Tails from the Critter Cottage - November 2008

Our hours are Monday through Friday 12-6 and Saturday 10-3. Remember to check the events section of the Vicky's Pet Connection site to see when puppy and dog adoptions will take place at the Critter Cottage. Cat adoptions are always the first two Saturdays at PETsMART on 28th and East Paris (during the month of November adoptions will be the second and third Saturday) and by special appointment at the Critter Cottage.

Retriever Rolls

We now have retriever rolls from Wholesome Hide at the store. After no longer being able to get the ever-popular rollios an even better replacement was found. These rawhide retriever rolls are made in the US from US beefhide. There are no preservatives, harsh chemicals used, or other things that are bad for your dog. With four sizes to choose from no dog should have to go without this treat. And Beacon's Bargain continues. Purchase six rolls of the same size and receive a seventh one free!

Our own Beacon has tested these out and gives his approval. They last longer than rollios, are healthier than other non-US made rawhide, and are good for helping teeth stay clean and dogs stay busy.

Tailgate with Us

Football fans can include their canine friends in the love of the game. 2 Feet 4 Paws has brought in Bowser Beer. You can also get Bowser Bits to share with your dog. The beer is non-alcoholic and made in the US with human grade ingredients. It has been said that even some cats like it (and it's good for them too). Stop in and pick up a football toy for your dog to toss around during the game. Bowser beer can be purchased by the case of six or a single bottle. Bowser beer available in beef and chicken flavor.

VPC Giving Tree

During this time of giving we hope that you'll give to Vicky's Pet Connection. Come into the Critter Cottage starting the week of Thanksgiving and help rescued animals. Purchase anything from a collars, litter, litter scoops, and small bags of food to a Cat Mountain cat tree to be donated to Vicky's Pet Connection. VPC cats and dogs deserve to get spoiled during the holidays too. Your donation will help them feel more at home while they wait for their forever families.

Holiday Hours

It's hard to believe that the holidays are right around the corner. The Critter Cottage will be open special hours or closed on the following days. All other days we will be open regular hours. Adoption meetings by appointment may be made outside of these hours if arranged with VPC.

Thanksgiving Day - closed

Friday after Thanksgiving - 10AM - 6PM

Christmas Eve - 10AM - 2PM

Christmas Day - closed

New Years Eve - closed

New Years Day - closed

Devil's Night Antics In The Cat Room

I grew up in Detroit and Devi's Night was a BIG DEAL! Arson was mainstream and pranks were a plenty. But I have found since moving to the conservative Grand Rapids that the night before Halloween is pretty much a non-event.

Until that is......when I opened the door to the cat room this morning and found that they had TP'd the place!

Photos of the aftermath of the party that ensued while I slept are below. People in the photos may or may not be the actual rascally varmints that took part in the mayhem!

I work with the greatest people

Most people who work in Animal Rescue will say "I really hate humans". It comes from dealing with stone cold morons who's idea of pet population control is "taking the pregnant cat for a ride" or drowning the kittens in the creek.

I sometimes have this feeling, but lately and more and more, I'm in love with people. I have been working with some amazing humans whose care for their outdoor dwelling feral cats exceed that which they extend to themselves. Remember Karen and Bill who put just about $300 into little Arizona who needed her hip replaced? They will go to any lengths to help the kitties they feed outdoors.

Heather Gram, my volunteer took another of the Karen/Bill kittens home to rub hydrocortisone creme on her backside 5 times a day to help reduce the swelling of her rectum!

June B and her son, Steve have dropped over $600 on their ferals having them fixed, tested and vaccinated. They never bat an eye when I write up the total tab for the day.

I have a woman who I will leave anonymous, but I call her Dish Cupboard. It's a rhyming thing! She trapped a kitten earlier in the week. I fixed the elusive mama on Thursday morning. Thursday night had Dish all worried about the two remaining kittens who hadn't shown their faces for over 24 hours. Later that night, Dish called telling me that the little boy came into the trap and was now in the "library" of her home.

I know that Dish didn't sleep all night worrying about the one last kitten out on her own. This was the call I received this morning (transcribed for your reading pleasure).

Hi Carol it's Dish Cupboard. No need to call me back, I just wanted to make sure that i told you that we caught little Chloe last night as well as spooky. they are in the house in the room i've prepared, but apparently not to well prepared as there is literally CRAP and broken pictures all over here. <<>>Yes, they did use the litter box, but not too well, so um, well, huh, i'm so excited, i just had to come home from work to see that they are ok. Anyway, they do not like me, they do not want me to touch them. But I brought in mama's house and hopefully that will help. Boy, they sure ate a lot last night. So, I think they're doing ok. Thank you again, and I guess I won't talk to you again until sunday. (Then some other less funny monologue on my voicemail that I won't bother to type).

Dish Cupboard is nothing short of giddy during the call. She's not at all upset that cats have pooped all over her room and destroyed her picutres. She's all sunshine, hearts and flowers. Bless her heart.

These are the kinds of people I get to work with. What an absolute pleasure. How could I NOT love my job?

It makes up for my idiot neighbors to the south of me and all the fools who think that letting their cat have kittens so their kids can witness the miracle of birth is actually a good idea!

: ) Happy Halloween!
C

Write it OFF!

Feral Friends,

This is the day I've been waiting for! In yesterdays mail I found my IRS Determination Letter naming Carol's Ferals a offical 501c3 NON-PROFIT! Hurray!

