Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020

We got some things caught up yesterday!  That felt good. And it was by opening BOXES.  Do you know how very important boxes are to FFRC?  On a scale of 1 to 10, it's a 20.  Big time thanks to you all for these wonderful gifts.

Jodi J - 10 Bags Blue Buffalo Wilderness Snackers

Cindy G.. A Book with matching poster 'FFRC Splash Park Adventure' by Cindy G!  A later date will be announced for the reading of the book!

Stacy E - PA - Card and Journals (has somany uses!) for Mods & Vols and small Kitty notebooks to use as needed

Ann,Kevin & Bailey B - Kitty Christmas Card - Stamps for Donna, Bamboo travel mug for Jacci, 3 ornaments for Upside down tree, Santa, mouse, golden dove & golden Hummingbird

Andrew S - Dog Card - Blue Styx treats for Janie

Tiffany R - 24 ct Fancy Feast, Bag full of toys with Tunnel & Cat Nip Sticks

Anony - Stainless Bella Bowl slow feeder

Kim G - PA - Kitty Christmas Card - Flat of Stamps, For Janie: Squeek Toy & snackers , Snackers for kitties, 3 cans Kitty Food & PetSmart Gift Card

Kim R - NC - 9 Pretty throws for kitties

The Rescued Pride with help from nhfurry--- 3200 Kitty Wipes

Renata M - Switzerland - 3-D Christmas Card: 2 Feather wand toys,5 bags Kitty & Dog Snackers, 4 boxes Bondi Licks, 4 bags Dreamies Snackers

2 Bags of Cough Drops, Candy!: Bag of Risoletto, Box of Chocolate Branches, Chocolate w/nuts, 2-Ragusa Chocolates with hazelnut and pralines 

PiperJo - 4 Boxes Whiskas Pkts

FaithyMD  Hobbit Birthday - Refills for Turbo Tracs, 4 snacker balls, 5 feather Toys, Tripple Decker Turbo Trac

Jean M/Annette20 - Card - 2 Fluffy Poof beds (Zelda tried and approved), Royal Canin KD food, 2 Cases of Healthy Gourmet, Meaty Sticks & 15 Cups Sheba Photos of her kitties Alexandra & Princess

Donation in memory of Alexandra for a Plaque & Feliz Navidad Fund

Paula N - 2 Towels, Washcloths, Kitty Brush & Comb, Lots of Toys, Shortbread Cookies

3 bags Janie Snackers, 5 Bags Kitty Snackers, 21 Cans Fancy Feast KItten, Gift for Desmond & Dune

Mls - 2000 spoons

Anony - 16 Tubs Lysol Wipes, 40lbs Tidy Cat

Michelle & Mary LF - Christmas Card    Donation to Feliz Navidad

Cheryl L & Family - Kitty Christmas Card w/note

Donna & Robert T & Kitties Fiona, Smokey, Mango, Salsa, Scarlett, Zoe, Pumpkin & Audrianna AZ - Kitty Christmas Card & Coralie, Derecho & Ramsay Chicken $5

Katherine E--donation to FFRC

Pablo--lots of gallons of water!

David W--Happy New Year donation to be used as needed

We've heard back from the family of Jewell Elizabeth. Her name is now Athena. She has settled in nicely and is doing great. The family absolutely loves her. "She was spoiled by all of us over Christmas and is loving her new toys, even though her favorite thing to be in, is a box)"  The dog and other cat and Athena nap together. 

We took in a new cat yesterday. Her name is Ally Jo, a Name a Cat name. She's a gorgeous calico--black, deep gold and white.  Her nose and whisker pads are white along with her 4 white feet.  She was outside and came up to a doorstep and wanted inside very badly.  She is 14 months old with a birthday of 11/13/18.  Ally Jo is already spayed.  She is in the back Thumper's Room.

Xinzele is doing good.  She's hanging out in the Welcome Room, soaking up lots of pets as people go by. Her facial markings are so very sweet. 

Today the cats got a special treat--a holiday ham bone, compliments of their Auntie Judy and Uncle Dave.  Fern has definitely made his dent in this but now the other cats are joining in and enjoying this snacker. 

The 3 newbie's--Zappo, Zeppo and Zippo are doing great. They are up to stay in the main area--their confidence has grown and they also are enjoying the TLC they get.  

The Covies are doing great, along with all the outside cats.  They have all their heated beds and heat lamps but the temps have been very kind to us, so far, this winter. 

My daughter Dawn sent me this article, written by Mary Wright. It seems appropriate to pass on:      

Just Because I carry My Load Well, Doesn't Mean It Is Not Heavy.

"Just because I carry it well, doesn't mean it isn't heavy."  I ready this quote the other day and it suddenly hit me.  Everyone is carrying a heavy load. Some have it heavier than others, but that is life. And life is not always sunshine and rainbows. Life is difficult. It is full of struggles and misfortunes.

Everyone is carrying a sadness inside that we know nothing about. That's why we need to be gentler and more compassionate with each other. We must be kind in this judgmental world because we are all in this together. We all carry a load that is difficult to carry on our own.

I too am guilty of dismissing a person and cutting them off from my life only to find later that they were battling something and then immediately I regret treating them that like that. Because that person I cut off was carrying a load that was eating them up from the inside, and there I was--distancing myself because I didn't want to deal with them.

I need to be better.  You need to be better.  We all need to be better people.

There are a lot of people in this world who have it a lot harder than you and me. There are also a lot of people who have it less hard, but it doesn't mean that their load is insignificant. After all, loads are relative to the people that are carrying them - what's heavy for me might be light to you and vice versa.

