Kelly needs help with her kitties!!!

[wolflady]

Hey everyone,
Kelly asked that this be posted for her as she has limited access to the internet.
I so wanted to take Jonah, but Aaron will not let me have another animal in the house :(

All ideas/prayers for Kelly welcome...

Thanks PTers!
**hugs**


**************************************************
Hey guys,

I know I haven't been around lately, but I really need some help. The 2nd week of August I moved out of my friend CiCi's guest room and into my mom's house. Unfortunately, my cats are NOT welcome there, so I've had to board three of them (Jonah, Phoebe & Basie) and David (x-husband) is watching two (Noah & Micah).

I also started a new job at Cedars Sinai on Sept 11.

The cost to board the cats is $9 a day, for each cat. I had planned on keeping them there until I moved out to Los Angeles (to be closer to my job) in October.

Today I was let go from my job @ Cedars because due to my illness, I had to go to ER on Tuesday. My manager felt that me being gone was an indication of my attendence record. While its horrible and sad, I really didn't like the people I'd been working with - I was treated horribly from the 2nd day on, my trainer and new boss were VERY disrespectful to me...and the other new employee. I'd already put in a phone call to my HR Recruiter to transfer departments as soon as possible.

Long stroy short, I can no longer afford to board the three cats any longer and I need a temporary place to put them. I do not have any other family or friends that can take them, I'm truly at a loss.

I'm planning on getting a new job ASAP and moving out with my cats. But I need somewhere to put them.

Does anyone have any ideas? It'll be temporary...I really, really need to move out of my mom's house.

Thank you!!!

Love, Kelly

[Cinder & Smoke]

... moved into my mom's house.
Unfortunately, my cats are NOT welcome there ...

I also started a new job at Cedars Sinai on Sept 11.

Today I was let go from my job @ Cedars because due to my illness,
I had to go to ER on Tuesday. My manager felt that me being gone
was an indication of my attendence record ...

... I really, really need to move out of my mom's house.

:eek:

What's WRONG with her Mother!! ?? :mad:

Couldn't the poor cats live out in the Garage for a while??

I'd think "Mom" would be willing to cut Kelly just a tiny bit of slack for a while.

And - :p to Cedars - great compassion & understanding they show, too.

Good Luck!

/s/ Phred

[Freedom]

Sorry, I'm confused. Where are the cats now, as in what city? Are you still in San Francisco Bay Area? I think not, if you are working in LA?

I don't know what your illness is but, if a trip to the ER caused you to lose the job then you may have a legal claim there.

Hope you get things more settled for all of you!

[catmandu]

We Wish You Were Closer As We Would Keep Them Here, No Charge.
We Are Praying For You And Your Cats, Kelly.

[jenluckenbach]

Oh how I would like to help! But a trip from CA to PA would HAVE to cost more than the boarding cost. :eek:

I am not sure how the situation was at C.C.'s, but would SHE foster them for a while?

Are there any other places that would board them at a reduced rate (for the 3 of them together)?

I am sure you have thought of these ideas, I just am at a loss. :(

I am so sorry that your Crohn's has cost you another job. :(

[Prairie Purrs]

It's really sad that a hospital, of all places, wouldn't be willing to find a way to accommodate your disability, Kelly. I hope you're able to sort things out soon.

[moosmom]

Kelly,

Freedom is right. An employer cannot fire you because of an illness while you are being treated. I voiced my concern about my job when I was in the hospital to my therapist and she assured me that it's illegal. Please, find a lawyer that will help you. You certainly don't deserve that.

((((HUGS))))) to you honey. I've been thinking alot about you and wondering how you've been doing. I only wish I didn't live so far away, and could help you with your cats.

[G535]

Don't you guys have some sort of government assistance for unemployment and illness? Someone with Crohns down here would be elligible for a disability pension.

Sorry I can't do anything to help but I hope you find some way to look after your cats and be together again.

[kt_luvs_kitties]

I would be willing to help but I live so far away. I forget where? That might help her if we knew where she was.

