URGENT!! No kill in Erie, PA is now euthanizing cats... NEEDS HELP!!!

[jennielynn1970]

I received this in my email from a fellow shelter volunteer.... I know we are going to see how much we can help, but are there any other people or rescues out there that might be able to lend an hand??? She's already euthanized a few of the cats, and the next group is slated for Jan. 7th or 8th. :eek: There are purebreds and domestics, as well as some with special needs (like one with only two front legs!). It's a heartbreaking story! Read below:

At the bottom of my email you will see an email I was sent from a concerned person telling me about a rescue - For the Love of Cats - http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/PA398.html
I was told she is euthanizing her rescues cats .... after confirming what I was told on her website I contacted her.
I want to help some of these cats....but can not take them all of course!
She said she has been asking for help from rescues - she says she WAS a no-kill at one time but became overwhelmed. :(

This is from the woman who runs the shelter...
Yes, it is true. I used to be a no-kill and the people of Erie, Pa heard this and began dumping animals here at an alarming rate. I had no choice but to euthanize pregnant females and cats that have been here for a while. I have many purebreds (Siamese, Maine coons, and Persians), domestics and purebred mixes. All are friendly and although some have a few health issues, none are seriously ill. It is sad but with so many being dumped each month (7 to 10 a month), there is nothing else that I can do. I am behind on my mortgage and owe almost 20,000 to doctors for surgeries done to repair my arm as well as various vets that gave assistance to my animals. My right arm, neck and back were injured in a car accident (not my fault) and I have posted numerous times on various lists that I need to rehome these cats. I hate having to euthanize but there has been no help and I have no income. Many of these cats were brought here in serious condition and many have special needs like needing to be only cat or one of two. Some were previously attacked by dogs and cannot go to homes with dogs. Some were declawed and now are afraid of their own shadow, but all are loving to humans.
Thanks for caring,
Kate

[Lizzie]

I sent your post to someone at Best Friends since they work with rescues that are struggling. I'll also post on 911 and the cat with no back legs on Handicats. I wish I could do more but it's impossible right now.

I've heard many times that rescues almost wish they hadn't received any press since it brings many more requests to take cats than it does donations and adoptions. :(

[CultureJunky]

This is such a sad story, but I understand you are doing all you can.
I will pray that some help comes your way, I will pray so so hard.
Are the animals euthanised humanely with injections? I so hope so as gassing is barbaric and painful and should be banned.

[jenluckenbach]

I PM'd davidp, he is with a rescue group in Pittsburgh PA. Maybe his group can help, even if it is only 1 or 2 cats.

[jennielynn1970]

I know that our (Jen L and me) group is trying to figure something out to help with at least some of the cats, and one of the other local groups as well. I know they said there is a siamese rescue up there that can help with transport, and I said I can drive as well. I have a small car, but can fold the back seats down and fit about 8 reg. sized carriers.

Some of the ones she's euthanized already looked like totally adoptable cats. I mean, killing kittens and pregnant mom cats?! To me that's so cruel. There's a pretty ragdoll that is up with the next group, and a fluffy persian as well. I am just shocked. I mean, she says she's short on money, but euthanizing isn't cheap either.

I know publicity can be a godsend and a pain. Someone had heard that I help with rescues and put a cat in a box on my front porch in the 100* heat this summer. What an idiot!!! All it said was "This is so and so, he's 2yrs old". I've had a woman who said her son was taking care of her cats, but felt they were impeding the sale of his house so he put them outside and would I help her? I went there and found a 3-4 yr old seal point himmy and a 10yr old silver coated persian, declawed, never been outside before in their lives, in the freaking bushes!!! They were a mess, covered in fleas and a bunch of ticks that I found and took off them. No revolution on them, no frontline. What the heck were these people thinking??? The little persian guy got a home with a woman in upstate NY who loves persians and the himmy was adopted by my neighbor who absolutely adores and spoils the heck out of her. She is the princess of the house!

Ignorant people drive me nuts. I just don't think I could resort to euthanizing my rescues if I was in dire straits... there has to be another alternative, but then again, I am not in her situation, and lord knows what she's going though. She has to be struggling with this.

Thanks for any help in this!!

