Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary Blog

Taking a Break from the Blog

2010-04-29T18:33:00.002-06:00

Hello friends,

It’s me Creamsicle! I wanted to let you all know that the blog will be taking a rest for the next two months (May and June). The humans here at the Sanctuary are very busy with numerous activities including some pretty major year end projects, so we’ll be taking a bit of a break from the blog.

We all want to thank our readers for keeping up with our blog, for your kind words and caring about all of us, and your support of the sanctuary. We all do read each and every comment you make on the blog and appreciate your support and dedication to the Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary!

Since my big paws aren’t very good at typing I won’t be able to write you for a while. But I hope that all of my readers and your furry family members have a great spring! We’re all doing well, enjoying the warmer weather from our beautiful outdoor enclosures. The spring activities of the birds are a joy for us to watch, and we’re enjoying the longer days – more time to play!

So please keep well, and I invite you all back here to the Forget Me Not blog in early July. I’ll have lots of new stories to share with you, and some new photos of me and my feline friends.

Well, I’m off to have a nap now, so please take care – and I look forward to reuniting with all of you in July!

MEOWS!

Creamsicle

Famous Felines

2010-04-16T08:30:00.003-06:00

Hi friends of the Sanctuary,

It's me Creamsicle. Of course that's not me pictured above, but Morris the Cat! Over the years there have been many famous felines. Who doesn't know about Sylvester, Garfield, and the Cat in the Hat. But I think the most famous of all would have to be Morris. Of course us handsome orange tabby cats have to stick together!

The story of Morris is a special one. Morris the Cat has been the advertising mascot for 9Lives brand cat food for many years.

There have been three different cats who have played Morris. The very first Morris was adopted from a Chicago area animal shelter in 1968. In 1969 he landed the role of Morris in the famous cat food commercials and was an overnight success! The original Morris passed away in 1978 and was later replaced by two more cats who took on the role of Morris. All 3 of the Morris cats were rescued from shelters.

Morris was also credited with "writing" or shall I say "pawing" three books on cat care. And did you know that Morris actually ran in the 1988 and 1992 presidential elections on the Finicky Party platform, campaigning for cats everywhere to enjoy a standard of nutrition?

Morris has represented the epitome of the spoiled and pampered pet over the years. The original Morris was actually named "Lucky", and lucky he was! He spent part of his life in the Hindsale Humane Society Animal Shelter in Illinois until an employee of the Leo Burnett Advertising Agency rescued him and turned him into a major TV star. In fact the original Morris was only 20 minutes away from being euthanized when he was rescued!

Morris has appeared in movies as well, and has been the official "spokescat" promoting responsible pet ownership, pet health and adopts throughout many animal shelters.

Of all the famous cats, Morris is my favorite - because just like us felines here at the Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary, he was resuced from certain doom, only to live out a great life.

Purrs,

Creamsicle

Happy Birthday Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary!

2010-04-07T10:12:00.006-06:00

It’s our birthday! The Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary is two years old!

Everyone needs a birthday so we decided that April would be our birth month. It was two years ago this April that our founders, June and Walter, took possession of the land which is now home to the Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary.

Many years ago the dream began, with a love of cats and a passion for animal welfare. Over a decade ago, one cold winter day, Walter arrived at his business in an industrial park and noticed a group of cats desperately scratching for some peanut butter that had fallen from a bird feeder. This group of feral cats sought refuge under some old abandoned trailers. The seed was then planted in the heart and mind of the future founder of the Sanctuary, knowing he had to do something to help these, and other homeless cats.

He tried helping these cats by providing them with food, water and temporary shelter. But sadly, this only helped a little as the cats were multiplying and often none of the kittens from a litter would survive. Compounding the problem was that once people were aware that a feral colony were being cared for there, other cats were ruthlessly discarded there as well.

When he retired from his business in the industrial area, the entire colony of cats were rescued by him and his wife. Upon discovering that there were very few options available for permanent housing for feral cats, June and Walter created the Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary, and this group of felines became their first permanent residents.

So two years ago, work began. And what a busy and exciting two years it’s been! Develop permits were obtained, construction began, an application to become a registered charitable organization was submitted and ultimately approved, and of course some very special cats began to populate the Sanctuary.

Forget Me Not is now home to approximately 150 cats, who all receive shelter, great food, clean water, cozy and comfy places to play and rest, amazing care, medical attention, and most of all lots of love and kindness. Many others, who were deemed adoptable, have called the Sanctuary home on their way to their new forever homes. And for those of us who reside here, who call Forget Me Not our forever home, we are blessed each day by the kindness of these two amazing people for creating a safe haven for the unwanted. Here, we are wanted, and we are adored and loved each and every day.

So I hope you will join me, and all of my feline friends here in thanking our Founders for all they have done for us, and all they continue to do for so many in need.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FORGET ME NOT CAT SANCTUARY!

Purrs,
Creamsicle

Happy Easter!

2010-03-31T19:44:00.003-06:00

Easter is coming, and that can only mean one thing...a visit from THE EASTER BUNNY! All of us cats here at the Sanctuary are very excited about Easter. It’s a great time of year, with spring now officially here, the days are longer which means more sunshine and time to bird watch.

But this weekend we anxiously await the Easter Bunny’s visit. Wonder what the Easter Bunny might bring to a bunch of cats? Well, a basket full of treats of course! But not the kind you humans like, we felines prefer a basket full of toys stuffed with catnip or honeysuckle, some little stuffed bunnies or bright yellow chicks to play with. That’s our kind of Easter Fun. There will be no egg hunt around here, we’ll be hunting for toys and some special cat treats!

It’s a fun time of year, but there are also some hazards to watch out for over Easter. While they may be beautiful, there are many flowers and plants which can be extremely dangerous to cats. Lilies can be toxic to cats, if ingested your feline friend can go into acute kidney failure. Many other plants are also poisonous, so it’s best to avoid them around your furry friend as much as possible. If you want to brighten your table with some yellow daffodils or fuchsia tulips why not try the silk variety. They look just as pretty and you won’t have to worry about your cat nibbling on the petals.

The goodies in the human Easter baskets can also present some problems for your pet. The plastic type grass that is used to fill the baskets, can be ingested and create tummy problems for your pet. It’s best not to use that type of product at all, as it does get all over the house and it’s hard to keep your feline friend away from it. Of course chocolate eggs for pets are a no-no. Those chocolate Easter eggs in the bright shiny foil wrap are appealing to your cats, but can cause serious problems if they eat them.

Keep the human treats and Easter goodies away from your furry friend and provide them with some cat toys and treats and you should all enjoy the holiday weekend.

From me, all my feline buddies and all of the humans here at the Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary, we wish you all a very Happy Easter! Hope the Easter Bunny is good to you!

Purrs,

Creamsicle

My Little Feral Friend - Angie's Story

2010-03-18T07:47:00.005-06:00

As I walk by, the little tuxedo black and white mom cat hesitantly gives me an affectionately gentle tap on my leg. I try again to give her a pat on the head, but as always, she scurries away before I can touch her. As you will read, Angie and I developed an understanding very early in our relationship.

Last April, Walter and I arrived at a rural pound to deliver some literature and were greeted with the sad news that 2 pregnant cats had been trapped and delivered to the pound the day before, and each had given birth to a litter of kittens that very day. From many previous such occurrences, the animal control officer solemnly explained that in the next few days, both little families would be euthanized in the pound’s crematorium as there was no hope of finding an adoptive family for a mom and her new litter.

In their respective cages, were two bedraggled, skinny mom cats, one a brown tabby with three kittens and the other, a tuxedo with four kittens. The kittens were sleeping in little heaps, content as could be, unaware of their impending fate. The mothers, however, both only just kittens themselves, paced nervously in the tiny stainless steel space and hovered fearfully over their brood, seemingly sensing the horrific doom awaiting all of them.

Both of these little souls had obviously endured cruel weather, constant hunger and brutal circumstances for the duration of their pregnancies, struggling courageously not only to stay alive, but also, somehow to provide some nourishment for their future babies. And then, to be dealt the harshest of outcomes, to be reduced to ashes, alongside their helpless newborns that they had fought so fiercely to bring into this world. No, not this time – they would come with us.

The pound staff hurriedly bundled up the two feline families and gave us some sketchy instructions. The tuxedo mom cat was quite tame and they had been able to handle her and easily pet her on the head. However, the tabby was very feral and we were cautioned to be wary of her. Once on our way, we chose names for our new residents; the tame tuxedo would be Angie, and the feral tabby would be Paula.

Having arrived at the sanctuary, off we went, to place each family group in separate rooms. I took Angie as Walter anticipated that he would have less difficulty with releasing the feral cat. I carefully lifted the four little kittens who were sleeping at the front of the carrier and placed them gently on a blanket. Next, I reached into the back of the carrier for Angie. I felt a stab of pain as her teeth sunk into the flesh of my fingers and made a crunching sound at the bone. As I examined my blood-soaked hand, Walter walked into the room, looking at me with surprise, announcing that he had zero difficulty with releasing the feral cat! Yes, in our hurry out of the pound, we had either mis-heard which cat was which, or the staff had inadvertently given us the wrong instruction.

In the 10 months since, Angie and I have developed a very special relationship. Her biting me was only a reflection of her fierce protection of her babies and her experience with uncaring humans. She proved to be a loving, nurturing mother to her kittens. Her three girls were adopted out to good homes and adorable Chuckie, the lone male, remained at the sanctuary as a permanent resident because the chances were great that his constant, whining meeeee-yow would lead to his being returned by any adoptive home that was initially charmed by his affectionate personality.

Angie, still very feral, gets along wonderfully with all the other cats and is very kind to them. She very likely will always remain feral. But still, every time she sees me, she walks by and gives me that affectionate little tap on the leg, as if to give relentless thanks for saving her and her babies’ lives. As I look into her beautiful soulful eyes, it is I, who gives thanks.

June, co-founder of Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary

Happy St. Patrick's Day - March 17th!

2010-03-14T18:32:00.003-06:00

Top o' the mornin' to you! It's me Creamsicle, getting ready for St. Patrick's Day. All of us here are getting putting on our finest greenery to celebrate the day. There will be green toys and green treats all around.

St. Patrick's Day is here, you see.
We'll pick some shamrocks, one, two, three.
We'll count the leaves and look them over,
And maybe find a four-leafed clover.
I'll sew green buttons on my vest,
Green for St. Patrick is the best.
I'll wear a green hat, very high,
And dance a jig--at least I'll try!

From all of us here at the Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary, wishing you a very Happy St. Patrick's Day. May the luck of the Irish brighten your day!

Great Gifts for Cat Lovers!

2010-03-05T08:48:00.010-07:00

Today there are countless cat related products on the market, making wonderful gifts for yourself or that feline loving friend in your life. Whether it's a birthday, Mother's Day, or just-because, there are many great cat items out there that any cat lover would find absolutely purrfect. Here are some of our favorite suggestions for great gifts for cat lovers.

1. How about a fun, bright and colorful cat handbag or tote. There are tons of different varieties out there including abstract cats to adorable kittens, and every size imaginable. From cosmetic bags to huge totes, you can load up your belongings in a wonderful feline bag. The larger ones are great for a day at the beach, a stroll through the farmer's market, or carrying your things to and from work. How about taking your cat bag to the library and filling it up with wonderful cat related books!

2. If you like something a bit fancier, how about some cat related jewelry? You can find everything from pendants to earrings to bracelets and brooches. From costume style to fine diamond and gemstone products, there surely is something to tempt your feline fancy. You can even find pieces that have your cat's birthstone on them, or you can have them engraved with your cat's name. They make wonderful pieces to wear every day, or as special keepsakes in honor or in memory of a beloved feline friend.

3. You can't walk into a gift shop or home decore store these days without finding many cat related ornaments, from glass or crystal cats, to cats on cups and mugs, to delightful teapots. One of our favorite lines is the "Miss Priss" collection which was popular about 50 years ago. They have even made reproductions now as the line was so popular and the older pieces hard to find now as cat collectors are scooping up the originals.

4. What cat lover wouldn't love a subscription to a cat related magazine, like Cat Fancy or one of the many others available. They make for great reading, are very educational and have spectacular photos. There's nothing like getting a new edition every month to get your fix on reading all about felines.

