Monday, December 29 evening

This is a week of visitors! FFRC thoroughly enjoys visitors. This weekend, Alex/Tabbycat and daughter Lauren arrived. Today Beth/eaglewatcher, Kathy/justme and Deb/deb11111 arrived! This is just wonderful!

Construction has now started on the Mail Room/store! So exciting.  The cabinets, countertop and cupboards are already moved from the store area to the Mail Room area. In the store area, shelves will be rearranged and reorganized! Fun and exciting items coming in.  Tomorrow the beginning of the new wall will start.

We have a couple thanks to give!

Stacy G from TX---donation to FFRC thru PayPal

Michelle M from FL—donation made in honor of Francine D who is a cat lover.

You can find low cost spay/neuter programs in your area. Just check out this site:

www.aspca.org/pet-care/spayneuter    Thanks to Dave/wolfpatch for this reminder!

As you may know, Trucker is involved in a contest. All it takes to win are votes. Please visit www.kingpet.com/cat/4188485564130808-Trucker/   I’ve just realized that votes can be “bought” but please….if we are to win this contest, let’s do it with clicking votes.  Trucker prefers that too! Thank you.

The lost is found! You may already know---Leonard went AWOL last Monday. We were all so worried about him. We searched and searched and searched. Yesterday, Lauren spotted him in the parking lot. He’s safe, he’s back after being gone for almost a week and he’s grounded forever. Seriously though, we are not sure what happened. It just seems odd that after many years of never having trouble with the whereabouts of our cats, two were recently lost. I’m so thankful that both are safely back home. Parking Lot cams may soon be in place. Won't be much longer until the name tags are here and we can get those on the collars. 

Here is a story I would like to share:

Once there was a cat rescue that was loved by many. The cats and kittens that were part of this rescue center had much love and friendship for one another.  Fun was had by all and a genuine family-feeling was always felt. It was wonderful. Those that could look into the Rescue Center could sense there was much peace. Then one day, a cat named Cyber said something unkind about another cat. It wasn't long until 14 other cats started adding comments. One by one, an unkind remark was added. It seemed as if once they started, they could not stop themselves. Cats who usually showed such friendship and love for one another were squabbling, hissing at each other and generally causing sad feelings. It was quite shocking. And so hurtful. Derecho took this all in stock. It saddened him to his very heart. He spent time thinking about this and came to a thought about these actions. In this world of cats, why, when they have a choice of friendship and kindness or being picky and hurtful, would some choose to be the later? It was quite a mystery to him. It seemed so simple to him---goodness grows goodness but being unkind also can grow more unkindness. The matter truly was in each cat’s heart to decide how to act. Well, Derecho decided there was a way to fix this problem. He was going to show them---kindness can cover unkindness and help happiness to grow again. One by one, he went to the squabbling, picky cats. He went right up to Cyber and gave a hug and a purr. It truly took Cyber by surprise. At first he was going to clobber that Derecho. But, then, a warmness came over him and his heart grew. That felt really good. As he sat there feeling the love that was always there, he saw Derecho go to 7 more of the squabbling, picky cats. They each got a hug too. Same reaction—wow, that was rather a nice feeling! Derecho needed a bit of a rest. Before he could hug and purr on the last 7, the first 7 went to the last 7 and gave them a hug and a purr. Peace was restored. Forgiveness was given. Friendships were mended. Derecho just sat there and smiled. But, soon, a meeting was called. Derecho challenged them. Why----oh why did this happen? We are a nation of cats here—not blood related, but bound by love, friendship and heart. When a difference of opinion comes up, what would be the better decision? From the very middle of the group of cats was little Amazon. She raised her paw to speak. Derecho called on her. With her littleness, she filled the room with a big message. She said a very simple message---acceptance of one another and love. Alma then spoke up. She said she had already learned that lesson---we are all different and with many opinions. But, that can be a good thing, especially when accepted with love. It’s ok to have a difference of opinion and to be different. It actually makes the world quite exciting. Just accept each other with love! What a smart girl Alma is! And then Coralie raised her one whole paw and spoke up---lean on each other and it will draw us together. We all need someone to lean on. Don’t let negative actions get in our way of being a friend-family. We will all have a problem sometime and we can help each other get thru it.  We can help each other to carry on. I only have one whole hand, but all of you are welcome to it. Come on, cat nation---let’s be a family of friends!  Let’s lean on each other! And with that, Derecho smiled his wonderful smile! They had learned their lesson well.

Saturday, December 27

A short blog today. Have a bit of a busy morning and this afternoon need to get things ready for our Christmas with our family! 

Bounty has become my desk kitten now. She is either napping or chasing the mouse. I've had to raise up the monitor to help me see over 4-5 cat bodies when they nap! Bobbi and Betra/Cricket also love the desk. Coralie, Derecho, Bender, Cayden prefers the lap---one at a time! 

We had BOXES last night--so very kind of you all. Your generosity is much appreciated.
Mary, volunteer from Archbold--2 inch packing tape (which I confiscated already for my desk!!), 2 cases of pop, 10 spatulas, 2 sink strainers, Senses Turbo toy, cat toys, kitty collars, pokie dot cat bed and some Appetizers for Joline
Anonymous Friend--12 rolls Bounty Paper towels, lots of Huggie kitty wipes, 6 Clorox wipes & 12 rolls of TP!
FaithyMD & Bobby--kong kickeroo
Mudjie with Oh My Guinness & Henry R Peepers--Kitty Christmas card
Jacksmom from MA--Christmas card with donation
Helin from UK--Christmas card
Annette B from NC with Elsie, Quinn & Lucky--Christmas card & donation
Elizabeth & Leonard O from NJ--Christmas card and donation
Roberta & Harold L from OH--Christmas card & donation
Alan C from UT--donation for FFRC
Jeannette B & FurHaven kitties--Chritmas card
Susan ST from Defiance--donation
Tom & Linda C from IL--donation
Barb/Laeo & Steve C--Christmas card & donation
Mary & Troy S and Michael M from FL--Christmas card & donation
Walter C from OH--note, donation in honor of Skippy and Aunt Mart
Ron R from CT--Christmas card and donation for Feliz Navidad Fund
Michael R from OH--donation in honor of Tom & Cindy Rettig on behalf of their sales staff!
Connie & Craig A--Christmas card and donation
Louann W from PA--Christmas card & donation
Michele & Frank--volunteers & day visitors--6 gallons vinegar and 4 cases of water
Scott & Selena W--donation thru PayPal for FFRC and Ada Jane

Lucy Ann is a sweetie--she is building more confidence all the time and so loves her chin rubbed. Joey is a nut about his snackers! Cozarelii will also come out for snackers. Walter is doing great--his meds are kicking in and helping to keep his circling at a minimum. August too is out and about more and more. 

The Covies had their run-about day yesterday. They so love it. I peeked in the window of Porchie Haven and there were 5 cats all snugged in! So nice to see. 

Today the Christmas Tree will come down. The needles are quickly falling off. They have sure loved their tree. We will place it under the bird feeders for the birds to rest in. We have been filling the feeders about 3 times a week.

Emily is working on finding a home--she comes out more often when visitors are here. Corby is impatiently waiting for his Cat-Go-Round Wheel to be back out (we put it away while the tree was in place).  Remember when Honor and Noble first came in---they were so shy? Not anymore! They purr just looking at them--so very sweet.

We had 2 adoptions yesterday. Little Ichabod and Screech went to their new home together. The new mom/dad didn't take long to zero in on these two babies! It was an immediate "these are the two we want". A good home with lots of love to give them! We've heard about Nobbin--all is well there. And also heard from Missy Maloo's new family. Sounds like happiness all around. Missy Maloo is relaxed and is enjoying all the playtime!

Myth: A cat's sense of balance is in its whiskers.
Fact: Cats use their whiskers as "feelers" to determine widths, but not to balance.

Myth: Cats that are spayed/neutered automatically gain weight.
Fact: Cats gain weight from eating too much, not exercising enough, or both.

Did you know it's about 3 months to spring? Cats will go into heat cycles soon enough. Please....now is the time to get those girls spayed and the boys neutered. The right time to do this is BEFORE they have a litter. You can help make a major impact on the cat overpopulation problem. Grab a cat and head to the vet's! 

Friday, December 26

The kitties and cats are happy---they enjoyed another turkey based breakfast! They also had a ham bone last night, compliments of Pat and Ellen. Lots of new catnip  toys made their day! I am so thankful for our volunteers--the cats were not lacking as many volunteers still came. I'm amazed and grateful for their love and compassion. We truly have a gift of volunteers---they care, they love, they give their time and the cats love them! 

Betra/Cricket is a gem. She's here on my desk, soaking up all the head pets she can get! Little Ichabod is laying beside her. Coralie is curled up in my lap, putting my leg dead asleep again! She comes over to my chair and just sits there. THen she turns her head up and with those big big eyes....she blinks and blinks. You've all seen "the Coralie look"---so, I have to comply. Up in my lap she comes! 

On Christmas Eve Day, we opened BOXES early in the day. So fun. And I am so grateful for these donations.
Faithy & Bobby--2 packs of smarty cat toys
Dave S--2 lg. bags of Purina One kitten dry food
International webcam friends---FFRCNation card, jingle bell balls for the kittys
Widdletigger--2 packs TIKI can chicken for Jemima, 4 boxes of kitty snackers
Mimibren--3 cases FF can food, lg. bag Purina One dry cat
Vanessa Q--2 cases Friskies pate can
Caren F--2 cases Friskes pate, 4 packs kitty snackers
Pam L & Twkitty--pink button down kitty shirt (very nice), fudge, pop tops for Kellen, kitty snackers, Keurig cup varieties, lg mesh tunnel, FIsh Bed, lots of can foods /appetizers
David with Joop, Rietje, Bruno the dog from Netherlands--riger bed, great Netherlands candy!, kitty snackers, kitty can food, kitty toys, Magnifikat book, camper toy set. 
Carsten H--donation thru PayPal
Canton & her cat Chance--made a donation thru PayPal for FFRC. THis wonderful Chance bought a scratch ticket that turned into more money. He told his mama to donate it to the FFRC kitties! What a sweetie! 

We also had a box from Yaiza and Sonia-paws, from Spain!
A letter and picture of kitty Jasper. Derecho,Bender, Trucker, Thomas, Alma, Milo, Cayden and Vern received special blankies and toys. Trucker also received a collar with a name tag! Sonia Paws sent very nice bracelets and earrings for us to sell.  There were also a box of assorted biscuits, a box of goodies for Steve, Jacci & volunteers, a rudolf stocking with kitty snackers. Bag of mice and kitty toys. A special blue rug for Derecho, pencils/blue kitty slippers. I thank you for the angel tokens and the special foam/clay sculpture you made which was totally awesome! I love it!

