BUBB

Bubb has gained over a 1/2 pound since he's been with me and on his special diet of feed him constantly. This helps his over all health which is what I'm supposed to be doing. We are trying to get Bubb acclimated to our house but he does not like the dog and most of our cats. It's a slow proses but Bubb needs a home to live out his days. He will live a lot longer in a home then at the shelter. Not that shelters are bad it's just a lot more space and that means a lot more exercise which is good for all creatures. He will remain up for adoption but unfortunately very few want a cat that will only live maybe another 5 years give or take. Sad Bubb has all this love to give and no one to give it to because he's old.

NON ADULT

Non adults please beware. I use inappropriate language and I'm at times brutally honest and mean. I see tons of stray cats and dogs as I travel. To often they are hunks of dead meat on our road ways. This carnage really pisses me off! Cats are not native to the North American Continent. That's right people brought them here from other countries. So the stray cat and even dog population problem in the U.S.A. is because of us! People treat animals like toys, they play with them when they feel like it, then toss them aside. How many reading this have pets? How often do you pay attention to your pet? You chose to have the animal and that is a commitment! The problem with pets is that they are so cute as babies but only stay that way for a very short time. Even baby cows or pigs are cute, but who wants an adult cow as a pet? And now your stuck with an adult. How many reading this can't wait to get home to your pet? If you had a choice of hanging with friends or your pet which would you chose? Personally if I had the choice between humans and any type of pet I would chose the pet every time. Even a cow or pig. I like working with feral cats. When they start to come round and begin to trust you, what better feeling could there be? CAUTION! DANGER! BEWARE! STRAY ANIMALS ARE VERY DANGEROUS! They don't mean to hurt you, but they are very afraid and can not only harm you but can kill you! I'm almost 50 years old so I'm willing to take the risk. If you see an injured animal or an animal you think needs help PLEASE get an adult. If the adult won't or can't help get another. You see most adults are stupid and lazy but there are still some good people around, you just have to look. Animal shelters and rescues are a great place to get help from. Pets are different than wild animals. Wild animals grow up knowing how to survive in the wild but pets only know you! And only know that you will care for them. Please help animals which sometimes means not helping them at all. Letting an animal pass away is what we call being humane. It's tough but letting an animal suffer to give you some more time with your pet is cruel. Taking on more pets then you can care for is also cruel. They need more then food, water and shelter, they need loving. Having pets has brought me more joy then can be explained! Like I've said before I love animals more the humans and if I saw a hurt person and a hurt animal I would help the animal first!

BUBB

Bubb destroyed my dinner last night. I haven't had chicken nuggets in awhile. I only get them when McDonald's has good toys. Well I decided to get them. Budd thought we should share my dinner. He clawed at my leg, climbed  on my lap and kept getting on the steering wheel. I will not feed people food to animals, it's not good for them. Even a little bit because that makes them want more. Bubb decided to jump up on the passenger side and work his way over. I waited until he was close enough and picked him up and set him on the floor. As I did that Bubb hooked a paw into the nugget container and spilled them on the floor. Going down the road in the dark I started cucking nuggets out the window. When I turned on the dome light to see if I got them all I looked back to see Bubb trying to eat a hot nugget. He was out of my reach so he at least got to eat.

BUBB

Bubb is not uncouth like most animals. He has a dignified pallet. A conasuer of fine, fresh foods. Bubb will not suffer being fed the same food day in and day out. Variety is the spice of life. While Bubb is with me he is appreciated and given the respect his age requires. I feed him 4 or 5 times a day and if I present him with a food he does not want I simply throw it out and give him another. I will also stur his food as he eats to make sure it is easy to eat. I'm close to spoon feeding him but Bubb has his pride.
Water is a whole nother issue. Bubb likes clean paws and washes them often. Just beween you and me I think he's playing in the water but hay if that's what makes him happy I say go for it. I will be removing my carpeting however because I doubt it will ever dry. I may not like the human race but will do almost anything for an animal. The paws in the water and the subsequent splashing it all over means his water dish has to be cleaned and refilled constantly. I go through more then a case of water a week since I got Bubb. I also through a couple rolls of paper towels. Bubb is worth that and more.
He is very loving and needs a quite home with someone that will dote on him. Everyone wants a kitten but 6 to 8 months later your stuck with a cat. Why not get a cat that you already know their personality?  You don't train a cat they train you. Oh! My cat never goes on the kitchen counters. Yah right when your home. Set up a camera and see what happens when your not around. Take a cat like Sweet Pea she will only jump as high as she can reach. About 2 feet. It's her way. If you want a cat that doesn't get on counters that is the cat for you. How do you know a kitten will grow up to be a cudler? Bubb has proven he is. Unfortunately Bubb will probably live out his remaining years in a cage.

