To my dear friend Marcia

I know you've all heard me go on and on about my dear, darling Marcia who adopted three very hard to place cats that I'd have no place to take but to a barn. Cheyenne was semi-feral and wasn't being friendly enough to anyone who adopted her three kittens for them to take her as well. Tulsa, Raleigh and Salem all found loving homes, but nobody wanted Mama Cheyenne. But Marcia did.

Dennis was a surly old orange tabby tom cat who had a flea allergy and couldn't be returned to the outdoors. He was always standoffish and was sure to remain with me forever. But Marcia learned about him and welcomed him into her loving home. A home that is patient and kind, where misfits seem to fit no matter what circumstances they came from.

Domino didn't get along with anyone in her feral colony over at Heidi Andre's place. She was kinda crabby to the others and they weren't letting her eat at the ample buffet that Heidi and Jerry provided for the wild bunch. I took her in because I didn't have any barn homes to put her in at the time. Marcia caught wind of her situation and adopted her shortly after.

Marcia asked me to rescue a cat in Allegan County when she learned it was being harassed by neighborhood dogs. Morris, the most loving of souls stayed with me for a while, but soon was taken to Marcia's to live the life of Reily.

I'm forever indebted to Marcia for giving a home to these cats that I'd still be housing if not for her willingness to love the seemingly unlovable.

She's my hero!

The cats made a collage in honor of you dear Marcia!

A beautiful winter poem - Thank you Kim Grant

Kim Grant sent me this beautiful winter poem and I thought it might be a comfort to you. It was to me, and it's very well written. I felt it really captured my own feelings about winter. 'WINTER' a poem by Abigail Elizabeth McIntyre SHIT, It's Cold! The End

Christmas Dinner @ Carol's Ferals

Christmas dinner at Carol's place.

Tispy and Pistachio say: Turkey and Gibblets
beats the heck out of frozen field mice.

Though field mice are a more sporting meal,
Jett tends to agree with Tipsy and Pistachio.

Lilly isn't much for sharing.

Arizona doesn't mind sharing so long as she doesn't have to leave her cubby.

It's "lick your chops" GOOD!



Mable washes up after supper.

Susan takes a big "after dinner" stretch!

Then a trip to the litter box!



Finally my own cats are served dinner.

Morgan, Toby, Spooky and Monkey say:
Thanks Mama!

Merry Christmas from Carol's Ferals

Merry Christmas to all who read this blog,
support Carol's Ferals or feed strays!

Eastwoods Ferals Update

Hello Feral Friends-

Once again, Pepper has returned to the Eastwoods Feral Compound after being gone all summer. Here are some pictures of Spooky and Nadia milling around the place. Dave cut tracks with his snow blower and Melissa clicked away!

Obviously these are the luckiest ferals in Michigan!
Thanks Melissa for sharing the pix!

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=fgznpxd.2eucpyip&x=0&h=1&y=2jt06v&localeid=en_US

Just click on yellow button to "view slideshow"

Brooknelle intake schedule for remainder of 2008

Hey Feral Friends-

Dates to bring cats (with call first of course) are:

Today, Monday, December 22
Monday, December 29
Tuesday, December 30

6:00-7:30 PM

Call 616-560-0555

Meet some residents. All available for adoption.

amazon.com SUCKS!!!!

Thank you Vicki La Verdiere Nixon for bringing this to my attention. While I've been a long time customer of Amazon.com, I can tell you now that I'll be taking my business to barnesandnoble.com instead. I went to both sites and verified that Amazon sells this title but BN does not. That's enough for me!

Check out this email that Vicki sent me:

Subject: Amazon.com is selling a book on "How to Train Fighting Dogs"

Angie Fox saw this on Amazon.com and wrote to them to about it. Their response is below along with her email. I too find this offensive. I agree with Angie. If they sell books on how to train fighting dogs, which is illegal then I guess they sell books on "how to rob a bank" " how to Rape a Woman" or "how to produce Child Porn." What is the difference? They are all criminal acts in this country. Freedom of reading material is of course their stance. I too agree with Freedom of speech and freedom of reading material but NOT when it is to injure or cause harm to a person or living creature. How do they justify that freedom?

I am writing to Amazon.com to voice my concerns and I too will not shop with them till such material is removed. I hope you will also voice your concerns to them.

Thank you,

Laura Holloway

Here is her email and their response.

