3 Cats and their Cat Sitter

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An open letter to the humans who maintain the home of three very important house cats.

Regarding the Pet Sitter, Amy.

Dear Humans we Dominate,

cat

"Sometimes, the truth hurts. To bad." Erie

This letter is long overdue.  The substitute Amy the pet sitter has been “tending” to our needs for years now and we are just now making time in our busy schedule to tell you what we think of her.  First of all, she smells.  Bad.  Like dogs.  It disgusts us.  If you could talk to her about that you won’t regret doing it.  Secondly, she does not feed us enough.  I’m sure this is either a shining example of what you consider is “good for us” or of Amy’s inability to follow instructions.

Fred disagrees but Obi and I (Erie) think that 30 minutes a day is not enough time to adequately care for our needs and provide necessary adoration.  We want her here to pay attention to us when we are ready, no when she just happens to be around.  Therefore, we have decided she should be on call, so that we can summon her as needed, 24-7.

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Fred allows me a peak at his lovely coat.

Fred says to make her leave quickly and tell her to stop uncovering him.  

Obi is really upset, he invested a lot of time watching the houses on the street and chose you as his caretakers and you routinely leave him with Amy who does not feed him enough.

We might consider forgiving you for leaving us if you reintroduced canned food into our paltry diet.  As for Amy, we’ve decided she is as trained as she is going to get and that training a new substitute would be to much trouble so you can keep her.  Do talk to her about the smell though.

Your Adored Cats,

Erie, Obi Wan and Fred

 

Obi Wan Cat

"See, she smells bad." Obi Wan

 

Ellie’s Story: How a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel rescued from a puppy mill became a family member.

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Ellie’s Story: How a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel rescued from a puppy mill became a family member.

My Aunt Jeanne shared this story of rescue, fostering, adoption and hope for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.  This story could be told of any breed.  Puppy mills are sometimes hard to identify if you choose to purchase a pure bred dog.  Here is a resource to help you identify a puppy mill.

Please spay and neuter your pet no matter where you get them from.

cavalier king charles spaniel

Ellie Mae: puppy mill mom to pampered pet.

Being involved with Cavalier Rescue since 2008 has been for me, challenging, rewarding and heartbreaking. Though I’ve fostered less than ten Cavaliers during this time, and have fallen in love with each, I’m always happy to see a rescued Cavalier go to a forever loving home. I just didn’t realize that on this particular day in September of 2010, when I agreed to foster the little tri-color that she would eventually run her way into my heart as my third adopted Cavalier!

It all started with a phone call to one of our leading volunteers of Cavalier Rescue, USA in September 2010. A lady in Missouri who works with an all-breed volunteer group informed Cavalier Rescue that 5 female cavaliers had just come in, and would we be willing to take them?

Two volunteers drove to Hannibal, Missouri and picked up the dogs. Not only were they met with the 5 females, but also 4 puppies. Now Cavalier Rescue had 9 dogs to place! So there began the task of hoping to find foster homes for all those little Cavaliers.

None of the dogs had names, so the two volunteers spent the long drive home giving names to each little dog. One of the frightened little Cavaliers, a tri-color, was given the name “Ellie”.

Ellie, along with the others, was flea-infested, had ear mites and whip worm, but in pretty good health otherwise. All of the adult females had horrible teeth, and most of them lost several teeth during their dentals, including little Ellie. Ellie was determined to be about 4 years old, had given birth to several litters of puppies, and also a possible grade one heart murmur.

With the heart murmur my biggest concern, I agreed to foster her. The evening my husband Barry and I picked up little Ellie, we could see she was nervous, and frightened. After all, she had already been through so much in her young life, and here she was, in another new environment with no idea what was to happen next.

Once home, we introduced her to her new “brother and sisters” outside in the fenced yard. She stood still while everyone suspiciously checked her out, but all tails wagging. It didn’t take long for Ellie to fit in with her foster family, adopted Ruby Cavalier Ruby, and her Blenheim Cavalier brother Artie, as well as the loving big mutt Jack.

We noticed right away during our daily walks outside that Ellie didn’t have the normal gait when she walked. Having spent so long in a cage, she couldn’t walk or run normally, but “hopped” like a rabbit. Both back legs hopped in unison. It was a funny sight to see, but also sad, knowing that until now she didn’t have the opportunity to go for long walks, to get the exercise, to be carefree and enjoy the outdoors.