And this load we are carrying , it is not pointless. We are not wasting time with it. That load is teaching us to be still in this fast-paced world and have faith.

Even though we are going through a lot of hardships within us, with our families, or within our significant relationships - we are not missing out on our destiny and on the things that are meant for us.

The hard times will go away. Until then, let's all show some grace. Let's all be kind to other people, even to the people who carry well their load for they may be hiding the fact that their load is heavy and they are exhausted.

So, let's soak each other in prayer, grace and intention. Let's spread love and grace around the world. And keep the faith of a better tomorrow."

You may say........this is not cat related, or as many call it NCR, but it is.  We are a large group of people, in this FFRCNation. We all have loads, we all know people and they have loads. Care for them, share your compassion with them, your patience and your gentleness.  Everyone needs it.  Sometimes I feel the cats know this better than us humans.  

My wish....for everyone to read that article twice and let it soak in.  It's a kindness we can do for everyone that crosses our paths. 

Take care and have a great weekend. 

Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020

The cats and people hoot and hollered as midnight came in for the New Year!  We had a little party for the cats, complete with a ball that came down at midnight.........filled with snackers, Pania flakes and ping pong balls! And needless to say, they slept most of the next day although they didn't miss any of their meals!

Our Cashew was adopted 12/27. This couple really has alot of love and care to give to Cashew. I know she also traveled well to her new home. 

We had a final adoption for 2019.  It was Ragsy! He's such a handsome boy--long hair white and black. He went to his new home on 12/31. He also has two young boys that will play with him alot.

Yes, I've gotten behind.  The last two months have been especially busy and I will be the first to say, I'm not caught up. And that brings us to BOXES.  On Tuesday, we did get the smaller packages and the envelopes all opened!  That was fun.  Now, tomorrow, Friday we will open BOXES at 1:00!  

Many thanks for the envelopes and packages--you all just keep us going and going and I think that is wonderful! 

FaithyMd:  it's a Hobbit Birthday so Faithy, on her birthday, sends the kitties  presents:  3 Mice Bouncing toys, Ball w/crinkle ball inside, Catnip stick toy with feathers, 2 packs of Jingle balls, 2 packs of 3 party fish toys, 9 Skitter

   critter mice with catnip.

Pam C. (Vt.) :  Christmas Card and 3 Kitty can't cope toys with catnip.

Dilly Di :  6 Purple Mamas

Kathy in WV and Donnie: Box of 12 Delectable Bisque's Tuna and Chicken.

Jody J.:  3 Purple Mamas

Janet C. (Va.) :  donation to be used wherever needed.

Pauline:  Christmas Card

Joan Y. and Richard S. :  Christmas card

Fran S.: Christmas Card and donation in honor of Schinn. They love her!!

Jackie W. (AZ):  Christmas Card

Jane W., Calico17:  Christmas Card and donation

Craig, Marion, and Daria M.  Christmas Card

Julie O'D:  Christmas Card and donation in honor of Marty W.'s Birthday and Christmas.

Jeanne S. (Fl):  donation for Feliz Navidad fund.

Gladys S. (Canada):  Christmas card and donation.

Tom C. (Illinois):  Christmas card and donation

Kim R. (NC): Christmas card and Chicky $5

Donia (Wicked):  Christmas card

Ponce de Leon (FFRC cat!) and family (Oh):  Christmas card and donation.

Frances T. (TX): Christmas Card and donation.

Amelia M. (N.Dak): donation

Anne (FFRC Vol): Thank you card for the gift bag received from all donators 

John and Paula S.:  Donation in Memory of Doreen Patton.

Janet and Susan (Jazz) (UK):  Christmas card and donation

Elaine and Alan:  1 Flat of Stamps, Christmas card and donation in memory of Little Kat.

Anita D. (Oh):  donation

Liz V.:  Donation to be used wherever needed.

Debra T. and Lola (Ma):  Christmas card

Charlotte (Canada):  Christmas card and donation in memory of her Brutus.

Gary and Audrey P. (WA): Christmas card and donation.

I've heard from the family that adopted Pansaroo and Kaze! They had their first Christmas. Santa left some treats for them under the tree and they loved playing in the boxes and tissue paper! 

We have taken on 3 new kittens and 1 cat. All names are from the Name a Cat List.
Xinzele--pronounced Shin-zee-lay. Her name means Pretty, which she certainly is. She arrived 12/30. This cat had appeared at someones house and showed how very sweet she is. But the family could not keep her. She's a black/white cat with the cutest face--black chin, white whisker pads and a black nose! She has already been spayed--we found her green tattoo on her tummy, the sign that her spay was done by HumaneOhio. She loves to be petted. Zinzele's birthday is 10/18/17--she is 2 years old. 

And then we took in the 3 ginger kittens.  They came from a lady who had taken good care of them for 2 weeks but could not keep them. They are just a tiny bit shy but each day they are playing more, coming to us and generally being silly kittens. Their birthday is 9/9/19. 
Zappo--American Short Hair (ASH). gold and 4 white paws, male
Zeppo--ASH, all gold, no white, male
Zippo--Domestic Short Hair (DSH), all gold tiger, no white, male
They arrived with fleas and earmites. Their ears are being cleaned daily. And their bubble bath removed the remnants of flea dander. 