[jennielynn1970]

Are the animals euthanised humanely with injections? I so hope so as gassing is barbaric and painful and should be banned.


I have no idea how she is doing the euthanizing. :confused: I hope to god it's by injection.

[krazyaboutkatz]

This is such a sad situation.:( I hope that she'll be able to get the help that she needs so no more of these cats will have to be euthanized. I would think that since many people want purebreds that they would be very easy to place.

[animal_rescue]

I wish I could take a cat in but i'm all the way in Indiana. :(

I'll pray for them though.

[heidiv]

This makes me sick to my stomach. What in the heck has this lady done in this situation?? So she didn't look past the end of her nose to get some assistance with this?? Sounds like all of you have done a ton more than this woman has. I am sorry to sound so negetive but there are people out there that can help it just depends how hard you try???? The Siamese Rescue group has a group located in VA that could help but just being a sponser I don't think I could really help. But here is the E-mail [email protected]. Siri Zwemke is the director. The other group I know of that takes in Persians and Siamese cats from the midwest is http://www.purebredcatrescue.org/ Kristen is the director. This is aweful. I don't know what else to do. I live in Wisconsin. There is a ton of people from that area here maybe if we all pull together something could be done. I wonder if she has made it clear to the neighborhood that she is no longer accepting animals??????? I bet not :mad:

[jenluckenbach]

This makes me sick to my stomach. What in the heck has this lady done in this situation?? So she didn't look past the end of her nose to get some assistance with this?? Sounds like all of you have done a ton more than this woman has. I am sorry to sound so negetive but there are people out there that can help it just depends how hard you try???? The Siamese Rescue group has a group located in VA that could help but just being a sponser I don't think I could really help. But here is the E-mail [email protected]. Siri Zwemke is the director. The other group I know of that takes in Persians and Siamese cats from the midwest is http://www.purebredcatrescue.org/ Kristen is the director. This is aweful. I don't know what else to do. I live in Wisconsin. There is a ton of people from that area here maybe if we all pull together something could be done. I wonder if she has made it clear to the neighborhood that she is no longer accepting animals??????? I bet not :mad:

WHOA! Hold on a minute. We do not know exactly how much she has or has not tried. :( And simply TELLING the public that you are not taking in animals does not stop people from dumping them.

Have YOU ever tried to get a no kill rescue to accept a new intake. They ALL say "NO, we are FULL!"

I feel badly for this person having to go against her original beliefs of no-kill.

WE now need to help her. WE can ask those rescues groups to help her. Multiple requests have a way of making waves (you know the saying, "the squeaky wheel gets the grease.")

So let's start an email campaign to get some help for this rescue!

[heidiv]

I completely understand what you are saying in a sense it just really bothers me to read her posts on her website says NOTHING about these cats being pts it just says THIS CAT WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE AFTER JAN. To the average person(Someone NOT in rescue) would never understand what that means. It upsets me an enourmous amount knowing animals are being pts sleep out of their control...... Maybe she should have really looked into the expenses it costs before jumping in. I see this way to often in my area yet the animals get blamed and KILLED because very LITTLE has been done until it is to LATE!! So a person has 100+ cats and its not till they are found in very poor conditions suffering and you hear local sheriff deputy's saying this is what happens if you don't allow euthanasia. No this is what happens when people don't get help until its to late. I actually called and e-mailed several times to a local shelter on a siamese that I personally tried to adopt and a month later the local athorities seized this place for HORDING. It frustrates me more than I display in this forum when I hear about these places. Sometimes no ALWAYS there are things people can do and they just don't take the time to do so.

[jenluckenbach]

Well, sitting around talking about it won't change anything. Of course it is horrible to kill animals, but woud it be better to help NONE or to help SOME?

I emailed the 2 organizations you wrote about above. I feel that if they hear about the situation, especially from more than 1 person, they will at least look into it.

Maybe they can pass it along to others who might help.

And we can pray.

[jenluckenbach]

We heard from this person. All the purebreds have found places to go. She is now working on the domestics. We may still get a few of these.

[kittycats_delight]

We heard from this person. All the purebreds have found places to go. She is now working on the domestics. We may still get a few of these.

Good Work you guys. With all you great people on the job working for these babies they seem to have a great chance. Good job on the purebreds. Now fingers crossed and lots of prayers coming for the domestics.


