FIV + on death row in RI

[Lizzie]

Here is an offer.

I've decided to take Thumper and Pete back to the no-kill shelter (that has a big FIV+ area) from where I adopted them nearly a year ago. Thumper sprays constantly and has created a space which is uncomfortable for everyone. He's also had allergies since he got here that he showed no signs of at the shelter. He was actually happy at the shelter, not at all depressed, I remember seeing him zoom around the room. And he's a real favorite there who loves attention from anyone, and any cat. As you can imagine, my decision is a very hard one and has taken months of hard thinking. My heart feels heavy in my chest just thinking about it because it's highly unlikely that Thumper will ever be adopted again. Pete is downstairs with Thumper because he chases Raven mercilessly if he's upstairs. I need to be able to let the cats go up and down at will so they all get equal attention and I can't do that with Pete in the house. I feel sure that Pete will be adopted since this shelter has a very high FIV+ adoption rate, and he's a sweet lug of a cat.

I cannot afford to have Talvert shipped out to me, I am tapped out from caring for Dude - whose stomatitis came raging back, and I am in dire need of some expensive dental work which I've put off for years as vet bill followed vet bill. If some organization or people can put together the funds to ship him out to me, and he will need both a rabies shot with certificate (WA state regulation) and a certificate of health, then I will take him. I have a feeling that he will fit right in with my crew.

[jennielynn1970]

What if we can organize a transport? I'd drive him part of the way for you. I LOVE road trips, LOL.

[Lizzie]

What if we can organize a transport? I'd drive him part of the way for you. I LOVE road trips, LOL.

I live in Washington state, the other side of the country. Even though the weather is getting more pleasant, making a long drive more enjoyable, I think a cargo ticket will work better. Thanks for the offer, though.

[Catty1]

Is there an FIV rescue anywhere????

[Catty1]

I found Tabby's Place in NJ that has a special suite for FIV+ cats.

They are taking NO more public inquiries, so I sent the link to the email address below Talvert's posting.

I HOPE they contact these people - they may know of another place!

PT PRayers, please!

[jennielynn1970]

I found Tabby's Place in NJ that has a special suite for FIV+ cats.

They are taking NO more public inquiries, so I sent the link to the email address below Talvert's posting.

I HOPE they contact these people - they may know of another place!

PT PRayers, please!

It's unfortunate, but I don't think they are TRYING to do anything.

[Lizzie]

I'm completely confused, frustrated and distressed. First they indicated that his need was extremely urgent, then they said he had at least another week, perhaps two at the shelter. When I called, Debbie was very enthusiastic about Talbert coming to Seattle, spending ages on the phone with me talking about her sister in Seattle, contacting her mom, etc., and then I leave repeated messages for her with no response. Well, good luck to them and to Talbert because it looks like I'm completely out of the loop.

Just as well, as it turns out, because when I took Thumper in for a urine check today, they found crystals. We (both the vet and myself) feel sure that is not the sole or primary cause of Thumper's extensive spraying but I do need to keep him at least until his urine is clear so he can stay on his special diet. Pete is his big friend, so I can't take in one without the other. I was so looking foward to being able to walk into the bathroom/laundryroom and bedrooms downstairs without having to step widely over sheets of plastic covered in pee.

[Lizzie]

I believe this message was posted to the Yahoo groups, which would include all the special needs places, so that avenue has probably been tried. The FIV places, like the FeLV places, are usually full and with long waiting lists. Even though the shelter that I've adopted from has an unusually high rate of FIV adoptions, they have a waiting list of cats from all over the country.

I really hope the rescue group that must be posted about him can find a place for him in his area, that would be best for everyone. If the shelter keeps getting calls of interest, they may continue to extend his time which gives everyone more time to find him a place.

[Catty1]

Yes, I HOPE we can buy some time.

Never mind FIV+ - he is just a GORGEOUS boy!

[Lizzie]

Sandie (Freedom) and I have been in correspondence, trying to work something out. We are waiting, and hoping, to hear back from Jenn soon so that our plans can move forward another step. We are going to need to ask for PT help with funding. I asked a rescuer if she could help because I know she has a good contact who is a retired flight attendant and can sometimes get a rescue cat flown in the cabin, but haven't heard back yet. Anyway, we are trying.

[Lizzie]

I just talked to Debbie, the adoption coordinator, and she told me that because Talbert (and it is Talbert, not Talvert) is such a lovely cat he will be able to stay at the shelter at least through this week and perhaps next week. Also, her sister lives in Seattle so she is going to talk to her mother tonight to see when her mom is next flying here for a visit. She also said that the rescue may well be able to cover the cost of health certificate and vaccinations.

She also told me that Talbert had simply been left in the city shelter's parking lot, not even handed over.

[Freedom]

Yay Lizzie! I have sent emails and left phone messages, but have not spoken to her yet. The shelter is open MWF noon to 4 or some such. I just spoke to a volunteer who took my info and will have Debbie call me back. So I can now tell her I am part of your "team."

[Catty1]

YAAY! I had a feeling it was his charm and loveliness that bought him all this time!

YAY TALBERT!

(There was a "V" typo on the posting, so I thought that was the correct one! DUH)