Little Maria and Pauly are safely out of Henry County, in the loving care of Bobby, our devoted driver, babysitter, and photographer of all kitties we rescue from there. Though knowing they're off death row is one thing, but the kitties are never out of the woods until we get them to see the Vet and get the results of their Snap Test, which lets us know with some accuracy (depending on the age of the cat), if the cat is positive for Feline Leukemia or FIV.

©2010 Bobby Stanford. Used with Permission. Some of the friendly staff at East Lake, where we often take our shelter rescued kitties.

©2010 Bobby Stanford. Used with Permission. Little Maria waits for her exam.

I really hate waiting for results.

If a cat is positive for Feline Leukemia, which is easily transmitted between cats, then what do I do? Guidelines will say euthanize. I am terrified I will have to make that decision one day.

At least for Pauly and Little M., the results were negative. On to the next concern...what is wrong with Little M.'s rear end? Why does one bone in her right leg protrude out? What happened to this little baby?

©2010 Bobby Stanford. Used with Permission. Dr. Segal with Little M..

After a few xray's it was pretty clear what was wrong. Little M. has a broken right rear leg. It's broken near the femoral head, which is basically the top end of the femur that usually fits into the hip socket. Little M., who we are told is only NINE WEEKS OLD, at 2.2 POUNDS, has been living with this broken leg for quite some time. There is evidence of the injury healing itself, but not healing correctly. Little M. can walk, but with a wobble. She does not seem to be in pain, but she will be as she ages, if nothing is done.

Dr. Segal gave us some options:

1. Do nothing but give her cage rest-meaning lock her up in a small crate so she can't move around much and let the break heal on its' own. The result will be that Little M. will have one leg a bit shorter than the other, will develop arthritis in her leg and perhaps never be able to jump.

And...Little M. is sick.

©2010 Bobby Stanford. Used with Permission. One of the Vet Tech's checks out Little M.'s hips.

She has an upper respiratory infection and a temp of 104°F. We can't even think of doing any surgery to her until she is clear of the disease. With any luck she will be fine in a week, but she is young, sick and just came out of a shelter. We all know that URIs can last for months.

Even through all of this, Little M. purrs and is a sweet cat. She will even try to play. Her will to live is still strong. One day I hope we can look back on the challenges we're facing with this kitten and realize it all ended up well. I guess my gut will be in a knot until things get sorted out for her.

©2010 Bobby Stanford. Used with Permission. Pauly does a great job defying gravity.

Meanwhile, there's Pauly. At about 4 months old, he's a bundle of raw energy mixed with sugary sweetness. Pauly does not want to hold still for the camera, especially when he's being fussed with at the Vet. He is in good shape, but of course, has been exposed to Little M.'s URI, so we will see how big of a mess this turns into.

©2010 Bobby Stanford. Used with Permission. Pauly isn't so sure about this...is it a treat or treatment?

Pauly finally burned himself out long enough for Bobby to get a photo of him. His white toe tips and tail tip is adorable! He's got very lovely tabby markings and beautiful eyes. All we have to do is get him neutered and he will be ready to go in no time! Connie said she felt he will do well here in CT-I agree 100%.

©2010 Bobby Stanford. Used with Permission. At last, Pauly relaxes long enough to be photographed.

We're going to have to do a fundraiser to help cover Little M.'s expenses and to pay for transport (some day!) to come north. I'm getting the nagging feeling I may have to drive down there to get the cats. I can't imagine putting a cat who recently had surgery onto a big, loud, transport. If any of you are going to be traveling northward in about 3 weeks or so, let me know! Until then, we just have to hold tight and hope that Little M.'s fever comes down and Pauly doesn't get sick, too.

©2010 Bobby Stanford. Used with Permission. Kitty artwork at a Vet's office is always a good sign.

You just never know what you're going to find out once you “bust” cats out of a shelter, but aside from any health issues, in time we'll find the same thing we always do—loving, lonely cats who deserve the best forever home possible.

