My Life Is a TOTAL Nightmare!

[QueenScoopalot]

ARGHHH! I don't even know where to begin, but things have become psychotic here. I've taken in two moms and kittens from a colony I've been chipping away at, both moms are likely adoptable. 1st mom has 4 six week olds, 2nd has 5 nine day olds. I set up a cage for each, and then things turned crazy. Another abandoned cat (with a collar and phone #) was called by the elderly woman who was feeding her and noticed she was very pregnant. Maureen calls the # on the tag and the *&##s says to her..."Oh we don't want her"! GRRR. So another person who does rescuing, Julia calls a total stranger who had wanted a kitten, and talks her into taking the pregnant cat. She delivered 2 days later four kittens. The kittens are about 3 days old now, and mom cat is no where to be found!Mom cat got out between last night, and this morning!! Talk about idiots!:mad: :mad: All the way around (Julia included)! So mom cat is loose in the same neighborhood that I spent 4th of July weekend trapping 3 kittens and their mom. I took the kittens home, and now this poor mom has 9 kittens on her!They are close in age, and she accepted them, but I'll be bottle feeding to help her out until either another surrogate can be found, or the mom by some miracle shows up (I doubt that). :rolleyes: It gets better..I get home to a call from an old friend who thru the grapevine heard of a colony of cats and kittens. Sooo I head over there, round up one mom and her only baby and throw them into my handy instant cat carrier aka laundry bag. I found another rescuer to take her and the one. Another mom had 5-2 week olds in the back of a pickup truck. I fed her and while she was eating I checked the kittens over and found 2 have no eyes! :( I couldn't risk her up and moving them so I trapped mom and picked the babies up. Poor Spencer(the dog) had to be evicted from his kennel in the kitchen as I'm totally out of space, and scrounging for more foster homes! I stopped by the vets office on my way home, and had a vet look at the 2 kittens w/eye problems and they recommended killing them. No way..not after seeing how well our special Magoo has done. And knowing that killing a kitten that size is not a nice death. :( I won't get into that, but I somehow found the room to squeeze in (I lost count) many more. Now there's the desperate need for foster homes that I have to find. :( I'm disgusted by this city. :mad:

[heinz57_79]

Good grief! :eek: Sounds like a mad house! I'm sorry things have gotten so crazy, but you're wonderful for taking in all the mums and babies! :) Hang in there, and duct tape your head on if you have to! ;)

[QueenScoopalot]

I think a "Bridge Party" is in order! I find some cinder blocks, and rope, and do the big plunge! I'll have company going down don't worry. ;) :eek: Plenty of us in the same boat....or party!

[Lacey]

Ack! Talk about crazy! I don't know how you do it! But it's such a good thing you do for these cats!

[sirrahbed]

Here ya go QSA http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/sprachlos/speechless-smiley-004.gif Here is a little stress reliever guy for you. Watch HIM for awhile. Then can you have a nice bubble bath and some tea or something?? Here, maybe a hug too? ((((((((Jan)))))))))

[AmberLee]

Yes, more {{{Jan-hugs}}}

[QueenScoopalot]

Originally posted by sirrahbed
Here ya go QSA http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/sprachlos/speechless-smiley-004.gif Here is a little stress reliever guy for you. Watch HIM for awhile. Then can you have a nice bubble bath and some tea or something?? Here, maybe a hug too? ((((((((Jan)))))))))
Hugs needed..no time for bubble baths :( I just want to cry with all the babies and moms coming in non-stop. :( The last batch are the saddest. Two are congenitally blind, but can I tell the vets kill them? NO! I know how kittens at two-three weeks old are killed, and I'd rather not see that happen. :confused: I have yet another duo to look into tomorrow. Abandoned mom, and her one, one eyed gorgeous (quoted by the feeder) kitten. I've stuffed all the foster homes and am searching for many more! :( :( :(

[rg_girlca]

Oh Jan, poor you. I admire you so much for the devotion you have for these cats, but i'm afraid you might have a "burn out". You seem to be taking on an overload. I'm worried about you that you will be pushed to your limit. You are in desperate need of a break.
Is there anyway that you can advertise for more foster homes needed in your area?
Please take care of yourself as I know all these precious babies will be taken care of by the best.


