FFRC BLOG: 2024

FFRC Weekly Blog Week Ending December 14, 2024

Adoptions:

None

New Cats:

None

Health Updates:
Dagda had one of those ‘he zigged when he should have zagged’ moments. We watched him closely for a few days and he’s fine. He was in a bit of a bad mood for a little while, but sometimes we all have those days.

Nyota is feeling much better and eating well.

Other Updates:

Dutton is now out and about and adjusting well to his new world.

We had another Humane Ohio day this week, sending up 26 females and 18 males for ‘fixin’. Included in the group were Moo Moo, Taco Belle and Mr. Carson. All came back as new kitties with no worries of how to pay for future child support.

Megan was feeling a bit under the weather this week so there aren’t a lot of updates. But in keeping with the magic of the season, let’s imagine some update:
“All cats waiting for adoption, have been adopted to loving homes.”
“All cats are healthy and don’t need any medical treatment or Vet appointments, except for routine physicals.”

“Every bill that came in, has been paid and there is money left over.”

If you wish long enough and keep a positive outlook, it’s amazing how many dreams can come true.

Holds:

None

Other:
"We are never really happy until we try to brighten the lives of others."-- Helen Keller

Abba

FFRC Weekly Blog Week Ending December 7, 2024

Adoptions:

Choco was adopted! He had come to us as a month old kitty with ‘lazy legs’. His back legs weren’t quite developing correctly and he ‘dragged’ them as he moved. With time, patience and love, he has gotten better and now runs and plays. He was adopted by the family that adopted Berry Belle and Burger.

New Cats:

Two cats were ‘dumped’ on the property this week. One, an orange female around 2 years old (maybe a little younger). The other is also a female, a dilute calico about 8 months old. Based on how they are acting with each other, we believe they are part of the same family. We are pretty certain they were dumped by a person who had inquired about us taking in some of her cats. We are at capacity and recommended several other places, then these cats ‘appeared’ on the property.

The little calico somehow managed to get wedged under Megan’s car so it took several strong people to jack up the car, climb under and heroically save the little cat. Rumor has it the local news wanted to film the rescue but they were called to film a dog that was barking at a postal carrier instead. Such is life in Defiance!

Health Updates:

Nyota is feeling better but will still be kept in a quiet pen for a few more days as she finishes up her medicine.

Murph had to have all his teeth removed. He was a bit grumpy but is feeling much better. Cats without teeth can eat like any other cats, even dry food. They are resilient little ones. Murph is one tough kitty. Butterbean is making fun of him, but he’s fine and Butterbean just needs to watch his back.

Other Updates:

Saturday was our annual Kitty Christmas and once again, our Friends exceeded our expectations. Your generosity is mind boggling.

Boxes are still coming in, but as of 12/8, here are the tentative totals:

~415 boxes were received, and opened, for Kitty Christmas.

~The total of $$ donations is currently $23,431.70. Megan will update us after she gathers the remaining information.

~The calendars are here! The first box arrived yesterday. Details posted as soon as we have them.

~At one point during Kitty Christmas, we had 1,022 viewers.

~ The 17 hidden letters spelled out "Drink Your Ovaltine" a line from the 1983 movie A Christmas Story.

Holds:

None

Other:

If you think your kindness goes unnoticed, you are wrong. Kindness can be as simple as a hello in chat or a ‘like’ on videos. Being respectful of each other is kindness. Be kind, it makes life so much better.

Delta:

FFRC Weekly Blog Week Ending November 30, 2024

Adoptions:

None.

New Cats:

Last week a Fedex driver brought in a big black cat that had been left behind by a family who moved. (see last week’s blog). Also, the cat has now been named: Dutton.

It truly is a season of deliveries as a different Fedex driver was involved in an accident with an elderly couple. The couple had this cat in the car, and gave it to the FedEx driver as she had to later deliver to FFRC. This cat is also black and about a year old. She has been named Bayleigh.

Rumor has it, UPS drivers are looking around for any kitties they can bring to FFRC.

Health Updates:

Sadly, Moogy has passed. Moogy belonged to our friend and volunteer, Marcia. She was with Marcia for 17 years. Marcia passed away a few weeks ago and Moogy came to stay at FFRC with Nyota and the quiet room. She did well for the first few days, but then stopped eating, lost weight and just wasn’t well.

Her condition deteriorated. She passed peacefully and is now with her momma.

Liebchen has a URI and eye infection. She is in her pen to keep her quiet. She actually does well away from the hustle and bustle of the main center. She’s like Emmy and Tigerlily, not very “peopley”, but sweet.

Nyota hasn’t been feeling well for the past few days. She had a slight temperature. She’s been given some meds and has improved slightly. Remember, Nyota is a burn victim and while her burns have healed, she’s always subject to infections. She’s a survivor but does feel a little ‘punky’ every now and then. We’ve penned her to keep a closer eye on her.

Other Updates:

Tuesday, December 3 is Giving Tuesday. This global event encourages those who can to reach out and help charities, organizations, groups that make a difference in communities. It’s a great day to volunteer at your local animal shelter/rescue or maybe a local nursing home or elder affairs center. It’s a day that reminds us of all the good there is in the world. We need these types of reminders every day. Sometimes, it’s best to tune out negativity and celebrate those people and groups who help make the world a little bit better.

If you can, please remember FFRC and give us positive thoughts and encouragement.

Kitty Christmas begins Saturday at 10:00 a.m. Here is tentative schedule:

Come in your coziest holiday pajamas, grab some snacks and settle in for some fun!

10:00am History of Kitty Christmas, Reading of Names, Chatter Scavenger Hunt and Holiday Pictionary.