Please let them get a place too.

[jennielynn1970]

I emailed her back and told her I'd have no qualms with driving... you know me and road trips Jen L., lol. LOVE THEM!

Hope to hear back from her shortly!!!

[jenluckenbach]

HA! I emailed too. Said the cat Christie (or Buffy) would be perfect for me.

[Lizzie]

That's a great relief! Will she be able to continue caring for the special needs cats that she has? It would be easier on them if they can stay with her. I can't help wishing that those cats hadn't died and that something could have been done before it happened, even though I know that it happens every day in shelters all over the country.

Edited to add: Jen, you have chosen two very lovely cats, especially Buffy. I hope you get one of them.

[jennielynn1970]

HA! I emailed too. Said the cat Christie (or Buffy) would be perfect for me.

I emailed about a few of them as well, like the spunky looking little tuxie named Pierre, and some of the special needs kitties. Wonder if she found a place for Miracle, or that poor looking toothless old persian?? She reminded of that one from PetSmart that was Cat Shacks.... what did you call her... Grouch Face Grumble Guts, lol, or something to that extent. It was sooooo true!!! She was a very unhappy, toothless and old kitty.

[moosmom]

If you have a Maine Coon and can try to set up a transport, I have the perfect home for him/her here in CT. Please PM me.

I've emailed my friend who is the chairman of the Maine Coon Alliance Rescue Network with the link to the shelter. I'll let you know if they can help out. If worse comes to worse, I can always foster the special needs kitty.

[jennielynn1970]

From what she said, the purebreds have all found places to be taken to over the next week. It's just the domestics at this point. I emailed and asked about the special needs kitties too, not sure if they were included in the purebred category or not, even though they are purebreds, she had them listed separately on her other list.

[moosmom]

Jenn,

If you could find out for me, I'll be glad to help anyway I can. I'll be willing to foster a kitty in my measily 1 room apartment till I can find a furrever home for the kitty.

[doolittleky]

Does anyone know exactly whihc ones she has left to be adopted out? It might help to post their pictures here if you do. You know how people are once they see pictures of the babies, it becomes more personal to them and someone here just might see their next kitty? If it specifically said no dogs for Miracle i would be willing to take him but I don't know if she would adopt him to me or not. of course the other problem is I have no way of getting him to me.
melissa

[jenluckenbach]

This was the list in her email: not sure if they are all still available, and some might not be pictured.

Domestics
Buffy 2 year old buff tabby male

Delmar 2 year old buff tabby male

Christy 2 year old dilute calico female

Rosebud 6 month old black and white female

Peanut 6 month old grey tabby (Mom looked bengal but he does not look like one) male

Chloe 5 year old grey DSH (REALLY SWEET) female

Orphan 2 year old spotted buff tabby (blind in one eye) male

Sassy 3 year old black and white DSH female

Candy 2 year old vibrant calico female

Stormy 5 year old black DSH male

Miracle 3 year old buff and white Domestic Long Haired (only has two front
legs) male

[Lizzie]

The few cats with only front legs that I've seen featured on other forums have been incontinent because along with being born without legs, they were born with the lower part of their spine missing and also the nerves needed for bladder, and sometimes bowel, continence. The same goes when they lose their legs to an injury. Since nothing is said about this issue, I will assume that Miracle does have control.

Is Kate aiming to end up with no cats at all?

[jennielynn1970]

I'm not sure about no cats... she didn't really specify that. I think there were some special needs kitties that she was intending on keeping there or had other options for them. Not sure.

I've emailed her twice since this morning's reply, but haven't gotten an answer back. I'm not the most patient waiter, lol. I just worry what is happening, and about setting something up for transport, and who she has left.

[jennielynn1970]

This was the list in her email: not sure if they are all still available, and some might not be pictured.

Domestics
Buffy 2 year old buff tabby male

Delmar 2 year old buff tabby male

Christy 2 year old dilute calico female

Rosebud 6 month old black and white female

Peanut 6 month old grey tabby (Mom looked bengal but he does not look like one) male

Chloe 5 year old grey DSH (REALLY SWEET) female

Orphan 2 year old spotted buff tabby (blind in one eye) male

Sassy 3 year old black and white DSH female

Candy 2 year old vibrant calico female

Stormy 5 year old black DSH male

Miracle 3 year old buff and white Domestic Long Haired (only has two front
legs) male


Yeah, on the site, there are cats not listed here, and on the list there are cats that I don't remember seeing on the site. I wish she'd email back!!!