Within a week or two, I knew that Ellie would be my third adopted Cavalier. It was no use; I was once again a “foster failure,” a term given to foster volunteers when we can’t give up our foster dogs. We have fallen in love with them, and choose to adopt. Having given up a tri-color I was fostering a few years back, I was always sorry, was determined not to let it happen again. So, Ellie’s photo never appeared on the Cavalier Rescue website along with her “bio.” Ellie had become a part of our family, joining adopted fosters Ruby and Artie.

In time, Ellie’s back legs gained strength, and now during outings, she can get to running pretty fast! Her flexi-lead leash is fully extended with me running behind, trying to keep up with her, Ruby and Artie! Our big dog Jack runs freely alongside the little ones, and we all enjoy the time together.

Volunteering for Cavalier Rescue USA, as I said has its challenges and heartbreaks. But the reward is in watching the dog blossom into a happy, tail wagging bouncing pooch, and knowing that even if for a short time, you’ve been a part of its life. You’ve cared for, loved and nurtured the dog, and have helped erase those hurtful memories of a sad life before.

Knowing the once mistreated or homeless dog will go into a loving and forever home, is quite the reward. Or as in my case three times over, adopting one is the greatest reward of all…

cavalier king charles spaniels

Artie, Elie Mae and Ruby - Cavalier's at rest.

By Jeanne DeFelice Aydt, 2012

IndyFeral – Saving the lives of cats most in need.

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I have unfortunately been unable to upload the pictures that I want to include it this post due to my malfunctioning internet.  I will update the post ASAP.

 

IndyFeral was my gateway into truly becoming involved in animal rescue.  My introduction to feral cats was much like most people’s.  I kept seeing a couple cats lurking around the garbage outback, lounging in the sun on the porch and hiding in the bushes out front.  I started feeding them and realized they were not friendly to humans and likely not owned or not fixed.  A little research lead me to IndyFeral.  The next thing I knew I was not only the caretaker of what turned out to be 8 feral cats but an active volunteer with IndyFeral, having been quickly converted by the enthusiasm, devotion and empathy everyone involved exuded.

The mission of IndyFeral is simple:  IndyFeral seeks to reduce the stray and feral cat overpopulation through the non-lethal method of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), not trap and kill.  This mission is so important because ” In the U.S. the most comprehensive data indicates that nearly 72% of cats that enter these facilities are killed.  For feral cats, the kill rate in shelters and pounds rises to virtually 100%.” (Source)

What is Trap Neuter and Return?  TNR is a humane and non-lethal approach to feral cat population control. It is a comprehensive management plan where healthy feral (free-roaming) cats are sterilized and vaccinated, then returned to their habitat and provided with long-term care. (Definition courtesy of Alley Cat Allies.)

What is a Feral Cat?  “A Feral cat may be defined as any cat to wild or unsocialized to be kept in a typical home.  These cats are often born in the wild and avoid direct human contact.  Every feral and abandoned cat is the end result of irresponsible pet owners who failed to spay or neuter their cat then allowed it to roam freely.”  *As defined on the IndyFeral website.

This 1 minute video also explains what a feral cat is.

I would add that in my opinion these cats are the most in need of our assistance and protection as well as perhaps the most deserving because we have abandoned them and without organizations like IndyFeral there would be no one to advocate for them.

When Lisa Tudor realized that there was a great need for a TNR program in Indianapolis, IN it 2002 Indy Feral was born.  Thanks to the fantastic volunteers, some of which have been active since 2002,  that she was able to bring into the cause Indy Feral can proudly present following amazing statistics:

  • 23,194 cats fixed
  • Assistance for over 2,500 managed colonies
  • 2,717 friendly cats/kittens removed from colonies

Marion County, Indiana passed a TNR Ordinance that regulates the care of stray and feral cats with the assistance of IndyFeral who was instrumental in passing this ordinance.

IndyFeral is somewhat unique among rescue groups as you will see if you visit their website.  They share regularly updated listing of many dog, cat and wildlife rescue resources on their site and in a pdf format.  They also offer the only comprehensive listing of low cost medical care for pets in Indianapolis that I know of.  In this way they make it clear that they are a part of the solution, for all animals in need in Indianapolis, IN.  A special, unique and effective organization that deserves our support through a monetary donation, food donation (scroll to bottom of page) or by volunteering.

