Plans for Mootie and Pip

Mootie and Pip are presently indoor-outdoor country cats. They have been praised by their owner as being the best little mousers around. They spend their days hunting in Susan's back field and then wander inside to have a bite to eat and a snooze when the sun disappears. With that in mind, after talking to Susan about the changes in her life and how she had to find a new home for her cats, I contacted a friend, who I actually met through her blog, who I thought may be able to take them in.
Some of you might know this amazingly kind and wonderful woman, Natalie from http://knatolee.blogspot.ca/ Knatolee's World. If you haven't met her you need to get right over to her blog and have a look-see. Natalie and husband, Gordon, are big animal-lovers and have adopted many homeless cats, dogs, pigs, fowl  and soon, ponies, and given them a wonderful life on their hobby farm only an hour and a half from my home. Natalie and I discussed the needs of these two cats and how they would fit in at her farm as pampered barn cats. There are two cats who presently reside there as barn cats (Redmond and Missy) and they are fed daily, loved-up on demand and spend their time frolicking around a 4,000 sq. ft. barn that has heated areas and a big hay-loft. Natalie mentioned that their home and barn are a good distance from their road and that their cats never bother to wander near it. They also follow Natalie around as she does her chores. Susan felt that this life would suit her cats perfectly. They are still quite young and could continue to have freedom to explore and hunt and still be cared for with love and commitment from Natalie and Gordon. She was overjoyed to hear that they may be able to have the perfect cat life and stay together after-all.

Natalie plans to keep them isolated for awhile until they are used to their new home and then she will slowly introduce them to the other animals. Her cat, Missy, has just recently arrived at Natalie's and, after having some time to settle,  is now able to have freedom of the barn and she has become good friends with Redmond.

                                                This is Missy, the new barn kitty at Natalie's.

You can read all about her on Natalie's blog. Fingers crossed all will go smoothly for the two newbies. I know Natalie will keep us all posted on how they are doing. With pictures, right Natalie? :)

Could you please keep my dear old dog in your thoughts today? I am off to the vet with him as he has been stumbling since this morning and is in need of some tests.  :(
hugs, Deb

Mootie and Pip

MOOTIE

& PIP

have been kitty-clients of mine for over a year and their lives are taking a bit of a turn right now.
Their very caring owner came to me today and asked if I could help in any way to find them a good home. Her life is changing, her home is sold and being a senior, she will not be able to care for them anymore. I spent some time with Susan going over all the details about the cats, closed the door after a hug and had a good cry. It does not take the world ending to send me over the edge these days what with all the changes my life is taking and this news just broke my heart. I love these cats and knew that their future was in jeopardy.
I prayed for these cats. "Please don't let them end up in a shelter again."  I contacted a few people, after a strong cup of tea, and one in particular that I knew would listen to their plea.  I'm all teary again because this has a happy ending. I love 'good tears.' I'll give you the details soon.
Just know that prayers are answered.

hugs, Deb

It's all good in the end.

I always have company in the kitchen. Today it was Audrey.

I hope she doesn't read this because I am about to blow her cover. She's been a little more clingy since Joe and Rae-Rae arrived six months ago. She is terrified of Joe and avoids Rae like the plague. Neither cat has ever touched her but Joe does strutt around like he has intentions. He is a big cat; a bit of a bully,  and it scared her from day one. Rae hissed at her when they first moved in and Audrey was so insulted that she has never forgotten. So, she is a bit more sucky with me and wants me to spend more time with her now. She lets me groom her any time I want. Before I would have my hand chewed off and she'd box me with her back feet. Now she purrs. I can carry her around like a baby and she stays put. She has even fallen asleep in my arms. She'd never admit to that, though.

I'm really enjoying this change. I know that the up-coming move will be a stress on our cats but in the end, this gal is going to be happier. She may go back to her 'old ways' but for now I'll enjoy the sensitive side of Audrey. :)

(note the peachiness to her coat in certain light. It's very hard to see but she has a lot of her momma in her.)

We have a dry day today which means great for building. There have been many changes since my last photos and I'll post them over the weekend. I'll be hanging two more bird feeders on the lot to encourage the local birds to drop by.

I have some beauties to care for this weekend and then, other than two of my regular kitty-clients, I will be closing down for now.

Some hard days ahead. I'll be returning keys and saying "Good-bye" to so many lovely people and their beautiful cats. I'm so happy that I have photos of each of them to keep in an album. I know there will be days ahead that I'll be missing them and perhaps this will help. It was a privilege to care for each and everyone of them.

hugs, Deb

What made you smile today?

It's a rainy day here in Ontario so best to find a few things that make you *smile*.

For me, just thinking that I'm going to have a country mailbox soon.

Here are a few from Pinterest.

Well, mine won't say U.S. Mail but ....I'm lovin' a red mailbox surrounded by flowers.

Actually, in no time flat it will look more like this around these parts.

Hanging a wreath at the box looks so welcoming for the postman.

Seeing Sierra won't be able to greet him it's the least I can do.

I bought a new double-tray bird-feeder today and will fill it this weekend.

I found this on pinterest, too.

This is the idea we are going for as you can see the house is attached to the carriage house.

Ours won't be this adorable but the fun is in the planning.

hugs, Deb

And the construction begins.

I hope all my Canadian friends had a very Happy Thanksgiving. Our family will celebrate this coming weekend with us when our lives calm down a little and we can enjoy entertaining with a big family dinner.  I am looking forward to having them all home.