We also had ENVELOPES! 
Lillian/xenamolina--2 Christmas cards
Barbara W from IA--Christmas card and donation
Joan Y & Richard S from Maryland--Christmas card and donation in memory of Abby, Chessie, Haggis and all past pets
Buddy--Christmas card, donation and Chief tapes
Joann Z/jz-ny and kitties--Christmas card and donation

Next, we had 3 lovely boxes from Rosemary. Rosemary has given such beautiful afghans to FFRC, all the way from South Africa. These boxes held 10 stunning afghans---all different design, different collars.  Just beautiful and I am so grateful for her generosity and giving to FFRC.

I have now ordered the tags for the Covies/Porchies collars. They are from boomerangtags.com and should be very nice. Because of the quantity that were ordered and because the owner likes cats, they have given us a nice discount. These tags are not the dangle tags, but flat tags that will be directly ON the collars. They will not come off and they will not get stuck on anything. As soon as they arrive, we will get to work on them. Thank you for helping us with this project---it means a lot to me.

Bounty and Columbus are good friends.  They sure like to tussel. Floyd likes the Christmas tree---I've seen him in it several times today already. You might have noticed Cozarelii is having a bit of fur issue. He has received treatment for it and hopefully his fur will start regrowing in those areas again. Felicity is out and about more--she seems to like the kittens and plays a bit with them. Mogo loves the bird feeders---he so enjoys chirping and watching the feeders out the Kabana windows. 

The Porchies are doing great. We have these two wonderful protected boxes on the porch between the main door and the Mail Room. Austin loves them and is always snuggled in there. No wind, snow or rain can reach him! I personally thinks he likes it there so he can keep track of the door and people going in and out! Whiskers has such a sweet face. He's a big cat! Jimmy James never misses a meal! Big Al is showing his age--he's become thinner in his older years. He sure can eat though! He continues to be free of ear problems since he had his ear surgery. 

The Covies are also doing good. Rolland especially loves the heat lights. We have heat beds for them too. They also received a Christmas ham bone last night--it's such a treat for them. Thanks to Pat & Ellen for this bone too. Anony, Honey and Rory are snug-friends! Today is the Covie-turn-out day. As soon as their breakfast is done, they get to run and explore. They always seem to know what day it is--as they are ready to zoom out!  

Weds., December 24

On the first day before Christmas, the FFRC kitties gave.......a big giant thank you and love you all to our FFRCNation friends! Merry Christmas Eve day! It is truly a blessed time of year.

We had an ENVELOPE day yesterday! Many thanks given! 
Val S/kismet from WI, Jason/Dawn G from NC, Vern & Mich from MI, Cheryl & Jim L from WA, Phyllis B/kittysmom from MI,  Kristi W from PA,  Anita S. from NY, Julie & David, Suzanne & Andre from NJ, Terry M from IN, Debbi C/lostgirl from NJ, Mary/oldgraymary, Ann/ad86 & Sherry/sillysticks, Peggy/leggygal, Ton & Cecily R from CT- --Christmas card

Carole R/Zen--donation to FFRC
Matt & Darcia, Nicholas, Brendon S from MI--card photo of FFRC kitty Ruby, donation in honor of Dawn S
Susan/Schinn from Maine--photo of Cleo & Ralph, donation to use where needed
Tom & Nancy G/Kerswill from MI--awesome letter from Domino & Amber, Target gift card
Julie C from IN--Christmas card & photos of FFRC kitty's AnnaMarie & Mellow & donation
Margo F from Nebraska--Christmas card and donation
Susan M/macandcheese from MA--Christmas card and donation
Shona C from Scotland--Christmas card and donation
BoPeeps from FL--Christmas card and donation
Cindy and her wonderful kitties from Nova Scotia--Donation and stamps and Christmas card
Judy/doodles, kitty Hank from BC--Christmas card & donation
Shawn from Georgia--donation for drink and snacks for the volunteers
Blanche A from PA--donation to use where needed
From the FFRC cats--a card to Jacci with lots of stickers!
Clark, Jessie and rest of family--birthday card for Felicity!

Helene B from Germany--donation thru PayPal for FFRC
Joanna H from FInaldn--donation for FFRC thru PayPal
Lori N from NE--PayPal donation for FFRC to be used wherever needed
Herta B from IN--donation to FFRC
Kelly L--donation to FFRC
Lynne W from CA--donation to FFRC

Today is Felicity's birthday! She is now 2 years old and is a cat with mild CH. She's so beautiful. A very peaceful cat. We took her in 3/12/13 from Minnesota. Shamballie's birthday is tomorrow, Christmas Day!He too will be 2 years old. He arrived here 11/20/13, had been a HBC, with multiple injuries including a severely fractured leg. After surgery, leg being pinned, he's recovered 100%. He especially loves Beth/eaglewatcher. 

We had so much fun this morning! Our gift for the kitties and for our webcam viewer friends.....was a real life Christmas Tree, decorated with cat toys! It's about 7 feet tall and a beautiful tree. It's very sturdy and will not fall over. The kittens and cats can climb and climb, which is what they've been doing. The "star" at the top was a real sardine. Tabitha found it and ate half of it! Vernon was even at least half way up the tree, clear inside! Elizabeth put a ramp up to the tree and now Trucker can even have some fun! Fun times for the kitties---enjoy them! 

Tomorrow, Christmas Day, will probably be a laid-back day.  Cleaning will be as normal (must have a clean rescue center for the cats!), but we're not expecting any visitors.I wish for all of our volunteers and our FFRCNation, friends/family,  a very blessed day. Merry Christmas! 

Tuesday, December 23

On the second day of Christmas, the kitties gave to me.......2 big Jonah hugs! Jonah is doing much better today. Yesterday he pretty much laid low---sleeping alot. But today he is up and about and ate a very good breakfast. Still purring too!  We now have collars for all the Porchies and Covies. Next is to get their tags engraved.

When Bender sees you coming to him, he drops and rolls! Ove he goes for a tummy rub! We all know that Debut doesn't like to be picked up, and that's ok. But she sure loves to be petted.  I love how she comes up to us, backs up and stands there--she parks herself! That's her signal to scratch her back, pet her lots and lots and to rub her ears. She really is a sweetie.

We had BOXES last night and Envelopes! So many thanks given for your help.
FaithyMD--story about Jonah, ball toys, case of Friskies
Oilsandsgirl/Sheila--feather toy, 2 cat dancers, 2 cases catnip infused Fancy Feast !!, sugar free Jelly Bellies, tower of boxes full of goodies (yum!), bag of Science Diet & 2 dinosaur dental chews for the doggies.
Ella & Oilsandsgirl--100 of the 9 inch foam plates, bonito flakes
Julie P--Christma card, coupons and 5 super bags of kitty snackers, butterfly stickers, milk rings, 2 Angel ornaments
Eartheyes--2 big bags of Precious kitty litter
Phil & Judy--our Sunday visitors/volunteers--300 nine inch plates, 100 six inch plates, kitty snackers, fancy feast can, cookies for the volunteers, RC baby kitten dry food--they sure love this!
Pamela C--donation to FFRC
Lana H--donation in memory of her beloved Miranda who passed away 1 year ago.
Carla--donation to FFRC
Carla--Snickerdoodles, Almond Toffee, 6 layer bars and a neat Matchbox ornament
Madisonpepper--box from Spoiled Rotten--kitty toys, catnip markers and lots of differnt yummy kinds of kitty snackers (2 for breakfast today!)
Brian B from NY--donation to be used where needed
Great Aunt Julie/tigercat54--2 cases Fancy Fest Kitten, big bag of Purina One dry cat
Maryann O/Merry_Marvin--coupons, food for truckers & friends, 6 bags of kitty snackers, 6 cans of Weruva. A book--My Kittens First Year. Bag of Lindor chocolates assorted, Reeses PB cup
Elizabeth/widdletigger--for Jemima and friends--2 cases of Appetizers
Kathy/Kathy310 & John S with Milo, Sybil, Sherlock, Mycroft, Madison, Simone & Heidi--Christmas card with note, box tops for Caryn, cards with envelopes, fold/mail pads with kitties on them, yummy Chocolate walnut fudge, pralines, spiced pecans, Magic cookies, pecan pie bars--oh my---so delicious! kitty stickers, 4 cans Sheba, 6 cans Friskies, big bag of kitty snackers
Kelly R/littleonemine--Christmas card with note, mylar balls, box of 8 kitty toys, 4 bags sugarless candy, bubblegum, snickers, Brachs nougat, Ghiradelli peppermint choc.

Then we had Envelopes! Wonderful envelopes--we're grateful!
Chris & Kim W from Ohio--donation
Janet S from IA with Toby& Harley--Christmas card with pics of Toby & Harley, Donation for Feliz Navidad Fund
Gloria L & Linda M from GA--Christmas card with donation
Victoria Ob from WI--Christmas card with donation for Feliz Navidad Fund in memory of Tabby
Josh & Kimmie S--Christmas card with picture of Scribble
Neil M--our MO friend!--donation and a much welcomed funny letter!
Rebecca & Darren H--Christmas card
Suzie M from OH with her 17 yr old Angel--Christmas card with note and donation
Mike G/sophieandlucysdad from MI--Christmas card and a Coldstone gift card
Carol R from VA--Christmas card
Cynthia M--Christmas card and pop tabs for Kellen
David & Toni T from Archbold--Christmas card
Clark, JEssie, Glenda, Mystery, Lucy, Vicky & Pat--Happy Birthday Shamballie with $5 for birthday treat and a whisker from Clark!!
Diane D from MI with Teo--Christmas card and $5 for the chicken fund!

I'm not sure what happened, but I believe I missed 2 days of opening cards, so we have quite a bundle to open yet! How exciting! So.....today, we will try and get the rest of the cards opened. Will do that this morning!  That way they will get all opened before Christmas and we can hang them up!

We had two adoptions yesterday! Jambrew left in the morning. The mom was so excited--she had 2 girls at home that were going to be so so happy with this sweet kitten! The second one was Missy Maloo! We had a lady come in with Missy Maloo in mind, but she wanted to make sure that Missy wanted her to adopt her. So, they spent some time in Cat's Corner together, emerged happy and adopted her!

We now have collars with all the Covies and Porchies--all break away collars. Next, I need to get the tags done--this will take a little bit of time, but we'll get to it quickly.Azar was here last evening--redy to fill his tummy again! He's our traveling Porchie! Whiskers has also been here every morning--he's another Prochie that visits a neighbor on the other side of us, but he's found all the heated beds and likes that! 

Murphy loves to run the wheel.  Yes, Walter has been circling again---alot. His new meds obviously are not working, so we're trying another one.  Give him a few more days for improvement! Merri loves to climb way way up and get on top of my desk. Kiara can be found often in the warm clothes on the yellow table. Trucker figured out how to use the ramp and get on the ledges to watch the birds! Jarvis so enjoys playing with rain drops on the other side of the window! Teagan is a loverbug and is hoping for a home soon! Love all these cats! 