[doolittleky]

I emailed her asking about who was still available and asked about Miracle even though it says no dogs and only adopted to people in that area. Surely she would rather adopt him out to someone than euthanize him. I don't know though. I haven't heard from her yet. I hope she doens't put anymore to sleep. That is so sad.
Melissa

[jennielynn1970]

I know what you mean. I thought she would have gotten in touch with someone since this morning when I emailed her. She talks about being short on time,but when you don't respond to people who want to help, that's not exactly beneficial to your cause.

[doolittleky]

Have you tried calling her?
I don't have a phone so that is not an option for me.
Melissa

[jennielynn1970]

Just found this....

For the Love of Cats

P.O. Box 86
East Springfield, PA 16411
Phone: 814-622-1006


Maybe I can call from work tomorrow (bill it to them, lol)

[doolittleky]

Let me know what ya find out.
Melissa

[jennielynn1970]

Had her on the phone, she is trying to figure out who is going where. She's had a bunch of places step up, and former adopters as well say they'll take another cat. She's going to give me a call back after she figures out who needs a home yet, and then I'll let you guys know.

She said she has some that aren't even on the list. There's one that was just dropped off, she took in to spay tonight, and the vet called and told her that here the kitten was pregnant and having kittens right that moment. She said when she moved to her current residence, an old rooming/boarding house, there were 30+outdoor cats there already. She moved in with her 13 cats. She spayed and neutered the outdoor cats that could be trapped, and has been doing it since. There is no low fee spay/neuter up there she says, and there are no vets willing to give discounts. This is in Erie.

She has one cat, a smushy faced persian, who had been hung by it's neck in a tree at the park at the age of a few months, and now has very limited mobility in it's head. She said she's more than likely keeping the very elderly (she has a bunch over 15 yrs) not jsut cause they're elderly, but because they have been with her so long and doesn't want to traumatize them.

She was telling me how people just do whatever to drop their cats off. One person used a crow bar to pry open her screen door, and shoved a cat in between that and the regular door, and then smushed the door closed as much as he could. What the heck are people thinking??? She's originally from CA, and moved here to PA about 5yrs ago. Had a major major car accident (Tboned by a kid on a cell phone in his car, never used the brakes, slammed her into the median and the car was forced over the median and she was hit by more oncoming cars and the car was flipped and flipped). The doctors don't know if she'll ever fully recover, and she's had many surgeries. Right now she can't work, has no health insurance, and she hates to do this, as she did shelter work since 1989 in CA, but she's about to lose her house.

Anyway.... will let you guys know how many and who are available, and breeds etc... I told her I was more than willing to drive as well. She has had people contact her from Michigan, Ohion, New Jersey, and has had a lot of offers for help, which is a good thing!!

[doolittleky]

that is great! I hope she gets them all adopted out and doesn't have to euthanize anymore. Thanks for letting us know.
melissa

[Lizzie]

What a terrible story! I posted about the shelter on Best Friends in their urgent needs forum, and I also wrote to B.F. direct to see if they could support her shelter. Perhaps they can take the most disabled cats. Do you think it will be okay if I use what you have posted, Jenn, in my B.F. thread? It mights get even more people to step forward to help, and may inspire the organization itself to take on some of the burden. Have you used any other forums to post about the shelter?

[jennielynn1970]

What a terrible story! I posted about the shelter on Best Friends in their urgent needs forum, and I also wrote to B.F. direct to see if they could support her shelter. Perhaps they can take the most disabled cats. Do you think it will be okay if I use what you have posted, Jenn, in my B.F. thread? It mights get even more people to step forward to help, and may inspire the organization itself to take on some of the burden. Have you used any other forums to post about the shelter?


You may use whatever you need!

[Lizzie]

Jenn - I posted it in urgent needs and Pennsylvania animals in need. I don't know if you are a member of the Best Friends network, but if you are (or become one) it would help if you got into the topics and posted a response. This keeps the relevants forums and threads at the top of the list.