Our Fall weather has brought out all the sweaters, scarves, hats and mittens again. I picked up the knitting needles this week, too, after having them stored away over the summer. I think I'll try to be a little more creative this season.

We have summer-like weather today. Rain is in the forcast for the next few days which will hamper our building but it should soon pass.

Our grands, Riley and Brad came out to the lot to have a ride on the old tractor yesterday. It was a gorgeous day and the leaves are still quite pretty. Nothing like a week ago, though.  I somehow talked them into sitting on the bench at the gate for a photo with Nan although it's obvious Brad has other ideas. Ry is always a ham for the camera.

I wanted to show you some of the construction on our lot. I have so many photos but will not bore you with too many at once. This is the start of the construction; mostly the foundation being prepared. If you are a 2 year old boy you will love this. ;-b

Keep in mind this is a carriage-house.

We will be 'tiny home dwellers' for awhile.

"God, give me strength"

If you are short of rocks...call me.

We are surrounded by at least 50 maples

Filling in the foundation.

Ok then...definitely not the pretty part.

If you're still here...bless you. The next post will be of the building itself.

I have been hanging bird-feeders on the lot to let them all know I am here to feed them this winter. While sitting on the bench with the kids I noticed a chickadee visiting one of the feeders.

I hope he tells his friends.

I'm off to kitty-sit two black beauties.

I can't end this without showing you a cat photo.

Audrey and I were looking at her baby pictures this morning.

Here she is at 4 weeks. 

Thanks for coming by and hope you have a great day.

hugs, Deb

Audrey's take on ...How to have breakfast served ON TIME.

"Audrey here. And it's time for breakfast. Now listen up kitties and don't blow this."

"If you want breakfast on time then listen tight. And don't make me repeat myself."

"STEP ONE...Be sure you have had a good night's sleep."

12 hours should suffice.

"Step two...Turn all lights off so  the 'feeder' looks funny stumbling around in the dark."

"HA! hahahahaha!  Best part ever"

"OK...listen up now...
Step three, four, five, six and seven...
Put on your heavy feet and run through the house screaming like your tail is on fire. Use your Siamese voice if you have the gift. This will send her hair standing up on her neck. Grab a hold of the leather couch and go to town. YES!!!! Make sure you dig deep so the popping sound of the leather being removed is good and loud. You will instantly hear her feet hit the floor."

"When she enters the kitchen and turns on the light, be sure you act nonchalant. Play with a ribbon...it melts her wee little heart."

                                                      "Hmmm-mmmmm"

"Be patient as she is in a semi-coma at this moment."

"Help speed up the meal by slamming your head into the fork as she tries to dish it out. This will keep her focused and it's just fun to watch."

"Mission accomplished. Chow down!"

"Most importantly, be sure to go to the big bed once you are satisfied. It'll be toasty warm now since the 'feeder' is up for the day."

"I'm just full of suggestions so I'll be back soon."

Hugs, =^..^=

Thank you so much.

MY GOODNESS, you have all been so kind, thoughtful and sweet in your comments. I just had to pop back in here to  thank you so much for your good wishes. Life is a wee bit of a roller-coaster ride these days. There is no denying that this change is making me very emotional and I am always on the verge of collapsing into a puddle. When I read your comments I was overwhelmed with appreciation for you all. I am hearing from some that seldom leave comments and it is so good to know you are doing well. I was reading them over and felt a paw on my leg as I sat at the computer. It would normally be Annie, who always wants to sit on my lap as I read or type, but this time it was Audrey. I said to her, "Audrey, people are going to miss you so we must keep blogging about the life and times of the audacious one." She seemed quite pleased with herself and gave me a look that said, "I never once doubted them." I love her tenacity. Apparently, she has some posts already finished and is looking forward to continuing the 'cat tip for the day'. It just may keep her out of trouble...or not.

Today is the first day in a week that we were not needed on the property. After reading your comments, I wanted to answer a few questions while I have the chance

Yesterday, I hung some feeders around in hopes that birds and squirrels will know that they are welcome over the winter.

I know that some of you are wondering about the ferals that I have fed over the last three years. I have teamed up with a wonderful lady who wants to help and we will keep them fed on a regular basis. She has a heart for the ferals like I do and lives close to where the feeding station is located. I am looking for a third kind person to team up with us for the winter months. Because I will be back and forth during the week to see family and for appointments (like lunch with friends :)), I will be feeding them when I am there. She will fill in for the rest of the week. I have to tell you that she is a prayer answered. This has worn so heavy on my mind and I feel such relief knowing that someone will help. Please keep these poor cats in your thoughts. They are as wild as the night and will run when approached but they do need help with food especially over the winter.

Someone asked about my cat-sitting business and how to get started. If anyone is interested in starting a cat-sitting service feel free to email me and I will answer any questions you may have about starting your business. debsteckly@catlover.com.                                            

                                        

Again...emotional wreck here. The thought of not being able to photograph kitty-clients after this month brought me to tears. Some of these cats I have known for so many years. I held each one for as long as they'd let me and memorized the feel of their fur, the softness of their ears. Their eyes I will never forget. I don't remember ever crying over having to leave a job. Ever! This one is the toughest. OK - enough of that.

"Happy Thanksgiving"  to all my Canadian friends."

I'll be back with photos of the construction soon.

hugs, Deb