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Feral and stray cat thread 3
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Message 1.Â
Posted by BasiainBrooklyn (U505001) on Friday, 28th October 2011
Welcome to the third incarnation of the feral thread.
This thread is for anyone who wishes to engage in some way in the life of feral and/or stray cats, regardless of previous experience, as these things have a way of coming into our lives at the most unexpected moments and few of us are ever fully prepared to deal with a situation involving a needy animal that isn't part of the existing family. Yet.
I've been doing rescue work for 6 1/2 years, still have 11 cats at home (although not the same 11, Grilly died this year and Byron was adopted last year), and still take care of approximately 50 cats on the streets,in garages, warehouses and derelict buildings all over Brooklyn. I'll never really know the number I take care of, as there are always more than one sees.
Since I began, I've had approx 100 cats spayed and neutered and found homes for about the same. For years I worked independently, or in partnership with single rescuers, but since May, I have been VP of the board of directors of Infinite Hope rescue group and it feels wonderful having support. It's hard work being on a board, because your actions affect others but the buck no longer stops with me in all rescues so when I take a cat in, I don't worry about being stuck with more cats than I can manage at home.
I'm one of many people who are part of the TNR (Trap/Neuter/Return) programmes all over America and New York State boasts a very healthy mayor-sponsored programme of neutering and education. Wish it was neutering some people.
One day we dream of a no-kill NY state where no animals held in shelters will be killed and the weekly euthanasia sent out to rescue groups list will be a thing of the past. We receive weekly emails with photos of perfectly healthy, abandoned cats that are due to be killed on the weekend, in the hope that some of us will come forward and take them in and try and find homes for them.
Sometimes it's really hard to set boundaries, but I don't look at these emails as I have enough on my plate.
If anyone would like to learn more about how you can help in your community,please go to the Neighborhood Cats site and read the TNR pages for a detailed guide on what it entails.
These are the people that taught me how to do this:
The UK version:
My work is largely rewarding, in no small part thanks to this thread, where we can share our difficulties and triumphs. It can be difficult as one cannot help becoming attached, knowing one is powerless to control traffic, cruelty and undetected illnesses/injuries.
But to anyone who is considering doing this, I would say the heartache is far, far outweighed by the joy involved.
Thanks to Ratspiffle who inspired me to start this thread in the first place and to Slightly Foxed who encouraged me to dream of my own sanctuary. I don't have my own, but I have a place to put my rescued cats now, not as I had envisaged, but it really is a dream come true.
I currently have 3 ML-named ex-ferals in my care. Darling Tabatha and Dougal, who today got dropped off at the clinic to be on display for adoption (poor loves, but we *have* to do this, excl mk) after being rehabilitated in the director of my board's home for weeks and teeny weeny little Alice Rainbow, named after Rusty's recently departed beloved Alice. The rainbow part of her name is another story, ha.
Thanks to Rusty and Dougal's Servant for alerting me to get this thread off the ground and thanks also to the many kind friends I have in all the cat threads who have come to Brooklyn and met the ferals and to those who have generously donated towards food and vet costs and just been wonderful and supportive.
This thread is dedicated to all those cats who were loved and lost, especially little Urchin, who was the first ML feral birth, and to the people that continue this work and those who encourage us.
Thank you also Greenjewel, wherever you are.
Basia -
Message 2
Posted by Dougals Servant (U7470526) on Friday, 28th October 2011
Bash
Sniffle & snuffle over the various news
I do hope baby Dougal and Tabs find a good home - I really do want to say just post the sweeties to me!
(And I keep telling myself not to mention that I have two cat flying crates from the Move to Scotland)
Love to all of yours
D -
Message 3
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Saturday, 29th October 2011
Bash, you've worked so hard for so long at the coal-face of feral work and I'm so glad you are now part of Infinite Hope rescue, as a VP.
I guess it is a different way of working and organising what you do but the benefits must outweigh the hmmmm disadvantages for all the reasons you state.
One thing is that Infinite Hope gives you a public platform to publicise the plight of ferals and to make people more aware and compassionate about those in their area. Trap, Neuter, Return is so vital both to feral welfare and the best solution for neighbourhoods, whether people are cat lovers are not.
It must be unbearable getting emails about animals destined for euthanasia for no good medical reason. Roll on the day when all shelters and rescue groups are "No Kill". We might be a long way from that in the US and here too, but little by little........... meanwhile, there is no gain to breaking your heart in readng those emails when you cannot help those particular cats.
I am very impressed and wistfully envious that NY State has a mayor-sponsored programme of neutering and education. If only a few people with some authority and high profile would step up, I think it would reap tremendous benefits.
Fingers crossd that Dougal and Tabatha are adopted by wonderful people very soon. Yup, can understand th reluctance to put cats in display but ,if it works, it has to be worth it.
Thank you so much for naming that sweet little black scrap Alice Rainbow, after my dear old girl. Perhaps you will feel strong enough before long to call one of the waifs and strays that come in Grilly after your darling girl.
Rusty -
Message 4
Posted by laReine-Astrid (U10636638) on Saturday, 29th October 2011
Thanks for opening the new thread, Bash, and for such a powerful opening message.
More power to your elbow, gal, and eveything crossed for Litlle Dougal, Tabatha and Alice to find good homes, and indeed for any of your other cats in need.
One thing I know for certain – if Greenjewel were still among us, she would be delighted at the turning your work has taken with Infinite Hope.
all the best to you and the gang -
Message 5
Posted by Gayer-Anderson Cat (U13637930) on Saturday, 29th October 2011
Just bookmarking.
And saying thank you to all who are involved in helping these cats and kittens who are homeless through no fault of their own.
Bless you.
G-AC and Jasper x -
Message 6
Posted by Carol Tregorran (U8943346) on Saturday, 29th October 2011
Bookmarking, too, & endorsing all the comments above.
There was a protest for feral cats in Dublin during the week - well
supported, but realistically I don't know how much good it will do.
Cats just don't matter here. Sigh.
Best wishes to all felines & their slaves.
Carol xxx -
Message 7
Posted by BasiainBrooklyn (U505001) on Friday, 18th November 2011
Oh I am heartbroken, one of my beloved Redhook cats was found dead by Irene just now. She is wrapped in a towel outside by my front door and it's been a few days so she smells but I just got the ok to get her autopsy done in case that git from down the street poisoned her. My darling beloved Georgie.