5. Our absolute favorite gifts for cat lovers are personalized photo gifts. There are many companies out there there can transform your digital cat photos of your own special feline friend onto an assortment of wonderful keepsake pieces. The options are limitless! You can have your cat's image appear on everything from clothing to clocks, notebooks to placemats, coasters to table tops, playing cards to calendars, nightlights to blankets. One of our favorites is the traditional photo book which allows you to include numerous photos of your favorite feline companions. They make great gifts for friends and family, and wonderful keepsakes for the cat owner. There's nothing like having a coffee table book of photos to share with your guests.

Hope all is well with our readers. From all of us here are the Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary!

Pet Dental Health Month

2010-02-25T10:18:00.004-07:00

February is National Pet Dental Health Month. Did you know that ensuring your pet’s dental health is just as important for animals as it is for humans?

Dental disease in pets usually affects the upper back teeth with plaque building up on the tooth surface daily. It takes less than 36 hours for this plaque to harden and become tartar that cannot be removed with a brush. Therefore, if your feline friend is willing to cooperate, brushing should be done daily with a soft brush to remove plaque from under the gum line.

The best time to start brushing your cat’s teeth is when it is young, but it is never too late to begin this important regimen and make it part of your daily routine. There are many ways you can encourage your cat to enjoy this. Picking a time of day that will become a convenient part of the routine is the first step. If you don’t succeed the first time, don’t give up. It’s worth the effort for your pet!

In order to brush your cat’s teeth you’ll need a soft veterinary toothbrush. The human toothbrushes are too large to use for your pet’s teeth. You can buy these at your local veterinary or pet supply store. You’ll also need veterinary toothpaste. NEVER use human toothpaste as this can be harmful to your cat. There are many different flavors of pet toothpaste including poultry and fish, so your cat should find one of the many options appetizing.

The best way to get started is to offer your cat a taste of the toothpaste. You might be surprised that they will lick it right out of the tube! Then, put a little on your finger and then run your finger along the gums of the upper teeth towards the back of your cat’s mouth. Then repeat this same process using the toothbrush. You’ll want to get the bristles along the gum line, angle the brush slightly so they reach under the gum line of the upper back teeth. Work your way around both sides of your cat’s mouth. This should only take you about 30 seconds to brush both back sides of your cat’s mouth. If your pet doesn’t mind this process and eventually lets you brush the entire mouth, then that’s even better! The most important areas to clean though are the upper back teeth.

Rewarding your pet with a crunchy treat after brushing is a great way to help them find tooth brushing an enjoyable experience.

For those cats who will not tolerate brushing, there are many dental treats on the market to help as well. Ask your veterinarian about dental treats that would be suitable for your pet. The dry and crunchy dental treats also help your cat maintain good dental health.

Even with the best tooth brushing, some cats may still need an occasional professional cleaning, just as humans do. So please ensure that your vet examines your pet’s teeth during regular check-ups.

By keeping care of your cat’s dental needs, you may reduce the frequency of professional cleanings and help your pet live a longer, healthier life!

Canada Welcomes the World to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games!

2010-02-19T08:59:00.009-07:00

It’s an exciting time in Canada, as we welcome the world’s best athletes to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games! Now you may think Vancouver isn’t exactly in our backyard, but the whole country has the Olympic spirit and everyone is excited about having such an enormous and important event being held here in Canada. Our Olympic Torch Relay which went from coast to coast, east to west, north to south, and was the largest ever held for any Olympics in history.

It’s been great watching our athletes, and we’ve still got more than half the games to go! It’s been paws up around here as we cheer on the Canadians!

The most unforgettable moment so far has been our first ever gold medal on home soil, as Alex Bilodeau captured Gold in the Men’s Moguls competition. There were meows and squeals of joy all over the sanctuary! And seeing some of our ladies follow suit and bring home gold as well has been great. We hope there are plenty more gold medals to come.

We’re especially proud of some local heroes who are representing Canada at the games. Silver Medallist in Women’s Moguls, Jennifer Heil’s hometown is just a few minutes drive from the Sanctuary! Jenn won gold four years so now has her second Olympic medal. Way to go Jenn!

Edmonton’s Bobsleigh King, Pierre Lueders, won gold and silver in past Olympics and will be going for even more Olympic medals later in the games. We wish him and his crew good luck!

Team Canada’s men’s curling team is also from Edmonton. Kevin Martin and crew are hoping to bring home the gold and have been doing great so far. We wish team Martin all the best – we’re meowing for you!

We really think there should be Olympics for cats. A lot of us here would have a good chance at medals in the following categories.

- Bird watching
- Quick cat nap
- Long Jump
- High Jump
- Speed chasing
- Toy catching
- Triathlon – which would consist of running, jumping and climbing

I think we’d all be contenders at many of these! I know I'd particularly be good at the cat nap....although I think I prefer a long catnap versus a short one!

But since we don’t have our own Olympics, we’ll continue to cheer on Team Canada in Vancouver. From all of us felines and the humans too, GOOD LUCK TEAM CANADA!

We believe!

Purrs,

Creamsicle

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T13:33:00.003-07:00

On behalf of me, my feline friends and all the humans at Forget Me Not, we'd like to wish you all a very Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day is a great day to celebrate your love for your feline friend, here are a few suggestions on how to make the day special for your cat.

1. How about some heart shaped treats? You can buy some at your local pet supply store, or how about making some home-made ones. You can use little heart shaped cookie cutters to give your feline friend a delicious home-made kitty treat.

2. There are lots of wonderful heart shaped products on the market like comfy beds, food and water dishes, and even toys. Or if you're feeling creative you can make your own heart shaped toy by cutting up some bright red material into heart shapes, filling it with catnip and sewing it up for that special personal touch.

3. Red is the color of love so why not buy your cat a soft fuzzy red fleece blanket, or a new red collar. There are even some beautiful charms you can buy to decorate your pet's collar.

4. Spend some extra play or cuddle time with your pet today. A recent survey in Canada shows that around 25% of people would rather spend Valentine's Day with their pet than their human partner.

Remember, that pets give unconditional love all year round - they are like getting a special Valentine every day of the year. So why not spoil your special feline friend this Valentine's Day!

From all of us here at the Sanctuary, Happy Valentine's Day!

Purrs,

Creamsicle

A Tribute to Mittens

2010-02-03T19:53:00.008-07:00

As the brilliant, insightful saying goes “There are no ordinary cats”. And, indeed, our cat Mittens was extraordinarily no ordinary cat!

From the time we found him as a little 5 week old feral kitten on December 3, 1999 up to the heartbreaking day that we lost him on October 28, 2008 he inspired us with his kindness and perceptive intelligence and kept us and our other cats entertained with his hilarious antics.

Therefore, as a lasting tribute to our beloved Mittens, it was only fitting that his image should grace the logo of our Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary which is dedicated to providing a safe, loving, permanent residence for homeless, abused and abandoned cats – cats that are feral, cats with injuries or medical disabilities and senior cats.

Forever in our hearts,

June and Walter
Founders of Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary

(Here is a special video tribute to Mittens)

A Note From Your Cat

2010-01-25T15:29:00.003-07:00

My life is likely to last at least ten to fifteen years. Any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that before you acquire me.

Give me time to understand what you want from me.

Place your trust in me.

Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, and your entertainment. I only have you.

Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice when it is speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget.

Remember before you hit me that I have teeth that can easily crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.

Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I don't understand what you ask of me or perhaps I am not feeling well, not getting the right food, been out in the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak.

Take care of me when I get old, you too will grow old.

Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say "I can't bear to watch," or "let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier if you are there.

Remember, no matter what, that I love you. Unconditionally.

A Cat's Prayer

2010-01-18T09:28:00.002-07:00

Now I lay me down to sleep,

The king-size bed is soft and deep...

I sleep right in the center groove

My human can hardly move!

I've trapped her legs, she's tucked in tight

And here is where I pass the night

No one disturbs me or dares intrude

Till morning comes and "I want food!"

I sneak up slowly to begin

My nibbles on my human's chin.

She wakes up quickly, I have sharp teeth

-And my claws I will unsheath

For the morning's here and it's time to play

I always seem to get my way.

So thank you Lord for giving me

This human person that I see.

The one who hugs me and holds me tight

And sacrifices her bed at night.

~ Author Unknown ~

Meet Millie and Her Adorable Babies!

2010-01-12T08:59:00.020-07:00

Hi everyone, I am Millie. I’d like to tell you about myself, my babies, and how we ended up at the Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary.

Last spring someone found me as a stray, and on April 30th I was dropped off at a rural pound. I was pregnant and the very next day I gave birth to six beautiful babies. As the pound had no resources to cope with a momma cat and my newborns, and an adoptive home was not available to take us in, we were all slated to be euthanized within the next couple of days. Lucky for us, the folks at the Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary were happy to save us, and on May 1st, we began our new life at the Sanctuary.

I was about 8 to 10 months old at the time so just a youngster myself. I was very emaciated when I gave birth and did not have enough milk for my tiny kittens, so the kind people at the Sanctuary provided bottle feeding to them. My babies were born with compromised immune systems. On top of that, my kittens and I all have gastro-intestinal problems (a type of colitis) which means we are constantly plagued with intermittent diarrhea and we all have to be on special medication from time to time. Because of this, we will remain permanent residents at the Sanctuary so that we can be given this type of special care for the rest of our lives.

When I first came to the Sanctuary they decided to call me “Violet”. After about 10 days the people realized that I didn’t seem to respond to that name, and it didn’t really suit me. As my personality started to shine through they could see I was very outgoing and not a “Shrinking Violet!”. So my name was changed to Millie and I loved it instantly!

I am a sweet and gentle girl, and I love spending time with my babies and interacting with the humans. I am always happy to receive pets and snuggles. One of the human helpers at Forget Me Not thinks I am one of the most striking looking cats because of my sparkling eyes and beautifully marked coat. I have an unusual look for sure!

My litter consisted of two boys and four girls. The kids are now eight and a half months old. The boys are all white with creamy tones and they are called Frosty and Snowdrop. There is a saying that the eyes are the windows to the soul, and you can see their great spirit in their sparkling blue eyes. They are typical young boys, active and playful, and they like to jump around the many pieces of furniture in our wonderful “family suite” at the Sanctuary. They love spending time looking out the windows from the sun drenched perches we have to enjoy, or snoozing on the cozy furniture after an exhausting day of play.

My four girls are the dark ones. They are Gingersnap, Nibbles, Timbit and Panda. They are sweet, loving and very inquisitive. Gingersnap looks a lot like me, she’s the one with the copper mark on her face. Nibbles is the long haired darling with the white mark arching over her eyes and nose. Panda is the long-haired beauty with white markings. And Timbit is the short-haired black and white girl. The girls are really sweet and affectionate and love to groom each other. I can't imagine my life without these adorable babies! The humans are pretty crazy about all of us too!

My children are all great friends who enjoy each other’s company and I am so happy to be able to live out my life with my children at my side. If not for the folks at Forget Me Not, we would not even be alive today, so we will always be grateful to them for saving us all.

Thank you Forget Me Not for rescuing us and giving us a wonderful Forever Home!

Purrs and meows,

Millie

Happy Mew Year!!!!!!

2009-12-31T19:33:00.004-07:00

Happy New Year!......or "Mew Year" as we like to say here at the Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary! 2009 was a good year, and we hope that 2010 will be even better for all of us here at the Sanctuary, and all of our blog readers.

The cats here at the Sanctuary have decided to adopt a few New Year's resolutions and we wanted to share them with you. Here is our list.

- I will be nice to my roommates and not squabble over toys. There are plenty for all of us.

- I will not push anyone off a cat tree. Again, there are plenty and I be nice and wait my turn if I have to.

- I will not help myself to Q-tips and proceed to stuff them down the sink, and throw them all over the house.

- I will not hide my toys in the bathtub. Well, maybe just the ones that look like little fishies.

- Screaming at a can of food will not make it open itself.

- I will not try and jump through a closed window to catch a bird. If I forget this resolution and bonk my head, I will not get up and do the same thing two minutes later.

- I will not assume the cat door is open when I try to run out to chase a butterfly or blowing leaves.

- I will not complain that my rear end is wet and I am thirsty, after sitting in my water bowl.

- I will not chase my tail - there are plenty of others to chase around here.

- I will not swat at the human's ears when they are trying to talk on the phone.

- Computer and TV screens are not a backlight for my gorgeous silhouette.