Nine days ago I wrote about three cats needing to be rescued from Henry County. That day, sadly one of them, named Jill Ann, had a serious stroke and was humanely euthanized. The remaining cats, a fragile, injured dilute calico and a rambunctious and loving tabby stayed behind. Each day that passes, is one day less they have left to live. This clock ticks down for every cat and dog at places like Henry County-that are too overcrowded due to people NOT Spaying or Neutering their animals.

©2010 Henry Co. Care & Control. Little Calico, injured in her hips. Did she get hit by a car a long time ago? We don't know. We just know she can't walk very well as she is now. She sits most of the time.

My resources are few and far between, but I knew that by sharing the story of these cats, that hopefully someone would either fall in love with them and adopt them or some rescue group would lend them a hand and bust them off of death row.

©2010 Henry Co. Care & Control. Loves to give love, this tabby reaches to be petted, not to swat at the hand above him.

No one has stepped forward. Who wants to take on an injured cat that will have medical expenses? Who wants another tabby, even if he IS friendly? The siamese or the maine coons or the tiny kittens get out. These guys are the last to be picked for the team.

In some way, I guess I was on target, I just didn't realize who would fall for these two kitties–my very own foster Mama-Maria and my friend and co-hort in rescue-Connie! Maria has been asking me about the Tabby for these past nine days-if someone has rescued him, if we can take him in, where can he go if we DO take him in? It's been tough to say no.

Meanwhile, Connie wants to help the poor injured dilute Calico, but I just don't have a place for her. Now that Bobbi is adopted and with her new family, there IS an opening at Connie's home for fosters and due to the generosity of Carole, the Director of A.I.D., who is willing to open her shelter to BOTH of these cats...we have some good news!

So, as I have said before...I will say again...

BUSTED OUT! THESE TWO LUCKY KITTIES ARE BUSTED OUT OF HENRY COUNTY, AT THE VET and WILL BE IN FOSTER CARE SOON!

©2010 Henry Co. Care & Control.No more ID# for this cat. She now has a name: Maria

We don't know what happened to this little dilute's back end. She can't walk well and sits most of the time. We'll give her the best care we can, but we may, too, put a hand out and ask for a few dollars to help pay for the care she needs. She may need a surgery to either correct her problem or amputate one of her legs. We will do everything we can for her now that she is with us and will be coming to Connecticut in two weeks!

©2010 Henry Co. Care & Control. No more ID# for this cat, too. His name is Pauly.

This little guy is such a love bug that the Kennel Master at Henry has been aching over the idea of having to euthanize him. Happily, she will not have that worry any longer...and now that we're opening up two more cages, maybe two more kitties will get a few more days added onto their countdown clocks?

As always, my hope would be to never have to write these stories, to never have to be sick over the cats we couldn't get to..and there are so many...but we got two, so let's be of good cheer. There will be no day 10 on death row for these babies-they will have Day 1 of their NEW LIFE STARTING TODAY!

P.S. Anyone driving from Georgia, northwards in two weeks? We are gonna need TRANSPORT!

Three years ago I trapped three feral cats. I thought I was trapping only one, but to my surprise, I ended up catching three! I thought they must all be related, and maybe in some ways they were. Clearly one female was older than a second female. They were always seen together- they had to be Mother and Daughter. I named them, Bronte and Madison. A third cat, I named Buddy, was a big, gray Tom who'd been in plenty of fights in his day. He was ragged and rough, with devilish golden eyes, yet he was far from fractious, just as the other two. I think they'd known human contact at some point in their lives, but over time those memories had been replaced with their primal, wilder urges.

I detailed the story of my first trapping experience, capturing Buddy, Bronte and Madison HERE.

Fast forward a few years...

You know that Buddy showed up injured a few weeks ago and since then we've tried a few different methods to trap him. Thankfully, Karlyn is a super-trapper and builds her own traps. This was what eventually did the trick, not only trapping Buddy, but Bronte, as well. Since neither of them had been to the Vet for years, I decided they could both get their shots updated and have a checkup and we'd finally be able to help Buddy with his leg injury.