Here she is, she's one of the 4 pictures that appear slowly on top, that's my hand feeding her turce:
Oh I can't stop crying, we only TNR'd her in April, and we thought she was a boy and it turned out she was our beloved little gregarious Georgie, always first in line for food, always cheeky and thinking she ws specisl. She was such a happy little creature.
Ah this hurts like hell -
Message 8
Posted by Dougals Servant (U7470526) on Friday, 18th November 2011
Bash I am really so sorry.
RIP Georgie.
D -
Message 9
Posted by Gayer-Anderson Cat (U13637930) on Friday, 18th November 2011
Me too, Bash. She was so pretty, like my darling Sophie of blessed memory. Poor little cat.
love and hugs
G-AC and Jasper x -
Message 10
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Friday, 18th November 2011
So sorry about Georgie's death, Bash. I hope with all my heart she wasn't poisoned. She was a lovely looking girl, and reminded me of my dear Alice.
One thing you can hang on to is that she was a happy little cat, who enjoyed her life up until the last.
RIP dear Georgie.
Rusty -
Message 11
Posted by BasiainBrooklyn (U505001) on Friday, 18th November 2011
Thank you Dougal's S, GAC and Rusty. Georgie looks identical to Little Jewell too, and what is even more heartbreaking about this death is that Irene said she can't tell her son, who was getting to the point of feeding Georgie by hand. Such a gentle soul who absolutely loved her. I've never had the death of a feral in any of my colonies affect so many people so profoundly, and that's largely due to how warm and loving and inclusive Irene is. Georgie would be sitting by her front door waiting every night, and one time came into her lobby when food was late.
Oh my. I'm putting this off because I don't want to hear complaints from the techs about the smell.
Will check in later.
Bx
PS Thanks for caring for these helpless cats that you will possinly never meet. It means so much always, when I'm sitting there at night feeding them.
Got a headache from crying, bums. -
Message 12
Posted by Gil Holroyd (U14164075) on Friday, 18th November 2011
Oh Bash, that's heartbreaking. Georgie sounds such a lovely girl (isn't it odd the way some cats - often those that have been through a rough patch, I find - just seem to radiate happiness?).
I hope you can discover what killed her, poor little mite (and I hope both you and she are treated with proper respect by the techs). Please let us know what you find out.
I'm sorry her death has caused so much sadness, but I'm not sorry that she was loved by so many people - I wish all cats could be so loved.
RIP fancy-free little Georgie girl.
Gx
ps, Please take care of yourself Bash, this has obviously hit you hard. -
Message 13
Posted by Carol Tregorran (U8943346) on Friday, 18th November 2011
Oh, Basia, I'm so sorry to read about Georgie. My sympathy to you & to
Irene. I can only echo what has already been said. Look after yourself.
Carol xxx -
Message 14
Posted by BasiainBrooklyn (U505001) on Friday, 18th November 2011
Well, cold comfort but she was hit by a car. It was a powerful impact, I looked at the x-rays, and her back leg was a clean break, fracture to her jaw, and much of her underneath was no longer contained by her body. Why am I talking like that? She had severe abdominal trauma and the examining vet said it will have been quick. Everyone was really sweet and kind, so so kind.
I went to eat cake.
The woman who owns the bakery is a cat person, enough said.
I feel a little better. I called Irene to ask if she wanted the body or ashes, and she rather sweetly said "Where will we put them?" Aw....so we are burying her near where she lived so that Irene and her family can always visit her. Poor little mite is in the freezer here. We will decide on a day, prob Sunday. It felt right to ask Irene as she was in her life daily....
Bx -
Message 15
Posted by Karmic-ish Kris (U14642774) on Friday, 18th November 2011
So sorry hun. I've been popping back every now and then to see if you had found out more.
It is small comfort that she was hit by a car, but at least mercifully quick with those kind of impact injuries. No point my saying it is a 'better' death than poison..one of mine was knocked down and killed a few years ago and I still can't really bear to think of it..it's human nature to replay those last seconds from our own human perspective i think.
Big hugs sweetie.
Kris Xx -
Message 16
Posted by Gil Holroyd (U14164075) on Saturday, 19th November 2011
Cake is good.
Glad to hear that folk were kind. Also that it would've been quick, and it wasn't poison.
Will set aside a little time on Sunday to remember a happy cat and the people who love her.
Take care Bash.
Gx -
Message 17
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Saturday, 19th November 2011
Poor Georgie. Cold comfort yes, but comfort of sorts: at least it was quick, plus it wasn't poison, with all the ongoing worry that would bring you for the others.
Funny how grief and sadness can bring on a need for sugary stuff; shock perhaps.
It seems fitting that Georgie should be buried where she had lived and been happy, near people who cared for and about her.
Rusty -
Message 18
Posted by La Bez (U14670366) on Saturday, 19th November 2011
Really sorry about poor little Georgie Bash - she has similar colouring to max it looks like from the photo.
Glad it wasn't poison, but as you say, cold comfort.
xx -
Message 19
Posted by laReine-Astrid (U10636638) on Friday, 25th November 2011
Aww Bash, just catching up after a week's holiday and so sorry to hear this.
RIP lovely Georgie girl. -
Message 20
Posted by BasiainBrooklyn (U505001) on Sunday, 27th November 2011
Oh just running in too LaReine, good to see you. Am just about to smother little. Alice because he's coming in for her snap test...
A few days later...hurrah! She tested negative! So did little Apricot! So did poor darling burn victim Peri!
Lots to catch up on, will be back,
Bx -
Message 21
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Sunday, 27th November 2011
Bash, that's wonderful news about all of three of them. Does this mean that Alice will be staying in what everyone hoped could be her forever home?
What's the lowdownon poor burn victim Peri?
Rusty -
Message 22
Posted by AelM (U3803556) on Thursday, 1st December 2011
Oh Bash, I haven't been on here for a while and I'm so sorry to read about poor Georgie - small consolation that it was quick and she wasn't poisoned but still very sad.
RIP Georgie. xx -
Message 23
Posted by supertillypops (U7654482) on Tuesday, 6th December 2011
Me too, AelM. Just popped in and read about poor little Georgie. Bash, I am so very sorry but thankful it wasn't poison. She looked and sounded an absolute sweeie.
love to you,
stp -
Message 24
Posted by BasiainBrooklyn (U505001) on Saturday, 10th December 2011
Thank you too AeIM and STP for the kind thoughts. I've not seen much of Georgie's clan, as I've given a huge bag of food to Irene to keep feeding them and been working mad hours so they're overdue a wet food visit. Leigh and I looked at photos of her last night and discussed how it'll suddenly hit us that she's not there any more. Two nice women have moved into the empty apt in front of which Irene's been feeding the cats and are luckily not against the continued feeding, they just want to make it look nice with planters and will agree to covered stations so that all seems good. I will have to go and talk to them. They have dogs and their only concern is that their dogs don't eat the cat food, and that it doesn't attract rats...hmmm, time to get *that* document out.
