A Random Miracle

Yesterday, I showed you pictures of the mom cat and her two-week old kittens.  I went to the property on Saturday to take those pictures.  I met the 90-year-old man who lived there and his three adult children - in from out of town.  They were packing him up to move him in with his 80-year-old sister - the one who had called to ask for my help.  It was an absolutely gorgeous day - sunny and mild.  I knew there was a cold snap predicted for that evening, but standing there in the warm sunshine it was hard to picture anything but perfect weather.

I had emails and phone calls out all over the place.  I needed a miracle.  I needed to suddenly get FIVE Winnie’s Wish cats and kittens adopted from my cathouse.  Or I needed somebody somewhere to be able to accept this group into a no-kill shelter.  I started getting return phone calls and emails.  Cheri (Wildcat Woods) said she would help me do a big emergency Facebook plea.  Andrea (Celestial Kitties) started looking for people who might be able to help with a transport if we could find a spot.  My rescue friend Mere Lyn said she would start sending the pictures out to the shelters where she had contacts.  And Jeanne (Random Felines) started checking on what she might be able to do on her end.  The shelters in my geographical region were all full and accepting NO CATS OR KITTENS.  I started designing in my head a HUGE plea for Winnie’s Wish adoptions.

I simply COULD NOT bring that family to my house if I had no permanent solution.  My cathouse is full.  FIVE MORE?  The point here is that my cathouse is small and I accommodate as many as possible at all times.  Eighteen cats is maximum for sure.  Maybe ONE more, but DEFINITELY NOT FIVE.  I have to think about the conditions for the cats who already live there.  I cannot overcrowd or I have lost the intention I set out with - to provide a place of comfort for homeless cats until they can move into homes of their very own.  That’s why you always hear me saying that if you adopt a Winnie’s Wish kitty, you actually save TWO - the one you adopt, and the one you open a spot for.  So I went to the property, took the pictures, and told the family I was working hard to find a solution but that I truly doubted I would suddenly start adopting out cats, and no shelters were accepting.  I left the little feline family and drove home on this warm afternoon, deep in thought and worry.

That evening two things happened.  The first was that a huge north wind blew up and the temperature dropped fifteen degrees in one hour.  I knew I couldn’t do it.  I couldn’t leave them there.  I also knew I couldn’t bring them to the safety of my home and then return them to their current location when the weather got better.  If I went and got them, they would stay.  And I did NOT have room for them.  The second thing that happened was a miracle.  Jeanne emailed and said she would take them.  She would keep them at her house and get them into a shelter in her area - one that was likely to take a beautiful mom cat with four tiny babies.  I almost went into shock. 

Yes, friends.  Jeanne of Random Felines has provided me a miracle.

Mom and babies, cozy in my kennel office

I would like to leave the story here and just let it soak in.  But Jeanne and I need help.  We are trying to work out a transport from me in Illinois to Jeanne in Ohio.  We desperately need help with the middle part of this journey.  The section we need to fill is from Effingham, IL to Indianapolis, IN.  Is there ANYONE out there who could help us with this trip?

Next.  As much as I’d love to now leave the story for you to enjoy, I still need to say this.  I really need to do something to NOT be in this situation again.  I need homes, friends.  I will launch my biggest ever adoption campaign in October.  If you’ve EVER considered adopting, I KNOW I have the right cat or kitten FOR YOU.  Do please help me get the word out starting next month.  In fact, tomorrow’s story has an interesting little fact in it that makes this plea EVEN MORE URGENT.  Let me say this.  You’re not going to want to miss tomorrow’s post.  It will definitely make you smile.

See you then.

Comments

[Random Felines]

I can't wait to kiss them all.....the cuteness is just too much!!! Come on people - someone has to knwo someone in Indianapolis willing to help us move this family!!

[Martin Hooper]

Awww there lovely cats and kittens! Someone must have room for a lovely calico family!

[Jan (Milo and Alfie's mom)]

So relieved these are safe ~ but as you say, adoptions are needed or more emergency crisis situations will occur.
Have you tried the Underground Railroad Rescued Kitty Rescue group? (I think I've mentioned them to you before). It is a network of 600 volunteers providing transport for cats, all over the USA:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/URRKN/

[Bellen]

In addition, don't forget Operation Roger, truckers who transport small animals across the United States.

[Cat's Cats]

Oh Chrystal it is heartwarming to see mum and kittens safe in your office!!!! Three cheers for Jeanne for taking the kittens, so fantastic that she could help :-)

[Madeline Runion]

I am so happy you were able to help these kittens and momma.
I was so worried about them and thay are so beautiful,
I wanted to foster them so bad, but you know my situation.Thank you Chris for all you do.

[Mindy Slimmer]

Yay! All that I need to say about this post.
Much Love,
Mindy

[meowmeowmans]

Hooray for life's miracles! Thank you, Jeanne, for helping this mom and kittens. And as always, Chrystal, thank you for everything you do. Big hugs.

[Kat & the Teenage Mutant Ninja Kitty Horde]

YAY!! You and Jeanne are the Queen Angels of kitty rescue!! Off to post this to facebook with an urgent tag to see if any of my friends or their friends can help and a note for them to all share!! As always purrs & prayers incoming from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Kitty Horde & their Feeders to you.

[The Poupounette]

Jeanne of Random Felines, you are a STAR! If only we were closer and could drive that leg for you...

[Andrea and the Celestial Kitties]

Oh yay! Oh do they look all cozy and warm in your office!
Jeanne, you rock!!

Ok people, adoptions are a MUST! Homes are a must! We have to get these cat house cats adopted. Not only do they deserve it, need it, but other kitties are in need of the space! We've got to work together to get them into forever homes! Share, post, tweet! Please help! Adopt if you can!

Is there a college in or near Indianapolis? Anyone know anyone going there? Perhaps a college kid would be enticed by a road trip? A college kid who likes kitties that is.

Remember, think about adopting! Think about getting a brick! Think about donating! Think about a book! Think about the FUN FUN FUNdraiser! Think about helping where you can!
You know it's soo appreciated!

[Sweet Purrfections]

How nice of Random Felines to take the mom and babies.

[momsbusy]

happy dance!!!!!!!

[Connie]

Jeanne really is a blessing! the more I get to know her, the more I like her..

I pray you find transport for the family and all goes well.

[Cattywumpus]

What dedication and perseverance you have! I hope Shiloh continues to heal. So wonderful that the family is reunited.