Remember today we will be opening up cards--will try to get them done this morning! Tomorrow sometime early, we have a surprise for all of our viewer friends! Keep an eye open! I believe you will love it! I know the cats will! Christmas morning the cats will have a special breakfast and sometime during the day will have a fresh cooked turkey!  Merry Christmas to you all! 

Monday, December 22

On the fourth day of Christmas, the kitties gave to me.........four kitties on my desk at all times to help me work! How so sweet of them! I can honestly say my work is a bit slower, a bit mis-spelled at times and a bit choppy at times--all because of these kitties! I love it though! They just look so darn cute all sitting here ready to grab my fingers and the computer pointer!

We had another adoption yesterday! Our sweet Nobbin finally got to go to his new home. His new family (Connie D's daughter and grandkids) have been waiting a long time for this boy. They've loved him from the very first when they found him. He is a bit of a mush in their arms! What a lucky cat he is! 

On Saturday we had 4 adoptions! A great day. In the morning, Dawn and Luigi went first. They were tentatively picked out one day last week. A phone call came that both were wanted! I think these two will love being in the same home.  Also Merlee Jo was adopted. The kids in the family and their dad was so very excited! It was nice to see that. She is such a beauty. Then Moose was adopted. He was first chosen because of his beautiful eyes, yet they had not met him yet. Once they arrived, Moose was waiting for them and there was no hesitation. Moose was going home with them! 

We had BOXES yesterday afternoon! We had 6 Boxes from Conii and knew she was home. She said she could watch, so Boxes were done early! 
Many thanks to Conii and Elliott and Izabellah!  Kitty Christmas card and a donation to FFRC. Hammock scratch pad, 2 bowl scratcher beds, 4 fleece kitty pads. Lots and lots of kitty toys, cuddle pads,  and a triple tunnel. Also a triangle/tent scratcher. 6 cave beds, 4 blankets with kitties on them and 2 blankies and 4 bags of doggie snackers for Janie and Camie. 6 mega snacker bags and 6 tubs of kitty snackers too! 
Painteddaisy/June for Trucker! A truck with his name Trucker Moss printed on the sides! Now, we must make sure he gets his license!
Andre & Suzanne, visitors from NJ--a big box of kitty wipes!
Yankeechick---pizza for a special meal on Saturday

We also have donations from PayPal to give thanks for:
Mark S from UK--donation to FFRC
Gisa Z from Germany--donation to help with the cats with CH
Mindy R & Marsha S from ME--donation to FFRC, in honor of Schinn, their friend! 

As many of you know, we lost Jonah on Friday.The Covies were allowed out for their Friday Run About at 11:00 in the morning. It was a devastating thought to know that he did not come back for supper when the Covies were called to return to Kitty City. Our boy was missing. We spent Friday night, all day Saturday and all of Sunday morning looking and looking--searching everywhere.  No Jonah. I called the shelter on Saturday to alert them of our missing boy, but he wasn't there. On Sunday, we received a call from them saying a man had found a tiger/white cat, male with 3 legs.  It HAD to be Jonah. The man was en route to the shelter with him, so Steve and I jumped into the truck and headed there. The first thing they told us when we entered, was that they didn't think he was our cat because the color description didn't match. But, when the door opened, out popped Jonah's head---it was him, it was him! Glorious day! Jonah was safe and sound. He purred, rubbed, purred some more, all the way home! It was wonderful--I was so fearful something bad had happened.  

To find out more of the story, we stopped at the person's house that found Jonah. Apparently he showed up in the early evening on Friday. He spent Friday night and Saturday night under their tarp. There is no way Jonah could've walked that distance. It was 7 miles from our driveway to theirs. It's obvious he was given a ride--in a vehicle. He meowed very loudly to alert them that he was there. Sunday after finding a carrier, Jonah was transported to the shelter.  We are grateful for the return of him--he is very loved. Jonah is the original Covie--the reason Cat's Cove was made. We love him so much. 

We are in the process of going thru our collars and will fit each Covie and Porchie with a collar and a tag with their name on it and the FFRC's phone number. We've elected to do this instead of microchipping.  If someone finds one of our cats, with a collar it is obvious that he/she belongs to FFRC and it will give our phone number. A microchip won't help unless someone has a reader.  Your support thru this time has been much appreciated. We do indeed have a wonderful FFRCNation--compassionate people galore! Thank you. 

Saturday, December 20

On the 6th day of Christmas, the kitties gave to me.......6 cookies!  Cookies you say?  Yes, these would the cookies that they confiscated from Wolfpatch's delivery. The pile is going down fast---has to be the kitties eating them that fast and now they feel guilty (not!) and will return them. Those rascally cats! 

Our Raffle is over and I so deeply appreciate your support. I know this was awfully close to Christmas, yet you raised $2,500 for FFRC.  So wonderful! Here's the winners of the items:
A.  Cat on a Fence, made by Pat C    108 tickets = $540  won by LeslieLaPurr
B. Granny Squares made by Mona    100 tickets = $500  won by Jacksmom
C. Rosemarys Beauty made by Rosemary  63 tickets = $315  won by Ladydoc
D. Grumpy Cat Basket by Lisa S.  102 tickets = $510  won by Arden & CHarmaine
E. Fruit Punch made by Pat C  56 tickets = $280  won by Joco
F. Christmas by Ruth D  40 tickets = $200 won by Martha our volunteer
Total $2,345  then Beth and Joco bumped it up to $2500.  Much thanks to you all!

Our Consolation prizes were Christmas Runners made by Bagobear, FFRC cards by Kikimycat and a snow leopard Blanket donated by Pat and Ellen.  Winners of these were: Deb N, Echomist, Peggy S, Dizzy, Stan Ad, Jamiecat, Schinn and Jznyc    Congrats to all!

I got behind a bit on thank yous for BOXES, so let's do 2 nights of Boxes here!
Faithy & Bobby--12 cans of Tiki cat food
Karen C from KS with Sunny K--Christmas card, 5 mega kitty snackers, 5 bags of Christmas candy
EarthEyes with Shamballie--2 bags Precious Cat Litter, 2 cases lg cans Wellness, 2 cases small Wellness, 3 cases Fancy Feast kitten, 5 lb Wellness Kitten and a large bag of Wellness too
Conii and her kitties--a tower of boxes from Harry & David--goodies, goodies, goodies--lots of very yummy Christmas goodies!
Eaglewatcher/Beth--Happy Birthday to Shamballie for 12/25. Box of FUssie Cat for him and Porchie friends, 5 bags of kitty snackers to share with Porchies!
Ingrid B & Erik J from Chicago with note, box of appetizers, 2 bags Greenie snackers, Lots of cookies--wonderful cookies that has already been taste-tested and rated super good! Thanks!
Mary H from Archbold, volunteer--Christmas card with donation toward medical bills in honor of Callie the Calico Kitty and a wonderful door mat

Many thanks to the following:
Wanda, our portrait maker--a donation for a portrait order
Sally / eaglespirit--donation for FFRC and for chicken for the kitties!
Anonymous Friend--donation to be used half for our spay/neuter fund to help others and the other half to go to FFRC wherever needed.  A special thanks to you
Lu-Little and Benny--donation to FFRC

BOXES from Weds. night. You are appreciated! 
Annoyed Cat/Gina, Tim and furbabies Lonny & Lucy from FL--Christmas card, candy to share, dry food for kitties, kitty toys and 3 beautiful pin angels made by her mom
Barry and Lori P from IA and furbabies Walter & Peter--Christmas card, calendars to share, assortment of kitty toys, 4 lg. cans can food, 12 variety of smaller Science Diet can food
Mykatkat/Deb from AZ--Christmas card, kitty snackers, candy to share, packets of FF broth, Fancy Feast, book 101 Cataclysms for the Love of Cats--very nice!
Pam T--for Jacci, Sunbeam Renue Relieving Heat Therapy Pad--I love it
Julie P--6 cases of much needed baby food
Conii, Elliott & Izabellah--2 boxes of Harry and David pears--so delicious
Painteddaisy/June--2 boxes of goody bags for volunteers--has lots of fun things in them--have already started passing them out!  For Joyful--a Princess lunchbox with 8 cans kitty food, snackers and toys. She says a big thanks too!
Gusti--spring toys--cats love them
Pat L in MI--Christmas card
PSW--envelope of gift cards from Amazon for volunteers---so very nice
Betz--card and Flash payment
Cindy D from IL--card and donation to be used where needed
Patricia from IL--Flash payment
Neuromom/Sherri/David from NY--Christmas card and Walmart gift card

We've weighed some of the cats recently. Good news--Mr. G is maintaining his weight--he's staying about the same, which is good.  Bender has lost a pound which is what we were hoping. His frame is smaller than Mr. G. We just don't want a fast weight loss--easy does it for cats. I believe the reason he has lost some weight is because he's more active.

Yesterday we had an adoption. Little Tenacity went to her new home. She was purring as she was leaving---what a wonderful kitten. There's a possibility of 4 adoptions this Saturday. I always find Christmas adoptions are hard for me. I never want kittens or cats to be adopted just because it's Christmas. These kittens need lifetime homes, so this makes me a bit "fussier" when it comes to December adoptions. We want to be sure these are really thought out adoptions.

Jersey has just walked by me 4 times, just checking things out, with his tail up and happy. Remember when he just curled up and wanted to be left alone? Not anymore--he's joined us in his mind and spirit! Solee is here also, rolling around on the floor with a catnip toy. She just loves her baby kitten snackers. Asha seems to be possibly doing another color change--the fur on her head is getting lighter. She is a mystery to us how she does this! I had two people notice it yesterday. Asha just smiles at us--she loves attention.

Thomas is doing good. For the last 2 weeks, we've added a medicine to try to keep his urinary tract infections at bay. We don't like these UTI's and they also seem to lead him into a seizure. So far, so good these 2 weeks!  Teagan is a handsome boy---so sweet, so playful and still looking for a home.

We are going to go thru a bit of a change in our Mail Room/Store. We're excited about it and will fill in details as things are firmed up. I do believe we are now ready for winter--all heat lamps are up, heater beds are in place, kitty barns are cozy, electric water bowls are in place. Even in the barns, the hay, bedding and grains are enough to get us thru a couple rough months if need be. Now, if it could ever snow without getting on the roads, parking lots and sidewalks! 

A cat meows, right? Sounds simple enough, but for those that are cat-owners, most people realize there are a whole variety of miaows that differ in pitch, rhythm, volume, tone and pronunciations. Cats do talk---we just have to listen! It's quite amazing their range of communication. There can be greetings, grumbles, whimpers, singing and so on. Listen to what your cat has to say!

Thursday, Dec. 14

On the 8th day of Christmas, the kitties gave to me.....8 kitty kisses! A wonderful gift to receive! The cats are already looking forward to extra chicken for Christmas. 