We have more thanks to give:
Colleen P--donation to FFRC
Steph M--donation to FFRC
Uwe N--donation in memory of Elliott
Harm B--donation for FFRC
Shannan W--donation for FFRC
Maureen M--donation for a happy new year to FFRC
Yvonne VDK--donation and Happy New Year
Joan Y--donation for FFRC
Mindy R--donation to FFRC
Lorene B--donation to FFRC
Ronda B--donation for FFRC
Michael S--donation and best wishes for 2020
Cait OT--donation to be used where needed
Eric W--donation to FFRC
Martin M--donation for FFRC
Janet M--donation to FFRC
Michelle V--donation to be used wherever needed
Elke S--donation to FFRC, from Germany

We have our propane gas bill, sewer bill and our electric bill now paid in full!  Many thanks. Such a great thing.

These things are always hard for me......to pass on sad news.  We have lost our little itty bitty Tristan Rudy.  He just never grew like his big brother Tux.  Tristan Rudy arrived at 7 ounces, took him days and days to get to 10 ounces--that was with us syringe feeding him too.  And then he just stopped----didn't want to eat, didn't want to play.  His tiny little body was so tired.  The hard part too is that he would've had a home with his brother.  Tux is now in the Main Area so he can play with the other kittens. 

 Right now, we have all the rooms opened up.  From the back thumper's room all the way up--all doors are open. Everyone can mingle. We are trying to coax the ginger boys, Noodle and Willow to come on up!  They are venturing more and more though. 

Donna is out of the hospital! My family and I are very glad for this. And I know many miss her on the cam. She is recovering and feeling a bit better each day. For now, she is staying here in my mom's house until she can go to her home.  It's easier for her and us if she is close by. Her cats are being cared for by Connie. She asked me to send her thanks for the get well cards--they have meant alot to her.  Her ornery self will be back!

Monday is our next HumaneOhio surgery day. We should have a full schedule to start the year off! 

Have you seen Aslyssandrah and Gyovannah?  They are now everywhere--back Thumper's room clear up to the Kabana. Their confidence level is much better and they so love to be petted.  I tell them everyday that they are loved. 

Friday--1:00 is BOXES!  Hope to see you there!  Many thanks to you all for your kindness and help to FFRC. 

Friday, December 27, 2019

Are you ready?  2020 is just days away.  The kitties are excited.  Holidays mean extra chickie!

One goal as a personal "want to have happen" is about our spay and neuter numbers.  As you know, 1200 was really work......we made it by 2 extras!  I'm going to bump that by 100.........and hope we can reach 1,300!  That would be so exciting!  We are already talking about another huge surgery date for winter time.

I want to let you know....our dear, sweet Elliott has passed and has gone to see his mama Conii.  He passed away Christmas Eve.  The four days before that were not real good days....he slept almost 24 hours a day.  He was tired. He was ready. And he was hugged, rocked and kissed. His final words he heard were for him to go to his mama Conii....she was waiting for him. While he was only here a few weeks, he was happy and actually acclimated better than I thought he would.  Such a good boy. I appreciate you all caring about him.

Also, I know many of you know that Donna has not been here for a while and know that she isn't feeling good.  Just please send good thoughts and prayers her way.  She is actually in the hospital right now, undergoing tests. Her kitties at home are being taken care of, the FFRC outside cats that she calls "hers" are missing her but I tell them everyday that she will be back.  She told me last night she sure misses all of the FFRC cats.  If you would like to send her a card, please address it to FFRC with her name on the front. I will deliver each and everyone of them to her.

Because I want to be with her in the hospital and keep track of her (in case her orneriness kicks in again!), I am not here at the Rescue Center as much.  Please help me with this by being patient with any return emails, etc. that I may be behind on. Donna is considered part of my family--we all love her to pieces and she is very important to us and I know also, to you. As she says--the Swedish Hillbilly will kick this. Thank you. 

We have thanks to give---we are always so grateful........
William M and his cat Annie--donation to FFRC
James W--donation to FFRC
Scott & Selecna W--donation to FFRC
Paul S--donation in honor of Tory O'B

Janet K--donation to FFRC
Lu-Little & Benny--donation in memory of Charlie and Zinie.
Katherine T--donation to FFRC (and from her FFRC cats Emmy, Lark and Lilly!)
Chris R--donation to FFRC, in honor of longtime FFRC fan, Diann B
Enomoto S--donation to FFRC

The 5 kittens in the back Thumper's Room--Tux, Tristan Rudy, Willow, Noodle and Nadine are all doing good.  That little itty Tristan Rudy is trying hard to grow into his big name, a quarter of an ounce at a time!  For as tiny as he is, he sure can move! These five are becoming good friends.  Won't be long until this group joins the front cats and kittens.

We've had another adoption--that makes 10 adoptions in 5 days. I'm very pleased with how wonderful the homes are.
Sara--adopted 12/26.  She went to her new home with two young very kind boys. It was obvious that Sara knew this was her new family--she was so sweet with them. They were very ready to have her in their home!

I've received a few pictures of Cardi and Dune--they look perfectly happy and content! 
Pierre's family also sent pictures. And of course one is of him draped across the shoulders!
Remember Congo--a gorgeous all white cat adopted from here?  He's doing awesome and he is one very loved cat!
I've also received pictures of AppleJack and Aleesha--they are all cuddled together and love their cat furniture!  They look so content.
And of course, Freemont and Lorenzo--their pictures always show how wonderfully loved they are!

PawPaw definitely has that spring in his step!  He just always amazes me. He's happy, eating good and has been in the back room taking care of the little kittens a few times.

Our temperaturres outside are unbelievably warm.  No snow for us! The cats and farmyard animals are enjoying it all.  There's even some sunshine for the outside cats to roll around in. Everyone looks good.  The ducks, geese and chickens got an extra treat this morning. The peacocks are getting their handful of mealyworms--they love this! And Maverick, the horse is in his glory--he's muddy!!  That boy can find a cup of mud in the corrals and roll in it!