Maybe she could start donations to keep them at the vets? Would that help? I would be willing to donate? Let me know, Katie

[slick]

My dear Kelly: I'm only logged on for a minute and this thread came bouncing in front of my face. I'm so very sorry to hear that you are unemployed again but judging by what you write, it sounds like it's a good thing. Not so good on the finances though. I sure wish my circumstances were different for if I were "kittiless" I would have no problem stepping up to the plate and have them up here. Only problem would be that they might develop a Canuck accent.... :D

Sorry, don't mean to make light of the subject. This whole situation must be ripping you apart in two. For now, all I can do is offer up my prayers and support. Call me if you need to talk, OK?? Just let it ring once, leave a message and I'll call you back right away.

Love you
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

[kimlovescats]

I'm so sorry, sweetheart! I would check in to this firing over your illness .... it simply cannot be legal!!!!! I pray that you are able to find someone closer to you to help out with your babies!!!

(((HUGS)))
Kim

[Uabassoon]

I'm so sorry to hear about all of this Kelly. I really wish that I could take them in, but with the bloodshed (Tuna and Corkscrew) going on over here there is just no way. If I can help you in any other way please let me know, you know that Alexa and I are always here for you.

[shais_mom]

Kelly had only just started on Monday - and the supervisor told her that she could let her go with no warning at any time whatsoever.

Hugs sent to you sweetie.

[Corinna]

Kelly sorry to hear all this going on again. Wish I could help butI just inherited another illeagal cat here (not supposed to have any ) and 3 dogs I'm sure they would not be comfortable here.
you should check in to a diasabilty and going to school for some thing else train for .

[Sonia59]

I am sorry to hear that nothing improved with Kelly's mom and the kitties, and also with Kelly's job :( I hope some PT'ers can help with the cats.
((((Hugs)))) Kelly

[catnapper]

Oh Kelly..... I am so sorry! I wish I could help - you know I would if I could. I'll just send prayers instead!

[Catty1]

WHERE does Kelly live? That would help!

ALSO - if she did a bit of volunteer work where the cats are being boarded, maybe they would use her time to pay the boarding?


Might put you in line for a job somewhere, you never know!

[shais_mom]

WHERE does Kelly live? That would help!

ALSO - if she did a bit of volunteer work where the cats are being boarded, maybe they would use her time to pay the boarding?


Might put you in line for a job somewhere, you never know!
Simi Valley - around Los Angeles California

[luvofallhorses]

I so wish I was closer so I could help. :( (((HUGS))) you and your kitties will be in my thoughts and prayers. and Catty1 has a great idea about volunteering where you board your kitties and maybe they will just have you work it off and give you a discount. :) That is just NOT right that you got let go. It's not your fault you have this illness. :( please take care of yourself and I really hope you can find someone to take in your kitties. (((HUGS)))

[Catty1]

PLUS Kelly - it will get you out of the house more! :D

[moosmom]

Wolflady and Kelly,

I've contacted my friend at Maine Coon Alliance Rescue Network and asked her if she knows of anyone in the San Fran area who might be willing to foster the cats temporarily. I'll let you know when I hear anything.

In the meantime,

(((((((((HUGS))))))))

Donna

[krazyaboutkatz]

Karen, thanks for posting this for Kelly. I know it's been hard for her to get online very often.

Kelly, I'm so sorry to hear that you already lost your new job due to your illness:(. I would also think that this would be illegal and that a hospital would be more understanding about this kind of thing. I wish I could help you but I now have 6 cats and I'm already over my limit. I hope that some one will be able to foster your cats. I sure wish that your mom would let them stay in at least one room in her house. Is she allergic to cats or something? Lot's of prayers and positive thoughts are being sent your way. Please take care. (((HUGS)))

[moosmom]

:(:( I just heard from Carolyn. Unfortunately all the people she knows have fosters and cannot take anymore in. I'm sorry :(:(

[Logan]

I'm too far away and too overloaded to do anything but pray. But Karen, please let Kelly know that I am praying for her and for the kitties. I think it is time for Kelly to get some kind of financial support from somewhere (of course, I don't know where)and allow her time to heal and rest her body, with her cats nearby. Stress cannot be helping this situation.

Please remind her that she is loved, even though we can't "fix" things for her.

