Sunday, June 27, 2021

 Let's get some catching up done!

Bingo and Yoey---they are enjoying life. They are moved together to a farmyard with an awesome barn. They love it, have slipped into the cat population there that is already established and are much much happier. Sometimes we just have to figure out what it is that makes each cat happy.

Sven and Ruby--went to a personal friend of mine. She came came in an evening to "foster" them with the intent that she'd love to have these two. Needless to say, they are doing awesome and all 3 are happy campers!

Mithra--a new intake. She arrived here Friday. Her birthday is 5/21/21, making her 5 weeks old but only weighs 15.5 ounces. She was probably tossed from a car (was found on the road)--her face is testimony of hitting the pavement. Unfortunately, it also looks like the tire probably ran over her front right leg as it is gone. Maggots were already in her wound. Because of her low weight and age, she is not able to have a proper amputation until she is 2 pounds. Dr. Darcy is aware of her. In the meantime, she is on antibiotics and 2 pain meds. She is being given good quality protein food. Maggots are gone, wound has been cleanrf and debrided. Today she is on the floor in back Thumper's Room so she can have the comfort of the other kittens. She is not active yet but is staying in her bed beside the litterbox and food.

The cemetery babies are doing great. They are eating good. They both are on antibiotics as they have a very slight upper respiratory going on. They are bright, alert, playful and so sweet.

Shelly--arrived 6/22/21. Her birthday is 5/11/21. She is 6 weeks old. This little sweetie had a terrible time before arriving. She got up into a tree and couldn't get down. Afterall, 6 weeks old kittens do not know about these things. A man and Connie D and Megan went to the rescue. While the man was up in the tree trying to get Shelly, the branch broke and down came the kitten. But....Connie and Megan to the rescue---they caught the kitten in mid air! No injuries, just pure relief! She is a grey tiger/white.

We had a flash sale last week! I thank you all for your support, from the folks that donated, to those that bought the items and to the mods for helping us. Every penny made at these sales helps us with bills.

Today started a great Fun-Raiser. Please check out the video that is on the cam or the fb pages! There's some really great items. The drawing starts on Weds. at 1:00, with BOXES first, then the drawing then the consolation prizes! Fun time.

Thanks to Megan and Edna/Gem for sitting at a table for 6 hours today at Sweetwater! They run a basket drawing and asked FFRC to be the recipients of the tickets sold. It was a very slow day, made about $100 and that is great. It's $100 more than we had and it's good PR. Plus, they invited us back next weekend, which is wonderful. We appreciate the opportunity to be there and we appreciate our volunteers!

Sadness amongst our outside cats. We have lost a Firehouse cat, Kerry. He was our grey cat that has been here for years. He started as a barnie but "progressed" to a firecat. Such a sweet boy, gentle and kind. He is missed.

Zelda and Coralie are on my desk, helping me. Along with CDot who comes back to my shoulder about every 5 minutes. Such a slobber boy but I love him to pieces. I'm trying a few tricks, trying to help him be able to stay in the Main Area instead of the Cove. He's a bit better at things (like not spraying) and is very sorry. I'll keep up working on him. Coralie is now getting her meds once a week--we were able to stretch them out to every 10 days butshe needs them more often. Considering everything, she is doing great. Zelda is getting her pain meds twice daily and is such a brave soul. As many of you know, that big growth on her front leg elbow is not good. We will find out more specifics when the biopsy is back, possible mid week. I cannot lose my Zelda. She spends a lot of time on my desk this week. We also put a box near the cam so we can help her get on it often---she so loves her boxes.

I know folks have been asking for more BOXES on cam. I'm trying to do that but I need to let you know-----I am also dealing with personal family things that is taking every spare minute I have. But, if time is terribly short and I open off cam, I send a thank you to all that I know emails of. Thank you for your continued BOX support--it is super important tous.

I've been asked about B, who is Molly's "sister". She came in the same lot that Molly was in. But, B is healthy. Although she does have 2 big scars on her hip and a very short tail. We have no idea what happened. She is also an older dog--it hasn't been determined if she is 5 or 7. She had given birth to 7 pups days before Molly. New info: Molly's 2 pups have been removed from the 7 due to their very low weight. They are being given extensive feedings and TLC. Both have gained a bit of weight. Keep them in your prayers and good thoughts please. And another dog update: Steve and I are going to adopt B---will come up with a different name soon! Tomorrow, a fence will be started in our back yard for B! It'll be a couple weeks yet as the 7 pups still need her. Although, they are running around, eating good and tussle like crazy! So much fun!

