FFRC Blog Week Ending January 17, 2026

FFRC Blog Week Ending January 17, 2026

Happy Birthday, Betty White (January 17, 1922- December 31, 2021). She would have been 104 years old on Saturday. We will list Betty White thoughts and quotes below in the Events area, as well as the results of this year's Betty White Challenge.

Adoptions:

PEAPOD and FUDGE, our tiny panthers, went to the same home on 1/14. Their new mom, Jenny, is a former volunteer. These two babies have a date of birth of 8/18/25. They arrived at FFRC on 8/27/25. They were found under Megan's eye doctor's deck. The mom had passed and these two were still trying to nurse from her. Megan and Debbie took turns feeding and caring for these babies until they became the beauties they are now. Cindy W provided a tower and KatKrazy supplied blankets for their new home. There were many happy tears when these two went home. An update was supplied by Jenny--these two are doing great. They roamed around, ate and did their business. By the end of the day, Birdie was snuggled on my lap.

PEAPOD, now named BIRDIE (female)




FUDGE, now named BEAR (male)



FLOOF was adopted on 1/16. On 11/22/25, Floof were surrendered to FFRC with her mom, Angelique, and 4 other nursing siblings. They were all in a plastic tote, and although FFRC didn't have any room, we were put in a position to take them for their safety. Floof's adoption was moved up a bit, due to the heavy snow that Defiance was receiving. Of course, maybe this was just an excuse because Momma didn't want to wait any longer. Floof, now PANDORA, goes home to a 13-year-old wiener dog brother.



Intakes:


There were four intakes this week.  Photos of these kitties will come soon.


RAISIN is a moderately severe CH Inky that came in with her sister on 1/12.  Raisin has CH in about the same severity as ERIC.  Raisin and his sister are about 8 weeks old.  Her name came from the Name a Cat list.  Raisin received 68% of the vote over Juice and Moocher. Her name was submitted by Anony.  Interestingly, Raisin has one white whisker.


WIBBLES is a severe CH Inky.  Wibbles' severity is more like ALMA.  She is very determined.  Wibbles name also came from the Name a Cat list.  Wibbles received 47% of the vote over Vampy and Zooky.  Her name was submitted by Cindy W.  


These two girls were in a dog-like kennel in a garage.  It was very nice, but the "owners" were not able to take care of them.  They both are able to eat and potty on their own.  Of course, help is only a tail length away for them.  They also like to play with toys and are currently in Paddy's Place.  Megan provided a short tour this week showing these little ones.


DIGBY showed up on Wednesday, 1/14.  He is a very healthy intact 10–12-month-old male.  He is grey and white with a dirty smudge (like a soul patch) on his chin.  He is very soft and thick and has short stubby legs.  He is built like a stuffed kitty.  He has a black dot on his nose, like Dottie.  Perhaps, she told him about FFRC.  He is about 7 1/2 pounds.  Digby's name came from the Name a Cat list.  It was submitted by Cindy W.  The other names submitted were Lando and LG.


MR. ROGERS:  A medical emergency happened on 1/15.  FFRC received a call that a euthanasia was needed on a cat with a smooshed paw and a frozen tail.  When he was brought in, Megan and Lynnette evaluated him and felt that there was magic in the air--perhaps this kitty could be saved.  He is in pretty rough shape.  So bad, that they are unable to determine the sex of this one.  This is unusual because this is a full-grown cat about 5-8 years old.  Physically, he is a large cat; however, he is extremely emaciated.  You can feel all of his bones.  He is a black and white medium hair baby.  If healthy, he would resemble Rathbone in size--about 20 pounds.  He had a bath but still doesn't look or smell all that great.  The paw injury appears to be minor and a result of the extreme cold.  He is now warm, is drinking and eating and other functions appear normal.  He was so exhausted when he came in, that after drinking water, the dish had to be removed, because he fell asleep and was in danger of falling in the water.  Lynnette gave him a wonderful massage, which he thoroughly enjoyed.  He is quite the talker and purrer.  Mr. Rogers' name was on the Name a Cat list, along with the two other choices:  Jackman and Gumby.  His name was submitted by Debbie H in honor of Judy M.


We can take these rough cases because of the you, the FFRC Nation.  Thank you so much!

