Monkey Was Robbed!!!

Thank you all for voting for my Monkey!

He should have won!

I know many of you voted with every email address you have.

I know Marcia voted for every friend and family member whose email she knew!
Thanks Marcia!

I only voted once, and I didn't ask anyone to vote twice, but with all the people who voted for Monkey both once and numerous times, I'm not sure how this little pup could beat him?

Does this pup have more friends than my Monkey? Doubtful!! I think the contest was fixed. This is the president of Bissell's cousin's dog I betcha!!!




Here's the winner and runners up: http://www.bissell.com/Voting_Period_7.aspx

I maintain....the contest was rigged!

Signed,
Monkey's Mother who is a little bitter but POSITIVE that her son could beat this little dog's ass in a fight. Monkey has at least 11 lbs on him!!!

Hope for the future....

This week I received two emails from friends featuring articles about the future of cat welfare.

Diane Valk sent me this article about how LA will soon REQUIRE dogs and cats to be spayed/neutered by the age of 4 months. Way to go LA!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23359355/from/ET/

And Amanda at the Critter Cottage send me this article about a very cool idea using salmonella to sterilize cats. It can be introduced to food and when eaten by a female cat can cease her ability to become pregnant. Beyond a cure for cancer or a way to be thin yet still eat whatever you like, this is the greatest thing I could ever hope for!

http://www.petpublishing.com/catkit/articles/oral.shtml

Not Cat Related! Rather Creat-ed!

Does everything in my life have to revolve around cats? No, it only feels that way. In a desperate attempt to find some balance in my life this year, I'm going to occasionally post something having nothing to do with cats on this blog. Maybe it will rub off and my own life can become a little more balanced and not so cat centered.

Well, it's about cats in that the person who is on this mission is a cat person and good friend of mine from C-SNIP. But beyond that, this is about people....not pets! Kathy Christian trained me when I first started volunteering at C-SNIP back in 2005.

Kathy has recently started up her own non-profit organization that deals with eating disorders. Creat-ed stands for

"The coalition for Research, Education, Advocacy, and Training For the prevention of Eating Disorders."

AN ORGANIZATION DEVOTED TO THE PREVENTION OF EATING DISORDERS

You can learn more about her organization by visiting her website: www.creat-ed.org

Creat-ed has an upcomming event which in coalition with other groups focusing on education about eating disorders. You might find this interesting or possibly necessary to attend. Eating disorders plague a large population of women (and men) in this country. So maybe you know someone who might benefit.

If so, please visit the Creat-ed website and learn more about the March 18th "Back From The Brink" event.

Also, as a part of this event, Kathy is collecting no longer wearable blue jeans as part of "The Great Jeans Giveaway". So if you have jeans that you are waiting to fit back into (like me) or just don't want any longer, consider donating them to this really cool cause. This is from Kathy. Attendees (of the event) are encouraged to bring a pair of “skinny jeans” that they have dieted in order to wear. As an act of empowerment we are asking that those jeans be surrendered; they will be donated to a local women’s shelter. Alternatively jeans may be made into purses, other articles of clothing, or decorative art and donated to be sold, with proceeds to support our cause.

Contact Kathy Christian at kathykatldy1@aol.com to discuss how to donate jeans if you are unable to attend the March 18th event.

OK, that's my NON-CAT stuff for the day!
: ) Carol

What's Missing???

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It's been a long week... I can sure use a cock____!

Gosh, that can nearly stand alone!

: ) C




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God smiled upon me!

When I was seventeen, I fell in love for the first time. He was a boy named Mark. He lived in Toronto. And when we were declaring our feelings, the day after we met (you know how things go fast when you're a teenager), he said "God smiled on me yesterday". This was in reference to meeting me. Wow, what a compliment! That did it for me!!!

Well, God smiled on ME too! In lots of ways, lots of times, but relatively quite recently when I met Marcia Bloemers. This wonderful woman called me one day when (if I remember correctly) was on the way home from a day of partying with my friend Martha Munch.

She was responding to one of my Barn Cat Fliers. She said that she wanted to give a home to a feral cat. I said...."you mean a barn home?" She replied..."Oh no! A real home, inside my house." I remember explaining how I didn't think a feral would appreciate an indoor home. She continued. "Then I want to give a very hard to adopt cat a forever place to live in my home. BINGO! At that time I had Cheyenne, a beautiful gray girl who birthed three black kittens on Linda Sanchez's porch. It was horrendous weather and I decided to take mom and kittens to my place so that they could be weaned. The kittens were only a few days old.

Three months later, I found homes for Raleigh, Salem and Tulsa but was unable to convince any of the kitten adopters to take Mama Cheyenne with them. I was desperate. Just the night prior, as I stroked her soft, wonderful fur, I told her that I had tried my best, but nobody wanted an anti-social cat. I'd be returning her to Linda's neighborhood soon.