What this means for YOU......any donations you have given to Carol's Ferals since 8/24/07 (yes 2007, that's not a typo) is TAX DEDUCTIBLE! The deductions are retro-active to the date that I filed my Articles of Incorporation. So any money you gave in 2007, if in your opinion worthy, can be claimed by filing an amendment to your 2007 tax return. And anything you have given or do donate from here on out will be tax deductible. HURRAY FOR YOU!

What this means for the CATS of West Michigan......we can now do grant writing and get funding for worthy projects like outside of Kent County spay/neuter. Currently Vicky's Pet Connection pays for Kent County cat spay/neuters if feral caregivers are unable to afford the surgeries. Ionia and Montcalm Counties have some funding through Ionia County and Safe Haven Humane Society. Beyond that, cats in other counties are helpless.

Lucky for me, I have Kaylyn Kraai on board to write grants. She already has letters out looking for funding. I want to offer low-cost or no-cost spay/neuter for outdoor dwelling cats in counties outside of Kent, Montcalm and Ionia. That's what I will do with my first grant funding. Hurray for the CATS!

Cats will also benefit when I have my dream - - - a feral sanctuary. This will be a while in the works, but if I have my way about it, I'll move out of my condo and buy some property closer to Lowell and have a place to release the ferals that can't be returned where they were trapped (for whatever reason).

My other dream is to have a TNR Resource Center where donated or inexpensive food and supplies are available to feral caregivers. I'd like to have educational seminars and run my evening intake of ferals out of this Resource Center. That's another dream. If the universe aligns with Mother Nature and St. Francis of Asisi, then I will have my feral sanctuary and TNR Resource Center on a nice peace of property along with a home for me and my own cats. A place where pesky cat hating condo dwellers (namely my neighbors) can't tell me what to do. When this dream is realized it will be......Hurray for ME! Cuz being tormented about the whereabouts of my Windcrest Ferals happens each and every time I drive into my condo complex at night or look out onto my porch in the evening hours. No cats! Which pleases my south dwelling neighbors, but brings me nothing but discontent and i'm not totally proud to say it but......deep disgust and dislike for those who brought me to this point.

See, I really have got to get out of here. I should be celebrating the non-profit of my Rescue, and instead, I'm dwelling on how much I'd like to see my neighbors get a bad case of fleas, earmites and round worms.

But truly, this is a great day and I'm thrilled. I will be able to help a lot more cats now!

HURRAY for feral cats and caregivers everywhere!!!

: ) Carol

Seeing Eye Cat

Pray Away The Stray!!!

Check out this article about a rich retired surgeon who is putting his money where his mouth is.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-10-15-michelson-pet-sterilization_N.htm?se=yahoorefer

$75,000,000 offered for a simple non-surgical solution to the animal overpopulation problem.

*****Thanks Nicole for sending this on to me!

This is a very good article and it makes me happy though I'm not quite sure where the statistics came from. But since with me....nothing is sacred....I need to poke some fun......so here goes.

Christy and I were tossing around some ideas about how to stop pet overpopulation and we think if we could just send cats and dogs to sexual preference reassignment classes, maybe we can turn the species GAY and there would be no more desire for the opposite sex and the birthrate will drop significantly! You know....like "Pray away the gay" but the other way around. Maybe something like "Pray away the stray".





What would that be like? Cats and dogs would eventually decide that if they did indeed want to start a family, they could just adopt. Maybe they would adopt a baby animal from another species. That would be really nice. Can you see it now? Two girl cats carrying a baby turtle around by the scruff of the neck/shell.

But if we let the animals be gay then they will eventually want to get the rights of everyone else and be allowed to get married. And the next thing you know....they will want to marry humans!

Well, that would just be WRONG!!!

The kindness toward animals is spreading

Hello Feral Friends!

Yesterday being National Feral Cat Day, I couldn't help spreading the news about Karen and Bill who put out nearly $300 for a feral cat by allowing Dr. Langlois to repair her fractured hip. I was at the Humane Society picking up some supplies and shared the story of their kindness with Suzanne who is one of my favorite people on the planet. Always cheerful even in the face of some of the awful stuff she has to deal with when doing customer service/animal intake, she is ever POSITIVE!

I was blathering on about Karen and Bill's feral kitty, Arizona and how they paid to have her hip repaired and I told her that I am going to have Christy try to "friendly" her up so that we can find her an indoor home. If anyone can "friendly" up a cat, it's my Christy.

Hearing this must have spurred the phone call that I just received. Suzanne wanted to know if we would foster a newly surrendered cat named Diamond who was just dropped off due to some new living arrangements of her owners. Seems Diamond only tolerates the company of the woman's daughter. She's been hissing at everyone else. I said yes! Christy will work her "Feral Cat Whisperer" magic and hopefully Diamond will come around, be friendly and be able to return to HS to be adopted into a loving home.

If not, I can probably palm her off on Marcia Bloomers! : ) Marcia has Cheyenne, Dennis and Domino....what's one more anti-social cat to her?? Plus she's a huge SUCKER!!! I say that with a great amount of love and admiration!!!

So, by Karen and Bill doing a kindness towards Arizona and fixing her hip, it got me flapping my gums and now another cat's life will be spared because of it.

Good deeds......they don't go unrewarded!
Thank you Karen and Bill for caring about Arizona!
Thank you Suzanne for caring about Diamond!

Thank you God/Universe/Mother Nature for making it possible for me to do what I love.

: ) C

Some Poems - Thanks E!

