Unfabulous

Poor sweet Fabio, he is OK now but something happened to him this morning. He was fine at breakfast around 4:45 a.m. When Judy S. arrived at 7:15 a.m., he was a mess. We're not sure what happened to him, but his whole body was covered with thick wet gooey sooty stuff. It took 4 shampoos to get him cleaned. He's fine now, the other sun porch cats are also fine, but the mystery of what happened remains. We had 2 great adoptions yesterday. Belmont went home to our friends Ron & Mary. We were so happy to have Belmont find a home with them. Leotie also went to her new home. I could tell Leotie was a very happy kitten! We had boxes to open last night! Sneakers, a dear cat that passed away, donated his meds to the Rescue Center. Thanks to Sara for sharing them with us. Thanks also to Jillr27 for the Friskies food, a much needed item. It's nice to have our supply replenished. Clarice G. also sent 5 boxes of Fresh Step litter, another much needed item. As the saying goes, what goes in, must go out! So, food and litter go hand in hand! Thanks so much for these donations. I've heard from Mitty's new family today and all is well. She's settling in just fine. They are quite interested in adopting another cat fairly soon. Mitty's kittens are doing great. Yesterday was their first day out of their room. They had 2 different play times and just loved it! Today we have Kate's minister from her church coming over to discuss having a Pet Blessing here at the Rescue Center for the FFRC kittens and cats and the volunteers pets. More later on this. Patricia Ann is now here in the Rescue Center, in Dodger's Pen. She loves to be petted, but oh, her skin is so thick, rough and scabby. Time will help with this. Kurt William is sporting a new sweater. Hopefully this one will help to keep him from scratching his should so it can heal. Farrah continues to take her medicine in the pill pockets. Twinkle has gained almost a whole pound already and her fur is so much healthier. Zelda's skin has softened up from her flea infestation. She loves to be petted. If you'd like to see how Kellen my granddaughter is doing while at CHOPS, you can go to http://caringbridge.org/ and enter in "kellenfaith". Caryn gives daily updates about Kellen. Thanks for your interest.

Bandita

New Date for Viewer Appreciation Day!

What a very busy past 2 days! First, Yvette went to her new home. Last I heard she was zipping thru the house! Also Mitty (the calico mama) was adopted yesterday. She ended up going to a home that several volunteers knew and was hand delivered after her spay! We also took in a new young cat. She was tossed out and abandoned after a family moved away. Why do people think this is OK? I will never understand these actions. She found food and a friend in a neighbor who saw she desperately needed help. He brought her here yesterday. This cat has personality plus and absolutely craves hands-on attention. She arrived with many many hundreds of fleas on her. Her entire body feels like thickened skin--the result of long term flea infestation. She also has several flea allergy sores on her body and ears. She is medium hair, white, female, already spayed. She probably only has half of her fur coat thickness due to the fleas. She is now flea free, fed, happy and purring. She has a special name--Patricia Ann, named after our web cam friend Hummerfan's sister. Yesterday was our surgery day and it sure kept us busy! Dr. Cindy was here to do the surgeries and Bonnie & Sue helped in the clinic. These are the kittens/cats that were spayed/neutered: Ernestine, Gonzo, Fozzy, Barbra, Peach, Happy, Hettie, Xubie, Derby, Belmont, Mitty, Cobbis, Preakness and Bandita. Dr. Cindy also came in and examined a few cats for me. She checked Twinkle and thought she looked very good, nice weight gain, also believes she has very very little sight, eye infection is better, will give her some antibiotics for a sore tooth. She also gave me some suggestions that we'll try on Emaline to see if we can get better control of her immune problems. I talked to her about Farrah, and we'll keep her on the dose of PB's that she's on right now. We had boxes to open last night--so much fun and so appreciated!

