UPDATE: Please see the update to the story at the bottom of page.
Alana here.
Recently, you may have noticed that Crepes and I haven’t been blogging as much as usual. Numerous things in our lives have been taking up a lot of time, but it has just come to my attention that, despite our busy lives, rescue never takes a break.
A few months ago, we bought our very first house. It’s something I’ve been looking forward to for many years. The last few weeks have been absolutely filled with things to do – drywalling, gardening, heavy lifting. I’ve been trying very hard to get this home ready for us and our kitties and dog because we’ve outgrown the one we’re currently in, but this has lead to a lack of time for certain things. I haven’t been fostering this summer yet because I have no where to put the kittens. I haven’t been doing as much volunteering because I’ve been trying to work on the house and keep up our CATastrophes project. Just now, though, I got a wake up call that reminded me that just because I have a new house and a new project, that doesn’t mean that I can put my rescue efforts on hold.
As I was finishing up some gardening, I got a text message from Chicago Cat Rescue saying there was a blind, sick cat lying in someone’s front yard in my neighborhood. A good Samaritan found him there, offered him something to eat, and posted his photo on Facebook. Chicago Cat Rescue knew I lived nearby and asked if there was any way I could help. I had nothing with me – no carrier, no gloves, no supplies – but I ran over there anyway to see what I could do. And there I found a giant orange and white man cat lying beneath a lilac bush on a bed of lavender. His eyes were swollen shut and he seemed unable to walk. While I was coming up with a plan, another CCR volunteer arrived. Luckily, she had a carrier and a blanket. I asked the home owners for some thick gloves and some more tuna. We opened the carrier and put it in front of him and the little fellow tried to climb into the carrier but was unable to do so on his own. While I distracted him with the food, which even in his state he ate with relish, (not real relish, of course. That’s too salty for a kitty.) my partner lifted his back end into the carrier and I closed the lid. We whisked him to the car and off he went to the safety of Chicago Cat Rescue and the hope of recovery.
Driving home, this experience made me realize a few things. I realized that social networking really does work and that this blogging and online work that so many of us do truly does have an impact. Without the social network of that one post, our friend would have been picked up by animal control and wouldn’t have had much of a chance.
I also realized I should carry a rescue kit in my car at all times. It feels helpless to see someone in need and not be able to offer assistance. As my dad always says, “you can take it off, but you can’t put it on if you don’t have it.” I think we’ll discuss rescue kits in an upcoming post.
And finally, I realized that just because my life is busy, rescue doesn’t need me any less. Kittens are still being born and abandoned. Cats are still being injured out on the streets. These things do not take a break simply because I did. I need to make time for rescue because without the people who really care, amongst which I count myself one, these creatures wouldn’t have the chances that they do. They need help and they need it now.
Love,
Alana.
PS. I just got word that he’s awaiting medical attention but is currently comfortable, eating, and enjoying some pets. I suspect he’ll have some medical bills, and CCR is a small, volunteer-run organization, so if you have a spare $10 to send his way, it would be appreciated.
Click here to see a little video of him enjoying love.
I will be speaking at the BlogPaws conference this week in Nashville and may be away from my blog, but I promise to resume regular writing upon my return. I’ve learned my lesson.
UPDATE: As of 5/26/15, our little man has gone OTRB. The doctors determined that he had a several spinal cord, which paralyzed him from the waste down. There was little hope of recovery for him because of the damage and our friend was eased of his suffering. It breaks my heart to know that he’s gone, but I find comfort knowing that I did my part to bring to him an end of comfort. Instead of being alone under a bush, he died peacefully, warm, well fed, and loved, and he will be remembered forever. I’m sorry I couldn’t do more, but if I’d been able, I would have given anything to save you. Rest in peace, little buddy.