Well, God smiled upon me when Marcia called. I told her about Cheyenne and this beautiful soul was instantly in love with her and agreed to take her. Later in the week I drove Cheyenne to Marcia's home in Holland. I was thinking to myself as I drove.....what would I have to see in this person's home for me not to give her this cat? I thought about it and decided I'd be OK with anything short of dead cats hanging from the chandelier.

When I arrived in her warm, loving and inviting home I was thrilled to meet this kind woman who I immediately knew would be my friend forever! Waiting for me was a beautiful lunch, tea, desserts and gifts. Very generous gift cards were given to me in addition to a check for an adoption fee which I really didn't even expect to get as SHE WAS HELPING ME! I don't require adoption fees for barn cats, and to me Cheyenne was basically going to be that had my angel on earth, Marcia not stepped in. Still, she wrote the check and assured me that Cheyenne would be cherished.

And she has been.

Marcia sends me monthly donations to help me cover the rent at Brooknelle or buy special things for the Rescue. She reads my blog religiously and saw that Vicky's needed to find a home for Toni the Tabby when I blogged the Critter Cottage Newsie a few weeks ago.

I had just learned that Toni had been adopted so I suggested that she consider Dennis. Dennis is the orange gentle yet feral boy from Dorine Stephens' colony who has flea allergies and can't be returned to the outdoors. Within seconds, I had an email back saying that she's take Dennis.

With a very understanding and cat loving husband and 8 cats already, this darling woman agreed to take Dennis into her home.

Today I met her at Rivertown Crossings Mall. She bought me lunch and we chatted and poured love all over one another. She's a kindred spirit! She asked me what I wanted for an adoption fee. I told her....."C'mon....this is a cat I had no place to go with. I'd have to return him outside if it weren't for your taking him. I didn't need an adoption fee....." This of course went over like a lead balloon. She insisted so I told her $25 to cover the combo test and one of his vaccines. She wrote the check for many times that amount! Mind blowing!!!

Then we walked through the mall to her car where she presented me with the most ginormous gift bag full of wonderful stuff. Inside was a paw printed fleece blanket that she and Cheyenne made for me. I know Cheyenne helped cuz her fur is all over it! How sweet! Also in the giant gift bag was a set of adorable ceramic cat food bowls, a cat inspired picnic set and my favorite thing....a set of white glass pedestal mugs from the 70's with a paw print that read "Year of the cat". Extremely cool. Does this girl know me or what?

Then we drove over to my car to do the cat carrier switch so Dennis could go home with her. She had a comfy, blanket lined carrier ready for him. Then she fawned over him like he was the most wonderful cat she'd ever seen. Dennis, with that classic less than contented look of being in a carrier for an hour and patchy hair loss all over his hind quarters due to his flea allergy. But Marcia treated him as if he were as handsome and stately as a Lion King.

She loaded the carrier into her front seat so she could have him close by her when she was driving him home.

The luckiest cat in the world, Dennis is. The most amazing woman in the world, Marcia is. The happiest girl in the world, I IS!

: ) God smiled on me!
C

What's Missing???

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Pin the _____ on the donkey.





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ONLY 4 DAYS LEFT

Hello Feral Friends!

Thank you to the many who have reached out and purchased food for our ferals.

There are 4 days left in this 2008 February...thanks for an extra day due to leap year!

This gives you 4 more chances to purchase another bag of food!

With Amanda at Critter Cottage ordering us food on demand, we don't have to worry about storing it.

So far, we have had over 40 bags purchased by you generous people!

Thanks soooooo much!
: ) c

During the month of February, The Critter Cottage, in partnership with Invisible Fence will hold a food drive to benefit the stray and feral cats of Kent County.

By calling The Critter Cottage at: 616 676-1200, you can purchase a 40 pound bag of cat food. For each bag purchased for $22.25 (tax included), another bag will be purchased by Invisible Fence and garner the cats 80 pounds of food!

Yes, your purchase of $22.25 will give our ferals 80 lbs of food! That can sustain a medium sized colony for a whole month! Extra discounts offered on three or more bags!!!

Call today to charge by phone or visit The Critter Cottage at 7205 Thornapple River Drive in Ada.

Or email 2feet4paws@gmail.com if you have questions.



How many bags will YOU buy?

What's Missing???

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A _____ of Two Cities.






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NO TRAPPING March 1st - 8th

Hi Gang

I know most of you who read my blog are not actual trappers, but for those of you who are, here's some info for YOU.

Dr. Langlois will be going on yet another mercy mission outside of the country. This time it's Mexico! He will be doing mass spay/neuter down South of the border.

While he is gone, I won't be able to do any surgeries. SO NO TRAPPING on the dates listed above.

I will be using the week to work on my 501c3 non-profit paperwork. I swear! I will do it this week!!!