Thoughts of a feral

I sit beneath the bushes as she fills my dish each day,
I only venture out to eat when she has gone away,
I know it will upset her when I turn away and hide,
As every day she tries her best to get me by her side.
I wish that I could let her know that I don't want to run,
And hope that she will understand it's nothing that She's done.
I'd like to have her stroke me and pat my weary head,
But fear will overcome and I'll run and hide instead.
For all the kindly people who feed the strays each day,
I pray the Lord will care for them as they have cared for me.

-Annette Easdon

Ode to my Ferals

I see you running wild and free
A different kind of life you lead
Deep in the dark,
I can feel the wildness of your heart
I gaze out my windows
Just to see what I can see
A glimpse into your secret life
Would satisfy me
I hold close to my heart
All of your mysteries
And dream that someday
You will put your trust in me

-Erica Carranco

A Taker-in of Stray Cats

God sends some of us a special mission
To take in stray kitty-cats in any condition,
To feed them and give them a permanent home,
To love them and make them our very own.

They chase through the house; their potty box smells;
They seem to have secrets they're unwilling to tell.
They play till exhausted, then curl in your lap,
And settle themselves for a long comfy nap.

Some people are called to great wealth and power,
To run corporations and make big bucks per hour.
But others of us are only asked,
To take in little stray kitty-cats.

I asked God for things of importance to do,
Other than loving a good man and a bunch of kitties too.
He said, "Don't be self-righteous; learn from your mistakes,
And be glad I send kitty-cats and not My stray snakes."

I dreamed when I died I heard St. Peter say,
"What important things did you do each day?"
I felt Heaven for me was an impossibility
And that I shoul d have lived my life much differently.

Then God said, "Come in and have food and some drink,
And sit here in Heaven by your little cat Tink;
For I gave you one of My most important tasks
When I asked you to be a taker-in of stray cats."

- In Loving Memory of "Tinkerbelle," by Darlene Goff

Today is National Feral Cat Day

Hello Feral Friends-

Today is National Feral Cat Day!!! Last year Gina and I sat in a trap outside of Critter Cottage to recognize this important day. This year, I'm doing something a little different. Soon, I'll be composing an email that I hope will circulate around the globe and help homeless cats everywhere. I will likely compose it to blog as well for simple viewing, but if you read my blog and want a copy when I have it finished, please send me your email address so you can spread the word.

Lots of people see stray and feral cats and have no idea that there are ways to help them beyond just feeding.
I plan to do what I can to help educate the public on the fact that "just because you can't touch them, doesn't mean you can't help them".

I have to share a special situation with you. Coincidentally on this National Feral Cat Day, I have a feral cat with a broken hip being operated on by Dr. Langlois. Karen and her husband, Bill contacted me last week for help with their ferals. They are paying for the spay/neuter and shots/testing for all of their cats. One cat "Arizona" a 5 month old gray/white feral has been favoring her left hip. Karen paid for x-rays and her hip fracture was diagnosed. When I approached Karen with the cost of surgery, she briefly talked it over with Bill and said "Yes, we will pay for the surgery". These amazing people will have spent nearly $300 on this cat when all is said and done. This is a true testament of what good people can and will do. These fine folks just made my decade!!!!

Christy and I will try to "friendly up" Arizona so that she can be an inside kitty. Hopefully a week at Brooknelle recovering with the Queen of Feral Friendlying, Christy will do the trick.

Thank you Karen and Bill for going above and beyond for this feral girl. This is the biggest vet bill payed for a completely feral cat so far. Bless you!

More on Arizona's progress as time marches on!

Happy National Feral Cat Day!
Feed your ferals something extra stinky today!
: ) C

Need a generous sponsor

Hello Feral Friends-

Last February, Vicky's Pet Connection in connection with Critter Cottage held a feral food drive sponsored by Invisible Fence. This food drive produced purchases of 56 (40 lb) bags of food. With Invisible Fence matching the donations, we were given over a ton of food to feed ferals.

The last two bags of food are being distributed this week leaving me without food to furnish low income feral caregivers. I'd like to continue to supply food to Cedar Springs as well as local caregivers so I need to have another food drive.

I can always just have one and not have a matching sponsor like Invisible Fence. But doubling the generous donations of feral friends like you stretch the food sooooo much further. With the winter months coming, it's vital to have plenty of quality food available to the cats to keep them bulked up when the temperature drops.

If you know anyone who has a business and would like to sponsor a food drive for an upcoming month, I'd love to talk to them. Sponsors can put a cap on food donations they will match.

Anyone interested?
Contact me via cell: 616 560-0555 or email: dollmouse@aol.com

: ) Carol

A hero cop has retired from the force having cleaned up his area of the capital of dirty rats for over a decade.

An artists impression only: Reagan worked as a
'plain clothed' officer, of course

After taking charge of Vermin Control at Snow Hill police station in London, Reagan the cat has finally left his post.

The much-loved 11-year-old, London's last remaining station cat, has been honoured by his peers for his "purrfessionalism" above and beyond the call of duty.

Pure white, short-haired Reagan was hired by the force in 1997 aged only eight months, along with a fellow feline, Carter, to tackle an infestation of mice and rats at the division's headquarters.

The officers began recording his 'arrests' on a chalkboard. His best work always came at night. His lack of hearing had actually heightened his other senses.

Jane King of the Snow Hill division praises Reagan's work ethic.

Both cats were deaf, which meant the Battersea rescue home were happy for them to habit a protected enclosed environment.

