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The End is Here. A New Beginning is Near.

Mon, 2010-07-19 00:45 — Robin Olson

I've been trying to write this post for a week. I'm torn between writing a virtual rant vs. just moving forward with my life. The temptation is to light these words on fire and to really let off a years' worth of steam, but reason states that those of us in the rescue community all know each other and burn one bridge now means making trouble for yourself later.

So with that in mind, I will write this:

I QUIT.

I quit.R.Olson.jpg
©2009 Robin A.F. Olson. Spencer says it all.

I left The Animal Center for good. No turning back. Done. Whatever reasons I have for this, for now, will be my own. I gave it my all for 5 years, but there was a price to pay that I wasn't willing to pay any longer. I leave angry and hurt, but I know in time those feelings will fade away and for now, I can use that energy to do something positive.

I've been grappling with what to do next. The answer has been right in front of me for a long time, but I was afraid to give it a shot. I'll continue to use my tiny networking skills to help rescue cats from southern death row shelters. I'll also keep doing everything I did before, but...

I'm going to make a go of it on my own. I'm going to start my own Non-Profit Cat Rescue Group. Stupid idea or perfect timing, I have no idea. There are lots of hurdles ahead, but I'm going to try. This is the dawning of my new journey. The road I've travelled on has led me to this place. I stand here before you and take a deep breath. I'm ready to stick my neck out, kick some ass and save lots more cats.

You're welcome to come along for the ride and see how this pans out. Maybe you'll say “I knew her back when she first started that group...it was just her, but now look at it!” but hopefully not; “Oh yes, that was before she got stuck with all those cats she couldn't adopt out and went crazy and they found her body...the cats got to it first...”

I'm truly scared. I had all these plans to start super small, go slowly, only take those two cute cow kittens in to foster and see how it goes...

But so many need help! I can't just sit here with two foster kittens when I have room for more! Oh boy...what have I done?

AC 7.16.10 036.jpg

Details of my craziness coming soon...

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Comments

Mon, 2010-07-19 01:00 — Catnonymouse (not verified)

i am very proud of you Robin.

i dont know you, but i do know you will give it your all.
i salute you.

im building a social networking site for cat lovers and rescues alike.
please check soon for the launch of cathugger.com
so,i, too, know about sticking ones neck out!

i wish you much success and purrs in your new beginning.

love,
dale
cathugger.com

oh, this is me, too.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Operation-SAVE-STINKY/21727302...

Mon, 2010-07-19 04:19 — Lizzie (not verified)

Well Robin, you are very brave! Do try to take it slowly though - for the sake of yourself, Sam and above all, those cats! If you overdo it and get in above your knecks, then the cats will suffer in the end...
That said, I admire your courage and sincerely wish you well. If it is possible to set up a regular payment from UK via Paypal, I would like to contribute $5 a month to your funds. I know it's not a lot (I don't earn a lot just yet!), but it's something. If others do the same, that will add up to a good bit of help.

I'll look into the Paypal thing. Would you e-mail me when you have details of the account you'll be using to handle funds?

All the best to you (and good luck!) xxx

Mon, 2010-07-19 09:56 — Jan Kozlowski (not verified)

Robin, boy do I understand...last year at this time I was trapped in the insanity and agita that was (and unfortunately still seems to be) volunteering at the CT Humane Society. I don't have a lot of spare time, but I'm in central CT and I'd love to help if I can.

Mon, 2010-07-19 10:23 — meowmix (not verified)

Nice pic of Spence, I didn't realize that he was that fluffy. And the cats getting to you first, right out of a horror movie. That little calico kitten WAY in the back looks like my cat Chacha.
Okay joking aside, that's a tough decision you are making, but then again, venturing out and trying new things for yourself, is what makes up life, and not for the sake of just keeping things from being boring. We learn as we go through life, in our accomplishments and in what we don't achieve. I hope there are no bitter grudges between your past organizations, after all, it's more for the benefit of the cats. I hope you will still have access to the vet with Super Debb and the rest of the staff.
You've persevered a lot through the time I've been following you on Twitter, a little over a year. I mean, hey, you took on Santa's Team. If you can do that, I'm sure you can do practically anything. I'm sure many will be supportive, the least you can say is that you gave it a shot, and that really says a lot in itself.

Best wishes - meowmix

Mon, 2010-07-19 11:31 — Dorian (@YourDa... (not verified)

I love it. Be brave. Save lots and lots of cats!

You've got all of us cat people behind you 100%. :)

Mon, 2010-07-19 11:55 — debrue

This is weird - I just watched "Last Chance Highway" on Animal Planet Saturday and it made me think of you (because of all the work you do rescuing out of Henry County's pound). I can be your "Mid-West" contact if you ever need help with a transport that goes through/near St. Louis.
I am with Lizzie - once you set up a PayPal for your new adventure I will give a monthly contribution too. You are a brave & kind cat lady - best wishes & all my prayers go out to you & the fur-babies you will save!

Mon, 2010-07-19 12:12 — Amy and The Hou...

I think this is going to go well - I do I just have that feeling. Definitely going to be that first one. I have no clue what you will even need to do - I am guessing it will be a lot of work to even get going. But I think it is a great idea. It is painful to see how many cats and kittens need help - I wish I could do something - you are actually doing it. Please let us know what you are doing each step of the way - maybe someday when I am more able I can use it as a blueprint for myself! And again - Good Luck!

Mon, 2010-07-19 13:49 — isilwath

my support and my driving skills whenever I'm headed south. :D

I think all the recent press and news bytes about your finding Chester and the other rescue work you do will help get you off the ground. :D

Good luck, and count me in for monthly PayPal contributions. :D

Mon, 2010-07-19 14:43 — Lizzy (not verified)

Best of luck, and the kitties are sending huge purrrrrssss of apurrrciation. Brava! Well met! I would love to do the same kind of thing, but have literally no out-of-pocket $$ with which to begin. For now, it remains a dream.

I salute you, and only wished you were closer, so I could at least volunteer.

Three cheers to you!

Mon, 2010-07-19 18:20 — ZoeEmEffGee

If you ever need to transport kitties to Northern New England (NH/ME/VT...or smuggle them into Canada!) let me know! I'd be happy to catnap...er....transport :)

Also looking at the tags on this, I think Fluffocks is my new favorite word!!

Mon, 2010-08-02 13:07 — angie (not verified)

that is my dream, to eventually have a rescue of my own. good luck!!! i know you can do it.

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