(((((HUGS)))))

[QueenScoopalot]

Originally posted by rg_girlca
Oh Jan, poor you. I admire you so much for the devotion you have for these cats, but i'm afraid you might have a "burn out". You seem to be taking on an overload. I'm worried about you that you will be pushed to your limit. You are in desperate need of a break.
Is there anyway that you can advertise for more foster homes needed in your area?
Please take care of yourself as I know all these precious babies will be taken care of by the best.


(((((HUGS)))))
Right about now..my limit has been pushed. :( But HOW can I not try all my contacts, and push them all as well? It seems this is worse than the springtime baby boom! Here comes the next tidal wave, and everyone has either adopted a kitten or cat by now, or has a cat & kittens! ARGHHH! I Just may end up with two more special needs babies to add to the pack. :rolleyes: :confused: Both totallay blind. :(

[kimlovescats]

HUGS Jan!!! :( :( :( If it helps, I will cry with you! :( :(

Hang in there friend... you can only do so much ..... don't forget to take care of YOU too!;)

Kim

[jazzcat]

Wow Jan, I don't see how you do it. All I can offer is my support over the internet, some cyber {{hugs}} and prayers.

Hang in there!

[lizzielou742]

QSA here's some more stress relievers (great idea sirrahbed! lol)

http://www.my-smileys.de/smileys1/23_2.gif http://www.my-smileys.de/smileys1/paddel_3.gif http://www.my-smileys.de/smileys1/Alkoholiker.gif http://www.my-smileys.de/smileys1/aua.gif http://www.my-smileys.de/smileys1/gaga.gif

And finally, here's a group hug from PT for all that you do!!
http://www.my-smileys.de/smileys1/grouphugs.gif

[catcrazylady]

Good Grief Jan!!! Girl you have got to take a breather or you are truly going to lose your sanity!!! I know there are so many in need but the sad fact is that isn't going to change or ever stop. If you don't take care of you then there will be no super rescuer to help the many more to come.
I can't imagine how sad it must be to have those blind babies but from what I have learned the fact that they are born blind will make it much easier on them. They will never know what they don't have and should be great pets. (thanks Magoo for that wonderful lesson) I'm sure it will be hard to place them but then again you never know!
The frustration with stupid people and the never ending flow of those in need is enough to overwhelm the strongest. I don't know how you do it all the time! I'm furious everytime I leave the shelter just with what little I see.
Please Jan take a small break so you don't totally burn out or go completely nuts. It really will benefit the many cats in the future. You can't save them all no matter how hard you try. If those kitties lose you then I can't imagine what it would be like.

TAKE CARE OF YOU FIRST OR YOU CAN'T TAKE CARE OF ANYBODY ELSE!!!

{{{{{HUGS to YOU}}}}}

[sirrahbed]

http://www.my-smileys.de/smileys1/grouphugs.gifhttp://www.my-smileys.de/smileys1/grouphugs.gifhttp://www.my-smileys.de/smileys1/grouphugs.gif

[Tonya]

Oh, my, Jan. You sure do have your hands full. You are such a wonderful person for doing all of this. I wish that I lived close enough to help you. I hope that everything works out for you and the cats.

[catmandu]

We are praying for those Poor Little Kittens,and Pray that they can find the Special Furr Ever Homes,that they will need. You,sadly are like the parents that used to pick up things,for these Idiots,now they dont have anyone else,to clean up thier messes!Bless You,for Caring!

[DJFyrewolf36]

Originally posted by sirrahbed
http://www.my-smileys.de/smileys1/grouphugs.gifhttp://www.my-smileys.de/smileys1/grouphugs.gifhttp://www.my-smileys.de/smileys1/grouphugs.gif

*Hugs* to you! You are doing such a wonderful job but like everyone says, don't burn yourself out!

