Feeble rescue attempt

[moosmom]

Lizbud,

Yup, they're all together. And yes the hissing babe IS a male. But I think they're finally getting the idea that people aren't so bad after all. I also think their easy socializing is due to the fact that they were in back of a post office and were exposed to the postal workers who fed them. Alot of the employees are inquiring about them so I know they will get good homes.

Thanks for the compliment, Liz.

[moosmom]

The boys are doing great! I've got them all purring, Grumpy Dave being the first. They love playing with the toys I bought them and have really made great progress in less than a week!

Thinking about ya, Lizbud.

[moosmom]

Yes, but they would've charged an outrageous amount of money, being an emergency clinic. I am trapping these cats on my own with no monetary help from anyone. I am also feeding the babies with no help from anyone.

I still have 2 cats left to trap, the mama and daddy of the babies I trapped. And I'm under time constraints with mama because I guarantee she's pregnant again and the gestation is only 62-65 days.

I have NEVER seen such an overwhelming kitten season in my entire life.

Update on the boys: Grumpy Dave is still purring away, only he lays in my lap on the floor and sleeps (briefly, but hey, that's progress). I'm going to try the same thing with the other two boys now and see how they handle it.

It starts by putting one foot in front of the other. Baby steps, yeah, that's it!!

[moosmom]

Good news!

Grumpy Dave may have a home with someone's grandmother!!! He deserves it. I did tell the woman that her mom needs to be patient with him, which I'm sure will happen. I'll let you know how it goes.

The other two guys are amazing! Ozzie just lays in my lap and purrs away. Deke is also just as mellow. I know I'll have no trouble finding homes for them.

[Q.T.]

How cute how old do you think they are?

[moosmom]

They're about 12 weeks old according to the vet. I'm slowly falling in love with Ozzie, the little black one. He's so shy but purrs like a diesel engine. My heart melts everytime I look into his beautiful brown eyes.

[wayne0214]

Moosmom, the more I read your posts about the feline escapades, the more I would like to become involved in feral rescue. But, of course, I'll have to get moved first, and I am not sure there is anyone who is also doing the same kind of service in my new home town. I'll have to see the local vet and inquire.

[moosmom]

ANOTHER UPDATE ON THE THREE STOOGES

All three of them, Ozzie, Grumpy Dave and Deke, were neutered yesterday. They also have all their shots.

Ozzie has a home and will be going there on Monday. I've become VERY attached to him. But I know it's for the best.

Grumpy Dave is going to a woman who has 2 other feral kitties. They have the greatest life!! They're outdoor (which is exactly what Dave deserves) and at night, they live in heated kittie houses (during the winter months). Dave needs to be outside as he seems to be miserable inside. I've tried everything and have determined that he'll be much happier there.

Deke is still up for grabs. Once the other two leave, I'll be able to spend one-on-one with him to help him lose his shyness. He's a beautiful boy who is a purring machine. And he can go to Michigan with me!!

[sasvermont]

Gosh, you have done such a terrific job at saving these little guys from horror. Bless you!

[moosmom]

Thanks SAS.

I still have the two boys, Grumpy Dave and Deke. Grumpy Dave is still as grumpy as ever. Although last night when I was holding and talking to Deke, Dave was standing up in the cage meowing at me like he wanted his turn, which is a breakthrough!!! I'm hesitant to let him go because part of me is convinced there's a pretty cool cat behind all that hissing and growling. I want to spend a little more time with him to see if he'll come around.

[moosmom]

Grumpy Dave went to his home in the country yesterday. I truly believe that deep down he will always be wild and will be much happier with other ferals.

My only concern is that the woman who has taken him in and is very knowledgeable on ferals, told me that once he's been there for a while and has gotten used to his surroundings, he will be able to go out and hang around with the other two ferals. She said "I hope he has enough sense to follow Bear's lead (the Alpha feral in the group) and stay close to the yard." That made bells go off in my head. The last thing I want to do is send this poor little guy to his demise with coyotes and other wildlife (the woman lives out in the country set back from a busy main road).

Deke on the other hand is doing great! I let him out of the cage in the back bedroom, but left the cage door open. He uses it as his "safe zone". He LOVES sitting on the windowsill watching the birds and running crazy with the HUNDREDS of toys he's got to play with. Looks like he's coming with me to Michigan. I love him alot and hope he and my other cats will get along.

So, any advice anyone can give me about Grumpy Dave's situation?? I'd appreciate it.

[lizbud]

Moosmom,

Hi. I don't really believe that some cats can only be "happy"
in the wild outdoors. Some are definately more fearful and
slower to trust us than others.(their Momma taught them well)
It takes a combination of enough space, time to devote to
getting them to trust, etc. as you well know. How is the woman
going to introduce Dave to the outside kitties? I agree that
keeping him inside while he adjusts to the new place is a good
idea, but when he's then released to go outside, how will he
know or trust the outside cats? Do you know what I mean?
I tend to be way overprotective of the young ones anyway, so
maybe he'll do just fine out in the woods. Liz.

[Bari_d]

Donna, I was just reading over the last month of your hard work with these babies...what a wonderful, absolutely remarkable person you are!!! I am so impressed. This is really difficult work, and you've done a miracle! I can only imagine the other stories you have to tell.

It is a pleasure to see you "in action." I am most impressed. These babies are so very, very fortunate to have had you as their angel.

God bless you, Donna!!!! And much furry paw applause from here!

Bari et al

[moosmom]

Bari,

I've been on the internet and phone almost the whole day trying to find someone to foster these two boys. So far I've come up empty handed. Freddy and Puddy deserve a home, not a shelter. I will keep at it until I can find someone to take them. I know it's difficult when I'm in Connecticut and they are in Ohio, but I will be in Michigan at the end of the month for good (If you haven't read, I'm moving to Detroit), which might make it easier.

Thank you for the compliment! Two of the three boys have homes. Actually, they all do. Deke is staying with me. (Yes, I guess I do have SUCKER written on my forehead) He's made himself right at home too. My cats don't have a problem with him so it looks like I now have 7 cats instead of 6. That's not the worse thing to happen to me.

I'll keep you posted on how I make out.

[moosmom]

Lizbud,

I'm the same way with the babies that I socialize. I am VERY overprotective. I am a little concerned about Dave. But I know the woman who has taken him in. She has assured me that she will continue to work with him to see if he can trust again. He's a tough cookie though, and his mama sure did teach him well. My biggest fear, as you mentioned, is once he gets used to his surroundings and is let outside, will he know enough to stay with the others and come in when he's supposed to.

I had a situation a while back where I socialized 3 feral kitties for well over 3 months. I, like a jerk, adopted one out to a scumbag security guard where I worked. (I should learn to listen to my instincts). He ASSURED me that this baby was for his son and his son adored the cat. I kept telling him I wanted to see the cat, NOT a picture of him, but to see the cat physically. He himmed and hawed and said that he gave him to his neighbor who moved to NY. He told me he would have her call me and send a picture. I told him flat out I didn't trust him and wanted the cat back. He refused. I was heartbroken!

I still think about the kitten and try not to beat myself up over it. I assure myself that he IS in NY and IS okay. If I don't, I'll cry. But that's why I am much more cautious. I trust no one anymore. These are MY babies that I worked hard to gain their trust. I am very strict on who I let adopt them.
And if I come off being a bitch to the perspective adoptees, tough!!