Thursday, April 28, 2016

Thursday, April 28

There are now 7 cats on my desk. Truly, what can the day be but a good day! And then....here also comes Jessie! 

We had BOXES last night. We always love boxes and so appreciate the senders.
Widdletigger--Catathon: Books--5 Skippy John Jones, 2 Cat vs Dogs, 2 How to speak to Cats
Katie L from Canada--Catathon: kitty hiney playing cards
Billie K--Catathon: Vera Bradley-2 zippered Totes Get Carried Away & Grand Traveler
Purple Cat, mod--Catathon: 12 cans CA Diamond Almonds, variety, made in the town she lives
Joco/JoAnn--Catathon: Queen microfiber bed sheets & plush mattress pad
Gem, mod--sheet of International Stamps
Arden & Charmaine--2 lg. bags Purina One dry
Lostgirl--12 cans salmon, 2 boxes appetizers, 4 bags Purina One
Cheryl from WA--coupons
Dianna C from OH--card with donation to Feliz Navidad Fund
Dianna R from S.A.--Catathon: kitty blanket, bird platter, dove garden stone, peacock & garden bookmarks, peacock paperweight, peacock cutting board
From the FFRC kitties with help from Gusti & Priya--Mothers day card signed by kitties and a donation to FFRC.  Thank you. 
Annette, vol--Catathon: 1 weighted cloth cats & a cat pillow

And we have even more thanks to give!
Donna B from GA--donation for Coralie and the Feliz Navidad Fund!
Garland K from Maine--donation for Feliz Navidad Fund in memory of Blanche Merrill
Marcia S from MI--donation to be used where most needed
Christine H--donation for the Feliz Navidad Fund
Sonnykat--donation to help pay postage for raffle items, in memory of her mom

Polly was out almost all day yesterday! And each day she is more and more relaxed. She very carefully steps into the litterboxes and makes it inside just fine! So proud of her! She is slowly but surely investigating each room. So happy for her. 

We are probably going to open up Cat's Cove next weekend. Ashlyn will be giving it a thorough blast of cleaning, top to bottom. Then it'll be dried, beds put out, food/water bowls placed and the doors opened! The beloved Covie will be open soon!

We had noticed a few new cats out on the farmyard and so set traps for 2 nights (before the rains started again). We were successful in trapping the 4 cats that we were hoping for. So grateful they went into the traps. One (grey tiger) was already neutered. The other 3 (white/tiger, dark orange and a buff orange) were not neutered but we made arrangements to have that job done. So, those 4 are now vaccinated, wormed, tested, flea prevention applied, antibiotic injection given and ears cleaned. They all looked healthy and are now back on the farmyard. They are welcome to be there. We just want to make sure they are all neutered/spayed that are out there. All 4 have been seen since their "event" and are eating at the food stations.

We took in a new cat yesterday. She had been hanging out at a family's barn for the last month. They were concerned because her fur looked like it was "draping down".  So, she was brought in. It turned out her fur was just so matted, that the mats were hanging down. We removed all the mats right away, vaccinated, wormed and tested her and realized that she was also spayed. The family wanted to take her back which we were agreeable with. And then we noticed that she was declawed all 4. So....this girlie could not be outside and they decided she should stay here. She's a beautiful long hair black/white female that is ever so sweet. She has fairly large areas of fur missing where the mats were but that will soon grow back. I imagine she feels so much better and spent quite a bit of time afterwards just grooming---it must've felt so good! 

The Porchies are all doing great. Cliff loves the sunshine (when it's here!). Ceasar loves to nap with his Porchie buds. I don't believe he goes back to the big red barn at all anymore. Azar has been here many mornings lately--loves to eat. He is one large size cat. And then during the day he must go back to his second home! Whiskers is a friendly boy--loves his chin rubbed. He's told quite often that he is very handsome.

I've been asked by several people if I would post the different baskets and big ticket items that we have going for the Catathon. We deeply appreciate the help to fill these baskets. We'd love to have everything in by the 3rd week of May as Jenni will be taking pics of everything then to get them "out there" for you to view. They will then go in our website.  We normally have aprox. 42 Baskets and approx. 16 or so Big Ticket Items. I will list them here: (and thank you for asking!)  The ones with *** means are in extra need of filling.

Adult Coloring
Baby Boy ***
Baby Girl  ***
Bed
Bird   ***
Board Games   ***
Books   ***
Boy Fun   ***
Camping Fun #1
Camping FUn #2
Cat Desk Accessories
Cat items for Cat
Cat items for Owner
Christmas   ***
Craft Items   ***
Crochet/Knitting   ***
Disney   ***
Dog   ***
Ferole Arts
Frozen
Garden
Girl Fun   ***
Hello Kitty   ***
Kitchen
Hitty Hiney
Laurel Burch #1
Laurel Burch #2
Mickey Mouse
Mod Fun
Movie Night & Goodies
Peacock   ***
Puzzle   ***
Relaxation/Spa   ***
Sewing   ***
Snoopy
Troyer Country Basket
Vera Bradley
Volunteer Basket
William Sonoma
Wizard of Oz

BIG Ticket Items
"Stray Cats" Picture
Warped Rugs
Lodge Cast Iron Cookware
Wind Chimes (pawprints)
Tiffany Type stain glass kitty
Frozen Ice Castle
LJ afghan
Andrea F afghan
Travel to FFRC

Please realize......things are subject to change a bit as time goes on! 
Remember too, we will have a Catathon Raffle the week before the Catathon with 7-8 items.

All is good here. Today is the last day (ended at 9 this morning) for the Raffle for Feliz Navidad Fund. We will do that drawing during the afternoon of Operation: Feliz Navidad. 




Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Tuesday, April 26

Guess who is in the window sill in the Kitty Kabana! It's Polly and she got there all by herself! Yesterday we had her up in the Main Area for most of the morning and afternoon. She still spends her night time in her pen where she can sleep soundly and undisturbed. She's a little shy but each day is better. I do believe she will fit into this cushie life very nicely! 

We had BOXES last night! I am just so grateful for your support.
Katie L from Canada--Catathon: a really cute cat hiney tote! What a great basket!
Tabbycat & Tween--Catathon: Mickey Mouse album with 36 page protectors
David & Sherry/neuromom--card and chicken $5 in memory of Bella
Donna B--variety of postage stamps
Susan G--box tops for Caryn and girls
Clark, Jesse & the rest--Happy BD card-Pania & chicken $5  (this was thought to be lost!)
Billie K--4 bags RC baby cat. Catathon: Easter 4 napkins, lantern for a votive light, 2 pretty orange containers & matching tray for bathroom, gold rim basket--beautiful
Mary S & Elsie--card with note. Catathon: hand stitched pillow humming bird & flowers, books, audio books, tapestry cat puzzle
Zoolove/Pam--Catathon: lots of great items: cat bed, 2 thermal pet beds, cat art book, cat throw pillow, cat fan, kitten eyeglass holder, butterflies & flower garage door magnet sets, pet cat throw quilt, cat welcome door mat, cat welcome garden lawn stake, Holiday cat garden stake, a cat/butterfly braided rug
Kelly L--donation to FFRC

The Operation Feliz Navidad Raffle is on! Check out the FFRCNation site, the FB pages or see the video on the cam (shown periodically each day). I am extra thankful for this raffle to help us replenish this special fund. It closes at 9 am on Thursday. The drawing will be sometime Saturday afternoon at the special event!

Where can you see 2-five foot cats, watch a neuter, get more cat facts, hear stories of long ago cats that needed the Feliz Fund, see some really neat parasite pics, witness a 6 inch tooth pulled from a cat--the list goes on and on! Just come and watch our cam at 2:00 on Saturday! It's all a part of having fun and to raise funds for our Feliz Navidad fund!

It has begun! The escaping of little kittens! The newest little black/white kitten that is a foster for Veronica has discovered it's great fun to climb out of his pool. Frequently the long hair grey/white kitten joins him! Mama picks them up and puts them back in the pool.  I still find it amazing to see all 3 mamas contentedly nursing their own kittens in their own pool. No fuss, no grumbling! Every once in a while, mama Poppy will lift a kitten out of her pool and place on the floor to nurse that one. This always results in an uproar of the other 4 kittens. Then Veronica has to come over. She just gazes at the squealing 4 kittens, looks at Poppy, then returns to her own pool! Mama Chloe is content to stay put in her pool almost the entire time!  Poppy's babies still appear to be all white. We'll see very soon what they will be.

Lucy Ann is here on my desk this morning enjoying head rub and ear scratches. Such a sweet girl. Mittens of course is looking for trouble again. He loves to shove his legs into the printer when it is working. I've pulled his legs out dozens of times. Coralie has enjoyed napping inside Tonio's cupboards int he mornings. She even shares with the kittens!

Helen and Kieffer and Dakota are zipping around like crazy. They have energy galore and are eating good. They are becoming wheel runners! Mama Shawnee sure enjoys her "out of room" time. They are out almost all day but still go back in their rooms for night time. 

We have the extra palm tree over by Alma's area. She so enjoys that there and will frequently scratch her claws on it all by herself! Yesterday she actually climbed up it. That girl amazes me. She never has a potty accident--she is 100% litterbox user. I'm sure she gives great  encouragement to the other CH cats! 

Elsie is still our climber girl. She truly has been everywhere, on everything! She and Tryphosa are good friends.

Take care, everyone. Have a great day. We had a terrific story during the early morning. The birds are singing and the grass is green! 


Saturday, April 23, 2016

Saturday, April 23

Hola Amiga!  Hello friend, to Polly! She is here, safe and sound. Her travel from Puerto Rico to here was pretty much uneventful, other than a 1/2 delay in Chicago. We arrived back about 2:00 am and got her tucked in a pen with fluffy blankets, food and water and a kiss good night. Yesterday, her first full day was a quiet day for her. We had her on the floor 3 different times--just a short bit to stretch her legs. Starting today she will be out much more, in the front Thumper's Room. Her appetite has picked up --she ate a good breakfast this morning. She's a real sweetie. She appears to be a moderate CH, similar to how Merri walks. And she has used her litterbox everytime! She seems a real gentle soul. 

We had BOXES last night! Many, many thanks from us to you!
Diana C & Amy H from OH--potty bags, Mr. Clean erasers, kitty snackers, case of FF chicken
Clark, Jessie & the rest--HB to Pania and Jessie--they love their cards & the 2 chicken $5's
Ann at Dr. P's office--thank you card for finding a home for Bobbi and a donation
Tom C from IL--donation to FFRC
Don & Joy from NY & their kitties--book: I Knead my Mommy & Other Poems 
Katie L from Canada--for Catathon: handmade kitty coasters for the Hiney/Butt Basket!
Beth/eaglewatcher--18 hand towels, 4 big bags Purina One Dry food
BIllie K--for Catathon: bath tissue holder, kleenex holder & bird house feeder
Joco--For Catathon: 2 My pillow travel & 2 My pillow regular size for Bed Basket
Eric & Carrie M--6" & 9" plates, 10 cans Friskies, Fancy Feast Broths, treats for vols
Jatcat--shirts for Flash Sale
Deb11111--6 bags Purina One dry cat food
Merlys R & Charles & Wendy B both from NH--donation in memory of Blanche M for the Feliz Navidad fund

We have more thanks to give!
BIllie K--donation to help get Polly all settled in!
Gusti--donation to cover gas & parking fees to get Polly

We had an adoption this morning! Beautiful KinneyKat was adopted by Deb11111. She will join a family of other Persians. What a wonderful cat she is. She has blossomed so much since she's been here and I imagine she will turn into a very social, extra sweet cat under Deb's care. 

We took in another little baby yesterday--about 4 weeks old. A little boy, black and white. He had fallen into the wall of a barn. After retrieving him, he was brought here to FFRC. We tested him, wormed & capstarred him and gave him a bath. He was then placed in with Veronica's kittens. Mama took right to him and is giving him love and attention.

We've heard from the lady who adopted Janessa. All is good. She also sent a picture of her napping in the window sill, in the sunshine.  She says that Janessa has adjusted well, is very playful and follows her everywhere!

Since Bella's Place (the dog kennel) is all fixed up, we have been slowly trying a few cats out there. Trucker and Magic have now both been out numerous times and they love it. Very busy cats out there! And today, we let Walter go out. He was quite amazed at this new place--very curious and gave it a good check over. We'll continue to try some of the resident cats out there, especially when that sun is shining! 

Monday starts the Operation: Feliz Navidad Raffle. All monies donated will go towards the Feliz Navidad Fund. The Raffle has 3 awesome items--A--XBox One, B--iPadAir, C--Kindle
This drawing will be during the afternoon of the event! It starts at 2:00 pm! 




Thursday, April 21, 2016

Thursday, April 21

Hi folks! Twelve hours from now we should be back with Polly. She is in good hands. The group of volunteers that are sending her off are very experienced at working with cat travel! Steve will be going with me to Fort Wayne. All will be just fine!

We had BOXES last night. You all are appreciated!
Zoolove/Pam--an awesome laptop with a great warranty on it, for Operation Feliz Navidad
Beth/eaglewatcher--Catathon: Lodge Cast Iron--4 qt pot, 5qt pot, 10 1/2 pan, 10 1/2 skillet, 2 glass lids, Purple silicone hot handle holder
Billie K--Catathon: Bath & BOdy Works: 3 bottles spray body mist, 2 lg. candles, 2 infusers
JoAnn/JZ_NY--2 cases baby food
Pckrbckr--3 bottles detergent, 60 big plates, TP, 2 boxes q-tips, 12 lysol wipes, 20 Sheba, 
10 bags snackers.
Vicki B--6 bags of Royal Canin BabyCat dry
Joco--2 wonderful 30 x 60 faux sheep bed pads for mamas/babies, 4 bags Purina Pro Plan
Widdletigger--2 big bags Good Life dry cat
Judy & Phil--Catathon: yarn.  Also fleece for Warped
Donnajb--4 boxes 3 cc syringes, 8 boxes capstar, and Advantage Plus flea prevention
Vickie & Pat--Catathon: puzzle, Hello Kitty, Disney, Frozen, & a whole basket for Wizard of OZ.  Lg. Home Interior picture for flash sale
Eric W--day visitor--Friskies cans & kitty snackers
Lois/Lann--2 bags Purina One dry cat food
Deb11111--12 boxes appetizers

Many thanks too to Warped for providing us with items for our PawMart Store: 18 trivet mats, 8 walker totes, 24 zippered nip pads, 36 kickeroos, 18 water/soda holders, 8 awesome monkey in blankie, 18 pillowcases pairs. Plus she is donating 7 of her warped rugs for the Catathon.

More thanks to give!
Janet A--donation for the Feliz Navidad fund, in honor of Bella & in honor of Pania's birthday
Jane W from TN--donation, just to help!
Tracy L from OH--donation to FFRC

Oliver and Fabio got their summer groom yesterday. They are all fluffy and handsome! They still have their fur but their underbellies were shaved. Fabio was laying flat on his back and sunning his tummy yesterday! Sevaun ended up having to have her hiney shaved and her back end is now all combed. She didn't like it too well but we all think she is so pretty now. We have weekly been grooming many of the cats to remove their winter fur.

We have some dates for you! 
April 25-28--Operation: Feliz Navidad Raffle  (Kindle, iPad Air, Xbox One)
April 30th--Operation: Feliz Navidad, at 2:00   Fun times ahead!
June 12-15--Catathon Raffle We already know a few things that will be in the Raffle, which are:  50 inch Smart TV, iPad Air, Laptop, 2 afghans
June 19th--Catathon

The new 3 mamas and their 10 babies are all doing wonderful. Babies have nice, round tummies.  Mamas are all agreeable with each other and do not bother the babies that are not theirs.

Shawnee has been coming out more and more. Her kitten Dakota is a zoomer! And his two new friends, Helen and Kieffer are so sweet. They are quite the 3-some now. 

We had an adoption yesterday! Janessa went to her new home. She has her own mom now that has lots of time to pet and be with her. Her grandchildren already love Janessa and enjoyed playing with her here at FFRC. What a great cat!








Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Weds., April 20

Miau, Miau.  That's Meow in Spanish. Why do we need to know that? Because a wonderful cat is coming here to FFRC from Peurto Rico. So, what's the story?

There is a group of ladies who do TNR in Peurto Rico. They Trap, Neuter and then Release back in the cat's own territory. A while ago, they trapped a beautiful Siamese cat that was living in a cat colony. Initially, they thought they would just TNR her, but she was so sweet, they didn't want to return her out to the wild. She is a very nice and friendly cat. She loves people and gets along with other cats. She is also a CH cat--moderate level and uses the litterbox like a nice lady cat. 

We were asked if we could possibly find a spot for her in our Rescue Center. Her name is Polly. I wrote back to the lady and said Polly just so happens to be one of my favorite names for a cat so of course we would take her! lol.  

I learned more of her story. She was put in a foster home in Puerto Rico. They had tried and tried to place her there on their island with zero luck. This was their first encounter with a CH cat. "You can imagine nobody here wants to work with special needs cats. It is truly incredible. The island's euthanasia rate is 95%. It's practically impossible to adopt out a healthy adult, even less a cat with some sort of issue, so we reach out to the shelters in the USA to see if they get lucky there. So, I'm very grateful to FFRC for giving Polly this opportunity."

Our emails back and forth started a week ago. Polly has been spayed, vaccinated, tested for Leukemia/FIV, dewormed and is now flea-free. She looks to be a Lynx Siamese with beautiful blue eyes. Polly is 5 years old.

Then we needed to work on what flight to get her here and what airport. I told the TNR lady that Fort Wayne is our closest airport to FFRC. She has made all the plans for the travel. And this TNR organization is paying for her fare and all of her medical needs up to the point of which she arrives at FFRC. 

She will arrive at 11:50 tomorrow night, Thursday. She will travel American Airlines. All of her medical papers will accompany her, of course. The TNR lady will take her to the airport and be sure all is accountable on her end. I will be there to pick her up. Big thanks to Connie D for covering me for breakfast Friday morning so I can get a bit of sleep! 

We will love and care for Polly and give her a good life.  Depending on her mobility and use of litterbox, we may be able to find a home for her at some point (remember how happy Solee, Bender, Lorenzo, Charleston, Milo, Freemont, Cecil, Wrigley are!)

And why do we feel the need to do this? The answer to this is simple---because we want to, because Polly matters, because we have love to give her. She is a cat in need and we would like to help. It's as easy as that.  Welcome to Polly! 

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Tuesday, April 19

Our new mamas have arrived. And they are extra sweet cats. Never have we been able to have 3 mamas that have never seen each other before, be comfortable in the same room together. Not only that, they each have their own swimming pools on the floor and can be out and about in the room! Their new names are from the Name a Cat list! They are homed in the Back Thumper's Room for now.  A new nickname for them: SOS (Southern Ohio Squad)! 

Here's the new mamas and babies:
Chloe, formally known as Curly. She has a nasty kinked up tail--poor baby. The injury to her tail must've been an awful thing to deal with. She's a short hair black/white girl. She ended up having to have a c-section and was spayed at the same time. She has 2 babies that were born on 4/13: a grey female and a black male. She's a nice girl and very contented with her little ones.

Veronica, formally known as the Jessie L cat. She had given birth in a random garage. The owner was going to put her on FB but the Rescue took her in. She is a beautiful medium-long black/white girl. She has 3 kittens that were born on 4/6. She has a grey tiger female, a grey/white male (who has a white stripe on the tail) and a brown tiger/wh, ASH that is a male. 

Poppy is the Lynx point siamese. Someone found her on a farm that really did not want any of the upcoming kittens, as she was obviously pregnant. The Rescue took her in on 4/8 and on 4/11 she gave birth to 5 kittens. These kittens are thought to be all siameses, but time will tell!  Poppy has 3 girls and 2 boys.

Siamese kittens are born totally white in color. This color change is caused by a genetic abnormality that is related to albinism. While a siamese litter remains in mama's womb, it remains warm, hence the lighter fur color. Once the kittens are born, they slowly but surely start to develop color.  After a siamese kitten is born, they tend to stay pure white for a few weeks.  The only thing that makes me wonder if they are for sure siamese babies is because of a few suspicious dark grey marks on the top of the foreheads, which so many white cats  have-- bits and pieces of grey on their foreheads. Whatever they are---we know two things--time will tell and whatever they end up being, they are already well loved! 

It's done!  Thanks to Pat/bedheadsdad. He and Vicki spent the weekend with us helping us in many different ways. Pat has the protective, strong bottom wire on the dog's outside kennel. It goes up on the fence about 20 inches and then about 15 inches under the stone and cement pavers---no digging out! The new strong gate is also in place---no more doggies getting thru the old gate. He also put up the hinged arms at the top of the fence with the Purrfect Fence. It's all done and ready. We will be selective as to which cats can go outside--we really don't want any cats going outside that are up for adoption. Magic and Trucker have already declared it to be a really fun place! The new name for the dog's kennel will be Bella's Place. The new plaque is already ordered.

Shawnee and Dakota are now in the Cat's Corner Room. So are Dakota's new friends Kiefer and Helen. We've been opening the door some during the day for them to be out and about. They are so fun to watch--their energy level is high!

We had BOXES last night! We are blessed to have such a wonderful support system as you all.
Tabbycatkid and Tween--Catathon: Great Wolf Lodge awesome gift card--an indoor waterpark
Anita/anitabs1--card,  lots of note cards and stickers & pom poms for Magic
Katie L Canada--Catathon: kitty hiney necklace & kitty coin purse both for Hiney Basket!
Whobe, Cita's Poppy, Amber & her Skye in memory of Bella--case of Fancy Feast
Maureen C from WA--art cards, bookmarks, Book Watership Down, licorice treats, tuna, green T-shirt with "I See You". For Catathon: cat cookie cutters, comfort carrier.
Sally M/eaglespirti--donation for 1 outdoor & 2 indoor spays/neuters/1 nail trim & 1 vacc!
Macncheesemom--card with donation
Pauline/deptford--lg glass yellow ducky for Jacci, 4 small duckies for PawMart
Mike from CA---article from the ASPCA
Donnajb--5 more cases FF kitten, 2 bags Royal Canin BabyCat
Nona--donation for our Spay/Neuter program
Little Kat & Elaine & Alan--3 great photos, card with note from Little Kat & her allowance!
Donna R from TX--bag of feathers for the cats. Catathon: 2 kitty Christmas pins, 1 kitty Christmas earrings, a beautiful cross stitch afghan with snowflakes--all different! A cross stitch pillow that is so colorful called Midnight Cats.

Big thanks to Diana S from Columbia--she got together with many of you and put together a wonderful book of our chatter's cats watching the FFRC cam. I love it! 

Our Mods............I am so grateful. At Boxes, a portrait of Bella in 3 different poses was given to FFRC from the Mods. This portrait was done by our friend Wanda who does such beautiful work. This portrait is superb and she has totally captured Bella's look.  Also included is another picture of Bella donated by Wanda herself. I just would like to say a special thanks---these pictures truly touched my heart. I grieve for each cat and kitten that we lose, but Bella was an extra tough one. Thank you Mods and Wanda.My brother in law, Dave will put these in beautiful frames and then they will be hung on the ceiling in Kitty Kabana.  I think so highly of our mods--they make a huge difference to FFRC and are also such good friends to me and FFRC. 





                                                     





Sunday, April 17, 2016

Sunday, April 17

Another spay/neuter event done! Because of the large amount of physicals we also had to do, we had to keep our surgery numbers down.  However, were able to do 5 spays (3 for the public--all in heat) and 6 big tom cats. That makes 11 more.

To date, we have now done 86 females and 83 males making a grand total of 169. Our next surgery date is May 2, a Monday which is a Transport Day with HumaneOhio. We will be able to do 35 cats--20 females and 15 boys, approximately. 

We have many people involved to help make these surgery events possible. I thank each and every one of you---you make a huge difference to FFRC and the cats that are spayed and neutered. 

Other upcoming dates: May16, a Monday for our next FFRC spay/neuter date. Normally it's the 3rd Saturday of each month, but that date is not available for our vet tech. The number of public cats we can do on that date will depend on how many FFRC cats we need to do first.

Also, May 14, a Saturday--important date for our outside cats! Dr. Darcy will be coming and we will do as many physicals as we can for the Firecats, Porchies, Barnies and Covies. A very busy day that will be. 

And don't forget April 30th, a Saturday at 2:00!  This will be Operation: Feliz Navidad event! Guaranteed to be fun!

Yesterday our mama Shawnee and KinneyKat were both spayed. Their physicals were good and they both recovered nicely.

Our 2 new kittens have names! Their mama will be spayed on May 2nd at our Transport Day. These kittens were brought in several days ago. A male, grey tiger/white and a female, grey tiger.  The boy is now named Keifer.  The girl is Helen These are both from Name a Cat name list. They are about 8 weeks old. So.........Dakota has new friends and is he ever happy! These 3 kittens played for hours together yesterday and then collapsed in sheer exhaustion for a couple hour nap! They are now in Cat's Corner Room along with Shawnee. They will be getting more run-around-time very soon! 

We had BOXES on Friday night. We are thankful for you!
Mary H, Fri. vol--telescoping lighted mirror to see up high, 20 FF broths for Jolene
Anonymous Friend--Catathon: knee protectors, hand tools and apron for the Garden Basket
Zoolove/Pam--Dell wireless mouse for laptop for raffle for Operation: Feliz Navidad!
Kimkost--Catathon: 3 cat books, framed kitty print, 7 outfits for baby boy
Billie K--solar LED Rock & LED Peacock for FFRC gardens

We had visitors here 2 days ago that adopted Jarvis and Floyd. Both cats are doing great. Jarvis is about 15-16 pounds! Thanks for the towels and cat scratchers!

We also have these thanks to give:
Joyce D--provided pizzas for lunch on surgery day
Poppanuke--provided a mid afternoon pizza treat yesterday
Gusti--provided drinks for our surgery day
Beth/eaglewatcher--donation in memory of Elizabeth's Domino and Megan's Moses 
Pilvi12 from FInland--donation to FFRC, to be used wherever is needed
Shannon S from IL--donation to be used for the spay/neuter program (we were also then able to provide free flea prevention for each cat yesterday along with a wormer and capstar)

Tomorrow Steve and I will be heading to mid Ohio to meet a person from a rescue group from southern Ohio.  They have been overwhelmed with very pregnant cats and reached out for help. I can give you a little info, but things may change once we receive the cats. We were planning on taking 2 pregnant cats & a new mama, but the 2 pregnant cats delivered their kittens once they were in a safe environment. Here's how I understand it for right now:
Curly: arrived very pregnant. Has a crook in her tail. Ended up having a c-section approximately 4/13. She was also spayed at time of c-section. She had 2 kittens--an all black and an all grey. Mama has been tested for fiv/leukemia and is negative.
LH black/white: A person found mama and kittens in her garage and was trying to give them away on Facebook. The rescue group took them in. Mam is very pretty with her long fur. She has 3 kittens, apparently just a couple weeks old. One is brown tiger, a grey tiger and a grey and white.  Mama has been tested for fiv/leukemia and is negative
3rd mama:   This is a cat that someone found on property, very pregnant and called the rescue. She is a siamese cat and delivered her kittens almost immediately upon being rescued.  She has 5 siamese kittens. She too has been tested and is negative.

That's how I understand it for now---just keep in mind things may change tomorrow. Steve and I will be leaving about 7:30 in the morning and hope to be back around 1:30-2:00.  I will keep our mods posted as to how things are going.











Friday, April 15, 2016

Friday, April 15

A huge sigh of relief. A huge thank you to you all. And a check written to pay our veterinary bill! I am so very grateful.   

We had our Raffle last night. Many thanks to all who participated and to those who provided the items that were in the Raffle. Thanks to the mods for your help and promoting this event. Thanks to Canton for your FB info and to Dawnstar for the Raffle video. Thanks too to Diana and Katie for taking care of the tickets. We are a very grateful bunch here!

Here's the scoop:
Item A:   Go Cat Stroller   31 tickets sold=$155, won by Vickie H
Item B:   Rolling backpack carrier   30 tickets sold=$150, won by SoleeandDaisysdad
Item C:   Purple afghan   49 tickets sold=$245, won by Judeannlee
Item D:   3 Rings & Coffee   45 tickets sold=$225, won by Hencass
               also had a surprise! 3 people won a single ring: Kimkost, Jamiecat & Mary Braid
Item E:   Trivets   56 tickets sold=$280, won by FaithyMD
Item F:   Carrier x 2   64 tickets sold=$320, won by Cantoncat & Anonymous Friend
Item G:   Water lily afghan   80 tickets sold=$400, won by Zoolove
Item H:    Hello There afghan   129 tickets sold=$645, won by Joco

Total from above is $2,420

Then we had our wonderful Bump Up Friends--you all are extraordinarily wonderful!  Jo63, Dewbus, Eaglewatcher, EarthEyes, Farmgirl, Joco, Pat Thurs Vol, Lannml, Elliesue, Mich, Bbsmom, Faithy & Dixie and Pawlapurr.  This added another $1,160

Our Grand total now was:   $3,580

We are able to pay our veterinary bill in FULL with a bit to spare! Thank you so much--what a relief!  A very good feeling.

We also had consolation prizes, of course! Those winners were: Nancy Sku, Diann Bal, Wickedwings, Mary S, Ferole, Jacqueline Me, Sunniejack, Vaun the Mod, Janet Sch     Congrats! 

We also had BOXES last night! You all are appreciated!
FaityMD--For Catathon: LED cameleon flashlight, 2 thermo/ice bags, 4 outdoor plaques and one resin cat plaque
Justme--for the upcoming Operation: Feliz Navidad Raffle: Kindle!
Billie K--dream light-up resin rock for FFRC garden--has a bird at the top!
Anonymous friend--kitty t-shirt--cat on the front is designed from lots of little kitties! 

This blog's purpose is to give thanks to you all.  Surgeries are tomorrow! Keep us and all the cats in your prayers and good thoughts!  Have a great Friday! 

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Thursday, April 14

Tonight is the Raffle!  BOXES are at 5:30 and Raffle is at 6:00 ish. See you there!

Saturday is surgery day! We have 14 signed up at the moment. 6 spays and 8 neuters. We have 19 physicals to do here for FFRC. These physicals take a bit of time. So, we have held the numbers down on purpose. Two of those spays will be for FFRC's 2 girls-KinneyKat and Shawnee

We had BOXES last night--wonderful boxes! We are grateful! 
Gill-Catathon: spa basket-6 tubes body creams -smells so good!
Debie/lostgirl--Catathon: spa basket: 3 body creams & 3 shower gels. Also bag of litter, and book for Litter Box Reading!
Barb W & Friday Mary vols-New fish bed to replace Clarissa's bed! Thanks.
Zoolove/Pam--3 bags Royal Canin Baby Cat, 1 case baby food
Anonymous Friend--Catathon: Frozen Twin comforter, Frozen Crayola art set, Mickey Mouse Waffle Iron, Hide and Play Giant Cube
Anonymous Friend from VA-15 crocheted Cat Spots. Special "spots" for Sevaun and Rowland! Lots of crocheted rectangular beds, toys, crocheted curly toys.  15 crocheted square beds and 2 XL beds, catnip, snackers, postie notes. Book: If I Gave a Cat a Cupcake, special sardines in a can toy for Jacci's cats.
Colleen P from CA-box tops for Caryn and girls
Joco/JoAnn-Puffcorn for everyone!!
Annette, Tuesday vol-Catathon-2 bags of cat pasta
Anonymous Friend-24 XL rolls Sparkle paper towels
judeannlee--2 bags Precious litter, 2 cases Fancy Feast, 3 boxes appetizers
June/painteddaisy-Catathon: awesome Wiliams-Sonoma Basket! 3 matching soaps for kitchen, Red Kitchen Aide 9 sped mixer, 8 and 10 inch fry pans, box full of utensils, 4 red/white towels, 2 & 4 qt stainless mixing bowls, Red oven mitt, set of stainless measuring cups & spoons, jelly roll pan, cookie set with cooling rack and baking sheet. 

And more thanks!
Roberta L from OH-donation to FFRC
Diana D-donation to FFRC, in memory of her friend/sister Karen
Lana H--donation to FFRC
Victoria R from AL-donation in memory of little Sheldon

Want to hear stories from early cats here at FFRC and their struggles and success? How about seeing a big roundworm or seeing an eye surgery? Tune in here at FFRC on April 30th at 2:00 Lots more to see! Also a chance at an iPad, XBox and a Kindle! More details later!

The dust is flying, hay is in the air, cobwebs are coming down, heater bowls are put away, all new bedding being laid, fresh stones being put in low spots--we're spring cleaning everywhere outside! The Porchies got a major brush job today and look fresh and clean. 

So sorry for such a short blog. Keyboard not working properly. Have a great day! 




Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Tuesday, April 12

1,2,3,4,5,6---that's how many cats are helping with this blog! Have room for one more to squeeze in! 

We had BOXES last night! Big thanks to you all!
Faithy--For Catathon: a Perfect Cooker (kitchen basket) also 3 mini shovels for the garden basket that says: Dram, Laugh and Love.  Also 3 cute girly pens, 50 x 60 tan soft throw
Anonymous Friend--case of babyfood
Mary, Fri. vol--TP, coupons, 2 Soft Soap.  For Catathon: craft items
Katie/Goofy, our visitor--kitty toys, lots of snackers, potty bags (no holes!), 3 cases Fancy Feast
Ellie/Fed Ex lady--baby food jars, 4 pkgs paper plates
Connie D's family Dianna/sister--2 cases Friskies, 2 lg. bags of snackers
Beth/eaglewatcher--kitty postacards with this months model as Clarissa
Pam/zoolove--Purr Pillow,  kong Wubba, 12 doses Frontline, case of KMR
Widdletigger--Catathon: camping items--meal kit, marshmallow sticks an over-the-fire popper, super hammock
Catlvr--poptabs.  Catathon: crochet/knitting basket--needles, tape measure, 16 skeins yarn
Stephanie & Jesse day visitors--dry cat food, Fancy Feast, kitty wipes & TP
Annette20--Easter card with donation
Pat, Thursday night vol--donation for the spay/neuter fund
Brenda/yarnlover--Catathon: Book 67 reasons Cats are Better than Dogs, pillow with cat saying, Trivet with Auglaize River/FFRC address on it from National Geographic
Phyliss B/kittiesmom--Catathon: Travel Monopoly, Minons Memory game, 12 movies

This past weekend we had another 2 adoptions! Makalah Sue is now home in Penns. with Emily and Lena. Rooney also went to her new home. Rooney is going to be queen of the household as she will be the only cat! 

We've had an update already on Makalah Sue. Cheri and Bob says she has no fear--goes everywhere. She's playing and is enjoying herself! Sounds like Lena is a big mama's girl. Emily loves the windows and bird watching! 

 We've also heard from Clarissa's new mom. She says Clarissa choose her and that she is being licked alot! This made me smile as that is what Clarissa would do to us here at FFRC. Clarissa is also sleeping on the bed with her new mom!

Elsie just zipped up the climbing pole here in the Purple Office, following Janessa. I have to watch with only 1 eye! They are trotting right along the cat walks at the top.  No fear at all in that girl. 

We have thanks to give:
Madisonpepper--donation to FFRC, in honor of chatter ipurr2 for helping her. 
Napa/Donna S--donation in honor of Pania's 4th birthday (special breakfasts for Pania!) 
Graweyr--donation to be used where needed
Jaroslav from Czech--donation to FFRC

For the month of March, ResQwalk has donated $50.49 to our account! Yeah--this represents lots of miles by you, our FFRC helpers! Thank you. Total of what we have earned thru ResQwalk, simply by walking, running and biking is $391.17.  Wow!  Keep those miles coming please! It's free, good for you and great for the cats.

Please mark April 30th on your calendar!  Probably about 2:00 ish.  It's a fundraiser called Operation: Feliz Navidad.  You just might see big roundworms, an eye enucleation, roundworms, Dr. Catscan, HUGE cats, advertisements with Meowy News and Facts,  x-rays of  a fractured bone that results in an amputation, blood drawn with a GIANT neeble.  Oh no--there's also a HUGE flea and tick.  What is going on???  And to add to the fun, there will be a Raffle for Operation: Feliz Navidad. Starting on April 26 and ending on the 29th (9:00 am), we will have 3 awesome items involved. The 3 items are an XBox One/360, 500 GB, an iPad Air and a Kindle!  Three wonderful items! All tickets will go towards the Feliz Navidad Fund.  There will also be stories and pictures of past cats that have benefited from the Feliz Navidad Fund.

You may ask what is Feliz Navidad Fund.  A special cat arrived here at FFRC on 12/17/09. She came in with severe problems due to hypothermia. But....she survived and lived 4 years here as my personal sweet pet. Hear her full story at our event and understand why this fund is so important to FFRC. Monies for this special account is used for the over and above medical needs of incoming/present cats. 

By the way--there is now 7 cats on my desk--another one squished into the pile of fur! And Elsie is back safely on the floor playing with a stuffed toy. 





Saturday, April 9, 2016

April 9, Saturday

Happy Birthday to Joyful! This sweet quiet girl arrived here 12/29/12. Her birthday is in 2002 so that makes her 14 years old today! She is our white Persian that loves the Welcome Room--her favorite spot is a fluff bed on the table or on the top tier of the Kuranda Tower where she can watch outdoors. Joyful came from a dreadful place---had been abused, neglected and made to endure a house of drugs. It took her a while to help gain her trust. She still isn't too keen on lots of people petting her but once she has accepted you, she will be your friend. 

In the last 2 days, we've had snow, rain, sleet, hail and big winds. I believe I can say with confidence, we are all ready for spring! The Covies, Barnies, Porchies and Firecats and the farm animals are doing just fine but they too are waiting for bright sunshine.

We had BOXES last night! So exciting and we are so thankful!
Shari L from CA--Royal River Gems custom made necklaces/bracelets--Flash Sale items!
Katie L from Canada: for Catathon--for kitty butt/hiney basket: welcome mat, pillow, kitty metal hanger with multiple cats on it.
Beth/eaglewatcher: for Catathon--for Camping Basket: bonfire camp latern, 3 adult sleeping bags, Coleman sundome tent, tent accessories kit, Coleman camp stove
Anonymous Friend--Catathon:  camp lantern, camping cookware mess kit, sundome tent
Cheri & Bob--visitors/adoptive family of Makalah Sue! LOTS and LOTS of items--many different kinds of cat food.  Center supplies such as trash bags, towels, dishcloths, bleach, vinegar, etc.  For the VOlunteers:  snackers, PB crackers, candy.  Catathon: many items, some for garden basket, bird basket, peacock basket, disney basket, adult coloring books/pencils,m DVDs for movie basket.  Thank you so so much!

Yesterday we had an adoption--sweet Clarissa left. She went to a lady who has lots of time, a lap and much love to give. Clarissa seemed to already know she was going---kept hanging around us during her adoption paperwork. So sweet! 

Caution, caution!  Here are a few plants that are toxic to cats and dogs.  Yew, Castor Bean, Peace Lilies, Lily of the Valley, Crocuses, Tulips, Daffodils and Hyacnths. Gotta keep our pets safe! 

We also had BOXES on Thursday evening! We give you lots of thanks!
Medic 101--2 cases Fancy Feast
Betz--case of Friskies
Judi Sp--3 bags of Precious Cat Litter
Cheryl L from WA--card in sympathy for Bella
Linda W from OH--family of Abe, Kit, Rooney & Cleo's mom--donation from her service
Nicolas from OH--coupons
Clark, Jessie & the rest--Happy 14th birthday to Mew with a chicken $5
Jan from HI--2 boxes tea, scrubbies, juice powder mixes. For Eldora: box of tea, hand towel & hard candies.  For Catathon: 3-D crystal kitty puzzle.  2 thermo bags, Hawaii Spirit tote
Katie L from Canada--Catathon items! HINEY BASKET--pencil sharpenter, 7 kitty key hanger, kitty hiney magnets, 2 books (about hiney/potty), kitty coin purse, wine stopper!
Adult coloring Basket--11 coloring books variety, color pencils, 2 blender pencils, pencil sharpener   For FFRC Kitties--15 mylar balls, Pet Fusion scratcher, critter toys, 4 big snackers.
Joanne P/joey3100--ream of copy paper, 3 boxes of 2 inch heavy duty packaging tape
Mich & Vern--Catathon: Frozen decals & movie snackers.  Also 6 Clorox wipes & coupons

Big thanks to Mich and Vern who did our Flash Sale on Thursday! I am so grateful. Also big thanks to the mods for their help, to each person who made/donated the items and to the viewers who participated in the sale. We made approx. $1,430.  These funds will go to much needed operational needs.  

We have a few other thanks too to give!
Mich & Vern--donation to be used where needed
Christine C from WV--donation to FFRC
Pat M/himmichigal--donation in memory of Bella
Thomas W--donation to FFRC

Happy Birthday to Mew--our handsome buff and white Porchie boy. He is now 14 yrs old. He arrived here at FFRC on 4/15/04 when he was 2 years old. He made his presence known by meowing, meowing and meowing---hense his name! He got a nice breakfast and much extra pets!

Catathon season is on!  Packages and Boxes are coming in! The excitement is building. Mark your calendar for June 19th! We have some Baskets already started (but we're always open to more/different ideas and items to top off the baskets!): Hello Kitty, Laurel Burch, Troyer Country Market, Camping Fun, Baby Girl, Baby Boy, Cat items for the Cat, Cat items for the Owner, Travel to FFRC!, Ferole Arts, Kitty Butt/Hiney, Adult Coloring & Accessories, Board Games, Disney items, Frozen items, Garden, Bird, Peacock, Movie Night, Crochet/Knitting, Puzzles, Sewing/Knitting/Crocheting, Spa & Relaxation, Doggie Items and Williams-Sonoma.   We are so thoroughly grateful for the help with Catathon--this is a tremendous event and possible by many who are willing to help! We normally have 40-some Baskets, 20-some Big Ticket Items. We will also have a Catathon Raffle in the week before the event with the winners being drawn during the Catathon. So far, for the Raffle we have a 50 inch smart TV and an iPadAir with 32 GB/silver!! 

Ever seen a 5 foot black/white cat?  How about a 5 foot tiger cat?  How about a physical being done on one of these big creatures? Well, hold on to your hats. We have an event coming up that should be fun and exciting for all to see! More as soon as details are "meowed-out"! 

Elsie is into investigating the top green cat walks. Somehow she knows they are there. Maybe she can hear the cats up there walking about. She will go as high as she can get and then sits and "looks" at those shelves. I just know that awesome brain of hers is thinking of how to achieve the next level up! Time will tell.  What is that slurping, slopping and very wet noise? It's Paddy Purr--daily he gives himself a bath right on my desk in front of one of the monitors. He sure enjoys it but he sure makes a lot of noise!

We've had another adoption too--Bruno, our orange/white cat. Late fall, Bruno had spent a couple months out on the farmyard. But he needed some medical help so he was brought inside and there he stayed. He's been in the Main Area for a few months. But it's become very obvious that he would be much happier back out in his big back farm yard. Bruno is now a Barnie and seemed to be much happier this morning! We'll keep an extra eye on him to make sure he's a happy boy.

Little Dakota is doing great. His mama, Shawnee is also doing good.  We have her and KinneyKat scheduled for their spays on 4/16--next Saturday. For this surgery date, we will be doing a few FFRC cats, some public cats and many physicals on our FFRC that need their spring check up. 





Thursday, April 7, 2016

Thursday, April 7

This afternoon at 2:00 ish will be a Flash Sale! Mich and Vern are coming back to help us with another sale! So appreciative of them. Lots of items including leggydews and biggydews! Come, enjoy and have fun. 

We have several adoptions coming up. Today at about 12:45, Clarissa will be adopted! Yes, our Clarissa girl! I do believe she picked this new person. The lady that is adopting her has a lap all for Clarissa! We are going to send her beloved fish bed with her and will replace it. 

Bob and Cheri will arrive tomorrow morning. They will be coming from Pennsylvania and last month adopted Emily and Lena. They love little Makalah Sue and have waited this whole time for her to be spayed, to recover from her eye enucleation and to get healthy. We are now at that point and she is more than ready to be adopted! An extra sweetie girl. They will leave on Sunday.

On Saturday, the lady who has been here several times to visit with Rooney will be coming about 5:30 in the afternoon to adopt this beautiful cat. Rooney will do just fine and has come a long way since her arrival. Love her long fur and how she sits so proud and pretty!

On the 16th, we have two things going on. That is our FFRC surgery day. In addition to having surgeries, we have a lot of physicals that need done. These physicals take time and so will have to watch how many surgeries we take.  We also have Pat and Vicki visiting for the weekend. The big project is the dog's pen! We will be adding the fence bend bars to the top of their pen. This is the same set up that we have for the LJ Playground. Once this is done, we can let the resident cats out in that area to enjoy themselves. 

We had BOXES Weds. evening. We give you our thanks for your generosity!
Katie L from Canada. All for Catathon:  many items for a great Kitty theme office items--magnets, tape dispensers, pens, picture hanger, journal, kaddy kitty with paperlcips, sticky mems, mousepad, magnetic note pads, smart phne holder, stapler.  Also a kitty earring tree and a Crazy Cat Lady Board Game for other baskets.
Widdletigger--box of 2" scotch tape, 4 cases babyfood
Lostgirl--4 cleaners for variety of surfaces.  For Catathon: camping basket--storm proof matches, scissors, LED flashlight, box of kindling for starting fires
Mary vol from Archbold--20 pks Fancy Feast Broth for Jolene
Betz from PA--2 cases Friskies
Helen N from OH--donation to FFRC
Clark, Jessie & the rest--Happy 12th BD Joline and chicken $5, Happy 14th birthday to Joyful & chicken $5.
Pat/bedheadsdad--donation to cover lots of leggydews for cats/kittens being adopted
KellyR/littleonemine--4 bags snackers, case of Purrfectly Fish, 6 cans sardines, 2 lg. cans tuna, case of Meow Mix cups, coupons
Mary R/prisotis--In memory of Bella--beautiful windchime for outside. Catathon--another beautiful windchime
Karla C/beachkatz--note & donation of a beautiful kitty stone for Bella in the Angel Garden.
David H/wolfpatch--poof pink plaque saying Bella Is Out to hang above her doggie door with her collar and tag attached.
Eugene & Lillian H from FL--donation in memory of Blanche M. She &daughter visited FFRC
Judi C from OH/Bams other mom--a thank you note and donation
Plee--for Catathon: a beautiful cross stitched and framed picture "Window of Kitties".
Susan M/macncheesemom--donation for spay/neuter program in memory of Macaroni
Trudy S from OH--donation to FFRC

Many thanks too, to the following:
Brendan D--donation to FFRC
Sean & Kelly I from TX--donation to FFRC
Hallie G--donation to FFRC
Shannon & Donavon S from IL--donation for Victor, Leonard & Jackson & all their friends
David D--donation to FFRC
Michael JW--donation to FFRC

So much love and caring pouring out for the loss of our Bella. She is sorely missed and most certainly was A Big Deal.  Many thanks to the following for making a memorial donation for Bella.
Kittiesmom, Judeanlee & Phil, KimKost, Lucy/Lu-Little & Benny, Saqueekymom (flowers), Mary Ann B, Vaun S, Lynda S, Jakesmeowmy, Knittinkitten, Geremy & Gloria K.    Also many thanks to Wolfpatch for the purchase of a special sign for Bella.  It says" Bella is Out" and mimics the sign we put on the dog's door so we all knew if Bella was inside or outside. It's on a poof pink color and also has her Big Deal tag attached to it. So very nice. 

Shawnee and Dakota are doing great. Shawnee arrived here with an upper respiratory infection which is probably why her babies passed away. She is now much better. Dakota continues to grow and become more active. He sure is a good slurper of his food! Such a little baby with a big personality already.

That Franklin Tommie--what a special boy he is. He loves action, loves to play and can go from morning to night at high speed. Vivienne is doing great. We still have not had to express her bladder as she is urinating quite nicely on her own. It appears her bladder is healing! We still have to contend with her kidney issues but for right now, that is doing ok. Her fractured femoral head still needs attention. We have her scheduled for her FHO (femoral head osteotomy on May 11th. 

KinneyKat is out and about part time! Yesterday she decided she would like to venture out and explore. What a wonderful thing to watch. We do put her back in Cat's Corner Room for short times to make sure she is eating. This little girl is a talker! You can carry on a conversation with her--she'll talk to you when you talk to her! Such a really nice cat. 







Monday, April 4, 2016

Monday, April 4

Spay/neuter----we want to do more, more, more!  That is the real answer to the cat overpopulation problem. Today was our second Transport Spay/Neuter day. We sent up 36 cats to HumaneOhio! I'm thrilled and would love to do this more often. Out of those 36 cats, 34 were females and 2 were boys. Check ins took about 40 minutes. Right after the last cat arrived, we loaded up the bus. They will return about 5:30 - 5:45 this evening and then we will do check outs and explain their procedures, etc to each family. 

Here's the total picture so far:  As of today, we have helped with 158 spays/neuters!  The breakdown is 81 females and 77 males since 1/30/16.  This involves 3 FFRC surgery dates, 2 Transport events and 11 vouhers. Every cat that is spayed/neutered, WILL make a difference to that cat! 

You can help--simply reach out. Take a stray cat, ask a neighbor if they need a cat spayed or neutered, help finance a spay/neuter for someone who can't afford to have the surgery on their cat.  Help us. Help the cats. Be a part of the overpopulation problem--part of the solution. 

We had BOXES on Friday evening. Big thanks to each of you for your support!
Mary, vol, from Archbold--4 jugs handsoap, 8 washtowels, coupons
Linda S/mls--4 jugs handsoap
Lannml--Catathon-Stained Glass kitty light
Nuthatch--Catathon--Mickey Mouse Kettle Popcorn Maker
Anonymous for Janessa--box in a box, in a box, in a box, in a box! Fun & yes she chewed it! 
LJ323--2 memory bath mats, 2 blankies, 2 soft beds, 12 cans Chicken, 2 bags Fruit Gems
Sarah, Contessa's daughter--Easter card with photo of Sarah
Donna B from GA with Flash, Kitty, Jabby & Coralie, Tory--sponsorship for Coralie, 2 snackers and 4 catnip toys
Lostgirl--7 large jugs Mr. Clean--smell good kind!
Brenda from OH--visitor--paper towels, cat food, lysol wipes, snackers, canned cat food
Leslie from OH--visitor--card with donation
Insun S from S. Korea--donation to FFRC

It's been a hard couple days since the loss of Bella. She has been here for the majority of the years that FFRC has been opened. The next morning after Bella passed, I was rather down in the dumps. The reason is that it got me thinking of all the past cats that we have lost--many from the early times of FFRC. What a bummer. And then I walked out into the Rescue Center and there were so so many that I saw--Farrah, Trucker, Derecho, Sea Turtle, Jessie, Paddy Bros, Coralie, Asha, Pania, Alma, Joyful, Joline Merri, Walter--these are just a few. These will be "the next generation" of cat friends. Time does change things. We have lost awesome cats over the years. And still, we will continue on with our rescue work. To not continue on means no new cat friends and I sure don't want to do that. So.....let us continue, have peace with what happens and enjoy each and every cat that comes our way. Afterall, every cat DOES matter, here at FFRC.

We have much gratitude for the donations made in memory of Bella: Mrs.BoomerNC, Janet K from NY, Amy Coyl from IL, Oilsandsgirl, Cheryl B from AZ, Karl M from IA, David P from Netherlands, Gusti, Fergiesguardian, Christine C from GA, Eartheyes, Elliesue, Kaseyann, OldestManAlive, Minnkitty

Thanks to Gusti for her donation for Jessie Sr's happy birthday. Jessie is now 17 years old. She arrived here at age 15 years old. Jessie is a spry oldster. She loves her chin rubbed and the movement of the washer to take a nap!

Happy birthday too, to Merri. Merri is now 9 years old. She arrived here at age 6 yrs from Long Island NY. She is one of our CH cats. A beautiful girl! 

Saturday we had ice, snow, rain and big winds. Have no worries though--the Barnies, Porchies, Firecats and Covies are all snug. Lots of warm blankies and cuddle areas to stay warm. 

Shawnee has decided that it's time for Dakota to stop nursing. So, we are mixing up little bits of gruel for this tiny baby. It's so funny to see him standing in a plate with all 4 feet in it and him slurping up his meals! He has also found Bella's pink poof and climbs right in the middle of it and naps. He looks like a black speck in a pink mountain! He's growing and is strong.

Another Volunteer Profile! This one is on Pat C, our Thursday evening volunteer.  Thanks, Pat!
How long been at FFRC?  4-5 years
How many pets do you have at home?  5 cats
Do you have a hobby?  Crochet, cross stitch, reading
What are some of the best things you like about FFRC? Helping make things better for the cats
Name some of your favorite cats--Fatima, Camvie, Trucker, Joey, Merri, Asha
One of your favorite events from FFRC--adopting Fifi!













Friday, April 1, 2016

Friday, April1

First, let's do the updates on Bella and Vivienne.

Bella:  When she arrived for Dr. Darcy to examine her, she was shaved on her upper, inner thigh where it was wet. (Bella started leaking fluid yesterday morning and her front paws also became swollen).  It's not a bite wound but several holes. This is because her skin was so tight with fluid, that the skin had to "give". Fluid was taken and examined under the microscope. Dr. Darcy saw a lot of fluid filled tissue/cells. She then did an ultrasound. It showed a much inflamed area. Her diagnosis is Panniculitis. It's a condition where the layer of fat just under the cat's skin becomes inflamed. This fatty tissue then concentrates and turns into a nodule. That's why her leg got so big and hard. The inflamed tissue can break through the upper layers of the skin. Sometimes a secondary infection can set in. The areas involved may be sensitive, especially after rupturing. There's no bacteria with this alone, but because she now has several open areas for drainage, we have her on antibiotics to prevent a secondary infection. The treatment of choice is an anti-inflammatory--a steroid. Her treatment includes that and the antibiotic.

Vivienne:  As you know her FHO was cancelled due to her more pressing urinary problems and her running a fever. An ulstrasound (Afast 4-point) was done on Vivienne, where all 4 quads of the kidneys are checked. The diagnois is Polycystic kidney disease. Also known as PKD1. It's the most common inherited renal disease of cats.  It progresses as portions of the kidneys are replaced by cysts. These cysts then compress the function of the kidney, thereby decreasing the kidney function. Cysts numbers and rate of growth are high variable.

Polycystic disease affects approximtely 6% of cats. It may affect up to 37-50% of Persians, Himalyayans and some believe Siamese also. Many times breeders do genetic tests to determine if the parents may be carriers before breeding.  It can affect any breed though. They generally don't live a full life. There's no definitive cure, condition is inherited and it's irreversible and progressive.  Vivienne's kidneys hae the appearance of swiss cheese.  Her bladder is good but possibly have nerve damage from the accident. This nerve damage is what is causing the present urinary problems we are having with her. We have TWO conditions with her--the polycystic and the nerve damage. We are hoping the bladder will start functioning normally.  In the meantime, her bladder will be expressed twice daily to relief her of that desire to urinate without results. That will also give her bladder time to rest and heal. Her urinalysis was good other than it showed the urine was not concentrated. This is an early sign of kidney failure.

Vivienne may live years, may not. Yes, this is caught early. No, we do not know what her future will be. In the meantime, we have her on antibiotics. Her FHO surgery repair is secondary now. She can actually live her entire life without this surgery. But, we would still like to do it when we get her more stable. The reason is that, hopefully, it'll make that hip/femur area more comfortable.

We have past adoption updates too!
Bobbi--remember our sweet Bobbi girl? Her new mom says--she is such a love. She loves the piano and sits on the bench when the piano is being played. She also is good friends with their puppy. The puppy washes Bobbi's ears and she enjoys it!

Bender and Bam. Bam is now called Kenda. The new mom says--Both are an absolute joy and they bring much happiness to the family. They are perfect and best friends!

Many thanks to our FFRCfriends:
Billie K from TX--donation to FFRC for Vivienne and Bella and in memory of Sheldon
Sylvia D from UK--donation to use where needed
Gusti--for the meds we used for Sheldon

When you use Amazon to order items, whether it be for yourself, family or FFRC, do you go to our website and order thru the Amazon button?  If you can do this, we'd sure appreciate it as we get a little kick back from it. FFRC received $586.89 for the month of March! Thank you so much!

I understand how when watching our cam, those ads can sometimes be annoying. But did you know that FFRC also receives a kick back from those too?  For the month of January, we received $952.04 from Ustream! Thanks--sure makes those ads alot more bearable!  Thank you!

Today is April Fools Day. And I've been tricked a whole bunch already!!  First thing this morning, I went to go into the Purple Office and practically bounced off a big strip of tape blocking the doorway. At first I thought---what is that there for????  So, I took it down. But then I realized there was more!  The middle cabinet was tied shut. The second and third cabinets were all switched around as were the drawers--completely in reverse.  When I opened the first cabinet, a string dropped down with a big big plastic spider on it (I'm saving that for Elizabeth!). Then I went to open the refrigerator--almost pulled my shoulder out of joint......it was taped shut!!!  In the middle drawer was a big April Fools sign! As you may guess, this produced much giggles and laughter from me---I enjoyed it. After breakfast, I sat down at my desk--couldn't find the keyboard---it was under a big sheet of contact paper, taped down on each end! Magic helped me find the keyboard! Oh---and most disturbing. You all know how I HAVE to have my green/blue bowl for breakfast--it wasn't to be found at first---it was covered in contact paper. What a great morning. And now, waiting for Lynnette to come---I noticed things are "different" in the PawMart store! hee-hee   Not from me---from the April Fools Prankster(s).  Okay---so who did it all? I won't tell anyone if you tell me!!  lol