I got up early, worried that I'd get a call from Chrissy, the transport driver, that they were running ahead of schedule and that I wouldn't have Huggy Mama's room ready! There was much to be done. I had to get my other fosters fed and watered, feed my guys, then get my swanky bathroom ready for Huggy.

This is my first rescue from a GA shelter. I'm worried that Huggy will not be so sweet. She'll be nasty, then I'll never be able to find her a good home. What if the kittens are skittish? Okay. I can work with that. I should be happy if that's their only behavior problem after being in a cage for over a month. What if they're sick? They shouldn't be, but geez, look where they came from. Using step pans and quarantine is not my idea of a welcoming committee, but hopefully it will only be for a few days and then we can move everyone to the nice big room.

Those poor kitties. What they've been through; being confined, the noise and smells of a shelter, the fear, the loneliness, the unending time stuck in a cat carrier in a transport vehicle. I have a brand new cat bed and a big fluffy blanket for them to rest on when they get here. There's fresh water out and food at hand. I plan on just letting them stretch out, relax and eat to their heart's content.

Part of me is thinking; "What have I done? I'm never going to find a home for an ADULT cat! She'll be here forever!" Well, I took this on and so be it. With any luck, by Christmas she'll have a forever home.

I have the same worry for Last Chance mama, too. I hope Jennifer has an easy time with her Mama and kittens. This is her first time fostering for us and I want it to go great. She's bent over backwards getting a big space ready for everyone. They have a dog crate for their first few days, lots of toys, bedding and food. She even got kitty stairs so Last Chance (whose name will soon be changed to, Kitty) will be able to get onto a bed that's in the foster room. I think I'd like to live there! Sounds pretty nice!

The transport is running late. Three more hours to go. In the meantime, I have an adopter coming over soon and another may come over after that. There's been LOTS of interest in Andie. I feel badly for the others. My big fear is that Mama won't get adopted. I'll hate to see her taken away from her children, but it means a good life for her if she can move on. She's such a sweet, mellow lady. I've grown quite fond of her in a short amount of time. I took a few photos of the kittens and mom together. It makes me sad to think soon their time together will come to an end, but that's how it goes...

Things are very busy here with Mama-C and her five offspring finally vetted and ready for adoption. Calls have been coming in and it looks good for at least half of the kitties. One person even begged to adopt little Andie! Popular girl! Hopefully, by Monday, I'll be down to four, then perhaps another one or two will be adopted during the week.

I've been working on making arrangements to take in another critical rescue. Yes, the eight kittens, shown in the post below...not sure I have the guts for this, but if no one else steps up, I will find a way to give them a foster home.

Speaking of rescues, TOMORROW, "Huggy" Mama & her two kittens, as well as "Last Chance" Mama & her two kittens will be arriving via transport around 1pm. There's much to do to get their temporary space ready to go. I had to cut a deal with my Director. She's going to take the CallaLily litter and I have to keep Huggy in quarantine-which includes having to use "step pans" filled with a bleach mixture that I'll have to step in and out of every time I exit the foster room Huggy is staying in. This is to prevent the unlikely spread of disease until Tuesday, when Cali goes and I can move Huggy out of the bathroom and into the main foster room.

Will be a royal pain in the ass to keep things disinfected and separated, but I that's the deal and I might as well learn how to keep a quarantine area in case, God forbid, I need to do this again.

Mama-C is wiped out from her spay. She slept in my lap for awhile. The kittens bounced back from their surgery quickly, but no one feels like eating! I have four kinds of food out. Nothing. Ugh. I am going through a tough time with ALL the cats. No one likes anything I offer them. It's really annoying and a waste of food.

Mama-C is also done with her Motherly duties. She is very thin and weak. I feel so badly to be the one to "cut the cord" between her and her offspring, but the day draws near where they will be separated from each other and all go off to their new homes alone. I really hate this, but fortunately the kittens are resilient and make new friends quickly and hopefully Mama will find a good home, too...I worry if she does not. It means going back to where she came from. Her previous owner cannot afford to pay her electric bill. How will she care for Cali? We gotta find a home for her. I'll start trying on Monday.

So basically, that's what's going on. I gotta run to Tar-jay Boutique (Target) to get stuff for Huggy Mama. Oh, I'll need names for her kittens, too. Start thinking, guys!

I don't often see my foster Mamas feeding their offspring, as my foster Mamas are usually feral and won't nurse in front of me. Last night I saw CallaLily, dwarfed by her kittens. Not all of them could even take any nourishment from her now that they're 8 weeks old. There's just no room for all five of them!

The kittens are eating solid food, but I guess old habits die hard. In a few days, Mama is going to be spayed and the lunch bar will be closed! Calli needs a break. She's quite thin and I can tell she's tired. She's been an awesome Mama, but this Mama needs time to regain her strength so she'll be ready for a forever home soon.