Many of you know, Churchill was a bit off for a few days. He is much better now. He did take a few tumbles but is stronger now and is eating. He is in the back Thumper's Room and so enjoys the other kittens. We have a very busy back Thumper's Room!

You all take good care! You each are important to FFRC and we're glad to have you all as friends!

Sunday, June 20, 20221

 Been a busy week.  We are now open to the public again.  Ideally, we do not want to overcrowd the rescue center though and prefer appointments. Those that do not have their covid vaccines must wear a mask. Above all, we want to protect our volunteers, who most have had their vaccines. I must say..it's been so nice to have visitors again!

We've had several adoptions! 

Taffy was adopted 6/12. She went with a couple who were thrilled to adopt her and has much lap time to love on her.

Ms. M and Bobo were adopted together on 6/18. I'm so happy for this household as they have lots of love to give. Two wonderful new pets--an adult and a kitten!

Raza was adopted 6/19. She went to a home with a mom and a little girl. Both were Raza approved.  I've already seen a video and Raza looks completely comfortable and at home already. She loves to be brushed by them. 

Spring was adopted 6/19. This was a special adoption.  While Spring doesn't appreciate being with cats, she sure loves people. She went into a home with an elderly lady who needs a cat to love on. A good match. 

We recently have had two cats returned:                  

Sven--he was just not the right fit for this home. They have a resident cat and these two cats simply did not get along. To make life better, Sven was returned. Upon their vacation, they have a female kitten picked out to join their home. That kitten is Goldie Pearl who is super loving and playful.

Ringo--this was a hard one. His new mama only had him a few months. Her life has changed and she must move and cannot take Ringo, much to her sadness.  I'm betting it won't take long for Ringo to readjust and to find a new home. He sure missed his new mama but he is starting to settle in now again. A wonderful young adult male. 

We also took on 8 new kittens.

The cemetery kittens, born 5/18/21. They are only 4 weeks old and were dumped at a local cemetery. There is no way 4 week olds can survive without food and protection from mama. They came in loaded with fleas to the extent they are still anemic. They were very dehydrated and emaciated.  There were actually 4 of them--2 did not survive due to their very poor condition. Thanks to the lady who found them and brought in the 2 living ones. Each day their energy level is improving but it will take a while for those red blood cells to overcome their anemia.

Frontigny--black, white tummy, scars on both eyes, male

Fendi--grey, white tummy, male

And then we have 6 of the Lisa kittens. These kitties were born 5/5/21. They have arrived at 6 weeks of age. Their mama is already scheduled for her spay. Lisa found these kittens on the day they were born, in the mulch of her garden. She spent many hours with them, holding and socializing them.

Algy--brown tiger, male

Arland--brown tiger, male

Buttons--black, no white, male

Boo Boo--black, no white, male

Celie--torti/tiger, ASH, female

Cambria--torti, gold on forehead, female

All the above names are from our Name a Cat list.  As you can guess, the black kittens and the brown tiger kittens of Lisa's will be hard to tell apart!

Weds., we had a Presentation of Where the Money Goes.  We showed a few dozen ways that claim our money. Hoping it was helpful to understand the needs of FFRC. 

Following that Presentation, we had BOXES.  As you know, due to Covid, we have been doing boxes in PawMart and sending out thank yous to the kind folks for their donations.  

We want to continue doing BOXES on the cam, except for those that people have left us know to open off cam. Also heavy boxes will be opened in PawMart, as they many times are hard to be moving about. But acknowledgements will be given to the donors.

BOXES:

MarySoCal--"Happiness can't be measured" tumblers 2

Kerswill & Shawnee--6 bowl holders, a beautiful beaded necklace, Laurel Burch tapestry and scarf, lots of socks, pencil pouches, 2 purple mamas,  crayon purse, kid blankets, hotpads, tshirts (flash sale!), material, kitty pad beds, ceramic kitty kandy jar--lots of awesome things you'll be seeing in a flash sale!

Fran, who is Kerswill's mom knitted lots of awesome beautiful hats/caps that will be in a flash sale too! 

