Monday, April 8

Our Day Sale was wonderful, fast and successful and I'm very grateful for the support of this Sale. It helped us reduce our inventory so it'll be easier to move into the Mail Room and also helped FFRC financially. I am very appreciative. We will be working on those orders today and getting them sent as soon as we can. Thanks to Joyce D for providing us with a pizza lunch!

We also ended our Afghan Auction. Both afghans were made by Wendi B who has been wonderful to provide us with several afghans. The winning bid on the Pink/Purple afghan was $107 and was placed by Chancecat. The winning bid on the Blue/Maroon/Teal/Tan afghan was $220 and was placed by Newfidogmom. Thanks too to Janak who donated $23 to round the total up. The auction raised $350. Thanks to all who have donated the wonderful items as well as all those who are bidding on them! More to come!

We had an adoption yesterday! The family that had adopted Hannah in October has returned for another cat. They have chosen Betz, who I think will fit right in! This Saturday, the family that will be adopting Willard will be here. How exciting! 

We had BOXES on Saturday night. You are appreciated!
Faithy--card for Cozarelii's birthday with a note
Janet S from IL--card and a letter, cookbook payment
Sue B/catloverhere--note and a package of spring toys
Norma F/mmirella from Puerto Rico--birthday card
Jean M/Annette20 from CA--a bless you bear card & note, payment for blankie
Philip & Cleo--a set up from Stamps.com for the beginning of our mail set up for the new Mail Room! Thanks bunches.
Twocatsdad from MI with Gizmo & Comet--card and note from Comet and an awesome Hoochie Coochie Dancing Kitty for Kabana Room!
Sonjamac from Canada--case of Fancy Feast gravy Lovers, case of Fancy Feast fish Itten. 
Mary B/mj--a donation to FFRC thru PayPal 
Brooke B from OH--a donation to FFRC thru PayPal
Gusti from Germany--donation to cover a monkey blankie for Lynnette! 

We spent quite a bit of yesterday in the barns, doing spring barn cleaning and making sure the barn cats are happy and clean. They are all fine and quite happy. 

It is now time to get serious about our upcoming Catathon. I will be posting a blog very soon on the Catathon. It's getting closer and will be super exciting and fun! 

The new construction is doing good. Sometime this week, the furnace guys will come and put in the furnace vents and duct work. We did get the dog's fence put back up and they're happy! 

Jimmy is to be released from the hospital today! His surgery was Friday. Please keep Jimmy and Paul both in your prayers.

Joyful and Bondi were both interested in coming into the rescue center this morning, which of course, we let them. Neither one stayed long, but it was a nice thing that they wanted to visit. Heaven had a bit of a difficult morning today. Tomorrow her biopsys will be in. She is right now napping in my lap, curled around a blankie and sleeping quietly and deeply. We love her so, and just want her days to be happy and filled with love.  

Mama and her 3 kittens are now in June's Room. They were playing so hard in their Thumper's Room Pen, they were shaking it! So, it was time to move them! They are so sweet. Each day they get their fungus ointment applied twice daily and their fungal medicine once daily. They take it without any trouble! They LOVE their mama and it's so sweet to watch them play.

Kiara--another of our newest acknowledged residents.


Farrah--one of our newest acknowledged residents.

Saturday, April 6

Betz--what a wonderful cat. I am sitting at my desk, with Betz in her usual position. In my lap, with her head on my left hand, purring away. Makes for more difficult time to type, but she sure is happy! Love this cat!

Gallant received his last laser treatment at Dr. P's yesterday. We're all impressed with this healing. He is just an excellent cat. During his treatment, he dozed off! Nothing fazes him! 

We have some fantastic news. An anonymous donor has made a donation for FFRC to purchase OUR VERY OWN LASER EQUIPMENT! I am thrilled beyond words and utterly grateful. This means we can help healing in many directions--everything but cancer cells. The laser treatments enhance healing. Because of this purchase and talking to us and our vet's office about Gallant's progress, the company will sell both our vet's office and  us this equipment, brand new, at a reduced cost, with a full 5 year warranty. To our anonymous donor--I am so so grateful. You've made it possible to help alot of cats here at FFRC. 

Heaven also went to the vet's office yesterday. Four different areas of tissue were taken for biophys. We won't know the full report until Tuesday. I do feel the need to tell you though, that both vets feel this is a fast paced cancer. We are already seeing a progress of  this deterioration on the face. But, she's so so happy, eating great, is in no discomfort and is enjoying herself. She loves to be held and pampered, which of course we are doing. We give, she takes, she gives, we take. It's a great combo and we love it! For as long as we have Heaven with us, we will show her tons of love. 

Today is the Day Sale! 9:00 right there on the webkittycam. We'll see you there with lots to show you. Thanks for your support!

The construction guys were here yesterday again. Doors went on, roof shingled and the house-wrap put on. Next week the furnace guys will be here to put in the duct work. So exciting. We have great plans for these two rooms!

I talked to Badu's mama yesterday--all is well and I'm so relieved. She sprawls out on the table, has made the back of the couch her bird-watching zone, lays beside her mama while watching tv and sounds like she's very happy. 

We had BOXES last night!
Darcia, Nicholas, Brendan--Day Visitors--catnip toys, volunteer cookies, fancy feast, litter, laundry soap, Iams adult, Royal Canin baby dry and volunteer snacks! We thoroughly enjoyed their visit!
Kikimycat from FL--Lysol wipes, Windex, Mr. Clean, stickers for Hannah, BD card for the Woodies
Widdeltigger--2 laundry soap, case of Wellness can food
Michlynn--5 beautiful hand knitted ruffled scarves--absolutely gorgeous
Sevren--fluffy collars for kitty photos
Rosemary & Schalk B with Spikey from South Africa--card, a beautiful hand crocheted yellow scarf and hat set, blue scarf and hat set, an afghan that is so perfect and chocolate from Africa!!Extra thanks!
Beachkatz/Karla C with Mikey, Buddy & Sweetpea from OR--card to the Sr. kitties from her senior kitties. Donation in honor of her birthday, cat snackers, appetizers, Fancy Feast and sardines
Conii G and her Madissyn and Elliot--2 pink beds, 3 blue beds, 3 teal beds, 2 pink blankies, pink and blue stuffed bunnies and a gorgeous stained glass kitty picture of front office (all things color-coordinate to kitty room, June's Room--what fun!)
Brenda W with Domino, Spikey, Josie, Soma and Wiggles from MI--note and recipe for sardine yummy, payment for cookbook
Steve & Nancy S with Lani and Neko from FL--BD card for the Woodie cats and a wonderful story of cats
St. Paul/St Johns Lutheran Church from Paulding--letter from Derek with a donation and a donation from the church ladies too! Extra special thanks to Derek!
Jim T and family with Smokey, Blackie and Callie--donation for Emaline who is a twin to Callie and a letter from Callie
Trudy S from Bran--thank you note and a donation
Joyce from CA--birthday card for Queen Bella!
Ladydock/Irene--birthday card for Jacci with kitties singing
Erika B & Cathy O with Saki, Kobi, Lucy and Papeeto from FL. This is the family that will be adopting WILLARD soon! A Dr. Seuss card and donation, pics of Willards family-to-be
Nadine--a gift card from Lowes--big thanks
Jaden--sent his birthday money for FFRC---Happy Birthday to you!

We received our PetFinder's Report. The top 12 cats viewed were: Maui, Badu, Zelda, OCtavia, County, Goodness, Farrah, Darily, MaCallan, Cypress.

We took in a new mama cat and 3 kittens yesterday. The kittens are 5 weeks old--2 whites, 1 torti. Mama is also a white cat. All 4 of them are sweet and friendly. They will be staying in Thumper's Room for a while do to a skin condition, but already under treatment. All will be fine. We will show them again on the cam when we do a tour! 

We have officially made 2 cats here Resident Cats. Farrah and Kiara have joined the ranks of being permanent FFRC cats. The reason is simple. They both have been here a number of years. Farrah's seizures and emotional attachment here has made it where people pass her over. We won't, as we love her to pieces. She will always be Farrah FFRC now. Kiarra has been adopted three times, but all three times was brought back here due to unbearably saddness. She would cry, moan and hide. She frightens easily at noises. I feel strongly that Kiara has her heart here at the rescue center and is now Kiarra FFRC. We will love them both forever. 

Please remember to vote! We're still in #1, but it's close! We have 22 more voting days left.

How cute is this?!

Friday, April 5

Wow--we went from a flat slab of concrete to a building yesterday! Amazing what a team of people can do. It was a joy to watch the building go up. The walls are in place, the tresses up, the window blocks, the doorways, part of the shingles. Today they will be back and put in the doors, insulate wrap the building and finish the roof shingles. The windows aren't in yet, so they'll be put in next week. Projected finish date: end of May. Will be done so we can have full use for the Catathon!

Next week we start working full force on the Catathon. I'll give you an idea of what the basket ideas are then. And for those that are new--we'll fill you in as to what the Catathon is! I can tell you this though--it's fun! The date is June 23, a Sunday. It's on the webcam. It's very similar to a telethon.

Derecho is sound asleep on a big bed right beside me--he looks so calm and peaceful. Cozarelii is on the cat furniture right beside the desk, also napping quietly. Dahnay is on my lap! I love that. Every once in a while, she starts her famous licking! 

This morning we had an Advisory Board Meeting. Lots to discuss and go over, including the Catathon. Also this morning, Gallant and Heaven will make her way to the vet's office again. I believe they'll be quite pleased with Gallant. I really think he's enjoying these trips. I always feel that he is very proud of himself for making us all so happy! He's quite a cat! Heaven will have a few skin punches taken to do a biopsy of her facial tissue. This will be done under a sedative. Many people who have already met her, feels such a connection to her. I believe this is because she not only takes all the love she can get from us, but she has a way of giving it back in her actions to us. Sure has brought on a lot of smiles!

Tomorrow is the Day Sale. Should be fun, fast and enjoyable! I'm looking forward to it. The mods will help guide the chat. During each section of the sales, please post ONLY if purchasing something, until that section is over. Also wait for me, a volunteer or a mod to give the THUMBS UP that the sale section begins. We try to please everyone. There will be a designated mod that will take on all PM's. Please use only this particular mod, as the others will have their own "jobs". Payments can be made thru PayPal, check or money order sent to FFRC. Every so often, we will stop the sale, go over what has already been sold, so it's known as a "for sure" to the people who purchased the certain items. When you put up on the chat that you want a particular items, a MOD will put in CAPS for me to see, who and what item is wanted.  You'll get the hang of it. It's easy and fun. We do this type of fundraiser, to give lots of people an opportunity to participate, to help us clean out our inventory and to help with our financial needs. Also, we'd like to get things more organized for when we move into the new Mail Room! See you tomorrow at 9 am FFRC time!

Tonight is the next afghan auction too. Starts at 6 pm sharp and ends 6 pm sharp on Saturday. You can bid on the FFRC chatters facebook page. If you are not on this page, can also ask a friend to bid for you. Thanks to Wendi for both of these lovely afghans. 

Today is a special day. It's the birthday of our woodie kitties. These boys are now 1 year old. They were scared little kitties when they arrived. They each individually love pets, scratches, but not big on being held. Spruce and Linden are a bit better at being held. We so would love a home(s) for them. They're good cats! 

Many thanks to:
Lynda S from MN--a donation to FFRC thru PayPal
Joyce C from MO--a donation to help with Heaven's care
Carmela H from TX--a donation to FFRC thru PayPal
Lawrence G--a donation to FFRC thru PayPal

Pushkins and Pushkiss are sure a lot of fun. They race around like crazy, up a piece of furniture, down to another climbing area. They are friends with everyone! Preakness loves to race with them. Those 3 kittens, Snappy, Sprint and Whisk are so much fun. Busy, busy, busy kitties! 

Snappy and Static playing their games.  They appreciate your VOTES too!  

Thursday, April 4

The beautiful afghans have been showed a few times. The afghan raffle will start Friday at 6 pm. Thanks to Wendi for these 2 beautiful afghans. 

For the Day Sale, Saturday at 9:00 am, we have the following items:
Recycled tote bags (Caity made)--$10
Leggy/Dew & Angie too blankies--$10
Coasters, weaved (made by Connie/warped)-$10
Cookbooks, vol. 1-$12
T-shirts (FFRC's "leftovers")-$12, limited sizes
Keyfabs (Cyndi N made)-3 piece $15   2 piece $10
Paper back book (same as last time)-$15
Kitty plastic bag holders (Doris made)-$30 (only 2)
Collector plates-$30 (only 2)
Glass garden designs (made by Joni)-$35 (4 for now)
pillowcases (made by coloreagle), 1 set of 2, cross stitched-$15
All prices will include shipping! 

Today is the BIG construction day. Lots happening. I'll take the cam over periodically to show you! 

Gallant continues to do great! Snappy and Sprint just met in mid-air and wrapped their paws around each other and landed like that, got up and took off running! Such energy--it's wonderful! Jack is really doing good. He spent his first night out of his room last night. Linden was seen in the Kabana Room, laying, yes laying, on top of the palm tree. Cats were frequently lined up on the window ledge yesterday, watching out the windows.

We had BOXES last night! We're a bunch of grateful people and cats here!
Phil&CLeo for Amy--2 boxes of Keurig coffees and 2 boxes of Reeses miniatures for FFRC, case of Taste of the Wild can food and 2 bags of Royal Canin Kitten dry
Arden&Charmaine--case of Friskies beef and Gravy
Sillysticks--butterfly card with note and 3,000 fresh step paw points!
Ron & Chris T/Swankitty and Hannah their dog--card with a note & coupon, wall decals and good thoughts for Gallant!
Kikimycat--HE Arm & Hammer laundry soap and a big bag of Purina One dry food
EllenN/furkitty & Pat/Cathouze and kitty Tori--letter from Tori, bookmark with running kitties, lots of toys for kitties, playcube, 2 bath towels, pack of AA batteries, bag of Iams kitten, 4 Quillows for Auction or Catathon (1 for Jacci)  These Quillows are really neat items
Susan B/missmic from WV--thank you card from ALL the kitties/cats, card to volunteers, LOTS of toys, 2 rugs, bag of volunteer tokens and a box of magnets for the adoption bags, snackers for the kitties & 2 big rat toys!
Lillian/zenamolina from IL and her kitties and pup--Easter card for all and another card for the volunteers
Joyce D from CA--easter card with note and gift card
Cheri/thecheribrown & Booger and Pretty Girl--card with note, donation for Feliz Navidad fund, BD popup card!
Tom & Gillian from UK--picture of Gillian's chicken and a BD card and a great ink pen with name and FFRC on it!
Sigrid--card for Volunteers (we're all glad that you're back, Sigrid!)
Jean (a Guest in Kitty Kastle)--Da Bird toy, mylar balls, kitty snackers, mouse laser light, 6" plates, 2 towels, box of 13 gal trash bags & 3 packages of kitty wipes
Cheryl (a Guest in Kitty Kastle)--2 kitty snackers, 2 dog snackers, 2 bags of Friskies dry adult food
Judy K (friend/cousin of Jean/Cheryl)--bird seed and a donation
Both Cheryl & Jean brought cookies, Dwn soap, carpet samples and carrots/apples for horses & goats
Nadine C/eclectraPA--an e-gift card from Lowe's!
Andrea W from PA--a donation to FFRC for "Heaven sent"
Renee C--donation to FFRC thru PayPal

Happy Birthday To Cozarelii! He is now 2 years old. Such a love he is. Loves to lay his head on a shoulder to be calmed and petted. Glad you're with us, Cozarelii! In the office, the woodie-"kitties" are playing. It's Linden, Cypress, Buckeye and Spruce. It's nice to see how these four hang out together. Last night County and Dahnay spent the night in Kitty Kastle. 

As soon as the weather warms up a bit, we'll be water blasting Cat's Cove and making it all clean and ready for the Covies to return to their spring/summer/fall home. Won't be much longer now!

This came to me by e-mail and I really like it:   Before you speak.....
THINK!
T   Is for True
H   Is for Helpful
I    Is for Inspiring
N  Is for Necessary
K  Is for Kind         This seems like a good thing to go by! 

Weds. April 3

The painting is very very close to being done in the Kitty Campus Room, the butterfly room! We should be able to put it together maybe today! Kathy was doing her magic with a beautiful painting of a tree that covers both closet doors, with butterflies around the tree, and a cat on the bottom with a butterfly close to it's nose! Won't be long until we can use this room again!

Construction went just fine yesterday. The concrete floor is now poured and hard enough to walk on. Lots of guys here yesterday to form it up, pour it, level it and then brush it. Tomorrow is the BIG day--the "up" construction begins! The plan is that by the end of Friday, the walls will be up, the windows in, the doors in, the roof on. Wow--what a difference this will make. Then it all slows down and the more meticulous inside stuff begins. So very excited about these happenings!

Derecho is an official ham! When he sees a person coming towards him and if you talk "baby talk" to him, he falls over to show his belly for a belly rub. Boy, does he have us trained! So relaxing for him and for us. It's like he's saying--clear your mind and enjoy this moment! 

We will have BOXES tonight! Please also vote for FFRC today and help us keep our lead. I am so grateful for this opportunity to be involved in this contest.

Saturday 9 am--bring your breakfast, a footstool and get comfortable to watch the kittycam! That's when our Day Sale starts. I'm going thru our items and bringing out things that we can sell, in preparation of getting ready to move into our new Mail Room. They'll be lots of items for you to look at. Decide if you'd like it and see if you can be the lucky new owner of that particular item! I think it'll be fun.

Just a thought--95% of the items from the last Day Sale have been sent out (will be sending 5 more packages today). If you had us tuck something back for you and haven't sent your check or PayPal yet, let me know if you're still interested in that item. 

Thanks to:
PSW--donation thru PayPal for "Heaven's" sake!
Susan S--donation thru PayPal for FFRC
Carol N from PA--an April donation for FFRC
Forestine R--donation thru PayPal for FFRC
Jill A from IN--Day Visitor--baby food jars, lysol wipes, gallon of bleach, gallon of vinegar and turkey/chicken kitten dry food

Gallant's wound is looking good--it continues to get smaller and thinner! Another laser treatment is scheduled Friday. The cats have been in super-play mode the last couple of days. I wonder if they're feeling the spring air? Jack is doing great. He's out most of the day but still goes in his room for night time. He's wonderful and loves to be petted. Farrah has been dragging around a yarn toy (about 2 feet long) for about 20 minutes. I don't think anyone would dare to take it from her! 

We took in a new cat yesterday. Her name is Heaven. Yes, we had a Heaven before, but this name is appropriate for this cat, so she is now known as Heaven. She is at least 15 years old (we will put her down as a 15 year old). She had been an inside cat, but when her owner dad passed away 6-7 years ago, she was put outside to live. In the last 1/2 year, she has developed a horrible face disfigurement. A wonderful friend saw her on Easter and got the owner to give us full ownership of her, for which I am thankful. Heaven is going in to the vets on Friday (along with Gallant) for a biopsy. Those results will be back on Tuesday, to tell us if this is cancer or not. If it's negative, then we already have her scheduled for surgery on Wednesday. Dr. P feels that he can help "put her face back together somewhat". She's happy, LOVES to be petted and held, LOVES to have us talk to her, is eating good (by herself) and is so very much enjoying her cushies and soft blankies. We are enjoying pampering her! She is also getting along real well with the other cats. We may move her to June's Room soon.  She has been teaching people a lesson--doesn't matter what the outside is like...what's important is what's on the inside. And believe me, her personality is full of love!

The line-up of cats!

Tuesday, April 2

We had another adoption yesterday! Our sweet Weeja went to her new home. She has a young boy at home that I'm sure will love her so much! Weeja is a happy kitten and I'm sure is going to love this new home.

He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata! He tangata! He tangata!
Translation: What is the most important thing in the world? It is people! It is people! It is people....and we would add cats!

The guys are here and have the floor leveled for in the new extended Thumper's Room and the new Mail Room. The second load of concrete is being poured right now. Cathy just went out to bring the 2 dogs in and Janie almost got into the wet concrete! I think we'll keep the dogs inside for the morning! This is so exciting!  Thanks Janet for this New Zealand Maori saying!

We had BOXES last night. The cats and I are very grateful for what you do for us.
Jeanette B--case of Evo canned food and a bag of very fresh picked catnip, which the cats have been crazy about!
Kerswill and Mr. Kerswill--day visitors--medical supplies, an awesome rock!, big tape dispenser, bbay food, box of tea for the volunteers, cat snackers, Jergens Hand lotion, 4 wonderful box
Ron & Chris T from Swanton--day visitors--Mr. Clean laundry soap and a big Tidy Cat scoopable litter
Jen D/girlcanchat from PA--donation in honor of Charmaine, and a box for Charmaine--case of gravy sensations, cans of chicke/tuna and a thermal mat pad (which she has this morning!)
Betz--donation for Cutie snackers, pop tabs for Kellen, ointment for Gallant, beautiful porcelin box with birds/flowers, cute kitty hanging scent bag for Jacci and one for Angie, 4 outfits to dress the kittys in Rock Band outfits for Catathon!
Jim & Debbi from GA--card and book mark and poem, little kitty tin with a beautiful angel pin--it's lovely
Stellan and Sylvia B from Netherlands--kitty card and letter, plus pictures of their kitty, and a great cat toy with a mouse inside the mouth!
Joanne P/joey3100--letter and pics of fur babies (dogs-Tanner, Zeus, Dina & Harley) and a bunch of the lightweight washcloths that we use to wipe cat faces with!
Ardenandcharmaine--case of Fancy Feast gravy lovers, case of Fancy Feast beef/chicken and a case of Friskies Fillets
Conii--a great nice kitty ramp for the CH cats or for everyone!
Carol N from PA--a donation to FFRC thru PayPal
Susan S--donation to FFRC thru PayPal

Remember Friday 6 pm to Saturday 6 pm will be the next two afghan auctions. Pictures will be up soon--they're beautiful!  Then the Day Sale is at 9 am on Saturday morning--we're trying to pick different times so all can have fun with this!

Gallant is at the vet's office right now for his fourth laser treatment. It's looking good! Pania also went along for the ride so her eyes could be stained to make sure there are no scratches on the eyes since we want to apply a certain ointment that may keep the swelling from continuing, but we don't want to use it if there's a scratch on the eye. More info later.

This was sent to me by a viewer:
Before you act--listen.
Before you react--think.
Before you spend--earn.
Before you criticze--wait.
Before you pray--forgive.
Before you quit--try.
Before you die--live.

What a wonderful guideline for all!  Have a wonderful day!  PS--The concrete is all here and brushed, leveled and is drying!













Please continue to vote. We are down .02% in the ranks. We have 26 more days to vote!!  Please vote and promote--we sure would appreciate this.

Monday, April 1

What a beautiful day! It's cold outside, but the sun is shining. As far as I know the construction goes like this, this week: Tuesday the ground will be dug up, leveled, stoned and made ready for the concrete that will come in the afternoon. I believe the Amish crew will be here Thursday to put up all the walls, windows and roof! How exciting. Can't wait. The mail room will be an extremely well used room. Kitty season is right around the corner and that new extended Thumper's Room will be a big help to us as a quarantine room. 

Many thanks to:
Dorothy H from UK--donation to FFRC thru PayPal
Pat B/CatHouze3 & Ellen N/Furkitty--a donation to FFRC to help sponsor Farrah
WISCcatmom/Rita S-F from WI--a donation to FFRC, in memory of her Frankie who passed away a year ago.

Wow--Saturday was a wonderful adoption day! First, our Mach left. He went into a home with a child to keep him busy! Mach's home is in Ottawa, not far from here. Then we had a family with 2 children that adopted both Sequoia and Static. They went to a Defiance family.Then our Bev was next to find a home. She went with Whitney/Whitster's mom Bev! They had a 3 hour drive to get here. We've already heard from Bev and all is well! Then Steve hand delivered Macallan to the home where Micah is! Micah seemed to welcome Macallan. My phone call later on Saturday was the answer I wanted to hear--they were napping together on the couch! 

I also have big news for you all. Sweet sweet Badu is in her new home. I wanted so very badly for her to stay in my household but after continued disagreements between her and my Z's, I couldn't do it. I love her so much and my heart was very heavy at letting her go. She went to a home near by, with a lady who is home all the time and wants a TV friend. I've called already once on Saturday and again on Sunday and all seems to be going good. Badu likes her table, like she did here and her couch too. She is the only cat. Just what we wanted, except for my missing her, all is well. I will keep in close contact with how she is doing. If it doesn't work out, she will be returned. 

So, all in all, that made 6 adoptions for Saturday. 

Beautiful Badu