Take care and have a wonderful day! We have an awesome FFRCNation--full of family, friends and the bestest cats ever!

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Merry Christmas Eve Day to everyone! 

This evening at 7:00, we will have a Christmas story to read.  It's written by Cindy, who also did the Halloween and Thanksgiving stories!  Bring a refreshment, put your feet up and enjoy this FFRC Christmas story!  

We had BOXES yesterday and ENVELOPES--the cats and I are so very grateful!
Great Aunt Julie in Iowa == 3 Purple momma"s
Jodi J == Popcorn Socks 

Anne, Kevin & Bailey B  in the UK ==   soups, 5 packs of Pania Flakes  

Tears from fears == Pania Flakes 

Lollymop == Amazon Gift card

Julie C, Miss Mellow and AnnaMarie  ==  Card & Donation 

Pat D == 8 pairs of flip flop socks   

 

Jeanette from Bonnie Scotland = shortbread cookies, maltesers malted candy, Reindeer Cakes, Snowballs, salted Caramel cake bars, 

JBond  == Azeus Centrifugal Juicer for funraiser!

PJ Panda == Card & Covers for bottom of palm trees , Hand made cat toys ,Mystery motion feather toy, 2 Hot Pursuit toy  locomotion motorized cat toy  with replacement butterfly , batteries ,  

 

Diana D == duet Bath Rug 

Cathy H == Socks for the volunteers , Fleece for whatever 

Jeanette B/furHaven Kitties == Black Cat Garden Flag Pole---will go in front yard area!

Boud, flymom, iheartragdolls, ilovekittys, noosma, and lots of cats and 1 catdog == 20th Anniversary FFRC Stars alignment Picture---soooo beautiful

Monica C / LadyRose == Kitty Grooming Clippers  many thanks!

Julie E == 2 Candy Cane cookie cutter and cat/dog spatula

Aunty Beth for Shambolli == case of FF Medley , Natural Yums Party Mix 

ENVELOPES 

Linda and Bill H/Michgan == Card &  donation

Gail J/Fl == Card & Donation

Barb E/NC == Card 

Dorothy C/MD == Card & Donation

Dr. P == Card 

Susan M and her Mom Susan  == Card 

Linda M/NY == Card & Donation

Mark & Shelley A == Card & Donation in honor of mittens and Farah

Sue/ Ma /Mac&cheese& doodles mom == Card and Donation

Anita G/Defiance == Card 

Teresa S and Jean W/IL == Card  

Marie M/NM/ M&M == Card & Donation 

Clint /NH Furry == Card & Feliz Navidad Donation 

Robert & Cathy D/Mi == Card & Donation 

Connie H/Oh == Chief Tapes

Pat & Dave J/Mi == Card & Donation in Memory of Conii 

Suzi M / OH == Card & Donation 

Judy & Phil == Card & Donation, Donation for Porchies and covies, another for inside kitty's

Nathan & Heather A/Oh == Card & Donation 

Ellis & Barbara I/Defiance == Card and Donation  

And...........even some more thanks!

Markus S, from Germany, donation to FFRC

Jans and Jule from Germany--donation to FFRC

Ju-in-ji--donation for the Feliz Navidad Fund

Kelly L--donation for FFRC

Gusti--donation to welcome Noodle!

Paul B--donation on behalf of chatter Tina for FFRC

Marilynpepper, Charlie & the furkids--donation to FFRC

Marlene, Nancy & Wee Nellie--donation in memory of Zinie

Marie C and Sunny and Marley--donation to FFRC

Elegantly EM-bellished--donation to FFRC, as a Christmas gift to Robyn F

Whew--yesterday was a busy day!  Adoptions were awesome!  Many families that would like to adopt wait until close to Christmas so families are home more, to welcome their new cat or kitty. But, we always make sure the homes are quiet for this time of year too--not too crazy as that is  not a proper way to introduce a new cat into a home.  I am very happy with where our kitties and cats have found homes! 

We had an adoption on Sunday, the 22nd. 

Donell went to his new home. He has a young girl amongst other family members that are so happy to welcome Donell. 

Yesterdays adoptions:

Silky--went to a home with a dog friend. A super sweet girl going to a home with a wonderful mom/dad!

Pierre--went to a home that has long been waiting for this day to adopt him.  He will be their shoulder warmer!

Desmond--he has his own special girl too to call his own! 

Kimmie and Weezie--both went together and has family that will be home alot with him!

Rascal--she too will have her special family member in her new home to dote on her!

Today, Dune, our awesome mild CH kitten and Cardi who had arrived so sick, went to their new homes together!  They have a lady who has lots of time to hold them and play with them!

We have gained a couple kittens here at FFRC:

Willow, female, arrived 12/22 at 15 weeks old. Her birthday is 9/8.  She was found at a subway parking lot, in danger of being hit by the cars. Super friendly grey/cream torti.

Nadine, female, arrived 12/23 at 14 weeks old. Her birthday is 9/16. She was found in a person's garage--she just walked right in!  Very sweet, a black tiger with a magnificent purr!

In the back Thumper's Room, we now have Willow, Nadine, Noodle, Tristan Rudy and Tux.  All are caught up to their age with vaccines. 

I have already mentioned, but we lost our sweet dear Zinie on Sunday. Her temperature continued to climb and was dangerously high. She no longer felt well and was not responding to any treatment. Her respirations were very high. I talked to Dr. Darcy and it was decided we needed to let her go. It wasn't fair to let her continue when everything we were doing for her was obviously not working.  I feel strongly that whatever caused her huge hernia and her severe lung problems were related.  She was so loved and I know in my heart that she knew she was loved and safe here. 

