THE BEST START TO A NEW DAY!

There is absolutely not another thing that could/would make the start to a new day as fantastic for me personally, as does news of an adoption.

So you can imagine just how amazing this morning has started when I opened up my email to this attachment.......

Oh yes that's Fonzie and Fergus together, IN THEIR NEW FOREVER HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Through abit of networking with former adopters of ours and fellow cat lovers (and alot of prayers), I found out about "M&R" who are huge animal lovers and who were interested in offering Fonzie and Fergus a forever home when they learned of the boys' plight.

Since these two boys were not in the care of the rescue we volunteer with, and thus I wasn't fostering them myself, I stepped back so that the normal processes could run their course in the hopes that this would be a match.    I waited anxiously to see what would unfold with an initial meeting, but tried to relax and remind myself that if this was meant to be, it would be.

To be honest, I had tears in my eyes when I saw this picture this morning.  Not only have Fonzie and Fergus been able to stay together as friends, but they have been welcomed into a wonderful forever home, (sight unseen initially) by two people who I have no doubt will love, pamper, and care for them, just as every kitty deserves to be!!

Don't they just look so comfy on that bed together............so content and so relieved that their time as two homeless souls is now over. 

Again, a HUGE HEARTFELT thank you to M&R who have made this possible, to "F" who took the time to transport, and to "G" - for your amazing efforts in aiding to find these boys their forever home.

Lastly, but most importantly, to Him who answers prayers and keeps me believing in better tomorrow's.

ORANGE, ORANGE AND MORE ORANGE!!!

Whoever thought that the colour orange could conjure up such images of delight or bring such smiles......

As promised, I'm posting pictures of Fergus and his buddy Fonzie who are both looking for forever homes or at the very least, a foster home where they could stay together as best friends.

They've both already been neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and viral tested and both are in very good health. If you could see these two boys together, how they've grown so fond of one another, how affectionate they both with each other and with every person who crosses their path, and just how easy going in nature - trust me that you too would fall hopelessly and completely in love with them too!

If there's anyone reading this interested in perhaps trying fostering or who would like to add two wonderful kitties to their life - please don't delay in reaching out. The rewards will be tenfold I promise. :))

Fonzie

Fergus & Fonzie

Fergus & Fonzie

A CAT CRAZY KINDA DAY

I spent this morning volunteering at the Recovery Centre for the TFCP which is really close by to where I live. You might remember that a couple of months back I had taken the Feral Colony Orientation/Workshop that they offer. An invaluable course for anyone who wishes to get involved in helping the feral cat colonies in the city or who may have a feral/stray issue going on in their own backyard. They also were in need of volunteers at the Recovery Centre to assist with cleaning cages, socializing semi feral kittens, etc, and basically just helping with whatever needs attention at their facility.

Sadly, when you do TNRing in colonies, you always run the risk of trapping non feral cats who have been dumped in these colonies or who have made their way there as a food source after being abandoned. It's the friendly ones that turn out to be the real stressers because you want so desperately to find them foster/forever homes, and not have to put them back outside into elements that are less than desirable or safe. Arriving at the RC this morning, I found myself in the thick of just that situation. There were about 7 or 8 kitties who are currently being housed there simply because the colony caretakers who trapped them, soon realized how domesticated they were (and how friendly), and as as result, then found themselves in the predicament of trying to find adopters or foster homes.

This morning I met Fergus and his friend Fonzie. They didn't arrive at the Recovery Centre together, but you'd never know it by observing them. They are two of the most handsome orange creamsicle kitties (no offence Red), that I've ever seen and if you didn't know better, you'd think they were from the same litter. Fergus is approximately 1 years old with a gorgeous medium length marmalade coloured coat, soulful green eyes and a disposition that will just melt your heart..........he tries constantly to climb up your leg and into your arms for cuddling! His friend Fonzie is also a beautiful orange male, approximately the same age who in addition to his amazing, friendly and easy going nature, also comes complete with a gorgeous line of freckles that run right across his nose and a purr so deep that I'd swear there was an instrument in the room when he starts!!