RINGWORM KITTENS

Ringworm kittens are not in my truck but I still help with them. A facility that I won't name had 6 kittens on the executioners block for having ringworm. A totally curable fungus was their death sentence. Happy Endings No Kill Cat Shelter rescued them. They are a hassle but also very cute and loving. They showed up with more then ringworm. They all had upper respiratory. Seen at Crawford Animal Hospital they were given medications and Doctor Baker donated some of his old lab coats to help from spreading the ringworm. The shelter staff went to work cureing them. With lab coats on and rubber gloves every kitten vhad to be medicated and their cage sanitized every day. All the bedding is washed in hot water with bleach. The shelter used a new mousse that probably would have worked in a home environment but failed at the shelter. That's where I come in. The tried and true method is to medicate, shampoo with a medicated shampoo and spray with sulfadine. Washing 1 kitten is bad but doing 6 and now 8 because 2 more joined the party is dam near impossible. That is what I do. They all hate getting washed and sprayed but without the treatment they will not get better. I do not hurt them although to listen to them scream you would think I was killing them. I get the worst of it. Bitten and scratched I'm worn out by the end. There are people at the shelter that can't stand what I do. I've been accused of hurting the cats. When I step aside and ask them to do whatever needs done WELL all I hear is excuses. I try to be as quick and painless as possible. They only call me in when all else fails. How many people are willing to let a cat dig it's claws in their arm while pilling them? The ringworm kittens are looking good and hopefully are over it. Happy Endings and I will get then healthy. After all a happy ending is what the shelter is all about.

SWEET PEA and BUBB

Sweet Pea and Bubb do not get along. Sweet Pea, the female, has the bed and Bubb, the male, gets the floor. Sweat Pea has been in the truck just the week before, and in the past, so she took the high ground kicking Bubb to the floor. This caused a problem right away since the food and litter box are on the floor. When Sweat Pea went down onto the floor Bubb got in her face. Sweat Pea swatted at Bubb missing completely.  Bubb being bigger just reached out and put a paw on Sweat Peas shoulder. She hissed once and went back up on the bed. So, a quick trip to the store and now I'm sleeping with a cat box next to my head and food dishes on a cabinet next to me. Bubb is a major pain in my ass. He has a foot fetish. He likes to lay by my feet and that places him under my clutch and brake pedals. If I need to stop I would crush him so now there is a towel blocking that area. Problem solved? No! Now he lays at and on my feet. I can't move my feet without looking to see if I'm going to step on him. The daytime is okay but at night it's a pain. He has also managed to force his way on top of the towel. Try removing a cat stuffed up under 2 pedals, and keep in mind you can't stop until you get him out of there. Bubb is a great older cat and is due the respect he deserves. But boy can he make it hard. So if you see a truck with Happy Endings No Kill Cat Shelter on it swerving, sorry! Just going after Bubb.
     Sweet Pea and Bubb try to insist on people food. I eat most of my meals going down the road. Try eating with one cat attacking from below and the other from above. They both have medical conditions that means no people food. That doesn't stop them from trying. Bubb was stuck in my garbage can once when I got back in from fueling.
    Sweet Pea is not thrilled that she can't get to my lap to sit and be pet for hours. Bubb has the floor so he has lap access. I do pet Sweet Pea on the bed but Bubb is more accessible and in my face.

SWEET PEA

Sweet Pea beat me up last night. She was sleeping by my head and I must have moved startling her and she smacked me several times with her paw. Sweet Pea is declawed so it didn't hurt. I apologized and we went back to sleep. Lesson learned if she's comfortable don't move.

SWEET PEA

Sweet Pea is back with me. She has a urinary infection. Sweet Pea is a small bundle of attitude. I think she is my favorite cat I've had in the truck so far. Sweet Pea tells you what she wants and how she wants things done. She is as sweet as her name suggests, but she can scream bloody murder if she's not getting her way. Sweet Pea is a black and white tuxedo cat fully declawed. She sleeps with me at night and comes when you call her. Sweet Pea is a dainty cat that loves gentle petting and being near people. Sweet Pea does not jump. I believe she was declawed later in life and doesn't trust her abilities to land safely. She will alway put her paws up to where she is going to jump and that's about as far as she will go.

CRICKET

Cricket has been taken to Happy Endings and from there taken to Petco in Greenfield, WI. I hope he finds his forever home soon.

CRICKET

Cricket desided to get into the shelves that are over the top of my bed. They are about 4 to 5 feet above my bed. I have them stuffed with extra bedding, clothing and a printer that I use occasionally. It probably took him several attempts but he was able to pull out enough bedding to wedge himself up there. I didn't know what he was up to until I heard the crash. I looked back to see my printer laying in pieces on the floor. Craning my neck to look up, there was Cricket looking down at me. How can cats be so guilty and look so innocent?

CRICKET

Cricket is now being treated for ear mites and has been fixed. He does use the litter box and even buries his stuff. Cricket got a bath and was great! He didn't try to bite and took it very well. Some feel cats don't need baths. Cats are very clean animals but the dirt inbeded in his fur had to be washed out. Cricket also had burs/thistles in his tail. He enjoys sitting in my lap or on the dash. He love's canned food but will under protest eat dry food. Don't have to worry about forgetting to feed him because he keeps track and will let you know. I believe he will if not watched become a fat cat.