Last week I broke the news about a sweet Mama cat and her two kittens who were one of many facing euthanasia at Henry County Animal Care & Control in Georgia. This came just a day after the joy of knowing we broke about 20 cats and kittens out of the same shelter. For some, it was literally a few hours before their time was up.

I asked for help for Angel Mama, knowing my resources for a foster placement are few and booked up with the first batch of Henry cats. There are lots of other rescue groups and families who could have offered to take them, but no one stepped forward. It weighed heavily on me, but I know there are lots of reasons why no one comes forward. One being the obvious problems with lack of open shelter space, donations are down from the poor economy, the difficulty rescue groups have placing adult cats vs. kittens. Yes, I get it, but I don't want to tell myself that it's okay for these kitties to die because of this or that excuse...it's just not right.

Then I thought about the numbers again; 300-500 animals are KILLED every MONTH at just Henry, alone. To me these are not only staggering statistics, they are immoral, wrong, atrocious. Then I found out that GA kills MORE animals than the ENTIRE United Kingdom every year! It was then I realized that I have to try to find a way to fix this terrible situation. I can't live knowing this is going on. I can't turn my back on it and I won't. I need to dig in and get some answers and find a solution. No more death. This is so wrong.

Yesterday I heard that 48 cats were at risk of being put down at Spaulding, in GA. By now they may all be dead. Maybe a few escaped to rescue groups. Maybe a few were given another day or two. I don't know any more than that. What I do know is bad enough. Who the HELL can put these animals down? How do they wake up it the morning and look themselves in the mirror? I know they are struggling, but why do they accept that this is the solution. I know. I am not walking in their shoes. I couldn't. I hope, that if they want help, they will reach out. We want to help them, but we need to find a way that respects both the people involved, as well as the animals.

Up until last night, I figured this post was going to be a memorial to the 48 cats at Spaulding and this lovely cat and her curiously marked offspring. They would fade into memory as just being another statistic. Three more cats who will never have a chance at a decent life because whoever cared for this mama, did not bother to have her spayed and chose to give her up to a place knowing she would be put down. I have no compassion for these people. I need to find it, but right now, I can't. There are so may programs and vouchers and Vets-for animals to not be spayed or neutered in this day and age is a shock to me. Do we live in a third world country?

Who, in their right mind, thinks it's still "cute" for the family pet to have a litter of kittens or puppies just to show their own children "the miracle of birth;" not taking into consideration the ripple effect of having more intact animals who will continue to multiply? I'm sick. I'm really pissed. Who, in their right mind doesn't know there is a SERIOUS problem with companion animal overpopulation? How many stories, like this, have to be told before everyone gets it?

There are kitties who died today and others that will die tomorrow. I ask that you consider finding a place in your heart to take a moment and think of them. Say a prayer or just think good thoughts so that somehow their short lives will have had some meaning. Somewhere maybe you could think about opening up your home to a shelter cat some day, like the ones here, so they don't need to be a statistic, too.

So what of this mama cat? Some will call it a miracle. I might be inclined to agree. Yesterday, a Vet who does S/N for one of the shelters, rescued this family! I don't have much more information on them, but I feel a great sense of relief. At least this family didn't have to die, too. At least this family will know a loving home, one day and this little family will get to have a happy ending, instead of just...an ending.

Welcome aboard to my new Foster kitties. Mama and five kittens. Every one of them is COVERED in FLEAS! Our Director said it was the worst she's seen and was surprised the kittens were even alive!

They're older than we thought. Pretty close to eight weeks, but not weaned properly and have supposed litter box issues. Woohoo! Fun!

At least Mama, not well pictured here, is nice. Whew. Right now everyone got Capstar and Advantage treatments and got de-wormed. Next I have to figure out how to deal with this flea issue for the coming weeks. I did flea spray in the room, since you may know one of my previous fosters showed signs of having fleas. At least the spray is supposed to work for 120 days. Hope they weren't kidding!

Right now everyone is locked up in a big dog crate until tomorrow afternoon, at which time the Advantage will have started working. Poor kitties. They just want to get out! I've hardly touched them except to flea comb a few of them-and the results were not bad at all.

I keep feeling like I have creepy crawlies all over me, but my hair is really long, so I'm going to blame that as the culprit, though my hair doesn't reach my knee!

Oh brother! Now what did I get myself into?

Everyone has been so great, helpful, generous and I realize there's a point of exhaustion where people won't want to help any more or have helped as much as they can---then I ask again for more.

I've weighed the options of bringing to bear news of yet another Mama and her babies, who need rescuing from Death Row at Henry County in Georgia. Henry Co. puts down 300-500 animals a month. It's atrocious. Saving three won't make a dent, but look at these guys. I think they're worth making an effort over.

This morning I got these photos and they really stuck with me. I've decided that even if it turns readers away, it doesn't hurt to ask; "Can you help one more time? Can you step up and find this litter a licensed rescue organization who will foster them together until they can be adopted? Can you step up and offer to adopt one of these cats?" I'm not sure of how that works out, but I can find out FOR YOU. I'll help make it as easy as possible.