Paw Paw is doing good.  He had a bit of a sprint in his step yesterday and ate good too.

Our Elliott though is not doing well.  As you know, he just turned 18. At the beginning, when they first arrived, he was actually acclimating well to FFRC and to his new people. But.....things changed somewhere along the line.  The last 4 days, he has slept probably 23 1/2 hours a day.  I've only seen him out of his bed 3 times in all of that time. He is tired. He doesn't want to eat.  I feel he is mourning our friend, his mama Conii.  We won't let him go much longer if he doesn't come around. That would not be fair to ask of him, more than he can give. His 2 sisters however are now doing very well. All 3 cats have had tremendous changes in their lives the last few weeks.  The 2 girls are much younger and are now cruising about the Main Area. 

I'd like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas for tomorrow. You are our friends and are important to FFRC. The cats appreciate you all too!   Please join us at 7:00 pm for FFRC's Christmas Story.  And tomorrow afternoon it 2:00 is a special Trivia for those that would like to join in the fun! 

Sunday, December 22, 2019

We did it!  Hooray!  I'm so so grateful!  What a crazy, wild day yesterday was! It was our FFRC neuter day! And it was fantastic!  We  reached our goal of 1200 with 2 extra!

We checked in 65 cats but one was a female. We talked to the owner and said we just didn't have time to do a spay so that cat is signed up already for January to be spayed!  So, we did 64 surgeries (62 males/2 FFRC planned spays).   

FFRC cats that were spayed or neutered:  Asia (already adopted by Angie and Bill), Hope, Desmond, Donell and Chuckles.  All went fine!     

Total of 2 females and 62 males--64.  We already had 1135, plus 3 previous dogs--that makes 1138.  Add yesterday's numbers and we have 1,202!!     

First check ins began at 7:15, we finished check ins about 8:45.  Dr. Darcy then did a physical on each and everyone of them.  We did our two spays first and then began the boys, in groups of 6.  We staggered the checkouts all afternoon.  Our last neuter was around 5:15. And then we still have a few check outs to do.  A long long day but so exciting, knowing so many boys were now neutered!

These events are heartwarming to me. One, because of the neuters being done but also seeing so many FFRC volunteers involved. Many of this team that helped yesterday was here for the entire duration.  A thousand thanks to: Dr. Darcy, Amber, Sue, Lynnette, Connie D, Jackie S, Mary E, Gem, Barb, Dawn E, LJ, Becky, Debbie, Megan and Elizabeth.  It was  huge effort to pull this off so successfully. 

Many thanks to Gusti for furnishing drinks for us and to Joyce D for the pizza and bread sticks.  Sure helped us throughout the day! And some of the volunteers brought some goodies too! 

Now..........have to think of 2020........what shall our goal be now?!! We had to push really hard for our 2019 goal........but, we can do more!! 
Here's some fun facts:  
2016 spays/neuters--563
2017 spays/neuters--914
2018 spays/neuters--1,026
2019 spapys/neuters--1,202

We gained a kitten yesterday too. His name is Noodle. A long hair black kitten was rescued by a family--cute as a button, lots of mats, draining eyes. FFRC was asked if we could please take him, which we did.  Couldn't resist that sweet baby.  His name is Noodle. He is 17 weeks old with a birthday of August 24. We have him on eye antibiotic ointments and oral antibiotics. Noodle's energy level is high as is his appetite. And his cuteness level is off the chart!! His mats are gone and a bath helped immensely with his fur. 

More thanks to give!  We had BOXES Friday afternoon!

Josette/Burgundy Our French Mod oooo la la - Christmas Card, Kitty Calendar, and 8 very pretty snoods/neck warmers (flash sale items!)

Diane N - Case of Fancy Feast Kitten & 2 Boxes Lil Soups

Kay Family with Bella/Velveteen - OH  Snowman stocking filled with Toys & Snackers for the kitties

Jill, Judy, Jody & Mel IA - Donation in honor of Justme instead of a Christmas gift for Feliz Navidad Fund

Letter of thanks, from Enola & Friend about a box from Santa Paws

Sheri B - Case of Royal Canin Baby & Mom food

Carol & Linda S - 3-32ct  Cases Friskies

Anna Ma - Alberta Canadian - Christmas Card with Christmas Chicken $5, Blue Kitty Tunnel, Catch the Mouse Motion Toy, Stocking filled with Kitty Toys, Bag of Caesar Treats for Janie, 2 Bags Temptation Snackers,  8 bags of Movie Time PopCorn. 8 bags of Butter Fudge & Box of Cadbury Chocolates

Brenda with Ollie the Hooligan and Gene the Monster 5-12ct Boxes of 9-Lives

JBond - Gifts for Marsha and Jackie S

Dave & Jeanie A - Christmas Card with Donation

Jule - Germany Christmas Card with 2 Christmas Chicken $5

Gary & Auddie/AJPritting - WA  Christmas Card with Donation.  Money was from the sale of her Honda..    A wonderful story.

Darcia & Matt S - MI  Christmas Card with Donation in honor of Dawn S & Tom C  & Photo of her beautiful kitty Ruby

Shawn/Happy Flame - Kitty Christmas Card with a Donation..  Christmas Card for the Volunteers & donation

Phil, Trace & Bella - Kitty Christmas Card with a lovely Note

Jim R - WA  Christmas Card with Gift Card to Amazon

BoPeeps - Christmas Card with Donation for the care of Conii's kitties, Elliott, Gyovannah & Alyssanndra

Susan F - CA Donation in honor of Barbara W

Marilyn, Terry & Jasper - Christmas Card with Christmas Chicken $5 

Donna B - GA with Torch, Slash, Kicks, Jabby Christmas Card with a Note & Photo of Jabbing playing Godzill with the Nativity!

