Meet Dick and Jane.
See Jane sleep. Sleep, Jane, sleep.
Dick and Jane are my tenth and eleventh rescues since moving into our house last May. Each time I say, “I’m done! NO MORE KITTENS!” – when my heart feels worn out and my shoulders ache with the tension of worrying over the well-being of these tiny creatures, over whether I’m doing it right – the neighborhood delivers another wayfaring furkid. Surprise! The feral population on our street alone is a tremendous and heartbreaking problem. An epidemic. And sometimes, I feel so overwhelmed by this fierce personal responsibility I feel to each and every abandoned, mistreated, deserving animal. And that’s why “NO MORE KITTENS!” turned into “OKAY, JUST THESE TWO KITTENS.” Because someone has to do the right thing.
Dick and Jane came running down the sidewalk on Sunday night. I was on the front lawn, waving to a neighbor when they came sprinting, darting into the road. Their story is particularly sad. Two weeks ago, at ten weeks old, they were thrown out of a neighbor’s house to fend for themselves – because one of them was having problems with the litter box. I have since come to realize that he is terrified of it. My mind reels with images of possible abuses. What’s more, they hadn’t eaten in days. The abandoner didn’t want to leave food on the front porch, “because [she] didn’t want all the other stray cats to eat it.”
I know all this BECAUSE SHE TOLD ME.
Nonchalantly. Like animal abuse and abandonment is totally understandable.
It’s sickening.
So, now they’ve been to the vet, gotten their first vaccinations, tested negative for diseases and parasites, and our litterbox-shy friend is improving drastically in that area. The most devastating part of this just might be how much they simply want to be loved. They can be in the middle of the craziest kitten romp (pounce! tumble! chase!), but the minute I sit down, they climb into my lap and purr themselves to sleep.
Please share this post with anyone you think may be able to open their home to Dick and Jane.
These beauties come in a matching set (I am most firmly set against separating them, considering the trauma they have gone through) and come in a fashionable silvery gray – a complement to even the most sophisticated fall wardrobe!
They really are beautiful, aren’t they?
I’ve actually in the market for a cat/cats. If I lived anywhere near Texas I would love to meet the sweeties. Alas.
One of our last rescues went to a new mommy who FLEW FROM CHICAGO to get him. True story.
Grin.
Darling Fish, you are a saint to cats everywhere. They ARE gorgeous.
They are absolutely gorgeous. If I could have as many cats as I want, I’d take them. Alas, with two I am at capacity. Thank you though for your amazing heart. I simply love you for it.
So adorable! I want, want, WANT kittens/cats, but the husband is truly allergic. (I am too, but I’ll deny it until my last breath.)
Shame on that neighbor.
We’re going to our local shelter this weekend to see if we find the dog we were meant to love for forever. I went solo yesterday and it killed me to see so many animals in need of homes. (At least I was able to love on the kittens/cats to get my fix.)
Thank you for rescuing more homeless babies. I hope you find their forever homes soon.
Shame on the neighbors…SHAME ON THEM.
Hi Fish — Maybe check out this organization: http://www.alleycat.org/ They may be especially useful in terms of advising you in setting up a trap/neuter/release (TNR)program and hook you up w/local likeminded types. That said, isn’t animal cruelty (including abandonment) a crime in Dallas? I’d call the cops.
From what I understand from neighborhood lore, the neighbor’s father is a convicted felon who lived on our street selling drugs out of his house for years, until the DEA raided his house. Animal abandonment would be a misdemeanor – a ticket, more or less – and my guess is, she wouldn’t even blink.
You might try Cat Attract litter if there are still litter-box issues.
I think what you are doing for these little guys is absolutely wonderful.
SO gorgeous, these two. I would drive to Dallas for them but my husband says there’s not enough room for more cats and if I add to the collection he might have to move out to make space! (I’m pretty sure he’s kidding but I’d rather not put it to the test!!)
I’m with Diary of Why. I think I’ve already commented this before, but if I lived in TX, I’d be right there adopting a kitten. I think the b/f would veto a flight to TX to pick up a kitten, but maybe the next time he’s in TX for business?!!! (OK, maybe not, but seriously, I would take a kitten.)
Once again you are awesome for taking these guys in and trying to find them a home. BTW it is my friend’s sister who flew from Chicago to get her little guy
Your friend and her sister are kindred spirits. I get updates about that kitten almost daily and it makes me so happy.
You are an angel
Flew out from Chicago, eh? Oof, making me look bad! I have appts set up to visit with some local kitties but if that doesn’t work out I guess I better start looking at plane tickets.
You should start your own rescue association. And blog about it. Which you are basically already doing, just file the paperwork to make it official for tax-free donations
I’m looking into it right now!
Those are the most beautiful kitties! I’m a sucker for grey cats and I’d adopt them in a heartbeat if we weren’t full already (2 cats and 2 dogs is quite enough). You’re a saint for saving so many. Good luck with finding them a home together.
That neighbor woman needs bitch slapped. I’m also supporting a bunch of cats that other people have dumped or I would fly myself down there and handle it.
Thanks for saving these beautiful babies fish!
Oh, I’m so glad to hear you’re looking into starting your own rescue association. I was just about to write a comment that I hope you accept this role that the universe seems to want you to have–as a consummate cat rescuer. You have so much compassion, it’d be a waste not to deluge all those needy little creatures with all that love you have.
Cheering you on from the sidelines!
OMG, eleven…and counting. From the likes of things, I’d say you aren’t done yet! I’m waiting for the day you move and start an animal preserve. (How are you with baby elephants? At least you won’t find strays in the neighborhood…) With all the things I see on the news and tv, you’re actually doing REAL good works instead of posturing and blaming somebody. From years of blogging, I knew you were a good soul. This year you showed how much of one you were. You deserve an enormous Atta Girl.
BTW, just want to check and confirm you got the PayPal donation on August 10th. I sent what I could to help with vet bills, but was a little unsure if you got it. Really hope you did.
Wishing you the Very Best,
WB
Oh, William! Obviously this means you didn’t get my thank you note. I sent one! I’m sorry it didn’t make it to you. Yes, I did get your donation. Thank you a million times over.