.  And legally, they may not be mine, but morally, I am the only one to know what is right and wrong for them.  I am their caretaker, and if I believe one of them is in danger, then I will do whatever I can to get them out of it.  There are far less dangers in a barn situation than there are on some streets and some neighborhoods.  I know this firsthand.  Prince was darting in and out of two busy streets before I made the decision to move him.  I pray he is still ok, but I don't regret the decision to take him away from those conditions one bit.  He lived in a box on a porch of a boarded up house.  Who has ever picked up a cat, that was literally frozen, from under a porch.  I have.  I know what these cats face every day, and the more I can take off the street, place them into loving homes.  A barn is not where I would ideally want a cat to end up, but its far better than the streets. 

I did it again.  Guess who's in my bathroom?  ABBY!!!  Abby is the sweet young black kitty, less than a year old, from Pennsylvania and Fourth!  I need to find a home for her temporarily so that I can rescue Gordie, the grey kitty on Garson/Chamberlain who I originally intended to rescue.  But Abby is not eartipped, so its likely she is not spayed, and she is young.  Also, who could pass up a little kitty sitting waiting for you every morning in the snow.  And in the conditions we are in now in Rochester, with temps in the 20s, and two inches of snowfall overnight, I couldn't just leave her.  She is too defenseless.  So please, consider fostering Abby for me.  There are thousands of unwanted and mistreated animals out on the streets.  We may not be able to solve world hunger and war, but this is something concrete that we can do to improve our community - and that is to help, in whatever way is possible for you.

Pictures for you tomorrow!

Have a great day!

"Don't be so quick to judge, you never know when you might just find yourself walking in that person's shoes."

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."