OMD how can you do this, you are amazing. And yes, the little guy died experiencing love and comfort and that’s what’s important for his last moments. Love Dolly
Poor little man. My heart breaks for him…and you. I know how hard it is to lose a rescue. Back when I was working, the animal control officer brought in a baby kitten that someone had found lying in the cold rain on a sidewalk. It was still alive and they asked me to try to warm him. I spent the entire morning in my office trying to warm and stimulate the little guy. Unfortunately, he didn’t make it. Such a tender little life–and such a painful loss–even though I only held him for such a short time. Every life is precious. We do the best we can, Alana, and sometimes it may not be enough. But then, sometimes it is. Remember the story about the Starfish, Alana, and know that you are making a difference. Now if we could just get the rest of the humans to pitch in and be responsible pet owners…
Pee Ess: How are Niles and Crepes feeling? Hope they are doing better.
Thank you so much. I appreciate your words. And Niles and crepes are both currently very well.
Alana, you dropped everything to help that sweet boy and because of you he got the love and care that he needed. You are one of God’s angels on earth and you touch so many lives. I wish I did just a small percentage of what you do.
You are very sweet. Thank you.
Alana, Did the little ginger boy have a name? Will be donating in his memory.Thanks.
You are very kind. We named him Oakley since that’s where he was found. Thank you very much. -Alana.
Oakley is a wonderful name. There was something about the photo and video that touched me. He looked so relieved to be receiving love. I had the impression that he had a home and family at one time. He is now safe and loved for eternity.
Alana, Do not be so hard on yourself. You are only human. There are only 24 hours in a day. The important part is you were there when absolutely needed. Instead of turning your back you rose to the occasion. And some how, some way the necessary resources and help were availabe. With perfect timing. Always.
So focus on the future. Have a great time at blog paws. Soon you and your husband will have your family settled in your new home. Then you will have a lifetime to build on helping (and promoting) animal rescue and welfare.
This story is heartbreaking but like you said he passed with warm loving kindness.
Oh Alanna bless your heart for coming to this handsome fellows rescue. Please know that you did as much as you were able to and find some peace knowing that little man got to experience love and kindness before he passed over. xox
it is why so many in rescue get burned out.. it just never stops..
I need to know what to have in a rescue kit. Thank heavens someone was there pronto. Your job is important and to me this is an important job.
Jean
♥♥♥♥♥ times 10 bazillion for ewe dood ~~~~~~
Lucky boy and bless you. What is it about ginger and cream rescues this week. He’s in good hands. See you soon and yes, rescue never takes a break!
stock….high paws two yur mom & de ladee who helped thiz kitteh az well az de peepulz who spotted him N asked for help frum de get go….dood……we send de veree veree veree best oh all that R pal St Francis haz for ewe…bee well N we hope ya can findz yur for everz place ♥♥♥
I’m so glad you were there for this poor kitty, and I am purring for him to get better and get a home! My human and I are looking forward to seeing you at BlogPaws!
Wes purraying hard that he gets well and finds a Furever home! Yous is so wonderful to does that!. And a Kit in the car is a good idea!
Kisses
Nellie
One of the most frustrating parts of rescue is not being able to go somewhere yourself. But having volunteers who CAN go there and do what needs to be done is priceless! We make it a habit to learn whatever we can about our volunteers so that we can call on them in a pinch and they come thru time and time again! A drop-in carrier, two towels, a small throw, some canned food – stinkier the better and a small sample size bag of dry food that you can shake to stimulate interest in food are the very basics and all can be stored and carried in that carrier. One towel to go in carrier, other towel or throw to drop on top of the cat to wrap and drop in carrier and then the throw to go on top and cover whole carrier to keep it quiet and safe. Just the very basics for cat pickup. Thank you again for being there!
Glad you were there for this guy. We haven’t gotten back to helping needy kitties since we moved, but your post reminds us we need to pursue our local rescue more — can you believe it, they haven’t responded to our offers to help!!!
He seems like a sweet kitty. I’m glad you and the other volunteer were around to help him. I would have hated if animal control had gotten him! Please share any other updates you get about him, okay?
I would really like to have a post on what you should have in a rescue kit. I look forward to this post in the future. So glad you were able to help this guy.
We’re so glad you were able to help this sweet guy!
What a handsome guy! We’re glad you were nearby and able to help out, and are very interested in what you list as part of your rescue kit. The head peep always carries a collapsible carrier in the car, but really should carry a more complete kit.
What a beautiful boy!! He has a chance now! good work!
Enjoy Blogpaws 🙂