- I will not walk on the speaker phone and call long distance to California, Wisconsin, Virginia or any other far away place.

- An open box of pizza is not a good place for a cat-nap.

- I will not walk on the computer keyboard when the humans are writing something important jo769ouilldakelrjadll.kjed (OOPS! One down already and it's not even Midnight!)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Creamsicle

Indoor Cats

2009-12-29T13:08:00.003-07:00

We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas! All of us cats here at Forget Me Not had a great holiday season.

This time of year, many people open their hearts and their homes to a new feline companion. And while in the depths of winter it may be common sense to keep your cats indoors, we feel it is important for the health of your cat, that no one allow cats to roam freely. Here at the Sanctuary we have many outdoor enclosures, which are secured completely by fencing. These are great, and a safe way to allow your feline friend to enjoy the great outdoors in a safe environment. If you don’t have the means or the space for such enclosures, some cats even like to go out on a harness and leash, another way to let your pet explore while keeping safety a priority.

Did you know that indoor cats live longer? This makes sense of course! There are many hazards that freely roaming cats can encounter on an outdoor adventure including traffic, poison, cruelty by mean humans, injuries encountered by fights with other animals, and exposure to many diseases. No neighbourhood is immune from the many dangers your freely roaming cat may encounter.

There are things you can do to make your indoor cat happy by making life inside fun. Having a good supply of different toys help keep your pet entertained and stimulated. Having a nice window for your cat to look out brings hours of enjoyment as they can watch the great outdoors from the safety of their own home. Here at the Sanctuary, we pass our indoor time by playing with scratching posts, climbing perches, and most importantly interaction with our humans. There’s nothing more rewarding for both you and your feline friend than lots of personal play or cuddle time together.

Purrs,

Creamsicle

A "Forget Me Not" Christmas Poem

2009-12-18T08:12:00.003-07:00

‘Twas the night before Christmas and at Creamsicle’s House
All the creatures were snoozing, except for the mouse
The stockings were hung, and all ready to fill
Each carefully placed high near the window sill

The Forget Me Not Cats were anxious for the big day
New toys would arrive, they’d be ready to play
Santa would bring them goodies galore
Of course they had plenty, but could always use more

For some this would be a first Christmas here
In their home filled with love, and their feline friends near
No more cold winters, living out on the street
Here they are sheltered, and have plenty to eat

With the snow gently falling, each kitty would dream
While watching the bright star, and it’s radiant gleam
Christmas is coming, the most special day of the year
For the Forget Me Not cats, a day of great cheer

And then they heard it, the sound on the roof
Of Santa and his sleigh and the reindeer hooves
All of the kitties arose from their naps
Gathered at the window, Creamsicle in his red cap

“Hello all you dear cats”, Santa said
His beard snowy white and his cheeks cherry red
“You are all on my list for being good girls and boys,
What is it you want this year, how about some new toys?”

Creamsicle spoke up, “Yes, Santa, there is something you can do,
But it’s not for us, it’s for other cats too
We have all the toys and the treats that we need
We’d much prefer if you could do for us a special deed

You see Santa, there are many homeless kitties in the world
Who don’t have good homes like us, so we’ve heard
On your journey tonight, wherever you roam
Could you please find each homeless kitty a wonderful home?

We here are all thankful for all that we’ve got
Because we found our forever home at Forget Me Not”

Christmas is Coming!

2009-12-12T18:09:00.005-07:00

Hello everyone! Can you believe that Christmas is less than two weeks away? All of us here at the Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary are getting very excited about the big day.

We wanted to share a little video with you of some of the "Forget Me Not Elves" hard at work getting ready for the season.

Hope you enjoy it! Copy the link below to your browser, and enjoy the elves in action!

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/KRtkKqofVJspHoJUo8ku

Visit our blog frequently over the next couple weeks for more Christmas related stories.

Purrs,

Creamsicle

Look At Me Now!

2009-12-01T13:20:00.008-07:00

My name is Mi Hija (pronounced Mee-Ha), and I have a great tale to share with you. Do you ever wonder what happens to the cats who get adopted from the Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary? Well, I am one of those lucky cats, and I’d like to share my story with you.

My early life started out very sad. I was abandoned and left to fend for myself when I was only about 7 or 8 months old. And I was pregnant! I followed some stray cats to an acreage where a lady had put out some food for them. My first litter of babies were four little boys, and they all still live at that acreage. Then I got pregnant again, but sadly my second litter did not survive. My heart was breaking. At night I would dream about being in a permanent loving home, surrounded by kind humans and maybe even a feline sibling to play with. I wondered if I would ever have a chance for my dream to come true.

Some months later, when the lady at the acreage thought I was pregnant again, she dropped me off at a rural pound. The folks at the pound thought I would be unadoptable due to my pregnancy, so they surrendered me to the Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary right on last New Year’s Eve. The people at the Sanctuary took me to their vet, who did an ultrasound, and found that I actually was not pregnant at all, so I was then spayed.

The folks at the Sanctuary gave me the name “Ivy” and they took wonderful care of me for the months that I lived there. I got along well with the other cats and never complained about my many feline roommates. But the Sanctuary owners noticed that I was happiest and most content in the presence of only 1 or 2 cats, so they decided it was time to put me up for adoption. They put my picture and story in PetRescue magazine with the hope that some wonderful people might see me and want to take me in. They described me as a cute little marmalade-colored furball of a cat, with a button nose, so how could anyone resist?

Soon after, a wonderful couple named Pearl and Larry came to meet me. I could tell right away upon meeting them that they were kind and gentle people, and I could see the love in their eyes as they looked into my beautiful face. They decided to take me home with them and they would be my forever family! The Sanctuary folks gave me my favorite pink blanket to take with me, and off I went!

The car ride home was fun, and I snuggled right between Pearl and Larry on my way to my new forever home. As we traveled, they told me that I was also going to have a brother cat as part of my new family. This made me very happy, and I couldn’t wait to meet him! His name is Riley.

Riley was just a little kitten when fifteen years ago, on a February morning, Larry spotted him lying in a little heap on the pavement of a very busy road. After blocking the traffic with his car, Larry rescued Riley, scooped him up and had a vet attend to his paws which were badly burnt. After being unable to locate Riley’s owners, Pearl and Larry happily added Riley to their family which at that time consisted of 2 cats and a dog.

When I arrived at my new home, Riley met us at the door. We exchanged a few hisses in greeting and the first night I slept in the guest room. The very next morning, Riley invited me to play and it was so much fun! I knew we were going to get along really well. Pearl and Larry threw little rubber balls around the floor, and then helped Riley and me chase them around the room. I will always remember those early days in my new home, with my new family.

Pearl and Larry gave me a new name, which I like very much. I am now Mi Hija, which means “my daughter” in Spanish. Sometimes they just call me “Mi” for short. And sometimes they call me “Little Miss Sunbeam” because if there is a ray of sunshine anywhere around, you can be sure I will find it!

Riley and I are allowed outside in the backyard as long as either Pearl or Larry are there to supervise us. We can go into our beautiful garden which has a stone wall we can hop onto and go for a little stroll. I have now been with my new family for 8 whole months. I have lost the once sad look I had in my eyes and I now am happy as can be.

And the rest as they say is history! I love my new family and I know they love me too. I am so lucky to have wound up at the Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary where I was given a second chance at happiness. And I sure have found it with Pearl and Larry and of course Riley too.

Sometimes dreams really do come true!

Purrs,

Mi Hija

Odds and Ends

2009-11-26T19:30:00.004-07:00

Interesting Feline Trivia

There are about 100 breeds of cats.

A cat has a total of 24 whiskers, 4 rows of whiskers on each side. The upper two rows can move independently of the bottom two rows. A cat uses its whiskers for measuring distances.

Cats have 30 teeth (12 incisors, 10 premolars, 4 canines, and 4 molars), while dogs have 42. Kittens have baby teeth, which are replaced by permanent teeth around the age of 7 months.

Cats purr at the same frequency as an idling diesel engine, about 26 cycles per second.

A domestic cat can sprint at about 31 miles per hour.

Blue-eyed, pure white cats are frequently deaf.

Normally, cats are born with only four toes and a thumb on each paw. In comparison, polydactyl cats can be born with up to seven toes on a paw. Recently the Sanctuary had some polydactyl kittens, and as you can see here, the extra toes make it appear as though they have “large hands”.

The Pilgrims were the first to introduce cats to North America.

Oldest Cat:
There is an unverified claim of a 43 year old cat who lived in Scotland. However, the oldest confirmed cat was Creme Puff of Austin Texas who lived to be 38 years old.

The largest litter of kittens was produced by a Burmese/Siamese mother. There were 19 kittens. However, 4 of the kittens were stillborn.

Over the last 50 years the life expectancy of cats has nearly doubled. Let’s hope that’s a trend that continues!

Hope you’ve enjoyed this cat trivia.

And in closing, let me share with you one of my favorite “cat quotes”…

No home is complete without the pitter patter of little furry feet!

Purrs,

Creamsicle

Adopt a Senior Pet Month

2009-11-20T18:54:00.005-07:00

Hi, I’m Henry, one of the senior citizens here at Forget Me Not. I am one of the residents in the Seniors Cottage and I’m here to tell you that November is “Adopt a Senior Pet Month”.

Started by the ASPCA in the US, Adopt a Senior Pet Month is a great way to encourage people to open their hearts to a senior animal and provide awareness of the many senior pets looking for good homes.

While me and my friends here in the Seniors Cottage have already found our forever home here at the Sanctuary, it is important to remember that adopting senior pets is one of the greatest things you can ever do!

There are many advantages to adopting a senior cat. We’re not as rambunctious as our junior counterparts, so if you’re looking for someone who’s already gotten through the wild and raucous years, a senior would be a purrfect companion for you. We seniors are calm and gentle and so in need of loving homes. In many cases seniors are overlooked just because of age. That makes me sad, as we have just as much love to give as the youngsters.

When adopting a pet, follow your heart and if it’s a senior that “chooses you”, take one in to your life. You won’t regret it. It’s not about the quantity of years you may have together, but the quality. And the love you get from a senior pet will be an experience you will both treasure forever.

Best regards,

Henry

We've Been Spayed and We Have an Important Message

2009-11-12T16:33:00.010-07:00

Hello everyone, we are Chubby Cheeks, Hungry and Thirsty. Earlier this spring we were born to our mom, Paula, the day after she arrived at a rural animal control facility. Our Mom was only about 8 months old at the time, just a kitten herself. The pound had no resources to look after a litter of newborns so like in many such cases, we were destined to be euthanized. Our Mom would not have had a chance to grow up into adulthood and us three little babies would not have even had a chance to see our first sunset, or eat our first meals on our own.

But just in time, a kind man and woman came into the facility and rescued us and took us to the Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary. They also rescued two other newborn litters and their mothers. So there were many lucky souls saved that spring day.

After a few days at the Sanctuary, the kind people noticed that we weren’t gaining any weight. Our Mom Paula who was malnourished and underweight could not produce enough milk for the three of us. While kind and sweet to us, she just could not provide the nourishment we needed. That’s when the nice humans stepped in to help out with our feeding. We began receiving our nourishment in tiny syringes full of something called Mammalac. It tasted sort of like Mom’s milk so we lapped it up! Then each and every morning we were placed one by one into a little bowl and onto a kitchen scale to ensure that we were gaining weight. Gradually over the next several weeks we grew and grew and now months later we are healthy, thriving young cats.

Our message is so important – PLEASE spay and neuter your pets. Most kittens born to young female cats whose owners don’t bother to get them spayed are not as lucky as we were. Many are born to strays in culverts, abandoned cars, dilapidated garden sheds, snow banks, and ditches. Some die from starvation, some fall prey to predators, while others freeze to death alongside their helpless mothers.

And even many who are rescued as we were, are often left with a lifetime of problems with compromised immune systems which leave us vulnerable to hosts of illnesses.

We are now three spayed little sisters, and best friends. And because we have been spayed we will not be bringing into this world any more unwanted souls who may not have the happy endings that we did.

We will live our lives out at the Sanctuary, along with our Mom Paula, and we hope to be the little “spokes-kitties” for the importance of spay and neutering your pets.

Animals welfare organizations are overrun with animals all looking for homes. It is cruel to bring even more souls into this world while there area already so many in need. Let’s all do our part to end the pet overpopulation.

