Every hour of every day seems to be filled here. I had thought things would be quieter right now, during this coronavirus time. That was very wrong. We have kept very busy, every single day. But, it's all good. It's all towards keeping FFRC up and running.
This week has been extra busy in having visitors come to look at the kittens. But, we are being careful. Masks are worn by all visitors, visits are for an hour and then rooms are cleaned in between each visit. Lots of handwashing. No visitors in Main Area--just in back Thumper's Room. So far, this has worked well. As of right now, we have all 14 kittens with firm holds.
But, we have received more kittens!
Marti arrived this morning. Female, black, 4 weeks old, weight is 14 ounces. Her birthday is 4/9/20. She was found all by her lonesome in a yard. She's already a sweetie and likes to be held.
Uri arrived 5/4. Male, brown tiger. He is 7 weeks old with a birthday of 3//17/20. He was born with "Swimmers Syndrome". This is a congenital condition causing the legs to splay laterally. This is where the tendons and ligaments do not hold the leg in it's proper position, resulting in a frog-like look. Treatment is best if started early, even 2-3 weeks of age. Early intervention is critical. Treatment involves taping legs in correct position, physical therapy and even water therapy--all of which is being done with Uri. We've had Swimmer Kittens long ago but not recently. He seems to be a bit different than most as he is definitely experiencing pain in the legs. But, we will continue our care for him. He's a happy boy and loves to purr and look right in your eye as if to say he's glad he's here. His name means My Light.
Toolie, Taffeta, Thyme--these 3 black/white kittens are siblings. Toolie and Taffeta arrived on 5/5 and Thyme arrived this morning 5/7.
Toolie, male, black/white bl dot on nose & black chin
Taffeta, female, black/white, bl dot on nose and also on chin
Thyme, female, black/white, 1 eye black, 1 eye white
These three were born on 3/24 and are 6 weeks old. Toolie and Taffeta have fit right in and are having fun. Thyme needs a little extra TLC yet but we will coax her around!
All the kittens above are in the back Thumper's Room. Minnie has graciously taken them all on. Uri especially couldn't wait to have a new mama--it was so very sweet. Minnie is such a kind adult (still needs a home!) and is so patient and loving with these now 11 kittens.
Basani nd Kimmie's kittens are doing great. And I'm so pleased with Basani and Kimmie--we've been opening their doors lately for hours a day. They, for the most part, have remained cool and calm with all the other cats. And that makes life so nice here to have the mama cats and kittens out and about. These 8 kittens are so fun--crazy, climbers, runners, purrers, fun-makers!
I've seen 3 of the Siamese kittens recently--their weights are good, they've all grown and they sure are loved!
I've been asked a few times now about Sylvia II. She herself is doing good but unfortunately, her kittens did not survive. She had two, both "mumified". This is sometimes simply called a miscarriage or stillborn. Mummification occurs when the body creates a protective membrane around the fetus, allowing it to remain encased and walled-off within the uterus. It normally does not pose any threat to the female. Sylvia is doing great and is eating and playing. She will be spayed in May and will stay at this home. I got the official word that she would stay there on 5/1 so we will call that her adoption day.
I've gotten behind on our thank yous, for which I am sorry. Please know though that your donations, your support means a lot to FFRC and that you make a difference.
Gisela--donation to be used wherever needed
Mary D--donation for Giving Tuesday and for Uri
Yvonne VDK--donation in memory of Cutie
Stan E from Australia--donation for general fund
Mary & Michelle LF--donation to FFRC
Kittiesmom--donation to FFRC and for Uri
William M from KY--donation to FFRC
Kimkost--donation for Giving Tuesday
Yarnlover--donation for Giving Tuesday
Leanne & Mike W--donation for Giving Tuesday
Charles and Bev B from IL--donation to use where needed & for chicky
Ruffles--donation for Giving Tuesday
Lori U--donation for FFRC
Randi & Mary--donation to be used wherever needed
Snoopybaby-donation for Giving Tuesday
Linda & Michael G in WI--donation to FFRC
Hallie G--donation for FFRC
Tracy L--donation for FFRC
CyllW & Kitty and Murphy--donation for FFRC
Marco G from Germany--donation for Lucy & a hug
Renee C from Canada--donation for FFRC
Katherine E--donation for FFRC
Kazz, our awesome mod--donation to FFRC
Sylvia H--donation for FFRC
Donavon S--donation for FFRC
Eric & Carrie M--donation for FFRC
Chris R--donation for FFRC
Lark, Lilly and Emmy--3 FFRC cats--celebrating their 2nd Anniversary!
Cairlin OT--donation in memory of CUtie
Shannan W--donation to FFRC
Hamm B--donation to FFRC
Hans Z--donation to FFRC for being a consolation in these times
Mark F from Canada--donation to FFRC
Robert M--donation to FFRC
Brian P--donation to FFRC
These donations and others are what saves FFRC. When this coronavirus first began, I was concerned because I knew we would lose some of our fund-raiser abilities. So far, we've had to cancel 6 fundraisers--- 2 of the big monthly fun-raisers, the Lilac Festival, the Dance Recital and an Art class. Plus, our biggest Fund-raiser of the year has been cancelled--hopefully temporarily--the Catathon. There is simply no way we can get this big event ready by the end of May and have it in June. It takes 40 plus people here inside the building to make this happen--and that is way too much contact for safety. Plus, I do not feel it would be appropriate to ask people to help us with donations for Catathoon at this financial crunch time. So..........this makes your donations extra super appreciated!
We will just tighten our belts for right now--no general improvements. No nothing extra for now. We are still not having people in the Main Area, even though some of Ohio is starting to open up. I am not comfortable with having the public in where the volunteers are yet.
As you may have noticed, we have at times been wearing masks here inside the Main Area. Our "rule of thumb" is:
If only one volunteer here, no mask is required.
If doing outside cat chores, no mask is required.
If there are TWO people here and you can stay 6 feet apart, then no mask is required.
If there are THREE people here, then a MASK IS REQUIRED.
If going into PawMart, a MASK IS REQUUIRED.
The bottom line is the safety of our volunteers. The fate of this Rescue Center also depends on the health of our volunteers and of Steve and myself.
Wishing you all to be healthy. It's been wonderful to have you all on the chat and watching the kitties and cats on the cam. They can be a happy spot of your day! Be safe, stay healthy and hug your pets!