Our Raffle started yesterday. It consists of 5 beautiful afghans and a Grumpy Basket. Please check out facebook chatters, FFRCNation page or our Twitter page for details. Tickets are $5 a piece. Cn purchase one or how many you'd like. You can go to PayPal and send it to us. Just include a note as to what item(s) you'd like a ticket for. Boxes will be Friday at 5:30 pm and Raffle Drawing will be at 6:00, with consolation prizes too! Just in case you'd like this for a Christmas gift, we will have it in the mail on Monday! Join us for the fun on Friday evening!

We have many thanks to give as we had BOXES last night.
Faithymd--4 delicious boxes from Swiss Colony--pumpkin cake, ham, sausage, pancake mix, jellies, chocolate petit fours and chocolate truffles. Yum!
Julie--volunteer and son Matthew--Christmas card for Derecho & Friends, kitty food cans variety, kitty snackers, 2 doggie snackers and suet for the birds.
Megancummings/sparklepopjewelry with Sparkle, Leo & Jewels--a $1,000 check from SparklePop for sales from Nov. 27 thru Dec. 11.  Wow!  She also sent some jewelry for us to show--beautiful necklaces, earrings, bracelets   
Michelle M from Alberta with KC kitty--Christmas card, reflective stickers, photo clips for pictures, lots of kitty snackers
Gill A from UK--Christmas card, 6 boxes of Bondi Licks, book mark
Jean M with Molly from WI--Christmas card & note, 2 pretty teal towels, 2 hand soaps, sardines
Christopher & Stephanie C from AL--Christmas card, kitty ball and other toys, Giant Mouse toy, kitty snackers
Gusti from Germany--crinkle tunnel, replacement scratchers for turbo toy, kitty toys, pooper scooper, kitty snackers
Plee with Miss Tortie & Sandi--lots of pads/for the kitties and pillow cases too, soft kitty bed, 2 kitty bowls, 3 crocheted kitty pads, doggie snackers and kitty snackers
Kerswill--2 bags Bowtie kitty toys and a bowl scratcher bed
Ann, Sean, Penn, Teller and Pixel from PA--Christmas card, bag of yarn for Pat C, Nature Valley bars, big kitty snackers, salmon, kitty balls and springs, 6 pk Lysol wipes, Friskie cans. Also a t-shirt for Jacci that says: I Really Do Need All These Cats---I love it!
Fergies Guardian--6 bags of that wonderful Precious kittylitter--thanks! used 3 of them this morning!
Lannml--100 foam plates 9 inch!  Helps so much with time and our hands!
David H/wolfpatch--kitty card with letter.  Cookies, cookies and more cookies! Yum---Wolfpatch cookies. Unbelievable--it already had the tape cut---hmmmmm, now how did that happen?  And there was a few cookies missing............hmmmmmm.  Thanks David for such a wonderful batch of cookies. 4 different kinds--Almond Crescents, Chocolate Chocolate Chip/Cashews, Chocolate Chip & Oatmeal chocolate Chip. Come visit--we share! 

We also have PayPals to thank!
Ingrid/ju-in-ji--donation for Derecho for snackers and chicken to share and a donation for Bounty.
Karen C from KS--donation thru PayPal for FFRC
Judith M from NH--donation to FFRC
Eartheyes from NC--donation to help with Trucker's medical bills and a stash of chicken to share! 
P. C. from NJ--donation for FFRC

We have two exciting things happening for FFRC on the internet. One is Trucker and his buddy Freemont all snugged in their cushie bed. All you have to do is vote! The link is: www.kingpet.co.uk/cat/4188485564130808-Trucker/  There is a cash winning for this. Thanks to Aunty for submitting this.  

The second is SparklepopJewelry.com  Megan has graciously put FFRC as the cat rescue to receive funding. On some items, we get 20%, others 100%.  Be sure to mention FFRC, the cat rescue, on your order! They have beautiful jewelry, all under $40. 

We had a nice gift this morning.....from Ustream! You know all those ads that sometimes cause distress? They pay off! FFRC received a payment of $1,651.04 for 10/1/14 to 10/31/14. So wonderful! Thank you all---this comes from YOU!

Please also our Great Lakes Scrip Program at shopwithscrip.com  The activation code is EB4A132541195     Thank you!

Our Christmas Clock is back! Listen for the music at the hours. It was going to be a 2:00 surprise for you all, but we had a little work to do on the clock to get it to work properly. 

Do you know which cat has that "certain leg rub" that we all recognize?  It's Milo! He's such a love. He enjoys doing figure 8's around legs. Which cat loves feet? That would be Freemont. He so loves to lay on feet. If we stood still long enough, he'd probably nap on them! Which cat likes to hear her name said in a sing-song way?  It's Pania!

Yesterday, we brought up Bobbi and Cricket/Betra to acclimate to the Main Area. In the afternoon, Bobbi started meowing---loudly. She'd had enough of the room and wanted OUT!  So, the door was opened and she walked out like she'd been here forever! It took Betra a little longer but she too is out and about. Wonderful to see. 

Trucker had his surgery yesterday. The first thing Dr. Darcy told me is that his "parts" were not normal. Made me chuckle. Goes along with the rest of that sweet boy! Trucker looked up at me like he was so very pleased! Within a very short time of getting back to the Rescue Center and after a meal of yummy chicken, he was back on the floor running as fast as ever. We will pay special note that his two incision areas are clean. 

Did you know cats generally groom in the same pattern? It's really very interesting. Chek out your cat! Here's the usual order for most cats:
Lick the lips.
Lick the side of 1 paw until it's wet.
Rub the wet paw over the head, including ear, eye, cheek and chin.
Wet the other paw in the same manner.
Rub the wet paw over that side of the head.
Lick front legs and shoulders.
Lick flanks.
Lick hiney-parts.
Lick hind legs.
Lick tail from base to tip. 
Aren't cats just wonderful?!  Have a great day. 

Tuesday, Dec. 16

On the 10th day of Christmas, my true love brought to me..............ten plates of sardines. Oh yeah--I love them and the cats do too! It's part of the breakfast routine! 

We have so much to be grateful for. We had BOXES last night, paypals received and envelopes. Thanks!
David P from TX--donation thru Paypal, to be used wherever needed.  Pets to their Anya, Yuki and Miyu.
Neil & Jean S from OH--donation for caring for the Derechos and Truckers!
Domingo F from Italy--donation to FFRC
Amy & Jaden with kitty pets--dog Christmas card with note, 15 bell toys for kitties, candle ornaments, poinsettia pins, heart wreaths and holly, icicle ornaments (put an icicle on our tree)
Widdletigger/Elisabeth--4 boxes Kleenex, 72 rolls of PT and 48 rolls of TP--yes, we are very appreciative of paper products!
Scotland/Washing Branch of FFRCNation & Steffi S/buffypotter & Linda C/angelface--kitty card, 4 kitty bag clips, cat dancer, coil toys, bottle caps. 2 bags Reeses PB, 2 bags Chocolates, PB mint fudge. 3 cans chicken, 2 cans clams, 4 cans sardines, kitty snackers, 6 pks kitty stick snackers, 2 magnets of Z kitties
Kerswill--play cube. turbo scratcher refills, case of Friskies
Gusti from Germany--2 of the 40 lb bags of Precious Cat Litter
AB?Anne B--luminarie card, kitty snackers, lots of ribbon, bows, gift boxes, gift bags, glitter glue to share with volunteers.  Ornament, wrapped mug, tape dispenser, box of 20 greeting cards
Pat & Ellen from Defiance--hard hat for Jimmy--let the icicle fun begin!
Beth/eaglewatcher from IL--2 nightlights that change colors!  Fun for cats to watch
Jatcat from CA--safety box cutter with extra blades and envelope openers
Elskates with Bridgette, Natasha & Savannah--Christmas card with donation
Diane G from IL--Christmas card with Donation
Lurker from Medina, OH--Christmas card with Donation
Jean K--kitty Christmas card
Anna C from MA--Christmas card

Tomorrow is Trucker's big day---his last surgery! Wow--he's been thru alot, but this one should be at low risk. His lost tic tacs will be found! He will come back in the afternoon. We are having a dickens of a time getting his loose stool under control.  We're working on it with all treatments on the table--hopefully soon it will not be a bother for him. 

Coralie likes to sit in my lap, on a cushie in the early mornings when I start my computer work. The minute she hears Lisa rattle the kitty snacker bag--she leaps off my lap--plop on the floor. She's so quick, I don't even get a chance to help her get down. One second she's up and one second she's on the floor! She loves her snackers!

Noble made his way up to the Main Area this morning. He's back again with his brother, but it's a step in the right direction. Both he and Honor are so very handsome. Floyd and Nelson are doubly cute too. They love to be held and can purr so very loud. 

Sunnie J is another purrer---it must be a requirement as we seem to have so many of them turning on their truck purrs! Such a soothing sound. Ada Jane is holding her own and enjoying things. She is still napping on top of the volunteer pen. Her appetite is good and she so loves her drippy faucet. 

McHoney has been holding class as how to open drawers and doors. She's always opening my top desk drawer. As a matter of fact, she is here right now doing it. She sorts and roots and picks something out to carry away. I just keep picking things up and redepositing them. The last 3 mornings, there's been McHoney and both the twins--Dickens and Abner, and Jarvis all in the cabinet in the front Thumper's Room. Not doing anything but sitting there looking at us when we discovery them. I'm sure that they are in planning stage of something ornery! 

Those wacky, wiggly, twitching tails. They tell a story all by themselves!
If your cat's tail is:
Curved, with the end twitching....it signifies annoyance or attention.
Hanging down and puffed up....it signifies fright, worry
Down and tucked between his legs....it signifies total submission
Is shaped like an S....it signifies relaxation and contentment.
Straight up in the air and swishing slightly...it signifies a casual greeting
Straight up in the air but curved at the end....it signifies curiosity or excitement.
Cats DO talk---with their ears, whiskers, eyes and tails and stance! Take time to know your cat! 

Do you know what a happy tail is?  It's a cat that is spayed or neutered! 

Sunday, December 14

Oh Christmas Tree, oh Christmas Tree! Our beautiful upside tree is up--or is that down?!--and decorated.  Lights are on and it's so pretty. 

I saw a meeting of some of the cats yesterday--Mayor Anony, Jonah, Austin, Zavatar, Derecho and Asha were in serious discussion. I listened for a bit before I was shooshed away. Sounded like they were planning what special foods they all want for Christmas! Love them--always thinking of their tummies.  I have a frozen turkey in the freezer (from Mary Arch.) for them that Steve and I will cook for them for Christmas. They don't know about it yet! 