• Cantoncat & Sabrina: pill pockets for Farrah & cases of Friskies
• Joanne H: cosmic catnip alpine scratcher
• MagsPa: pill pockets for Farrah, Friskies can food
• Catlady: homemade cookies, lots of treats for the volunteers, kitty treats, can food (& Reese's Pieces!)
• Medic101: case of fancy feast
• Gemini, her mom & nephew: Party Mix treats for the volunteers, spring toys, and misc. toys & a tunnel
• Titansfan1: q-tips, cat treats, toys, tuna, whiskas, plates, homemade cookies, homemade toys, bookmarks for the volunteers.

You all are awesome! We had a 3-way cat problem this morning, all within 5 minutes of each other. Kurt William tried to climb a pole straight up and fell straight down, dazed himself and bruised his ego, but he's OK. Putter, for the first time, got "mixed up" in the shop vac cord and needed extra hugs. Then he swatted a kitten, so he felt better. Bella had a stream of bloody serum following her. Took a look and noticed a fairly large bite wound right on her "scooting bottom" area. Gave her a bath, shaved the area, and gave her antibiotics and pain meds, so she should be fine.

Much work was done in Kitty City again yesterday by Paul & James. About 85% of the new 2 x 4's, insulation, OSB boards and the fiber board is in place--looks fantastic! Hopefully the job will be done on Monday. FYI: a total of 40 more 2x4's were added to this building. Racer is working on a few little projects here in the rescue center, then come Tuesday, he'll be continuing his work on the cat walks for the rescue center. When that's done, he'll be putting up a maze of catwalks in Kitty City. The cats in Cat's Cove were out for a fun day of roaming on the farmyard. They're all doing great.

We have a change in the date for Viewer Appreciation Day! It will now be on Wednesday, September 14th . Audio will be on all day so you can listen in on what an average day is like around the rescue center.

Patricia Ann

Lowe's Project

What a terrific Thursday we had with the Lowe's project! At about 9:00 AM, people (volunteer Lowes employees) started to show up. The supply truck arrived soon afterward and the work began. The Lowe's project was to put in all new 2 x 4's in Kitty City, then put in insulation. They also put in a wonderful new weather door! The difference in Kitty City already is amazing. Paul and James put in the 4 giant windows that were donated to us. They will let in lots of sun and warmth in the winter, and the cats will have a good views of the outside. Today it's all about us continuing the work. The back room still has to have the 2 x 4's put in, followed by the insulation. The OSB boards (4 x 8's) will arrive this morning and be put over the insulation for the interior walls. After that, the new FRP will be put on top of the OSB boards, along with all the trim. When this is all complete, Kurt will be making new catwalks for inside Kitty City. We are unable to use the old catwalks that were removed since they were designed and cut to be mounted between the 2x4s that will now be inside the wall. Today Paul, James & James' son will work all day in Kitty City. To clear out Kitty City, we had to use the clinic to store some of Kurt's workshop items, so he will be moving all this back into Kitty City tonight so we can have surgery in the clinic tomorrow. We have approximately 12-14 spays/neuters scheduled for tomorrow! Handsome Sunoco was adopted Wednesday. So happy for him and his new owner. We had boxes to open the night before! ClassyCat sent batteries (for the laser light), cat treats, kitty food and Friskies and treats for the volunteers. Thanks ClassyCat--sure do appreciate this! Joanne H. sent us 100 thank you notes with Putter's picture on the front! They are just wonderful and I'll use every one of them! Thanks bunches. Cathi B. sent Whiskas packs which ALL the kittens and cats love. Thanks to all for helping with these gifts--this really helps us tremendously. Received an e-mail from Mike Chamberlin. He's the person that will be doing the concert for us on September 15, 2012. This will be an exciting event for us. He has also offered to do a web cam concert, just for you all! The day before the BIG concert, he will sing some songs in front of the cam and entertain us all! Mark your calendars! We took in a new kitten yesterday. She's a Siamese with a bit of a snowshoe look to her--very pretty girl with an super sweet personality. Her name is Bandita and she's about 11 weeks old. She'll be out and about with the rest of the gang soon. It is with great sadness that I tell you that our little Phoenix passed away last night. He's our little one that was tossed out of a car. The first day he was looking better, then yesterday late morning he started his downward slide. He obviously (by the symptoms he showed) had some internal damage from his accident. These are always heartbreakers. We want so badly to make everything ok, to bypass the hardship he endured at the hands of someone else who didn't care about his well-being. But, we all cared--me, the volunteers, and the web cam viewers. He was given much love and was held at the time of his passing. So, even though his time was short here, I truly feel that Phoenix knows he did matter to us.