12/11/08 17:14:45
> Your Name:Angie Fox
> Comments:I am offended by this book on your site. You have a right to
> sell this... However, i have a right not to shop from Amazon!!! Until
> this is removed, I will not be placing any more orders. Also know e-mails
> are being forwarded as I write this , (that's how I found out about the
> book!) You might also want to read the comments on your page!!!
>
> "The Dog Pit - Or, How To Select, Breed, Train And Manage Fighting Dogs,
> With Points As To Their Care In Health And Disease - 1888 (History Of
> Fighting Dogs Series) (Paperback)"
> ---------------
>
----- Original Message -----
From: "Amazon.com Customer Service" <cust.service03@amazon.com>
To: <______________>
Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2008 10:30 PM
Subject: Your Amazon.com Inquiry


> Thank you for writing to Amazon.com with your concerns. I understand that
> you feel very strongly about this issue.
>
> Let me assure you that Amazon.com does not support or promote hatred or
> criminal acts; we do support the right of every individual to choose his
> or her own reading material or entertainment.
>
> As a retailer, our goal is to provide customers with the broadest
> selection possible so they can find, discover, and buy any item they
> might be seeking. That selection includes some items which many people may
> find objectionable. Therefore, the items offered on our website represent
> a wide spectrum of opinions on a variety of topics.
>
> Amazon.com believes it is censorship not to sell certain titles because we
> believe their message is objectionable. Therefore, we'll continue to make
> controversial works available in the United States and everywhere else,
> except where they're prohibited by law. We also allow readers, authors,
> and publishers to express their views freely about these titles and other
> products we offer on our website. However, Amazon.com doesn't endorse
> opinions expressed by individual authors, musical artists, or filmmakers.
>
> We value all feedback from our customers, and I thank you again for taking
> the time to send us your comments about this issue. Although we won't be
> able to comment further on this topic, we hope you'll allow us to continue
> to serve you.
>
> Please let us know if this e-mail resolved your question:
>
> If yes, click here:
> http://www.amazon.com/rsvp-y?c=chgcuctf3311081312
> If not, click here:
> http://www.amazon.com/rsvp-n?c=chgcuctf3311081312
>
> Please note: this e-mail was sent from an address that cannot accept
> incoming e-mail.
>
> To contact us about an unrelated issue, please visit the Help section of
> our web site.
>
> Best regards,
>
> Prakash Bala Baskaran
> Amazon.com -- Earth's Most Customer Centric Company
> http://www.amazon.com/your-account

Mystery Litter Boxes

Who was the generous soul who left 4-5 litter boxes at Brooknelle a few weeks ago? There was a huge blue one with spaces to hold litter scoops and some other very inventive boxes. I'd like to know who left them to say proper thanks.

: ) C

Let it snow!!!

Hello Feral Friends!

It's snowing in Grand Rapids! I've had my driveway plowed by a truck with a big blade. One of the few remaining good things about living in this condo complex. Snow plows are effective..... but not anywhere near as much fun as watching this video sent to me by my dear Martha Munch! Thanks Muncher!!!

http://www.dogwork.com/dogsnow/

Ya' gotta' love the face on the dog!



Dear Lord:

Thank you for bringing me to Timmy's house and not to Michael Vick's -- AMEN!'

Merry Christmas from Amy Pietras

This afternoon Amy Pietras (Jandy's Home) brought over my Christmas present.

This is my gift!

At first I thought "Oh what a nice gesture".

And then I looked more closely at the ornaments.
Each baggie held something from each of her 8 cats.

I thought each baggie contained a little treat.

But upon closer inspection I realized . . .

These treats were actually specially MADE for me
by each of her cats.
They came from the litter box!

It's the shittiest gift I've ever gotten!
The thanks I get for devoting a year of my life to starting up her Rescue.
Good thing there was a yummy "real" treat that came along with the tree . . .
In a separate package......angel wings......delicious!
Thanks Amy!!

OOPS!

Someone emailed to make me aware of a mistake on the website.

Seems I had C-SNIPS phone number listed incorrectly.

In a duffis dyslexic moment, I transposed numbers.

The number was to a TAXIDERMIST!

Of all the things......what could be worse???

Nothing much except for maybe a DOG BREEDER!

OOPS!
: ) C

Hello Feral Friends,

Here's a free and easy way to help needy animals! Visit The Animal Rescue Site and click on the purple button to provide food for animals living in shelters and sanctuaries.

Please help give the millions of unwanted animals the happy, healthy lives they deserve. Make your free click daily and tell all your friends to help, too!

Any time you got an extra 1/2 second, please go to the animal rescue site and click on the purple part to help feed some animals. It's quick, easy and thank you for being part of the solution.

Carol

Click to give™ free food and care! Visit The Animal Rescue Site daily to click on the purple button and sponsors will pay for food and care for rescued animals. 100% of sponsor money goes to charity. Then, shop our store and give more! Click here to get started: http://theanimalrescuesite.com

The benefit to doing cat rescue....