[QueenScoopalot]

Originally posted by lizzielou742
QSA here's some more stress relievers (great idea sirrahbed! lol)

http://www.my-smileys.de/smileys1/23_2.gif http://www.my-smileys.de/smileys1/paddel_3.gif http://www.my-smileys.de/smileys1/Alkoholiker.gif http://www.my-smileys.de/smileys1/aua.gif http://www.my-smileys.de/smileys1/gaga.gif

And finally, here's a group hug from PT for all that you do!!
http://www.my-smileys.de/smileys1/grouphugs.gif
That sums it all up very well! LOL at all the little images. :D And thanks for the much needed hugs everyone!

[K & L]

http://www.anapsid.org/societies/burnout.html

[Randi]

Jan, I totally agree with what CCL said! You do need a break, or you won't be able to continue for long. I admire you immensely for helping all these kitties, you really go to the limit. Here's some more hugs to you! :)

                        http://www.my-smileys.de/smileys1/grouphugs.gif

[nibblets]

High praises for the wonderful work you do. You are a far better person than I. I agree though, you need to put a cap on it for right now and concentrate on the ones you already have rescued or you will get way overwhelmed and burnout.
Sending good thoughts....
I know you don't know me...but {{{{{{Jan and Kitties}}}}}}

- Debi

[QueenScoopalot]

I'm working hard on thinning out the many moms and kittens. I have a few leaving hopefully tomorrow, and calls are being put out for more foster people to help lighten the load here. I have a few litters that are old enough to go off for adoption, but not to the shelter that usually takes them, (I packed that shelter already). A fellow rescuer is driving a few litters to a place she's been taking them to for years now. I've heard wonderful things about this place in that they alter all animals before adopting them, and are really tough screeners for adoptive homes. But right now until things thin out here, no more in no matter what the circumstances.

[Karen]

What city are you in?

[QueenScoopalot]

I'm on the North Shore Karen. Lynn Lynn city of sin....:rolleyes:

[Catsnclay]

Originally posted by K & L
http://www.anapsid.org/societies/burnout.html


Sounds like you are going through burnout. This looks like a helpful site Lisa has given to you.

You need to get away from all of this, even if its just for a few days, otherwise you will not be doing anyone any help! Kittens are always going to be born, you have got to realize that you will not be able to help each and every one of them. You are doing the best you can, and believe me, everyone appreciates it.....even all the kittens & cats you have come across.

Take some well needed rest!

[K & L]

Yes, you need to take a break! The last thing a "rescuer" wants to do is have too many to give the proper care they deserve. It's heartbreaking to say "no", but sometimes that's what needs to be done. Burn-out is not good, so take a breather before it happens to you!

[QueenScoopalot]

Don't worry...I won't burn out, and know that I can't and never will be able to save the world. I left the third litter out there from the colony I got the two moms and kittens from yesterday. Someone else is either going to have to deal with them, or not. Another group has been alerted to the situation and hopefully they'll step in and deal with the rest. I did my part there and can't do any more now. Full house to take care of and try to shuttle out over the next week so it's more managable. I know my limitations and have only a set number of cages I set up, and when they're full, that's it. ;) I may fizzle sometimes, but can't burn out yet! :D

[lizzielou742]

I bet you can't wait until kitten season (AKA summer) is over!

[leslie flenner]

Karen- as you are somewhat familiar with our area- the Animal Rescue League closed their Salem branch last spring (03). They promised that they would continue to help the north shore. They said north shore shelters had promised to help. Well, we asked those shelters- (I'm in Ipswich and asked)- they laughed and said they never got any such phone call, letter, or message. Since they have said they would come up to help, it has just been one problem after another. Jan told me a story from about 3 weeks ago where a cat had been hit by a car and was lying between two fences of his own yard in the pouring rain and obviously needed help (jan, correct me if i get this wrong- but the facts remain- no help). A friend called ARL, they said, not our area, call the dog officer. He said, I don't do cats, call ARL. The cat died. The owner came home, found her cat dead and was furious. There is noone helping on the north shore at all. We are letting Toms go unnuetered, females go unspayed, I can't tell you how many females I see that I know have litters (in rotten neighborhoods) that I DON'T tell Jan about because what's the point? Whose gonna pay for the deworming and vaccines and etc? ARL used to help us with home placements fast- but without that- it's too costly to foster anymore! Besides, Jan knows about these areas and purposely avoids them because she has enough in her own town! I see them because I work in those areas- I put down food and turn the other way.... It's heartbreaking but hopeless.