Elsewhere in feral land, the poor cats who live on the main street near me are being forced by the git who fenced them in to somehow get out of the fenced in area to eat on the sidewalk. Leigh spoke to the nice Miriam whose first language isn't English so I have to get a translation of why this situation has got out of hand. I'm going to make this official and go to the neighborhood association, with whom I dealt years ago and find out who exactly is in charge of the garden area where the cats have happily been living for years. Some idiot who doesn't even live there boarded, yes, boarded the bottom of the fence to stop the cats accessing food. Who does that? I'm ready to get my hammer and wire cutters out. But first I will do it nicely.
Sitting have a mocha at the Starbucks on the way to Dubo -
Message 25
Posted by BasiainBrooklyn (U505001) on Saturday, 10th December 2011
That was meant to say DUMBO. It's a very mild night again, thank goodness, so I'm not complaining.
I'm looking forward to seeing dear Mr Turner and his harem. Some of which is growing up and is still unspayed. Oh Lord. Since I'm not going home to England for Christmas, perhaps I can make it a holiday project.
I am now the proud owner of a very fancy (to me) condo cage with shelves and different levels. I wish I'd had it for Dougal and Tabatha but having just the one level dog crate made me creative and I built a hammock out of a towel and an adventure playground with cardboard so they had it good.
Talking of Dougal and Tabatha, not only has Dougs been through a hideous operation on his nasal passages (will look up the name of his uncommon condition) but the home they were earmarked for just fell through so we're back to square 1 and Dougs is still recovering. He's been at the home of the director of my non-profit now for three months. The last month was her holding onto them for him while he was travelling. Idiotks moving to Australia. -
Message 26
Posted by BasiainBrooklyn (U505001) on Saturday, 10th December 2011
Oops got carried away running down the very steep hill to Brooklyn Bridge with a heavily loades cart.
As I was saying, who would move to Australia when they're about to adopt Dougs and Tabs?I knew this friend of the director's wasn't the best idea for them. I can't explain why.
They don't do so well at the clinic but may have to be shown on weekends in the cages unless we want their adoption to drag on and on...
And in other news, the news that's been preoccupying me, my darling Peri is doing so well. The huge burn on her chest, the size of a large fist has been healing nicely and is now just two large coins of open bloody wound so that's great progress.
Oh dear, I'm jumping in at the middle so I will go back to the beginning later and see if I can't include some photos.
Just got to the warehouse.
Rats ahoy! -
Message 27
Posted by La Bez (U14670366) on Saturday, 10th December 2011
Yuk (smiley thingy) rather you than me darling.
So glad to hear the little burn victim is doing well -
Message 28
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Sunday, 11th December 2011
Bash, Well thank heavens for small mercies that the new occupiers aren't against the cats being fed. Worried about rats though - ah that old chestnut. Re their dogs: wouldn't/shouldn't they have them on leads unless the area is enclosed and they can't run off into traffic? Maybe I'm not picturing it right, though.
Erm -just occurred to me: are there many free-range, stray or even feral dogs around who would snarff food left down for ferals? There weren't in my part of London: dogs were supposed to be kept on leads except in certain parks, etc., and "strays" were pretty promptly picked up (including by me if I saw them; better than ending up at the RSPCA).
If dogs eating the cats' food is a real problem, I suppose you'd make the feeding stations like little huts, where dogs couldn't get in? Never really thought about it before.
I cannot understand the mentality of someone who would board a fence up so cats couldn't access food. I suppose they do it because they can. Sick. I hope things can be settled amicably. Reminds me of the gardens of a block of flats where the resident's association was about to call in pest control to get rid "once and for all" of the ferals that had been around (and breeding till we got to her of it) for about ten years. The association agreed instead that we should have proper access to the gardens and TNR, though they hoped not all would be Returned. However, one of the porters at the block took it upon himself to poison the food and water discreetly put down for them before we started trapping. Why? Can't say I was sorry when he was knocked over and killed a few months later.
Your 25: "I'm looking forward to seeing dear Mr Turner and his harem. Some of which is growing up and is still unspayed. Oh Lord. Since I'm not going home to England for Christmas, perhaps I can make it a holiday project."
Now there's a nice Christmas treat for you. (I'm sort of serious there.)
Fancy condo, eh? Love to see a pic. Like you did before, though, we made our our own; reminded me a bit of Blue Peter............
Poor little Dougal: why did he need that op? Something connected with his eyes/flu-type aftermath? Have to say I was always wary about letting cats go to friends of friends; it can be difficult for them to be objective; probably very awkward for you when they are friends of the director. Feel so sorry for Douglas and Tabatha; it sounds as if sentimentality rather than responsibility overcame those people. And if they knew or had a good idea they were going to Australia - what on earth?
Good news about Peri, though. Horrible thing to happen; remember a rescue cat who'd had her ears destroyed and most of her back bald and leathery for good following her owner throwing boiling water (or was it fat?) over her. RSPCA declined to inestigate: man said it was an accident and hadn't got round to taking her to the vet. It wasn't until he held his toddler's hand over a lit gas ring that he was stopped (went to prison). LIttle cat was the sweetest girl, loved everyone and every animal she met.
Long may the mild nights continue for you. It has been bitter enough here, but know it can be very much worse in your neck of the woods.
Yes, please, pics and info on Dougal's nasal condition and op.
Rusty -
Message 29
Posted by BasiainBrooklyn (U505001) on Sunday, 11th December 2011
However, one of the porters at the block took it upon himself to poison the food and water discreetly put down for them before we started trapping. Why? Can't say I was sorry when he was knocked over and killed a few months laterÂ
Best not for me to comment here Rusty except to say that karma is a bitch. And I'm glad the man who poured boiling anything over his cat ("hadn't got round" to taking it to the vet, yegods) got put away. Shame it had to involve a child too.
No, no roaming dogs here Rusty, but there used to be:
Isn't it amazing how a severely maimed animal can still love the human race? It's as heartbreaking in a way as when they end up cowering from touch....
