FFRC BLOG

FFRC Blog Week Ending September 26, 2026

IT'S FALL Y'ALL!

A special day was honored this week. The International Day of Peace, also officially known as World Peace Day, is a United Nations-sanctioned holiday observed annually on 21 September. It is dedicated to world peace, and specifically the absence of war and violence, such as might be occasioned by a temporary ceasefire in a combat zone for humanitarian aid access. The day was first established in 1981 and first observed in September 1982 and is kept by many nations, political groups, military groups, and people. from Internationaldayofpeace.org

Take a minute to review what you can personally add to a peaceful world. Is it a purring kitten on your lap, a meditative moment offering kindness and love to yourself and others, or just a smile and nod to someone in need.

Adoptions:

On 9/22/26, our sweet ball of fluff, BABITA, went to live in a dorm at Defiance College. Her date of birth is 3/1/26. She was found and brought to FFRC on 6/19/26. She is the only dorm kitty and is currently keeping the name of Babita--but this might change. She is ready for dorm-life and even has her eye makeup on!

On Saturday, 9/26, Steve and Cathy (from Chatters Weekend) adopted FOZZIE and DIEGO. Originally, only Fozzie was going home with them, but when they met Diego--it was love at first sight, I mean first cuddle. The kitties now live near Detroit, so they had a bit of a ride.

Diego's date of birth is 5/28/26. He was found in someone's yard and arrived at FFRC on 7/28/26. He is an adorable tuxie with a black dot over his pink nose. He will be keeping his name.

Fozzie's date of birth is 4/6/26. He arrived with his sister, SMIDGEN on 4/21/26. They were found in a barn with another sibling that had passed. Fozzie and Smidgen were bottle-fed babies, so it really is wonderful to see them grow up! Fozzie will also be keeping his name.

Special Thanks to Jabber, who supplied blankies for each of these adoptees.

We are making this our home and are loving laying on our new Daddy!

Intakes:

We are FULL, but...

We had a return on Tuesday, 9/22. The kitty MEOWDITH, now named CASPER, experienced a home-life change, which saddened everyone. He was originally adopted as a baby, but is now about 3 years-old and is a BIG BOY! He is an inky with only one eye.

We also received a kitty that our friend and volunteer, Barb, had been taking care of. She waited until we could fit in another kitty, which happened this week This little grey girl is about 3 months old and has not yet been named. She is bunny-soft and still needs her vaccines and her spay.

Pictures of these intakes will be provided in next week's blog.

Health Updates:

We had a bit of a rough week. PHILOMENA and most of her babies have FIP. She and her babies, SMUDGES and RUMER are isolated in a newly decorated (thanks Mary) Paddy's Place with SMIDGEN. RENLY and PASCAL do not show signs of FIP. Renly is still at FFRC and Pascal was recently adopted. We are keeping in touch with Pascal's adopters. Smidgen is not really one of Philomena's babies, but we believe she may have comfort nursed and contracted FIP in that manner.

Philomena

Smudges

Rumer

Smidgen

All of the kitties are responding well to their FIP treatment. We are very grateful that there now is a way to save FIP kitties, but it is expensive, in both dollars and in time spent administering the treatment. Each treatment lasts about 84 days with pills being given twice a day at a per kitty cost of about $1,100 for the full-course. Megan came to the camera with the news of these babies and within a couple of hours, $1,545 had been raised. (We will update you as the total increases.) It is thanks to all of you that we can give these kitties a chance. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts and the bottom of our kitties' paws!

Holds:

SAZAZ will be going home very soon. She doesn't have to travel far. Our own Debbie will be taking in another big kitty for her very own. We are so happy for Debbie and Sazaz!!!! Date of adoption is coming soon!

ZOOKY is officially on hold. The date has not yet been set for this beautiful and TALKATIVE lady to be going to her new home. She will be the only Queen of her Castle, with one parent retired and the other working from home. Thank you KatKrzy for the blanket!

SHINE is also on hold. Her adoption will be on 10/4 at 1pm.

We have a lot of applications that we are reviewing, so look for more holds and adoptions soon!

Center Kitties:

I've got to stay in good with Megan, so I can't let this week's blog go by without a birthday shout out to EGYPT!!! Here he is as an actual baby!

And here he is as Megan's big baby!