I hope this post will make you look at the stray cat in your yard a little differently next time he shows up.  You can help save lives and IndyFeral will help you do it.

 

Mary and Bella, feline cold war.

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cat
” I was here first.”

Mary:

I was happy as an only cat for years.  I had my mom to myself and when she could tear herself away from me and I was provided with, Amy a pretty good substitute servant.  I like her because she appreciates my need for treats and a lap.  Then the unthinkable happened.  Bella, another cat (and her human-training them is so hard) moved in.  We disliked each other immediately.  It was MY house, she did not belong and I made that clear, but my efforts were in vain, she’s still here.

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“I like it here, except for Mary.”

 

Bella:

Moving is very stressful for me but once we settled into our new home I made myself comfortable and began a campaign to rid myself of Mary.  I thought this would be simple, she’s kind of soft, always playing sweet to the humans, never putting them in their place.  Humans require intensive training and follow up sessions on a regular basis to remind them who is in charge.  This includes but is not limited to swatting and hissing in the middle of a required adoration session to keep them on their toes.  This is sometimes followed up by allowing more affection immediately or simply walking away.  You have to keep them guessing.  The same tactics, modified to terrorize a cat, were be employed for my Rid the House of Mary Campaign”.  Thus far this has only resulted in much hissing and growling the humans discourage for some reason.

 

Mary and Bella:

This battle for dominence continued until the most unthinkable thing in the world happened:

 

 

Labrador retriever
“My name’s Millie and I love my new home.”

 

 

Desperate times call for desperate measures.  Our out and out war had to be altered to a cold war, allowing us to join forces occasionally in a covert operation to rid our home of this vile creature.  We have tried everything from blaming any and every thing the humans dislike on the dog, ignoring the humans as punishment and attacks on the enemy.  Alas, we are still at war but considering that cat’s are far superior to dogs, we will eventually prevail.

Until we do we now look forward to our humans leaving because the dog leaves too.  Training Amy the substitute is an ongoing process but she’s preferable to the dog.

 

Bella the calico cat
“It’s exhausting being a cat.”

 

Mary the cat gettin gpets
“Lap time with Amy.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rommel the Rottweiler and Nina the rescue – the Happy Critters behind Amy’s Happy Critters, Inc.

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The humans that belong to Rommel and Nina have been my friends since before Rommel and Nina owned them.

rottweiler and cat under couch
Rommel as a puppy under my couch next to Domino, my cat with his first, favorite toy that he did not want to share.

 

This is a Polaroid of Rommel under my futon hoarding a toy back in 2000 when he was the size of my cat Domino.  I of course immediately insisted on being given the position of Aunt and Puppy Sitter.

 

Rommel the Rottweiler was often my house guest while his parents traveled.  Shortly after they got Rommel they of course had to get him a sister (one pet is never enough), Nina, the Flat Coated Retriever Mix (?) who they adopted from Indianapolis Animal Care and Control.  Now when the humans traveled I had a house full, 5 dogs and a cat plus a feral cat colony outside. I loved it.

 

“We are best friends.”

When I was diagnosed with Kidney Cancer in 2003 Nina and Rommel were at my house.  They were scheduled to come stay again during the early part of my recovery but that was no longer an option.  Their humans hired a Pet Sitter to come into the home and care for Rommel and Nina while they were away.  What is a pet sitter I asked?  They explained, I did some research and knew right away I was not returning to my job refinishing furniture.  My surgery was February 6, 2003, I started Amy’s Happy Critters, Inc. in March of 2003, thanks to the first Happy Critters, Nina and Rommel.

rottweiler cute pic
“I have a foot fetish.”

 Rommel has a foot fetish, when you walk, he puts his nose right on the top of your shoe and grumbles and sniff’s, as you try to walk.  He gets over this in a few minutes.  It’s cute, when you don’t trip over him an fall.  As with most Rotties I’ve met he can not get enough love and attention.  If you stop moving, he will be there presenting you with an ear or a stub of tail to scratch.  If you sit down, it’s time to be prepared for kisses.

 

Nina loves affection just as much as her brother but, unlike Rommel who more or less outgrew his toy obsession, Nina takes the prey instinct to new heights.  She quickly progressed from disemboweling squeeky toys to taking on raccoons, squirrels, chipmunks, geese, ducks and swans with varying degrees of success.

rottweiler and rescued dog
“There are geese in my yard-I MUST go.”