Barbra and Chaplin

Rain, Rain, GO AWAY!

Extra busy days coming up. Today we will be emptying out Kitty City. Kurt, Seth & Linda will be helping with this big job. Tomorrow, Lowe's project begins around 9:00 A.M. I talked to the person in charge of this project yesterday. The plan is to put in a new storm door, put in more 2 x 4's, put insulation between those 2 x 4's, then put up the interior wall. We will also have 4 thermal windows put in. In addition to Lowe's bringing in their own employees to help with this project we have a friend, James, that will lend a hand. How exciting to have this project in the works. It will help so much with the cat's comfort level this winter. All is fine here in the Rescue Center. There's action all around. Kurt has been working on the 2 shelves in Thumper's Room & the catwalks for Kitty Campus Room. They'll be beautiful when he's done. Since he's put the guard rails up on the upper cat walks, we haven't had any falling kitties! Paul now has Kitty Campus Room done. The walls have the fiberboard up, walls and windows are trimmed. That was a very difficult room to do. The Kitty Campus Room is now also done, except for the trim around 1 window. Next is June's Room! Rizzo apparently hurt her foot during the night, has been limping a lot this morning. Gave her some meds to help with the slight swelling and told her to go be with her mama Ernestine and take a nap. We shaved the tummies and tail area of all the long hairs yesterday--Putter, the 2 Paddys, Leotie, Sunoco, Chaplin & Yvette. It makes the grooming job so much easier. Putter is even sporting a "poodle cut" on his 4 feet. He's not into grooming, so this will help keep his toes clean. Saturday is our big surgery day for the FFRC cats--possibly have 13 surgeries to do. We definitely will be having a box opening this evening around 6:30! My 2 granddaughters are here while Caryn & Kellen are at the hospital in Philly. If you would like updates on Kellen, her website is caringbridge.org. Enter in “kellenfaith”, Caryn updates her site daily.

Barbra

My note of gratitude!

I checked the webcam chat yesterday and it sure brought a smile to me. You all are so caring and compassionate about the cats and kittens here at the Rescue Center and for that, I thank you! It's such a comfort to know that you also love these cats. Gracias to our Spanish friends on the cam. It also amazes me how well many of you know their names. After a very hot and humid summer, it's actually cool this morning. All doors and windows are open, including the 2 doorways to the outdoor enclosure, which the cats love. There's bird feeders to watch, bugs to catch, chickens & peacocks to see, cobwebs for Octavia to eat and so much to do! All is fine here. I'm always grateful for the good health of our cats. Mitty and her kittens are wonderful. The kittens have learned to clutch onto our legs when we go in. Mitty has a terrific purr. Twinkle is wonderful. She's gaining weight, she's comfortable in her surroundings and only goes into her pen now for her special feedings. Kurt now has most of the cat rails up on many of the high catwalks--they look wonderful. Hopefully, no more falling cats. Paul worked all day yesterday in Kitty Campus Room putting up the FRP. These walls are not even by any means, but when he's done, it'll look great. Today he'll continue in Kitty Campus room. We will be cleaning out Kitty City now in preparation for the big Lowe's project on Thursday. Bella's biggest treat (besides baby food) is to go out into the new Welcome Room. We also occasionally let her out with the dogs. Remember, she cannot climb the fence, so she is safe. She loves that sense of freedom, or maybe it's her enjoyment time away from the kittens! Badu, the ragdoll, is so much more comfortable now. She sure loves a good head rub, still grumbles at the cats if they get right in her face, but is certainly people friendly. If you notice KW and Zelda missing sometime, it's because I've cat-napped them into my home! Just kidding, but I sure do love them! Raza at this moment is a statue--she has a bird about 3 feet in front of her at the bird feeders. Good thing she can only watch them. Xubie is still an extremely affectionate cat. Emaline gave Blinken a thorough bath yesterday.