[jennielynn1970]

I'll try that tomorrow at school. i've been having computer issues and was trying to do a clean install of my mac (it's a mac book, and you can use mac or windows), but I hate windows and I want only my mac back! It's not letting me do it! :mad:

[jenluckenbach]

Kate's most recent emails state that all but 6 cats have been spoken for through other rescues. And Miracle has THREE applications on him!

[Lizzie]

That's wonderful news. What about the poor cat that was hung (I can hardly bear to think about it)? Do you think she will lose her home? If she stays, people are going to keep trying to post cats through her door!

[doolittleky]

I am so glad. I hope the other 6 find places to go too. I never heard back from her.
Melissa

[jennielynn1970]

I am so glad. I hope the other 6 find places to go too. I never heard back from her.
Melissa


That seems to be a habit I'm guessing. She was supposed to call me back as well as email, and she hasn't. I'm guessing she's also very busy as well as very stressed and overwhelmed. It's got to be hard to have to give up your babies.

[doolittleky]

have you ever gotten a recent update as to whether or not she placed all her cats?
Melissa

[jenluckenbach]

The last I heard was that she was fine and the cats, safe.

[jennielynn1970]

Yeah, she didn't really say much after the "I have 6 cats left" email. I'm guessing she found enough help. She wasn't very good at responding.

[Marigold2]

I personally cannot take in any more animals. However how about everyone sending her some funds? If we all chipped in and sent $2.00 each. I am sure that would help. It would amount to a great deal of monies. Monica

[jennielynn1970]

I think it's a moot point right now...

[bjm]

Everyone, I participated in a transport of 4 of her cats to Noah Cats, in Raynham, MA this past weekend and stayed there Friday night.

She is swamped. She is in chronic pain, which is exhausting. She has difficulty doing some tasks due to the injuries. She is facing further surgeries to correct them. The pain meds she is on make it hard to focus and keep track of things. Her washing machine is giving up the ghost, and the dryer is right behind it - if anybody is replacing an older one, she could use it.

The lack of funds and help have made it impossible to keep up on maintaining the environment in a clean, healthy way and maintaining the grooming of some of the long hair cats (a couple have some bad mats). It is a good thing I am not an animal control officer, a humane investigation officer, nor an adult protective services officer. It is very bad.

More than anything, if you can go there and volunteer any time to help clean, remove old litter, groom cats, etc., she needs the help desparately. One of the cats had been spraying and the walls need to be washed down throughout the upstairs and downstairs apartments.

She also needs donations of newspapers, litter, cleaning supplies, and _water purification tablets_. Yes, her well is contaminated and can't be used for drinking water, so she is using bottled water for herself and the cats.

BTW - I believe any euthanasia is done by a local vet, using IV injection - no gas, no heart stick.

BJM of Columbus, Ohio

[Lizzie]

I thought all the cats were out. How many does she still have, any idea? It's so easy to get swamped, especially when you are constantly pushed to accept other people's responsibilities with no help from the immediate community. I'm sorry that I'm clean across the country and can't help. I'll correspond again with someone on the Pennsylvania community in Best Friends, their rescue was helping - oops! I see you already posted on the old thread for that community.

[jennielynn1970]

That's what I thought!!! I thought all the cats, except a few, were taken care of.

Is she still euthanizing?? I haven't heard back from her at all. :eek:

Ugh! I wish I lived closer to Erie! :(

I feel badly for her, but I wish she'd correspond or call. I'd try to help in any way I could. I'll have to call her again tonight and see what's up.

[heidiv]

I wish I could help....... I really can't I live in Wisconsin......How did this happen?? I thought all of you worked so hard to help this situation. I am just so confused? If we wanted to send some money to help does anyone have any idea how to get it to her or even supplies???? That is the best thing I can do. I really don't want anymore animals killed. With her present condition and the condition of the home does anyone agree this may not be the best place for these animals????? Is there anyone that could help her out?? If she is in a bad way whos to say she isn't unnecessarily euthanizing these animals? For the sake of her and the animals maybe finding a shelter, foster homes ect. might be a better idea?? I don't think allowing her to continue this is going make anything better????