©2010 Robin A.F. Olson Bronte and Buddy (rear) in Super-Karlyn's trap.

There was a bit of a problem.

It wasn't Buddy.

Recently, when I saw this cat, he was a big gray Tom with lovely golden eyes, but his ears weren't ragged and he had a sweet look to his face. He looked more like a lover and less like a fighter. I started to wonder if Buddy had long since left us and been replaced by a Buddyganger; a feral cat-double!

©2010 Robin A.F. Olson Who are you, mystery cat?

Even after we trapped him, it just didn't look like the same tough guy I once knew. That left me feeling both sad and curious. When had Buddy left us and who was this cat? Where did he belong? He couldn't be a neighbors cat, could he? It would be a lousy neighbor if they ignored their injured cat for weeks on end—also, this boy really WAS a LOVER. He was still INTACT!

So our dear friend, Buddy is gone. What his fate was, we will never know. I don't even want to guess as my home abuts a State Forest. My neighbors are wild animals. 'nuff said.

©2010 Robin A.F. Olson Our new feral, Austen. What a face! Look at that BIG TOM head!

And who is this new cat? He's in need of a name. Since we have Bronte, already, how about Austen-in honor of Jane Austen, author of our perennial favorite 5-hour-mini-series-version-only, the one staring Colin “Hottie Pants” Firth, “Pride & Prejudice!”

©2010 Robin A.F. Olson Poor Bronte! She was so scared she cried. I wanted to pet her and tell her it was going to be okay, but I realized that would only make her feel worse. Poor baby!

Luckily for Austen, upon exam there was no sign of injury. Austen must have had soft tissue damage or a thorn that he worked out of his paw. Whatever it was, there was no old or new break and he had full function of his limb. His shots were updated and he was tested for FIV/FeLuk (neg/neg). Sadly for Austen, he is not a LOVER any more. I had him neutered-even if he IS someone's cat. Tough! (I really doubt he's someone's cat, though!). So no more yeowling in the yard, no more stench of cat spray, just a nice de-balled kitty with a very forlorn look on his face. At least he won't be fighting any longer or making little Austen's.

Bronte, poor dear, cried in her trap. I felt so bad for her. She just needed her shots. She got scared and peed in the car on the way back from the Vet. I can't get the smell out of my nose. Hope I didn't pee up there, too, in some freak accident I didn't notice. Whew...yikes!

While the cats were gone, I cleaned out their room in the screen porch. I set out a fresh bowl of water and lots of food. When we put the traps down, I got two photos-one of each of them. Austen, shot out of his cage like a rocket after I moved out of his way. Bronte was much more cautious. She went to the opening of the trap and reached out one paw towards the floor, but did not touch it. It was if she was testing to see if the trap would close on her if she tried to get out. She held her paw an inch over the floor for a long, few seconds. Then, carefully touched the floor. Nothing happened. And then she was gone, like a ghost, without a trace.

I hope they return as soon as they find a way to forgive me or their bellies get empty, whichever comes first.

WARNING: Graphic photo of belly wound, below. Please be forewarned and use your good judgement as to if you wish to look at it.

Hope sits quietly on a soft blanket in a cage at Sweetwater Creek Animal Hospital in Lithia Springs, Georgia. Once a city named after it's historic Mineral Water, now so small its' residents voted to dissolve the city charter in 2001 and essentially de-incorporate it. There weren't enough services to qualify Lithia Springs as being a city any longer. That this tiny town even has a good Vet is a very lucky thing for this four month old kitten.

Sometime about twelve days ago, something terrible happened to Hope. Only she and the people who harmed her, know what really happened. Anyone who sees her now, don't have to be psychics to know she was injured by an unspeakably cruel hand.

Hope's underweight body is curled tightly. Her front paws drawn inward, perhaps a way to protect the deep, ragged gashes on either side of her belly. Wounds so painful it's difficult for her to sit otherwise. The wounds, shocking and large are from a fish hook that gouged her from one side of her abdomen to the other—as if she were hung on the hook like a piece of bait. It was not enough to stop there, the hook also travelled into her left leg causing a serious infection.