                                         

Health Updates:


ROCKET is doing great, but he still leaves a trail when he is on the floor. The drag bag has been ordered. We will see if this helps.



He is a happy boy and is very playful.



CRACKERS had his neuter on Monday, 1/12 at Dr. Darcy's office. Because his testes had not descended, his neuter was done surgically like a spay. He is doing great but had to stay in a pen for his recovery.




BETTY is doing great in the Main area.




ANGELIQUE:  No more baby watch!!!  Angelique went to Dr. Darcy's office on Monday, 1/12.  An ultrasound was done and there were no babies.  In the words of our wonderful doctor, "She's just F*T!"  Angelique was spayed while she was at the vet.  Due to her size, her spay scar is a bit larger than normal.  There was more to cut through.  LOL!  Angelique is in Paddy's Place with Wibbles and Raisin.




Here is some info on Female Cats that Gem posted this week:



Holds:


Currently, there are no cats on hold.


Center Kitties:


BLUE had his neuter on 1/13. After his neuter, he still was full of hormones, as some of the Center kitties can attest. He is now doing much better and the other kitties appreciate that.





SKYE lost her soy sauce packet, and it was utter chaos!   But never fear, we have spares.  NOPE, that didn't work.  They don't smell the same.  She was not a happy girl!  The crisis was adverted when Kim found her original toy.  Skye loves that soy sauce toy.  She can be heard throughout all Northern Ohio singing to it while she carries it around.  Skye has some neurological challenges, but that is just what makes her HER.  In Back Thumpers Room, she is known as the Sunshine Kitty.  If a kitty is struggling in any way, Skye quickly becomes their best friend and helps them.




MISS JEWEL is a long-haired beauty.  Earlier in the week, Megan noticed a couple of knots in her fur.  She decided to trim them instead of comb them out.  Lynnette was not pleased with the results.  LOL!  Even after brushing, Miss Jewel always looks a bit disheveled, but she is just the purtiest fluffiest girl.  


Events:



The Betty White Challenge wrapped up on 1/16. As promised, Megan went over the financials on 1/14. She reviewed expenses from both October and November 2025. She reported that the average monthly expenses, not counting food, are approximately $30,000. Here is the breakdown by day of what was raised during the challenge to help with these expenses:


Monday, Day 1       $ 502.50

Tuesday, Day 2        $ 935.00

Wednesday, Day 3    $1,215.00

Thursday, Day 4        $1,620.00

Friday, Day 5             $4,137.00

Michael C's Match     $ 500.00

Valerie's Bump-Up     $ 90.50  

TOTAL                       $9,000.00


There were prize drawings held on Friday afternoon:


Picture-Betty White with Bunny Ears, won by Maureen KI

Picture-Betty White with Blue Shirt, won by LynnMarie

Picture-Betty White with Golden Girls, won by Susie S

Lap Afghan-Purple, won by NancePants

Lap Afghan-blue, won by Gidge the Midge

Lap Afghan-paw prints, won by Gloria WA

Congratulations to all of our winners!!!


It is simply amazing that FFRC Nation continues to provide for us as we need.


Here are some things that Lynnette shared about Betty White:


15 things you didn’t know about Betty White

1.     Her name was Betty, not Elizabeth

2.    Betty White was a Guinness World Record Holder

3.     Her first television appearance is lost to history

4.     White’s initial rise to stardom was derailed by World War II

5.     Her first sitcom hit was in the early 1950s

6.     White loved a parade

7.     She was married three times

8.     Her meet-cute husband number three happened on Password

9.     White originally auditioned for the role of Blanche on The Golden Girls

10.  If she hadn’t been an actor, White would have been a zookeeper

11.  She passed on a role in As Good as It Gets because of an animal cruelty scene

12.  A Facebook campaign made White the oldest person to ever host Saturday Night Live

13.  She actually was older than sliced bread

14.  White loved junk food

15.  She had a crush on Robert Redford


By Alex Aronson in Country Living.com first published 9/22/22


Betty Whites Guide to Life, in 20 Quotes

1       Never take a friendship for granted

2       Mind your own business

3       Don’t be afraid to create your own definition of “healthy”

4       Find a way to leave a mark

5       Always make time to pursue your passions

6       Finding love isn’t easy

7       Chivalry is a disappearing quality and one worth saving

8       Integrity isn’t an innate quality

9       Theres no right or wrong way to deal with grief

10    Never underestimate the power of maintaining a sense of humor

11     To tell a dirty joke, you must first understand the art behind it

12    Gravity is inevitable

13    Left blank—did Betty have a fear of the number 13?

14    Keep an open mind and always be curious

15    Longevity is a privilege

16    Always be able to look yourself in the mirror

17    Regrets are a waste of time

18    Age is just a number

19    Sleep is overrated

20    Every day is a gift

Suzanne Rage 6/8/23 found Mentalfloss.com


Please do not ever feel that you need to participate by donating.  You can help the rescue by subscribing to our YouTube channel…LIKE, COMMENT and SUBSCRIBE.  This helps tremendously and doesn’t cost the viewer anything.  Also, JUST BE KIND!



Current Needs:


A list is kept up to date on the Amazon Wish List found on the FFRC website. 

Other Updates: 


Have you seen the new house in the Kabana? It's a cardboard castle. Thanks to the Chatter that donated this.


Humane Ohio has moved to Tuesday. The move from Thursday to Tuesday has led to confusion with all of us. Imagine thinking it's Thursday and finding out it's only Tuesday. ARGH! FFRC sent 47/48 kitties for their spay and neuter, 24/25 males and 23 females. In this crowd were FFRC's Blue, Peapod, Fudge, Kahu, Timmy, Floof, Scoot and Donovan. There wasn't enough room to add Faisy or BeBop. They will get "taken care of" soon.


On Sunday, the main camera went dark. Megan tried to get it going by doing a hard stop but couldn't even get it to turn off. On Monday, she took it to the Computer Doctor and found that the motherboard has died. Megan bought a new computer and got it installed Monday afternoon.


On Tuesday, a neighbor was doing some ground clearing construction and cut through the line that supplies internet and phone communications to FFRC. So, another day without seeing our wonderful friends (two, three and four-legged ones). This was finally resolved in the afternoon, and we've been going strong since. Please hit the Like Button on both the Main and Kabana YouTube pages. Because of the connectivity issue, Box Day was moved to Wednesday.


After an unseasonable warm spell last week, FFRC was hit with SNOW and frigid temperatures!!! On Thursday, there was even a snow emergency called for the area. This meant that only essential workers could travel. This was eventually lifted, but it snowed again on Friday. Rumor has it that the snow was sent from Indiana by Celeste, who claims that her name really isn't Mother Nature. Who knows??


In early December, PetFinder made an update to their software. This is the program that FFRC uses to list our cats that are available for adoption. If you click on our main page to try to look at these cats, you will receive an error. PetFinder is aware of the issue and is working to resolve it. Megan will try to find us a direct link so that we can see our sweet kitties again. Pictures of many of the adoptable kitties are on Instagram.


2026 Calendars are now available and are being offered in two sizes:  8 1/2 x 12 or 8 1/2 x 14.   Orders for calendars will be through the FFRC Store and also on the FFRC website.  We are unable to take orders via the phone or e-mail.  I've received mine, how about you?


Photos by Dawn.

------------
In the Spirit of remembering Betty White, here are a couple of more thoughts from her:


"Animals don't lie.  Animals don't criticize.  If animals have moody days. they handle them better than humans do."


"You can always tell about somebody by the way they put their hands on an animal."


"When I'm around animals, I don't pay attention to people."





FFRC Blog week ending January 10, 2026

FFRC Blog Week Ending January 10, 2026

FFRC is now LIVE again on Instagram. Thanks so much to Hikaru Human for volunteering to take on the responsibility of this site. Hikaru is requesting information on kitties so that she can pass on this knowledge of our adoptable kitties. Here is her request from her recent Facebook post, which has been paraphrased.

I would like to ask y'all to tell me about the Adoptable Kitties particularly in Back Thumper's and Nyota's Nest. I'm looking for as many adjectives as possible, stories about them, or with them that I can glean character traits from, etc. Here are some things to consider: Are they playful? Laid back? Inquisitive, curious? Would they make a good home office companion? Do they have a sweet meow? Are they vocal at all? Do they purr easily? What kinds of things have you noticed they like to play with or what treats do they like? Do they like to be petted in a particular way? Are they okay with other cats or better off as an only cat?