Happy 5th Birthday!!!!

We have some very talented and tech wizards that are Chatters: Here's RAMSAY as we all think of him, very suave and sophistiCATed.

And yet another wonderful photo from our Chatters. Guess who this one is? Yep, it's SPIKER on his new personal Spiker rug!

Adopted Kitties:

Here is a note that was posted on our Facebook page this week:

Mac and Piccolo turn 4 today! Here are some fun details about each of them that you might not know:

Mac (Macaroni at FFRC) is a little brainiac. We call him Feleinstein (feline + Einstein) because he's always problem-solving and using his words to communicate. He loves playing fetch, especially with pom pom balls. He prefers to lay in odd places like the dining room table and the middle of the floor. For snuggle time, he lays right on our chest and purrs really loudly while getting chin scratches. He's a big licker.

Piccolo (Pickles at FFRC) is the empath. If I'm crying, she'll come running over to me and nibble my arm to cheer me up. She'll go into rooms on command. She has the most adorable coo when she meows, and when she purrs, you can hear the little squeaks of her voice. She prefers playing with odd-shaped toys that she can kick in random directions. For snuggle time, she enjoys going under the covers and rotating around to get even numbers of head and butt pets. Then she'll finally lay down and is happy as long as she's making skin-to-skin contact with her human. She's sniffing and licking my hair as I write this .

Every day is a celebration with these two. They're such special companions!

Here's a beautiful picture of MARGO posing for the camera.

Current Needs:

Below are the links to the most recent needs:

Lots of SNACKERS---this info from Dagda!!!! He says this every day!

Hello Nation. Here is the needs list:

Snackers---see Dagda was right!

Fancy feast broths

Little soups/gravy/bisques/appetizers

Mama and Baby Cat Royal Canin dry food

Canned salmon

Canned chicken

6" Styrofoam plates

Vinegar

Baby wipes

Meat baby food

Thank you to our staff, volunteers, donors, supporters and FFRC Nation for making all of this possible. We truly could not do it without you.

Amazon Wish List

Chewy Wish List

Events:

A Flash Sale will be coming soon---October!

Volunteer and Staff party will be on 11/14.

Kitty Christmas will be 12/5. We will start taking Kitty Christmas donations the first of November.

2027 Chatters Weekend will be 9/11 and 9/12/27.

Make your plans now for all of the upcoming special events!

Other:

Special thanks to Tony and Stephanie! We see them every couple of weeks holding kitties up to the camera, but they also contribute their employee share of pet food from IAMS to us and other needy organizations. Tony recently saw a Purina commercial that stated that very few domestic violence shelters allow pets to remain with their owners during their tough transition out of terrible circumstances. He found that only about 17% of the shelters allow pets (which are emotional support to those at the shelters). A goal has been established to raise the percentage to 25%. Tony contacted the YWCA in Toledo, Ohio and asked if they would be interested in pet food donations--and they agreed. IAMS currently has a list of organizations that support Canine Units and Humane Societies. Those on the list receive one pallet of pet food per month. He approached his boss to add the YWCA to the list. Tony donates his monthly allotment to both a Toledo Animal Shelter and FFRC. Thanks to Tony's dedication to this cause, his co-workers are also donating their monthly allotment of pet food. Please join me in thanking Tony for all of his generosity in helping pets in Northwest Ohio live better lives. Also, remember he and Stephanie recently adopted DOLLY, now MOCHI! She is getting along great now sand sleeps on Stephanie's pillow.

If you haven't looked at our Instagram page, please do!! There are great pictures of our center's kitties. Thanks so much! Instagram: https://instagram.com/ffrckittycam

Please make sure that you have a plan for your pets in the event that you are no longer able to take care of them. The best plan is to have both a primary and a secondary backup.

Photos by Dawn and friends.

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“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”

Martin Luther King

"This is the way of peace: overcome evil with good, falsehood with truth, and hatred with love."

Peace Pilgrim

"There was never a good war or a bad peace."

Benjamin Franklin

FFRC Blog Week Ending September 19, 2026

We wrapped up Chatters Weekend on 9/13 with Coffee and Doughnuts sponsored by Timbit and SonJa!

We chatted throughout the morning and slowly and sadly, many of us started for home. We take with us wonderful memories and newfound friendships.