: ) Carol

PS The mystery has been solved. It was my darling Sue Carl who left that bag of homemade cat-nip toys on my door. Thanks so much Sue! The cats love them!!! It's nice to be able to give the kitties something to do in their cages while rehabbing. Medical marijuana if you will!

Help the remaining Foxy Five!

Hello Feral Friends-

With the help of dedicated volunteers, we have found homes for 4 of the 9 cats that were rescued last summer from the hoarder. The have been called The Sink Room Cats, The FIPs, The Great 8, The Six Pack and now they are the Foxy Five!

Only 5 are left.

Gina is having an adoption event this Saturday where they will be featured. Please print off the PDF flier and post it somewhere where a possible adopter might see it.

They are currently in a beautiful foster home, but on March 1st any that don't find forever homes will be coming back to Brooknelle where they will return to their adequate (but less than homey) digs.

Here's the flier to print and post!

http://carolsferals.com/Documents/foxy_five_adoption_flier%5B1%5D.pdf

Thank you-
Carol

PS Even if the event it over, please post the flier anyway so we can find homes for these girls!

Verizon Deal

I've had a cell phone with Verizon (or the others that were Verizon before it was Verizon) since 1992 when I had one of those ridiculous bag phones.

My dear friend Kim who works at Verizon emailed me yesterday letting me know of a great new deal. Now, you can have unlimited airtime minutes with Verizon for $99 per month. I was paying $149 for 4,000 monthly minutes. I needed this plan....believe me! But now, I can save $50 per month thanks to Kim. Thanks muchly!

So, if you have Verizon, and use a lot of airtime, call *611 on your phone and switch to the new plan. I'm also signing up for 250 text and pix messages monthly for only $5 extra. I have recently found myself texting. I feel like a teenager. From talking to the guy at Verizon yesterday, some teenager he just helped sent or received 21,500 messages last month. Guess it's the new way to communicate with the younger set!

When I was in college we didn't even have a VCR! My microwave oven was a luxury! Crazy how times change!

If you are with Verizon...call now and switch!
: ) C

PS Kim, I owe you lunch!!!

Vote for Monkey!!!

VOTE FOR MONKEY

OK, last week, I asked you all to vote for Gus, the big boy at Reuben's Room Cat Rescue.

This week, I'm campaigning for my own boy, MONKEY!

Monkey is my most loving cat. He's my stinky Cajun love bug. Stinky cuz no matter how often he gets his teeth cleaned, he has this smelly breath.....and I LOVE IT! I know....its crazy.....but love is blind.....and often without olfactory senses.

This is my wonderful son, Monkey. He's modeling how a cat can enjoy normal play even when wearing Soft Paws nail tips. You know I'm not into declawing. He's a poster child for what a mother is willing to put up with in order to keep her clawed cat clawed. You should see my furniture, stereo speakers and neck!! No bother, he's my boy!

Kristi Olson turned me onto this Bissell Contest so I've entered my Monkey. He'd like your vote to help his mama win 10K. That'll buy a lot of tuna fish!! And he can be featured in a Bissell ad for a new type of vacuum that I guess is great at erasing pet hair!

Go here to place your vote for MONKEY!

http://www.bissell.com/redirect.asp?page_id=47088&Pet=9567.jpg

Hurry, polls are only open till Feb 26th!

: ) Thank you on behalf of Monkey!

Remembering what it's all about

Kinda a crappy morning. Yesterday a man named Chris brought me a very bony black cat that turned up on his doorstep a few days prior. The friendly boy was already neutered but I took him in to be tested for Felv and FIV just to determine what was up with him. I gave him plenty of stinky nibbly bits and gave him some love and kisses.

I should tell you a little how things work first. Some of you readers have never had me take a cat in for you. Each cat that is brought to me gets put into a trap or a carrier and attached to that is a cage card. The cage card details who the cat is, who the owner/caregiver is, the date, its description, weight and what services we want performed on the kitty.

This black boy was already neutered so I checked the box that said FELV/FIV test. I detailed in the comments box: Euthanize if positive.

Chris was unable to take this boy into his home. He has a senior cat living with him who has established herself as the "only cat". As you all know, taking adults into my adoption program is not often done. Those that I take in are few because finding them homes is near impossible. Take the Great Eight for instance!

So I left the boy with the cage card, gave him a kiss and hoped for the best.

This morning I got word that he was FIV positive and euthanized as I requested. I didn't get into this business to be part of a death march. But my very insightful and understanding friend Vic Cabot just had to remind me, I did what was best for that boy.

Rather than putting negative words into my head "marched him to his death", with Vic's help I'm able to reframe what is more aptly put "allowed his soul to be free of his sickly body". Had he been healthy and robust, I'd not have even taken him in for testing. But something was obviously wrong with this young man.