I spent 15 minutes last night on the phone to a woman who called the clinic asking if we euthanise. "Not on order, no" and she went on to explain that she had to put down her dog because it's aggressive. I was expecting her to say it's a young pitbull, but she told me she has to move and she can't take her 10 year old Maltese with her. I told her we don't do convenience euthanasia, and she said "It's not convenient" and I had to stop myself from saying "I bet it's not"....I told her she's welcome to make an appointment to come in and speak to a vet about her dog being ready for an end of life conversation, but she just obviously doesn't want to put in the work to find it a home. Kill it is the next step.I asked if she couldn't find an apt to take her and her small dog, or a friend, and she said the dog is aggressive to anyone but her. What an sad, abject lesson in not training your small dog.
And yes Rusty, I think the Christmas treat of TNR of the warehouse newbies is a reality. Dear Darcy with his poor cauliflower ears was there, rolling around in the catnip with Mr Turner and Binky and Foxy. I think he, Darcy, must now spend most of his time at the warehouse because there are no cats left at Elizabeth's old colony up the road, although she leaves a small dish of food and water, in case, and the unspayed females are at the warehouse, sigh.
Right, off to finish the Peri story.
Bx -
Message 30
Posted by Gil Holroyd (U14164075) on Sunday, 11th December 2011
Shouldn't really be here - just sneaked in for a quick update. Oh lor Bash, I've got rather lost over what's going on with the ferals etc, but you sound very busy. Sorry that Dougs' & Tabs' adoption fell through (but if the guy was eejit enough to forget he was emigrating, then it's probably for the best).
In order to preserve my zen-like calm, I shall also refrain from commenting on people who poison food and water, block access to it, throw boiling fat, 'don't get round to' taking their suffering animals to a vet, or attempt to get healthy animals euthanised because they're inconvenient. I shall even resist the urge to leap onto my charging hobby horse and rant about folk who assume that, because a dog's small, they don't need to bother training it - a particular bugbear of mine (yes, *another* one).
The article about the Sugar Factory dogs was fascinating Bash. Here's a lovely clip of Harriet, the woman mentioned in the story, with one of the two dogs, Mama Dulce (sadly it appears that the other one vanished):
Now, I know there's a problem linking YouTube clips because phones use a mobile version, but I've changed the 'm' in the address to 3'w's and hopefully that'll sort it. If not, this blog also has a link to it, as well as photos of the dogs and an update on them from Harriet:
And finally (you can tell I was interested in this story, huh?) one more blog entry showing the 'pack' in its heyday - and Suzie, the last of the Gowanus-Red Hook feral dogs, who was neutered and returned to her carer, a homeless person (though as the photo was taken in 2007 when she was 14, she may no longer be around):
Please excuse all this doggy stuff on a cat thread, and don't anyone feel obliged to read it - I just followed up the story cos I was curious and thought I'd post what I found.
Gx -
Message 31
Posted by BasiainBrooklyn (U505001) on Tuesday, 13th December 2011
The Saturday before Thanksgiving Thursday I got a call at the clinic from a girl who was worried about a cat in her neighbourhood who appeared to have a mark on its neck and missing fur. I arranged with her to go to her house to see where it hangs out and to assess where she could use a trap. We did that, she came to my place to learn how the trap works and took it home.
Much to my surprise, on Thanksgiving Eve, I got off the train in Brooklyn to find a text from the girl proclaiming that her husband had succeeded in trapping the cat and was on his way over to the clinic. My heart flipped because I was so happy the cat had been caught but sank because I hadn't called my front desk supervisor to tell her someone was coming in with an injured stray,possibly feral. Sure enough I called over there and I got an earfull how there was "some guy here who says you told him he could drop off this cat, well he can't there areent any appointments and there only 1 doctor and it's 4.30" yadda yadda yadda. This is the woman with whom I had some problems at the beginning but who I've grown to like very much. She still gets it wrong sometimes.
So I told the man to go to the emergency hospital nearby. He called me from there and said "there's been a misunderstanding. We don't have this kind of money and we thought your rescue group would do this" so I told him to meet me there @ 8pm.
I called my board, they ok'd the cost of emergency care, I called the owner of my clinic to ask if she thought they would give me a break because we send so many referrals over to them and. And she told me to tell them to call her cell phone if they needed to verify who I am.
I had decided not to ask for a discount until after the cat had been examined as I didn't want anyone's attitude to change but when I presented my rescue card on check-in, the nice receptionist sort of gave me a "I'll sort it out" look.
The couple who trapped her asked to be present at the exam. A tech came into the room and didn't really know what to do with a cat in a trap, so I handled it, just gently put a towel over her and took her out. No growling, no resistance, very thin, with a hideous burn mark on her chest. No teeth, about 7 years old at an estimate.
The doctor came in in, a tall young woman with a springy bob, diamond encrusted engagement and wedding platinum rings flashing, and manicured nails. Not promising in my mind. She came up to Peri's face in a really aggressive manner and said "So who do we have here then, as I was gently holding her; she wasn't even wrapped in the towel, just had it over her body with her head sticking out.
She then proceded to *scruff* Peri, yes scruff, causing me and the couple watching to almost pass out and causing poor little toothless Peri's tongue to hang out as the skin on her burnt chest must surely have been pulled back painfully in the scruff. Yegods. "Like scruffing your grandmother?" asked Dr Young when I recounted the (lack of) bedside manner later. When the doctor left the room, the couple asked me if that had been normal or necessary and I assured them that thankfully it was neither. The poor girl had no fight in her at all, and couldn't hurt anyone to save her life.
She thankfully tested negative after they agreed to take her in, they offered treatment for free which I was not expecting and I walked out having somehow negotiated free treatment at an expensive emergency hospital for over Thanksgiving. Amazing. I had clearly said that if they had a discount to offer us we would be immensely grateful but that Peri's treatment shouldn't be compromised for the sake of a few hundred dillars which we would gladly pay.
I picked her up on the Friday morning after TG on my way to work at the clinic and got her set up in a cage. Everyone winced when they saw her wound and everyone came up to ask "What happened to your poor stray?"
She is much loved and I have spent time with her every day except for 2 days. She makes biscuits and purrs like mad and sticks her chin out with pleasure when you scratch her cheeks and she now rests her head on my hands when we have our love-ins.