Logan

[Catty1]

Kelly - see about some medical-reason income...even check with a women's shelter, they are tied into all kinds of resources.

The only other thing I can think of...is if you could somehow get a housesitting situation and take your two kitties with you. Do you have any friends who are real estate agents?

With your recent situation, you have a lawyer? Ask THAT person about getting financial support while you look for work and try to get healthy.

Awwww....hon! :(

HUGS!

[sasvermont]

I feel sorry for Kelly. I have for some time. You are one of those people with an illness that impacts on so many aspects of your life, including employment.

I would hesitate to give you employment advice since you live in CA, we have not seen your employment agreement/application and we don't have all the details, oh, and we are not lawyers. The firm I work for handles employment matters. They are usually complicated and expensive to handle. They can drag on for years. Only a handful of people have positive outcomes. Most attorneys will not touch an employment problem unless it is for an executive making lots of dough, with a contract.

If I were to give you advice, I would suggest you find permanent homes for her kittens until you get your health and housing under control for at least a year. It falls in to the "can you really afford" these pets. They are expensive and to not have funds to take care of them, including Vet expenses, is downright frustrating.

Maybe you qualify for permanent disability via Social Security? Maybe you should work with a temporary agency, allowing you a little more flexibility with your schedule. Maybe, maybe, maybe. Kelly is the only one who can really help Kelly. All we can do is support you through your choices.

Living home with Mama is stressful enough and when you mix in the new rules of no cats here and there, it is just about impossible. Thanks for ?????? Oh well, there may be other factors involved in this housing/cat problem. Isn't your mom married - maybe step-dad, dad, whatever, has some reason for being so strict about the house rules?

The bottom line is that you need to get your health issues under control. Nothing will destory job prospects/employment more than being out sick the first few days.

(I hope Kelly reads this with interest and not insult. It is meant to give her another opinion and not one blaming the employer for her being sick.)

Kelly dearest, I wish you lived closer. I feel very sorry for you.

(((((((((((((((((((Kelly)))))))))))))))))))

Sas

[Pam]

Kelly, I am so sorry to read that you are still having these problems. My goodness you are trying to hard to carve out a life for yourself and your kitties and seem to be beaten back at every turn by your health. Please don't think me harsh, but I just don't understand your mom's attitude. I would think she would realize that adding any stress to your life is certainly not going to help your condition. :confused:

As others have said, although we can't help in a tangible way, we can maybe offer some suggestions and a listening and loving ear. ((((hugs))))

[shais_mom]

Kelly - see about some medical-reason income...even check with a women's shelter, they are tied into all kinds of resources.

The only other thing I can think of...is if you could somehow get a housesitting situation and take your two kitties with you. Do you have any friends who are real estate agents?

With your recent situation, you have a lawyer? Ask THAT person about getting financial support while you look for work and try to get healthy.

Awwww....hon! :(

HUGS!
FYI
Kelly has 5 cats.
Micah - stresses out under any kind of stress/move. He has IBD.
Jonah- Phoebe-Basil - easily stressed. Basil has asthma.
Noah- doesn't like strangers and is easily stressed and has sent people to the ER and drawn blood on even more people.
All the cats are extremely bonded with Kelly. They love their mommy!
Things with her friend CiCi didn't end well to my understanding. I don't think she'd be willing to help out a "friend". My opinion of her doesn't matter and that's all I'm gonna say about that!
2 of her cats - Noah and Micah are at her soon to be ex husbands house. But he already has their other 3 cats for himself - I doubt he would allow her to bring the other 3.

[shais_mom]

Living home with Mama is stressful enough and when you mix in the new rules of no cats here and there, it is just about impossible. Thanks for ?????? Oh well, there may be other factors involved in this housing/cat problem. Isn't your mom married - maybe step-dad, dad, whatever, has some reason for being so strict about the house rules?


while I'm not answering FOR Kelly - I know the situation well enough to say that Momma makes the rules. Not her step-dad!

[wolflady]

Thanks everyone. I'll be sure to get these messages to Kelly, if she hasn't already seen them.

I just feel so bad for her situation. Her cats are her life, and like Staci said, they are very bonded to her. I know that she'll do what she needs to do, but she's going to try her best to keep all of her babies. I know it's not easy, and I wish there was more I could do for her. If only I lived closer! Even this distance of 5 hours makes it a bit tough to help. :(

**hugs**

[wolflady]

Hi everyone! Kelly wanted me to post this message in response to all of your kind posts.

**hugs**
Karen

****************************
Thank you all for your concern, prayers and ideas. First and formost, I wanted to let you all know that while what my "new" boss did, it is NOT illegal. I signed a form saying that I had a 6-month probationary period and could be let go for ANY reason whatsoever and they did NOT have to tell me why. I signed it, fully understood it and well, got to use it too!

With all things, I know it'll all work out. Yea, it sucked, I was doing very well. I was there early each day, the drive was fine and I was really looking forward to starting my life again. While working I was feeling pretty good, outside of the one day I had to go to the ER. (my ER visits do NOT mean I'm having an attack, its just the pain getting a bit too much for my meds. This normally only happens at night, so it shouldn't have indicated anything like an attack.) I was at work at 5:55 a.m. the following day, doing my work. While I was in the ER, after I was givin the meds, I was pacing my room and begging my ER doc to let me go back to work, for this exact reason.

But, like my mom says, things happen for a reason and the job, the boss and some of the co-workers really were dreadful. Like I said before, I had already spoke to HR about a transfer to another dept whenever available.

My main problem is paying for the boarding fees. I cannot volunteer time there, or work off any fees. They don't do that there, unfortunately. The cats will never, ever be welcome at my mom's house. I need to respect that, they've allowed me in their home and are providing me with food and shelter and are helping me with my bills so I don't have any further trouble. I'm elgible for unemployment and will be recieving that soon, so I can pay my bills and contribute.

I'm working with a temp agency that I've worked with before and I'm going to work at least temp jobs until the right thing comes along for me, and it will. I'm doing whatever I can to save myself and my cats.

I cannot let them go. I don't have anything else in my life, but my very small family and those cats (and of course my amazing PT family!!). The two at David's house are fine and able to stay as long as I need them too.

I'll just have to make it work. I'm relentless in my pursuits and I need to do this. Luckily, I'm feeling pretty OK. I have two appts in the next 2 weeks with my specialist and pain doc and will discuss strategy to keep me feeling OK.

I may be a candidate for disability, but, I wouldn't be able to work and I need to do that. Disability pay for me would only be approx $1200 a month and that is nowhere near enough to live on out here. I'm healthy and able *enough* to work, I just wont be running marathons or lifting heavy objects...I work a desk job, thankfully.

Thank you all so much for your concern, prayers and love. While its been really hard for me to get online recently, it'll be much easier in the next month. My parents are buying a computer and getting a high speed cable line so I'll be back on. Yay!!!

Um, what else?? I'm working with my temp agency and will make the rounds at all the local hospitals with my resume. Hopefully something will turn up. At least I have my temp agency that can offer me work anytime I need/want it, so that's really good. :)

Again, thank you all sooooo very much. You're wonderful and I will keep all your good wishes and great advice with me.

This also may insterest you...I'm going to be seeing a psychologist ASAP to help me deal with all this stuff. I know you've been worried for me, but I know this'll help. Its helped in the past and its something I need to help me be happy and healthy.

Love you!! I'll be back soon!!!

Love, Kelly :)
**************************

[Logan]

Thanks, Karen. I went looking for this thread the other day to see what was going on. Please let Kelly know that she remains in my prayers. Her attitude is magnificent and I know she's going to find her "place" soon.

Logan

[gini]

Karen, thanks for posting this for Kelly.

Just look at our girl - just as determined as always to get right on top of things and make it positive and move forward.

We are all behind you Kelly with our prayers and love every step of the way.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Thanks for the update Karen.:) I'm glad to hear that Kelly is being so optimistic and positive.:) I hope that things start going her way so she will be able to eventually live with her cats again. I'm keeping her in my thoughts and prayers. Please take care Kelly. (((HUGS)))

It will also be great to have you back online again soon.;)