I received an urgent phone message yesterday from a friend named Joyce. As I listened to the message I realized time was of the essence. Joyce put me in touch with her niece, Robin, who was directly involved with this story. Please read the following heartwarming story and be amazed by the kindness of people.
An elderly woman passed away very recently. She had quite a few cats and now they were left without their owner. Robin’s friend, Linda, knew of the cats and she took seven of them. Linda has found homes for all of those cats- that’s amazing! Unfortunately eight more lives needed to be saved.
By this time the plot thickened. The elderly woman’s brother who lives out of town made it clear by phone that he was going to release all eight indoor cats when he arrived at her house. (I don’t feel comfortable discussing the man’s reasons for doing such a thing.) He was expected last evening. Meanwhile Robin had also called the Animal Rescue League to get these cats because she didn’t know what to do. She was told if the cats were still at the house today, the league would be picking them up. And sadly, the reality of those cats going to any animal shelter means most would not be finding homes. And Robin knew this. So you can see trying to save these eight cats’ lives was extremely urgent.
By this time I’m sure some of you are thinking this woman was a hoarder to have so many cats. Not in this case. All of the cats were well taken care of, and all are spayed or neutered, have current vaccinations, well-socialized and very much loved.
Ok, this is where I step into the picture. I talked with Joyce and knew immediatley the pressure was on to save these lives. It was a race against time. As I talked with Robin, it was so apparent how desperately she wanted to find homes for the eight cats. During subsequent conversations with Robin, I could tell how this situation touched her soul. I know that feeling and understood her determination and I, too, wanted to help.
I told her I would make some contacts and so I did. I contacted One by One Cat Rescue. I already knew they were completely filled up. But, I thought they may know someone else who could help. I told them the story and asked them if they could please steer me in the right direction I would greatly appreciate it. I received a message telling me they were in fact full but maybe there’s a way to save them.
Meanwhile no one knew if the cats had been released. Even if we could save them, were they put outside in the cold weather already ? I was on the phone and the computer with so many people about these eight cats. As I was on the phone with Joyce last night, I received an email from Deb of 1by1 who said they were in fact working on it and things were looking up. I couldn’t believe it! They were working on it. I was so excited!
How could 1by1 manage this? After that I heard nothing until I got up at 5:30 this morning. Remember the ARL was going to get them today if the cats had no place to go. Meanwhile, Deb had written me and said they were going to take them- yeah – but there was one problem-not enough foster homes. She also asked me if I could keep one for a day or two until a foster home could be found. There’s only one problem with that. I’m allergic to cats. I have asthma and was told several years ago to get rid of all my dogs and to stay away from dogs and cats in general- yeah, right!! But cats were an extreme problem for me. Years ago I couldn’t even get one piece of cat hair on me without having an asthma attack. I’ve ended up in the ER quite a few times with severe asthma attacks and don’t care to go through those horrible ordeals again. My reactions to cats are not as severe but it would not make an ideal situation to have a cat in my home.
But I didn’t have to worry. I found out after speaking with Robin this morning that something miraculous happened. One by One had worked everything out since last night and all had foster homes!! All eight cats will be picked up today and have a warm place to stay. They are safe. The brother didn’t release them and the ARL didn’t have the added burden of making tough decisions on the fate of these cats. It worked out and I am so grateful.
In the end I have to thank so many people. To Linda, Robin and Joyce- thank you for being the cats’ voices. Without you, these lives would not have been saved. All of you were determined to save their lives and your hard work paid off. I am so happy for you and the cats! These three women were all touched by what transpired that all three plan to volunteer for 1by1- that is great!!
To Deb and Kathy at 1by1- what can I say? You astounded me for what you are doing for these cats. I know you have no more room, but you made this one exception. Thank you so much for coming to the rescue of these cats. To those who will be fostering, thank you!!!!!
1by1 is an all volunteer, no-kill cat rescue. No one is paid for what they do. Right now, they are in desperate need of foster homes. Please, if you have the room and the love to share with a homeless cat, contact 1by1. Go to their website and you can get all of the necessary information there.
To Alison Rudy, Humane/Animal Control Officer of the Animal Rescue League, thank you for your understanding and kindness this morning during our phone conversation and allowing us more time to get these cats if necessary. I know this also took pressure off of your shelter.
To the veterinarian (who will remain anonymous) who is helping with this situation – you are a caring, compassionate person for doing what you are doing! There should be more vets like you.
This story proves my theory that together, we can make a difference in the lives of not only animals, but people as well. That is how we can make changes in this world. And if you see a situation that needs help, don’t sit idly by. Make those calls. You just might be amazed at what could happen!!