He seemed a lover and not a fighter, and being neutered, he wasn't likely to fight and spread the disease. FIV is spread by deep bite wounds. But who might pick on him? What if he gets into an unprovoked tangle? And what would happen to him in his compromised state without a home to go to? Surely, I did right by this boy.

I got into Rescue to help cats. I got into Rescue to reduce the overpopulation of cats and make the world a better place for them. And I guess if I have to release a few from their sickly bodies, that IS what its all about.
Thanks for listening
C

Happy Anniversary

Hello Feral Friends!

Today is the two year anniversary of Carol's Ferals and this blog!

On a cold February night in 2006, I met up with Laura Wertenberger to set the first traps behind the Burger King in Cuttlerville. Two years and over 1,000 cats TNR'd, rehomed, or helped later, I am happy to say I'm still going strong. I might not be as sane as I was back then....but with any war, there are casualties (my mind being one).

I received email congratulations from Kim Grant (Fuzzy Stella's mother) and Becky, Richard and the furry Gainey Gang from Ohio. Thanks for remembering my day!

I was going to spend the afternoon figuring some hardcore cat statistics to report to you all, but decided to devote the day to doing something that I haven't done since getting into Rescue. CLEANING MY HOUSE!!
I can't even tell you why I got into such a cleaning jag, but my filthy carpet was probably what pushed me over the edge. I've been blessed to have a housekeeper that has stayed with me since my father lived in my condo and I was on tour with Mama Mia. I never let Jasmine go even after my dad passed away. I told everyone it was because I wanted to help her....she being a single mother. What a bunch of bull#$&%! I am lazy and hate to clean, so I kept her. But recently I have had to economize and have pared Jasmine down to once every 4-5 weeks which leaves my place a complete wreck. I'm organized, but I'm dirty! And the place was uncluttered and filthy as usual since Jasmine hadn't been by in a long time.

I got crazy with the vacuum and started moving furniture, unearthing cat toys lost during months gone by. I found some cat vomit stains that were hiding under my sofa left behind by my boy Socks who I had put to sleep 16 months ago.

On hands and knees, I cleaned every stain and vacuumed up enough hair to put together another cat (if another cat was what I need). As a matter of fact, I actually had an adopter return a cat I adopted to them in December. Herbie is back with me now. He's not happy in the kitten room. Though Ish Kabibble and Stinky Mingus are the sweetest of boys, Herbie is a crazed hiss machine at the moment. I suspect he will stop when he becomes exhausted.

I did the kind of cleaning where you vacuum out the divots in the carpet created by the weight of the furniture. I don't know how kitty litter gets in there, but it does. It's amazing what you find when you move the chair you sit in every single night to watch TV. No wonder why Jonelle's cat allergies kick in when she's at my house watching Nip/Tuck....OH THE FUR!

So I spent a good three hours putzing around the house vacuuming, fixing vintage lamp shades that I damaged in the process, and playing my radio much too loud. Now, I'm sitting at my computer, contemplating the past two years.

When I first talked to Laura Wertenberger, I had no idea what I was in for. I had TNR'd only a few cats in my neighborhood at that time. The Burger King project was the first time I was setting traps in a remote location. We managed to trap 8 cats. It took over a month of nightly trips to my spot behind the fast food restaurants, sitting in my idling car trying to keep warm while never taking my eye off the traps should some villain happen by and want to try something funny. If you ever wondered why this site is titled fastfoodferalfelines.blogspot.com, it's cuz it was the name that I came up with when I thought that was all I'd be doing. Then I got that fateful call from Cheryl McLoud sending me into Cedar Springs.....and the rest is HISTORY!

I would like to personally thank Laura Wertenberger and Cheryl McLoud for ruining my life! I've been able to help lots of cats, but I'm going broke. I've let myself go, sometimes going weeks not shaving my legs or plucking my eyebrows. I've turned into a jeans and hoodie wearing, bare faced girl who has to be coerced into putting on makeup. I haven't sold a single doll or done anything to earn any money for two years. But my ruined life is the greatest thing that ever happened to me.

I have a purpose in my life that I never thought possible. I've always been a caregiver. A co-dependant, control freak by nature, I'm always trying to fix someone. I'm prone to tending to the needs of some person whether they like it or not. With Cat Rescue, I'm able to help people help the cats. These people want me helping them. And I'm fulfilled.

Working toward keeping my nose out of the business of other people and putting my own needs and neurosis under the microscope vs those of others, I'm striving to be better to and for myself. Where did this come from????? I guess it's part of who I am......spilling my guts on my blog......an open book. OK, here goes. I'm concentrating this year on doing things differently. I'm speaking my mind. Being honest with myself. And by only associating with people who make me feel whole, healthy and have my best interest at heart, I'm going to be better, stronger and well equip to continue fighting the war on cat overpopulation in West Michigan.