But when Carter died 18 months later, it was up to Reagan to keep watch and sniff out the station's underground vermin.

Jane King of the Snow Hill Division said the rookie recruit had no trouble rounding up the rats.

She said: "The officers began recording his 'arrests' on a chalkboard. His best work always came at night. His lack of hearing had actually heightened his other senses."

Reagan's prowess has even earned him regular spots of fame; he has featured in a TV documentary; been shortlisted for an Arthur's lifetime achievement award; and even has his own Facebook page, where he is listed as 'Reagan Snow'.

His colleagues at Snow Hill were keen to see him leave suitably decorated.

Will you add Reagan as a friend?

The Chief Superintendent of the division, Rob Bastable, stopped by to present the departing officer with a service certificate.

The framed document, complete with City of London crest, honours Reagan's "purrfessionalism and commitment", as well as his "100% arrest rate of mice and rats".

The ceremony also introduced him to his new owners, the parents of one of Snow Hill's serving officers.

Reagan is set for a long and happy retirement in Essex, with the benefit of a full garden to enjoy and a lot less paperwork.

All Aboard......The Spay Neuter Express

I'm very happy to announce the soon to be functioning Spay Neuter Express. This mobile clinic will be run by our very own dedicated vet, Dr. Bruce Langlois. More details to come.

Currently Dr. Langlois is running a low cost spay/neuter clinic at his practice in Lowell, MI.

Soon though he will get the spay/neuter show on the road, hit the tracks and begin fixing companion animals of people of low income, shelter animals, barn cats and feral cats in colonies across West Michigan.

Keep an eye out for when the train hits your town!

www.spayneuterexpress.com

Way to go Dr. Bruce!
We need this service!
: ) Carol

Animals Lebanon

As you all know, my vet Dr. Bruce Langlois has not only helped thousands of animals locally, he has traveled world wide helping set up life saving spay/neuter clinics. Last year he worked with a group in Lebanon and since then has done his best to extend his hand to these animals in need.

Of the 14 cats and one dog he had brought here from Lebanon, two are still looking for forever homes.

Meet Joan and TamTam. Both sweet boys who can be visited daily at The Animal Hospital of Lowell - 11610 E. Fulton, Lowell, MI.

Joan - - We found Joan next to a garbage bin, crawling on the ground. We picked him up and rushed him to the vet for proper treatment. Joan was partially paralyzed but we sometimes believed in miracles! His will to walk and to become a normal cat again made him what he is now! He just walks, runs and jumps like any other cat at the shelter! However, for some unknown reasons, he is somehow fearful of humans. He does get close to the people he is used to but prefers to stay away from strangers. All he needs if adopted is some time and patience and we assure you that he will not take long to trust you near him!

Tam Tam - - When we rescued him, Tam Tam was diagnosed with diaphragmal hernia. It's when the internal organs of a cat get entangle in some way or another due to a hit to that area. Tam Tam was probably roughed up when he was on the street or bit by a car! However, his surgery was very successful and he is doing much better now and is as healthy as the other cats at the shelter. He is a very sweet and cuddly cat who would make a perfect pet at home!

Adopt a Lebanese Refugee Cat
Animals - Unseen Collateral Damage

War devastates. We grieve for soldiers lost and the involuntary destruction of civilian life. But headlines rarely publicize war's other collateral damage.

Animals, crimeless and naive, dodge mortars, grenades, and armored combat vehicles. Their lives explode in a flurry of desertion, starvation, injury and death.

At the onset of conflict in Lebanon , citizens and foreigners fled. Canadian, British and American evacuation protocols banned companion animals. In the chaos, evacuees released animals into the streets or confined them in buildings. The only animal rescue organization, Animals Lebanon believes thousands of companion animals were discarded.

Animals Lebanon has been working day and night to help these refugees. Shelters have been set up for both dogs and cats. A Spay and Neuter program has been initiated. In February Animals Lebanon contacted Dr. Bruce Langlois, veterinary director of Remote Area Medical. BETA requested that Dr. Langlois come to Beirut to access their shelters and give them guidance in their spay/neuter program.

Dr. Langlois flew to Beirut on February 10th, and spent a week doing surgery and training 3 local veterinarians to improve their surgical techniques. The project was a great success.

Now Animals Lebanon needs some more help. They will be sending 2 of their volunteers to Michigan to train with local rescue groups and learn how to implement a Trap Neuter and Return program. They will also be bringing some refugees with them. 14 cats and 1 dog, all need a home. If you or anyone you knows has an interest in a Lebanese pet, please contact Dr. Langlois at brucelangloisdvm@yahoo.com or by phoning his office at 616 897-8484.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I'm very honored to be on the Advisory Committee of Animals Lebanon. Check out the excellent animal work they are doing in their war-torn country. Visit their website: www.animalslebanon.org.

In Loving Memory of Felix

It was sometime in the early Spring that I was called by Rick Panozzo about a stray black cat he was feeding outside of his home. Rick was committed to help this boy get fixed and homed. Lucky for Stewie, he happened onto the property of Rick, who is one of the kindest, most loving cat people I know.

Stewie was brought to me the next day (if I remember correctly). Rick paid for the works including a combo test for Feline Leukemia and FIV. I asked him what he would like to have done should Stewie test positive for either disease. His reply was not to euthanize. If Stewie were positive, he would work something out so that he could live his life out indoors.