She just went through a few days where she wasn't peeing daily so the techs started to express her, and when I heard about this, I tried really hard not to freak out with worry, that there's some neurological problem, as with dear Maury who had been run over and couldn't wee on his own very well. (He's at a sanctuary now).
Anyway, I decided to make her tray more attractive for her to use and put a carboard box over it, used a wee wee pad near it, Cat Attract litter in it and my piece de resistance, a handful of soil from the clinic's roof garden. By next morning there was wee and poo, which we also required from her. I am so happy about this, that it's not a fully blwon medical issue, but of course behavioural ticks can become UTI's with Bad Things attached.
I'm not scared any more of being proactive in a scared rescue's recovery, even when it's at the clinic. I have time to focus on it, not all the techs do and so far I've managed to come across as just wanting to do my bit not that I know best; I don't of course.
One doctor her her Diazepam to chill her out a bit and get her to use the tray but another took her off it, and I ain't getting in between that, excl mk.
So my darling girl complained very loudly, almost shoutily, when one of the techs pulled her out of her cage and I blobbed healing gel on what remains of her burn marks, and I put eye paste in, and she was given antibiotic, because she had a bit of a URI.
Her mouth was looked at, due to her toothless status, and some remaining teeth were filed down and things were swen up in there. She had mouth ulcers.I honestly do not know how she would have survived the winter.
I am very very attached to her and her whole story and I am going to see her recovery through and see her sitting on someone's lap in a home.
My colleague who works at the front desk of the clinic with me, once I'd shown her Peri's burn mark photos, sort of back-peddled a bit about not letting her rescuers get her treated by us, "Well, if he'd said she was injured.." Nut didn't because he didn't know and I didn't know because I didn't see her til she was on the table at the emergency place. The point was that the doctor, the only one, on duty was fully booked as since it was the night before Thanksgiving, I just assumed people wanted to get home so I didn't push it, not knowing the extent of her injuries.
Oh dear, I've been writing this on my bb and no doubt it's a goddawful mess.
I'm off to visit her now, big smiley.
Bx -
Message 32
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Tuesday, 13th December 2011
Oh dear heavens, Bash. My heart was in my mouth right from the start, reading about this poor cat - Peri. Poor, poor girl.
Oh, and what a palavar getting her examined. I am sorry to say that the three worst vets I have ever had the misfortune to encounter have all been young women. Go figure. That said, some of the best have been women, including my main vet and KYV.
What can have possessed that vet to pick Peri up by the scruff? You only do that with very young kittens or when a cat is obviously unhandelable but nevertheless *must* be handled. But the one saving grace was that this *emergency* *clinic* ended up not charging? Gosh.
Do your vets - proper vets - have a theory as to what caused the awful burn?
I can see why you feel such a connection to this dear little girl, who surely couldn't have lasted much longer out there on her own.
One thing though: that young couple who saw her and went the extra mile to ask for advice and then take it, deserve an honourable mention. A lot of people care just enough to let a rescue group know about a cat, but draw the line at actually putting themselves out. Full marks to them.
Healing vibes to dear Peri.
Rusty -
Message 33
Posted by BasiainBrooklyn (U505001) on Wednesday, 14th December 2011
Oh I knew I'd leave out some important facts.
<quote>Do your vets - proper vets - have a theory as to what caused the awful burn?<quote>
Actually, the Mad Young Vet, to be known as MDV henceforth, said she thought it was a burn mark from poor little Peri trying to stay warm under a car. Can you stand it? No one at my clinic has come up with a better theory, and any other is unthinkable. Well, her face is unharmed, whiskers intact, so it holds up as far as logic will allow.
Yes, I agree with you entirely about the lovely young couple, who are both hard-working law students sitting their exams at the moment but they, or the woman at least, have offered to come and volunteer as soon as their exams are over. They have visited Peri a couple of times, and sent me photos of her burn mark the night we rescued her, as I encouraged them to take photos during the initial exam, and I am really looking forward to their reaction when they see how far she has come in confidence and healing.
The techs were going to express her bladder again tonight, but we decided to just try World's Best Cat Litter with some soil on top, and cover that third of her cage (she's currently occupying three adjoining cages, the madam) with a towel to make it as dark and attractive to wee in as possible. Fingers and toes crossed. I did some visualisation the other night when she peed on her own. Admittedly it was on the Weewee pad, but still, she peed alone.
She absolutely loves food. Scarfs it down like there's no tomorrow and quite frankly, there almost wasn't for her, so it's understandable. I gave her a second dinner tonight, with the blessing of one of the techs "I think she deserves it", which is of course dangerous thinking in general, but I knew what she meant.
She behaved like a normal cat (what am I saying? Better than a normal cat I meant) being examined on the table when her various unguents were applied and sat there with her little tongue hanging out a bit, looking all beaten up. The Very Handsome Youngish Vet came up to her, he adores her, and said "You are a hot mess" in a really affectionate way, it made me laugh. They all care so much about her and he was concerned to rule out any neurological issues. He was the one who put her on Diazepam, and she's back on it. I just want her peeing normally. We're going to start putting her in a room for the night soon, rather than just in her suite of cages, so I will be able to really hang out with her. Looking forward to it.
Weirdly, she is (badly) eartipped, so she may once have been, or been considered, a feral. Who knows what the story is. Was she socialised and abandoned? Lost? Mistreated? She hasn't an ounce of aggression, just fear. Rusty, you would take her home with Cassie in a heartbeat.
Talking of Cassie, she plays! I have never seen her play with toys, and that might be because it's possibly never occurred to anyone who has spent time her to play with her. She has come such a long way. To think some people thought she ought to be euthanised. Over Dr Young's dead body, and mine. I keep telling people that I know someone who would take her in a heartbeat...if only...
And Gil, I loved your further research into the Redhook dogs. There's a lot of Old Brooklyn romanticism going on there, but it really was so, and the footage of Harriet and that lone dog is so touching. She's well known in the rescue world.
Right, that's it for now. Thanks for giving a monkey's. -
Message 34
Posted by supertillypops (U7654482) on Wednesday, 14th December 2011
Have just caught up with Peri's heartbreaking story. Everything crossed for a full recovery and a forever home for her.
stp -
Message 35
Posted by Frangipangi (U14798502) on Friday, 16th December 2011
Oh Bash, what an absolutely heart-breaking story about Peri. I thought I was having a crap day but things like this just put it all into perspective. Hope she continues to improve.