While I don't know the details of how Hope came to Sweetwater, I know many people involved in her care were so moved by her good nature and her serious injury, that they had to find a way to help-instead of humanely euthanizing her. I was alerted to her situation a few days ago and I, too, could not look away from this humble creature and just assume someone else would help her out.

I don't want to torture myself or others, with the thoughts of how this cat must have suffered such pain. How the person or people who did this to her aren't human. They are pond scum. They are worse than that. For what sort of person could take a young animal, just learning about the world, just learning to trust and do that...jam a big hook into her belly, as if she had no feelings, as if she were garbage.

I emailed Cathy, my sole contact about Hope. She said no one was raising funds for her and thanks to a little push from our friend at CiCH, Izzy, I decided to just raise money for her myself, even though I don't know this Vet. I don't even know Cathy's last name. I had to look up Lithia Springs on the map. It didn't matter. A kitten needed help. I could do my little bit to make a difference.

Thanks to the generosity of MANY people from all over the country, so far I've raised $490 of my $600 goal. Hope may need much more than this, but it's a very good start.

You see, Hope may lose her left rear leg. As of today, though the swelling on it has gone down and she's responding to the antibiotics, she cannot stand on her own. Partly due to being weak, underweight, with serious belly wounds-how could she stand with even that? We simply don't know how she will do. We don't know if she will walk and maybe someday play again, but what we do know is the awful people who did this to her are far outshined by the good people who rescued her, who care for her and love her as she recovers.

The good news for Hope is that we will not need to find foster care for her. Her foster mama, who I hear is excellent in every way, can't wait for her to arrive-when she is well enough to do so. Should her leg have to go, Hope will still be as loved and still have a wonderful life ahead of her.

For now, we wait. We hope the antibiotics will continue to do their thing...that this little girl will pull through her ordeal and one day be able to stretch out and relax, no longer in pain, with those bad memories long behind her and only good ones to come.

This was Bobbi a month ago. Stuck in a cage on death row, covered with fleas and being declawed, had no way to even scratch herself. Because she was such a sweet baby, the Kennel Master, Robin, urged our friend Betsy to get the word out on this kitty before it was too late. Fortunately, Animals in Distress in Wilton, CT offered to take her once I could arrange for her vetting and quarantine in Georgia and once our friends, Izzy & Mark could transport her north.

©2010 Henry Co. Care & Control.

Bobbi arrived two weeks ago and has been enjoying the quiet life in our friend, Connie's home. Soon, Bobbi will be moved over to the Shelter, where she will live until she's adopted. There's never a risk of her being euthanized due to space issues, but...adoptions are down— the lowest point anyone can remember. We simply MUST get together to get the word out for Bobbi, once again.

©2010 Robin A.F. Olson. Bobbi, safe and sound and doing just great in foster care!

This gorgeous creature is safe, but she STILL needs a forever home—ideally somewhere in Connecticut, but if we found a great home, I know we could arrange transport.

©2010 Robin A.F. Olson.

Bobbi's only 1-2 years old. She's very mellow and sweet. She has impeccable litter box manners and loves to sleep right next to you or even on your pillow, if you don't mind! She is declawed-ALL FOUR PAWS, is NEGATIVE for FIV/Feline Leukemia, is up to date on her shots.

©2010 Robin A.F. Olson.

Bobbi would be a great companion to pretty much any one or any family. We think she gets along with other cats, but won't know for certain until she's at the shelter.

©2010 Robin A.F. Olson.

Because she was badly infested with fleas, she still is a bit itchy and has some scabs which we feel should resolve. In the meantime, please give her a scratch if you meet her! She really likes that.

©2010 Robin A.F. Olson.

And don't forget, Bobbi is a true Manx! With a very cute butt, if I do say so, myself! She also has adorable black spots on her back foot, just like my boy, Spencer!

