A few changes in the Ploss household...

[moosmom]

As some of you know, there's been alot of stress and junk going on at my house. Someone is peeing. Still don't know who, but I have to make some changes in order to keep peace and harmony amongst MY cats.

I took in Baby, a cat that belongs to a woman that is in a battered women's shelter. She is currently looking for a place to live, and lord only knows how long that's going to take. One of my managers at BB&B offered to take him to her farm house and keep him in a LARGE bedroom with lots of windows and privacy, until Paula can find a place to live. Although he is starting to fit in okay at my small apartment, and it's close enough for Paula to visit him, I have decided it's best that he go where he can have peace and quiet. Paula doesn't know yet. She's going to flip out because where Baby is going, is an hour away and it'll be more difficult for her to visit with him because she doesn't have a car. But I've gone out of my way to help this lady and I now have to think of what is best for me and MY cats.

I am also re-homing Ari. As much as I love him, I think (but not sure) that he's the one peeing. I spoke with a friend of mine (the one who asked me to originally foster him). She said that because my apartment is so small and I have 4 of my own cats, bringing in any other cats, even to foster, isn't a good thing afterall. She's putting Ari up on her website with my phone number. She said the adoption fee will be $75 which I should use towards fixing another feral cat. She also said that he'll get adopted very quickly, as two Cornish Rexes she put up (from the same seizure in New Haven) got placed within days of going up on the site.

So, that's the scoop. After tonight, my house will be back to somewhat normalcy.

I'm burned out. 10 years of rescuing, fostering, feral socializing, etc. has taken its toll. I am giving it up. My nerves are shot and I just can't take it anymore. It's for the best.

[Catty1]

Oh, Donna - you will be able to relax with your own furbabies again.

I know you were getting burned out, but I didn't realize how badly. And with the loss of Winkie, that doesn't help.

Hopefully you'll be able to save a bit of money when you are not doing this work, and maybe donate a bit here and there instead of fostering and rescuing. Only if you can afford it in the future; it will be a way to help.

And - you are giving your four babies a great home, and that is a big help to them!

{{{{hugs}}}}

[carole]

Donna that is no good to hear you are burned out my friend, I admire all you have done and you can leave that world behind knowing you did your best and gave it your all.

I only did it for short time with ellie and nikki and believe me i felt so stressed, i knew it just was not something i could do again, so i understand what you are saying completely and you have done so much more than i could ever imagine myself doing.

It sounds like you have made some good decisions for both you and the kitties, i hope all goes well and you can enjoy your new founded peace and harmony,HUGS dear lady.hey go and do something special for yourself, treat yourself, be it a facial,a shopping spree, meal out whatever you enjoy, YOU deserve it.

[moosmom]

I just returned from bringing Baby to BB&B so Johanna could take him home with her, along with a kitty tent, litterbox, food, dishes, the works. Of course I cried all the way up and all the way back, but deep in my heart I know I'm doing the right thing. When I signed on, MooShoo climbed up in my lap and is now sleeping and purring away as I type.

I think one of the reasons why this has affected me so much is because Baby is the spitting image of my RB Casey "Bubba Dude".

Baby will have a wonderful big room all to himself (compared to my telephone booth sized bathroom) with lots of windows and will be well cared for, as I have no doubt Johanna adores animals (she's into Greyhound rescue and has 6 of her own). She assured me that Baby and the dogs will not come in contact with each other. He's used to dogs as the last place he lived in had a Golden Retriever.

Catty1,

You're right. I think losing Winkie on top of all this really doesn't help. I still have yet to break his tank down.

I'm tired and all cried out, so I will say goodnight for now. Thanks everyone for your kindness and support. I couldn't have done it without you.



Donna

[Medusa]

Donna, burnout means it's time to walk away. I did cat rescue for just shy of 15 years and it took its toll on me, too. Plus I realized that, if I didn't stop, I'd never be able to afford my own home again and, after 10 years of renting after my divorce, I wanted my own place. It's hard on the nerves because we always want to go the extra mile but sometimes it just isn't possible. Take a rest, girl; you've earned it. Life will be bright again very soon. And you know you can call me.

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

Dear Donna, you have done more than enough for your fostercats in the past years!! You did it so well, and always in the best interest of the cats.
Don't feel bad because you feel burnt out...., we are all proud of you !!
Now go and pamper your own 4 cuties, and give them all a hug from me!!

[catmandu]

Sometimes Love Means Having To Make Tough Choices, Choices That Hurt, Byt Do Have To Be Made.
We Know That Having Ari Move Is One, But In The Long Run It Will Be Better For Ari To Be The Boss Cat, And Relieve The Crowding In Your Home

[sasvermont]

Donna, you have rescued soooo many furry friends, now it is time to rescue Donna. I know how tempting it is to try to help others in times of need. But as they say, charity begins at home. Everyone has their limits.

I am sure you are doing the right thing.

I am sure Baby will be fine. You have found him a good temporay home and who knows, maybe he will fit in so nicely that he might stay a long time.

Take care of Donna, Donna!

Sas

[lizbud]

Donna, I think you have gone" above & beyond" so many times to help
every animal where you see a need. Please don't get down on yourself over
this new arrangement. It will be for the best & I hope all the extra worry
becomes a thing of the pass. Relax & enjoy your babies. You deserve it.

[jennielynn1970]

Donna, you need your sanity, and you have to do what you have to do, in order to maintain that. You won't be much help to your guys if you end up in the hospital with a breakdown.

Rescue is stressful, and it's even more stressful when you have a ton of other things that are stressing you out as well. I know this all too well. Sometimes you just have to throw the towel in on certain things for a time in order to save yourself.

big hugs going out to you... you have the support of everyone here.

[moosmom]

Jenn,

I know I have all of you behind my decision and I am so very lucky to have you. Everyone here has been wonderful, supportive and I couldn't ask for any better friends.



Donna