Megan's husband, Eric, took GIZMO for a walk on his new chain. A big chain for a big doggy!

A visit from Jackie (with Megan) and Raven (with Christine P).

Adoptions:

On Monday, 9/14, we said "Home Sweet Home" to our sweet WILLOW. Her date of birth is 3/16/26. On 3/26/26, at only 10-days old, a woman had found her in her yard--she waited a day and no momma cat ever showed up. After arriving at FFRC, Willow was bottle fed, along with LEMON. Willow's new home is about 45 minutes away. She will share her new home with a 3-year-old kitty that is the Household Greeter! Willow will be keeping her name.

Intakes:

We are FULL!

We did not receive any intakes this week.

Health Updates:

All of our other kitties are doing great!

Holds:

FOZZIE and DIEGO will be going to their furever home on 9/26 at 1:30. Their new mom and dad are Steve and Cathy who attended Chatters Weekend. They will have a bit of a drive and will live near Detroit.

Fozzie

Diego

We have a lot of applications that we are reviewing, so look for more holds and adoptions soon!

Center Kitties:

MOOCHER, GARY, ZEEBA, WYNN, CALLAHAN and JACKMAN were all moved to Paddy's Place after SHINE, NIGEL and BEAZLEE moved to the Main Room.

Gary and Moocher

Zeeba

Callahan and Wynn

Jackman

Adopted Kitties:

MISS JEWEL is enjoying her new home and even her new brother, THOMAS, who is a bully!

The bonded pair of JACCI and HEINZ were adopted a year ago. These two were originally trapped and brought into FFRC when Heinz had a broken jar neck stuck on his head. They were both considered feral. Jokes on us. These two are not even close to being feral. Jacci was more shy than Heinz, but now that she feels safe she is just as friendly and even demands pets.

Our Friend RITA:

On 9/13/25, we lost a dear Friend, Admin, Mod, Blogger, Dream Weaver and Fabulous Storyteller--RITA, also known as Canton Cat on YouTube.

I have had the honor to write the Blog since last Fall, but no one will ever come anywhere close to Rita's writing talent. She had such a wonderful way of turning a phrase and adding her own twist with just enough humor! She was a very special person. Please take a moment to rejoice in having known such a wonderful lady.

Here are exerts from a post that Rita sent last September:

Hi Friends. Some of you know this, but most do not.

Earlier this year I took a fall in the ice (February). It led to a blood clot that was treated in the hospital. During one of my tests while in the hospital a fairly large tumor was discovered on my liver. A biopsy showed it was cancerous and had progressed significantly.

A trip to a Boston hospital confirmed that due to a preexisting lung issue, I was not a candidate for surgery.

I’ve been undergoing a series of treatments (chemo/immunotherapy) which has taken a toll on me in ways I could not have imagined. I’ve remained upbeat and positive but am also a realistic person.

I’ve been on oxygen for five years now after having been diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension in 2019. At the time I was told I probably was looking at 2 to 3 years of, well, life. It’s 2025 and I’m still here.

Some of you may not know this, but I lived in the Ground Zero area of downtown New York from 1998 to 2007 (John Street). I have been told by several specialists that my exposure to the toxic air at the Ground Zero area for several years while the area was cleared could have greatly contributed to my breathing issues.

While I will never know if my lung issues and cancer are related to my exposure to the toxins in the area at the WTC site, people can draw their own conclusions.

Be well my friends, be well. And please never forget that some wounds can be seen, so many more cannot.

You are never alone. Your fight is a fight we all take up, and some of us need to do it privately. Strength comes from hope for a better tomorrow. Strength comes with peace.

Also, a note from Megan:

Remembering Rita

It’s hard to believe that one year has passed since we lost our dear friend, Rita.

Rita was so much more than a supporter of FFRC. She was part of our family. She believed deeply in what we do, loved our kitties, and gave so much of herself to this rescue and to all of us.

Many of you knew Rita as the wonderful writer behind our FFRC blog. But calling her our “blog writer” hardly seems enough. Rita had a gift. She could take an ordinary day at the rescue—a silly kitty moment, an adoption, a goodbye, or one of the countless little things that happen here—and turn it into a story that made you laugh, cry, and feel like you were right here with us.

She told our stories.