We had BOXES and we are grateful! Your kindness and help for FFRC is always aprpeicated.
Kim/coloeagle--a blue and a pink afghan for Molly & Ryan, 4 beautiful afghans for raffle or sale--all different colors and all so beautiful. Thanks Kim!
Helen M/helmin from UK--case of 9-Lives, case of Meow Mix cups, kitty snackers, case of Friskies can
Billy K from TX--2 bags of Science Diet kitten dry food, 4 cases of Sheba for Ada Jane
Susan S/raspbearyjam--potty bags, Christmas card, 4 boxes of Surgicalt ape, Co-Flex, 3 cans of Friskies, butterfly tote, tic tac toe game for neutered kitties! 
Jodi/jobear from MN--Christmas Card, 31 bags of home grown catnip, 2 fish Christmas stockings for kitties, and an engraved rock with a kitty on it!
Kelly R/littleonemine from CA--case of Fancy Feast kitten, case of FF adult and a case of Appetizers
Judi Sp--3 cases of Appetizers, kitty snackers
Susan345--2000 6 inch paper plates
Tom P/xwired2u from NJ--a Breville Juicer for flash sale or wherever can use
Great Aunt Julie/tigercat from IA--kitty snackers, 2 crate pads 1 lg & 1 sm, super soft
LJ323--a beautiful handcrafted white scarf that sure looks like Farrah! Love it!

Joni W--donation to FFRC, in honor of her niece and nephews for Christmas--Chad, Kelsey, Drew, Ross and Ned. 
Olga B from Netherlands--a donation thru PayPal in honor of the kitties and volunteers
A lurker from AZ--donation for FFRC and a special hug for Derecho!
Tracy L--donation thru PayPal for FFRC
Ellen & Pat from Defiance--baby food jars and mailing labels
Anna S from OH--donation for FFRC
Aleda S from VA--donation for FFRC, in highest honor of Frank and Michele
Deb & Karen from Ft. Wayne, visitors--lots of blankies!
Nona S--nebulizer and meds for it, plus a beautiful pink quilt and a bird blanket
Deb11111--week visitor! lots of wonderful dry cat food--2 of each--Chicken Soup for the Soul, Science Diet , Innova, Wellness,Nature's Recipe, Blue Basics, Iams, dawn soap, Bounce, 13 gal. bags, 3 Tide laundry soap, 600 sm paper plates 6 inch   Big thanks!

We have 2 new kittens. They are about 15 weeks old. Both are males. One is brown tiger/white and a black/white with a white tip tail. They came here after being found on a busy country road. Both had major fleas. The tiger/white is named Noble. The black/white is Honor. Both of these names are Name A Cat names. Such nice kittens. They came in shy and looking "pre-occupied". I'm sure that was from the amount of fleas on board. Fleas are gone (no fleas are allowed here!) and they seem happy. They are now down on the floor in the back Thumper's Room, playing and running. Won't be long until they come to the Main Area. 

Bender is now staying here in the Main Area. He seems quite comfortable. He's walking around quite a bit, so hoping we can slowly help him lose a couple pounds. Slow is the magic word for this though, when it has to do with cats. 

People have asked recently about Slick. He's doing wonderful. His fur is soft, it's growing longer and he loves to eat. He so enjoys his snackers and being on the back of the couch looking out the window. He's a gem!

Things are going good here. The kitties are healthy and happy. Cats are wonderful. Porchies are doing great. They love their warm Porchie Haven and the heated beds in the sunporch. The Covies in Kitty City are also doing good. We have been able to let them out 3 times a week now to run about. They love this. We'll try to continue this as long as the weather holds out. The Barnies are great--they too have a heated light for cold temperatures and of course, they love the high levels of the hay in the barn.  Update on bunnies---babies are growing and hopping about. So so cute. 

We had two adoptions yesterday!  Jenna Jo and Beth who are sisters, went to the same home. The family picked them out a little while ago, but they wanted to wait until they moved into their new home. Mission accomplished. Two beautiful kittens. 

I witnessed something yesterday that was profound to me. Frank and Michele brought Jambrew back to FFRC. This was a very hard decision. They so wanted to give this boy a home with them. They have a resident cat that just will not accept a newcomer. So, in respect to the resident cat and to Jambrew, the hard decision was made---Jambrew needed to come back and find a new home. This was an act of complete unselfishness and one that I am grateful for. The love that this shows is great. Thank you both for caring enough for your resident cat and Jambrew for doing this. The compassion that our FFRCNation displays never ceases to amaze me. 

Someone asked me recently--if our vet recommends getting the distemper vaccination every two years is it still necessary to take in each year. I would love to see all cats and pets examined by a vet each year. Many vets now recommend the distemper vaccination every 2 (and sometimes 3) years. Lots of variables in that decision. BUT, nothing replaces an annual physical (just like humans). Physicals are designed to detect problems before they become a real issue. So....bring on the annual physicals! Take care and have a great Sunday! 

December 11, Thursday

Who is this cat that looks like Ada Jane and where did the real Ada Jane go?!  Wow--this sweetie is amazing. She has a little prance to her step, is going into all the rooms which is something she normally does not do. She also was splashing and having fun with the water bowl this morning. She truly seemed to be enjoying herself.  Yes, this is our Ada Jane girl doing this! It was so nice watching her. 

Yesterday Bender, Sunnie J and the twins Floyd and Nelson spent the entire day up in the Main Area. They all 4 did wonderful. Sunnie J spent the night up here with everyone. I haven't seen him play yet with the others, but he will, I'm sure. This morning, as soon as the door was opened to the back area, Bender was up and out the door first! He is amazing--so enjoy watching him. Once Floyd and Nelson came up, they've scattered everywhere! We will probably have Bender do one more night in the back area but leave Floyd and Nelson and Sunnie J up front. 

Trucker just buzzed thru the office going 100 mph in kitty speed. He can really truck it! He has now climbed a step several times successfully! He's getting the hang of it. Moose just zipped by too at top speed with Ichabod hot on the trail. Must be fun to just run at high speed for the pure joy of it! Next Weds. is Truckers neutering date with the vet clinic. He will come home de-tic-tac-ed. 

Thanks to Deb11111 and Warped for their Flash Sale yesterday--they sold warped's coasters and Mich's scarves. We are getting all shipments out very quickly since some may be for Christmas gifts. As with any of our sales, don't ever hesitate to let me know if something isn't right. The shipments from last week's Flash Sales should be arriving very soon!

We had BOXES last night! Many thanks to you for your gifts to FFRC---you are appreciated!
Joanne/Joco51--15 tubs of Lysol wipes
Anonymous Friend--kitty card, sponges, Kong Zoom Grooms, 2 Self Groomers for the wall corners
Billy K--bag of Science Diet Kitten
Great Aunt Julie/tigercat54 from IA--case of Fancy Feast
Anne N from UK--kitty card and purse charms!  Yes, this is the 2nd batch she has sent. There are cats, music, owls, peace and butterfly charms. Very very nice!
Anonymous Friend--24 rolls paper towels--Tabitha is doing the Happy Dance!
Vicki B--6 bags Royal Canin Baby Cat dry kibbles
Kathy K/Justme--3 bags of Royal Canin Baby Cat dry kibbles
Cathy/svcathy & Scott--4 boxes Appetizers
LeeAnn M from OH with Shadow & Patches--Christmas card
Annie--card with note in regards to a FFRC donation and poof pymt
Judy R from FL--kitty Christmas card with Donation--her and her husband visited FFRC this year--we so enjoyed having them here.
Pam/Zoolove--kitty Christmas card, signed by Princess, Bootsie, Callie, Smokie, Snowie and Blackie!  Cuddle Clone--a real look alike of Sheriff Putter--just really neat! Santa Pants tunnel, paw print drawer pulls, Kitty Christmas plaque, Metal Kitty Welcome statue, 4 votive candles different colors, very pretty, Welcome mat, tabby kitty rug, individual packs chips for volunteers, Christmas candy! and a beautiful kitty throw. 
Renee C from Nova Scotia--a PayPal donation to FFRC
Donna H--PayPal donation to FFRC
Brenda R from CA--PayPal to FFRC, part for wherever needed and part for the Feliz Navidad Fund
Alison V--PayPal donation to FFRC
Neal & Jenni C, in honor of Jo Ann C's birthday--a donation made in her name!
Judy & Phil--Fantastik cleaner, Friskies cans, softsoap, handwarmers and Yeowwww cat ball toys

Two special thanks too! Hailey from Ashland visited here last weekend with her family. She just turned 10. Instead of presents for herself, she asked her friends to donate to FFRC. They brought: litter, big & small bag dry cat food, towels, rugs, lots of toys, scratcher, can food, kitty snackers, Meow mix cups, Dawn soap, Iams cans, washclothes   Thank you so much and special wishes for you from us!
Also a big thanks to Warped and Joe for a special LONG extension ladder. Last summer, Joe did a cat rescue on top of Cat's Cove on a way too short of ladder. Now he can do it again, but safer! Thanks to you both--it's a treasure to have this!

Betra/Cricket and Bobbi continue to do well. Bobbi is actually a cuddlebum and so enjoys being petted. Murphy has turned into an extra sweetie too. She loves to give kisses. Jarvis is so sweet, yet so ornery--makes for a fun kitten. Columbus thinks he's the personal computer assistant--his favorite thing is to sit on the keyboard if it's accidently left out! 

Asha spent the night in Kitty Kastle and enjoyed it. It's nice for the cats to have this opportunity. The birds have been eating heavily at the feeders. The kittens love watching them. Niffie is a lap cat--loves to knead and purr.Cats can always find warmth. In the Kitty Campus room is a shelf above the door. There are 7 cats laying up there, all in a long cat row, enjoying the ceiling warmth! 

Please remember the importance of yearly physicals. Sometimes people think if vaccinations aren't due, they can skip those physicals. But these physicals are designed to find potential problems before they are big problems. Physicals save lives. When we do vet checks, it's important to us here at FFRC to see where pets are taken in for yearly physicals. 

Tuesday, December 9

Ornery kittens! Cats running crazy! Zipping and zapping and climbing. Tackling, jumping and flying. Yep---someone gave these cats catnip mistletoe. Energy is high here! 

We had BOXES last night! So many grateful thanks given. 

Donnajb---600 6 inch paper plates, box of 30 bags of Lays Kettle Chips

Jennifer M/Jinkies TX--For a raffle--super soft Kitty face blanket

Dewitty from WI--Christmas card, Tower Snowman with kitty toys and kitty snackers!  And info about different rescues

Jean S from WI=--8 boxes Kleenex, 48 rolls of TP and paper towels--yeah!

Trudy S from Bryan OH--Christmas card and donation to FFRC

Melissa L from NY---donation to FFRC

Gemini54--Kitty Christmas card, kitty pin with pink bling collar (thanks!) and for a raffle--very soft Charlie Bear

Anonymous Friend--milk rings for Pania  (she too says thanks!)