The following morning we learned the news....Stewie was positive for FIV. Understanding that FIV is not any great risk once cats are fixed and won't be likely to engage in terrirorial fighting and for sure not likely to play the reproduction game, he took the newly fixed boy into his home and introduced him to his cat Felix.

Felix, another strapping black lad adjusted to life with the new addition to the family. Soon they were pals.

Sadly Felix began to show Rick that he wasn't doing well and being the very loving pet owner that he is, Felix was taken to the Animal Emergency Clinic in Grand Rapids. Unable to diagnose his illness after paying an extremely hefty tab for pretty much nothing, Rick took Felix to Dr. Langlois. The news wasn't good. Dear Felix was in kidney failure and Rick made the decision to let his beloved 16 year old boy cross over The Rainbow Bridge.

Awaiting Felix on the other side is Juneau, Rick's dog who passed away 7 years ago at the age of 13. They bonded instantly according to Rick.

I know all of you who read this blog believe that animals have souls and I am convinced that we will join them ourselves when it's our time....in divine time......to cross over.

Rick, our hearts go out to you in this very difficult time.

Felix, may his spirit be eternal.
Carol

Felix on right, looking at Stewie (looking at birds no doubt).

Felix and Juneau.

A year ago....time flies!

This blog entry is guest written by Kim Grant. You all remember Kim, right? She's the wonderful fur lover who adopted Fuzzy Stella last fall. Here is a copy of the email I received today. It's Fuzzy's one year anniversary in the home of her loving family. Kim, this is such an amazing tribute to our dear girl. I love how you love her!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

About a year and a half ago, my friend Lynnette Deeb (reluctant cat wrangler and friend to animals everywhere), turned me on to this blog she thought I would like. The blog was written by an eccentric (polite for “crazy”) woman obsessed with removing the reproductive organs of stray felines. The blog was unusual, but Lynnette was right, I did enjoy reading about the heroines madcap adventures into unknown parts of West Michigan in search of the fiendish enemy: the “Intact Male”. I was hooked and tuned into the blog daily to see what events had happened the day before.

The postings were sometimes funny, sometimes sad and sometimes infuriating. Then, on October 5, came the story that changed my life. I couldn’t read the posting fast enough. I must have read it a half a dozen times, each time my heart breaking again and again. “Who could do something like that?” “What the hell were they thinking?” “Let me at em’ so I can go and bind their legs (or some other body part) till their circulation is cut off and see how they like it!” But I digress…

The posting was horrific, but there was a glimmer of hope. The heroine, with the help of her level-headed, clear-thinking colleague, had not only rescued this defenseless creature but made the important decision to save her life. I was compelled to action, I had to help. But what was I getting myself into?

I had a great family already, how would they handle this addition? Would they accept her and vice versa? What was her temperament like? I had images of a hard-core trailer park beast with a Tom Waits type meow, who ate beer bottle caps for breakfast and had an out of control meth habit! Could she settle down into a life of suburbia? I decided to forge ahead into the unknown.

My worries were unfounded, the transition was smooth and the rest, as they say, is history. Aside from one small incident early-on involving intestinal parasites (and may I just say it’s a good thing I live alone because I would not want any witnesses to the Three Stooges-like antics of how I handled that situation!), the transition from trailer park to home has been completely uneventful. Stella is a perfect gem and I (and the rest of my crew, esp. Gus) absolutely adore her. As great as my family was, it is even better now that she is in it. She is the missing piece that I didn’t even know was missing.

Thank you Carol for rescuing Stella that day. I realize that she was not part of your master plan, but it is often the unplanned, serendipitous twists and turns that make life sweet.

Carols Ferals Blog

Friday, October 05, 2007

Fuzzy

Hello Feral Friends-

Once again, I am making an appeal for funds. This time...it's personal!

Last fall I started into Cedar Springs Mobile Estates determined to make a difference to the cats of that park! That fall, VPC paid to fix over 90 cats. My financial part of the project was to Feline Leukemia test every cat and vaccinate them against the disease that eventually took the lives of Omar and Nathaniel (two of the three cats trapped in the Spring of 2006 when I went into the park for the first time). Wow, how that day changed my life!

In the first round, 4 cats of 12 tested positive for FELV and I had them (with permission from their owners) humanely euthanized. A woman named Pam whose cat was put to sleep inquired if I had another cat to replace her Mystic. I had just rounded up a kitten in the park and didn't have a place for her. I had Fuzzy fixed and gave her to Pam. At that time I tried to rehome as many strays as I could WITHIN the park. I figured it was a quick and easy way to home a cat.

As with most things...good intentions don't always pay off...and this is the result.

Last Saturday while I was unable to do any cat work, I was called by Larry who has a huge heart and tries his best to help all creatures. The details were sketchy as to what happened to this cat, but what I got out of the conversation was something like this: Someone was giving the cat a flea bath and thought it would be a good idea to bind its legs with a hair tie. The cat got one leg free and escaped the trailer. It was gone for three days then returned with the hair tie imbedded in its right rear leg. Do you know any good vets around here?

At 3pm on a Saturday, I didn't know of anyone who would be open and I knew that the people wouldn't bring the cat to Grand Rapids, so I said I couldn't help.

The next day I got the full story. The cat in question was none other than Fuzzy who I placed with Pam after her cat was euthanized in the first wave of my FELV eradication mission last fall.

I was at the park on Wednesday to pickup a cat who needed to be fixed (cuz I still run cats for spay/neuter from there all the time). I looked up Pam. I found her. She explained what happened. It was her daughter's boyfriend who had the bright idea to bind the cat's legs and he feels horrible about it. Good I said! Now, what's up with Fuzzy?