Roger & Trudy S  AZ  Kitty Christmas Card with Donation

Mr. Meow - PA  Kitty Christmas Card with Christmas Chicken $5

Jack, Alice/MimiinFL & Buddy  - FL  Christmas Card

Patricia H - IL  KItty Christmas Card with Note and Donation

Joyce S - OH  Donation

Tom & Chris/ChrisTom W - AR  Kitty Christmas Card with Donation

Cheryl & Jim L & Puppies - WA  Kitty Christmas Card

Anita S - NY  Kitty Christmas Card

Janet S & Handsome Harley - Kitty Christmas Card with Donation for Feliz Navidad Fund  & Photo of Harley

Plus, we had:

Marti W--donation to FFRC
Belltime--donation in honor of Eaglewatcher for Feliz Navidad Fund!

I would also like to give an update on two FFRC cats.  Dr. Darcy did another physical on both of these.

Zinie--her temp continues to spike.  Dr. Darcy rechecked all of her lab work yesterday. We are changing up her antibiotics once again.  Her lungs are not good. Her x-rays of her lungs are very strange. We continue to give her fluids as needed.  She has also developed a cough that also lets us know that her lungs are compromised.  

Paw Paw/Bruno--we know he has had a heart murmur for the entire time we have had him. Dr. Darcy listened to his heart again yesterday. His heart murmur is a 6 out of a 6.  Not good.  Medications will not change this. Paw Paw gets to live his life out here at FFRC.  Whatever he wants, he gets. If he wants petting, we can do that!  If he wants covered up with a blankie, we can do that too.  When he wants a door open to go thru, that door will be opened.  His wish is our command and we love doing anything for him because we love him very much. 

We will be having BOXES Monday at 2:00.  We have several adoptions Monday and may have to work a bit around all the busy times but we can do it!  

Also Christmas Eve (time to be announced) we will be reading a Christmas Story by CIndy G.  She is also the same that wrote FFRC's Halloween and Thanksgiving stories! 

Adoptions will be happening today and tomorrow!
              

Friday, December 20, 2019

Happy Birthday to our sweet Elliott.  He is 18 years old today.  Conii would be pleased with his progression.  He and Alyssandrah came up to the Main Area for a bit yesterday.  For being blind and deaf, Elliott did well.  He did swat at a couple kittens when they nosed him, but I think he will come around to the kitty-ness of the Main Area.

Today, we will be moving all 3 of Conii's cats to Kitty Campus until we are done with surgeries tomorrow.  We need full use of the back Thumper's Room! The window is closed in that room and the door will also be closed.  Another progression to the Main Area. We also trimmed Elliott's toenails yesterday.  I often think about his world, how he "feels" about this.  I witnessed something very sweet two days ago.  George, Conii's brother sent us 4 felted beds that belong to the 3 cats.  When they arrived, we put them on the floor where the cats are. They immediately recognized them and took naps in them! Sure brought a smile to all of us!

Just an FYI---our Kabana Cam is down right now.  We need to get a tech here to see if the computer is repairable.  We use these cam computers 24/7 and it does take a toll on them.  In the meantime, you will see streaming of birds and squirrels!

We had ENVELOPES on Tuesday!  Many thanks!

David H. - donation to sponsor his gang; Magic, Vern, Hensley, Kiara and Coralie.

Kathy and Donny (WVa) - Christmas Card w/chicky $5.

Carri and Ken M. - donation

Joy and Don D. and their herd - donation

Joyce and Chuck R. (NH) - donation

Kelly R. (Littleonemine) - donation

Mary DC (Ct.) - donation for Feliz Navidad in memory of her kitty, Tiny Toe.

Pat and Harold (Wildcat) - Christmas card and note.

Mitzi F. (flymom) - Christmas card of Fly and her new Grand. and donation.

Sherry and Dave W. (Neuromom) (NY) - Christmas card and donation.

Gary K. and Lynn P. - Christmas card and donation.

Elizabeth and David C. (Nekomom and Neko) - Christmas card and donation

   to be used wherever needed.

Jane H. (Oh) - Christmas card and donation.

Paula N. - Christmas card and donation.

Patricia (Sophieandlucy's grandma) - Christmas card and donation.

Kimmy and Josh S. (Defiance) - Christmas card from Scribbles.

Greg and Debby K. (Oh) - Christmas card.

Courtney and her 15 calicos (ME) - Christmas card and donation.

Susan M. (Defiance) - Christmas card and donation from Echo (Minnie)

Andy, Jennifer, and Hannah - Christmas card and donation.

Manna and her kitties (Co) - Christmas card with several Purina One codes.

Diane E. (Defiance) - donation, she has 3 FFRC kitties.

Mary Cate and kitty Aubrey (OK) - Christmas card

Cindy and Linda and kitties - Christmas card,  she has written stories for FFRC,

   2 pictures of Garfield, hand done.

Phyllis (Kittiesmom) and kitties Emmie and Bailey -  Christmas card, coupons,

   and $5 Chicky dollar.

Renee B. (Pa) - Code tokens for free kitty litter.

Paul and Judy - Christmas card and donation.

Beth/eaglewatcher--donation in honor of Belltime for the Feliz Navidad Fund

Paddy's Place has been busy.  Cashew loves this room. And we've had Thamba and Teddy Bear in this room along with Angola, Cady, Dakota and Bipsol.  These 6 new kittens are doing very good.  All are eating good.  During the day, the door is open but closed at night so we can make sure they are eating good. 