Frangi -
Message 36
Posted by Gil Holroyd (U14164075) on Friday, 16th December 2011
Just catching up here. Oh Bash, when you mentioned Peri earlier I thought I must have missed her story; it's truly heartrending to hear. I'm just so glad that the young couple and you managed to help her - she sounds an absolute sweetie. Oh I do hope she finds a loving home very soon.
Rusty, it's funny you should mention your experience with (some) young female vets. My bezzie mate when I started vet nursing was a newly-qualified vet, and she was bonkers as a sack of hammers! She was extremely talented, and had a good heart, but on occasion she definitely lacked empathy and patience - qualities which seem to take a while to grow sometimes. She improved enormously as she matured (and became a much better vet for it, I think; academic brilliance isn't everything). With any luck, the dreadful young vets you knew may have done the same.
Bash, it's nice to hear that Harriet's still active in the rescue world. On an unrelated issue: while I was nosing through clips on YouTube I came across some footage of The Projects. Dear heavens - I don't think I've ever seen anywhere more soul destroying in my life. You can't really tell anything from a few minutes of film, I know - and hopefully the impression I got was wrong - but god, those buildings just seemed to exude gloom and despair. Awful.
Ah well, best go feed the furry hordes. Do let us know how Peri gets on, won't you Bash?
Gx -
Message 37
Posted by laReine-Astrid (U10636638) on Sunday, 18th December 2011
Just want to add in a word about 'scruffing' a cat.
My beloved Kit (RIP) was notoriously bad about being handled/treated in any way when at the vet's.
He had once been badly attacked by another cat and needed examining. Normally, he would have had to have been put under sedation to just examine him. But my vet 'scruffed" him and was able to get a general idea of what was wrong (and it was seriously wrong) before going any farther.
I'm not against that if it can save drugs being injected itno them. -
Message 38
Posted by BasiainBrooklyn (U505001) on Sunday, 18th December 2011
Oh I do agree LaReine, but scruffing has to be done, along with other rather aggressive methods, selectively. And there's scruffing and there's scruffing.....
Right, off to the clinic to see what's going on today.
Let's see, there's the darling cat Kai Kai, one of a pair of sisters we adopted out who appears to have lost the use of her back left leg, the mummy stray cat (and her two 2 2 day olds), who decided to give birth outside a technician's building, or little Peri, who is doing well, but still won't pee out of choice.
Bx -
Message 39
Posted by AelM (U3803556) on Monday, 19th December 2011
Oh Bash, Peri's story is heartbreaking. Poor little mite - I hope she will be OK and will find a special home where she will be adored.
What on earth was the vet who scruffed her thinking of? Mind you, like Rusty one of the worst vets I've ever had was a woman (the other really awful one was an older man). I know I had to scruff Crouton at the vets' once because he was violently trying to escape (this was before he was properly tame) but my vets avoid it except in extreme circumstances. And, as you say, there's scruffing then there's scruffing.... -
Message 40
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Tuesday, 3rd January 2012
Scruffing - oh yes, there's certainly scruffing and then there is scruffing.
Mums scruff their tiny kits, who weigh almost nothing and have kinda loose skin on the back of their necks. However, scruffing an older kitten or adult is a whole new article.
I've certainly scruffed difficult cats to hold them in place (i.e., pushing them down so they can't struggle NOT to pick them up) if necessary.
However, I would only scruff to lift a cat in an absolute emergency, for a cat's own safety (only once irrc).
There was a vet - happily only a locum and she soon left, perhaps because of complaints, I certainly made a couple - a few years ago who impatiently scruffed my dear, gentle, friendly little old Ellie to lift her out of her carrier which I'd put on the examining table. Why on earth did she do that? In fact why not let me lift her out gently in the first place?
Rusty -
Message 41
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Wednesday, 4th January 2012
Bash, how is Peri and is she routinely and voluntarily peeing now? I hope you have been able to find out what is going in her brain, central nervous system,bladder, psyche.......... whatever it is that has been holding her back.
One thing that might possibly help (unless there is an actual medical problem, some kind of numbness, paralysis, spasm - and even then) is regular exercise, preferably quite brisk. That was what my lovely wholistic vet advised and it worked for one particular worrisome cat. I can see how it might stimulate the bladder to empty. Dunno about you but if I've been for a long vigorous walk I am usually bursting by the time I get home, despite not drinking before I go out and - er - going before I go.
I've also noticed with healthy cats and kittens that they often break off in the middle of racing around and hurtle urgently to their litter trays to pee (or poo - so good for constipation too).
You are right, I'd love to adopt Peri and Cassie. If only I could.
Loving vibes to them both.
Rusty -
Message 42
Posted by BasiainBrooklyn (U505001) on Tuesday, 17th January 2012
Oh blinkin' 'eck, so behind. Oh well....lots to report...
Thanks for asking about Peri Rusty. She has actually been peeing on her own, hurrah! but isn't terribly interested in doing it in her litter tray. Cough. She is much loved, and shouty for food now, and does head butts and dribbles on your hand when you pet her. So it was with some distress that I walked into the cat ward, where she resides in her face-level cages (she has a suite) and found one of my fave vets looking at her breathing with her stomach, kind of a bellows action.
Earlier on yesterday the techs took blood as she eats so much, so we were testing for hyper-thyroidism, and then the poor little mite got stuffed onto the x-ray machine to see her lungs. So she has a collapsed lung, and is asthmatic. As well as not really having the best litter tray issues and weepy eyes, and no teeth. My darling darling girl.
I think the doc ruled out pneumonia, so she is getting the asthma ventilator twice a day and apparently takes it well. Oh Lord, I really brought in a problem to the clinic, but no one is cross with me, as there was a cat with a massive burn mark on her chest, so what would anyone else have done? Left her outside? I am so ready to take her home, but I can't, as I just can't, for the sake of my 11 at home, and for her too. I have been staying late at the clinic to spend time with all the cats, and love spending time with her. She knows she gets a little snack from me so gets very excited when she sees me...
So that's Peri.
I also currently have in my basement a mum and 3 kittens. Long story, but the timing was perfect, as we got the last kitten yesterday morning and last night there was a freezing rainstorm.
Two weks ago, I bumped into an old neighbour, Lisa, who told me she had been trying to get hold of me through mutual friends on FB and the neighbourhood to no avail, as there was a mum and 3 kittens that needed to be TNR'd. Last week was not poss for me as I was working, and the rescuer to whom I reached out for help was already swamped so it was down to me.