Both boys have been neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and viral tested. They are both in excellent health and right now, really need either a foster home or a adoptive home to call their own. They are great friends and would like to stay together if at all possible. I'm posting a picture below of Fergus - not a great one I realize, but at least you'll get some idea of what he looks like (although this doesn't do him justice by any stretch of the imagination). I'm hoping to have a picture of Fonzie shortly that I can share as well.

Today was one of those days when I wished I had a semi out back and a massive mansion, so that I could have brought all these adorable kitties home with me to enjoy the comforts that my own two boys just bask in. Since reality is that I can't do that, I'm hoping I can at least lend a hand in finding someone who would be willing to give two amazing cats a lovely tomorrow.

Here's praying.............

A TEAM EFFORT

A week or so ago a neighbour of mine made me aware of a stray/feral kitty that had suddenly shown up on her back deck. My thoughts immediately went to Cleopatra (our lone feral in our colony of 1), and of course Red (who graces the front of my blog, not only because he is one amazing kitty but because he's the poster cat for every stray/feral encounter I'll have forever more) - both of whom we were able to trap, vet and take care of.

Initially I told my neighbour to keep me posted. Apart of me silently hoping that this was a kitty who had just wandered away from home, and would wander back. But within days I received another update indicating that he was a frequent visitor and gobbling anything put out for him, obviously very afraid and very alone. So having put my years of experience in fostering (and my new venture into the world of TNRing) to work, I set out to make arrangements with all the contacts I had, to borrow a trap, trap him, make an appointment at a Feral Spay/Neuter clinic, get him a a spot at the Recovery Centre and then release him back outside. One neighbour agreed to do the trapping, another agreed to do transport to the clinic, and both agreed that once he was TNR'd, they'd watch over him, keeping him fed and protected as best they could (as they do with Cleopatra), once he was back to living outdoors.

Then I got a call and an email (never a good sign), that our feral kitty was not feral at all. Infact, once the first week of regular feedings were under his belt and he realized he was among friends, he let his little light shine and voila! - one incredibly handsome cat turned out to be also one incredibly affectionate one as well! He was desperate to come inside, torturing my one neighbour with his constant meowing at night and pawing at her balcony door - as if to say, "Hey wait a minute..........why are you leaving me out here?". Now realizing that he was not feral at all and a complete lovebug, I focused on getting arrangements made to have him neutered while the other neighbour focused on trying to find a fellow cat lover who would offer this boy a good home.

Would you believe me if I told you her efforts on the latter proved totally fruitful within hours of starting a serious search? Well they did, and infact as I type this, not even 12 hours later, our sweet little guy has been adopted by a wonderful woman who has named him Riley, has fallen totally in love and best of all..............given him his forever home; where he will be safe and secure (and neutered) inside all the rest of his days.

All I can say is thank goodness I have neighbours who love cats as much as I do because as the saying goes (and rightly so) - it takes a village.

Sweet dreams tonight Riley, may Heavenly Father bless you and keep you safe all the days of your life.

"Riley - Cute As Can Be"

"Riley - Even Cuter Still"

ADORABLE ALERT!!!!!

Some of you may remember my writing afew weeks ago about "Wallemena" a little wee kitten that former adopters of ours had rescued off of a skid of mulch at a local Walmart in Florida during their winter vacationing there. She was all by her lonesome at the time of discovery, very young (approximately 3-4 weeks), and survival at such a tender age without a nursing Mom to nourish her, is dicey at best.

Her new parents couldn't bare to part with her so they had her vetted and brought her home with them afew weeks ago..............not sure how their existing two kitties would react to a new little friend. Well, it turns out that both resident adult cats view her as a non event, so she's settling in nicely and although she hasn't made friends with them, it does appear that she's won over the heart of another special someone..............

Americus & New BBF "Charlie"


 

Yes they have renamed her Americus and report that her and Charlie are madly in love with one another!!!!!!!!!!

To think that this little darling started out on a very rough road and now look at her, I'd say she's landed herself a very sweet pad indeed and all the love a baby kitten can stand.