M&M--hummingbird for Jacci (I LOVE it!), towel sets, candle, notepaper books, farm gloves, items for Christmas sales, big brown tote bag, jewelry and a gorg-eous hummingbird lamp

Anonymous friend--30 ounce snackers!

Joyce Oh -- Case of (24) Friskies Meaty

Carla M -- Case of FF Gourmet Natural, Container of Party Mix, Case of Friskies Gravy

Plee -- Adoption Bags / Tote Bags(36 ish)

Carol- Molly Bone shaped purple Pillow, in memory of Molly.  Many heartfelt thank yous.

Jean G -- 2 Containers of Party Mix snacks

Karen & Gilbert -- Large box of 13 gal Garbage Bags 

Annette -- 2 boxes of Delectable Bisque, 2 boxes of lil Soup, Box of FF Appetizers, 2 Boxes of FF Savory Centers, 

Jan & Allycat, FFRC Darlings -- Large Container of Popcorn (yummy!)

We also did a presentation for an FFRC friend who is a teacher of kindergarten kids in Canada. They asked some excellent questions and were shown many cats and told about them. Thank you for the opportunity to visit with your school kids!

Thursday is our next HumaneOhio surgery day!

 

Saturday, June 12, 2021

 Hello FFRC friends. I have some updates on 3 cats. That would be Qapla, Yoey and Bingo.

You all know how we double test our cats for leukemia and FIV. And that is because upon admission, it's possible that the new arrival may have just developed one of these two diseases. We've been told by people that it is a waste of money, but............I don't agree. Years ago, we had two incidents where we had two cats come up positive for leukemia the second test. Of course, we then retested everyone and those were ok. But, this is a method we can do to protect the cats. Most cats, IF they indeed have the disease upon arrival, but have not had it long enough to show on the test, will be positive then in 4 weeks, which is when we retest. Which is also why we vaccinate here for leukemia. Leukemia is fairly easy to be spread cat to cat. FIV has to be the result of a deep bite wound.

Qapla was retested, a few days early than her 4 weeks, because I noticed she was acting punky. Sure enough, her test came up positive for FIV. She was showing active signs--fever, weight loss, enlarged lymph nodes. Qapla was euthanized since she was actively ill with the disease. There is no cure for FIV. And I do not believe in letting a cat suffer.

These decisions are not made lightly. Much thoughts and prayer goes on for me to make these decisions. Sometimes I know what I have to do in my brain but I have to analyze everything to be sure the right decision is made.

And then......in regards to Yoey and Bingo. These two boys came in fairly close together. One had just been neutered and the other one we had the neuter done. So, these were full out tough outside boys . Both friendly but started nipping early in their time here. This progressed to out and out fights with other cats. These fights were instigated by these two boys, especially with Nyota, Asha, Magic and Lena. We simply cannot have our residents attacked. After trying pheromone plug ins, pheromone sprays, etc. the behavior did not improve. Actually, they both started to display the "bully pose" seen in tom cats, before they would attack. And then they started spraying. Both took to nipping the human hand also. I have a few resources for cats like this.............and I called in a favor. These two boys are in the care of a person who does animal behavior problems. This is no small feat as I could not adopt them out, knowing they fought with cats and would bite people. This organization that has the boys, then will rehome them when the time is right and they feel they are safe.

I hope you all understand that this needed to be done for the safety of the cats and volunteers and now visitors. We cannot have the cats and kittens here in danger and cannot risk having a person bit when we know what these two boys are capable of.

These are hard decisions, but that is part of having a Rescue. We try our best to save lives and to give them a good quality of life. Sometimes, sadly, these decisions have to be made.

June 10, 2021, Thursday

 Another HumaneOhio day........one of our favorite days. We sent up 53 cats--36 females and 17 males. Our total so far for 2021 is 456. Out of that 53, is 9 of our FFRC cats.

Yesterday was the end of our Fun-Raiser! Another good day. This was totally a Larissa Artsie Craft fun-raiser! 

But, first, we had BOXES!

Anonymous friend--8 cases of 9-Lives Pate

Brian C--box of capstars, 2 Yeow cat nip bananas

Denise & Elizabeth--24 pack of FF appetizers

Janice B--oCedar Easywring Mop

Mary SoCal--birthday card for CDot, $5 chickie money and a donation

And then we had the drawing!