An update on Zinie. She is doing better each day.  She is also still on her soreness meds and her antibiotics each day.  Dr. Darcy will check her out on Saturday.  This has been a huge ordeal for Zinie but one that she is going to win!

We took in two new babies yesterday. For supposedly being 2 months old, they are very small and one in particular is super little. They have been outside and their mama has not been very caring, so they have been struggling. The good news--we have their 4 adult cats now scheduled for spays and neuters!  These two babies are both males. Here's their info:

Tux--black/white, weighs 1.01

Tristan Rudy--brown tiger, weighs 7 ounces.

Both are on antibiotics, eye ointments, syringe feeding. Tristan Rudy also has received sq fluids.  Their leuk/fiv/HW tests were negative.  Names are from Name a Cat list.  Both had fleas so are anemic as well as dehydrated.  I'm thankful to the family for bringing the kitties in.  Just an FYI--we had used the name Tristan Rudy last week for a kitten, but I realized that was a boy name and then named that kitten Ellen!  So, now we do have a boy Tristan Rudy! 

And more good news about these two kittens--they are already responding to their antibiotics. Tux actually ate most of his breakfast by himself today. Tristan Rudy is "practicing" eating by himself but is getting topped off with a syringe.  As you may imagine, when kittens are super hungry, they are so crazy about their food---they cannot gobble it up fast enough. We have high hopes for these two babies.

In the very near future, we should have quite a few adoptions.  As you may know, we are very extra careful about adoptions. We don't want the kittens or cats going into a new home where there is alot of busy activities. That is not a proper way of introducing a new cat/kitten into a home. So, please rest assured, all is great with these upcoming adoptions!  Here's the cats that possibly will be leaving us soon:  Desmond, Pierre, Silky, Donell, Cashew, Kimmie, Weezie, Rascal and Snuggzy.  Monday in particular will be a busy adoption day. Please know though that things can change! 

Tomorrow, Saturday, is our Neuter Day. It should be a very very busy day.  Check ins for these male cats start at 7:20 and hopefully we will be done by 8:30. All will go home in the afternoon.  As you probably know, each year, we bump up our goal for how many spays/neuters we do each year.  Last year was 1,000 and we made it!  This year, we raised the bar to 1,200.  Right now, we are at 1135 cats and 3 dogs which means our total is 1,138.  We need 62 more surgeries to reach our goal.  Can we do it tomorrow?  I'm not sure but we are most definitely giving it a good try. We have 64 public male cats scheduled.  We also have 2 of our FFRC spays and 3 neuters to do--that makes it 5 more--69 scheduled. But.......it is common that we get a few no-shows.  So.......we will see.  I hope all of those scheduled will show. We WANT to be a part of the overpopulation solution--it's important. (We do have a few more FFRC females we could spay, but those take more time.)  Tomorrow we will know! 

Today, we have BOXES at 1:00!  Please join us on the cam! 

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Our Fun-Raiser was yesterday and it was awesome!  I'd like to thank everyone involved for making this so successful--the people who provided the items, those who purchased tickets, Marcia/LJ/Lynnette for working on the tickets, mods and admins for their PR of the event--it truly takes a large group of people to make these fun and successful! 

Here's how it went---first, we had BOXES!

Mr. Meow (Pa.) :  packages for all the kitties were in memory of Dizzy and Martin - toys, toys, lots of toys! Catnip toys,  4 fish toys, 2 beds for outdoor kitties, Treat Maze toy, 10 Christmas toy Stockings, 12 packs of Bondi Lix & Delectable chicken and tuna snacks, Catnip banana, Just us Cats Hide and Play that makes noise for Fio, batteries, Electric mouse toy that scampers under a canvas, toy balls, 4 bag of catnip, 12   cans sardines, Temptation Snacks, Catnip spray, Greenies, Glitter fish toys, Mouse toys, Interactive kitty toys, Party Mix snacks, Scratcher w/nip, Doggie snacks for Janie. Toys on a stick

Anonymous : Shelf cover for bed in Dodger's Pen.

Diane H. (NC):  Donation for Feliz Navidad.

Andrea E. and Aladdin :  1 box of appetizers, 1( 24) case of FF adult chicken, 1 case of FF kitten food.

Mike G. (Sophieandlucy'sdad):  Reese's candy for Jacci, M&Ms for Lynnette,  Lindor chocolates for the volunteers.

Anonymous:  4 large bags of Pania flakes.

DimWitt:  2 (24) cases of Fancy Feast Poultry and Beef.

Carol and Linda S. :  2 (32) cases of Friskies Shreds.

Linda (Gossamer):  1 (24) case of Fancy Feast Fish, 1/2 case Fancy Feast Variety.

Donna and Robert R. (Az) :  Gift bag presents for Magic and all the Volunteers, 2 Petsmart gift cards.

Barb (Phlebdy):  5 (10) packs of coil toys, 3 (24) cases of Fancy Feast Gravy lovers adult,  3 (24) cases of Fancy Feast Kittens food.

Audrey and Gary B.:  Huge tin of 3 variety popcorn for Jacci and the vols!!!!.

JBond:  43 boxes of Russell Stover chocolates for the vols, Boxes of Dazzling Bath Fizzies for all volunteers, for the center a picture of Jacci, Beth, and Lynnette,  Monkey pillow and blanket, Hear No, See No, and Speak No Evil statue to burn essential oils over a candle for Lynnette,  Stuffed Monkey toy with blankie for Lynnette, for Jacci and Steve; Belgian Chocolate,   Hummingbird Picture, Hummingbird Ornament, Chef Knife for Steve, Kitty Cold Cup for Jacci, 2 bags of Chex Mix, Godiva chocolate, candy canes, Chocolate covered Cherries, 5 piece Hand Cream Care Kits for Vols, Blue Crinkle Tunnel Jeans with snack pockets for kitties.