If you'd like to know more about how to adopt Bobbi, just contact Animals in Distress or visit Bobbi's Petfinder page OR, you can always email me: info@coveredincathair.com

Animals in Distress also has 12 OTHER kitties who have been waiting months and months to find a Forever Home. They have some very lovely cats at their shelter, even a Siamese! If you can adopt one of these babies, you'd really be helping them to help MORE kitties! Spread the word!

We got this girl rescued. Now let's find her a GREAT HOME!

Wasn't that a nice blog post? Oh well...nevermind...just as this was about to go to press...

BOBBI JUST GOT ADOPTED!!!!!!

It's been an emotional week here at Covered in Cat Hair. A week ago we lost Big Boy, then through a miracle were able to pull a sweet Tabby named KoKo out of the same shelter and in just a day got her Vetted and to her new home in Alabama. Our smiles didn't last long, as we found out last night that we lost another kitty named, Jill Ann. At least she died having a name and not a kennel ID number and she died around people who, though they see death all the time, did not harden them to the point where they could not compassionately and lovingly help her to pass. I don't hate these people, rather the opposite. I don't know how they can do what they have to do every day. It's difficult enough to have to report these stories to you. Being there and seeing all that...oh dear, no. So I honor those people here, too.

This was KoKo (see photo below), just two days ago. Bobby, our dear friend and most awesome volunteer, offered to take KoKo from Henry County to the Vet, then drive her 4.5 hours to Alabama where they would meet up with KoKo's new mama, Elke! What kind of person can just drop what they're doing and drive a few hundred miles? Bobby is unassuming and kind. He has a twangy (to my Yankee ears) Southern accent. (I often wonder if he gets a kick out of my east coast/midwestern/mutt mix?) His heart is so big and so full of love for cats, it astounds me. Then add to that, Bobby is so dependable. I couldn't do what I do without him. I know this will embarrass him, but he's a treasure. He really is. I won't embarrass him any further by sharing a photo I have of him, but let's just say his inner goodness is clearly reflected in his warm smile. He's a kind soul and I'm grateful to have his help.

©2010 Bobby Stanford. Used with permission. KoKo in her carrier wondering what is going on, but being a very very good passenger in the car. Though Bobby may have mentioned that she may be a sweet cat, but she's weighs a brick (10 pounds!).

As many of you know, Elke is on of our Covered in Cat Hair friends on Facebook. When Elke first saw the story about Bobbi, the little Manx I rescued, she thought that she'd offer to adopt her, but by the time she was ready, Bobbi had already travelled to Connecticut to be put into foster care here. Elke had been touched by the stories of so many sweet cats needing rescue that she decided she could add one more to her current cat-family of two. When Elke read about KoKo and saw the notes that were left in her cat carrier, she knew she needed to do something. She called me around 8pm EST, the day after my post went live. We had a good discussion about Elke adopting KoKo. I needed to be assured that this was a well thought out decision and that Elke understood what she was getting herself into. She impressed me with her energy and her willingness to take on whatever comes-knowing she'd have to keep her new girl in isolation for two weeks to make sure she didn't bring home anything with her from the shelter, once she arrived. We could have kept KoKo in GA for the two weeks, but Elke was clear on the risks and already has a great cat-only-Vet lined up should KoKo need something.

KoKo did need one thing. She needed a new name, so it would help mark the end of her old life and the beginning of her new one. Her name has been changed to Sophie, in honor of Elke's dear friend's cat, who passed away suddenly.

I thought you'd enjoy seeing some photos from KoKo's journey to become Sophie.

©2010 Bobby Stanford. Used with permission. KoKo peeking out of her new cat carrier just after meeting her new mama.

Okay, now I don't like seeing a cat out of a carrier, outside of a car, but I was assured that there was NO WAY this kitty was going to get loose! I am not going to Alabama to find a cat! Thankfully, it was not an issue at all. Here is Sophie with her new Mama, Elke (below, left) and her sister, who just happened to be visiting from out of town.

©2010 Bobby Stanford. Used with permission. Elke and her sister with KoKo, now Sophie.