Here is a list of the kitties I need to know about:

Juniper

Tigerlily

Emmy

Siggy

Zoolove

PB

SInopa

Kahu

Leibchen

Chia

Victoria

Happy

Please reach out to her if you have information that can help. She can be reached through Facebook. This is very exciting and hopefully we can get this information out and have more kitties adopted.

Here is the link to our site:

Instagram:  https://instagram.com/ffrckittycam

Adoptions:

PHOEBE and DOTTIE were adopted on Friday, January 9th. This one was a very happy surprise! Phoebe and Dottie were found under Debbie's car one morning with their brothers Buehler and Hayden. These two ladies will be keeping their names with their new mom, Barb. Barb had previously adopted Darma and Trista back in 2004. Phoebe and Dottie are approximately 10 1/2 months old and are excited to live together for the rest of their lives.


PHOEBE


DOTTIE



SCAMPER and CHURCH were adopted together on Saturday, 1/10. Scamper is more laid back, and Church is just a little bit rowdy. These two little boy inkies are happy to be going home. The drive is a little under two hours away. Church is about 9 months old and was found in a church parking lot. He will be keeping his name until a new name presents itself. Our mod Terri has supplied a case of baby food to go with Church. He loves it! Scamper is a little younger at about 8 months old. He was dumped at FFRC. He is also keeping his name until another one fits better.

CHURCH

SCAMPER

AND ANOTHER SURPRISE...

TYGRA is going home with Scamper and Church! She was found at a factory under a pallet. Her date of birth is 6/23/25. Her new name will be MANUKA. She is a quiet shy girl. Her new parents had been watching her and had seen that she was making friends with Church. Valerie C is sending a blanket with her.


Also, thanks to Michele H for three more blankets, one for each of the 1/10 adoptees.

WOW!!! 5 in just 2 days. AND more to come next week.

 
Intakes:


There were no intakes this week.  

                                         

Health Updates:


ROCKET is currently able to run around the floor in back Thumper's Room. He is moving around pretty good on his forelegs. He still does leave a bit of a trail when he is on the floor, although when he is in his condo, he does use the litter box well. A drag bag may be used if Rocket is unable to move around without leaving evidence.



The sutures on his back leg were removed on 1/9. Every other suture on his tail area was also removed on 1/9. The remaining sutures will be removed by 1/12. According to Megan, Rocket is Level 10 crazy. He truly is the Rocket Man!



CRACKERS' eye continues to heal great. He will be going to see Dr. Darcy on Monday, 1/12 to be neutered.




BETTY is on the floor in the main room. She's the one with the shaved behind. She seems to be enjoying the inside warmth. Hopefully, she will adjust to inside living.




ANGELIQUE:  Are there babies or not?---"baby" watch continues.  She has gained about two pounds since her arrival.  Her belly is protruding and is firm.  A pregnancy test was given and it came up negative.  WHAT?  We are confused.  Angelique will be visiting Dr. Darcy on Monday, 1/12.  She will get an ultrasound and if there are no babies, she will be spayed.  If there are babies, then baby watch will continue.



Holds:


FLOOF is officially on hold. She is scheduled for her spay on 1/13. Her adoption is scheduled for 1/16. Floof is one of Angelique's babies. She is a grey and white long-haired baby girl. Absolutely FLOOFY!


PEAPOD and FUDGE, our tiny panthers, will be going to the same home. They are also scheduled for their spay and neuter on 1/13. Their adoption is scheduled for 1/14. Their new mom, Jenny, is a former volunteer.


PEAPOD:



FUDGE:


Center Kitties:


BLUE is currently in a condo because he has become a bit amorous. Blue has not yet been neutered but that is scheduled for 1/13. He is sulking a bit.




Events:


The Betty White Fundraiser is coming next week. From 1/12 to 1/16 FFRC will be honoring Betty White. Here is a bit of information regarding how this started:



What Is the Betty White Challenge?

Betty White was an American actress and comedian who passed away on December 31, 2021. She starred in popular shows, such as The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Golden Girls, and was adored by her fans. Additionally, she was known as an animal lover and supported several animal welfare organizations and causes.

In honor of her enduring love for animals, fans suggested the Betty White Challenge be held on January 17, 2022, which would have been her 100th birthday.