Thanks for reading our story, and we hope you take our plight to heart.

Here is a little video about us, we hope you enjoy it!

Meows & squeaks,

Chubby Cheeks, Hungry and Thirsty

November 11th - Remembrance Day

2009-11-10T17:03:00.003-07:00

November 11th is a very special day. It is the day we commemorate the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and of civilians in times of war. Remembrance Day is recognized on November 11th to recall the end of World War I on that date in 1918.

Please join all of us at the Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary in recognizing this special day, and in honoring all who serve our country with bravery.

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

— Lt.-Col. John McCrae (1872 - 1918)

Animal Shelter Appreciation Week

2009-11-03T16:36:00.005-07:00

Each year, starting the first Sunday of November, National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week is recognized. This initiative was introduced by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). Citizens in communities all over the world are asked to take a closer look at the valuable role their local animal shelter plays in enhancing the quality of life in their community.

The Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary is proud to serve the needs of local felines, but we can’t do it without the support of our community’s residents.

Organizations like our Sanctuary offer many services to the animals in our care including permanent housing, extensive medical care, an adoption centre, and providing awareness of responsible pet ownership including the importance of spaying and neutering pets.

How can you help the Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary? There are many ways to help including:

- Offer a monetary donation or donating needed supplies
- Spread the word about the importance of responsible pet ownership, including
spaying and neutering
- Volunteer your time
- Report animal cruelty and neglect that you encounter in your community
- Choose your next pet from among the many cats being cared for at the Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary. We have plenty of wonderful cats waiting for a wonderful forever home.

We invite everyone to join us in celebrating Animal Shelter Appreciation Week by finding ways you can help out in your community.

Purrs,

Creamsicle

Happy (and Safe) Halloween!

2009-10-29T08:48:00.005-06:00

Hello friends, it’s me Creamsicle! With Halloween just days away, I want to wish everyone a safe and happy Halloween. Remember, that Halloween can be a dangerous and scary time for your feline friends, so here are a few tips to ensure your cat is kept safe.

Keep your decorations out of reach of your cat. Remember that cats are curious and will investigate anything new or different and can easily ingest something they shouldn’t. Things like plastic spiders can be a choking hazard and cause even more problem if digested. Plenty of decorations come with lights, so make sure that any electrical cords are kept away from your cat. Kitties are interested in chewing these cords and can be electrocuted or even burn their mouths.

Your carved pumpkin may also appeal to your feline friend. Because many cats love the taste of pumpkin, they may be interested in turning your jack-o-lantern into lunch! While canned (unsweetened) pumpkin is fine for a treat, and may also add fiber to your cat’s diet to avoid constipation, after sitting on your porch for days, the pumpkin can grow plenty of bacteria which can cause all sorts of intestinal and stomach problems. So best to keep your kitty away from your pumpkin altogether.

Candy and chocolate should be reserved for the trick-or-treaters only. Never give your cat any candy or chocolate at any time of year. These can be very lethal to any of your pets. Ensure that on Halloween your treats are kept a safe distance from your cat. If at any time your pet ingests any chocolate, please seek advice immediately from your veterinarian.

Ringing doorbells and the loud voices of your goblin visitors can be frightening and upsetting to your cat. For your cat’s safety it’s best to keep them safely locked in a bedroom as far away from your front door as possible. With the door constantly opening and closing it’s just too easy for a cat to slip outside. While we think it’s safest all year for your cat to be kept indoors, this is especially important on Halloween.

If your feline friend is especially nervous of strange noises and all the raucous that goes along with Halloween, consider using one of the many flower essence products on the market to help calm your buddy down. Products like Feliway among others are great soothing agents to help your pet keep relaxed during what can often be a stressful holiday for pets.

We hope these helpful hints will ensure a safe and happy Halloween for you and your pets!

Purrs,

Creamsicle

Baby Mocha Passes the 2 Pound Mark!

2009-10-27T08:48:00.004-06:00

Hello friends, it’s me, Mocha! I’m writing to give you an update on how I’m doing. I’m happy to report that I am gaining some weight, and now have reached the 2 pound mark! I am getting a bit taller, so I don’t look quite so tiny anymore. I think I will grow up to be a small kitty, but the humans here are pleased with my progress.

I have a good appetite and am eating well and I do love to play! I love to motor around chasing after little balls on the floor. And when it’s time to rest, I just love to curl up in my favorite pink chair.

I have a wonderful new friend named Bentley, pictured here with me. Of course I am the cutie pie on the left. He’s very sweet and we love to cuddle up and snooze together. As you can see, he is a round little ball of fur and he just loves to eat, so I’ve been nibbling right along side him. I think having him around has really helped me put on some weight.

I have some other new friends as well. After a new litter of 10 week old kittens were kept in isolation for a while, they were brought into my room and I’ve been busy showing them the ropes. They think I am a great teacher! A couple of the new kittens are a little shy, so I’ve been helping to bring them out of their shells.

I want to thank you all again for all of your good thoughts and well wishes, which I’m sure have really helped me through my early struggles.

I’ll write again soon, but in the meantime it’s time to go play with Bentley!

Tiny meows,

Mocha

Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary in the News!

2009-10-24T18:29:00.004-06:00

Hello everyone, Creamsicle here. All of us kitties here are super excited today, because in today's Edmonton Journal there was not one, but TWO articles on our sanctuary! A nice reporter and photographer from the Edmonton Journal paid us a visit about a week go, to feature Forget Me Not in a week-long cat series called "Kitty City". Today was the big day - and two articles on the sanctuary, and our founders, were featured in our local newspaper.

One article started on the very front cover and continued on the inside page. The other was a full-page article with lots of great photos of me and some of the other kitties, and of course our Mom and Dad, the founders of the Sanctuary.

It made me so happy to see such wonderful media coverage of our wonderful home. My hope is that it will encourage people to adopt some of our beautiful cats as well as consider making a donation to help care for all of us.

Both articles are in today's Edmonton Journal for those of you local (Saturday, October 24th) and also are featured on the Edmonton Journal's website.

We invite you to check them out at:

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/life/Shelter+comes+closest+heaven+earth/2139907/story.html

and

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/life/pets/haven+unwanted/2140092/story.html

Purrs,

Creamsicle

Our Newest Adoptables!

2009-10-23T13:16:00.012-06:00

Hello everyone, it's me Creamsicle. I hope that everyone is having a good autumn!

I'm here to tell you some news about our adorable adoptables. I'm happy to say that many of the wonderful cats have now found their forever homes! Even my buddy Cheddar (who posted further down in this blog about our adoptable cats) has now been adopted. It's always hard to say goodbye, but we know that all of our adoptables will live happily-ever-after in their new homes.

We recently had a beautiful litter of kittens move into our adoption centre. They were born in early July and will be up for adoption around the end of October. They are absolutely precious! Prior to coming to Forget Me Not, they were delivered to the pound with their Mom, who was a very loving cat, and taught these beautiful babies to have kind, gentle and trusting hearts. They are really a sweet batch of affectionate little kittens.

They love to cuddle up on people's chests and purr up a storm! As most kittens are, they are very playful, but are really very peaceful, sweet and quiet. And they get along great with the other cats. They will make wonderful furever friends for someone very soon.

As you can see from their photos, they are absolutely purrfect!

If you would like to open your heart to one of our adorable adoptables, check out our adoption page on our website at www.forgetmenotcats.com/

Well, I better sign off for now. Some of my roommates are having a game of tag, and I want to play too!

Purrs,

Creamsicle

The Adventures of Milo and Otis - Creamsicle's Autumn Movie Pick!

2009-10-20T13:12:00.005-06:00

With the cold weather soon to set in, it’s time for another movie review! There couldn’t be a better way to spend a cool autumn evening than curling up in front of the tube with your favorite feline, watching a fun feline flick. The Adventures of Milo and Otis is a sweet and heartwarming film, about an orange cat named Milo and his pug pal, Otis.

The film starts out in a barn with a mother cat who has given birth to kittens, one of which is Milo. Little Milo has a habit of being a bit too curious. He soon encounters a pug puppy named Otis and the two become friends.

One day while playing in a box he finds floating at the edge of a river, Milo accidentally drifts downstream. Otis chases after Milo and the two go on many adventures. Milo ends up being about a mile ahead of the ever pursuing Otis, and they both encounter their share of wild animals and trouble along the way. Finally, the two catch up with one another, when Otis finds Milo stuck in a hole and he has to pull him out. Soon the two friends find mates of their own: a cat named Joyce for Milo, and a pug named Sondra for Otis. The two couples then part ways to have families of their own.

When winter sets in, the two families help each other survive the bitterly cold elements. Eventually they all find their way back together through the forest, to the barn, living together, happily ever after.

The film is a testament to the true friendship between Milo and Otis. The characters are funny, sweet and delightful and you will enjoy their many adventures along the way. This is a fun film for the whole family. I’m sure the cats in your house will enjoy watching Milo in action!
I’d give it 4 and a half paws out of 5!

Meows,

Creamsicle

National Feral Cat Day - October 16th

2009-10-15T18:07:00.009-06:00

October 16th is National Feral Cat Day, a day to provide awareness and education of feral cats and feral cat colonies. This day is recognized annually to remind people that Trap-Neuter-Return and other humane programs for feral cats are in the best interest of the cats and the community. Feral cats are like domestic cats, but they cannot usually be adopted into homes. These cats live outdoors in family groups called colonies. Ensuring these cats are spayed/neutered is the best way to end the breeding cycle and stop behaviors associated with mating.

National Feral Cat Day began in 2001 by Alley Cat Allies (http://www.alleycat.org/), the national advocate in the United States for feral cats and stray cats. They are a recognized authority on trap-neuter-return – a program in which cats who live outdoors are humanely trapped and brought to a veterinarian to be examined, spayed or neutered and vaccinated. Friendly cats and kittens are put up for adoption. This program is effective because it stops cats who evade capture from breeding and starting the cycle all over again.

We often see cats roaming the streets, ducking behind buildings, or sunning in backyards, and many people feed these feral strays. But who are these cats and how did they end up this way? Feral cat colonies often begin with an abandonment of a cat, a poor soul being dumped to fend for itself. Feral cats exist in every community. These cats are not socialized to humans and are most often fearful of any human contact whatsoever.

The Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary has taken in many feral cats to live out their lives, who would end up being euthanized at other animal shelters or organizations. In some cases, over time and with great patience, these cats can become more acceptable of humans and many of the Forget Me Not ferals have tamed a lot in our care.

So next time you see a cat wandering the street, who runs away when you try to approach it, remember that these feral cats need our help too. Talk to your local animal welfare organizations or veterinary offices to see if there is a trap-neuter-return program in your area.

With purrs and meows,

From the Feral Cats of the Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary

(Pictured here from top to bottom are: Mama, Libby, Whitey and Maizie - some of the feral cats now residing at Forget Me Not)

Meet Leroy!

2009-10-12T18:27:00.005-06:00

Hello everyone, I am Leroy! I am approximately 2-3 years old and am proud to say I am one of the original Forget Me Not Cats! I was one of the 10 feral cats that were the first residents here at the Sanctuary, so I’ve seen it all around here.

My life before Forget Me Not is an interesting story. I was rescued from the pound by a lady with good intentions. She tried to care for me and a number of other feral cats. Sadly though, she really didn’t know that feral cats are “different” and wasn’t properly informed about what was involved in caring for me and my feral buddies. She was really afraid and intimidated by us, and as a result didn’t give us adequate care. Some of us were caged in filthy kennels and those of us who escaped from our cages crouched in dark, damp corners. There was one huge litter box, which was seldom clean so many of us chose to use the concrete floor as our bathroom instead. These were horrible living conditions for all of us!

When the wonderful folks at Forget Me Not stepped in to help us, they had quite the challenge on their hands. When they first found me, I had to be wrestled free from the rusty springs of a dirty old couch. At the time I had no idea who these people were, and what was going on, so I was very afraid. But then I arrived at the Main Cat Cottage at Forget Me Not. It seemed like a nice place, but I was very scared and immediately sought refuge underneath a skirted chair. I came out to eat and drink only when the humans disappeared. This was pretty much my routine for quite some time. And then as the months passed I began exploring more and more. I’d even see the humans peeking in on me from the windows while I was stretched out relaxing on a funny purple, blue and green couch. I really liked that couch – it was my first “real” favorite spot. And over time, I’d stay put on that nice couch even if a human walked into the room.