Mike Welch sent me a beautiful email today. He said that I'm attacking this cat problem like a Marine. That is a huge compliment to me coming from a military man like him. I do feel like I'm at war sometimes. But I have troops that fight with me. Thank you to all of you who help me continue to do this very important work.

Like Gina in the trenches with me, Bruce in the MASH tent, supporters either sending funds, supplying food or volunteering like the National Guard, we're in this together. We can and will win this war. One day, (I hope during my lifetime), there will be NO MORE HOMELESS PETS. On that day, I hope to say, I was a part of that!

: ) Happy Anniversary!
Carol

Thanks muchly!

Thank you to the following people....both known and mysterious!

I've received monetary donations recently from a few folks that deserve mention!

Thank you to Lori Baker from Saugatuck, Marcia Bloemers (Cheyenne's Mama and soon to be Dennis' too), Mary Eteo (my wonderful Friday & Saturday Brooknelle Volunetter), and Carol Crane (my dear friend). When you help me, I help cats. So thank you for making it possible for me to do what I love to do!

Also, thank you so much my dear Stephanie Meaney for the Valentines gift that awaited me when I came home. Godiva! I'm so unworthy! And I love my kitty socks. You're the best!

I must also thank an anonymous donor for a big bag of handmade cat nip toys. The cats love them. Some have already turned up in water bowls which is a testament of a cats loving a toy. I hear that cats put toys in food/water bowls so they can find them later. This is because one thing a cat can count on is knowing where its food bowl is. So I think when toys end up there, it's a sign that they really love the toy. So, hats off to you, dear toy maker for making very desirable ones! WILL YOU TELL ME WHO YOU ARE?

: ) Carol

Me and Tonto Sanchez Make The Meijer Employee Online Newsletter

You remember Kim Grant. She's the groovy girl who adopted Fuzzy Tripod (Now more kindly named Fuzzy Stella). She works at Meijer. A couple weeks ago, you remember me fretting over what to use for economical, environmentally friendly disposable litter boxes right? Well, I found the solution at Meijer. I guess someone there thought my venture worthy of publicizing in the employee newsletter.

Click on the photo of the screen below to blow it up so it's legible. Thanks Pat Bundy for that tip!

Pretty cool huh?

: ) Carol

Today's Funny!

Thanks Lisa Dinowski!

Thanks a TON - Literally - Feral Food Drive Update

We are only halfway through the month of February and already we have over a ton of food donated! I don't know who is more elated, Vicky for thinking it up, Amanda for bringing business to the Critter Cottage, Me and Gina for not having to pay for feral food out of our pocket, or the cats who will be able to chow down on all this lovingly donated grub! It's all so good!

I checked in at the Critter Cottage yesterday and jotted down the names on all the fish to date. So far we have had 30 bags purchased. With Invisible Fence matching donations, we are well over a ton of food to date. And today I found out that 5 more bags were purchased during the RE-Open House. Remember, Critter Cottage is having a Grand RE-Opening today and Saturday, Feb 16th. Stop by and see all that they have to offer. They have very competitive prices and stock an array of high end foods and supplies including a complete raw food diet for cats and dogs. Offering fairly priced food and supplies and hosting some boutique styled items as well, Critter Cottage has something for everyone's pets!

Ok, back to all the wonderful food that's been donated!

Here is a list of the names printed on fishes as of February 14th.

Purchasing 1 bag:
Fred Brill
Andrew, Amanda, Haven and Beacon
Cats & Dogs Magazine
Keren Denby, Snickers, Midnight, Tiger, Squeakers, Simba, Sambo, Oreo, Milk Dud, Tigger, Dumpling, Coco Krispy and Pumpkin.
Karen Gengler and Belle
Darah Sharks and Cale
Dawn Bowling
Nancy and Heidi
Vicky and cats Huey & Hudson
Skylar, Aaron and Jadyn
Paul Laster "Annie"
Sharon Wilson
Patches, Caleb, Kaitlyn and Austin
Mama Kat

Purchasing 2 bags:
Mary Roth
Lynn Falls
The Meaney Mansion
RC & Jan Kula

Purchasing 3 bags:
Reuben's Room Cat Rescue

Purchasing 5 bags:
Jim Schalk

I'm just blown away. I know only some of these fine people. Others are absolute strangers to me. But they love cats and have all been willing to dig deep into their pockets and help the ferals! Thank you all so much! I'm touched!

By the way, Dr. Langlois has added generously to our food drive by donating $5 for each bag purchased to Carol's Ferals and Focus on Ferals!

Thank you all who have purchased food, matched it, donated extra, ordered it or helped cart it to the ferals.

A special thanks to Evelyn Fleury who totes bags of food to Cedar Springs on route home twice a month saving me trips to the trailer park. Five bags are being taken to the park this evening!