The trend to honor Betty White continues. Megan will be providing how you can help and a calendar of events. One item will be a review of the finances of FFRC. Megan wants to be transparent on where the money goes. When donating to a charity, it is better to "Trust but Verify" before donating.


Please do not ever feel that you need to participate by donating.  You can help the rescue by subscribing to our YouTube channel…LIKE, COMMENT and SUBSCRIBE.  This helps tremendously and doesn’t cost the viewer anything.  Also, JUST BE KIND!



Current Needs:


A list is kept up to date on the Amazon Wish List found on the FFRC website

   

Special:


FFRC is known for their knowledge of CH cats (Cerebellar Hypoplasia). I, like many of you, wasn't aware of this condition. Our first CH kitty was Derecho. He is very popular and here is his message to other cats written by a Friend of FFRC:


UNCLE D’S MESSAGE TO THE LITTLES

(I’m just like you)

 

Call me Uncle D,

Welcome to FFRC,

And I’m just like you.

 

My real name is Derecho,

Stop by and say, “Hello!”

And I’m just like you.

 

I was named for a windstorm,

Straight line, not tornado form.

HA, that’s not like you.

 

My legs are a little wobbly,

My head’s a little bobbly,

But I’m just like you.

 

I know what you’re thinkin’,

It looks like I’ve been drinkin’,

But I’m just like you.

 

All I want to do is play,

I was just born this way,

But I’m just like you.

 

 I live with all you cats,

Some thin and some are fats,

And I’m just like you.

 

I look like I’m in pain,

I’ll say it once again,

I’m just like you.

 

No need to worry about me,

That no one will adopt me,

And I’m just like you.

 

I love that I’m a resident,

I could’ve been the president,

Cuz I’m just like you.

 

I’m the King of all I see,

But please don’t step on me,

And I’m just like you.

 

You can find me on my rug,

And all I want’s a hug,

Cuz I’m just like you.

 

When they open up the food,

They know I’m the dude,

Cuz I’m just like you.

 

My favorite food is Friskas,

I get them in my whiskas!

Cuz I’m just like you.

 

Alma, Spiker and Ms. Lucie,

Don’t forget Mr. Ramsey,

We’re just like you.

 

I don’t let folks put me down,

Cuz, I stumble like a clown.

And I’m just like you.

 

So come sit down beside me,

And let me help and guide ye.

Cuz I’m just like you!

 

This is the bestest place,

Not matter what you face.

Cuz I’m just like you!

            

                           This is ME!


Other Updates: 


Lynnette's back!!!!


Our next Humane Ohio will be taking place on 1/13.  FFRC hopes to send 8 or 9 up for their spay or neuter.  The plan includes sending Kahu, Blue, Peapod, Fudge, Floof and as many others that we can "fit in".


It's been unseasonably warm and very windy in Defiance, Ohio. Let's hope that when winter comes back it isn't too bad. ❆❆❆❆ Keep in mind that FFRC has cats and many other animals that are not in the main center. The brutal weather makes it tough on them and on Cindy and Laura.


In early December, PetFinder made an update to their software. This is the program that FFRC uses to list our cats that are available for adoption. If you click on our main page to try to look at these cats, you will receive an error. PetFinder is aware of the issue and is working to resolve it. Megan will try to find us a direct link so that we can see our sweet kitties again. Pictures of many of the adoptable kitties are on Instagram.


We have installed a "kitten-proof" box to surround the Kabana Cam. Our kitties liked to move the camera around too much with the old set up. Thanks to Eric (Megan's husband) for creating this solution and putting it in place. I'm sure that Kitty Eric helped int he planning of this.


2026 Calendars are now available and are being offered in two sizes:  8 1/2 x 12 or 8 1/2 x 14.   Orders for calendars will be through the FFRC Store and also on the FFRC website.  We are unable to take orders via the phone or e-mail.  I've received mine, how about you?


Photos by Dawn.

------------
In the Spirit of remembering Betty White, here is a thought from her:


"If everyone took personal responsibility for their animals, we wouldn't have a lot of the animal problems that we do.  I'm a big spay-and-neuter supporter.  Don't have babies if you're not going to take care of those babies.  We don't need more.  We just need to take care of the ones we have.  Take responsibility and breathe kindness."