Ann F from NJ with Noah & Karla---donation to FFRC

Clark, Jessie & Family--For Anony's birthday--card and $5 for treats

Jill D from MN--Christmas card, letter and gift

KnittinKitten/Donna--box of 36 bags Grandmas Cookies, bag of Reeses variety

Nora S from NY--coupons and stamps

John & Susan T from OH--Christmas card

Don & Katy with Shelby & Dexter--Christmas Card

Tom & LInda C with Happy from IL--Christmas card and donation for FFRC

Debbie C/LostGirl--gift card and poptabs for Kellen

Andrea W--purple Paws tote bag

Roberta L from OH--card with note and 2 Jackson Galaxy Books

We took in a new kitten two days ago. He's a real cutie. Has a short tail and the poor thing has 3 distinct kinks in it. One is close to body, two are towards the end of the tail. He's gold and white and has a sweet personality. His name is Sunnie J. He was found in a neighbors yard of one of our volunteers. He most likely will be up in Main Area tomorrow.

We have names! The two little black/white kittens are named. The boy with the bigger white streak on the back and a black face is Floyd. The boy with the smaller white stripe on the back and the white face is Nelson. They love to rock and roll and provide much entertainment in the back Thumper's Room. They too will be in Main Area soon.

We also took in a young adult. He lived in Minnesota. Guess who our visitors are this week! It's Connie/Warped and Deb11111. They are from Minnesota and graciously, on very short notice, transported this wonderful cat to FFRC. His name is Bender and he's about 3 years old, a beautiful black/white cat. He's a bit of a big boy--shy by a couple ounces of being 20 lbs. For him, he would do better if we can help him lose a couple pounds! Bender is also a cat with mild CH. He does real well. His past owner could no longer keep him, returning him from the rescue where he came from was not an option and he also needed some medical help. He had ruptured anal glands. Things are doing better though in that department already.  I feel he too will do good here in the main Area.

We had adoptions on Sunday! In the morning, Michelle/Callie and Henry/Frank (usually Friday volunteer visitors) adopted Jambrew. They were so happy and so was Jambrew! I do believe this kitten will have lots of spoiling happening, which is good! We also had 2 kittens be adopted by Judy and Phil, our Sunday volunteers. They picked wonderful Gusti and Priya. I've heard already and it sounds like all is happy! 

This weekend, we have two more adoptions. That will be for Beth and Jenna Jo.  This family was moving and wanted to wait to bring them into the new home!

We also had a returned kitten. Caleb is back and he's a happy boy. Playing and running and making up for lost time.  Caleb is the kitten that Dina, my daughter in law found inside the hood of a car. He's happy, has grown and is spending half time in the Main Area and half in the Thumper's Room.

Take care, all! 

Sunday, December 7

I think it's still Thanksgiving, as we have extra much to be thankful for. We had a mini Flash Sale on Thursday and one on Friday, thanks to Lynnette. On Saturday, we had an off and on Flash Sale all afternoon and evening. Giant thanks to Mich and Vern for doing these. Big thanks to the volunteers here that pitched in and helped. And super thanks to all of you---our viewers for the support of these sales that make them so successful. Thanks too for the mods that helped all those hours! These sales truly are important to us and help us tremendously with keeping up with our needs. 

We already have started organizing all the items that will need to be sent out. Our Mail Room has piles everywhere! Rest assured, we will mail these out very quickly. As soon as PayPals or checks/money orders are received, the items go out! We want to strive for 100% accuracy. As always, if there's an error, don't hesitate to let me know. 

We also had BOXES Friday night. Wow--it was wonderful and we're thrilled!
Shawn/happyflame--a really neat laser light for the kitties--we tried it--so fun! Also holiday 3-D glasses. Thank you, Shawn.
Laura/medic101--2 cases Fancy Feast
David & Christine with Yuki, Anya and Miau--Yeoooow cigars, bananas, rainbows, Senses super roller circuit toy, 3 boxes Fancy Feast variety, 5 bags kitty snackers variety, 2 cases Fancy Feast kitten can
FaithyMD & Bobby--box of Meow Mix cups
Lostgirl--2 bags of Science Diet Kitten Food
Donnajb--Yeeeeow bananas, 3 catnip red peppers, 8 bags kitty snackers, Bonito flakes, 4 bags Purina One Kitten dry.  Doggie treats, horse treats, goat treats! Box of Cracker JHacks individual bags, Planters Nuts Variety, Nabisco cookies/crackers, Lindor milk choc truffles, nut/fruit seed bell for birds.  500 Styrofoam plates, 3 bottles Lysol wipes, Kitty wipes for faces, 8 boxes kleenex and TP! Big thanks! And candy canes!
LJ323 with note--3 bags Sunkist Fruit Gems, bag of candy canes, Pringles individuals, 3 bags party Mix snackers.
LJ323 and Larissa--a beautiful, wonderful Harlequin Cat afghan for Jacci.  We have another one of these that will be for possibly a raffle.  The artwork and handiwork is wonderful! Big thanks.
Julie/Tigercats54--3 kitty dry erase white boards with pens, from Zazzle, each with a neat design
Mary's coworker Brent from Archbold--13 appetizers for Jolene, 13 fancy feast broth and 7 of the 4 packs of 9-Lives
Michelle and Freank/Callie and Harry--3 of the 15 pounds of Royal Canin Kitty dry
David W--10 single Kuranda Beds--wonderful! We will divide between the Covies, Porchies and here inside the Rescue! We love these.

We also have other thanks to give:
Marcia S from MI--donation to use where most needed
Roberta L from OH--donation for FFRC
Mark S from UK--donation for the kittens and cats
Carol N--donation for FFRC
Olga B from Netherlands--donation for FFRC
Pat and Ellen of Defiance--donation to sponsor Farrah and also to help FFRC

We also have thanks to give for Thursday BOXES! Your boxes always are a huge help to us!
Lannml--2 of the 16 lb bags of Purina One dry kitten
Ardenandcharmaine--3 of the 16 lb bags of Purina One dry kitten
Joyce from OH--2 of the 16 bags of Purina One kitten dry
Donnajb--Happy Hen treats with meal worms for the chickens! They loved it
Susan345--Bag of Royal Canin Kitten dry and a bag of Royal Canin Bby Cat dry
Nona--6 bags of Royal Canin Baby Cat dry
Mike/sophieandlucysdad (day visitor)--18 packets of variety of Appetizers, 30 cans of Friskies, 4 whiskers Lickins snackers, 9 Party Mix snackers
Betz--kitty card and donation for chicken for Walter's birthday
Tara/Annieslots9--kitty card and note
Clark, Jessie and family--birthday card for Walter and $5 bill for birthday for Walter
Realty 5 of Defiance Ohio--donation from the sell of a house where the seller donated money to FFRC 
Beth/eaglewatcher--gift checks for KFC for CHICKEN!!

We took in two new young kittens 2 days ago. They were found in a shut box in a ditch by a mailbox. The man who discovered them is a very kind person and brought them here. These 2 boys are gorgeous--long hair black/white with some real pretty markings. No names yet. They are about 14 weeks old. They just had their pen door opened today and are now running around in the back Thumper's Room.  I don't think they're quite ready to come up to the front, but soon. Two real sweetie-pies.

Our other two adults--Betra/Cricket and Bobbi are doing better and better. They are so much more relaxed. I know that transition from losing their mom to coming here is hard. They were loved. But it won't be long until they are ready to come up front too. 

We had 2 adoptions on Friday! TInia and Intor went to their new home. The wish from their new mama is that they like to sit on her lap and to climb up into bed with her and snuggle! I do believe they will be two happy kittens!

Trucker finally climbed one step! He wants inside the house very very very much.  Oh no---I let him in twice for a walk thru and that's all it took.  Now, the notion comes to him quite often---I want in the house NOW.  For right now, he sits at the bottom of the 3 steps and cries and cries until I take him in.  Did I just say that?  I mean, when he's "accidently" lifted up and left into the house for a very short visit. What a boy---he has a heart of determination. I do think he's related to Derecho!

Joey is now everywhere in the Rescue Center. He's opening himself up more and more to letting people pet him. Such a joy to see. Mr. G is also up in the front more. Actually, he has spent a couple nights in the Main Area and is doing better all the time. Can you imagine never being around another cat and then coming here?! He really is doing good. Bella still has been going outside but not as often. She goes out, aims for her poof and jumps right in! 

Ada Jane is amazing to us. She has changed her bed napping place. She now climbs to above the volunteer pen and sleeps in a bed there. To get a drink, she has to climb down, walk over to the steps and climb them, jump onto the yellow table and walk across the washer and dryer to the sink. She seems to be doing this quite well. And her appetite too has picked up. 

Take care and have a wonderful weekend. I'm sorry my blogs are not as frequent. It's been a very busy time here lately for me.  It's always busy...but even more so. I'll try and keep you updated as much as possible. Thanks to you all---your support is wonderful. Your friendship is so important to us. The kitties and cats love you too! Have a wonderful week.  

Thursday, December 4

Happy birthday to you!  Happy birthday to Walter!  Happy birthday to our sweet boy.  He's now 2 years old. He had a special plate of turkey/chicken yesterday and will again today, compliments of Betz. He's a happy boy! 

Today Jenna Jo will have her spay at the vet's office. She just seemed a tiny bit off on Saturday when we did all the surgeries. But, by that night, she was running around like crazy already! But,we will always play on the side of caution. She'll be back later in the afternoon.  She and Beth will go to their new home together. Their adoption date is tentatively 12/14.  

Tomorrow, Friday we should have 2 other adoptions--Intor and Tinia. They too will be going together to a lady who has lots of lap time to give to the kitties!  Then on Sunday---our Gusti girl will be leaving with Phil and Judy. Sounds like Gusti may be leaving with another friend too! 

We had BOXES last night! What a wonderful "happening" for FFRC!
SonJa--3 cases of Friskies turkey and cheese dinners
JatCat-4 Quiet Time Kitty pads for the Porchies
Pat L--Plee--4 boxes of Appetizers
Anne--UK--lots of individual bag of charms with their own pouch and tissue.  The different themes are owls, butterflies, peace/love and cats. Really nice pieces!
Tom W--20 FFRC calendars from Zazzle--what an awesome gift
Phlebldy/Barb W--2 cases Friskies pouches, 14 bags kitty snackers, 6 Clorox wipes
Donnajb--12 bags kitty snackers, 4 cases Friskies large cans pate
macncheesemom from MA--note, 2 beautiful glass blocks painted with paw print ribbon and lights inside them--beautiful
svcathy/Cathy & Justme/Kathy--our CathyKay mama was named after these two KCathy's! They sent a beautiful soft blankie, stuffed kitty and 2 extra lg pom poms for CathyKay.  Then they sent lots of toys to split between the Cathy Kay babies
JillR--2 bags Greenies snackers, 2 boxes Fancy Feast, 2 cases 9-Lives
Lisa S/munchkinljs and Peter S--note, 2 Christmas blankets with kitties, 3 bags of kitty snackers, a Grumpy Cat Christmas basket
Warpedinmn/Connie--24 crate pads, 24 warpies, 12 2-pair fleece pillow cases (Warpies), 24 centipede toys, 12 Ming-String toys

I would like to send a special thanks out to everyone who sends such lovely items to us---all for helping FFRC. It's quite astounding to me--seeing this generosity. Warms the heart and I thank you all.