11:30am Name Reading, Mystery Taste Tests and Chickie Party for the Kitties

1:00pm More Names to be Grateful For! And Story Time plus Meet Some Staff!

2:30pm Even More Names plus some Holiday Password!

Holds:
Choco = he has a few more milestones to reach before being cleared to go to his forever home.

Allen is scheduled to be adopted on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 11:30 ish.

Other:

During this busy time of year, sometimes we may forget two simple words: Thank You. This is especially important for those in the retail industry. A genuine Thank You can truly turn a bad day into a good day for someone who needs it.

Moogy, at peace with her mom.

FFRC Weekly Blog Week Ending November 23, 2024

Adoptions:

None.

New Cats:

Our Fedex driver noticed a big kitty outside on a nearby residence porch. In speaking with neighbors, they told him the family moved out about two weeks ago and left the kitty behind. He has been on their porch ever since, waiting for them to return. The kind driver brought a carrier and was able to catch the kitty and brought him to FFRC.

He appears to be about 6 or 7 years old. He’s a big kitty and very, very loving. He has ear mites and fleas, both are being treated. He is neutered. He’ll be out in the main center soon. No name yet.

While there is a temptation to criticize, let’s focus forward and be thankful, especially this week, that the Fedex driver didn’t look away, instead got this sweet boy the help he needed. There are heroes all around us. They should be the focus. Welcome to FFRC big boy, you’re in good hands now.

Health Updates:
Murphy went to the vet for some dental work this week and it was worse than thought, so he had all his teeth removed. He’s fine and will be his old self soon. He’s doing well.

Xavi went to the vet for a follow-up and was given a clean bill of health. His leg is ok, it does ‘jut’ out a little weird but it isn’t causing pain and that’s just him.

Other Updates:

Oscar has been out and about, doing well and getting along with everyone except Buckeye. They’ll be fine, Buckeye can be ‘challenging’ with newcomers, assorting his place in the hierarchy, but they’ll work it out. Oscar simply loves to be loved.

We are actively looking for someone to help with our website. Qualified people should send an email to Megan with your background and she’ll be in touch if there seems to be a match.

Megan is also interviewing people for the night shift held by Raven. As previously stated, Raven has had to give up her shifts due to medical issues. She does still come to love on the kitties, and they love to be loved by her.

Holds:
Choco = he has a few more milestones to reach before being cleared to go to his forever home.

Other:

Our friend and longtime FFRC worker, Jimmy Greene has passed away after a long illness. Jimmy was a beautiful man who lit up the Center, every time he came through the door. His smile could be seen throughout the world. His fight was fought bravely and now he can rest. In this week of giving Thanks, we all give thanks for having had Jimmy touch our lives.

Our hearts are truly heavy and our prayers are with Jimmy’s partner, Lynnette and his entire family. Sometimes there simply are no words to express sorrow. Jimmy’s life was truly a life well lived.

“Those we love, don’t go away. They walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard but always near; still loved, still missed and very dear.”

Jimmy Greene

FFRC Weekly Blog Week Ending November 16, 2024

Adoptions:
Percy was adopted this week.

This 6 month old boy came to us when he was about one month old. He had been found on the side of the road. His eyes were completely matted shut, his nose was matted shut, he had ear mites and ringworm. He was in rough shape.

He was 13 ounces when he arrived and he was 6 lbs at his last weigh in. He’s growing up!

He’s going to be an only child for now. He can be a shy kitty, at times. He and Xavi have become good friends, so who knows!! He will keep his name!

New Cats:

None. (Birch and Maple, see below under Other Updates).

Health Updates:

Xavi had his leg x-rayed and is in a cage for a while to let it heal up. He is anxious to come out but it’s best for him right now to keep him quiet.

Moogy had been sick for a little over a week, she has lost weight and is just so very sad over the loss of her mom. She went up to the vet and was diagnosed with a bladder infection so is on antibiotics and does feel a lot better after being on meds for about 24 hours.

Oscar had his neutering and for now is in Thumper's room. We are going to keep him in there for a few days with everything going on in the main room. We are hoping we can make him an inside cat but will not push the issue.

Other Updates:

Birch and Maple were both returned. They were adopted a few months ago and the older cat in the house simply wouldn’t accept them and was very stressed about the two new ones. The family were heartbroken to return them but they had to think of the well being of their existing kitty who has been with them for many years. So they did the right thing and reached out to us, per their contract. Birch and Maple are a little confused but adjusting to being back at FFRC.

As many of you know, we have had some staffing issues which will probably continue thru the end of the year. Due to health issues as well as life issues, we’ve had some of our staff/volunteers unavailable and everyone has stepped up to help but special shoutout to:

Carmine, Mary H., Dawn, Debbie, Edna, Heidi, for all filling in taking extra shifts and doing all that is needed to take care of the cats. For their part, the cats have done nothing to help, but we’re here for them, and they know it.

We had our annual holiday party for the staff/volunteers on Saturday and it was nice to just all get together and spend quality time just enjoying each other’s company. When people who love cats and dedicate so much of themselves to making their lives better, get together, it’s always a nice time. We thank all our Friends for their support and kind words.

Our Kitty Christmas is currently going on. We are asking, if you can, to send food, monetary donations and supplies for the cats to us. On December 7th, we’ll read all the sender's names and have a fun day planned to celebrate with the cats and our Friends. See our website for more information. If sending boxes, please address, if possible, to Kitty Christmas

FFRC

14597 Power Dam Rd.

Defiance, OH 43512

Thank you.

Holds:
Choco = he has a few more milestones to reach before being cleared to go to his forever home.

FYI:

“Everyone you meet is facing a battle you know nothing about. Always be kind.”
Maverick: