Sunday, Feb. 15

We're gonna have a party!  We're gonna have a party! Cats and humans are excited. I can't hardly wait! Come join the fun. At 5:30 in the evening on Monday, we will do BOXES.  As soon as BOXES are over, we will have our Celebration of Fiver Friday, including an announcement of the final GRAND TOTAL.  

I want to extend my apologies for not getting all the emails done Friday. I was overwhelmed with emails/paypals. A wonderful, wonderful thing! I kept working the computer as fast as I could, but come time to do our last Announcement for the day, there were still many emails yet to take off.  I'm so sorry, but a good "problem" to have! 

If, when we are done and you did not get a thank you from me by email, let me know. There were 3 times I had to stop printing because the printer over-heated!  lol   So, I might've lost an email or two in the process. 

Saturday a friend, Chris and I went to the Cat Show, so no computer time until mid afternoon. We had a very nice time at the Cat Show. Didn't have such a great time coming home though. The little snow we got was kicked up fiercely by the wind. White outs and slippery roads were there off and on all the way home. I was so thankful to get back safely. Chris also made it home safely. We saw many different cat breeds and lots of cat vendors. And.....I didn't come home with a cat! Brought home a few toys though. 

Saturday evening and Sunday morning was spent taking the remainder e-mails from the computer. What excitement! I cannot wait to share all the news! Here's a run-down of Fiver Friday. 

4 am            $1,550
6 am            $1,725
8 am            $2,480
10 am          $3,682
Noon           $4,462
2 pm            $6,452
4 pm            $12,505.40  **We had an additional donation to boost this.  More below!
6:00 pm      $13,930.40
8:00  pm     $15,678.40

We have a plan. A mighty great plan! And we're excited. We shared this at Fiver Friday with everyone. As many of you know, we have had some of our Covies mysteriously disappearing on their Run-Abouts, only to show back up 5-7 days later. Enough to cause such stress here. We have been so so worried.  As soon as spring has arrived, we will set a date for our new Fencing Compound Project. This project is: an almost 500 foot fence going around a very large area with the Cat's Cove and FieldHouse enclosed inside. The Porchie Haven will be moved over to this Compound too! AND.....a real building so we no longer have to move the Covies up for winter. They can wander around anytime they want to. They can be in the Cove, they can go in Porchie Haven, they can go in the heated new building---whatever and whenever they want too! This will be for the Covies and the Porchies! We must think of their safety! As soon as the ground is thawed, Dion will be pouring the concrete. We will try and do the entire compound in one weekend--we may have big hopes though! More info later, but this will get the idea across to everyone! 

The cost for the fence, which is by Purrfect Fence and made for cats and other animals is wonderful. The cost, with our vet discounts, our multiple roll discount and because they like rescues, will come to $3,916.75. We have a viewer friend, LJ who is covering this cost! I am deeply grateful. Please, when you see her, send out an extra thanks to her! I am beyond overwhelmed by the whole Fiver Friday!  Please also send a special thanks to Deb11111 for her extra donation for Fiver Friday. 

The cost for the new building is $14,452. There will be plenty of room for the 16 Covies and 12 Covies as the size will be 16 x 24. 

I am tremendously grateful for each and every single donation made for Fiver Friday. As you know, the main goal was to help us with the many items that we need to cover that are above what we receive for BOXES. Things like insurance, syringes, monthly flea prevention, all the vaccinations, antibiotics, surgical supplies, utility bills, sewer bills, cleaning supplies, disinfecting floor cleaner, FIV/leukemia tet kits, Giardia test kits--just lots and lots of items. This FIver Friday sets my mind to ease. I am humbled beyond belief at your support. 

Thanks too for Yankeechick who provided a scrumptious lunch for us on Friday. And Zoolove had a very delicious beautifully decorated cake delivered to us on Friday. We were spoiled rotten! 

And to top it off, we still have thanks to give! We had BOXES THursday evening.
Laura/Medic 101--case of Fancy Feast
Pat, our THursday volunteer--snackers, baby food and her craft items for Paw-Mart
Faithy & BObby--case of Whiskas packets
Wayne B--24 big cans of chicken
Shelly H from MI--More FFRC kitty Mouse pads--they are wonderful
Judi R from FL--4 cans of chicken, 21 cans of Fancy Feast, 6 kitty snackers
Conii with Elliott & Izabellah--Happy Valentines for the volunteers!  2 cans of Moose Munch Gourmet Popcorn from Harry & David. YUM
Tabbycat--case of Girl Scout peanut butter cookies--they're  already shamelessly being devoured!
Schinn/Susan with Cleo & Ralph--valentines card with a donation for the Feliz Navidad Fund.
Eleanor G from NJ--donation to FFRC
Pat & Ellen, volunteers--donation to sponsor Farrah and a portion of their sales.

Chris, who I went to the Cat Show with, made her annual donation to FFRC, in memory of her Joey who passed away many years ago. I thank you, Chris. 

**IMPORTANT** I would like everyone to know this. Lilies can kill cats. Please be extra cautious. Some are so potent to cats, that even inhaling the pollen can make them very sick and can cause death. I know a cat that died last night from lightly biting once into a lily plant. Two common lilies are the Easter Lily and the Stargazer. Just please, be extra cautious, especially when Easter comes. Keep your cats safe. 

I love this little thought:  (author unknown)
Cats come into our lives to teach us about love,
they depart to teach us about loss.
A new cat never replaces an old cat,
It merely expands the heart. 
If you have loved many cats,
Your heart is likely to be very big.

A big discussion was had yesterday that I found very interesting. What is a friend? A friend can mean so many things. It can be someone who knows you so very well and still cares with the whole heart. Usually the words "respect", "loyalty" and "honesty" come up. These are key parts of forming a friendship that is trustworthy. These may be considered the backbone of friendships. A friend doesn't play mind-games. They are there for you ..... just because!   A friend has your back, one who cares about you no matter what, one who defends you, comes to your aid and listens to you. It's a relationship that is formed where both sides feel "safe" with one another. It's a great thing! I feel our FFRCNation speaks volumes about friendships. 

Life is too short for negative drama and petty things. So laugh, love truly and enjoy your friends and family! See you tomorrow at the Celebration of Fiver Friday! 

Thursday, Feb. 12

Tomorrow is our big Fiver Friday! We hope to make it fun for you, while letting you know more of what goes on here at FFRC. 

Ada Jane so enjoyed her birthday! All the cards, well wishes, extra good treats and food---made for a great day for her. She's doing good this week. Is eating pretty well!  Rebecca is hanging in there. She's gained 2 ounces but is still half the size of her siblings. She's trying though. She's a real sweetie and takes her syringe feedings very nicely.

We had BOXES last night. We are vrey thankful for your kindness
Pam T/Zoolove--Book: I Could Pee on That and other Stories. Valentines Happy Birthday to Ada Jane and a donation for snackers, 4 sets of wonderful sheets for Kitty Kastle
KnittenKitten/Donna H--2 great kitty purses
Wayne B from CA--12 cans Mackerel & 12 cans sardines
Cessna & Wayne--lots of cans of Tuna, Sardines and Mackerel! 
Kerswill--Extra long pipe cleaners for adoption bags, Tuxie microwave warm up kitty!, K-Kups Rescue Roast Coffee, Puzzle for Amy, Box tops/Pop tabs for Kellen/Caryn, Snackers for Volunteers for Valentine's Day, salmon, tuna and snackers for kitties, thank you notes/posties
Diana from S.A.--ten of the best scoopers anywhere!
Bruce S--donation in memory of Gerry S.
Mary Alice W.--donation in memory of Gerry S.
Macncheesemom/Susan M--card with donation for the 11 new cats coming in
LostGirl--card for Valentine's Day
From all the cats here--sent a wonderful Valentine Card to me!
Neuromom Sherri & David--Valentine Card and a Seymour Card * Fiver Friday donation
Jessie & Clark--2 wonderful packs of Fives for Fiver Friday! Love these 2 kitties!
Lynn & Gary from SC--note with donation
Maria S/Snoopybaby--birthday card for Ada Jane and a donation
Diane D from MI--Fiver Friday donation
Mark S--2 BIG bags of Precious Cat Litter--thanks--we used them this morning! 
Tracy L--donation to FFRC thru PayPal
Judith M from NJ--donation in honor of Ada Jane's 20th birthday
Nelly W from NC--donation for Ada Jane's 20th birthday for treats for her & friends
Adrian and Patch and Malcolm--donation in honor of Ada Jane's birthday for snackers
FaithyMD and Bobby--2 pairs kitty slippers, purse, 2 rose throws, coupons and a bag of pop tops for Kellen
Domingo F--donation thru PayPal for FFRC

We had an adoption yesterday! Our young Noble went to his new home. The really neat thing about this is that he picked his mama! She came here for the second time with an open heart and Noble grabbed her! I've already heard from her and she said Noble is doing wonderful! I've also heard from Soon-Ja's new family. All is well and happy. Soon-Ja is already sleeping with her little girl at night!

What does Magic like best?  There's 3 things---his own tail that he chases, the squeaky bird toy hanging from the ceiling and the third is Trucker's tail! Trucker is so patient with him. I just love that Solee girl. When you sit on the floor, she backs up to you so you can scratch her back! 

The Covies were out running this past Sunday and Tuesday. Their next run-around is Friday. We always bring Jonah inside during this time just because of his age. The others stroll in and out of Kitty City all day long, but have all been coming back 100% when the supper call goes out.  We have a big surprise coming in regards for the Porchies and Covies. The BIG NEWS will be told during the Fiver Friday! We are so excited! 

We will have another adoption tomorrow--about 4:00-4:30. Bounty will be going to her new home. This kitten was born to purr! She loves everyone and everything.

Yambilu is sure coming around--so sweet and has a good purrer. Right now, there's a nuthatch on the feeder attached to the window of the purple office. There's about 6 cats checking it out. I can't wait for spring to be able to get those windows open!

Take care to everyone. It's so nice to see the friendly chat on the cam, the nice remarks and feedback on the facebook. I can always feel your smiles. Thanks for caring!  

Tuesday, Feb. 10

Trucker's box came!  It's here! And we've begun his new treatment. This particular treatment is for Treatment Resistant Diarrhea in Cats.  That definitely would be Trucker. We'll keep you all posted. Trucker's already had his run in the house for the morning--he loves it. Chirps, meows, does so many vocals while he's running around!

Ike is out and about in the Main Area. He finally came up 2 days ago, spent his first day watching things from the Kitty Campus Room. Now, he's relaxed and is even enjoying the Kitty Kabana Room. Ike is really a very nice boy.

Bender is laying here beside me--truly takes up my whole desk top---I love it. He so loves his belly rubbed. NeMoo--remember when she first came in, she wasn't so sure about the other kittens? She's doing so good now--is playing and running with them. 

We had 2 adoptions yesterday! First to leave was Chauncey. He went to a home with 2 young boys that love cats. Then Soon-Ja left for her new home. She went to a home with a young girl. Two good, happy homes!  More coming up!

Happy Birthday to Ada Jane. Today she is 20 years old. We have had her here in the Rescue Center for 10 years. Ada Jane has always been a gentle soul. She had a couple birthday cards this morning. All the cats enjoyed an extra yummy treat of chicken, in her honor. Ada Jane enjoyed it too. 

We had BOXES last night---many many thanks!
Great Aunt Julie/Tigercat54--socks, socks!! Socks for Steve!  and 2 large kitty beds that we already are using for the cats!
Anonymous Friend--tub of Temptation Snackers
LostGirl--15 bags of a variety of Snackers
Gina/Catlvr14--Vintage Ripple Fan Afghan 54 x 70 and a matching kitty blanket that is 25 x 20. Pop tabs for Kellen and 3 bags of snackers
Brooke who is visiting--case of Fancy Feast, snackers, 2 pole toys, stuffed rat, catnip ball, toys & a kickaroo. For Valentine's Day--a red bucket filled with goodies & a Teddy Bear!
Nona--12 cans of Salmon, 12 cans of Chicken
Jayne M from OH--donation in memory of Gerry S.
CindyM1--Valentines card and note with 2 coupons and a donation to use with the coupons!
Kelly & Penny--card and donation in memory of Gerry S
Trudi S from Bryan--donation for FFRC
Melissa L from NY--donation for FFRC
Judy & Phil L from OH--donation to FFRC in honor of Ada Jane's birthday
Geremy K from WI--donation in honor of Ada Jane's birthday
Billie K from TX--donation in honor of the 20th birthday of Ada Jane's
Nancy R from IN--donation in honor of Ada's Jane's special 20
Kathy M from MN--donation in honor of Ada Jane's 20th birthday
Ju-in-ji--donation to FFRC for Ada Jane's birthday
Selena and Scott H from IN--donation to FFRC in honor of Ada Jane
Yankeechick/Terese--is donating a lunch for Valentine's Day on Fiver Friday and a special treat for the cats!

The sample T-shirts are here!  We love them! The front has our logo on them. The back says:
FFRC Nation
Many Countries
One Heart
One Mission
One Nation
They come in a royal blue and a purple. Lettering is white. We will have sizes small to 4XLG. They are of good quality. More info later! 

Seymour continues to do good. He loves to run from the Welcome Room Office to the back Thumper's Room. He has come up to the Main Area twice today, but then goes to the door to go in the back again. He's having fun!  It's so interesting to me how the siblings Anne Shirley, Triumph and Mogo play so much together and nap together. Scott has shed out one of his 2 white whiskers--the one on the bottom. He did this before and they came back white. We'll see what happens this time!

Felicity and Milo just trotted by--they love to bird watch. August is playing with Leopold. Rebecca ate a pretty good breakfast today by herself. Tammy is walking around with a coil toy in her mouth--I think Paddy Cake taught her this trick. And here comes Nelson with a coil spring in his mouth too!

Sunday, Feb. 8

Oops--wait--can't get started yet. Here comes Coralie. Almost every time I sit at the desk, here she comes! She wants in the lap, with her head on the left side, a cushie under her and positioned just right so she can put her paws on the key board! She's not fussy at all!

It's 40 degrees today--a heat wave for us! We have the windows open for fresh air. The cats are enjoying it. We have 5 1/2 weeks until it's Spring--we're on the countdown! 

We had 2 adoptions on Friday! Caleb and Norton went to their new home together. These two kittens were already loved even before going out the door! We have several other cats on hold--Bounty, Soon-Ja, Nelson and Chauncey.

We had a cat returned. Rita arrived yesterday with Seymour. I want to say this--this was a huge act of love and unselfishness on Rita's part. She felt that Seymour was not happy--he wanted to just stay in the bathroom and not participate with anything. He seemed sad to her. So, he is back and very welcomed. It was very interesting--when Rita put him on the floor, he immediately scampered around, went to the door to the front part and wanted to join right in! We told him he needed to wait a bit. This morning he is now in the Main Area. He's eaten a good breakfast and has been lounging on the Kuranda Towers. 

We have some thanks to give!
Donnajb--donation to help with the new 11 barn cats that will be arriving this week
Lois/lannml---donation in honor of Ada Jane's 20th b-day this week! 

We appreciate our lurkers and chatters! We realize many of these friends have a connection---they are also Decorah Eagle friends!  FFRC has made a donation to Decorah Eagles in honor of our mutual friends. 

Please check out our updated Paw-Mart FFRC Store in our website! It's not completely done yet but close! We have many new items! The website is: fofrescue.org   We have listened to you, our supporters, as to different items you like! 

We are eagerly awaiting a box for Trucker! It comes from a company that works with cats that have chronic diarrhea. Their success rate is 97%  Trucker will put their products to the test. We are also feeding him foods that has less grain in it. We don't give up easy, do we, Trucker?! He's trying his bestest to get to that point where his stools are firm! 

Remember to mark your calendar for Friday---our Fiver Friday day. We've been working on it here! It'll start as early as I can make it happen and go off and on all day long. We'll keep it going into the late evening. Periodic chart updates of the donations will be given. Lots of cats bits & pieces of info will be shown. Thank you tabs with the donors names on them will be put onto our display board. Lunch will be provided for everyone here. There will be explanations of what the donations are used for. A few stories will be read. Lots of action, appreciation and fun will be had. Extra awesome thank you cards will be sent to the donors! Come join the fun and be a Fiver Friday donator! 

As you know, Ada Jane has a birthday coming up--it's Tuesday! This wonderful girl will be 20. We love her so. It's a fact she has been struggling a bit this past week. We are keeping close tabs on her. We are giving her much love and anything that she will eat. She truly knows she is top-cat here! 

Oops--now Trucker is demanding his time. He wants in the house....again....and right now! He has many 5-minute sprees of whipping around inside. That boy can fly! 

Today the snow melted enough I could see Putter's gravestone. Sure miss that boy. I can hear his message---be kind--be kind to one another. It's a simple choice to make! It will make your heart happy. 



                                                       

Friday, Feb. 6

I love looking around at all the cats here. It's quite amazing to me. Just like when you have a roomful of people--we're all so different from one another--and that's a wonderful thing. It's like that with the cats and kittens too. They each have their own personalities! And that's why, when we have an adoption, I love it when people really figure out the personalities--which one would make a good match. It gives me great joy when the new family calls me and lets me know that all is well. The bottom line is to find wonderful, loving homes for these cats and kittens where they become a family member!

We had BOXES last night and also the night before! I am so very thankful for your support, which gives me twofold things---the gift itself and the support it means. Thank you.
Pat, our Thursday evening vol--delivered 75 cans kitty food & litter and doggie snackers/food from Wal-Mart, where she works. So nice of her.
Julie P-2 cases baby food
Eaglewatcher/Beth--For Trucker--case of Canidae, case of canned venison & a bag of dry venison grain free
Laura/Medic101--case of Fancy Feast
Cheryl L/momreadz from PA, with Brotherman, Buggy and BooBoo Binkins--14 wonderful crocheted Catghans--for all to share, scratcher board and a crinkle tunnel
Phylis B/kittiesmom with Emmie & Buddy--Valentine card with note & donation
John & Suzanne C from FL--kitty card with note and donation
Vinnie in Cleveland OH--birthday card for Ada Jane's 20th birthday on the 10th
Sev, our mod--Happy Birthday Valentine for THomas with a poem.
Donnajb--4-40 lbs bags Precious kittylitter, Katmandu Bonito Flakes, Crazy cat toys, highlighters, tape, rainbow paper, paper clips
Joco-JoAnn--tube socks for Steve!, very funny pictures for Dr. Darcy!, and Puffcorn for all-super delicious!
Scott & Cathy/svcathy--kitty snackers, bonito flakes, 12 cans chicken, Lysol wipes
Great Aunt Julie/tigercat--box of Apple Cider k-cups
Susan L from OR--cat grass, catnip, snackers, Sheba can food, kitty brush and lots of toys
June K--2 lg bottles L-Lysine
Zoolove--tube socks for Steve!
Gossamer--brown fuzzy poof (that Ratchet promptly claimed!), case of variety of kitty can foods
Billie K--cans of Tuna, chicken and sardines-yum!
Susan345--2 cases of Dixie hot/cold cups & lids
Vicki B--6 bags of Royal Canin Baby Cat dry

Bobby & Faithy--6 cans chicken

Kelly R/littleonemine--2 red soft kitty beds, q-tips, postie notes, 2 inch tape, lots of variety of can food, leopard blankie & a pink blankie, passport welcome rug, a rock for our garden! and a special scratch/play pad for Coralie

Emma--day visitor--Fresh Step litter, cans of tuna and chicken

We also had some PayPals come in!

Hallie G--for a monthly donation

Janet M--for a monthly donation

Debbie/lostgirl from NJ--donation to help with the 11 incoming barn cats

Kelley F from TX--donation for FFRC

Renee C from Canada--donation for FFRC

Arden & Charmaine from IN--donation to help with the new barn cats

Julie A from CA--donation to help with Trucker's medical bills

Shannan W--for a monthly donation

Next week our Barnie population will grow. A man who has had some of life's hard knocks, needs to place his 11 barn cats. These are not ordinary barn cats, but friendly cats who even know their names. We will start them out in the big red barn, We will close the doors so they can figure out the barn before we turn them loose on the farmyard. I hope they all become comfortable and find the various barns to their liking. 

We had 2 adoptions yesterday. Murphy and Columbus are now residents of Chicago! They went to a wonderful new mama and dad. We've already received some pictures and the two kitties sure look very happy already! We've also heard from the different families that adopted Jemima, Betra and Mr. G.  Sounds like all is well and going smoothly!

Every once in a while I like to remind folks of this---if there has been an error in anything that has happened with you, in regards to purchases made, emails, anything, please feel free to email me about it. 

A special thanks to 2 anonymous friends who donated a sleeper sofa to FFRC, to be used in the Kitty Kastle! It's beautiful! On Wednesday, Ken's Furniture pulled again into the parking lot! What an awesome surprise. I understand that Ken's Furniture pulled out all stops in trying to help these two FFRC friends to be able to make this possible. We're thrilled. It fits beautifully in Kitty Kastle. Thank you to our friends and to Ken's Furniture!

Some of you might remember Fiver. He was a little kitten that arrived here with a mama and his siblings. He arrived here on July 11, 2012. Poor little fella had a terrible eye injury from glass that happened during a bad storm. Unfortunately he passed away shortly after eye surgery. He represented a lot to us. A little kitten that arrived in sad shape, left this world way too soon, but was happy, full bellied and with a full heart. This next Friday, we will have a Fiver Friday. This is a fundraiser to help FFRC while heading into the spring season which means kitten season. We are hoping that, if you are able, you can donate a fiver, a $5.00 to FFRC on 2/13. If you'd like to mail it in, you can do this early, but please mark the envelope Fiver Friday. This will be a day long event. The entire day will be designated Fiver Friday. Starting early, PayPals will be checked. We will continue to check our PayPals often. Every 2 hours or so, we will come to the cam, announce our total, which we will keep track of on a chart, for the entire day! We will also put a note up to represent your donation (name only, not amount) and keep showing that throughout the day.  You'll hear the full story of Fiver. You'll hear about many of our monthly bills that we have and where our money goes. The donors will also receive in the mail, a special Valentine thank you from different FFRC cats. It'll be a busy, fun, exciting day. Please join us! Fiver Friday--Feb. 13, Friday--all day!

Yambilu is doing better and better. She is getting braver and more sure of herself. Her ears with the frostbite seems to be healing a bit each day. Ike still hasn't emerged from the Thumper Rooms---he has no interest (yet) of coming into the Main Area. We're still waiting! Magic spends some of his days in the Main Area, some of the time taking naps in his pen. Hensley is using his litterbox! We want this to be a firm habit of his, so we still place him in his pen several times a day, just as a reminder. For a kitten that never used it before, he's doing really great. And such a sweet love he is. He has that generous personality, like Vernon. 

We are expecting Addison to go to his new home this weekend. Also Caleb and Norton will be leaving this late afternoon. These are three wonderful kittens, finding their new homes. 

There must be a big meeting in the Kitty Kabana---I just saw 7 cats go walking in there, one after the other! I best go.....need to see what the scoop is! 

Tuesday, Feb. 3

What a wonderful raffle! Thank you all for making it a success! First, we had a box to open! Thanks to SonJa, our moderator for the bunches of kitty snackers---for SonJa and friends! As you said--gotta have those snackers!

Then we did the Raffle! It was fun, extremely helpful to FFRC and worth a few laughs!
A--Afghan Winter Sky--won by BeanMN   (51 tickets)
B--Porsche Jacket--won by Lannml (42 tickets)
C--Mink Blanket--won by Luvtheanimals (69 tickets)
D--African Flowers Afghan--won by Kaseyann/Karen (67 tickets)
E--Jade Pineapple Afghan--won by Macncheesemom (46 tickets)
F--Cabin in the Woods Afghan--won by Gisa Zig  ( 51 tickets)
H--The Story of Us Book--won by Quinceysmom (231 tickets!!)   
Total:  $3,380.

Big thanks to Donnajb, Keiko, Nikka, Joco and FloppyJan for topping off the total for the Raffle! Our Grand Total for the Raffle was $3,610.  I am grateful. I even heard a cat cheer going up, led by Derecho for all the support! I promised Trucker, who was asking so politely, that a little chicken snack would be given! 

We also had Consolation Prizes. Those that won are: Jimmy, Anonymous Friend, RaspberryJam, Eaglewatcher, Debbie Joh, MadisonPepper, Joco, Kathy3103, Ron Rob, Frandavis16, Missyhoho, Joanna Bal, Newfiedogmom and Donnajb! Many thanks. 

I can hardly contain myself! Yeah for Hensley!  He has now pooed and peed several times in the litterbox! What exciting news! It's still a work in progress, but we're going in the right direction. Today we should receive a different medicine for Trucker that Dr. Darcy wants to try. As soon as it arrives, we will start it. We probably will not have a surgery date this month. 

NOW is the time to spay/neuter those cats and kittens that did not get done last year. Please.....don't wait much longer. Next month is spring--days are already getting longer. Cats will start back up in heat in March and presto---kittens galore. This is a universal problem---too many babies. You truly can play an important part in saving lives. Every single intact cat that you spay/neuter is a life-saver. 

As you know, our area got a huge amount (for us!) of snow on Sunday. I heard on the news that we received 13 inches. Schools were closed Monday, delayed today. Our parking lot is now plowed and roads are plowed but slick and ice-packed. The farm animals are doing great--lots of extra care has been given to them. We were short of help on Sunday and a bit on Monday too. Elizabeth stayed here for 2 nights to fill in. Extra big thanks--a huge amount of help! 

Ike is doing good. He's still shy but is slowly gaining his confidence. Yambilu is wonderful--loves to purr and to be petted. Won't be much longer until Yambilu is out in the Main Area. Great news--we asked Magic if he could lay very very quietly for a blood draw. He's grown just enough on those crooked legs, that I could pull down on them a little. Presto--got enough blood to do his Leukemia/FIV/Heartworm test and it is negative!! Whew!

I'd like to say a special thanks to Joni and Pat B for the wonderful pictures and videos that they put on our facebook pages.  I've had so many people comment how it makes them feel more connected to FFRC. 

This is our OVMA conference month. Angie, Lynnette and I will be going late afternoon on Feb. 18 and we will return in the afternoon on the 20th.  This will allow us to attend a full day of classes on Thursday and also Friday morning. Some of the classes I'd like to attend are on Pharmaceutical Requirements, State Legislation for Shelters/Rescues, Compassion Fatigue, Feline Inappropriate Elimination, Ohio's Infectious Waste Regulations, Zoonotic Ascarid Ova. 
There are so so many wonderful classes to take! Never enough time!

The cats are exhausted--it's hard work watching all the birds at the feeders. Right now there are 7 cats at the window in the Front Office. All the chirping going on is wonderful! Unelma just strolled by--she has been playing with toys! So nice to see. Enjoy your Tuesday! 

Sunday, Feb. 1

Welcome to Hensley and Yambilu.  Hensley arrived from North Carolina and was brought here by two volunteers. He's about 5-6 months old, a grey/brown tiger. Very very sweet. He is a kitten with moderate CH. We had him out and about last night in the back Thumper's Room--he really likes Trucker and Magic and was playing. 

Yambilu, pronounced yam-bee-lou is a name from Name a Cat and it means Heart. He was found at a volunteer's friends' place of work. Yambilu arrived a bit hungry, dirty and very needy. He loves to be petted and hugged. He had his bubble bath and looks squeaky clean now. He has a tiny sore on the back of his ankle, but other than that, he is in good condition. Yambilu will lay on his back and wiggle his way towards you to be petted!

Our Mr. G was adopted yesterday. His new mama saw him as soon as she arrived. Lots of petting, then she proceeded to pet all the other cats, but ended back with Mr. G.  He was soaking it all up! I've seen 3 pictures already of him in his new home--looks like a happy boy already! 

We had quite a few visitors yesterday--hopefully some of these will results in more adoptions! The people that want to visit and see Columbus will be here Weds. They will spend the night and leave Thursday morning. They are interested in adopting two kittens! Addison will be leaving on Sunday. 

Ike is doing pretty good.  He's still not ready to make that step into the Main Area, so we will continue to be patient with him. He's a handsome guy. He sure loves to be petted.

As many of you know, we are expecting quite a snowstorm today. It's already begun and to continue snowing all day. Last night, a big check was done on all the Barnies--their food dishes are full, warm can food was given and their heat lamps are on. The Covies and Porchies are all snug. The Covies have already been told they won't get their "out and about" today---too much weather today.  Shyla, the cat that likes to stay in the open Feline Fieldhouse is all snug--blankies fluffed and dry food refilled. The ducks, geese, chickens and peacocks got extra feed last night. The lean-to for the donkey and goats has fresh straw in it. The baby bunnies are happy and dry and protected. Horses will be out for only an hour today--have to be careful because there's a little ice under the snow. Wilson took a fall the other day--he's ok, but not a good thing to have happen. 

We did BOXES yesterday early afternoon. We are always so thankful for your support.
Billie K--4 cans salmon, Bumble Bee
Pam T/zoolove--big container of Temptations Tumblers
Donnajb1951--we were out of volunteer snackers, but no longer!  Austin cookies and cracker, Frito Classic Mix Pack, apple juice boxes and a Nabisco variety pack--big thanks!  Also a tub of Mr. Clean Magic Erasers, spring toys, 4 cat teaser toys, 3 big Mr. Clean, 2 dozen kitty snackers
Michelle/Callie &Frank/Harry--4 gallons of bleach and of vinegar
Tom & Linda C from IL--donation for FFRC
Carmel & Geoff S from Australia--donation to FFRC
Pauletta/badwolfnc from NC--donation to FFRC, in honor of Angelface52
Eric (moderator) & Carrie--cans of chicken, salmon, tuna and kippers. Also doggie snackers, kitty snackers and volunteer snackers! 

A big thanks to all of you who purchase Amazon items thru FFRC--we received a payment of $705.31 from Amazon! How wonderful. 

I'd like to say a big thanks to Kathy/JustMe. She sure surprised me two days ago! A van pulled into the parking lot, from Ken's Furniture, bringing to our Kitty Kastle, a brand new mattress and boxsprings. Wonderful! So so comfortable! This is a "pay it forward" gift from Kathy. Thanks too to Angie for helping with the details of this. Ken's Furniture is a wonderful business here in town and worked hard to help Kathy with this gift. If you'd like, please send a thank you to Lynn@kensfurnitureinc.com   I also mentioned on cam, that I will do an act of "pay it forward" to help someone. Thanks, Kathy!  I'm grateful.

Our raffle is still on! 5 beautiful afghans, 1 mink blanket, 1 Porsche men's jacket and the awesome FFRC book of CH cats! Tickets are $5.00. BOXES will be 5:30 Monday evening and the Raffle will be at 6:00 pm.   Come join the fun. Of course, we will have consolation prizes too!

When you see our admins and mods, please give a special thanks to them---they all work so hard for FFRC.  I am grateful for them. It's peaceful here. Chauncey and Leopold are tussling together. Tammy is asleep on my desk. Coralie is in my lap. Zelda is right close to me. Rebecca is playing and feeling so much better. Caleb and Sunnie J are playing footsie together. The snow is falling and is so pretty. Time to go in and spend time with my house kitties. Have a great day.