We also have other thanks to give:
Purple_cat--donation for FFRC, in honor of her family, to be used wherever needed
Sevren--donation as a Merry Christmas to all at the Rescue Center and family
Gusti--for little Gusti as a good bye, for a blankie
Janet M--donation for FFRC
Jacksmom/Jennifer--donation for FFRC for Giving Tuesday! 
Jason S from AR--donation for FFRC
Carol N--donation for FFRC

We have a Feather Update.  The feather project is still a go. This wonderful friend underestimated the help that our FFRCNation can deliver. She had LOTS of feathers! Makes me smile! Also, due to the heat there, and using many fans, feathers would fly everywhere! So, the project is delayed just a little bit, but it's still on. 

In the next few days, we will have some mini Flash Sales. We have such lovely, wonderful items that are excellent for Christmas. So, we will slowly but surely, get these out for your viewing. Of course, they will be done on the cam. We don't have an order of things yet, but then, that's the fun of flash sales! 

Triumph loves to run around with the plastic balls in his mouth. So soft too. Murphy is a clown--always playing and being so silly. She's friends with everyone. Ratchet loves the windows and is always watching the birds. August asked for a special breakfast feeding this morning--so brave of her. Cayden has discovered the fun of climbing the Kuranda Towers . I caught her this time---yes, it is indeed McHoney that opens my desk drawer. She opens, sorts thru the "stuff" and takes off with a treasure, head held high! So fun to watch her!

Tuesday, December 2

Watch out--better do the kitten shuffle.  It's not because the kittens are so tiny anymore, it's because these cats have speedy wheels.  They get to playing and then zoom, zip, zap, they run without any thought that they need to run around our legs. They bounce right off and continue on their fast ways! I swear they all have rubber-bones! It's truly a wonder that us humans haven't taken a spill yet. It's so nice though, that they are so happy that they are confident enough to just play their little hearts out!

We had BETP last night! That stands for Boxes, Envelopes, Tube and a Package! Many thanks for your kindness!
JilliR27--2 cases of Fancy Feast Gravy Feast
Nancy B--6 tun can cat beds!  They've already started being cozy in them!
Allanimals---cat skeletal anatomy poster---very nice
Aunty Fi and with the help of Leggygal--2 biggydews and 1 pillowcase with TRUCKS on them for Trucker! So soft and in the back Thumper's Room for Trucker's night time sleeps
Phil & Judy--Sunday volunteers--2 boxes band aids, Meow Mix packets, case of Fancy Feast, post it notes, Friskies cans, baby food, 5 chicken cans
Frank & Michelle--our Friday visitors & pet snugglers--5 cases of water and lots of Mr. Clean and Lysol
Jan S, from Defiance, visitor--paper towels, litter, soft towels, paper plates, wash clothes and bag of dry Friskies
Penn, Tell, Pixel and family--Thanksgiving card and donation for special treats for the kitties
Little Kat and her family Elaine and Alan B from FL--card, donation and gift card to Petsmart. Loved the letter, Little Kat!
Isabella/BudnBit from FL--education redeemable coupons for Caryn
Dan and Joy D from NY--card and donation for FFRC
Sopieandlucydad/Mike from MI--coupons
Susan CT from Defiance---donation for FFRC
Wendi B from WI--card and doantion for raffle booster
Victoria O from WI--raffle booster for FFRC
Jean K from MN--raffle ticket money
Francoise A from Ontario--donation for treats for kitties and doggies
Shannan W--donation for FFRC
Eugenia S from Russia---donation for FFRC
David W from CO--wonderful Kuranda Tower beds! We'll be putting these together this week and will use them right away!  Thanks bunches!

Ada Jane ate a good breakfast! She is simply amazing! Mr. G has been out in the Main Area more and more. Grumbles are down a bit. He really doesn't mean too much by his "talk". The kittens never seem too worried about it. McHoney has a new trick she's been doing this past week.  She's figured out how to get my top desk drawer opened.  She ever so carefully fishes things out that she wants to play with! She discovered too that I keep a bag of snackers in there which she helps herself to!

We took in 2 new adults on Sunday. A friend of ours, who works at Dr. P's brought them. One came from FFRC. Betra, also known as Cricket was adopted here in the late summer of 2009.  She was only 4 weeks old when she arrived from Dr. P's office. Her birthday is 5/26/09. She's a beautiful black/white long hair cat. The second cat did not come from here and was found in a beanfield.in 10/07. Her birthday is 4/27/07. Her name is Bobbi. She's a pretty brown tiger, with a very dark stripe going down the top of her entire back. She's also a "natural" no-tail so we have her as a probable Manx cat. She actually has a very very short stubb there at the tail base. She is sweet.  Their elderly mama passed away less than a month ago and they do miss her very much. Yesterday, they seemed to be ready to come out of their adjoined pens, so the doors were opened. After thinking about it, they've come out and are doing great. Both have lots of friendship in them and want to please but it's obvious they also miss their mom. When they are relaxed and settled in, we'll let them in the Main Area. Welcome to Betra Cricket and Bobbi. 

Two of our kittens, Intor and Tinia will be adopted this Friday late morning. The lady who is adopting them have been here quite a few times to visit them so they will know her.  Gusti is also on hold by Phil & Judy! What a wonderful thing these three adoptions are. Gusti will be loved so very much. They will be taking her after their Sunday afternoon visit, late in the afternoon. But first, the kitties need their Sunday loving time with Phil! 

Lucy Ann is wonderful. She would do amazing in a home where a lap is available for her to have all day! The Covies are doing wonderful! Anony and Sevaun are keeping them all in line. Today is their "out and about" day. They so love this! Lele and LaDonna are great friends.  Jonah will sleep next to anyone that likes to snuggle! Oliver is big and fluffy and handsome as ever! 

Sunday, November 30

Are you ready for it?  December is here, tomorrow! Hard to believe. The saying is---time flies when you're having fun. Well, it certainly does go fast here at FFRC! 

We had surgery yesterday. All went very well. Columbus, Intor, Ichabod, Teagan, Norton and Star were the boys that were done. Then the girls were Tinia, Bounty, Tenactiy, Screech, Amazon, Beth, Merlee Jo, Neemu, Dawn and Priya. We did not spay Jenna Jo as she seemed a bit off yesterday. No reason to hurry this process.  We will make an appointment for her very soon at the vet's office.

We also did a few physicals. They were:
Jersey--normal physical. He was so very good letting us handle him
Ponia--normal physical. She actually enjoyed it!
Slick--normal physical.  Gave an injection to help with his skin issues.
Thomas--normal physical. We will start him on meds hopefully to prevent his UTI
Paddy Purr--all seemed fine, except for his bit of thinness and his licking. Will look into which medication would be the best to help him.
Trucker--what a zooming boy he was. He showed Dr. Darcy that he is a super fast speedy-wheel boy. It's possible that we've found what may be testicles--not in their proper place, but "do-able"!  Will get his surgery scheduled soon. 
Ada Jane--still, of course, she has her kidney issues. We expect this from an almost 20 year old girl. We've been having a physical done monthly on her when Dr. Darcy comes. Last month she thought that Ada Jane might have an "unusual feel" to her abdomen. This month confirmed it---she has an abdominal mass that is about the size of a golf ball. Her treatment? Love her every single day that she is with us, as usual! This doesn't change anything for Ada Jane. What Ada Jane wants, Ad Jane gets.

We had BOXES on Friday night. Many heartfelt thanks to you!
Cheryl L from WA--a fun box filled with Jacci things!  Plus milk rings for the kitties, pop tabs for Kellen and box tops for Caryn. Also many many kitty pads for the kuranda towers--so pretty and purrfect!  A big thanks to Cheryl for her gifts to me--peace towel, cards, bath pearls, peace bird sign, a great book, lots of wonderful items! 
SuzieQ--bag of Sunkist Fruit Gems, 12 packets of salmon and a case of Fancy Feast
Romeosmom/Sarah & Rob (Neil and Anna Maries' daughter) and their kitties--2 plush kitties with squeakers, named Lucky, Temptation snackers, wand toys, 2 Laurel Burch cat carriers
Gusti--6 cases of Pro Plan can food
Kikimycat/Ellen from FL--more hot chocolate mixes for the guys that help FFRC and LOTS of pretty earrings, such a wonderful variety of them. Watch for flash sales!
IBKCFJJJ--you might want to know what that means!  It's Itty Bitty Kitty Collection for Jingle Jangle Jubilation---wow!  In others words, our FFRC cats! Yes--they got together and sent 2 boxes full of snacker bags, full of holiday goodies for Volunteers, UPS, anyone that helps us!  WOW!
Coralie P from Aussie--donation for Coralie , the kitty and friends
Deborah F from CA--donation to FFRC
Gusti--a donation to FFRC for Happy Thanksgiving
Nigel W from UK--donation for FFRC
Stephanie S from UK--donation for FFRC
Char in Biloxi--donation to FFRC in memory of The Mouse, her cat who passed to the Rainbow Bridge.

I have to tell you about our ornery kittens. Many times you folks think they are sweet little angels. Well.....they really are, BUT.......yesterday while waiting for their surgeries, they were rotten. Yep, just rotten.  Jumping, climbing, tossing each other around, rolling up their blankies and diving in--all of these things while in their condo pens. Then they discovered they had sandboxes (aka litterboxes). They were kicking "sand" everywhere and then rolling and rolling in it. Tossing their sand on the floor became great fun. I was on the floor, using a hand little sweeper to clean up their mess when all of a sudden, I felt (I'm sure a whole ton of it) litter come dumping on the floor, after landing on my head and shoulders and back. Yes, you can imagine it. And they just sat there by the bars looking out, like that was great fun!  Needless to say, their litterboxes were removed.  Naughty kittens! Love them anyway! 

Our orneriest kitties are: Jarvis, Moose, Abner, Trucker, Freemont and Dickens. Oh but what fun they are. Hmmm--they seem to be all boys!  But, then you can add in Gusti---she loves to romp and play right along with them! These are wonderful kittens still needing homes (except for Trucker!). 

I've been trying to make a decision in regards to cats and FFRC, spaying/neutering--the whole picture.I'm still working on it, but do you know how very important one single spay can mean?  It can mean many lives that are saved.  This is the time of year, before spring is even thought of, to get those boy and girl cats spayed/neutered.  It is absolutely one of the most heartbreaking things---to see such overpopulation problems that result in neglect and abuse. It can be fixed, plain and simple.  Spay and neuter.  And please....don't say "it's not my cat".  If you're feeding it, it's YOUR cat. Help us by spaying/neutering please. 

I've heard from CathyKay's family. All is going great. Scabs are literally gone, vanished! What happy news! They still have her on the duck/potato food. She's still there and while things are going so good, they are fine for her to still be there!

Jimmy has been hard working on the Porchie Haven. We've been fortunate to have a reprieve in the weather. It's been in mid 50's for a couple days. The inside of Porchie Haven is now insulated, covered with plywood and then that wonderful vinyl wall covering that makes cleaning so easy. Two heat lights in there will be all they'll need to keep them warm and toasty. 

The Barnies too are all set--their heat box is there already keeping them warm in the big red barn and the grey barn. The Covies are still getting out for their run-about three times a week. They come back quickly for the dinnerbell call! And the baby bunnies--they are doing great. They're growing, still in the nest and starting to hop just a bit! 

Thursday, Thanksgiving Day November 27

Happy Thanksgiving Day to our FFRCNation. It is truly a blessed day to give thanks for so many things.

Our raffle is over and what a raffle it was! So very exciting! Here's our winners. I would like to be sure you all know that I consider each and everyone of you winners.
Item A   mink kitty blanket won by Susan Am  ($675)
Item B   cat bed won by Jane Lue  ($730)
Item C  X-Box won by Gerri Ro  ($1,040)
Item D  iPad Air won by Sandra Hes  ($3,220)  ***
Item E  Seymour Canvas won by Jean Sch  ($170)
Item F  Music, Love & Cats Afghan won by Tami Lof ($490)
Item G  Camo Kitty Afghan   won by Romeosmom  ($785)
Item H  Black/white kitty Afghan  won by Kathie Sad  ($765)

We then had 25 consolation prizes to give away. That was fun and heartwarming for me! All raffle items and consolation prizes will be mailed very quickly.

The total of this was $7,875. And then the magic started. Extra donations started popping up on the cam chat--one after the other. It was totally amazing and remarkable. My legs and arms even got "jelli-fied" watching it unfold in front of me. I am truly in awe of our FFRCNation. A thank you just doesn't seem to be enough. How about a million thank yous?! My heart is full of thanksgiving and appreciation for the compassion, generosity and giving-ways of our FFRC friends. The total is $11,060.  Every penny will be used wisely.

As important as this financial help is to FFRC, your friendship is important too. It's simply amazing to me how friendships can form, such as they have, thru our chat and fb pages and our tweet and FFRCNation page. I truly believe we have the kindest people involved with this cat rescue. Your hearts are huge with kindness for FFRC and each other. I am grateful for our viewers, lurkers, chatters, mods, admins, fb friends, supporters--each and everyone of you. You are truly a friend to me and FFRC. I am in awe of your kindness. 

We also had BOXES last night! Fun and we're grateful!
Widdletiger--2 large packs of 6 inch paper plates
Jatcat from CA--Blue Diamond almonds, variety for the Moss Family. Big thanks
Patricia M from IL--lots of kitty themed cards touse however--very nice
Tom W from MI--10 FFRC calendars from Zazzle to be used as wanted!!
Fur Haven Kitties & mama Jeannette--for ALL the FFRC kitties--snackers, bag of Natural dry and a case of Perfect Bistro Thanksgiving Dinner. This was shared with the FFRC inside cats, the Porchies, Covies, Barnies and was much appreciated!
Warpedinmn--6 cases of baby meat food, much needed!
Deb11111--a special gift of a Dell Computer for the cam. Wow--what a great gift. This will be put to use fairly soon for our webcam. Special thanks, Deb.
Larissa--handmade kitty card with story of Little Mouse and Lorenzo
Rita S from OR--kitty card with donation
Cheryl L from WA--thanksgiving card for staff, vols, admins and mods
Sherry and David W from NY--thanksgiving card
Julie, volunteer--a batch of 6 inch and 9 inch plates
Judy & Phil, volunteers--clorox 2 and a bag of dry cat food
Emily & Arden C (birthday gifts!--so very kind of these kids! Poptabs, PT, towels, cat toys, kitty can food,  dry cat food, bleach, vinegar, Laundry soap
Kelly L--donation to FFRC
electraNJ/Nadine C from PA--Thanksgiving donation
Sharon/pablolvr--donation to FFRC, for Christmas in honor of her sister in law
Rebecca H/woolywhiskers and Darren M from UK--donation to use as needed

We've heard already from Ming's new owners. Sounds like it's a happy home! Ming is already playing with his yellow string, is purring and kneading and doing well. It's so nice that a cat that has been here for the length of time that Ming has can go into a home and be so happy!

I am constantly amazed at Trucker and his vocabulary. I truly have never heard a cat with so many vocals as he has. He will even look right at me and make a certain chirp, that I know means---please open that door for me. He's a chirper, a ye-owler, a mewer, a whimperer--so many sounds. It's quite interesting to listen to him!

All the cats are doing well. For breakfast, they had their special cans of Thanksgiving food along with fresh turkey pieces. They were in turkey happiness! 

This Saturday is our surgery day. The boys that probably will be done are: Columbus, Intor, Ichobad, Teagan, Norton  and Star.  The girls that will probably be done are: Tinia, Bounty, Tenacity, Screech, Amazon, Merlee Jo, Beth, Jenna Jo, Neemu, Dawn and Priya. 

We also have a few cats that will need physicals. They are: Trucker, Ada Jane, Jackson, Paddy Purr, Pania, Slick and Thomas. 

Today, our family's Thanksgiving meal is at my sister's house in Fort Wayne. We will be gone all afternoon. I give special thanks to Indy who is staying here this week. He will be doing the feedings, so that our regular volunteers can have family time. I appreciate Indy very much for offering to care for the cats while we are all gone.  

Have a happy, blessed day today, folks! Enjoy your families and friends. For those of you that may be getting some winter weather, stay safe. I deeply give thanks for you all. And of course, I'm so grateful for our kitties and cats. I feel very fortunate to be able to do something that I love doing. 

Monday, November 24

We are back! Vacation is over. Steve and I had a fantastic time. We went to Las Vegas--saw 3 night time shows, tons of lights at nights, many wonderful sights, walked our feet off!, visited the Nevada ASPCA, the Container Park and tons more. Busy morning, afternoon and night! One day we drove to Utah to visit Best Friends Animal Society which was awesome. A wonderful vacation, but I'm so so so glad to be back! I missed the cats something fierce, although I knew they were all being well taken care of. I thank everyone who pitched in extra to make it possible for me to go. I'm back on track!!

We had an adoption this morning! Our sweet little Huck found a home. He went to a great home that has two kids that he will enjoy. Tomorrow morning we will have another adoption---our beloved Ming will go to his new home. His new mama promises already to post lots of pictures. This is an exceptionally hard adoption. Many of you remember when Ming came in to FFRC---he was super thin, had neurological problems, visually impaired, very knock-kneed.  Most of his problems are long gone. He still has some vision impairment and is still knock-kneed, but these things make us love him all the more. Ming is going into a great home---the new owner has watched him from the beginning of his time here with us. And her home is safe for Ming. He will be the only cat and be known as King Ming. I know this will be hard to let him go, but let's rejoice----Ming will have his very own home! 

This morning was spent catching up on treatments, thanks to Mary helping me. All vaccinations, ear cleanings, wormings, flea preventions have been caught up now. 

Our raffle is on!!  This is an exceptionally nice raffle with 8 items! Each ticket is $5. You can do this thru PayPal or send a check (let me know by email if sending a check). BOXES will be Weds. at 5:30 in the evening and the raffle will start at 6:00, followed by consolation prizes! We are grateful for each and every ticket purchased. Check the facebook chatters page, FFRCNation and our Tweet page for all the scoop.  

We have so much to be thankful for! We have had BOXES once since I've returned and had envelopes! 
Linda M, in memory of Lily, her siamese--case of baby food, meat
KnittenKitten/Donna H--plush blankie with kitties and flowers, for a raffle!
Tigercat54/Great Aunt Julie in IA--big bag of Purina One dry cat food, 4 boxes of Purrfectly Chicken
Kikimycat/Ellen--Thanksgiving card. Gifts for the volunteers (will put in their upcoming surprise bags!). Then Ellen dazzled us with items for a Flash Sale---many gift tags, Christmas Cards--so so nice!
Justme/Kathy K in IA--memorial stone for Princess Zsa Zsa to be placed in Alberts Garden
Susan M from MA--donation for FFRC
Jennifer Boyd--Just Be Original Art Studio, from a fundraiser for FFRC ($200)
Alan C from UT---donation for FFRC
Karen B from Defiance--Chief Tapes
Deb/mycatkat--card for FFRC
Charlotte L--donation for FFRC
Mary from OH who brought us Grady, Blake and Shira--thank you note.

Shira, the black feral cat that Mary brought last week is now in the Feline Fieldhouse (part of the Cat's Cove). The weather has turned warmer and will be nice enough for her to acclimate there for a few days. Her two boys, Grady and Blake hang out in that area. The plan is for them to realize they are together again so that when the door is opened to the Fieldhouse, they will stick together. 

Thanks too for these PayPals!
David W from CO--donation to FFRC
Christine R--donation to FFRC
Douglas E--donation to FFRC
Roberta L from OH--donation to FFRC
Gisela from Germany--donation for chicken for little Gusti and friends!
Randy S--donation to FFRC

Great news! Last week, FFRC received a deposit for $1,880.42! This was from Ustream for our revenue share for the ads that are displayed during broadcasting! I thank you, our viewers, for this! 

Remember to check out the site  sparklepopjewelry.com   This company is doing a fundraiser for FFRC!  Also our newest project is our Scrip Program. Check it out at shopwithscrip.com

The 4 kittens of CathyKay's are doing so much better. A couple more days of antibiotics and they will be done. Little Screech and Amazon were returned from Peggy, our volunteer and foster mama yesterday. They look awesome and are running around like crazy kitties! Star's bum looks much better too. Thomas had a difficult time with this past UTI, but for the time being, it's under control. There's a possibility that we will do periodic meds to try to keep it at bay. 

This Saturday, starting in the morning, is a surgery day. On Weds., we will weigh kittens and make up the surgery list.

Mr. G is out and about part of the time now in the Main Area. This big fella had not been with any other cats all of his 10 years. Considering that, he's doing pretty good!  Trucker is doing awesome---that boy can go mighty fast! He is simply amazing! Bella is still going outside on nicer days. She had a big surprise this morning---she was given a whole jar of baby food. She was smiling ear to ear and pawed out every lick of it! Cutie is happy and is maintaining her weight nicely. Ada Jane is slowing down, but still eating pretty good. Anything Ada Jane wants, Ada Jane gets. 

So glad to be back! All is well. Kitties are having fun and the cats are happy! Have a wonderful day.