Tina was rescued from Erica Carranco's feral colony.
She's probably wishing that Erica never grabbed her.

I trapped Susan (named after my mother for

her veracious appetite) in a basement of a guy
in the Spring of 2007. Shes resided at Pat Baxter's
house till she became upset with the new dog.
Now she's back with me.
I'm thinking at this point,
the dog was the lesser of two evils.

Mable was part of a 10 cat colony that I took in after the owner
had to leave her home due to foreclosure.
She's the one that I brought into my indoor adoption program.
The outdoors isn't looking so bad after all.

Mavros was trapped on my front porch last Spring.
In the Summer he walked into a trap (a second time)
and I found him to be friendly that time around.
Now he's in the adoption program. He's actually OK with this.
He did walk into a trap a second time AFTER ALL.

Lilly was taken back to HS when the adopter could no longer keep her.
I was asked to take her. She knows she's got it good so she doesn't really
mind the antlers. It's pulling Santa and the sleigh full of toys that she's
not fond of.

Gracie was nearly dead with pneumonia when she was brought to me.
Pity for her, she doesn't like to play DRESS UP!

$25 Cat deal at C-SNIP - December 18th

On Thursday, December 18 C-SNIP will be holding a
CATS ONLY Christmas Spay and Neuter Special -
only $25.00 per cat- that's a $10 savings on surgery
for a male cat and a $20.00 savings on a female cat!

This is by appointment only and for 1 day only.
To take advantage of this offer call C-SNIP at
1-616-455-8220, leave your name, phone numbers,
the best time to reach you by phone during business
hours and be sure to mention the Christmas Special.

For other information about C-SNIP
please visit the website at
www.csnip.org

Beware of identity theft

Thanks Mary Jo
: ) C

Proceeds go to Carol's Ferals

2 1/2 years ago when I was just getting my feet wet in RESCUE, a dear woman by the name of Vicki LaVerdiere Nixon learned of my struggles with the Hell House Cats and sponsored one of the rescued girls. Her financial donation was one of the first ever given to me by a complete stranger. I was blown away by her kindness and willingness to give money to someone who wasn't even an official non-profit at the time.

As time marched on, I met many other fine people who have donated money to help me further my cause. Bless you all.

Still, I will never forget Vicki who more or less paved the way along with her friend Darla Alexander, whom just took me out for a marvelous lunch and came laden with gift cards and a bag full of lovely goodies. Thank you so much Darla.

But..... I digress.

Vicki has opened a pet centered shop in Lapeer, MI but also has a website featuring Natural Products for Pampered Pets.

And my dear Vicki has extended a portion of her proceeds from sales on the website in the month of December to benefit Carol's Ferals.

So if you are looking for a unique gift for the animal lover in your life, please click on
www.simonandloulous.com and see all the wonderful things they have to offer.

Here are some words from Vicki:

About Simon & LouLou's Playhouse, Inc.

Thank you for your interest in Simon & LouLou's Playhouse.

Simon & LouLou's Playhouse began in 2003, as a dream, to help my own 2 Bichons and the Bichons I brought in through rescue, to get the very best health benefits I could provide so that they could be with me for a long and wonderful life. All of the products I offer on my website have been tried by Simon, LouLou and Matteo (we rescued Matteo in 2005 from a Missouri puppymill so he wasn't included in our business name, but he's no less loved!) These products have also been successful in helping the many other special foster Bichons that came to me suffering in health from extremely poor diets, infected ears, rotten teeth, arthritis & joint pain and severe allergies. I thank them for what they've taught me and for giving me the priviledge of rescuing and loving them.

I am constantly adding new accessories and fun things for your pets, so stop back often and see what we have to offer.

Love and Licks from our pets to yours!

Vicki

Thank you Vicki for including Carol's Ferals in your charitable giving this holiday season!

: ) Carol

PS I just learned that Vicki is getting her hands on some custom made organic cat nip toys, so check the website soon for their feature.

A letter to me from Fred Brill

Fred is a orange tabby adult male kitty that was adopted by the family of my God Children. He currently resides with the parents, Shelly & Matt and human children Madeline, Nick and Luke. This is the email he sent me today!

Dear Carol,

I am celebrating my adoption day with my family today. It has been a year since I allowed them to grace their home with my presence. I felt it was important for them to be able to honor me and acknowledge how much better their lives are with me in it. I normally don't like to thank people (you must remember I am a cat, not a dog!) but I felt it was important to thank you. I hear through the mouse tail (that's the cat's grapevine) that you are always talking to the kids here about how cats need homes more than kittens. I was lucky that you had talked to them about that or they would have chosen one of those obnoxious little babies who would have been my size by now anyway.

