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