I personally LOVE IT!!

FLOSSY NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!

As I woke up this morning, one of my first thoughts was the fact that it's a week today since Flossy has gone to her forever home.  My second thought was that I had no idea when I awoke last Saturday at this time, that that would be the last morning I would spend with her.   That in and of itself is perfect evidence I think of how we can never know what lays ahead - and the importance of trying to stay in the moment as we make our way in life.

This first week without our Baby Girl has been filled with alot of mixed emotions.  After that door closed and I heard the car pull out of the driveway, knowing that that was it, I'll admit, I had myself a really good cry.  She had become so much more than a foster in those eighteen months, more than "just another cat", more than a houseguest at Safe Haven - she had become a member of our family and already, within the first hour of her being gone;  we all missed her.  Flossy was my little friend and although I alluded to how that bond had helped me in the months after my little sister's death last August; words just don't do justice.  Flossy comforted me in the way only an animal can when you are grieving and I can't count the number of nights her fur would have been wet from my tears.

Flossy's new Mom has been wonderful about keeping in close touch this first week.  I'm absolutely thrilled to report that like the little darling she has always been, Flossy has been kind and gentle and friendly in her new home, has already met with her two new sisters, Whispurr and Belle AND doesn't appear to be at all concerned that her other sister is of the canine persuasion - infact her Mom writes that it would appear Flossy prefers Teddy (the dog), to the kitties!  Here's a little snippet of one of the latest emails I've received:

Mom was by today for a visit “with Flossy” - yes to see Flossy – not me! :)) And Flossy was happy to see her. I don’t know if it’s because she remembers mom from her meeting mom or if she just likes mom or if she is that social all the time. Only one of my kitties is social like that when I have company. Mom likes to think Flossy just likes her extra special – we’ll let her think that! LOL

That’s it for today, more tomorrow.... Thanks again LisaMarie, Flossy is a blessing and I am enjoying her immensely!

S
P.s. I forgot to mention, I have mirrored doors in the sitting room (her 2nd room) and she kept going back to look at herself when she first saw the mirrors. It was like, look at me, my fabulous self! Too adorable..... Has she seen mirrors before? She was quite taken by herself! :)) It was too cute a moment, not to share....

And what would an update be without pictures of our girl in her home...............I think she's never looked so beautiful or so content.

SMILES WITH TEARS

I waited a long time to write this entry and now that it's here I can hardly believe it..........our precious little Baby Girl, our Flossy, was adopted tonight by a lovely lady.

Today was a regular Saturday like so many others (or so I thought), and yet when I came home from running errands just after lunch and saw that there were two messages on my phone, something inside told me it would be for Flossy. Sure enough it was, and although I tried to remain skeptical that this person would finally be "the one" when so many others have not, there was an anxiousness and anxiety building in me all day that I hadn't felt on previous visits, and so somewhere deep inside I knew.

This adopter was lovely enough sounding on the phone but in person, she was amazing. Already Mom to two kitties and a dog, it was obvious from the outset that she was a very caring, loving person who adored her furry friends, and who would make Flossy a wonderful Mommy. The clincher was when Flossy climbed up onto her lap, laid right down, stretched out her paws and began to fall asleep. It was her way I believe, of letting me know that the time had finally arrived for us to part ways and that it was all going to be okay because she was at long last, truly headed home.

She and I shared alot of moments together in the past eighteen months of her having been with us. I am so thankful to R & H for saving her initially, to J who opened her home to recover Flossy in the beginning and had the caring to recognize that she wasn't feral at all, to the vets who oversaw her care in the beginning when she needed it the most, and to K who has been such a support in all the times in between when I worried that noone would ever be willing to give her a forever home. To Flossy, I am so grateful and thankful and feel deeply humbled that I had the chance to share apart of life's journey with you................and thank you Baby Girl for comforting me in these last few months as the sorrow over the loss of my little sister seemed to be swallowing me whole, and thank you to Heavenly Father for all the blessings both big and small.

It's not goodbye but "see you soon"

Love, Your Foster Mommy