A - $ 140 -- Won by Michelle R

B - $ 90 -- Won By KB ID

C - $ 105 -- Won by MLS for a volunteer

D - $ 305 -- Won By Cindy & Casey

E - $ 170 -- Won by Michelle Und

F - $ 360 -- Won By Amy Kil

G - $ 325 -- Won By M & M 

H - $ 290 -- Laura Ra

I - $ 100 -- Won By Michelle Lf,, & Larissa 

Bumps from Jojo , Marco German, Daydreamz, Vince JG, Cheryl C, Burguny, Akiko

Maddisonpepper, Flymom, Jabberwolkymom, SnoopyBaby, Anonymous, Jaxx, DonnaJB, YvonneVDK, Bellabell, Jo603, Scrunchions, Zelda Belda Box Girl

 

Fun Raiser Total $ 1,885

Bumps                 $ 961

Grand Total         $2,846

This fun-raiser will go towards paying some of our bills--sewage, insurance, propane gas and laundry soap and bleach. What a huge group effort and so appreciated!

Another adoption on 6/6.  On Beth's way home, she made connection with the new mama of Corabelle. The pictures I've seen looks like Corabelle is super comfy and happy.  Thanks to Beth for making this connection possible.

As you probably know, Molly went to the vet's office Tuesday.  Please see posts on our FB pages for that update. Today, Molly received a big scrubbing bath for that terrible skin condition. We tried something different today. With Dawn's help, we got her in Steve's shower!! (Shhhh, don't tell him!!) Quite a feat in itself but she sure smells scrumptious now! Her appetite is very low but she does eat a bit each day. Her two puppies are doing good. Still low weights but coming along.  I'm so thankful for B to be nursing them. I got to meet B and she is a fantastic dog and so loving. 

All is fine here at FFRC.  Kitties are growing. Cats are happy. Lots of fast-acting playtimes, especially in the morning. It's hot and humid here--so are so thankful for the air conditioner! But still, the cats are "flat cats" at times--laying flat out on the floor!

The farm animals are all doing great. Remember our 2 inch goslings and ducklings?  They are now huge and doing great. Within a week, they will move out to the farmyard and join the rest of the critters out there. They have all survived and are healthy. 

If you notice the cats are rather "weird" today...........maybe it's true!  They were gifted with 2 big bundles of fresh cute catnip!  Plenty for everyone!

Thursday, June 3, 2021

One of the greatest words ever is that word "compassion". The meaning is to have sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.  Compassion literally means "to suffer together." It is defined as the feeling that arises when you are confronted with another's suffering and feel motivated to relieve that suffering.

And that right there, is what our FFRCNation is in a nutshell. Very compassionate people. Anytime and every time we have had a suffering of a cat, you have responded with monetary donations, prayers, good thoughts and sincere caring.  

And now, we have been presented with a dog that needs compassion. And again, our FFRCNation has been there. The support has been tremendous and deeply appreciated. The good thoughts, the prayers, the monetary help and most of all..........the food that she needs, has come pouring in. And again, I am grateful. 

Her name is Molly--a chocolate merle Great Dane. She is 4 years old and was used as a breeding machine. This has resulted in a sad, depleted, sick and malnourished dog. Where there should be muscle, there is nothing but bone and skin. And sores.......lots of skin sores over her whole body. 

She arrived with 2 puppies, just born on the day that she arrived. One had passed due to poorness of development. The other two are very underweight. Our problem now is that Molly is not producing milk, directly attributed to her poor condition. But, there's help. A "sister" Dane was also rescued and had given birth 2 days before Molly. She has lots of milk and can handle feeding 2 other pups as her birth number of pups is low. So, today, those two pups will be moved to where the other mother is.

Yes, this may be a bit hard on Molly. But, there's several reasons we need to do this. Molly is very protective of those 2 pups--makes it a bit of a danger to our volunteers. Also, the pups will grow better with real milk instead of replacement milk--it's the best chance they have of catching up. Another reason, Molly's medical conditions have worsened. She needs treatment and these treatments cannot be done if she is nursing. While she has the love for the pups, they are in danger of not surviving with her and at the same time, Molly's health needs attention. 

We have been supplementing the pups for 4 days but as you all know, real mama's milk is much better than what we can do. 