With all of you, I am able to do even more to help the cats! Bless you all!!!!

: ) C

Great News All Around!!!

It's so nice to be able to report good news! You all here me crabbing about everything from irresponsible pet owners in Cedar Springs to people who won't do right by trapping their feral cats, so I'm sure when you see a post like this you are as elated to hear good news coming from me as I am sending it on to you!

First of all. Let's start by the sharing of the blessed news that my friend Carol gave birth to her healthy human kitten on Tuesday afternoon. Avalon Eden Gillian Crane was born on February 12th at 2pm. She weighed in at a healthy 8 lbs 7 oz and measured 20 inches in length. Here are mama and her little bundle of joy!


It was an interesting week caring for humans vs cats. It's been a long time since I've been able to take care of anything other than furry felines. I was responsible for putting systems in place at Carol's house to accommodate the needs of the baby. Organizing stuff is my favorite thing to do other than chase cats and cut off their testicles, so I was having a ball. Not as much fun, but equally as important was getting Carol's daughter off to the school bus stop every morning. You know I'm not a morning person! For some reason, the school thinks it's a good idea to pick kids up at 7:20 am so I had to get up at 6:30 each morning to make this a reality. I think school should start around noon and let out in time for Survivor, but the powers that be feel differently, so I had to roll with the status quo. I'm thrilled that I was able to help my friend. Bruce being in Beruit (freeing me up to do this) was perfect timing. The universe IS on our side!

When I returned home, I noticed that Trixie no longer had the cyst protruding from her front right arm. At some point while I was gone, she ejected it. I'm still looking for it but have yet to find the milk dud looking thing around the house. I'm sure it will turn up sometime! The skin around the site where the milk dud took up residence is thin and loose but there is a thin layer of skin behind it so she doesn't have a large open wound. Dr. Langlois said it will heal up on its own and there is nothing I need to do! Yeah!

Another great development is regarding Dennis the shy flea allergic boy from Dorine Stephens' colony. I have him at my house and am unable to return him to the outdoors because of his inability to cope with flea bites. After posting the February edition of Two Feet Four Paws' newsletter I got an email from Cheyenne's mama, Marcia who said that she would be willing to adopt the featured Toni the Tabby. But I had just gotten off the phone with Vicky before reading her email and learned that Toni was adopted!!! So I told Marcia about Dennis and she said that she would be happy to give my scaredy cat a forever home. After taking Cheyenne and lavishing her with love, patience and distance when she wanted it, I knew Dennis would be happiest in Marcia's loving home! What a lucky boy he is! Dennis will go to be with Marcia and Cheyenne in the coming week!

Dennis hiding behind some furniture in my kitten room!

Finally, we have been getting lots of food donations from The Critter Cottage hosted February Feral Food Drive. I'll report the details in the next post!

It's been a good week! I hope you all have a fun, happy and safe weekend!
Carol

Genesis

A newly discovered chapter in the book of Genesis has
provided the answer to the question, "Where did pets
come from?" According to the newly discovered
scriptures, Adam and Eve said, "Lord, when we were
in the garden, you walked with us every day. Now we
don't see you any more and we're lonesome here and it's
difficult for us to remember how much you love us."

And God said; "No problem! I will create a companion
that will be with you forever and will be a reflection
of my love. Regardless of how selfish or childish or
unlovable you may be, this new companion will accept
you and love you as I do."

And God created this animal and it was good...and He
was pleased.

Adam said, "Lord, what do we call this animal?"

God replied, "Since it is a reflection of me, let's
reverse my name and call it Dog."

And Dog lived with Adam and Eve and was a companion
to them, and loved them always, and wagged it's tail.

After a while an angel came to God and said, "Lord,
Adam and Eve have become filled with pride. They strut
and preen like peacocks, and they believe they are
worthy of adoration. Dog has taught them too well that
they are loved."

And God said, "No problem! I'll create another
companion who will see them as they really are, one that
will remind them of their limitations, so they'll know
they are not always worthy of adoration."

And God created Cat.

And Cat would not obey them. And when Eve gazed
into Cat's eyes, she was reminded that they were not
supreme beings. And Adam and Eve learned
humility...and they were greatly improved.

And God was pleased.

And Dog was happy.

And Cat didn't really give a shit one way or the other!

Vote for GUS!!!

Hi Feral Friends!

Please consider helping my dear friend Jeanine Bruckner from Reuben's Room win 10K. She has entered Gus, one of her recently adopted kitties in a contest.

Go to this website and vote for this beefy boy (who at his top weight was 27 lbs).

Place Your Vote! <--------- click here to vote!

Here's a photo of Gus in all his lazybones glory!



Vote soon, polls close on February 18th!

: ) C

February Feral Food Drive Update

The February Feral Food Drive is coming along FABULOUSLY!