She had been trying to do home medicating and cleaned the wound and was trying her best to care for Fuzzy but not doing too much good. Fuzzy had taken residence up under the box springs of her bed. I left her a carrier and asked her to get Fuzzy into it and I'd be back.

I ran around the park dropping off feeding stations and collecting cats then returned to Pam's trailer. She was sitting on her steps with Fuzzy in the carrier. I promised her I'd do right by Fuzzy. She knows me and trusted me, so I took Fuzzy back to Grand Rapids.

I set Fuzzy up in Bruce's isolation room for the night. I wrote a lengthy note and attached it to her carrier. In the morning, Bruce called me and told me that Fuzzy would need to have her leg amputated. He asked what I wanted to do. My first initial response in my head was to say "euthanize the cat". I have always said, that I wouldn't do extraordinary measures. I have to keep my head about me. I'm in this to get cats fixed. I want to make big changes in the population. I am about NUMBERS! Not to say that I don't care about individual cats....but my focus is TNR as a whole. Yeah....right...I know what you are saying!

But I talked to Gina who always helps me sort things out (because she's calm and rational...two things that I am not...I'm hurried and crazy). After giving it some thought, I figured I could try to raise funds for the surgery and then find Fuzzy a nice safe home without small children or dogs and let her have the chance at a good life. After all, it was ME who put her in the hands of the foolish.

So I called Bruce back and gave the go ahead to do the surgery.

Last night I stopped in to see Fuzzy when I was picking up my other post surgery cats. She was very animated and stood up to greet me in her rehab cage in the ICU ward.

She's got amazing spirit and spunk for a little girl who just lost her right hind leg.

Fuzzy is now going to be called: Fuzzy Tripod!

If you would like to contribute funds to help me cover the cost of her surgery, I would greatly appreciate it. You can make donations to dollmouse@aol.com via Paypal at paypal.com. $300 will help out a lot.

Here are photos of Fuzzy Tripod.

Fuzzy as a kitten (Fall 2006) in my garage

the day before her spay surgery!

Fuzzy Tripod today, rehabbing in a cage in
Dr. Langlios ICU after leg amputation.

Fuzzy Tripod one day after surgery.
Standing up and eating heartily!

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Fuzzy Tripod Update!

Hello Fuzzy Friends!
Well, I mean...Fuzzy Lovin' Friends!

I picked up Fuzzy on Monday! I let her have one night alone in the bathroom before thrusting her into the kitten room!

She's doing great! Her surgery site looks really good and she gets around well on her three legs...bless her heart. She likes the comfy cubby that is her very fluffily appointed cat carrier.

Ms. Tripod is tolerant of some cats but tries to keep the kittens in their place with a little growl and occasional swat. She's still good with swatting even if it only leaves her two legs to stand on.

She has amazing spirit and I'm very proud of her. She's been through a lot but is not letting anything get her down!

Last night I sat down for a half hour in the kitten room and she came and sat on my lap. So....she's a lap cat!

She is available for adoption in case you are interested.

Thank you Kristi Olson for your very generous donation to the Fuzzy Tripod Fund!

FUZZY MEDICAL FUND GOAL is now: $175

Fuzzy relaxing in her cushy carrier.
This is a great shot of her frankincision!

Fuzzy gets a kiss from Moonflower!

And doesn't seem to mind it too much either!

Finally out of the hands of misguided fools,
Fuzzy has a chance at a good life!

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Fuzzy Stella Update

Hello Fuzzy Friends-

I know you have all been very interested in knowing how Fuzzy Tripod, now...Fuzzy Stella is doing! All I can say is GREAT!

Kim Grant (who is one of the grooviest girls I've met in a long time and is now my new friend whether she likes it or not) is going to officially adopt Fuzzy Stella! Yeah!

Here are words from her to me in an email I received yesterday that totally made my day!

Stella is good. She got her booster shot, Dr L looked her over and gave her a clean bill of health. Long story short, we ended up leaving the stitches in, they are the disolvable kind so no big deal. She doing great. Loves to cuddle and loves to stand up to the other cats. It’s so hysterical to see 20lb Gus intimidated by this three legged 5lb kitten. Oliver still doesn’t know what to make of her, but he’s just going to have to get over it; she isn’t going anywhere.

Stella must not have had many toys at her previous home because she just LOVES them, can’t get enough. Seriously will play by herself for 30 min flipping the same mouse over and over. When I wake up in the morning there is usually a little row of toy offerings lined up by the side of the bed. Just TOO cute.

Well, since I’ve officially decided to keep her, I plan on sending you the adoption fee this week. I am so thankful that we met and that you gave me the opportunity to foster Stella. Yesterday she was sitting on my lap, fast asleep, with her tiny kitten face pointed my way and I was thinking what an amazing twist of events brought her to me. One little variation, one decision altered, and I would never have known her. So thank you very much.

-kim

Of course, I'm thrilled to no end with the outcome of this rescue!!!
: ) Carol

Here are pix of Stella in her new home and her new house mates!

Intellectual Stella!

Bath Time!

Kim's cats, Gus, Oliver & Lucy

Vote for Focus on Ferals

Follow this link and help Focus on Ferals get a $25,000 grant.

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/shelterchallenge.faces#shelterVoteSection_header

Type in FOCUS ON FERALS and MI to get the proper voting screen to appear.

