Stage IV Cancer Forces Rescuer to Seek Help Placing Cats

Last night I got an email from Tina Buechner, a rescuer in Georgia, that made my heart sink. You may remember me writing about Tina’s (and mine) nightmare thinking we’d saved some cats from kill shelters only to send them to a rescue in New York State that turned out to be a hoarder. You can read the full story HERE.

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Tina’s email read: “I have to ask if maybe you could help me or give me advise what to do. I have been diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer and will be starting chemo next week. I really need to try to place 5 of my fosters to lighten the load on my husband and me so I can concentrate on my treatment. It breaks my heart as I have grown attached to them. I just don't know where to turn or what to do as I want them to get good homes so I can rest my mind… I am not able to go to Petsmart adoptions anymore and will probably close down my rescue.”

Even though I may have never met Tina in person, she’s a sister to me. That’s how I feel about all the folks I network with who do animal rescue. It’s a special sort of person who can put their heart (and usually a lot more) on the line to save the life of an animal. They give up so much and now here was Tina, forced to give up her life's passion in the hopes she can save her own life.

My sister has cancer. I am going to do whatever I can to help her.

The five cats listed below need a great HOME or great RESCUE or great SHELTER placement. After what Tina has seen with the hoarder, anyone interested in taking one or more of these cats MUST be prepared to be carefully screened. We may ask for photos of your home, your facility. We may ask for references from adopters or friends or family or Vets or all of the above. We MUST be 100% certain that all cats will be safe. The last thing Tina needs is to have something else to worry about. She needs to be able to focus on taking care of herself, but she can't live without cats, so she plans on keeping a few cats not listed here.

CONTACT ME: Robin Olson

EMAIL: info@kittenassociates.org

PRE-ADOPTION APPLICATION (for adopters only)

This application goes to my rescue group, Kitten Associates, which is located in CT. I’m going to screen all applications for Tina.

RESCUES/SHELTERS email me at above address to discuss

TRANSPORT: from Georgia can be arranged to points in the northeastern USA. Beyond those areas, email me to discuss. Transport to the northeast will be an added fee of $75.

KITTIES THAT NEED HOME/RESCUE PLACEMENT

Purrl

5 Years old, Female

White DSH with green eyes.

Weight 12 lbs, big kitty. Microchipped.

Adoption fee $60.00

UPDATE: Purrl is very bonded with Checkers (see below). We hope to find them a placement together.

Purrl is a very sweet but shy girl. She loves playing with running water, other young kitties and playing fetch with her mouse. She sits quietly on her favorite lap or snuggles under the covers.

©2014 Tina B. Used with permission. Purrl.

©2014 Tina B. Used with permission. Purrl with water.

Arby (Checker's Brother)

5 Years Old, Male

DSH Classic Tabby with swirls

Microchipped

Adoption fee: $60.00

I am a happy little guy who gives great head-butts and leg-huggers and will flop on my side for tummy rubs. Plus, I've been called a gorgeous hunk with my silky bullseye silver/black tabby pattern and have been mistaken as a Bengal (shhh, I didn't correct them)! I am the 'managerial' type and like to supervise all the house happenings, like vacuum cleaning, bird watching, and will help with supper to sample and make sure all is fit for eating! If you forget to give me samples, I will remind you with leg-taps, and then will loudly let you know if you ignore me. I always make sure you know when feeding time is as I like to keep a strict household routine. I love to play and chase my brother, Checkers, or other kitty friends to make sure they are getting their exercise. I am a young adult at only 5 years old so have many managing years ahead of me. I'm looking for my furever home where I can help with the household duties and will never have to be living on the street again. I do startle easily so would like a quieter home without young children. I only need a patient person who understands my traumatic start in life to give me time to adjust. After I adjust, I will become your best buddy!

©2014 Tina B. Used with permission. Arby.

©2014 Tina B. Used with permission. Lovely swirls on Arby.

Checkers (Arby’s Brother)

DMH/Maine Coon mix Orange Tabby

5 Years old

Microchipped

Adoption fee: $60.00

Let me tell you a little about my great qualities, as there are many, if I must say so myself. I am as cute as a button with all the wonderful Maine Coon qualities - ear and toe tufts, leather-colored nose, bushy tail with long britches, big size, great head-butts and a 'Redhead' as my foster mom calls me, and my gold eyes match my silky long coat. I am a great bug-catcher and can spot a bug a mile away and catch it, just so you know what I am doing under that carpet! And, you better not leave feather toys out as I will catch and tear them apart, feather by feather. I love watching TV - especially dog agility as I think it's funny seeing those dogs following everything a human tells them to do - how funny is that?? My motor is loud if you give me some pets, especially along with some tasty chicken! I am still a young adult of 5 years. I would like to be with my brother Arby or would make a good companion for another kitty. I am listed as 'special' because I will need a quiet home and patient person to give me adjustment time after my traumatic start in life. Once I've adjusted, I will bond very closely with 'my' person and would love a lap to myself.

©2014 Tina B. Used with permission. Checkers.

©2014 Tina B. Used with permission. Checkers-loaf.

Teensy Weensy (Peppy’s Sister)

DSH/Burmese (has Siamese kink in her tail) Black with white tummy spots

2 Years old, Small cat.

Adoption Fee $85 (less if you adopt her AND her brother together)

Teensy is a sweet little girl that has had a rough start in life. As her name implies, she is a very small girl with a big spirit at only 6.5 pounds. She is such a little lover girl once she knows you. She has had one eye removed due to a virus and neglect from a hoarder but it doesn't stop her. She is looking for a great family to enjoy her sweet, playful nature. Teensy loves to sit on shoulders too. She likes playing with her big brother and gets along well with other cats so would be a great addition to a family who has kitty friends. She is very unassuming and will sit and keep you company. All she needs is companionship, play and special food for her skin. Lower adoption fee if adopted with her brother, Peppy.

©2014 Tina B. Used with permission. Teensy.

Peppy (Teensy's Brother)

DSH/Burmese Black with white tummy spot

2 Years old

Medium sized cat

Adoption Fee $85 (less if you adopt him AND his sister together)

Peppy is a big beautiful boy at about 11 pounds. He has a shiny, slick coat with a little white on his belly. He has a very sweet, gentle nature and loves to lie on your lap. He has endured a lot in his short life but still loves people. His left eye has had 2 surgeries to repair some damage caused by a virus but he doesn't let it bother him. He is looking for a quieter family who likes to lounge around but has some time to play with him. He loves playing with cat teasers and soft balls he will bat around the house. He does great with other kitties and would love to have a kitty friend. Lower adoption fees if adopted with his sister, Teensy.

©2014 Tina B. Used with permission. Peppy.

If you can't adopt or if you don't work with a rescue or shelter, you can still help Tina and her cats by sharing this post socially on Facebook, Twitter, or email a link to this post to your cat-loving friends.

For all that Tina has done, it’s time for her to be the one who gets rescued. Thank you everyone. Let's make this happen!