That all seems so long ago now, as I’ve come a long way from my feral beginnings. I am usually quite affectionate and quiet, but my temperament is still quite unpredictable. Sometimes I do lash out with scratches or bites without any notice. I don’t intend to be mean, but being a feral cat makes me nervous and still afraid sometimes. The humans here at the Sanctuary realized that I would not be suitable for most adoptive homes so I am quite content in living out my life here at Forget Me Not.

After living in the main cottage for a while, it became clear that I needed different accommodation. I would sometimes pick nasty fights with the other male residents and the people here felt it would be best to move me to a different location at the Sanctuary. So one day I was moved, complete with my favorite multi-colored couch, to a seperate smaller building. And the cool thing is this building is now known as “Leroy’s Place”! How lucky am I to have a building named after me?!

Shortly after I moved in, I had some other kitties join me. A female feral named Maizie became one of my new roommates along with a nice girl named Georgia and her son, Johnny. We have a great living arrangement and I get along well with them.

So as you can see, my sad story does have a happy ending! I love my new home and couldn’t be happier, surrounded by my new buddies and my favorite couch!

Meows,

Leroy

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-10-09T18:35:00.006-06:00

Hello friends, it’s me Creamsicle!

All the cats here at Forget Me Not are looking forward to Thanksgiving this weekend. It is a special day for all of us indeed. We have so much to be thankful for each and every day, but it’s great to have a holiday to celebrate how grateful we are.

We’re all thankful for:

· always having a warm bed to sleep in
· big comfy couches and lots of pillows
· all the toys we could ever wish for
· bowls filled with good food and clean water
· beautiful outdoor enclosures with lots of grass
· many perches and ledges to play on and climb
· always feeling safe and protected
· the best medical care we could ever want
· wonderful feline friends to play with
· sharing nap times with our closest friends
· big bright windows so we can watch the birds
· plenty of pets, hugs and kisses from the humans
· knowing that someone loves us

And most of all, for finding our forever home at Forget Me Not.

And we’re thankful for all of our friends who support the Sanctuary and read about us here on our blog. On behalf of all the cats (and the humans) at the Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary, I wish you all a very safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Purrs,

Creamsicle

Meet Rascal!

2009-10-07T18:10:00.006-06:00

Hello, I am Rascal! I am one year old and I have been living at Forget Me Not since January 3, 2009.

Before coming to the Sanctuary I lived in a home with a big Rottweiler dog. I was only about 3 months old when one day the big dog accidentally entered my room where I was sound asleep. I guess the dog decided I looked like his lunch, so he attacked me and I was injured very badly. I was so scared! My owners took me to the veterinarian and surrendered me to the clinic, because they believed that any treatment would cost more than they could afford. They wanted me to be euthanized. That may be a big word, but I knew what it meant, and as wounded and weak as I was, it made me very sad.

The kind vet looked into my beautiful expressive eyes and knew that she had to give me a second chance at life. She performed surgery on me and then set about finding me somewhere to heal and recover. That’s when I came to the Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary.

It took me a while to recovery from my wounds and my surgery, and the wonderful humans here took great care of me. Over time, they realized that my amazing determination and spirit had imbedded into their hearts and that I had become a very special member of this family of felines. So they decided that I should become a permanent resident here. I couldn’t have been happier! So for the past 9 months I have enjoyed living in the main cat cottage.

Early on I became attached to a soft lavender-colored blanket that gave me a lot of comfort during my recovery. It is still one of my favorite things. Later on I found a new cozy comfort – my best friend Dexter! The big woolly guy and I are inseparable and love to hang out together. (Dexter’s story appears further down in our blog.)

I do love all of my feline friends here at the Sanctuary and the humans are just amazing to me…to all of us.

Sometimes I think back to being a little baby, and that big dog, and the fact that I almost went to the Rainbow Bridge before my time. I am so grateful to have been saved by that kind vet and the humans here at the Sanctuary.

Well, I better go. Dexter is calling me to play hide and seek.

Meows,

Rascal

October 4th - World Animal Day

2009-10-03T18:21:00.006-06:00

Hello everyone, it’s me Creamsicle! Did you know that October 4th is World Animal Day?

World Animal Day is celebrated each year on October 4th. It started in Florence, Italy in 1931. On this day, animal life in all its forms is celebrated, and special events are planned on locations all over the globe. October 4th was originally chosen for World Animal Day because it is the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. Numerous churches throughout the world observe the Sunday closest to October 4th with a Blessing for the Animals.

However, World Animal Day has now gone beyond being a religious celebration and is today observed by animal-lovers of all beliefs, nationalities and backgrounds. While many countries still hold animal blessings, this day is now recognized in many other ways as well, all over the world. Animal rescue shelters hold fundraising events, wildlife groups organize information displays, schools undertake animal-related project work and individuals and groups of friends or co-workers donate to animal charities or pledge to sponsor a shelter animal.

The Mission Statement of World Animal Day is:

- To celebrate animal life in all its forms

- To celebrate humankind’s relationship with the animal kingdom

- To acknowledge the diverse roles that animals play in our lives - from being our companions, supporting and helping us, to bringing a sense of wonder into our lives

- To acknowledge and be thankful for the ways in which animals enrich our lives

There are many ways you can celebrate World Animal Day. Volunteering for your local animal welfare organization is a wonderful way to give back. Donating to your favorite animal charity is also a wonderful way to help animals in need. But the best way you can recognize this important occasion is by being kind to animals of all kinds, both domestic and wild animals. Be kind and compassionate to all critters. If you have a furry friend of your own, take a bit of extra time to spend with your buddy and let them know that you love them on World Animal Day, and all year long.

By the way...the photos in this post were taken by the Sanctuary founders. These are of Tammy the deer dropping by to visit the cats. Isn't it amazing how they have become friends!

Purrs,

Creamsicle

Mocha Goes to the Dentist - an Update on Baby Mocha!

2009-09-28T18:06:00.004-06:00

Guess who? It’s ME, Mocha!

I want to thank everyone so much for thinking of me and keeping me in your thoughts and prayers. I could feel your love and kindness and it’s really helping me on my road to recovery. While I’m not completely out of the woods yet, I am holding my own. And I want to thank my good friend Creamsicle for posting my story and update.

I’ve had a very busy week! Last Monday, I went to the dentist! The humans here were concerned that I might be having some trouble eating, so my regular vet recommended that I go to see Dr. Martin Sheibel, a specialist in Dentistry at the Mayfield Veterinary Hospital. He’s such a nice and kind man! I wasn’t even scared there at all, he was gentle with me. He examined my jaw and looked at my teeth to see if there were any deformities or problems.

They decided not to do any x-rays on me, because of my tiny size, but Dr. Sheibel noted that my teeth were growing in exactly as they should be, and my little jaw was perfectly aligned. He was amazed though at how small I am, and how tiny my teeth are, for being almost three months old. He feels that my situation is much like that of a premature-born infant (human of course!) who would be a bit behind developmentally for a considerable time, always vulnerable to various health problems. Since I was found in a ditch the humans don’t know if I was premature or not, but it is a definite possibility. My main struggle right now is gaining enough wait so that I can be fully vaccinated, in order to fight off any potential problems that might come my way. Dr. Sheibel noted that a big positive is that I am a bundle of energy! I am also very curious and have bright sparkling eyes! So it sounded like a pretty good report to me!

Then on Wednesday I went to see my regular doctor at the Stony Plain Veterinary Clinic. It was just a routine follow-up appointment, but everyone there is always happy to see me. The people there are very kind and sweet to me. I really don’t mind going to the doctor – it’s not bad at all!

So as of now I weigh 725 grams, about a pound and a half. So I am still very small for my age. I look more like a one month old kitten than a three month old! But as long as I keep eating and drinking, and gaining even a bit of weight each day, then I am heading in the right direction.

My doctor said I should still stay at home base in isolation for a couple weeks or so yet. You would think that would be depressing, but it’s really fun, because I get extra spoiled by the humans, and I have lots of visitors. I’m not contagious or anything, I just need some quiet time so I can get lots of sleep and work on increasing my food intake. But I do get occasional visits from one of the other young kittens. “Baby Charlie” is my new friend. She’s not too much older than me, although she is quite a bit bigger. But we are becoming good friends. She comes in to my special room and we get to sniff each other, and play. I really enjoy our visits.

And my human Godmother has been visiting me too. I just love our visits. She gives me lots of cuddles and kisses, and I like to curl up and snooze on her chest. I just love to cuddle and will purr like a tractor! She also brought me the neatest gift, it’s a pretty pink little chair from her cat Hanna. I love this chair – it’s so soft and cozy and I love to relax on it. I also love to climb it and dive-bomb the seat, catching the imaginary mouse that sometimes sits on the chair. I’ve also spent a lot of time playing with my favorite toy, the Cat ‘N Mouse (as featured in Creamsicle’s Favorite Toy List further down in this blog). It’s a great toy, and that mouse really is hard to catch. But I have really good paw-eye coordination and can make him stop no matter how fast he’s spinning!

So as you can tell, I’m doing a lot better. It’s a slow process, the humans say, but they are patient with me and are helping me get better one day at a time.

I want to thank you all again for continuing to send me well wishes. I know they are helping! I’ll write you again soon and let you know how I’m doing. In the meantime, here’s a little video of me, you can see some of my new photos, and also get to see me in action!

Talk to you later my friends!

Tiny meows,

Mocha

A New Forget Me Not Video!

2009-09-23T09:01:00.005-06:00

Good day friends, it's me Creamsicle! I have a wonderful video to share with you about the Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary. Our dear friend, Virginia Marando, one of the amazing ladies behind "Pet Rescue Magazine" has produced this beautiful music video. The music featured is by Maria Daines, and there are many great photos of me and my friends here at the Sanctuary.

Thanks Virginia for putting this together for us. We love it!

Purrs,

Creamsicle

Meet Molly Malone!

2009-09-21T12:34:00.006-06:00

Hello friends, I am Molly Malone! It is a pleasure to meet you all! I arrived at Forget Me Not on January 7, 2009 and just love calling this place home.

The folks here are not sure how old I am as my vet records say I was born 00/00/00, so no one is quite sure when I came into this world, and I can’t quite recall myself.

The farthest back I can remember was being lost and trying to find my way back home. I bumped into a mean old dog when I tried to snitch some food from his bowl, and escaped with only a few scratches, but his claw got me right in the eye! Boy, did it hurt, and it really got infected. In time, it did heal, but I could never again see from that eye. And where it was scratched, it left a terrible scar. But the humans here say it doesn’t distract from my beauty.

I was lucky enough to come across a nice yard where a kind old man lived, and there was a nice warm doghouse in the yard. Fortunately for me, the doghouse had no resident dog, but there were bowls of water and crunchy cat food left out that were free for the taking for me and some of the other stray cats in that neighborhood. Every night at supper, the kind old man put out a few dishes of canned food for us too.

As Fall turned into Winter, day by day, we noticed that the old man was becoming more and more feeble. Then a sign went up on the front yard. It said “For Sale”, then lots of strangers came to look at the house. Next thing we knew someone pasted a bright red “Sold” sign over the old one, and then the man moved away to something called a “seniors home”. Before we knew it, the nice warm doghouse disappeared and the food stopped coming. The other cats stopped coming around to the yard, but I stood my ground, right where the doghouse used to be, and refused to go away.

A while later, some strangers took me for a car ride and I found myself at an animal pound. I was scared and confused, but I did my best to show off my sweetest, most-charming smile and fluffed up my whiskers and purred when anyone came into the room to have a look at me and the other cats. But it seemed that whenever someone looked at my wounded eye, it scared them off. That made me very sad, because I am a very sweet girl yet it seemed like no one wanted to give me a chance.

Then one glorious day, some nice people came by, and didn’t frown when they saw my eye. Instead, they said I was a lovely cat! They took me for another car ride, and next thing I knew I was at the Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary!

And the rest, as they say my friends, is history! Because I now live here at the Sanctuary and I am definitely one happy cat. I love living in the main cat cottage with the other wonderful cats. I get along great with all of them and have many special friends here. I love to communicate by giving gentle head butts and when my favorite humans come around I always flop to the ground for tummy rubs. As you can see from my photos, I love exploring the outdoor enclosures and basking in the sun from the many perches. Like all the cats here, I am loved and adored and I wouldn’t trade places with anyone. This is a purrfect home for a sweet girl like me and I am so grateful to have been rescued by the kind humans of Forget Me Not.