There is a lovely Victorian mews backing onto gardens, one of which is my old one, where this mum had her kittens. She had been living under someone's shed which belongs to man called Gus. Lisa persuaded Gus that this family had to be TNR'd and introduced me to him to gain access (it's private and only residents have a key) and so on Sat night, my lovely volunteer Pearl and I set three traps, as the 4th one was at home. Unforch it was the first cold night.
We walked back to my house 10 mins away, warmed up and fed my 11, then walked back feeding the Redhook gang on the way. Got back to find 3 full traps. Never in all my TNR work has it ever been so easy and safe and enclosed. I then kicked myself as I realised one kitten was still out there, and was prob all freaked out now and how was I going to get it etc etc etc. Agh. So as we were packing up, I saw Pearl talking to another mews resident and thought "Uh-oh" thinking she was complaining, but far from complaining, she offered to help and was grateful to us and had also wanted to do something but didn't know where to turn. So Nicole agreed to check the 4th trap before going to bed and would call me if kitten #3 was trapped. No luck, we tried again Sunday. No luck.
So....yesterday, I was at the clinic, and got a text from Lisa, whose apt looks onto the garden where the trap was set, saying "The tabby kitten is circling the trap!" but I knew it wasn't set, as obv it was too cold to have a kitten sitting caught in a trap all night, so it needed to be reset. So I called Nicole, to ask if she could reset it, and within 30 mins, I got another text from Lisa saying "You got the kitten!" as she saw the trap snapping shut from her kitchen! Within the hour, Nicole brought the trapped kitten to me at the clinic.
I was so happy.
The little blighter got out as I was transferring it into a cage and caused momentary havoc in the surgery room, yes I was embarrassed. Dr Young's second in command calmly said "How did that happen?" No harm done, but it reminded me that I am dealing with true ferals.
Anyway, she was very brave during her exam, we tested her, negative (phew), and dewormed and gave her her first FVRCP shot. 8 weeks old. Soooooo cute. The doc who treated her is one of the male vets who has a wonderfully gentle way about him with ferals, and I have a lot of time for him, he is very kind. So last night she was reunited with her siblings, whose sex is still unknown to me and will be until Fri, when they go to get snipped. Mum is going Thurs. How I am going to get her out of the big cage with her kittens present I haven't the foggiest, but I've done worse, so fingers crossed. That's what big towels are for.
Gus texted me Sun night to thank me and said "You are doing God's work". Now, whatever I think of that in terms of God, or a higher power etc, his intentions were kind, and I appreciate, but the truth is, this was a true team effort. Everyone of these people played a part, Lisa, who started the ball rolling, Gus who got the cats on a feeding schedule, Nicole who set the last kitten's trap and Pearl my volunteer. This was a Good Thing and people care and it feels great.
Mum is a mad feral so will go back out and the good news is that all the mews residents, or many of them, are happy to keep feeding her, and she has shelter for the winter. My rescue group will eventually take the kittens when there is room, which there currently isn't so I will try and do as much socialising as I can at home. Fingers crossed.
I asked Nicole to name the one she trapped, tabby Layla, I asked Lisa to name grey tuxedo mum, Miss Mews, and Pearl will be naming the two kittens, although I ought to ask Gus to name one of them. It's really touching that Lisa and Nicole both said they were honored to be asked. That just warms my heart. It's nice to be able to keep people linked with cats whose rescue they were part of.
Right, better go and see what mess they've created in their cage downstairs. Oh and my neighbours don't mind at all, as they it's temporary and there is no unneutered adult male wee smell.
Bx -
Message 43
Posted by BasiainBrooklyn (U505001) on Tuesday, 17th January 2012
Thanks for the reminder about exercise Rusty. I am going to request she be put in a room at night more often, which she currently isn't as there are so many adoptable stir-crazy kittens in the clinic. Bx
-
Message 44
Posted by Gil Holroyd (U14164075) on Thursday, 19th January 2012
Lord Bash, I usually have to have a little lie down from exhaustion after reading one of your posts ; )
First, Peri: Isn't it wonderful (and humbling, and heartbreaking) the way so many strays will just eat up affection when it's offered? I hate it when people insist they're only after food (though why shouldn't they be?). Little Berry - ha, not so little now - gets terribly excited and kneads madly whenever you speak to him, even though he was too terrified of people to come near for days after I found him. And yes, he does love his grub - but if anything he's more affectionate when he's got food out of the way and can concentrate on the business of cuddles.
Oh dear, Peri's a walking medical dictionary isn't she, poor love? I don't see how anyone could be cross about you bringing her in to the clinic though. Of course you couldn't leave her outside with a huge burn on her chest - but even without that, how much misery must she have been in with all those other untreated conditions? Whatever happens, she's safe and warm, in the best possible place for her now. She must feel more content than she has in months, or even years (well, aside from being stuffed in a x-ray machine!)
It's so clear from your posts how much you want to help her, but please Bash, do remember those boundaries. You need to leave some time to care for yourself too. And as you say, your 11 babes have to feel secure in their home. If Valentine's overgrooming again, it might not be the ideal time to change the group dynamics? Sorry, don't mean to sound like I'm lecturing; none of my beeswax* - and anyway, you're the only one who can make decisions about your life. But we do worry about you, you know... ; )
Oops, duty (ie cat feeding) calls, and I haven't even got round to reading the story of the basement cats yet. Will return as soon as poss.
Love to you and the Brooklyn Babes (and stoppit Val - you look much more handsome with fur, honest you do!)
Gx
.
.
* I have *no* idea where I picked up that expression! -
Message 45
Posted by Gil Holroyd (U14164075) on Thursday, 19th January 2012
Hokay, ten minutes' break with a cup of coffee. I'll ignore the smell of singeing rice (Nah, it'll be fine: smoked rice is all the rage - and it's always nicest served crispy. Oh yes it is).
I've read the basement cats' story now. Oh Bash, what a roller coaster ride you had! It always amazes me how many people you find who are ready to step forward and offer assistance though. I mean, I know for every good Samaritan there are probably half a dozen like the shouty madwoman with the babe-in-arms and the 4 x 4 who you don't write about, but I'm still surprised how many people actually care enough to get off their bums and offer practical help.