I think it's pretty clear they're VERY HAPPY to be meeting their new kitty!

©2010 Elke Napier. Used with permission. Sophie preparing for a belly rub in her new home.

Since Elke has visitors for another day or so, Sophie got to stay in the bathroom. With a thick soft rug to stretch out on and some toys, some good food and love, this kitty was liviin' large. What a far cry from where she was just a few hours previous-in a steel cage on death row.

©2010 Elke Napier. Used with permission. Sophie investigates her new home!

Once company left, Sophie got her OWN ROOM!

©2010 Elke Napier. Used with permission. Queen of the Castle!

Within no time at all she was exploring her new surroundings. Elke reports that so far there has not be any incidents of “inappropriate urination or defecation-” which was the reason for Sophie to be abandoned outside a Vet's office after they had closed for the day.

Although Sophie hasn't met her two new friends, which could cause her to have some issues. So far, so good. I've advised Elke on how to introduce everyone properly. She's willing to take the time it needs so things go smoothly. You can't just put cats in the same room and let them sort it out. With any luck, Sophie will be playing with her new friends, harmoniously and if not, I'll be right here, ready to help.

That seems to be my motto, as of late...

Dear KoKo,

You don't know me, nor will you probably ever meet me. I live very far away from you, but that doesn't matter to me because I care about what happened to you and it bothers me that you are all alone in the world. I have been trying very hard to find a way to free you from that cage.

Last night, while you were sleeping, a nice lady called me from Alabama. Her name is Elke. You never met her before, either, but she surely cares about you, too. Elke called me and asked me if I would help her to help you. She doesn't want you to stay in that cage. She lives in a nice house with two other kitties. There is plenty of room for you to live there even if you don't get along with your new friends.

©2010 Courtesy Henry Co. Care & Control. Many people contacted me asking how they could help KoKo. In the end it was a simple phone call that made all the difference. As of 11AM EST-TODAY KoKo left Henry County's cage. She is RESCUED!

I wrote to my friend, Bobby. He also said he wanted to help you, too, so just when you wake up, Mr. Bobby is going to visit you. He is going to take you OUT of your cage and you will NEVER go back there again! Mr. Bobby is going to take you to the Cat-Doctor. I know. Doctors are not fun, but you can do this, then things will get better. Then after that, Mr. Bobby will take you for a long ride in his car.

After the ride is over...it will take a few hours, you will be greeted by Ms. Elke. She isn't going to foster you. She is going to be your new Mama. I like to call it your “Forever Home.” She said you should never have to worry about where you spend the rest of your life and she already can't wait to meet you, love you and care for you the way you should have been cared for by that other family.

©2010 Courtesy Henry Co. Care & Control. Ms. Elke, who is one of our good friends at “Covered in Cat Hair,” stepped forward last night to offer to sponsor KoKo and give her a Forever home. Elke, you're a Saint! Congratulations to you both!

One of Elke's daughters already can't wait to meet you, too. I know this is a big change for you, but I know you'll be safe and happy now. No more cages for you!

I'm sorry we will never meet in person, but know that from afar, I send you my love and good wishes for the happy life you have always deserved.

I've got your back, Koko.

Your friend,

Robin

P.S. Don't forget to write and let me know how you're doing!

Dear Friends,

I had a family. I guess they weren't the best family, since they gave up on me and abandoned me at a Vet's door.

I thought the Vet would take care of me, but he just turned me over to Animal Control and lately I've been living in a cage at Henry County Care & Control. I'm locked up, like a criminal, but I don't know what I did to deserve this. I'm grateful they give me food and water. I have a place to go to the bathroom, but it's tough because I have to sleep right next to it. This cage is really small. I don't have any toys, either.

Basically, I just sit here and wonder what is going to happen next. When will they let me out? Do I get to go back home again? There are lots of other cats here, too. They all wonder what is to become of them.

I guess if I could ask for one thing, I would ask if maybe I could, at least get out of here for a little while. Just to stretch my legs. Some of the cats get taken away and I never see them again. I wonder if they are okay?

