Saturday, August 26, 2023

 Happy Caturday all! I sure hope you are having a great August. It's been wonderful here. Today the weather is finally cooling off and we have been enjoying open windows. The cats are so happy when the windows are opened! 

RETURNS: August 11th, we had the return of two of our former FFRC alum, Praline and Chia. They were originally adopted in 2011. There house situation changed, and thankfully, the family returned them to us. Praline is a DSH female calico with a DOB 8/1/2011 and Chia is a DSH grey female, with a DOB 8/6/11. Both are older distinguished ladies, but so very nice. They would go great in a nice quiet home to live out their retirement years. 

INTAKES: Meatball! This little man arrived August 8th, and what a rough shape he was in! When he arrived, he was severely skinny, pale, covered in fleas, ear mites, his eye out of socket and bugs in the eye socket. During cleaning him up, his eye fell out and rolled across the table much to Denise and I's dismay! He felt much better after that. He had a nice warm bed, pain meds and a very full tummy. He's doing just wonderful now. He's scheduled for his eye surgery and neuter Sept. 25th.

ADOPTIONS: August 25th, Wheeler FINALLY made his way home with his fur-ever mama, Cindy. They are just two peas in a pod and I couldn't be happier. I hear he is settling in very nicely, and discovered something called a 'mirror', and just LOVES talking to the kitty inside of it. 

We also had our super sweet Chomper go home. I couldn't be more tickled with her new family, who is already beyond smitten with her. I just know she's going to be spoiled like crazy! While I miss them terribly, it helps to know how much they are loved. The couple that took her is such a calm laid back family...does that not describe Chomper to a T? I just love it. 

MEDICAL UPDATES: Azreal gave us a little scare when one day we noticed she was 'off'. She just wasn't acting right, a little jaundice, weight loss. So we ran her to Dr. Darcy's the next day. (THANK YOU CINDY!) She had very high liver enzymes. We started a course of meds for her and are happy to report her blood work from Thursday was perfect! YAY! 

Cheeto Puff also had his full mouth extraction on Thursday, August 24th. He is doing AMAZING. I will never stop being amazed at the healing powers of cats. I know I would be down and out for weeks. Not Cheeto! He was ready to be out of his pin the next day. So happy for him! Now to find an awesome home for this sweet boy!

Will Power had his surgery on August 22nd to remove his nerve damaged front left leg. While I know it is the right decision, I always worry when any one of our babies gets surgery. Well, worry not for Will! Boy oh boy, has he shown us what a little kitty can do. He is running, playing and ACTING better then before. It really makes you realize just how much of a hinderance that 'dead leg' was to him, dragging it around. 

Lastly, we have Buckeye. This boy had that initial wound on his back that was about 5in x 4in. Its significantly smaller now, but had a weird lump of skin. This week that lump popped, and during cleaning, started bleeding. We took him to Dr. Darcy's where Dr. Mercer flattened out that bump, and sutured it down. He's in Dodger's pin recovering. He's being the bestest patient, and very soon will be ready for adoption! 

That should get you caught up on the last two weeks! Thank you so much for the support you constantly provide, words are never enough to show our gratitude. I hope you have a wonderful weekend. With a happy heart ~ Megan and the Cats

Friday, August 11, 2023

 Hi friends, happy Friday! We'll we are on day 452 of Lynnette being on vacation. Ok that might be an exaggeration, but we sure miss her around here! LOL. Things have been going well around here, so that's good. We do have some updates, so let's jump into them, shall we?

For Humane Ohio we sent up 6 kitties. So far, they are Karl, Millie, Nalu, Servalan, Buckeye and Puddin. They all did just wonderful! 

We did also lose one of our sweet girls, Cecilia. She passed on Sunday, August 6th. She was surrounded by Debbie and me and told how very much she was loved. While we are so sad to have lost our sweet girl, we are so grateful for the short time we were together. She was so loved, comfy and warm, and that's all we can hope for. 