I don't want to sound heartless-- Its just the sad fact it would be best for her and the animals???

[jennielynn1970]

I emailed the one woman who helps run our shelter, and she said she had just talked to her this past thursday, and Kate told her everything was under control.

Apparently, it's not. Or maybe to her it's under control, but to an outside person viewing it, it isn't.

Right now, I'm not sure what to do. I'm waiting to hear from her or from the other woman from our rescue that was communicating with her.

[jennielynn1970]

The lack of funds and help have made it impossible to keep up on maintaining the environment in a clean, healthy way and maintaining the grooming of some of the long hair cats (a couple have some bad mats). It is a good thing I am not an animal control officer, a humane investigation officer, nor an adult protective services officer. It is very bad.

She also needs donations of newspapers, litter, cleaning supplies, and _water purification tablets_. Yes, her well is contaminated and can't be used for drinking water, so she is using bottled water for herself and the cats.

BTW - I believe any euthanasia is done by a local vet, using IV injection - no gas, no heart stick.

BJM of Columbus, Ohio

Couple of questions BJM, if you can answer them...

1. How did the well get contaminated??? She hadn't mentioned that before.

2. IS SHE STILL EUTHANIZING????

3. Did she state to you that everything was under control?? What did she say to you about what she still needs in terms of getting these kitties out?!

4. How many cats are left in the shelter/house??

I'm really concerned about this whole situation. I live about 7hrs away, minimum... I don't have the ability to help out on a daily or weekly basis by going there.

What is she doing to get help??

[heidiv]

What is she doing to get help??

I totally agree we have been told two different stories here???????? I really want to help, I really do.... but by the sounds of it I think the animals need to be removed permanently.If there is no water :eek: :eek: What is she giving to the animals to drink?????? The animals should be removed for sure!!! They are being mistreated....... No food no water?????

[jennielynn1970]

"Forgotten Cats and New Jersey Rescues the Felines is taking all of them
on Feb. 9 and 10. I will be posting a transport at that time. Thanks for
caring. Kate "

[heidiv]

Awesome Job!!!! :D Can I find these shelters on Pet Finder? I am going to look into donating to these shelters. Thank You so much for all of the info.

[bjm]

As far as numbers of animals, Kate told me she wanted to keep 9 of the older animals which are otherwise unadoptable. Jen_librarian posted that 6 are to be transported in February. I didn't really take the time to count, but 9 animals is still a lot to care for (I have 9 in my home). Even if the transport works out (I was supposed to take 6, and took 4 - 1 was sick and the health papers on 1 were misplaced), the place still needs a major scrub down. Plus, there are a slew of outdoor cats - ferals and dumpees - which she feeds, tries to get altered, and doesn't take in. If she loses the house, those will be left with no one.

She has a WELL, not city water. Wells require regular maintenance and monitoring to ensure they are safe to use. Although she has a chlorination system, it is not killing off all the bacteria. Therefore, she is using BOTTLED WATER for herself and the cats for drinking. No one is going thirsty. She can also boil the water for 10 minutes to make it safe to drink.

She has been able to keep the animals well fed; none of them are starving, many of them are actually a bit overweight (been there, done that - its hard to control the diets when you have multiple animals and only some need weight reduction!)

Because folks are starting to take her animals, I don't think she is euthanizing right now. She really doesn't want to do that. And she is very attached to the animals she has; it is very hard for her to let go. Just imaging if you had to give up your animals; it is so painful to lose them.

I e-mailed her after returning to Columbus, thanking her for letting me stay there overnight. I can't drive at night or I would've left to find a hotel, as I have asthma and the air quality was awful. Then I let her know that she is not keeping up on the care of the animals and that I would try to find some resources for her. She has not responded (yet), possibly because it is hard to hear that you are not doing OK. She may be so accustomed to the situation, she isn't aware of the problems.

If you want to ship something to her (too big for the PO Box), the address is 5056 Route 215, East Springfield, Pa 16411. Instructions should specify to leave boxes on the doorstep as she doesn't have a car at this time (hers was totaled in the accident). A bag of sensitive stomach cat food or a bag of clay litter (not clumping) would be very helpful.