Vote every day between now and December 14th. Each vote cast helps Gina's cats and also helps other shelter animals who will get .6 bowls of food donated just for your click.

Everyone wins!

: ) C

C-SNIP Pet-Fest '08

Saturday October 11, from 11 am to 2 pm
on the clinic grounds.

1675 Viewpond SE, Kentwood

Free and open to everyone and their pets!!

Contest with prizes
Tricks, tallest, shortest, oldest, look-a-like, fastest biscuit eater, most unusual looking, best kisser, traveled the farthest, best costume.

Vendors
Pet products, groomer, pet psychic, pet massage therapist, pet photographer, dog trainer. Pet nail trimming.

Microchip Clinic $10 fee

Agility/obstacle course
for dogs of all sizes with demonstrations and lessons from the professionals.

Games with Prizes
Dog musical chairs, find the treat, pegboard pick-a-treat, swimming pool with tennis balls, obedience.

Obedience demo and instruction

Critter Cottage - October Issue

Fall is busy time of year for us with new products arriving in the store and various events happening in the upcoming months.

Our hours are Monday through Friday 12-6 and Saturday 10-3. Remember to check the events section of the Vicky's Pet Connection site to see when puppy and dog adoptions will take place at the Critter Cottage. Cat adoptions are always the first two Saturdays at PETsMART on 28th and East Paris and by special appointment at the Critter Cottage.

Beacon's Product Endorsement

Our dog Beacon knows a good thing when he sees it. He's a "business dog" and even has one of his favorite products named after him. The Ruff Wear Beacon helps light the way for the canine Beacon.

Even though it's getting darker earlier in the evening it doesn't mean that you should stay home with your dog. Get out and enjoy the fall evenings. But make sure you and your dog can be seen. The Beacon will help light the way making sure that cars are able to see your pet. Try out the Beacon if you take your dog with you on your trick-or-treat adventures. It can also easily be attached to a zipper and used by your kids!

While you're out exercising with your dog remember to be prepared. You never know when your dog might have to get to "business". With Spike's Business Bags you'll be ready. These bags are biodegradable and will be gone in 45 days! You can be a responsible pet parent by cleaning up after your dog and caring for the earth at the same time.

During the month of October if you purchase a Beacon for $10 get $1 off the purchase of a box of Business Bags (regularly $6). [Beacon and Business Bags must be purchased at the same time. Cannot be combined with other offers or coupons.] Beacon (the dog) puts his paw of approval on both products.

New Fall Products from West Paw Design

2 Feet 4 Paws has some new fall products by West Paw Design. Stop in to take a look at the Big Sky blankets, holiday plush for dogs, and sweaters for small dogs that have arrived recently. And we didn't leave out the cats. You'll have to check out some of our new cat toys from West Paw.

Bird Seed on Clearance!

We have decided that we will no longer carry bird seed and suet. What does this mean for you? It's time to stock up for the winter so you can feed your feathered friends. All bagged bird seed is on clearance for 50% off the original price and suet cakes are $.50 each.

Girl's Night Out in Ada

Thursday, October 9th the businesses in Ada are hosting a Girl's Night Out from 5PM - 9PM. A similar event in the spring was a hit. This time even more businesses are participating. We hope that you'll stop by. Haven, one of our yellow labs often featured in photos, will be at the store to help you shop!

Doggie Dash

Are you active with your dog? Have you heard about Bailey's Doggie Dash? It takes place every October. This year's event is at 9AM on Saturday, October 18 at Wabasis Park in Rockford.

You can walk or run a 5k with your dog. And this year they've added a mile walk. You can also win a prize if you and your dog are dressed up for Halloween. Andrew and Haven have participated the past 3 years and Amanda has photographed the two of them. It's a fun time to hang out with your dog and meet other dog lovers. We hope to see you there!

Halfway There

The fur is still flying over at Vicky's Pet Connection where, back in August, Vicky promised her supporters that she would rescue a cat or kitten for every large bag of pet food donated during our Pet Food Drive. Forty one bags of food were donated and Vicky immediately began to make good on her promise. In August she rescued 6 kittens and in September she saved a mom with 5 kittens. All these cats have been adopted so, just this week, she rescued 8 more kittens. So that's 20 down with 21 more cats to go! Lucky kitties.

Thanks Muchly!!!!!

Hello Feral Friends-

I'm getting emails from friends saying that I need to blog more. Is anyone still even reading this thing? I know I've really sucked over the past few months with regard to keeping in touch. Rest assured, my rescue work has continued but I've just been too distracted to write about it.

First I need to say a couple of thank yous. Thank you to Jim Schalk who brought me yet another cat to fix and asked how I was doing on the Martha Fund. I told him I still had $50 to go. So of course, my dear friend wrote me a check! Thanks Jim for your continued generosity which enables me to help cats in need. I hear that little Martha is doing great and will soon be up for adoption through Linda at The Kitty Koop in Lowell. Also, thanks Jim for the gift card to Chilli's. Christy and I went out for dinner then hit a movie the weekend you gave it to me. It's sweet and so very apprecited. The rescue girls let their hair down and went to see "Choke" which was really sick and funny at the same time. I loved it. Christy fell asleep (but not cuz the movie was bad...just cuz she gets up at 5am every morning to go for coffee). But we both were wide awake for the meal. Thanks a million!