Through her words, she captured the heart of FFRC: the cats, the people, the love, the heartbreak, the laughter, and the hope. Those stories are now an incredible gift she left behind for all of us.

A year later, Rita is still missed. There are still moments when we wish we could tell her something, hear what she would have to say, or read one more story written in that special way only Rita could write.

But we are so very grateful that she was part of our lives and part of FFRC.

Rita, you may no longer be here to write our stories, but you will forever be part of ours.

We miss you, our friend. We remember you. And we always will.

Current Needs:

Below are the links to the most recent needs:

Lots of SNACKERS---this info from Dagda!!!! He says this every day!

Hello Nation. Here is the needs list, as per Cindy!!!

Snackers---see Dagda was right!

Fancy feast broths

Little soups/gravy/bisques/appetizers

Mama and Baby Cat Royal Canin dry food

Canned salmon

Canned chicken

6" Styrofoam plates

Vinegar

Baby wipes

Meat baby food

Special Thanks to all of our donors! It is great to see all of the love and kindness that is extended to us. We will be more diligent in thanking, not only physical item donors, but also our financial donors!

Amazon Wish List

Chewy Wish List

August by the Numbers, by Megan:

AUGUST AT FFRC — BY THE NUMBERS!

Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes at FFRC in just ONE MONTH? Here’s a little glimpse into August… and these numbers add up fast!

THE KITTIES

143 cats in our care

22 amazing staff & volunteers helping care for them

9 new cats welcomed into FFRC

4 adoptions — 4 kitties who found their families!

MEDICAL CARE

99 public spays & neuters — helping prevent hundreds and hundreds of future unwanted kittens

941 medical treatments — including flea treatments, de-wormers, antibiotics and more

46 vaccines given

13 FIV/FeLV/Heartworm blood tests performed right here at FFRC

1 amputation

1 outside veterinary visit

And then there are the numbers nobody usually thinks about…

THE EVERYDAY STUFF

400 nails trimmed by Mary & Dawn!

93 times the floors were mopped

155 loads of laundry!

And that’s just ONE month.

Behind every number is a cat who was fed, cleaned up after, medicated, vaccinated, comforted, loved, or given a chance at a better life.

And the 99 public spays and neuters matter too. Those are cats who may never need rescue because we’re working to stop the cycle before it starts.

Rescue isn’t just taking cats in. It’s medical care. It’s prevention. It’s cleaning. It’s laundry. It’s paperwork. It’s adoption. It’s community outreach. And yes… apparently it’s a LOT of mopping.

We’re incredibly proud of what our little FFRC team accomplishes every single day.

143 cats. 22 people. Thousands of individual acts of care. One month.

Thank you to our staff, volunteers, donors, supporters and FFRC Nation for making all of this possible. We truly could not do it without you.

We are very proud to be able to take such good care of our kitties. We would not be able to do what we do without YOU and also having the vet backing from Dr Darcy Adams. We are so very grateful!!

Events:

We will hold another Flash Sale after our Chatters weekend. Look for a notification soon!!

Ros hosted a birthday party honoring all that have a September Birthday! We all brought snacks to share!

Volunteer and Staff party will be on 11/14.

Kitty Christmas will be 12/5. We will start taking Kitty Christmas donations the first of November.

2027 Chatters Weekend will be 9/11 and 9/12/27.

Make your plans now for all of the upcoming special events!

Other:

Humane Ohio was on 9/15. We sent 29 females and 26 males, including our own, DIEGO, IVA and SNEAKERS.

TIMBIT and FEISTY will return to FFRC on Monday! They are eating regular kitty food now. Having them at the rescue, instead of at Megan's house, will make Megan's life much easier!

If you haven't looked at our Instagram page, please do!! There are great pictures of our center's kitties. Thanks so much! Instagram: https://instagram.com/ffrckittycam

Please make sure that you have a plan for your pets in the event that you are no longer able to take care of them. The best plan is to have both a primary and a secondary backup.

Photos by Dawn and friends.

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Rita was a great friend to many with FFRC.

“A friend is someone who makes it easier to face the challenges of life.”

Barbara Bush

“True friends are like diamonds - bright, beautiful, valuable and rare.”

Jane Taylor

“True friends are never apart. Maybe in distance, but never in heart.”

Helen Keller