FFRC Blog Week Ending March 21, 2026
It's SPRING!!! WOOHOO!!!
Last week we celebrated St. Patrick's Day and the First Day of Spring---What I missed was Saint Gertrude of Nivelles' Feast Day also celebrated on 3/17.
Saint Gertrude is known as the patron saint of cats, travelers, and those in need of comfort. It’s said that she watched over both people and animals, offering kindness where it was needed most—especially to the small, the unwanted, and the forgotten.
If she were here today, I think she’d be sitting beside the scared feral, the sick kitten, the ones the world looks past… reminding them they matter.
And maybe that’s what rescue really is—being a little bit like Gertrude.
Showing up.
Loving anyway.
Caring for the ones no one else will.
So tonight, hug your kitties a little closer—especially the shy ones, the broken ones, the ones still learning to trust. They are so worthy of love.
And if you’re out there feeding a feral colony, trapping to help, or opening your home to one who needed a chance… know this: you are doing sacred work.
Taken from "For the Love of a Feral's Post.
Adoptions:
We had an adoption this last week!! Our beautiful girl, STARLIGHT, was adopted on Friday! Starlight has the softest bunny-like fur. She appeared one day in our parking lot and is now about 11 months old. Her new daddy looked at a lot of cats on Friday, but Starlight picked him. She said, "You are taking me home! No need to look at any other kitties!" At this time, Starlight will be keeping her name.
Holds:
Our beautiful floofy girl MARY LOU is on hold. More details to follow.
Intakes:
No intakes this week.
Health Updates:
BOWIE is doing much better. His mouth ulcers and swelling have improved. He will make a great addition to someone's home.
MR. ROGERS has gained some more weight! He is up to 9 lbs. 2 ozs. He no longer is a boney boy.
We noticed that CHANDLER was not feeling all that great this last week. We started treating him for toxoplasmosis which is an infection caused by a parasite which can be transmitted by undercooked meat or contact with cat feces. Chander is one of the kitties that came from the Humane Case House. He got a bit better, but not as quickly as we would like, so he visited Dr. Darcy who is not really sure what the issue is. Because Toxoplasmosis and FIP have similar symptoms, we started him on FIP treatment. He was pretty down because we had isolated him from his sister, LUCKY. Because he was so sad, we opened up his and Lucky's condo and put them back together. There was an immediate change! They are both playing and are much happier. Now, we wait and see how they both are. FFRC records have been changed, and these two kitties are now listed as a Bonded Pair. They will live together for the rest of their lives.
CHANDLER is the black and white boy and LUCKY is his calico sister. (Not really sure if they are siblings, but based on their age, it is very likely).
All other kitties are doing great!
Center Kitties & Others:
Ever wonder what happens in the Kabana on a warm, sunny day? Wonder no more!
We have equipped the GOATS with their colored collars and now can easily identify them:
JOLENE, light green collar - mom to Spade and sister to Charlene.
PEANUT, dark green collar.
LUCKY, blue collar - mom to Peanut.
CHARLENE, purple collar - mom to Lucky, grandma to Peanut and sister to Jolene.
We also still have LUCY and SUNSHINE, our full-size goats (mom and daughter).
Adopted Kitties:
Do you all remember EILEEN?? She was a kitty that was returned February 10, 2025, and returned to us in a terrible state. Severe flea infestation and very dehydrated and underweight.
She was again adopted on July 3, 2025, by a wonderful family who love her very much. Here she is today!
Our next Fash Sale will be held at 11am on 3/25. Exciting Spring Items!
Results of our Easter Fundraiser:
Winner: Darla W
Consolation Prize of two kitchen towels
Winner: Mojha MC
Sold 140 tickets for $700
Winner: Susan SMO
Consolation Prize of three kitchen towels
Winner: Christine P
Sold 69 tickets for $345
Winner: Tamara S
Consolation Prize of Easter flag and sign
Winner: Richard R for Kim
Sold 94 tickets for $470
Winner: Robin and Kirsty
Consolation Prize of bunny and sign
Winner: Gillian H
Sold 100 tickets for $500
Winner: Darla W
Consolation Prize of two bunnies
Winner: Jessie PAR
Sold 54 tickets for $270
Winner: Jeff B (Ron)
Consolation Prize of two bunnies
Winner: Christine FA
Sold 71 tickets for $355
Winner: Taylor R
Consolation Prize of an Easter bag with bunnies
Winner: Kerry WOO
Sold 63 tickets for $315
Winner: Michelle HO
Consolation Prize of 3 wooden bunnies
Winner: Greg RE
An additional consolation prize of a fuzzy blanket was won by Sophia SD
The total raised from the sale of 645 tickets was $3,225. Additional bump ups brought the total up to $5,500. This included a donation from Eagle Watcher (Beth). She volunteered to pick up FIP medication and also paid for it.
Thanks so much to:
FFRC Staff and Volunteers
AND a special thanks to the Kitties that keep us all watching!
Current Needs:
A list is kept up to date on the Amazon Wish List found on the FFRC website.
Other:
We continue to receive very touching memorial tributes for ALMA and MAGIC. Thank you for providing these and showing the depth of your love for these two residents.
The Valentine's Day videos are still being worked on. We will get them sent out soon.
FFRC has applied for their first grant. It is for $2,000. Some of the conditions of the grant are that there has to be a match of the $2,000 and that the money be used for Community Spay/Neuter. More details to follow.
Megan, Debbie, Gem and Dawn all were able to visit with the Kitten Lady in Ft. Wayne on 3/19. They learned some new ideas about kitten care and shared their experiences with CH kitties. They may try a new formula and also try bottle feeding, as opposed to syringe feeding.
On a sad note, Megan lost her dog, HAGRID, on Friday 3/13. "He was just the bestest boy. Always smiling and just happy napping in all his dog beds. We didn't have him long but will love him a lifetime's worth." Gizmo is now an only child.
Do you live in the Defiance, OH area? Are you handy?
We are looking for a reliable, hands-on part-time farm helper to assist with daily animal care, maintenance, and general property upkeep.
Responsibilities include:
Caring for goats and fowl (feeding, watering, basic care), General maintenance and repairs, Yard work and property upkeep, Painting and small repair projects
Operating equipment such as:
Riding mower, Weedwacker, Chainsaw
-Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
-Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather
-Experience using basic farm and lawn equipment
-Willingness to get dirty and tackle hands-on tasks
-Love for animals is a must
-Dependable, self-motivated, and safety-minded
Monday to Friday - Part-time hours
Flexible scheduling (details discussed during interview)
If you enjoy physical work, being outdoors, and working around animals, this could be a great fit!
FFRC is also looking for kitty volunteers. Candidates need to be at least 18 years old and have transportation to get here. Volunteers work set shifts and have assigned tasks, which include cleaning, feeding and providing other care for cats. Please contact Megan if you would like to help.
If you haven't looked at our Instagram page, please do!! There are great pictures of our center's kitties. Thanks so much!
Please make sure that you have a plan for your pets in the event that you are no longer able to take care of them. The best plan is to have both a primary and a secondary backup.
2026 Calendars are still available and are being offered in two sizes: 8 1/2 x 12 or 8 1/2 x 14. Orders for calendars will be through the FFRC Store and also on the FFRC website. We are unable to take orders via the phone or e-mail. I've received mine, how about you?
Photos by Dawn and friends.
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"Nothing is so beautiful as Spring."
Gerard Manley Hopkins
"Spring adds new life and new beauty to all that is."
Jessica Harrelson