Purrs & Meows,

Molly Malone

Update on Baby Mocha

2009-09-17T19:23:00.006-06:00

Hello everyone, Creamsicle here. First let me thank everyone for their prayers and good wishes for my little friend Mocha. All of us kitties at the Sanctuary as well as the humans here really appreciate your kindness and caring about baby Mocha, and it really meant a lot to us to read the wonderful comments you left following the post about her illness.

As promised, I wanted to update you on how she’s doing. Following my last post, Mocha continued to eat. She ate a lot those first couple of days, maybe too much....because she did end up throwing up most of her food that first night. But she’s been gaining weight and is on target, or even slightly better, than what the vet indicates she should be gaining. Her weight stayed at 575 grams the first couple days, then from Monday to Wednesday she was gaining about 20 grams per day. As of now, her weight is 635 grams. So she has been progressing in the right direction.

She’s eating a bit less now though and is not too interested in drinking water, so the humans are giving her little drinks every few hours with a syringe. She is also getting a little extra fluid, as the humans are giving her some of the gravy from her kitten food as well.

Although she is still a very sick little kitty, her spirits are great and she purrs practically non-stop! The only day she seemed rather lethargic was the day she threw up, but her physical activity level has improved since then. She loves company and human contact and is very content when she is cuddled. Her favorite place to curl up is in the bend of a human’s elbow. Now this may not seem the most comfortable place, but if you try and move her to a comfier location, she’ll climb right back up onto the elbow. Being that she is in isolation, the humans spend as much time with her as they possibly can. She also has been receiving extra attention from two twin teenaged girls (Meagan and Nicole) who love cats and have been dropping by to see her as much as they can, spending time with her and cuddling her, which they all enjoy.

So while she’s doing OK she’s not out of the woods yet. It’s very important that she continue to eat and keep gaining weight. The coming days and weeks will be critical to Mocha’s survival. The folks here at Forget Me Not are doing all they can for her – by ensuring she is getting the best medical care possible, and the tenderness and kindness she deserves. We hope and pray this will help her find her way to a full recovery.

So we would very much appreciate if you could continue to keep little Mocha in your thoughts and prayers. Your good wishes have helped her recovery thus far we are sure, and have also warmed the hearts of everyone here at Forget Me Not, to know that there are so many kind people out there behind our little girl.

Thanks so much for your support, and I will continue to keep you updated on baby Mocha’s progress.

Purrs,

Creamsicle

Prayers and Well Wishes Needed for Baby Mocha

2009-09-12T17:41:00.005-06:00

Hello friends of Forget Me Not, it’s me, Creamsicle. I’m writing today to ask for your prayers and well wishes for one of the Forget Me Not Cats. Little Mocha is very sick.

Back in August someone came across a tiny little kitten in a ditch on a remote country road. They took the little kitten to an animal control officer at a rural pound. The poor little one was found all by herself, no sign of Mom or any siblings. We can only imagine what tragedy befell her mother and littermates. As she was so tiny, the pound asked the Sanctuary to take her.

So on August 6th, Mocha came to Forget Me Not. She was about a month old at the time, so she is now about two months old. Baby Mocha was vet-checked as soon as she left the pound, but she couldn’t be vaccinated due to her tiny size. She weighed only 600 grams, slightly more than a pound. At the Sanctuary, she appeared to eat and drink well, but another vet-check three weeks later indicated that instead of gaining weight as one would expect, she had actually lost a few grams.

During the following week, she lost another 100 grams, and after having several bouts of vomiting and diarrhea, she was admitted to the Emergency Vet Clinic during the Labor Day Weekend. She was very dehydrated and was immediately put on IV fluids. A barrage of tests were conducted but the reason for Mocha’s illness could not be narrowed down. FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis) could not be ruled out, a diagnosis which is effectively a death sentence to a cat. Because her mother was likely an emaciated stray, she was not able to pass on proper immunity to her babies, and therefore Mocha was sadly highly susceptible to falling prey to many bacteria and viruses.

Once little Mocha was re-hydrated and received treatments and medications for the vomiting and diarrhea, she was discharged back to the Sanctuary three days later. She is now in an isolation room receiving around the clock care and monitoring.

Since leaving the hospital at 500 grams, Mocha is gaining weight. In fact the first day alone, she gained 40 grams and her weight is now at 575 grams. She has been eating voraciously as if she knows that a major factor to her overcoming her illness, whatever it is, lies in her ability to put some flesh on her tiny body.

This tiny bundle which is baby Mocha has an amazing spirit and is a real little survivor. She is fighting for her life, which is hanging by a thread. The obstacles she has faced in her short life have not broken her will to live. Nor have her struggles broken her kind and sweet spirit. She is a loving and affectionate little girl and will climb up to snuggle with the humans at the Sanctuary.

We are all very worried about this precious little darling, and would ask that you please keep little baby Mocha in your thoughts and prayers. We really believe that the power of prayer and positive thoughts will go a long way in her recovery.

I promise to keep you posted with updates on how she is doing. In the meantime, thank you for your thoughts and good wishes for our tiniest resident.

Purrs,

Creamsicle

The Health Benefits of Owning a Cat

2009-09-10T11:59:00.002-06:00

Hi everyone, Creamsicle here.

Did you know that owning a cat can improve your health? It’s true! In addition to the incredible companionship having a cat can bring to your life, studies have shown that keeping pets has a positive effect on your health and emotional well being, especially when that pet is a cat.

Vital signs taken after a person interacts with a pet often show positive effects on blood pressure, pulse and breathing, similar to a human engaging in deep meditation. Some studies even show a lowered risk of heart disease!

Cats are often used in care facilities like hospitals and nursing homes, as therapy for patients and the elderly. Petting or cuddling a cat can greatly improve one’s state of mind and emotional well being. And for pet owners who are sick, recovery time from an illness is often greatly improved by the unconditional love and companionship that a cat brings to their lives. Studies also show that people who own pets are generally much healthier than non-pet owners.

The benefits to both the young and old are also phenomenal. Children involved in raising a pet generally have a higher level of self esteem, and a greater sense of responsibility. I’m sure many of you humans reading this have fond memories of a childhood pet, and how it changed your young life. And did you know that young kids and even infants who are exposed to cats at a very young age can increase their resistance to allergens and asthma?

Of course the elderly population also benefit greatly from owing a cat. Often many seniors are on their own, and cats provide amazing companionship, and gives them a purpose and the knowledge that someone really needs them. Of course the fact that us felines are much lower maintenance to keep than dogs, also is a help to seniors who may be house-bound and less active in their golden years.

Whether you have a human family of your own, or are a single person living by yourself, the benefits to owning a cat are undeniable. There is nothing quite like the unconditional love of a pet!

If you don’t already have a cat, I hope you will consider opening your home and heart to one. The Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary has the purrfect feline friend just waiting for you.

Visit our website at www.forgetmenotcats.com and check out our Adoptions page.

So next time you are petting your furry friend, remember that not only does it feel great to your cat, you are also taking care of yourself at the same time.

Purrs,

Creamsicle

Our Adorable Adoptables!

2009-09-02T20:14:00.013-06:00

Hello folks! I am Cheddar, one of the adorable adoptables here at the Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary. I’m one of the many cats that are looking for forever homes. I’d like to tell you a bit about myself and share some photos and videos with you of me and my friends.

I’m here because my previous owners moved into an apartment where pets were not allowed, so they had to give me up. I was really sad about this, and they were too. But I’m having lots of fun here at the Sanctuary while I wait for the right person to come along and adopt me.

I am one year old, so I have plenty of great years ahead to share with my future owner. I’m quiet, but very friendly, and I get along great with the other cats here at the Sanctuary. I love to play and am very gentle. I love attention and am very sweet and affectionate. I do have a special skill – I’ve learned to stand on my two hind legs and reach up for a pat on the head, which works like a charm!

As you can see, I have sparkling eyes, and a beautiful silky coat, which is great for petting.

If you are looking for a new companion, look no further than Forget Me Not. Me and my friends are anxious to find new homes, and hope that you will consider taking one of us into your lives and your hearts. There are several adult cats waiting for new owners, and we also have several kittens up for adoption right now. And in October, five more kittens will join the ranks of our adorable adoptables. So surely there must be someone here that you can fall in love with!

The neat thing is that if you adopt one of us, you will not only be helping us, but you’ll be opening a spot for another cat to join the Sanctuary.

Up to date information on our adoptions can be found on our website at www.forgetmenotcats.com.

Here is a little video so you can see us in action! Hope you enjoy it!

Purrs,

Cheddar

Summer at the Sanctuary

2009-08-30T21:04:00.048-06:00

Hi everyone, Creamsicle here! It's been a great year and an exceptionally awesome summer here at the Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary.

This summer saw the construction of two new buildings: the Little Red Barn and the Little Gray Barn. Both now house some of my wonderful friends like Baxter, seen here.

Both of these new additional buildings have their own exterior courtyards which can also be opened up so that the cats from both houses can play together if they wish. One of the cats living next door to Baxter and friends is Libby 2. She's such a beautiful girl you can see why Baxter and his roommates are smitten with her, and often chat between back and forth across the chain link fence.

Life in the main cat cottage, where I live, has been great. We've enjoyed the beautiful weather and spend a ton of time in the outdoor enclosures. Some days have been so hot that we even have to come in to cool off. As you can see, my friend Tabby has taken a break from the heat, by cooling down on the floor, seen here.

My friend Susie really enjoys the many perches and climbing areas in the outdoor enclosure, as you can see from this photo. Isn't she adorable!

And my buddy Fritzie has decided that this set of steps is his favorite "cool-down" spot, where he can often be seen relaxing in the shade of the building.

Whitey takes time out from sunbathing to do a little self-manicure. His "lion shave" sure kept him cool through the hottest days of the summer. It looks cute and really suits you Whitey!

My friends in the Seniors Cottage welcomed a new resident this summer. As you can see, Gracie is settling in nicely!

Annie enjoys the sunshine from her favorite window in the Seniors Cottage. A sweet and loving little girl, she is always up for visitors, and is happy to pose for the camera.
The gang at Leroy's House has enjoyed a relaxing summer. Leroy himself, a laid back, gentle fellow enjoys some R&R on his favorite couch.

And of course an afternoon nap is a must on any cat's summer agenda. Here you can see Tabby, Whitey and Mama all taking a break from a busy day of play, while Misty snoozes on the table behind them.

This summer also saw the addition of Romeo to the Cat Cottage. He is a sweet and wonderful friend and we all really love having him as part of our feline family.

As for me.....well I've been busy with my new blog! I've really enjoyed writing and I hope you all are enjoying reading my posts.

I wanted to share this video with you. I call it "Summer at the Sanctuary" and you can see the many buildings that make up Forget Me Not, and also many of us in action this summer.

We hope you are having a great summer too!

Meows,

Creamsicle

Meet Dexter!

2009-08-29T18:41:00.004-06:00

Hey there folks! I’m Dexter, one of the cool dudes here at Forget Me Not.

I’ve been at the Sanctuary since early January of 2009, and boy was I happy to come here! As you can see from my photo, I am a very handsome fellow! But don’t ask my age….to be honest, I’m not sure! I can’t quite remember when I was born and the vets haven’t been able to pin down my age. When they see my teeth, they figure I’m still a pretty young dude, but from my calloused paws, knobby-jointed tail and general wear-and-tear, they guess closer to elderly.

My memories of life before Forget Me Not are pretty fuzzy. I vaguely remember going for a car ride one day, the car slowing down, doors opening, and then I landed with a thud on the cold hard pavement. It was winter, and very cold and I walked for days and days through deep snow and icy sidewalks, tromped on sharp gravel, trying to find my way home. My ears were frostbitten and the pads on my paws were bleeding and raw.

One night, the cold and driving snow became unbearable! I found an old plastic tarp that had blown into a gas station parking lot, so I huddled under it, shivering and trying to keep warm. The next thing I knew, someone was tugging at the tarp, and I was being lifted up by gentle hands which were trembling with emotion. Was it an angel? I learned that angel’s name, because someone called to her “Michelle, you’re going to freeze!” My memories after that become pretty fuzzy again, as I spent months recovering at the Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary, where this angel brought me.