Rita, Eddie and Rosie the kitty:  2 Kitty Calendars, Thomas Kincade Disney book, with a donation, Kitty Tea Towel, Dog Blanket, Soft White couch blankie, Holiday napkins, Bungalow fun toy, Heart chalk board with chalk, Cat Napping Plaque, Cat Hanger, Black and Yellow cat above door plaques, Kitty Mug, Kitty Measuring Cups, 2 Cat treat tins, Leslie cat kitty mug, Large gray kitty bed.  Much for Flash sales! 

Fran D. and Mandy:  3D Kitty Picture, 3D Doggie Picture, Kitty Welcome plaque, Christmas decorations.

Jenni Brown:  a lovely letter to Jacci about her kitty BunBun, 3 beautiful and soft blankets, one for Magic, one for Ramsay, and one for Hopey.  1 bag  of kitty toys for Magic.

Jody J--9 cases 32 cans of Friskies canned food.

Elaine & Alan B--2-40# bags litter, 1-32 pk Friskies, 5-24 pk Friskies, 1 box appetizers, 24-pk Fancy Feast

Heather H--4 handsoaps, 2 hand sanitizers, 2 post it pads (purple!) 

And then came the FUN-RAISER!!  Results:

A.  Quilt Blue w/Black Cats  57 tickets won by Simone Lor.

B.  Fire 7 8mgb w/ Alexa 40 tickets won by Ms. M

C.  Quilt Blue w/Multiple Cats  71 tickets won by RomeoMom

D.  Miche Purse w/4 sleeves 24 tickets won by Lynnette.

E.  Sturdibag Butterfly Cat Carrier 53 tickets won by  Phlebdy 

F.  Black and Decker Drill Set 42 tickets won by Kathie3103.

G. Pandigital Converter 105 tickets won by Barbara Wil.

H. GE Microwave 62 tickets won by PaintedDaisy)  she has donated back for volunteer drawing.

This brought in $2270!!  And then our wonderful bumper-uppers went to work which raised the amount to $2570.  The cats and I are very grateful. We will be paying regular monthly bills this week! 

Consolation prizes were won by Kerswill, Anonymous, Anna, Judy Judy, Eaglewatcher, Catherine Mau, RoseSF and KnittenKitten! 

All these items will be going out the door quickly!

We moved some kittens up to Paddys Place yesterday--- Thamba, Teddy Bear, Angola, Bipsol, Cady and Dakota.  We need to get the back Thumper's Room ready for our big surgery day on Saturday and so needed to move these kittens.  These kittens have already had 2 excursion times to be out in the Main Area and are doing well.  

Zinie loves chicken!  She gobbled up a good amount this morning!  It was very nice to see.  She was also down on the floor in the front Thumper's Room walking about.  Definitely feeling better but has a ways to go yet. She is still getting her 2 antibiotics and 2 soreness meds a day.  What a sweetie girl she is.

Yesterday I worked on the floor of the back Thumper's Room to be with Elliott, Alyssandrah and Gyovannah.  They all 3 came up to me to greet and hang out!  That was so so nice.  They are slowly adjusting and becoming more comfortable.  I can't imagine how lost they must've felt when they first arrived. But time helps and it is showing in their behavior now. Elliott loves his back scratched and the two girls enjoy head rubs! 

We had an adoption yesterday--done from my home last evening. It was Dooey. Ok......I'll admit it......I miss him alot. But he went into a really nice home situation where he will get tons of attention which is really all he wants!  Since he was so comfortable in the house and focused on this person, we stayed in the house. I'm sure he is cruising about his new home right now, checking out all the yard outside from his windows and patio doors. And a person to call his very own. 

And we have more thanks to give--

Suzanne dR--donation to FFRC
Joanne V--donation in memory of Rowland

Kimkost--donation in memory of Kitty to whatever our needs are

Christopher S--donation to FFRC

James R--donation to FFRC

Deborah S--donation for FFRC

Shadowcat--donation for the Feliz Navidad Fund

Michelle V--donation to use where ever needed most

Margaret & Ed S--donation to FFRC, in memory of Conii G.

Yes, it had to happen.  Paw Paw was in need of a shave. He is a cat that simply does not enjoy being groomed. We can only keep up with that long fur for a while and then it suddenly starts knotting at the skin.  And then it becomes hard to brush/comb. I understand that he never liked being groomed from where he came from either.   So, he had his shave and he was so good about it. We had a sweater on him yesterday but he asked for it to be off for a while today.

Alma has been very vocal today.  It appears that she read the blog and realized that some of her cat-friends got to have a say in a few blogs lately.  She was very persistent that she should have her turn too!  She is asking for a Christmas gift from our FFRC friends.  You see, she had been taken to a vet clinic when she was found. And she was happy about this because going to a shelter was scary for her due to her severe CH. Alma would love it if any of you would want to make a donation to your local shelters/rescues.  It could also be a soft blanket, snackers, litter, toys, anything to make those shelter/rescue cats happier!  She told me thank you for posting her thoughts and now..........she is napping, peaceful in knowing she has helped shelter/rescue cats thru you.  And I thank you too!

Yesterday at BOXES and Fun-Raiser time, we were so busy that we didn't get to the Envelopes. This is important, so today at 11:00 we will open Envelopes!  Come join us!