So far, 12 bags have been purchased!!! With Invisible Fence matching the donations, we have 24 bags of food awaiting our ferals! That's 960 lbs of food! Boy, the cats will be lovin' life!

Here's a photo of Vicky with one of the Critter Cottage residents standing beside the food drive display board!



Amanda will purchase us as much as we need as we request it, so we won't have to worry where to store it or deal with it expiring! She's the greatest! Thank you Amanda for doing this for our feral kitties!

Here are details if you are interested in joining the others who have shown their support bag by bag.

During the month of February, The Critter Cottage, in partnership with Invisible Fence will hold a food drive to benefit the stray and feral cats of Kent County.

By calling The Critter Cottage at: 616 676-1200, you can purchase a 40 pound bag of cat food. For each bag purchased for $22.25 (tax included), another bag will be purchased by Invisible Fence and garner the cats 80 pounds of food!

Yes, your purchase of $22.25 will give our ferals 80 lbs of food! That can sustain a medium sized colony for a whole month! Extra discounts offered on three or more bags!!!

Call today to charge by phone or visit The Critter Cottage at 7205 Thornapple River Drive in Ada.

Or email 2feet4paws@gmail.com if you have questions.

How many bags will YOU buy?




*****At the end of the month, we will post the names of all the generous feral food providers!

A Human Kitten For Carol

No, not me....my good friend Carol in Detroit! Heaven forbid...I should decide to mate and have a litter!



This is me and my one of my dearest friends, Carol. We met back in my retail nightmare days. She's been a terrific friend all these years and I'm going to be able to be with her when she has her human kitten! She will likely have a c-section early next week.

I'm leaving on Saturday to be with her for a few days!

It's perfect timing! Dr. Langlois is going to Beruit to teach the area vets how to do mass spay/neuter. I get the week off!

I'm packing my bags and heading east!

Talk to you all when I return!
C

PS Thank you Arlene and Jonelle for taking care of the babies at my house. And thanks Vic for tending Brooknelle while I'm away witnessing a miracle of birth that won't be as hard to swallow as that of feral kittens!

Tails From The Cottage - February Edition

You all know, I do my best to support Amanda & Andrew who run The Critter Cottage. This is their first monthly newsletter. You can subscribe by sending an email to: 2feet4paws@gmail.com



Although it's winter outside, things are heating up at the Critter Cottage! There are some fun events happening this month. We hope that you will stop by and take part.

(Re)Grand Opening

Friday, February 15 (10am-6pm) and Saturday, February 16 (10am-4pm) 2 Feet 4 Paws will be celebrating their Grand Opening! Stop in and receive your cat or dog goodie bag, enter your name in hourly raffle drawings, have some refreshments, and see special sale items. A representative from Invisible Fence will be available all day Saturday to answer questions. Vicky's Pet Connection will be doing dog, puppy, and cat adoptions both days. We hope to see you!

February Feral Food Drive

During the month of February you can purchase a 40# bag of cat food for $20.99 plus tax which will be donated to Carol's Ferals and Focus on Ferals. Invisible Fence is sponsoring the food drive. They will match bags of food that are donated! Your one bag will turn into two. Those who donate will be able to put their name and pet's name on a fish, which will hang from our food drive poster. Everyone will be able to watch the food bowl fill up throughout the month. Bags of food can be purchased at the Critter Cottage or you can call (676-1200) with a credit card to make your donation.

Not Just Any Gem, She's Pearl

Pearl is the newest mom in VPC's program. She was rescued from a kill shelter in Indiana. Safe and sound in the VPC kennels she is caring for her litter of nine. Pearl is a happy and caring mom. She and her puppies will be posted on Petfinder around the middle of March.

Toni the Tabby

While Pearl is the newest addition to VPC's adoption program, Toni has been looking for a new home the longest. She's currently living at the Critter Cottage and enjoys hanging out with other cats in her room. Most people can't believe that she has been looking for a home for so long after meeting her. Toni's two year anniversary of being in the program is in a few months. She hopes that she can mark the date in a new, forever home.

Thank You

First of all, thanks much to all of you who posted the fliers of "The Six Pack". So far Sox found a home! He met his new family early this week and they are just over the moon about him! They might come back for a second cat once they move into their new house.

Some kind person posted a flier at Foremost near the lunchroom of the Farmers Help division. Thank you! Today, a woman named Karen visited with the remaining 5 cats at Cyndi's place. She really likes Flicka. Hopefully she will come back in the coming days to get her!

I have received more generous donations from my seasoned money givers and some new folks as well. Stephanie Meaney not only fosters kittens and pays for all their medical procedures, she still manages to float me some cash each month. Thank you Stephanie for all you do to make my Rescue work possible. I love ya!