It took a long time for me to heal from all that I’d been through, but the humans there were kind and gentle with me and ensured I got the best possible veterinary care, great food, and lots of TLC. They could see in my eyes that I was a gentle soul, and that I had a kind heart. Because I’d gone through so much suffering and uncertainty in my life, they decided to make me a permanent resident here at the Sanctuary.

I just love it here – this is the coolest place on the planet! I have lots of pals here and just love hanging out with them, and exploring the terrain in the outdoor enclosure. I get along well with all of the other cool cats here, and many of the younger kids have adopted me as their kind and gentle grandfather. The humans say I even have a calming influence on the other cats that live in the Main Cat Cottage with me. Can you believe there are 26 of us? It’s a great group and I love them all.

So as summer winds down and winter can surely not be far away, this year I won’t have to worry about tromping through snow, or feeling the pain of frostbitten ears. Instead, I will always be where it’s warm and toasty, surrounded by my buddies, wonderful humans, and lots of love here at Forget Me Not.

Big meows,

Dexter

Creamsicle's Top 5 Toy List

2009-08-27T13:45:00.008-06:00

Hello friends!

My fellow felines and I at Forget Me Not have many great toys to play with. I wanted to pass along a list of five great toys that I’d highly recommended for all the kitties out there. Here are some cool things your cat will no doubt find hours of enjoyment with! I present, Creamsicle’s Top 5 Toys!

#5—Petstages Fantasy Fishbowl
This neat and bright colored “fishbowl” offers any feline tons of fun. What cat wouldn’t like to go fishing! It’s the coolest thing being able to fish in the bowl and try and pull the fish out! And you won’t even get your paws wet!

#4—ToyShoppe Feathered Cat Teaser
This one’s great as it makes the humans do some work too. You and your human can enjoy some great time together while you get to chase the feathers. And the humans like it because there are no messy bird parts to clean up afterwards!

#3—Petlinks System Twinkle Chute with Lights
Lighten up your cat's life with this crackling tunnel toy that features motion-activated lights. This tunnel toy is a ton of fun to crawl through and peak through the holes. And the noise it makes when you run through it brings added enjoyment! Just make sure your humans don’t try it—they will get stuck for sure!

#2—TLC Cat ‘n Mouse
Every home with feline residents should have one of these! The Cat ‘n Mouse provides hours of fun. Cats love to get this mouse spinning in its circle and are determined to find a way to get the mouse out…..but so far no luck here! This a great toy that more than one cat can play with at once too. But be careful, it might make you dizzy!

#1—Play ‘n Squeak Mouse
The grand-daddy of them all and my purrsonal favorite! This is the neatest mouse toy on the market. This mouse is motion activated and makes great squeaking sounds when he moves. Even a wise cat like me thought he was a real mouse! Cats love to bat them around, toss them in the air, and are encouraged to play hard by the real life squeaking noise this mouse makes. I highly recommend this one for all of your feline friends!

Meows,

Creamsicle

Meet Isabella!

2009-08-25T19:02:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone, I am Isabella. I am one of the senior citizens here at Forget Me Not. I am now 17 years old, and have been at the sanctuary since June 22, 2009.

My story is a bit different from those of my friends who you have read about here. I had wonderful human parents who adopted me when I was just a little kitten. Mr. and Mrs. R are kind and loving people who cared for me for 17 wonderful years. But just like us felines, people age too, and Mr. and Mrs. R became seniors themselves. Earlier this spring they made the decision to purchase a home at a seniors’ complex in British Columbia, and sadly, like many other human retirement homes, they were not allowed to bring any companion pets.

Mr. and Mrs. R love me dearly and wanted to ensure that I would have a good home to go to, somewhere I could spend the rest of my golden years. They searched tirelessly to find someone to take care of me. Their friends did not wish to be saddled with potentially large vet bills which often accompany a pet in their senior years. They were told by humane societies and rescue groups that chances would be slim of me being adopted into new home through the regular venues, and that I could end up being euthanized. As a last resort, their son said he would take me in, but I would have had to live in the basement, because he has serious allergies.

I could see the worry in their eyes as they tried and tried to find me my next forever home.

Then one glorious day they stumbled upon the Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary, which had room for another senior kitty in their “Seniors Cottage”, a sort of “Old Folks’ Home for Cats”. Everyone living in the seniors cottage has senior-friendly food, and is given vigilant veterinary attention due to their advancing age.

Mr. & Mrs. R knew they had found my “forever retirement home”!

It was a tearfully bittersweet morning when I was surrendered to the sanctuary – tearful for Mr. and Mrs. R saying good-bye to me, and tearful for the sanctuary owners, imaging the feeling of abandonment that I would be experiencing, along with the adjustment to new voices, sounds and surroundings, and having to leave behind all that had become familiar to me for so long. It broke my heart to say good-bye to them, but I could sense the kindness and love from my new human parents, and knew that I would be in good hands.

The first few weeks at the sanctuary, I pretty much kept to myself. I was a little lost soul. I was shy around the other senior kitties and spent a lot of time hiding under the couch when I heard any sound. The humans were patient with me and gave me time to adjust to my new home.

But in time, I made friends with the other elderly cats, and I blossomed back into the cheerful girl I have always been. I now really enjoy living in the Seniors Cottage and spend my days venturing out into the sunny grassed courtyard, chasing butterflies and watching birds at the nearby feeder.

I have some wonderful roommates too – they are all so sweet. There is 16 year old Henry, 16 year old Annie, 16 year old Mimi, 13 year old Gracie and 12 year old Boots. They are wonderful friends and we all enjoy spending time together, lounging about on the comfy furniture, or soaking up some rays of sunshine through the bright windows.

If I could say something to Mr. and Mrs. R now I’d tell them, thank you! Thank you for not tossing me aside when you could no longer care for me. Thank you for taking the time to find me just the right place to spend my golden years. And thank you for loving me enough to let me go to Forget Me Not.

I have many wonderful memories of my life with them, and look forward to many happy years ahead here at Forget Me Not.

Meows,

Isabella

Meet Ginger!

2009-08-22T15:29:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone, I am Ginger! I’ve been at Forget Me Not for a while now, and I just love it here. Like many of my friends here at the sanctuary, I had a rough start to my life.

I was found wandering outside a motorcycle shop during some of the coldest winter weather we’ve ever had in these parts. A kind gentleman who worked at the shop noticed me struggling to stay alive in the frigid weather and he bundled me up and took me home in his van. He and his wife love cats and had a senior cat of their own who had gone to the Rainbow Bridge some time before. They were kind people and treated me to a can of tuna. It was the finest feast I’d ever had! They could see I was weak and thin and desperately in need of medical attention. They called the people at Forget Me Not who came to take care of me.

A check-up at the veterinarian revealed that I had some vitamin deficiencies due to nearly starving to death, and that I’d experienced some trauma to my tail. At the time, I was only about a year old, but my struggles to survive had aged me way beyond my years – they said I had the look in my eyes of a frail old senior kitty.

I had a long road to a healthy recovery. It began with feeding me small quantities of food, several times a day. I got to rest in a special recovery room at the sanctuary in the main cat cottage. I could hear other kitties on the other side of the recovery room door and I wondered - who was out there? Would I get to meet them? Would they be my friends?

Once I got stronger, I got to meet the other cats. I was nervous at first, but it was amazing! I am a very friendly little girl and I was so happy that they all liked me! And I liked them all right away too. I felt like I’d know them all forever! Many came up to me and introduced themselves right away, with a little rub or peck on my nose. I became fast friends with all the residents in the cat cottage.

A while later, I did have a medical setback as the trauma on my tail refused to heal. Half of my tail ended up being amputated, but now the tiny stubby tail that’s left is the only reminder of the battle scars I suffered as a starving, homeless and lonely little soul.

Forget Me Not is my home now. My forever home. I enjoy spending my days lounging in the sun both in the cottage and in the outdoor fenced enclosure. I love to roll on the cement, or play in the grass. And I love spending time with my feline friends.

Thank you Forget Me Not, for rescuing me and giving me a loving place to live.

Purrs,

Ginger

Poem for a Rescued Cat

2009-08-21T13:20:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone,

My fellow felines and I found this touching poem while surfing the net and wanted to share it with you.

We dedicate this to our wonderful Mom and Dad, the Founders of Forget Me Not, for rescuing all of us, and giving us a wonderful home.

Hope you like it as much as we do..........

Love Without Condition

When you look into my eyes I know what you will see.
There is only love and trust where fear once used to be.
For I was an abandoned animal, a cold and hungry stray.
But you reached out your gentle hands, and took me home to stay.

I've eagerly accepted the compassion you have shown.
I soon forgot the times when I was frightened and alone.
You opened up your heart to me and taught me how to trust.
You've given me a loving home where kindness is a must.

So when you gaze into my face I hope you'll realize,
That "love without condition" is reflected in my eyes.

By Carole Preble

Purrs,

Creamsicle

Feline First Aid

2009-08-20T11:13:00.000-06:00

First aid is never, under any circumstances, a replacement for veterinary care, which should always be sought when your pet is ill or injured. However, knowing some basic first aid tips will assist during an emergency. Be sure though that you always seek care from a veterinarian following first aid treatment.

The first thing you need to administer first aid is a good pet first aid kit. These are available at many pet stores, animal shelters, or veterinary supply outlets. One important thing you should add to your pet first aid kit is a card containing emergency phone numbers, such as the phone number of your local veterinarian, and emergency/after hours vet clinic (if there is one in your area). While you may feel you have those numbers stored in your head, during an emergency it is sometimes difficult to remember the numbers you will need the most.

Here are some common problems you may encounter and some basic tips to help your pet:

If you notice an abscess on your pet, this should be investigated by a veterinarian. If the abscess bursts before you get to the vet, you can use a mild saline solution to keep it wet until seeing the vet. An abscess can cause many problems and should not be ignored.

If you cat has experienced an accidental injury, they should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. There are three things you need to check if you pet has been injured in an accident:

1. Check for a clear airway and clear any loose obstructions or excess liquid from the cat’s mouth.

2. Ensure the animal is breathing by observing chest movement and condensation on a shiny object such as a mirror. If there is no breathing, breath air into the cat by mouth to nose through cupped hands approximately 10 breaths per minute.

3. Check for circulation and control any serious bleeding using a non-adhesive pad. Make the cat comfortable by placing it in blankets or bubble wrap, and place on a rigid surface and take the animal immediately to the veterinarian.

Allergies can affect cats, just as they do humans. If the cat is experiencing an anaphylactic reaction, it will have difficulty breathing and can go into shock. An anaphylactic reaction is a medical emergency. If necessary you can breath air into the cat, as noted above, and ensure the cat receives immediate care by a veterinarian.

Bee Stings and other Bug Bites can cause discomfort to your cat. The affected area of the bite should be bathed in ice water to reduce swelling. Swelling will normally subside in a couple of hours. If the bee sting is in the eye, mouth or throat, your cat should be taken to the veterinarian. A cold compress can be held against the eye during transit, to reduce swelling and discomfort.

For bleeding apply pressure to the wounded area by using a pad or bandage from the first aid kit. Wind the bandage around the pad and the cat to hold it in place. If the pad becomes saturated, apply more layers to it. If there is excessive bleeding or the wound itself is large (not just a small nick or scratch) the cat needs to receive medical care from a veterinarian to ensure it is properly cared for and to prevent infection.

For treating burns, the application of something cold is essential. Ice cubes and cold water are best for minor burns on the body. Do not place any other substance on the body and ensure the cat is taken immediately for veterinary care.

If your pet is choking, seek professional help immediately.

For fractures, it is best to leave treatment to the vet. The cat should be placed very carefully in a very padded carrier and transported to the vet immediately.

If you suspect your cat has ingested a poison, rush the cat immediately to the vet’s office.

Shock is a very serious medical condition and requires immediate care by a veterinarian. Symptoms of shock include inactivity, pale gums, reduced mental awareness and cold extremities such as ears, paws and tail. Keep your cat warm while en route to the vet. Talking to your cat will also help to maintain its mental awareness while taking it for medical care.
If you notice your cat sneezing it can be a symptom of cat flu, an upper respiratory infection or other nasal issues. If you are concerned about your cat sneezing please see your vet.