I was also remiss in my blogs in letting you know of two other passings we had. The first was our Asha-Bo-Basha. Our very sweet girl developed Acute Kidney Failure and passed very quickly on May 12th, 2023. I'm so grateful that she was with us so long. She was a beautiful and loving girl. 

The next was our Hensley boy. Wow was he special. Our Hensley was also in Kidney Failure, and while we thought we had more time with our boy, we didn't. He passed June 6th, 2023 and is terribly missed. 

We've sure seen some highs and lows these last few months. And it's been hard. But this is the life of rescue, and it is not always easy, but it is rewarding. 

Which leads me to the next post I wanted to share. This is from a kind viewer named Sebastien in Canada. Sebastien works in palliative care and often shows our live stream to patients who enjoy the kitties. Here is what he wrote:

                              "A Feline Haven of Love: A Tale of Connection in Palliative Care

In the midst of life's hardships and challenges, there exists a haven where compassion and warmth flow

ceaselessly. A place where souls find solace and hearts are mended, where the healing power of love

transcends all boundaries. This place is a hospice, where dedicated palliative nurses like myself strive to

bring comfort to those journeying through their final days.

As I walk the halls of our hospice, I am humbled by the resilience of the human spirit, even in its most

fragile state. Many of our patients are non-responsive, lost in a realm between two worlds. Yet, in the

silent echoes of their past, I endeavor to discover the essence of who they were before illness claimed

them.

One day, a beautiful realization dawned upon me. When families would mention that their loved ones

were once ardent cat enthusiasts, I knew just the way to kindle a spark of connection amidst the heavy

clouds of their reality.

Enter Friends of Feline Rescue Center (FFRC), a magical world accessible through the screen, offering a

live-cam into the lives of feline wonders. This cat shelter, known for its loving care of disabled and sick

cats, exudes a profound similarity to the hospice setting. As I watch these precious furballs on the

screen, I can't help but notice the beautiful parallels they share with my dear patients.

Just like the patients in our care, the cats at FFRC are warriors, bravely battling through their own

challenges. Some have experienced a harsh fate, facing life with disabilities, illnesses, or old age. But

within the confines of their sanctuary, they find a home where they are cherished and respected for

their uniqueness.

The feline friends at FFRC and our patients both teach us the incredible power of compassion and the

boundless capacity to love. They show us that life's journey, however difficult, can be filled with hope,

joy, and moments of shared warmth.

When I place the live-cam of FFRC on the television for my patients and their families, I witness magic

unfold. Eyes that once seemed distant light up with a glimmer of recognition. Families smile as they

remember stories of their loved ones; affinity for cats. In those precious moments, we bridge the gap

between past and present, connecting with the essence of their being.

The live-cam becomes a window to a world beyond the confines of the hospice walls, where cats and

humans alike are bound by a thread of understanding and empathy. The healing energy of these feline

companions emanates through the screen, gently touching the hearts of our patients, families, and even

the nurses who walk this journey with them.

In the quiet stillness of our hospice, the tender presence of the FFRC cats brings an ethereal symphony

of love that transcends words. It reminds us that no matter the circumstances, there is always room for

connection, compassion, and the power of shared memories.

As I bear witness to the profound impact of this simple act, I am filled with gratitude for the Friends of

Feline Rescue Center and their furry ambassadors of hope. To the resilient souls in our care and the

brave felines of FFRC, your presence touches our lives in ways that words cannot describe.

In this beautiful tapestry of existence, we find comfort in the knowledge that love, in all its forms,

endures." - Sebastien in Canada, 2023.

Thank you all for the love and support always given to our rescue, our kitties, our staff and volunteers, and myself. I will never be able to say enough how much you all mean to us. In friendship and gratitude ~ Megan and the Cats

P.S. Massive thank you to our financial donors and box senders! We are so grateful to you all! 

