FFRC BLOG: November 2024

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:

FFRC Weekly Blog Week Ending November 9, 2024

Adoptions:

Sisters, Bella and Luna were adopted, together. Found and rescued in a trash truck by an observant driver in July, 2024, these newborns survived against the odds and have found their furever home together. They are now part of a family that includes 2 eight year old kitties. Sisters forever. Friends forever. Family forever.

After waiting over 2 years for a family, Cher is now home! She’ll have an 11 year old brother and will keep her name. This sweet girl who bothers no one and now lives in Wisconsin where she’ll get all the cheese and football she wants!

Mr. Adorable, Reiko was also adopted. Reiko came to us from Dr. Darcy’s office in June, after he was found with his brother, Morrison. Sweet Morrison didn’t make it but Reiko has gotten stronger. He’s a shy little boy who has come out of his shell. He’ll begin his new life with a new name, Leo. And just like Leo the lion, he’ll be fearless and courageous. He’ll be the center of attention with all the love in the world given to him.

New Cats:

Oscar = This big boy has been coming around the property for several months and evaded capture. Finally, we prevailed and caught him. He’s now up to date with his vaccinations and will be neutered. He may not like that, but he’ll live a much better life not having to buy Valentine’s gifts for all the girls. He is a handsome big guy. Loves to be petted. He’s a friendly guy. We put him at about 5 years old.

Jack = 13 week old kitten was found while someone was camping. Severe ear mites, fleas, ruptured eye from Herpes. His overall eyesight is still tenuous. Overall fantastic demeanor.

Moogy = Moogy was our friend/volunteer Marcia’s senior kitty. She is 17 and a little lost right now, having lost her mom. We’re going to try her in Nyota’s room with the girls. They all have heartbreak in their history and need friends who understand them. Moogy needs our love, empathy and understanding more than anything. All things she’s gone through, she is doing well.

Health Updates:
Thumbelina had her sutures removed. They were a little tricky but she’s a trooper and fine.
Other Updates:

Spitfire is now eating on his own. He loves his food.

Our farm hand, Ray, had to leave for personal reasons. For now, Cindy will be taking on even more responsibilities. We will look to hire someone to help sometime after January.

Our night time worker, Raven has had to retire due to medical reasons, but she is going to volunteer a few times a week coming in to love, brush and talk to the kitties.

FYI:

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'" —Mister Rogers

Spitfire or Yoda? Hmmmm

FFRC Weekly Blog Week Ending November 2, 2024

Adoptions:

None (Yellowstone was on last week’s blog)

New Cats:

None

Health Updates:

Junior has been losing a little weight so he went off to the vet for some bloodwork. He’s doing well, but he does have a little thyroid issue so we are starting him on some meds. We’ve tried pills but he is not really good with pills so we are going to try some cream in his ear. Junior and his brother Smokey are office kitties. Remember, these two brothers belonged to our moderator Mighty Kat who passed a few years ago.

Checkers went to the vet to have a tail amputation (and a neuter.) Remember when Checkers first came here, he had a ‘degloved’ tail. The tail eventually fell off and we sent him to the Vet to have some ‘cleanup’ done, but Dr. Darcy feels the area has healed very nicely and didn’t need any further surgery.

Mitzy was sent up to the vet’s to have a double inoculation. Both eyes had already fallen out but the areas needed to be closed up. Since doing both is a lot for the little girl, only one eye was closed. She was also spayed. Her other eye will be done at a future date. For now, she’s like a pirate.

Some people have asked about what’s happening with Choco’s hair. It’s kinda weird, but we love it! He has multiple colors, from brown legs to gray body to long hair in certain places and not others. He is one unique cat and we love him!

Moo Moo is doing very well and her rectum is healing very well.

Other Updates:

None

FYI:

As it begins to get colder outside, please remember to tap on your car hood before starting your car as cats (and other animals) may climb up on the engine to get warm. Think of it as giving encouragement to your car as you begin your journey “You go car, you go”. That little love tap may just save a life and your car will love you for it.

Choco