So, thanks for helping get me in the best home around. It didn't take very long to train them...they are almost perfect (except for the dog who STILL tries to walk by me, the man who STILL tries to get me off the bed at night, and the rat who STILL tries to kiss me while I am patiently waiting for her cage to open so I can eat her.)

Love and Purrs,

Fred

Tails from the Critter Cottage - December 2008

Feeling blue on Black Friday? If you're looking to escape the hectic crowds and long lines at the mall then come to the Critter Cottage for a break in the stressful routine. Spend a few minutes among fellow pet lovers - we'll open early at 10am and Vicky will have some puppies for adoption 11am to 3pm - and there will be a few refreshments for you, too. We look forward to seeing familiar faces as well as some new ones this holiday season!

Our regular 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.

'Tis the Season

It's a time of year when many people reflect on their spirit of giving to those less fortunate, a category that applies to the animals rescued by Vicky's Pet Connection. They, too, hope to find a little something special for them this year. Even if they're not in a forever home they deserve to know they're still cared for while they wait for their new families to find them.

We invite you to help Vicky's Pet Connection decorate their holiday tree at the Critter Cottage. By donating items purchased at 2 Feet 4 Paws from the VPC wish list you help make this holiday season happier for the rescued animals. Stop in and look at the list of cat and dog items in need - for each donation you'll get to place an ornament on our holiday tree. VPC's animals hope to see a fully decorated tree by the end of December!

You can also call 616-676-1200 with a Visa or MasterCard and make a donation over the phone. Whether you can give a little or a lot, it all helps cats purr louder and the dogs wag their tails faster!

Gifts For Your Pet!

Is your pet naughty or nice? Either way they deserve a little something under the tree this year! Check out our brand new holiday toys by West Paw Design! Your dog might enjoy some Bark n' Boots from Ruff Wear to protect their paws from frozen, salty pavement on a winter walk. A Cat n Mouse toy will keep and your feline entertained. We have many more gift choices that your pets would love, not to mention you! We even have a small selection of human products for animal lovers.

Keep Your Pets Safe During the Holidays

Holidays provide us with a much needed break from our everyday jobs, but few things are more confusing to a pet than sudden changes to their daily routine. Your dog might know that food on a table is off limits, but what if your niece or nephew sits on the floor with a plate full of holiday bounty? Do your cats understand that tree ornaments which look just like their toys, are NOT their toys?

Thankfully there are experts out there who can provide a full list of valuable tips for Thanksgiving as well as Christmas pet safety. Holidays are family time and pets are a part of our families. If you're feeling the stress of hosting or even visiting a family gathering, imagine how your pet must feel! Taking a minute here and there to give attention to your pet not only helps keep them safe, it will reduce your stress as well.

One last safety tip: Pets are not gifts. How is this a safety issue? Many gifted pets end up abandoned, putting their lives at risk either as strays or in crowded shelters, because that pet wasn't the right fit. When pets are used as presents it usually means that the gift receiver was not part of the selection process, and/or that process was spontaneous. That's OK for an item of clothing that can easily be returned, but for a dog or cat this can be traumatic.

Here's a simple solution that allows an inclusive and deliberate selection process while still providing holiday excitement: Wrap up a dog or cat toy along with a card that says "This card is good for one pet from Vicky's Pet Connection as chosen by the family. Signed, Santa Paws."

Holiday Hours

The Critter Cottage will be have special hours on the days shown below; all other days we will be open regular hours. Adoption meetings by appointment may be made outside of these hours if arranged with VPC. On Friday, November 28 Vicky will be doing puppy adoptions from 11-3. On Saturday, November 29 Vicky will be doing puppy adoptions from 10-3.

Thanksgiving Day - closed

Friday after Thanksgiving - 10AM - 6PM

Christmas Eve - 10AM - 2PM

Christmas Day - closed

New Years Eve - closed

New Years Day - closed

New Winter Hours

Hello Feral Friends-

Due to holidays and Dr. Langlois' schedule and the fact that we need a little break, Christy and I are changing the days of availability at Brooknelle down to three vs four.

We will take cats or be available to loan traps etc on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evenings between 6:00 and 7:30 PM.

We will not be accepting cats December 7-13 as Dr. Langlois will be traveling to Jamaica to speak about spay/neuter and run workshops for the vets there.

I hope you all had a beautiful Thanksgiving. I have so much to be thankful for. I neglected to get my annual Thanksgiving blog written, but will be highlighting some of the people who have really touched me this year in my holiday newsie due out by Christmas HOPEFULLY!

: ) C