 

Rommel, Nina and their humans are family to me.  Rommel is now a spry 12 years old and Nina is ageless it seems.  My friends added two children -of the human variety- to their family recently.  I am not qualified to care for those types of critters but I have non the less appointed myself Aunt Amy again.

 

Thank you Rommel, Nina and your humans for helping me make something good come of something so bad and leading me into the post-cancer part of my life.

“I think Aunt Amy’s here – treats!”

The Story of Bella Mia, My Bischon Frise – Rosalynn DeFelice

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Beschon Frise

Grandma Rosalynn and Bella Mia her Bischon Frise on the porch in strawberry season.

My Grandma Rosalynn DeFelice wrote this story of her beloved Bella Mia when I asked friends and family if they would like to share their pet stories.  She typed it on a typewriter so I have uploaded it just as she gave it to me.

 

Bischon Frise

Cats’ Emails to Their Humans on a Weekend Away

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These Happy Critters were abandoned to my care for the first time.  This is what they had to say to their humans via email.

Correspondence shown in maroon are letters received from the Cats to the Humans.

Correspondence shown in black are letters received from the Humans to the cats.

Notes in blue are from the Pet Sitter (aka. Substitute Mom).

"Your really left us?"

Dear humans who have apparently abandoned us,

The substitute showed up, so that’s a good start. She tended to our needs as instructed under jimi and Simons supervision. We all graced her with a chance to pet us then ignored her, as a substitute deserves.

Your cats.

(they become much more affectionate with the substitute very quickly!  I was glad to see everyone. All is well here, unless you’re an “abandoned” cat that is)

Dear Substitute Mom,

All of us humans were very happy to hear from our kitty friends.

We arrived here a little later than we planned 6 humans need more breaks than the 1 puppy.

All the owners especially Jimis’ much appreciated update and can see he is in good hands

Thanks

"We aren't being fed at all."

Abandonment Day 2:

To the humans on probation,

(Henry is the spokes cat) Mila, Jimi and I greeted the substitute. Yes, she gave us pets and Simon finally intruded on that but we are being starved!  Jimi is having great time chasing Simon. The rest of us are bored.

The Cats

"We are not getting any affection and it's very stressful."

Abandonment Day 3:

We are under a lot of stress right now. That’s all we can say

It was a stressful day for all of us too…. we’re hoping tomorrow is a better day

We miss you all too

"If she trips and breaks something she won't be able to leave."

Abandonment Day 4:

Well, the substitute is quite trainable so she is acceptable. Feeding the birds is a waste of OUR time though.

"I don't like her at all."

Last Day!

Ok, the sub can be used again. That is if you can bear to leave us again, which is unfathomable to us.

 

"Ok, you can let her care for us again."

 

We appreciate the great care you gave the kitty crowd… They were missed.

Even dog people like kittens, a little.

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"Let's see if you are an acceptable human."

This is Emma, the newest and at present, the youngest, Happy Critter.  I thought her tail was at attention while she was inspecting me but it pretty much stays that way all the time.

Here she is having fun with her big sister Inky.  I’ve been caring for Inky for a couple of years now.  Today was the first time she came out to meet me at the door.  Our relationship progressed from her hiding from me to meeting me at the door today.  I think she has decided she will get no attention with Emma around unless she comes on out.

KITTEN ATTACK!

Kitten attacking finger.

Kitten attacking foot.

Kitten attacking foot.

Kitten attacking hand.

Emma seems to have enjoyed our first meeting and I didn’t loose to much blood.  The best part about Emma, aside from that tail, is that she has breathed new life into her big sister Inky.

Please keep getting puppies and kittens so that I can restrain myself from adding to our furry family.

 

More Raptors!

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Brandt and I attended a Birds of Prey presentation put on by The Orinthology Center at Eagle Creek Park , where regular presentations are given, that was hosted by Wild Birds Unlimited .

Brandt shot video of the presentation. This is an edited version showing some highlights.
Cast in order of appearance:
Screech Owl, grey
Red Tailed Hawk-25 year old female who has been at the center almost her entire life
Male Great Horned Owl

Raptor presentation video from Saturday 18 June 2011. Video shot and edited by Brandt Ryan.

I hope it inspires you to listen for an owl, look for a Bald Eagle (they’re here-see previous Raptor entry!) or notice the bird of prey that is probably a Red Tailed Hawk hunting from a perch along the interstate.