Stu Mackenzie left a nice chunk of change in my donation jar at Brooknelle one day while dropping off some supplies. He also just gave me an enormous wad of cash to help me cover some of the costs of having my 501c3 paperwork done. Stu, thank you for believing in me and helping to make great things happen for the cats!

I was helping my friend Jolyn fix a feral cat that was cared for by one of her pet sitting clients. Sobie was pretty banged up and needed some stitches and post surgery looking after. Dr. Weaver paid his complete medical bill and made a very generous donation on top of it! Thank you Dr. Weaver.

Ed and Bev Jahn are not just my neighbors, they are the parents of Kim, one of my best friends from college. Today they stopped by and dropped off the cutest kitty welcome mat. Seems they were shopping and thought I should have it. God, I love it when people think of me like that! Thanks Ed and Bev! I'll think of you whenever I wipe my paws!

I have a lot to be thankful for. All of you who support what I do. Those of you who help me tend the kitties at home and at Brooknelle. Those of you who do odd jobs around my house and rehab facility. The special people who keep me in their good thoughts and prayers! Thank you!

And thank you all for praying for my dear Dorine Stephens! I talked to her today. She's home and doing well. For this, I am truly grateful.

: ) C

Critter Cottage Grand Opening - February 15th & 16th

Feral Friends,

I encourage you to visit Critter Cottage during their upcoming Grand Opening - Open House!

Friday, February 15th - 10am - 6pm
Saturday, February 16th - 10am - 4pm

Located at 7205 Thornapple River Drive in Ada.

Come by and see this unique pet supply store/adoption center that focuses on products good for pets and the environment.

Refreshments will be served!

Hourly raffles for dog or cat related prizes will be held.
You need not be present to win!

Vicky's Pet Connection will have adoptable dogs and cats who are looking forward to meeting you!

And Invisible Fence will be speaking and answering questions all day Saturday about their amazing product that can protect both dogs AND CATS! Ask Vicky and Nancy....they had the system put in their yard for their own CAT!

As you know, Critter Cottage and Invisible Fence are sponsoring The February Feral Food Drive! Stop in and purchase a bag of food that will be delivered later to one of our feral colonies. For every 40 pound bag you purchase for $22.25 (tax included), Invisible Fence will match with a second 40 pound bag! For every bag you buy, the ferals get 80 lbs of food!

Please support Critter Cottage by shopping locally and making a difference to area economy and the environment.

See you there!
Carol

The new phone book is here.....the new phone book is here! Finally, I'm somebody!

Ok, this might be way to obscure a movie reference for some of you. But remember Steve Martin in The Jerk?

He was all excited because he was listed in the phone book. Well, I've been listed in the phone book for years, so that's no big boost to my self worth account, but this is.....

Check out page 4

http://alleycat.org/pdf/aca_winter08.pdf


: ) C

C-SNIP FERAL/BARN CAT DEAL

Barn Cats and Ferals are two for one at C-SNIP!
Friday, February 29th.
Friday morning drop.
Saturday morning pick up.
Call C-SNIP for details: 616 455-8220

And also.....

Thursday, February 28th, C-SNIP will be doing
$1.00 Per Pound Per Pooch
(the charge will be no more than $40)
even if the dog is over 40 pounds.

YEAH RIGHT!

So, I'm up North with my girlfriends. They are all either scrapbooking or crocheting or doing some sort of needlework. I decide it's time to open my 501c3 binder and have at it!

I swear, I may as well have been looking at something written in another language. I stared at the papers before me. I reminded myself that I AM A COLLEGE GRADUATE. I AM OF SOME DECENT DEGREE OF INTELLIGENCE. But then I realized I CAN'T DO THIS ON MY OWN!

Stu Mackenzie has been trying to light a fire under my backside to get my non-profit status since the day he met me. Same with Vicky and Nancy at VPC. Same with my friends, supporters and my Gabby. Stu and Gabby both did some independent poking around on the internet and both found the same people I should turn to for help.

So with both of these guys finding The Foundation Group and both urging me to use them, I made the call today.

It costs $750 to file the paperwork for a non-profit through the IRS. The Foundation Group will charge me another $1200 on top of that. But I can't put it off any longer.

The good news for all of you is this....The Foundation Group guarantees IRS acceptance and any donations made this year will be tax deductible, even if it takes me 20 months to have the paperwork approved.

So everyone....you need to make checks payable to Carol's Ferals so it's a deduct for you!!!

I'm going to start work on this next week while Bruce is in Beruit (YES....BERUIT) teaching vets there how to do mass spay/neuter. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is sending him. He already was sent by them to Peru and now they want him for Beruit. I'm very proud of him. He's as humble as pie of course!

But back to me! I'm going to be a non-profit! God, this has got to pay off! Cuz my personal savings are dwindling fast!!!

Thanks to all of you for the push. Especially Dale Baxter who did some hardcore leg work for me in the summer/fall of last year!

: ) C