Away from the pups, Molly is a love bug. She wants a hand on her all the time. She'll even push her face right into yours just to be close. She is not food aggressive and she is super good with the cats and kittens. She loves her walks on the farmyard--walks alongside her walker so nicely. She wants to please. She loves her thick new bed, to protect her many bones sticking out. She weighs just 81 pounds where she could probably easily have another 40-50 pounds to her.

So, while she is not a cat, it's awesome to know your compassion covers all animals. I do appreciate you keeping her in your good thoughts and prayers while she heals. It will also take her a bit of time to adjust to her pups being gone. Gaining her health back, I'm afraid will be a long process, as the neglect she received happened over a long period of time.  

And then, along comes Churchill! There's a new kitten amongst us! A little beig boy, tiny little guy. He was found alongside the road at only 5 weeks of age. Spunky little baby. He is making friends with Spring's babies. They are only 2 days difference in age. His birthday is 4/25/21.

We also took on Bingo, an all black male cat. The sheriff had called, said a black cat was laying on it's side at a local bowling alley and was hurt. We said we would take him and a kind man delivered him to us. Bingo was very hungry--cleaned up a couple plates rather quickly. He also had a very terrible wound to the back of his right ankle area--looked infected.  He made a trip to the vet's for an x-ray and two of the vets there said this could not heal properly and needed amputation. So, that was done on 5/27. That same night, he was already walking about and on the floor of the front Thumper's Room. It must've felt a lot better not to have that wound pain. Handsome boy. His birthday is 6/15/20. 

We've had 4 more adoptions!

Pinkie--adopted 5/25. She is the torti of the R1 litter. She is the only cat in the household and has an awesome mama.

Zayvan--adopted 5/27. A gentleman was looking for an adult cat friend and he sure found it in Zayvan. The pictures show a happy cat in his new home!

Sleeky and April--adopted 5/28, together to the same home! Now, all of the R1 litter is adopted. Sleek;y is part of the R2 litter. Two great calico kittens. Another great home!

It is with great sadness to let you know that our dear oldster Covie, Sevaun has passed away.  As many of you know, she has been struggling the last few months with severe arthritis of neck and spine. Per Dr. Darcy, we have been giving her soreness meds to keep her comfortable. But, things changed. She couldn't use her back legs properly and was fumbling about. She didn't like it. I have promised her that she would not have to deal with the suffering part of this problem. She came up to the front Thumper's room and enjoyed two plates of food. One, I told her was pizza flavored can food, the other was her beloved CR baby kibbles.

Sevaun came to us on January 10, 2004 from Dr. P's office. She was 1 year old with a birthday of 1/15/03. She loved her Covie life and had us all wrapped around that tail of hers. What a talker she was. A cat that was everyone's friend. And oh those bellyrubs were so special to her. Thank you all for caring about her and loving her. She is greatly missed.

We had a Flash Sale yesterday. It was all about towels and bags! It brought in $541! This will be applied to our utility bills. Many thanks for all that donated the items, to those that bought the items and to the mods for your help in this.

As is our policy, any cat that needs to be returned to FFRC, can find another home back at FFRC. It doesn't matter the reason--no reason, a good reason or ANY reason, we will always take our FFRC cats back.

And this is what happened to three of our cats that were in Georgia. Our good friend Deb found herself unable to care for them anymore. Being completely unselfish, she asked if they could come back. Her uppermost thought has been being concerned with having her cats taken care of. Our volunteer, Connie D made the long journey there, picked up the cats and delivered them back here late on Tuesday night. Giant thanks to Connie for doing this trip. The three cats are Merlin/Merlyn, all white.......Arden, all black.......Liza/Raza, white and gold.

Because of communication with Deb, we knew this was going to happen. We had a home waiting for them. And to help them, we wanted their stay here as short as possible to eliminate as much worry as possible. The two boys, Merlin and Arden went to this new home late last night. I've already heard from them and they are relaxing. Their home has an older lady who loves cats and missed her cats that passed. She has a sliding door that overlooks a woods in the back yard and bird feeders. That's where the boys were this morning.

We decided to keep Liza/Raza here at FFRC. She definitely seems contented and has been hanging out in the front Thumper's Room. She is greeting us and seems to be adjusting. I'm betting it won't be long until she is in the Main Area.

You all take good care. Know the cats are thankful for you all too. They KNOW that on the other side of that cam are those compassionate people!