I wanted to thank all of you for writing to me. It was really nice to get your letters. You really have big hearts to offer to send money to help me, but I don't even know what you do with money, so you should keep it.

I hope I get out of here. I am so lonely.

Sincerely yours,

KoKo

My nephew, Ryan came over yesterday with his camera (which I am drooling over since it's a newer version of what I shoot with and has a separate flash to die for) and he got some fabulous shots of the kittens.

They're all doing well, eating and playing. I found out they should still be getting some KMR, so I ran out and got a new container of it last night. Three of them enjoyed it, but of course, the tiniest kitten, Cin, didn't eat much. She prefers her grain-free canned food-which I've watered down a bit to help her digest it.

In my next post I'll write about our visit to the Vet this morning and what the stool sample results told us. Ooh, exciting! For now, just enjoy the photos!

©2010 Ryan C. Feminella. Cinnamon.

©2010 Ryan C. Feminella. Honey B.

©2010 Ryan C. Feminella. Sugar Pie.

©2010 Ryan C. Feminella. Yodel.

©2010 Ryan C. Feminella. Ryan with Moonpie and Pattycake.

By the way, Ryan was smitten with Moonpie (and Pattycake, too). He got Moonie to lay belly up on his lap, then rubbed his belly. Moonpie just enjoyed himself! Patty wanted lap time, too, but Ryan's lap isn't big enough!

©2010 Ryan C. Feminella. Moonpie (left) and Pattycake (right).

There's one more photo I want to share from yesterday, but it's so good I need to post it separately.

I'm pleased to announce that Izzy & Mark have picked up our fosters, along with the new cat they just adopted and a few other cats they're transporting to VA. The car is loaded down with cats. I wonder how noisy it is in the car right now or if everyone is too scared to meow? I really hope they don't have a car load full of cats that explode with pee or poop from motion sickness, as two of my cats do! Eek! Remind me not to volunteer to transport lots of cats.

Today is the start of another phase of their lives, as they progress towards that ultimate goal of finding a forever family. What's kind of fun to imagine is that those families already exist. They may be talking about how they want to adopt a cat. Maybe they've been looking and hadn't seen one they liked? One day we'll meet and it will be kismet. They'll fall in love with one of the kittens and that will be it. Will Bobbi go to a home with little kids? Will the kittens be able to stay in pairs or be adopted singly? Who will be adopted first?

©2010 Maria S. What a big change a few weeks of good food can do! Bobbi looks GREAT!

Time will surely tell. For now I'm going to get some things done around the house and get some rest. It's about to get busy around here very soon.

©2010 Maria S. Mark loads the car. I hope they have enough room for all those cats!

Sam's mother is still in the hospital in NYC, but looking well. She may be discharged fairly soon, then after she gets settled, Sam can come home.

©2010 Maria S. Maria with her beloved, Cin.

Lion King is still missing. Connie had a commitment today and won't be back until late. I'm going to go over and look for him. Maybe I'll have luck again?

I finally saw Buddy. He IS definitely in trouble. He's limping, but I could not see any obvious break or injury. He can put some weight on the leg if he has to do it, but otherwise he keeps the limb up in the air. When I went out the front door to offer him some treats he ran off. He can still move quickly and that's a good sign. Of course the second he started to move, I stopped and went back into the house. The last thing I need to do is scare him into the road. It's a tough life for a feral. I hope we can get him the help he needs very soon.

©2010 Maria S. Moonpie? Yodel? I better get this figured out! Bye bye, Maria! Hello, Robin!

Spencer...oh dear. That will have to be a separate blog post. Let's just say that too much is a bad thing. Poor Spencer. His chin is an erupted bloody mess. It's a good thing I took him to see Dr. Larry today-before Dr Larry goes to Italy for two weeks! Did he ask me if he could go? Doesn't he know something bad always happens to my cats when he's gone? What nerve! Going on a vacation!

Wait...what is this...vay-cay-shun thing, anyway?