October 29th is National Cat Day

I was recently inspired by a company called Cotopaxi to write a story on my cats for National Cat Day. After reading up on this innovative organization, I was more than happy to participate. Please drop over to read what these wonderful people do to create positive social impact in our world.

To celebrate National Cat Day (I'm posting a day early)  I would love to tell you the story of how our Annie and her off-spring, the Audacious Audrey, came into our lives.
Five years ago last September, I got a call from a friend asking if I could foster a cat or two as our local shelter had just brought in twenty-six (26) cats from one home and there was literally no room at the inn. I was told the cats were being caged in the stock room and many of them were nursing kittens. Ugh!

I drove up to see the situation and as I walked in the room my eyes immediately veered left to a cage that held an emaciated pastel torti and her one day old kittens. She looked defeated, scared and worn out. 
I walked up and down the rows of cats and looked at every one of them. I cried. So many were young, too young to be saddled with kittens, and they all looked frightened. 
I had to hurry along as the line-up of people coming in to do exactly what I was doing was getting longer. They were all there to help whatever way they could. Many of these cats were going to a home that day.

I went back to the torti and she looked at me for the first time. Her eyes were dull and her tongue hung out.
I told her to pack her bags as she and her family were coming home with me. I promised to care for her and give her a safe and loving home.

The story was that one old woman housed these cats, and although she may have started with good intentions, it all went to hell in a hand-basket in no time. She had no money and none of these cat were spayed or neutered. She could barely feed herself and was giving food like rice and bread to these cats. The inspector said there was no cat food to be found when they moved in and removed each and every cat that September morning. Luckily for these cats a neighbour of hers made the phone call. I thank her for that.

Annie and her three babes moved in to the closet of our spare bedroom that afternoon. The door was kept open for her to wander around the room, familiarizing herself with her new surroundings, and eat away from her kittens.

She soon saw our vet as she was too thin and her digestive system was a mess. She had to be checked for parasites. It took special food and medication to get her to hold down any food the first week. It was a struggle but we carried on and she eventually showed improvement. Still, through it all she was a wonderful mother cat. 

I spent far too much time in this room over the next few weeks. I worried about Annie so much. I put a radio in the room and read countless books while watching over her. She loved the company and purred in my lap. If anyone needed me they knew where to find me.

Eyes began to open

And they began to exercise their legs.

And beat mommy up

And pose for the camera
                                                                           (Audrey)

They flourished and grew cuter every day.

Annie did, too.

They were named Bree, Nigel & Audrey.

That's Nigel on the left, Bree on the right & Audrey

In time, homes were found for Bree & Nigel. 
Annie & Audrey were so bonded to each other that we made the decision to keep them both.

This photo was taken the day after Annie was spayed. Audrey never left her side.
 Now, finally, she could begin to fill out.

                          And here they are today.

Annie enjoying a sun-puddle.

Audrey

                                the audacious one.

So, a happy ending for everyone. We feel very lucky to have found Annie and her family when they needed us most.  There's not a day goes by that Annie doesn't show her love and appreciation for a second chance at life; one that is love-filled and forever.
 As promised.

hugs, Deb