Tweeny

Baaka and Yojimbo find homes

Yojimbo was adopted! He went to a friend's home and will have great people and cat company. Baaka was also adopted to the family that has Subra. It is so wonderful to to have the cats and kittens go into homes that "feel right" for them. It's what makes all this worthwhile--knowing these homes are wonderful and loving. If we are fortunate to receive a box, we try to open them around 6:30 P.M EDT. We received a box from the family that adopted Doodle, now called Tucker. They sent fancy feast and some of that wonderful treat Bonito flakes. Thanks to the Erbskorn family. We also received a box from Michelle H. from Naples, FL. She sent a big assortment of items: plates, rice cereal, cat treats, q-tips, sponges, baby food, posties, Fancy Feast, trash bags, dry food and toys. Thanks so much--it will go be put to good use! Loved your letter too. Gemini was here for a visit and a hand delivered box. She gave Friskies and Whiskas. Thanks, as these cats eat alot! msbluewolf also sent some bluebies. These are so pretty and I appreciate your time and effort you put into these. We use them everyday. Good luck at your upcoming craft show in Phoenix. Thanks too to Kay M for the cat condo, cat food and coupon. It never ceases to amaze me the support you all give to the Rescue Center--your votes, being a part of the cam or chat, your gifts, your words of encouragement, etc. I'm grateful. The gifted water fountain is a huge success. At first, only a few drank from it, now we have to keep it filled a couple times a day! They love it. This Thursday is the big Lowe's project for Kitty City. More info later, but will be a great day for improvements. This Saturday Dr. Cindy will be here and will help us get caught up on physicals and spays/neuters again. Kurt William has again scratched his shoulder, so now he's sporting a Spongebob sweater--he sure looks cute. Farrah continues to take her PB's in her little pill pockets. Zelda is the sweetest cat ever--loves to be held. Preakness is now doing great--her little tummy is nice and round. She can keep up with the other kittens now. Blinken loves the purple marshmallow bed--he enjoys nursing on it.

Tookie

2 for... Friday?

Thursday
Thanks to Azuremeow for the 2 boxes that had baby can food, fancy feast dry food, toys and dry kitten food for the Rescue Center. Also thanks to the Hall family (who adopted Subra) for the paper towels, paper plates, Friskies can, treats and Fancy Feast cans. I especially loved the letter from Subra. It really meant a lot to me. Subra's family also has a hold on Baaka. The mama cat, Mittie & kits in Thumper's Room are wonderful--the kittens come running now to get attention. Today Paul starts the wall project in Cat's Corner Room. This room still has exposed 2 x 4's, so the plywood walls and fiber boards will soon go up. We've heard from Bubba's family, who is now named Maximus. He's doing wonderful He'll be here Saturday morning for his last vaccination. All is fine here. Kittens tummies are round, cats are purring, kittiy groupies are sleeping together.


Friday
Thanks too to Beth A, a webcam viewer for the 6 cases of Friskies--a much need item. We sure appreciate it. JJ made an appearance last night so we could see the "real" JJ that won the $1,000 for FFRC thru the Animal Rescue Photo contest. Big hugs and kisses to JJ, Dawn and Bill, we sure appreciate him and am so glad that you adopted him from here! Paul has started the project of putting the FRP up on the walls in the 3 Rescue Rooms. Right now, they're just 2 x 4's sticking out, with some very rough panel boards. This fiberboard will make it so much easier to clean and looks so bright. Thanks Paul for your hard work. Kurt has been putting in many hours on all the new cat walks and catwalk rails. They look so nice. Big thanks too to Kurt for all your hard work. Sept. 17 is our day event at Kircher's Flowers for their fall festival. If you live in the area come say hi!

Belmont