[leslie flenner]

starts again soon! Mating begins in the fall!

[trayi52]

Its true, Jan, you can't save the world. I guess all you can do is just work on it one at a time! I know you have so much to do. But sometimes you have to slow up, and have some rest and relaxation. If that means turning your phone off, then do so!

I am here for you anytime you need me and you KNOW that!

(((((HUGZ))))))) to you, special friend and person!

Willie:)

[QueenScoopalot]

Just about everyone on the North Shore is furious for the Animal Rescue Leagues promise of help, and they just can't be bothered with this area. My local animal hospital has even given up after numerous calls to them go unanswered. They have resorted to calling MSPCA who sends someone out from some far flung area, but at least they show up! And Leslie, you were right about the cat hit by the car. There were calls made to both ARL and the ACO but everyone shuttled the chore to the other, and the cat lay dying in pouring rain for hours. :mad: :mad: :mad: If I had heard about the incident, I would have ripped the darn fence down to get the cat! Well at least I have some leaving the Inn today...:)

[leslie flenner]

I wish the owner would sue the Animal Rescue League who "promised" to help on the North Shore- they can't get off their butts to leave Boston? Such idiots. I'm in a mood- can ya tell? And what gives animal control the right to say "I don't do cats"? Is it not in the job description? It's a public job, i'd like to know how to get a hold of his job description so next time he pulls that line- we all know to say- YES YOU DO (OR WE'LL GET YOU FIRED) Or is he right? What kind of animal control is that?!

[QueenScoopalot]

He calls himself the "dog officer" now...I'm the animal control (unpaid of course). Self appointed, and appointed by the Dog Officer as well! :mad: :mad: :mad:

[leslie flenner]

You need to be paid! my dear! and you know that! Do not get run over by the city! He makes little money i am sure. and I guess there is no money for anyone else- but if you are going to do this UNPAID- the least he could do is strike up a freindship with the boston ARL (I'll say nothing here- he should have done that a long time ago), ALL the area shelters, and start creating foster homes - even if it means his wife does the scouting for him! You know what i mean?

[QueenScoopalot]

I don't see it happening at all Leslie! Recall the mom "Marigold" and her kittens that went to Larry's? Good old Kevin was in on that, and I did say I should be paid to him! Or at least be able to get free gas by the DPW like ACOs and police do! I am however going to talk him out of his rabies pole somehow...I'll bet he uses it once a year. Budget cuts all around, thank you to the new mayor who feels that cast iron lighting reminiscent of old days is needed on the streets, while countless others are put out of their jobs. :mad: Anyway...my life is slightly less of a nightmare as of today. I thinned out by five which makes a big difference! ;)

[carla and mike]

Sorry I havn't been on Pettalk lately.
Boy I missed a lot.Poor Jan.Well Jan
I printed all of these pages out.18.LOL
And putting it next to Mike's side of the bed
tonight.Maybe he'll give in and take 1 or 2.

[QueenScoopalot]

Originally posted by carla and mike
Sorry I havn't been on Pettalk lately.
Boy I missed a lot.Poor Jan.Well Jan
I printed all of these pages out.18.LOL
And putting it next to Mike's side of the bed
tonight.Maybe he'll give in and take 1 or 2.
18 PAGES Carla?? Yikes! Maybe I really should get a good picture of "Wolly Winky" the one eyed wonder, and the two teeny babies with no eyes....you can print them up so he can see just how precious yesterdays wool ball looks! :D