Update

[Medusa]

Hi Friends,
First of all, I've been having trouble logging on each time I visit this site. It keeps telling me that I'm unregistered and I have to go through the entire process over again each time. Aaaaargh! I didn't have my computer up until day before yesterday but this is the first chance I've had to log on. Anyhow...

I'm moved in, not quite unpacked yet because I've been working day and night to find homes for the rest of the feral cats and kittens that I've been feeding and sheltering. I'm not even sure what I posted last so here goes: One man took 3 kittens: the two older ones, Fraidy and Star Kitty and one from the younger litter, Tigger, who we have discovered is deaf like my little one, Creamsicle. But she couldn't have gone to a better home. He adores her and spoils her rotten, along w/Fraidy and Star.

Another of the younger litter, Smudge, went to a new home, again to a man who is very conscientious and really wanted him. I took one of the kittens myself, Coco, a Siamese. I know cats are curious but this li'l guy is unbelievable. He's into everything and when unpacking, I have to be careful that he isn't in w/the stuff I'm throwing out!

Fraidy and Star's brother, Chessie, found a home w/my catsitter and she says he's as happy as can be. But I knew he would be. She takes good care of my cats when I travel and Chessie is a very friendly boy.

Bailey went w/his dad, Tom, to a local farm where they're fitting in w/the other barn cats. I really hesitated to place them there but I ran out of options. The moms of the second litter, Possum and Kaboodle, went to a woman who is a vet asst. where I take my cats. She and her husband feed and shelter 15 feral cats, now 18 counting my 2 and one that her son brought home, in an outbuilding next to their home. She's keeping Possum and Kaboodle indoors for the time being because the weather has been so brutal and she's going to wait until the weather breaks. She tells me that they're doing great, giving her leg hugs, etc. I'm so impressed w/the work that this woman is doing that I've donated money to her and I will continue to do so each month. And I gave her two of the shelters that I used and I'm also giving her a cat condo. I'd just as soon lend my support to someone that I know is committed and is doing the job.

And sadly, the brothers of li'l Sox, Whispers and Mooka, passed away. Whispers had been neutered and had a growth removed from inside his mouth and was going to go w/the vet asst. but he passed away after surgery. My vet even did CPR on him to no avail. And Mooka, who I thought had one brown eye and one blue eye, turned out to be really sick. The blue eye was ulcerated but I couldn't tell from just looking at him. It took an exam to find out. He also had a severe upper respiratory infection and his teeth were falling out faster than they should have for a kitten. So he had to be put to sleep.

It's been a tough couple of months, I can tell ya. I've cried so many tears over these cats. I didn't know I had that many tears in me. But they're all at peace now, in one way or another. I wish I was.

Blessings,
M

[moosmom]

Medusa,

You are such a wonderful, caring person to make sure all of the ferals got homes. Kudos to you!!!!

[kimlovescats]

WONDERFUL job, and I commend you for your hard work and efforts! (((BIG HUGS))) for your losses, but try to realize how much good you have done ... it far outweighs the few losses!

God Bless!
Kim

[Lillycat]

i appreciated the update......i had been wondering especially about star and fraidy cat......i didnt realize you had so many. what a wonderful job you did w/all you had to do!!!

[Medusa]

Thanx, everybody, for the support and kind words. I've agonized over the decisions I've had to make and I've lost a lot of sleep. As many of you know, Ohio winters can be brutal and this year has been no exception so far. I don't allow myself to worry about things I can't change but if there's an animal I CAN help, I have to do it.

All 8 of my indoor cats are feral, too, as well as physically challenged in one way or another (deaf, partially blind, a withered leg, hit by a car, tortured by kids, etc.) It's taken a lot of time, work and patience w/them but it's been well worth it. I've taken these babies because you don't have to be perfect to live in my house. (Thank goodness or I'd be in real trouble! LOL)

I used to believe that cute, adorable little kittens would easily find homes. Not so. I have encountered such apathy. I don't pressure anyone to take cats/kittens, esp. those who already have several. But I do feel that I owe these babies at least as much to ask, not pressure, just ask if someone can find room in their home and heart. I had to keep reminding myself that people are stressed and that, if they turn me down, it's for the best because the cats would probably end up back outdoors anyhow, fending for themselves all over again after having experienced a warm home. I've struggled over which is worse: leaving them outdoors and taking care of them as best I can. Or allowing them to experience a home, the human touch, if only briefly.

Didn't mean to go on a rant here. Just wanted to say 'thank you' for your help, suggestions, encouragement and support. Most importantly, the kitties thank you.

Blessings,
M