Thursday, October 10, 2013

Last Friday a little 5½-week-old kitten was found and brought to Almost Home. The person that brought the kitten said he had been poisoned and the rest of his litter had died. This little one was very lethargic. In fact, he couldn't stand and laid flat with no movement. His eyes were shut. His temperature was only 90.5 and he weighed only 13 ounces. He should have weighed closer to 2 pounds. He was in big trouble. Tanessa started support care, first by trying to warm him up. One of our rescue center veterinarians, Dr. Lisa, was called and came to help determine what had happened to this tiny little guy. It took hours but then his temperature started to rise and he had some signs of movement. He was given fluids, antibiotics and eventually some kitten milk. We weren't sure he would make it through the night. I’m very happy to say that it has been 6 days now and he continues to get better. He is finally eating solid food on his own. His name is Sunny. We still aren't sure if he was poisoned or not but he is another life saved because of the support our rescue center receives from folks like you.

We have so many great supporters. Whether you come to help at the rescue/adoption center or foster, or help with events, or fundraisers, or enter data, or follow us on Facebook and the kitty webcam, or donate supplies, food, litter,or network, or donate monetarily, you are so very important to us.

Most of you that are involved with this organization know we are very particular when it comes to adopting out any of our kitties. Often we will get potential adopters that either want to declaw or let their kitties outside without supervision. Neither of these is in the cat’s best interest and is against our policies.  It is only after these folks are denied the adoption that they have something negative to say about Almost Home. In particular they try to discredit Tanessa or myself. I’m not writing about this to whine but instead I’m hoping this will help continue our mission of educating better animal guardianship.

Oh, I’m not saying it doesn't bother us. It hurts a lot to hear these negative comments. Especially since we know exactly what it took to take care of each and every kitty at Almost Home. Our kitties are here from the streets of Colorado or they are saved from death row at municipal shelters.  We wish these people who are complaining would follow us around for 1 week and foster 1 kitty that came in needing critical care. Watching what the kitties go through and watching what we go through to get our furry friends to an adoptable condition and keep them in this condition is a 24/7 job. I promise you those that really care would change their mind if they walked in our shoes. We want only the best for each and every kitty that depends solely on humans for their care. So we do have the right to deny. It does not matter how much money they have, how big their house is, how many animals they have had in the past that went outside (really? how many lived a long, healthy life?) or how many were declawed with no problems, (really? then let’s cut the human's toes off!). Our adoptions have never been based on how many we can adopt. Our adoptions are based on responsible guardians and loving homes. 

Also, when potential adopters are disappointed that they may have to wait for the adoption process, please understand we have lots of kitties to care for and the care of the kitties always comes first. We limit our adoption counselors to those that have exceptional knowledge of the kitties that are waiting to find a loving home. This definitely helps with the matchmaking. We also know if a kitty needs to go home with a friend. This is the main reason we have a high retention rate. Please be patient. This is potentially a 20-year commitment! We are serious about finding really good homes. Thanks for understanding.

Wyatt update!! After Wyatt’s eye surgery we thought it was best for him to go into foster care.  It was clear he was not adjusting to his surroundings at the rescue. We will try again after a few more weeks of recovery. Wyatt is eating, maintaining his weight and he is getting used to living with his slight disability. We are so proud of him. We love him with all of our hearts. I think he knows he is the “poster kitty" for kitties left in foreclosed homes.

Chris and Eric were able to move all the donated litter from storage to the rescue center and Chris was able to make room in his garage for a large portion that wouldn't fit at the rescue. Thanks guys!

Maggie and Shiloh have caught the cold crud that has been going around. They look like they feel pretty bad but they are getting medicated so they should feel much better real soon. We named the new adult Persian that came in Annie. She got her tangled hair shaved yesterday. It was just too mated to comb out. Tanessa put a nice sweater on her so she doesn't get cold. Surgery day this week went well. Altogether, 9 were spayed and neutered. Erica was able to make a couple copies of our spay/neuter books for us. Thanks Erica!  Cali, Valerie, Bristol, Lorenzo, Sheba, Pumpkin, are a few that went home this week. We're happy Tanessa is feeling better!! We received a message that our volunteer Marge has the flu. Get well soon Marge! The 2014 Almost Home Adoption kitten calendar is here and it is kitten cuteness overload! Get your copy at the rescue/adoption center for a donation of only $20. 

We have some very sad news; we lost an incredibly sweet kitten Monday to severe mega- esophagus.  Gemma may have been born with this horrible condition. It is very rare in cats and can be very painful. Without a doubt, Gemma received much love from her foster mom Candi. Tanessa and I were with her, continuing that love until the end. She is now free of pain and is busy chasing after butterflies :-). Bless this baby, and thank you to all that put forth extra effort to help Gemma.

“Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.”  -- Winnie the Pooh

Kindness to Critters Always,

Kathleen  

Sunny when he came to Almost Home :-(

Sunny today!