BJM

[Lizzie]

Thank you for the update. I've been wondering and worrying about both Kate and her rescue. Do you think that someone from one of the rescues that is taking her cats will be allowed to work with her on giving her home a better environment? I mean, that Kate will be willing to take more advice and help? It seems that she wanted help to reduce the numbers but she's rather averse to more interference - does that sound right? Those of us who take on more cats than we really should need friends that are not "in the business" who will tell us when a home is not as well-kept as it should be. I have a friend who used to be a "nose" in the perfume industry and she can be a very harsh critic. Perhaps Kate does not have such a friend.

I'm concerned that with more space in the house, she will feel that she can now bring in the outside cats that she is taking care of at present. And, of course, it won't be long before more cats are dumped on her doorstep. Sigh!

[bjm]

She should receive them in 3-5 days.

1 bag sensitive stomach
1 bag kitten chow (the outdoor cats need the calories to stay warm)
1 bag Exquisicat litter
1 gallon Nature's miracle

BJM

[lovelabs]

Wow. A friend informed me about this site. First I want to say how touched I am by all of your concern for these Erie cats. And I enrolled in this forum because I wanted you to know that I helped organize getting 17 of these cats transported down to Delaware a few weeks ago to go to local rescue. Of those 17, 6 went to a cat rescue organization in New Jersey; Taffeta, St. Ives, Christy and Pilgrim were adopted out by rescue volunteers whom I know, and the remainder went to Delaware Humane Association. Some of the cats were longhair but a majority were shorthair. All of the cats were very affectionate, clean, healthy, current on shots, and obviously well cared for and loved. I have had numerous conversations with Kate in the last 3 weeks. She's a very caring person who fell on hard times. The timing was right for us, space wise, so we decided to jump in and help her out when we first heard about her plea. If any of you have been frustrated with not being able to get ahold of Kate, keep in mind that this has been a very stressful time for her, giving up the cats she has grown to love and become attached to. It was an especially emotional time for her when our volunteer arrived at Kate's house to pick up 17 of these cats a few weeks ago. We have made it a point to send her updates on the cats were have down here in Delaware, still awaiting adoption. We have committed to take any remaining cats she wants to release to us, and are actually arranging another transport to occur in a few weeks. If anyone wants to help, please focus your energies on helping Kate, not on sending donations down here to Delaware. It is true that vets in Erie do not cut rescues any breaks. She owes a lot of money to area veterinarians and to her own doctors to cover her medical expenses resulting from the accident, and household expenses.
Kate is keeping a few cats - mainly her pets that she brought down here when she moved from California, and a few older cats with special needs that would be too traumatized if moved to a new family.
We have established a good repore with Kate and hope to be able to keep in touch with her after this next transport to make sure the careless cat owners in Erie don't continue to overwhelm her with dumped cats. She's a really nice person with a huge heart for cats who didn't deserve to have this accident shatter her dreams and goals. Hopefully by joining together, we all can help her get back on her feet.

Charlotte

[Catty1]

What would be the best way to donate some funds for her?

Are the media aware of this story? Sometimes that can bring a lot of help for a person.

Bless you for helping and staying in touch with her!

{{{HUGS}}}

[lovelabs]

The organization's address is:

For the Love of Cats
P.O. Box 86
East Springfield, PA 16411
Phone: 814-622-1006

Checks should be made payable to "For the Love of Cats"

I'm sure donations of any of the supplies I believe I saw listed in a prior posting above would also be appreciated by Kate.

And to the person who mentioned having posted Kate's plea on the Best Friends forum, if you want, please feel free to post my reply and this address on the forum if you think it would help Kate.

Thanks
Charlotte

[bjm]

Has anyone heard if she has been able to outplace any more of the cats? Or any other updates?

Also, here is her Petfinder link:

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/PA398.html

BJM

[jennielynn1970]

I haven't heard anything on this end...

[bjm]

Lets hope the snow & ice in NW PA clears out enough that she can transport the remaining cats to be outplaced. With the extreme cold, she opened a door to a shed and put straw in it for the cats outside (ferals and dumpees).

For those of you in NW PA, if you can take some time on a weekend to go up there and give her a hand with the 1st floor unit, she'll appreciate it a lot. She hopes to fix it up enough she can rent it out and maybe catch up on some bills ... like her mortgage.

BJM