Thanks also to Marcia Bloomers for sending me to Allegan to pick up Morris. This sweet polydactyl orange tabby was being tormented by neighborhood dogs. Marcia learned of his plight and asked me to go pick him up and get him fixed, vetted and fostered till she could get her own indoor cat population under control. Marcia found homes for a bunch of cats she was fostering and now she will be taking Morris to live with her. Lucky duck that Morris! We will meet Marcia for lunch tomorrow and make the exchange. Here is a photo of the little darling. I mean....BIG darling!

Morris Manos...soon to be Morris Bloomers.
Check the extra toes.
He has 6 on each front paw.
And 5 on each back paw.

Christy and I have been busy fixing cats like usual. The count so far including three today comes to 684. At this rate, we should beat last years total of 768.

Volunteerism is getting better at Brooknelle. On Sundays, Christy and I are joined by Allison Fuller, a cool high school student from Ionia who came with her mom a few times to bring cats to be fixed. We have a really great time on Sundays when we get the place spotless and ready for the new week's intake. After working at Brooknelle, we take Allison halfway home to Lowell where she's picked up by her parents. Twice I've sent Allison head long into the back of the passenger seat by breaking for wildlife. Allison may have a concussion but at least I didn't hit that rabbit or deer on Pettis. Thanks Allison for risking your life to help us at Brooknelle.

On Thursdays I have Kathleen Oliver who used to volunteer with her husband Jim at Jandy's Home. Seems that Kathleen coudn't get enough cat poop to deal with after Amy shut down her Rescue, so she contacted me to help with the ferals. Kathleen is awesome! Always going above and beyond, she really helps us out. Christy gets a bonus day off and my work is all done when I arrive with post surgical cats in the evening. Thaks Kathleen for all you've done. You Rock!

My dear Mary Eteo is no longer volunteering regularly, but she does pinch hit once in a while. She will be taking Kathleen's place for the next two Thrursdays while she goes on vacation. Mary has been financially supporting my Rescue ever since she brought me her first cat in August of 2007. She volunteered weekends at Brooknelle for much of this year before she got a full time job that keeps her so busy that she can barely find time to trap new commers to her feeding station. But she still manages to do that. Bless you Mary for your committment to Carol's Ferals and the cats in your neighborhood. I love you!

On Fridays Kaylynn Kraii my new dear friend goes to Brooknelle and tends the garage full of ferals and occasional friendlies. Besides doing this, Kaylynn who is a professional grant writer also is helping me line up fundraising in the form of grants. Soon I will have my Non-Profit status and once I do, Kaylynn will be hard at work in front of the computer trying to get me money out of every possible nook and cranny. Thank you Kaylynn for all you do to support my Rescue work. And thanks for Friday's off!

Saturdays are manned by Heather Grahm. No...not the movie star Heather Grahm, but the very wonderful Heather Grahm of Grand Rapids who doesn't wear roller skates. (That's a Boogie Night's reference for those of you who are scratching your heads). Heather has the greatest sense of humor and while Christy and I prefer when we get to work with her so she can crack us up, we leave her alone with the cats on Saturdays so we can have yet another day off to keep our sanity. We look forward to returning to work on Sunday where we find all kinds of hillarious commentary written on post it notes, paper plates or whatever Heather can pen her wit onto. Heather, you're the Bomb!

Thanks also to Sandy Dehaan, Lori Baker and Marcia Bloomers for your continued monthly support!

And thanks Tiffany Traxler aka: T-RAX for all the cleaning goodies and cat treats you brought us this past week upon drop off and pick up of Casserole....or Cremesicle, or whatever his name is.

: ) C

Like Hard Rock???

If so, check out this little ditty entitled "Marked Territory" by the band Litter Box.

http://www.eyeenvision.com/litterbox/markedterritory.html


Thanks Gabby for sending it on!
C

PS If you don't like hard rock, check it out anyway.
The band needs the exposure!

: )

I know, I know! What the heck happened to Carol?

Well, lots of good stuff actually.
Personal life is finally in line with the universe.
Everything is wonderful!
Cat rescue is hectic, but life's passions usually are.
All is right with the world.

Enjoy!
C

http://www.rathergood.com/punk_kittens/

Pet Food Recall

Press Release

ASPCA Responds to Nationwide Pet Food Recall Affecting Several Pet Food Brands Manufactured by Mars Petcare US

Advises Pet Parents to Discontinue Use of Affected Products Immediately

ASPCA Media Contact

NEW YORK, September 13, 2008 - The ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) today advised pet owners to discontinue using certain dog and cat foods manufactured by Mars Petcare US, which has voluntarily issued a nationwide recall because of potential contamination with Salmonella serotype Schwarzengrund. This voluntary recall only affects several brands of dry pet foods in the United States including Pedigree, Special Kitty, Paws & Claws, Natural Dog Food, Red Flannel, Country Acres, Buju & Ziggie, Member's Mark, Natural Cat Food, Retriever, Bruiser, Doggy Bag, PMI Nutrition, and Pet Pride. For a complete list of affected brands and more information on the recall, please visit http://www.petcare.mars.com/.

“The ASPCA recommends that pet parents discontinue the use of all affected products immediately until further information has been received,” said Dr. Steven Hansen, the ASPCA’s Senior Vice President of Animal Health Services. “Pet parents should wash their hands after handling any potentially contaminated pet food and immediately consult with a veterinarian if any signs or symptoms are noticed in their pets.”

The recall may affect several brands that are widely distributed at pet specialty stores, supermarkets, mass retailers, as well as other retail and wholesale outlets.

In an emergency situation, pet owners may also call the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.