These cats, if Mama gets a negative result on her combo test, can come to you already vetted and ready to go. We can arrange transport. We may even be able to raise all the funds we need for their care. It would be little for you to do, other than step up, raise you hand and say; YES!

Here's our latest Mama. She and her babies have such beautiful and unusual markings!

This little one is so cute!

Same kitten as above, but check out his chin! I didn't know kittens could have goatees!

Perhaps over the weekend, someone will find a friend who works at a shelter who can make room for them or who wants to adopt one of these cuties. They don't have much time and, in fact, even tomorrow may be too late. I wish I could take them, but I truly do have a full house of 13 plus 3 more coming and my newcomers have fleas very seriously. I'm willing to donate money and make calls and write emails.

If you want to help, just contact me (see sidebar to the left) and I'll get the ball rolling.

We make change happen together, by stepping up and saying, NO. No more death for those that have just begun their lives. Let's find a way.

I REALLY ENJOY GOOD NEWS, FOLLOWED BY MORE GOOD NEWS!

Thanks to your donations, all the mamas, below, had their combo tests and test came back NEGATIVE, meaning they are CLEARED for fostering/quarantine for a bit less than two weeks and then on to their new foster or forever homes! THESE CATS ARE NO LONGER AT RISK OF BEING EUTHANIZED!

Huggy Mama is cleared and ready for her bright future!

Kate + 8 are cleared and ready for their bright future!

Cali Mama is cleared and ready for her bright future!

Last Chance Mama, not pictured here, but below a few posts down, will be getting her combo test on Tuesday. Please think good thoughts for her!

I'm SO GLAD to be able to bring you ALL GOOD NEWS! We can now feel comfortable breathing both IN and OUT (until Tuesday! ACK!).

Big News! Time to do the HAPPY DANCE!

Huggy Mama is OUT of Henry Co. and on to her temp. foster home. Instead of going to Indiana, she is coming right HERE to Covered in Cat Hair HQ for fostering until she and the babies find a forever home!

Dilute Calico Mama is OUT of Henry Co. and also on her way to a temp. boarding facility where she will be out of harm's way until she can go to her foster placement!

And this my friends, this is my great joy...this mama and her babies were going to be put down today, but at the very last minute we got a SUPER GENEROUS OFFER from one of our very own, beloved Covered in Cat Hair members, Jennifer, who is graciously opening her home to these at high risk foster babies! (Apparently, Jennifer just picked out names for them, not being able to wait for them to arrive!) This morning, Barb did her magic and I made a tearful call to Robin at Henry County to ask if these guys were still available (ALIVE) and she said YES. Once I found out, we got the balls rolling and Mama will be out TOMORROW.

And yes, I will put out ONE MORE request to bring in some funds to help cover the costs for this mama and her babies, but then I will shut up for awhile. Once we have a widget set up for their donations, I will post it and if you can help, super great. If not, then just send them your love. They need that, too!

And our spare, orphan was adopted by the woman who dropped her off a few days ago. We didn't raise funds for this little one, so no harm done and we are very happy she's off to a good home!

And believe it or not, Barb and Judy have managed to rescue even MORE cats than I have photographs of! I am SO SO HAPPY that all of you pitched in, gave up money during a friggen' recession, and sent so much love and support-well THANK YOU isn't enough, but that's what I got!

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR HELP!

We've got MORE to rescue, so let's get to it!

Poopie thing I have to add: I hate to worry alone, so you should all remember that ALL these mamas MUST TEST NEGATIVE FOR FELINE LEUKEMIA AND FIV or ELSE I am gonna CRY and they are gonna have to be PTS. I'm sorry to rain on the parade, but we got them this far...hopefully this is just the beginning of their journey to their forever homes.

Kate + 8 have been removed from Henry Co. and are off to their next stop, where they can live for the next two weeks while they are in quarantine and before they are moved off to foster care. Please think good thoughts for the kitties as Mama has to have a "combo" test which will test her for Feline Leukemia and FIV. It could be sad news if Mama has Feline Leukemia, but for now, let us focus on one phase of this journey being accomplished.

Kate + 8 are out of the KILL SHELTER!

Thank you very much Barbara at WCR for doing all the paperwork, making the calls and finding a safe haven for all these kitties, Judy with Kat5 for finding transport and boarding and Bobby for kindly transporting the kitties OUT of Henry Co., as well as all the other folks I have not met yet, who are part of this hopeful story!

We need to raise just $345.00 to help get Huggy Mama and the Babies off death row and into my home for Fostering. I've already donated $100.00 to get the ball rolling, so now we only need $245.00!

Come on everyone! Pitch in what you can and let's get this done! Every dollar counts. I mean it. If you can afford one dollar that's fine. Just do it.

THANK YOU FOR HELPING Kat5, help me...so we can help Henry County and we can all help the kitties. That's a lot of helping!

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