Like humans, cats can get sunburned. White cats are particularly prone to this problem, especially on their ears and nose. The best course of action to prevent sunburn is to limit the amount of time your cat lays in the hot sun.

The best way to prevent a lot of illnesses in your cat is to ensure that its vaccinations are up to date and that your pet has regular health exams with your veterinarian. Check with your veterinarian regarding a vaccination schedule for your cat.

Remember – first aid is in no way a replacement for care by your veterinarian. But hopefully these tips might help you if your favourite feline ever needs emergency assistance.

Purrs,

Creamsicle

Fabulous Feline Flicks!

2009-08-17T19:26:00.000-06:00

Hello friends! If you like watching movies about cats, then I have a great flick to recommend for you! It's a Walt Disney classic, The Aristocats!

This fun film about fabulous felines is set in 1910, in Paris, France. It centers around a mother cat named Duchess and her three kittens Marie, Berlioz and Toulouse. They live in the mansion of a retired opera singer Madame Adelaid Bonfamille, along with her English butler Edgar.

Madame Adelaide prepares a will, stating that she wishes Edgar to look after her beloved cats until they die and then inherit the fortune himself. While she discusses her will with her lawyer, Edgar overhears this and believes that he will be dead before he inherits Madame Adelaide’s fortune, and plots to remove the cats from a position of inheritance. Edgar takes the cats and leaves them out in the country side to dispose of them. Meanwhile, Madame Adelaide discovers their absence.

The next morning, Duchess meets an alley cat named Thomas O’Malley, who ultimately offers to guide her and the kittens to Paris. Duchess is enamored of the handsome O’Malley, as he is with her. He immediately bonds with her little kittens as well.

The story revolves around the cats’ struggle returning to the city. The bond between them becomes even stronger during their many adventures.

Upon returning safely to the mansion in Paris, O’Malley sadly departs. Edgar recaptures the cats, and the resident mouse, Roquefort, is dispatched to pursue O’Malley for his help. Once finding O’Malley, Roquefort is then sent to recruit other feline helper friends of O’Malley’s.

Meanwhile Edgar has placed the cats in a trunk which he plans to send to Africa! O’Malley and his friends arrive in time to save the day - they all fight to save Duchess and her children, and in the end Edgar is booted into the trunk, locked inside, and sent to Africa himself!

Believing that Edgar has simply “disappeared”, Madame Adelaide rewrites her will to exclude Edgar and include O’Malley instead. She also starts a charity foundation providing a home for all the homeless and stray cats in Paris!

This film is riddled with adventure, comedy and fabulous music. The Aristocats is a story of friendship, loyalty and most of all a happy ending. I don’t think I’ve spoiled it for you by telling you that – you had to know I would only tell you about a movie with a happy ending! It’s worth seeing, even knowing things go well for Duchess and her babies. The animated cats are adorable and the adventures they encounter along their journey a delight!

So curl up with some popcorn and a fuzzy feline on your lap, and enjoy!

I’d give it 5 paws out of 5!

Meows,

Creamsicle

Meet Minou!

2009-08-16T13:38:00.001-06:00

Bonjour, mes amis! I am Minou! It is a pleasure to introduce myself to you. Like my friend Creamsicle, I was one of the first residents at the Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary. I have quite an interesting story to tell you about how I ended up at the sanctuary.

It was a dark and frigidly cold winter night when I was seen rummaging for crumbs in a parking lot, next to an apartment’s trash bin. It was so cold and my little toes and ears hurt so badly! The strong winds tossed twigs and paper at me, but I continued on my quest, trying to find a little bite to eat, and some shelter to keep me warm. I also had a very badly injured leg, but I did my best to try and survive.

Someone from the apartment came out and found me, and scooped me into her arms. It felt so warm to have a human hold me. She took me inside. I was very thin, but she could see the bulge in my abdomen and knew I was going to have babies very soon. She noticed that one of my front legs appeared shorter. It was actually bent at a right angle, so I had to walk on my “elbow”. My leg really hurt, it was calloused and raw from being in this unusual position. But I was brave, and put up with the pain. I had to make it, and I had to make sure my babies did too.

The kind couple who rescued me had many financial troubles and handicaps of their own. They could not care for me, but that made them more determined than ever to find help for me. For days they made phone calls to every organization they could think of, asking for someone to come and rescue me. As days went by, they became more frantic that they could not find help for me, but one day they ended up contacting the one organization who said they would be happy to take me!

I was first taken to a veterinarian where I was examined, and then placed in a foster home where I would give birth to my kittens. They decided that any surgical help for my leg would have to wait until my kittens were weaned. I would have made the same decision myself. I was very glad to be safe and was anxious for the arrival of my little babies. About ten days later, I gave birth to seven adorable kittens! Four of them were adopted out as soon as they were old enough (and spayed and neutered). Then it was time for me to get my forever home! Me and three of my little boys were transferred to Forget Me Not.

My three little boys are Casey, Finnigan and Buttons. (They will introduce themselves to you in more detail at another time.) Finnigan has a congelital lung problem which made it unlikely for him to be adopted as he will require ongoing medical attention. And since he and both Casey and Buttons were so kind and devoted to me, often grooming me and playing very gently with me through all of my medical issues, the folks at Forget Me Not decided that it would be best that we all spend our lives together at the sanctuary. I love having my little boys with me!

As for my leg, the tendons in my foot and lower leg had been destroyed, likely from an infected bite wound, causing it to bend sideways. I had an operation on my leg, trying to repair the tendons, but that proved unsuccessful. A decision was made to amputate my right front leg.

It took some time to heal, but I was very well taken care of by the people at the sanctuary and was surrounded by their love and that of my little boys. Mustering up the same courage and determination that I had when battling the elements out on the streets, I learned to manage with only one front leg. I have to tell you that I feel great now! I get around just fine, thank you. I don’t miss that leg, it was more of a hindrance for me, and now I feel like a brand new Minou! There are numerous ladders and high places here for me to climb, and there is no obstacle I can’t conquer! In fact, you will often find me at the sanctuary high up on one of the perching areas, watching over my little boys playing with the other kids.

So this is how I ended up at Forget Me Not. I am so glad to be here, and this is a wonderful home for me and my boys to spend the rest of our lives.

Thank you for reading my story.

Au revoir!

Minou

Treat Your Cat to Some Homemade Goodies!

2009-08-11T13:35:00.001-06:00

(If you want to see a close-up of me in my chef's hat, just click on the picture for a bigger view of me!)

Chef Creamsicle here! Do you felines out there ever get tired of the same old grub? Once in a while it's nice to have a special homemade treat!

Here are a couple of my favorite recipes, so feel free to pass these on to the humans in your life.

Remember though - not all kitties should have these as some are on special diets so ensure it's OK with your humans. And don't forget...keep those paws, noses, whiskers and tails away from the oven!

Cheesy Snacks
3/4 cup white flour
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
5 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup cornmeal
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine cheeses and yogurt. Add flour and cornmeal. If needed, add a small amount of water to create a nice dough. Knead dough into a ball and roll to 1/4 inch. Cut into one inch sized pieces and place on greased cookie sheet. Bake for 25 minutes. Makes 2 dozen.

Chicken Cookies
1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup cornmeal
1 tablespoon soft margarine
Preheat the oven to 350 Fahrenheit. Combine chicken, broth and margarine and blend well. Add flour and cornmeal. Knead dough into a ball and roll to 1/4 inch. Cut into one-inch sized pieces and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Makes 18 cookies.

(Special thanks to Angel Toni from Missouri for posting a comment - asking if corn and wheat products can be substituted for cats who cannot tolerate these products. Yes, by all means you can substitute these with gluten free options like potato or rice flour/meal instead!)

If you're not the only feline in the home, be sure you share with your siblings!

Enjoy,

Creamsicle

Homeless Animals Day - August 15th

2009-08-10T08:46:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone, Creamsicle here to tell you about a very important day this week. Did you know that this Saturday, August 15th is “Homeless Animals Day”?

Since 1992, the International Society for Animal Rights has been recognizing the third Saturday in August as Homeless Animals Day. This began in the USA but is now celebrated in many countries around the world. Homeless Animals Day is an innovative educational vehicle with the purpose of informing people about a tragedy which overwhelms shelters all over the world: pet overpopulation.

The day is commemorated annually by promoting campaigns that provide awareness of animal welfare and ideas on the solution to pet overpopulation. The best way to solve this problem on a worldwide scope is to ensure that all pets are spayed or neutered.

Numerous events are held around the world to recognize this important day including candlelight ceremonies, adopt-a-thons, microchip clinics, blessings of the animals and other such events.

How can you take part?

The most important thing you can do is PLEASE ensure your pet is spayed or neutered. There are countless animals in shelters waiting for their forever homes, many who will never find one. So please do not contribute to this ever growing problem. All the cats at Forget Me Not are spayed and neutered, and any that are up for adoption have these procedures done before they leave the care of the sanctuary.

There are many other ways you can celebrate the day and here are a few ideas:

If you have a pet, take good care of it. We critters add so much to your lives and we ask so little in return. The more love you give, the more you'll get back.

Be kind to animals — we are innocent creatures who need your kindness and compassion.

Volunteer your time to your local animal welfare organization. Volunteers are the cornerstone of many organizations. They are not paid because they are worthless, but because they are PRICELESS!

If you can afford to, make a contribution to your favorite animal organization to help care for homeless animals. If you would like to contribute to help me and my friends at the Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary you can find details on how to do this at our website on our “Donations” page. (There is a link to our website at the top of the right hand column of this blog page.)

My hope is that some day all animals will have wonderful, loving homes like I do here at Forget Me Not and that no animal will ever have to be homeless.

Meows,

Creamsicle

Welcome to the Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary!

2009-07-30T18:02:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone, my name is Creamsicle and welcome to our blog! I will be your host here and will keep you posted on activities at the Sanctuary as well as introduce you to the cool kitties that call Forget Me Not home.

You can read all about the sanctuary at http://www.forgetmenotcats.com. I have to tell you that I think it is the most pawsitively purrfect place ever! But let me tell you a bit about me.

I am proud to be one of the original residents here at Forget Me Not. I love it here! Before finding my forever home here, I was found on the street by a kind elderly woman who took me to a local veterinary clinic. She had no transportation and asked the hospital staff if they could deliver me to the Edmonton pound. As I was seriously injured with many wounds and scrapes and abscesses, they chose instead to treat me at the hospital.

The nice folks at the pet hospital found that I had a microchip, but as my previous owners hadn't kept their information current, they could not be found. It was a tough life for me being on my own. I remembered fondly having a home, and humans to love me. But I'd been all alone for a while. It was sad, and I had to find food and water and shelter all on my own. I had some not so friendly encounters with other critters. I was so scared sometimes, wondering if I'd ever find a forever home again. Or even if I would survive at all!

Then one amazing day I found myself at Forget Me Not. I couldn't believe this place! There was tons of great food, clean water, lots of comfy places to sleep and oodles of toys to play with. There were even many other "lost souls" like me who'd also been blessed to find themselves permanent residents at Forget Me Not. And we have such wonderful humans here to give us lots of love, affection and kindness.

Oh sure, we have some kitties that are deemed adoptable and do end up in other homes, but most of the old, sick or feral kitties, or those who've been through so much in their lives that yet another change would only do more to damage their spirits, end up spending the rest of our lives at Forget Me Not.

When I first came to Forget Me Not, the humans said I had a sad look in my eyes. I guess that's true - I'd been through so much, but I so love it here and am so lucky to be living at this amazing place. There were a few times early on when I'd hear one of the humans talk about adoption (which really made me sad as I love the sanctuary) but the humans realized that since I'd been through so many sad changes and upheavals in my short life, that it would be too traumatic for me to have to leave yet another home where I belonged and was loved. So they decided to make me a permanent resident, and I've been one happy cat ever since!

So now you know about me. I have so many great friends here and I look forward to introducing them to you in the future.

In the meantime, here's a video for you to enjoy, and you'll get to see lots of my feline friends. Oh by the way, you'll see my picture first and last in the video. I'm the handsome orange and white fellow.

Thanks for taking the time to read my first blog post. When the humans asked me to do this, I figured what the heck - if a computer comes with a mouse, it must be a good thing!

Enjoy the video - and check back for more from me soon!

Meows,

Creamsicle