Now, I notice you say the sneaky little trap-avoiding kitten is around eight weeks old and, '...last night she was reunited with her siblings, whose sex is still unknown to me and will be until Fri, when they go to get snipped.' Does this mean they'll be neutered immediately? I know paediatric neutering is much more common in the US than in the UK, but is it performed routinely, or only in special cases (juvenile ferals, kits for adoption, that sort of situation)? I think I saw some discussion about releasing 9-week-old feral kittens back into colonies over in CC (um, the discussion was in the CC, not the colonies...), but haven't had time to follow up on it. Hope they'll be neutered first.
I like the idea of letting people name cats they've helped rescue, and that Lisa & Nicole were so chuffed to be asked - what a lovely response to get! It'd be great if Gus could name one of the kittens too, but that probably depends on how easy/practical/time consuming it would be to get him involved?
Anyway, good luck with getting the three kits rehomed. Let us know how you get on, won't you?
Ah well, better go - I've already stayed longer than I intended. In fact I have a nasty feeling that the rice may be slightly beyond crispy by now. Wonder if cous cous will be okay with the chick-pea curry instead...?
Love to you and yours.
Gx -
Message 46
Posted by BasiainBrooklyn (U505001) on Thursday, 19th January 2012
Can I come to dinner Gil? Yum, burnt, I mean crispy, rice.
I cancelled the kittens spay and neuter appt Gil. There is no reason to do them this early as they're not going anywhere. I spoke to the vet who tested little Layla the day after, and he confirmed one pound per month growth rate, and agreed that at 8 weeks it's too taxing on their systems, so I just took mum this morning.
I took her to a new (to me) vet who grants us rescuers who have taken the TNR course at the ASPCA free services, and you don't have to get to remote godforsaken places and wait outside the mobile clinic/van in the freezing cold at the crack of dawn. There are several veterinarians who operate under the Maddie's Fund banner, not sure how they were appointed, but all this morning cost me was the taxi fare :
These 3 kittens are insanely feral, I've got a job on my hands, but once mum is back outside, it might get easier. I can't put her back in the cage with them, but I can keep her in the trap next to them so they can see and smell each other.
Getting her into her trap last night was really scary. She was in it originally but when I found out she had 3 days to go before her spay, I couldn't bear to keep her in it for that long, so I put her in with the kittens. I asked my beloved friend/co-feeder Leigh to be moral support. I was worried that when I was trying to get mum in a towel, the kittens would bolt, but thankfully Astrid let me put the towel over her head. Not without some struggle, but it was over and done with fast. I was shaking afterwards as a mistake would have been a disaster....a feral cat in my cellar, oh no.
I haven't done this since the royal wedding, and it does feel good when it all goes well. Fingers crossed for her surgery...she's probably being sewn up as I type. I have never released young kittens back out....well, Doug and Tabs were the oldest I've kept hold of. Georgie (RIP) and her sister Marky were about 9 months I think.
Must take a nap.
Bx -
Message 47
Posted by Gil Holroyd (U14164075) on Friday, 20th January 2012
Ah, you're welcome to dinner any time, Bash! Rice was fine actually, as I'd skilfully timed it so that it was possible to dig the okay stuff out of the centre, leaving the charcoal layer round the pan - and the slightly smoked flavour nicely complemented the pine nuts and herbs which I chucked in to divert attention from any burnt bits that slipped through ; )
Yep, it makes sense to leave neutering the kittens for a while if it's not necessary to get them done now, especially as they may not be in tip-top condition, having been born to a feral mum. And there's the need for extra monitoring during- and post- op, which most GP surgeries can probably do without. Studies into paediatric neutering are throwing up some interesting results though - not the least that early-neutered cats (8-14 weeks) may be less prone to gingivitis in adult life. I really must to do some more reading on that.
I'd never heard of Maddie's Fund before (I'd definitely remember if I had, as my first dog was a Mini Schnauzer and I have a very soft spot for them). That arrangement makes so much sense though: less traumatic for the cat, and for the poor minder, than having to hang around outside a converted Winnebago. How long are you planning to keep mum before returning her to the mews (BTW, I'm idiotically charmed by the idea of a cat living in a mews [meows?]. I know, I should get out more...).
The whole family sounds positively petrifying though! Deep respec' for transferring mum so she could be with her kittens while she waited for her op; I'm not sure if I'd have had the nerve... Hopefully the kittens are taking their cue from her, and will calm down around people when they no longer see her violent reaction (not that I blame her, poor love - it must be a truly terrifying experience to go through, however gentle and caring people are).
Fingers crossed her op goes (uh, went) well, and that she can live a long, kitten-free life back in her mews, cared for by the kind folk who alerted you to her plight.
Love to you and your gang.
Gx -
Message 48
Posted by BasiainBrooklyn (U505001) on Saturday, 21st January 2012
Studies into paediatric neutering are throwing up some interesting results though - not the least that early-neutered cats (8-14 weeks) may be less prone to gingivitis in adult life. I really must to do some more reading on that .
Ooh Gil, that's interesting. I wonder what the connection there is. Let me know if you find out more and I will ask my lot.
(BTW, I'm idiotically charmed by the idea of a cat living in a mews [meows?]. I know, I should get out more...)Â
Hahaha, you're not alone actually Gil. It is a charming set up, really pretty, really safe, totally enclosed and the fact that the woman who started this ball rolling called her Miss Mews tells you something. Her official name is Astrid Miss Mews of course as my volunteer suggested that and it's rather lovely.
She's really calmed down in her trap and is being so cooperative when I change her newspaper and moves to the end I'm not working on. Eating, peeing and pooing, what more can I ask for a recovering spay?
The kittens are calmer too, and only little Layla, the last one to get trapped, is still growling at me, but then she was the only one who was alone for two days who then escaped from her cage at the clinic and ended up jumping up the walls in the surgery room and having to be caught (sigh, was I mortified? Just a bit) by the head tech and then she was poked with needles and had stuff shot into her mouth...little mitten...no wonder she's mistrustful.
Argh...really don't want to think of her outside, and it snowed today, but..but..but...she will be happy come Spring, Queen of the Mews.
Bx -
Message 49
Posted by BasiainBrooklyn (U505001) on Monday, 19th March 2012
Oh it's been too long.
I will give an update, but here's something that comes as no surprise to me after my experience with the Anglican church that didn't want anything to do with helping strays....all God's creatures welcome and all that to get people in on St Francis' day, except for strays and ferals.:
Hope that link worked.
Bx -
Message 50
Posted by Dougals Servant (U7470526) on Monday, 19th March 2012
Basia, that is so awful
I was really pleased with a success we have had in the Cat Club today, helped by a very kind man from the Early Thread, and now this!
D's S
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