8/8/23

Vicky in Tx - 3 BOTTLES OF CLOROX

ANONYMOUS - BAG OF RC KITTEN

ALLY CAT - 6 LINT ROLLERS, BOTTLE OF GAIN, GALLON OF ODOBAN, BOTTLE OF DOWNEY

MICHAEL S - 42 JARS OF BABY FOOD

CATSMEOW - 3 CASES OF FF SEAFOOD BISQUE, 3 BOXES OF FF APPETIZERS, CASE OF FORTIFLORA

CINDY W - CASE OF HAWAIIAN PUNCH, CASE OF SHEBA PERFECT PORTIONS ADULT, CASE OF PERFECT PORTIONS KITTEN, 2 BOXES OF TIKI CAT MEAL TOPPER

BILLIE K - 4 BAGS OF KITTY LITTER

BETH / EAGLEWATCHER - 9 GALLONS OF ODOBAN

AUNT SISSY - CASE OF TOILET PAPER, BAG OF PURINA ONE, CONTAINER OF TEMPTATIONS

CHRISTINA - 48 CANS OF FRISKIES PATE, BOX OF DELECTABLE STEWS, HUGGY KITTY, JACKSON GALAXY KRINKLE TOYS

SUSAN M - BOX OF LIL SOUPS, CASE OF FF APPETIZERS, CASE OF FRISKIES PATE

ROBERT O - 2 CASES OF ASSORTED PEOPLE SNACKS, 1000 GARBAGE BAGS, SPAY/NEUTER DOLLARS, CARDS FOR VOLUNTEERS, CASE OF FF, SEVERAL KITTY'S ON PILLOWS, CRYSTAL CAT BALL, CASE OF SARDINES, COZY PET BLANKET,  FLEECE THROW BLANKET, STARS PET BLANKET, CAT TEA POT, 2 CAT BONNETS, SEVERAL CAT READING BOOKS

MRS CHARLES - CHICKEN PURR STICKS, BAG OF BURST SNACKS, RUG FOR PANIA PERCH, DERECHO CELL PHONE,LUCY CHEF MOUSE

MARY SOCAL - BOX OF TEMPTATIONS, 2 CASES OF RC MOTHER AND BABYCAT

SALLY P - CAT POUCH CARRIER, TOY

ANONYMOUS - 2 BOXES OF LIL SOUPS

BEAKER, JENNI - PACK OF DELECTABLE STEWS, BOX OF LIL SOUPS

KARENTWOKEATS - KITTY FRAMED PHOTOS

PAULIE WALNUTS --2 BAGS OF TUNA FILLETS, 3 BOXES OF LIL SOUPS

ANONYMOUS - HENSLEY MEMORY PHOTO 

IDT FRIENDS - CONTAINER OF TEMPTATIONS, 6 HIGH RISE FOOD BOWLS 

ETHEL WINGS - ROLLS OF PAPER TOWELS

JANE 90125 - 2 BOXES OF TEMPTATIONS

ELIZABETH W - 4 CANS OF KMR

LOLA  M - PACKAGE OF WIPES, PACK OF TOILET PAPER, CASE OF PAPER TOWELS

NJ LURKER - CASE OF NULO CANNED FOOD, 12 PURPLE MOMMA'S

PAT D - 10 PURPLE MOMMA'S, 4 CANS OF KMR

JANET K - 2 BAGS OF BONITO FLAKES, BOX OF FF, BOX OF FF PETITE

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

 Happy Wednesday everyone! I hope you are all having a fantastic week so far! We have been a whirlwind of activity, so let's go over what's been keeping us hoppin! 

Wowzers---Improve-a-thon. You guys EXCEEDED everything we had even hoped for! I should have known what happens when the FFRC Nation has a challenge! So far, YOU raised over $94,000!!! Guys, I just do not have words to thank you. Truly, truly from the bottom of ALL of our hearts---THANK YOU. What a comfort this has been! We have ordered a lot of medicines since Improve-a-thon, and some much-needed things around the property. Some of those things have been large fans to keep the outside kitties and goat girls cool, a trailer (which has already been very helpful taking the lawnmower in for repairs and moving things around the farmyard). We're also working on getting quotes for the 'walls' for the shelter house. But for the most part, we've been resting just knowing that we have a 'safety' net, and that feels AMAZING. 

Because this was a long blog, I did not include the super long list of box senders and financial donators, but I wanted to say a massive thank you to each and every one of you who help with our day to day needs and helping provide our kitties with the bestest! Many hugs to you all! 

We are also gearing up for some much-needed vacations. Lynnette and Jimmy will be on vacation from 8/4 to 8/13. They are very excited, but I'll miss them! I will also have a small vacation coming up 10/2 to 10/6. 

Some other important dates coming up:

8/5 to 8/12 A wonderful friend is hosting a Pampered Chef party and the proceeds benefit FFRC! Isn't that wonderful! No obligation to purchase at all, but if you are like me and need to get some new cooking gear, now's a good time and FFRC gets a bonus donation! If you'd like to shop, here's the link:

https://www.pamperedchef.com/party/ffrcfundraiser2023

8/7 Wheeler is getting bloodwork done. 

8/10 Humane Ohio

8/16 Flash Sale at 11:00

8/22 Our wonderful volunteers, Dave and Judy will be retiring after 20 plus years! 

8/24 Humane Ohio

As many of you know, it has been a particularly hard couple of weeks around here, and our hearts have been very heavy. It started with our sweet loveable boy, Terry. Terry, our porchie, was hit by a car on July 20th. Even though it didn't look good, Debbie and I rushed around and loaded him up. I ran him up to the emergency vet, 45 mins away. Unfortunately, we were unable to save him. We were devastated.

What was almost immediately following Terry, was one of our little old men, Tasco. I've been watching him for a while and noticed his eyes looking 'not right'. After a few different meds not working, it was time to see Dr. Darcy. We started to feel that this was a tumor growing behind his eyes, and after a few tests, discovered it was. Dr. Darcy helped him over the bridge, and our boy is now resting. 

Then this Sunday, July 30th, we lost one of our residences. Our sweet loving Camvie went to the rainbow bridge in the arms of her beloved Brandon, and while watching the sunset. This was terribly hard. Her inflammatory bowel and upper respiratory infections were no longer responding to meds, and she was in pain. Because her needs always come first, we let her go, even though our hearts are heavy. 

What has helped is the love and unfailing support of you all. I cannot tell you how much this helps us when things can be hard. I absolutely hate when a kitty passes, more than anything. But it does come with this job, and it will happen again. What helps is knowing they were loved, warm and had full tummies. And for that I am grateful. 

We do have some new intakes. The first was Gabriel and his brother Gideon. These boys were found under a deck, with their mommy and siblings passed. Gabriel was the worst of two, being covered in maggots. After cleaning and wound care, we noticed he was not going to make it. Gideon is doing great though and has been thriving. Big thanks to Beth and Debbie for syringing them both. Gideon is a brown tiger, and his date of birth is 6/25/2023.

The next new ones are Abba (M) and his sister Aponi (F) both brown tigers that look like little raccoons. These two were found outside, with an advanced eye infection that has left them both totally blind. They are young and I have to say adapting well! Just yesterday they started to play with toys! They arrived on 7/28/2023 and their date of birth is 6/28/2023. 

We also have Cheeto Puff, this sweet boy is a beautiful orange American Shorthair. He came to us on 7/19/2023 for a euthanasia. Upon seeing him, and talking to his former owner, we realized his reason for euthanasia was his owner being unable to afford a full dental, which he very much needs. So, we decided to try! He's fitting in wonderfully in the main room! 

We have Dobby as well. This inky arrived on 7/11 with a terribly injured tail. He is an unneutered male. We have since had his tail docked and he has the most adorable nub! His DOB is 4/12/23.

Then there is Buckeye. Wow are his colors beautiful!!! He is a brown and tan American Shorthair. He arrived on 7/13 with a large wound on his back, approx., 5in long and 4in wide. It is now approx. 1in by 1in! This unneutered boy has a birthdate of 7/12/22. 

Golly what a LARGE update for you all and I am sure I am missing lots of things! Thank you all for hanging in there with me. You are all just wonderful. Thank you so much for your love and support over these last few weeks. We are beyond grateful!! In friendship and gratitude ~ Megan and the Cats