CRICKET

Cricket was captured in our yard. We had seen the cat but waited to see if it would go home or someone would put up signs looking for the cat. After a few days of seeing the cat I believe catching and helping the cat is the right thing to do. The cat was so hungry it took no time to live trap him. He is a male brown tabby. He is not fixed and that just shows who ever had him is not worthy of having an animal. I took him with me and left him alone for a day to settle in. Cricket is a very friendly cat that has ear problems. He is going to the vet for a rabies vaccine and an exam. Then off with the, well, package. I'm sure he has peed somewhere in the truck other then the box. That's why I have plastic on my mattress and extra bedding. Once he's fixed that should take care of the wetting the bed problem. So far he likes looking out the side windows and watching me.

GENERAL

Catch, fix (spay or neuter) and release. I heard some talk about it again on the radio. Take 40 cats all 1 year in age. Give them their shots, fix them and make sure they are completely healthy. Place 20 in a house that they can't get out of and nothing can get in. Place the other 20 with tracking devices outside. Give both groups food and water. Within 5 years most if not all the outside cats will be dead. Meanwhile most if not all the inside cats will be alive and healthy. Catch, fix and release is like giving someone on death row a heart transplant. At least on death row they die quick. Cats are not rabbits. They are in the same animal group but cats can defend themselves. This allows them to sometimes get away. They don't come out of these battles unscaved. The cat may heal but often times die several painful days later. Diseases are another major killer for outside cats. Look up the facts. Most outside cats live only for a few years. Its their ability to breed that keeps outside cat populations so high.
What should be done? In my opinion and not shared by most is this. STOP feeding outside cats. The more food feral cats get the more healthier which means the more and larger litters they will have which just adds to the problem. Look at it through a sinics eyes. You feed 1 cat that within 2 years has a litter of 4, then 5, then 3, then just 2 kittens for a total of 14 cats. Then that cat dies. Meanwhile those 14 are producing kittens that will also add to the problem. So why if they breed so fast are we not over run with cats. BECAUSE THEY DIE THAT FAST! Think if that one cat had died humanely all the generations that would never had been born to suffer and die horribly.
What about leaving cats out? Totally against it. We have had several rehab-ed feral cats and they never wanted back outside. I believe you should look at your home environment. What does that cat want to escape from? Are you using a litter it likes? Is the box clean? If you have more then one cat do you have a box for each one? Some cats need 2 boxes just for themselves. Is there a place it feels safe? Are you paying attention to your cat? "Cats need to hunt", no they don't! Get some toys that can help entertain them. Animals are like children they need companionship. Pets are not accessories like jewelry. Pets need more then a home. Pets need to interact with you.

OSCAR

Oscar has a thing she does that some cats do but not to her extreme. Oscar cleans you! Okay your probably thinking lots of licking. Have you ever watched a cat do heavy grooming? They drool or spit on the fur and chew that moisture into their coat then lick it clean. She does not nibble on your skin hard but you will feel it. You may also have to wipe off your skin of extra saliva. Oscar will lick your skin clean as you pet her. This to me is cute and I have no problems with it but some may. We have a cat at home that likes to wake me up by washing my chin. Especially if I haven't shaved! He will bite, then spit and if I try to move he locks his teeth on like I'm a kitten trying to escape. My wife thinks it's just adorable. I'll take Oscars nibble over our cats bite any day.
Oscar also needs her food intake monitored closely. She likes to over eat if allowed the chance. She is not fat now but I see her potential.

GENERAL

Generally I don't talk about myself. This is a blog about the cats. I got food poisoning from some bad liverwurst and having cats in the truck came in pretty handy. I started feeling lousy before I left the house and was sucking back saliva and had become quite devout by the time I went 30 miles. I had to  stop because I was to sick to continue. I laid down at a truck stop and started thinking my prayers were answered because my stomach settled down. About an hour or two later I awoke with my mouth filling with vomit. With only a second to react, I grabbed the only thing handy, the cat's litter box. Volley after volley I hurled. Feeling a little better I grabbed for some paper towel to wipe my face and as I did I looked right at the cat Oscar. She had been sleeping on the cabinet that is comparable to a night stand. It's in that cabinet/night stand that I keep the litter box. She was just sitting there looking at me. I just wanted to lay back and die! But as sick as I was I knew I couldn't leave it like that. So I got up and took her box to find a garbage can. Lucky for me there was one just several trucks away. Pored out, cleaned out, wiped out and refilled I passed out. This time however I put my garbage can next to the bed. I've had food poisoning several times and I wish it on no one. I spent a day and a half not being even able to drink a sip of water without loosing it. Oscar left me alone until I started to feel better, and then she was back to her pet me, hold me, feed me, play with me self. If it weren't for that cat box I would have been cleaning a lot more of a mess!

OSCAR

Oscar is still on eye meds. Now shes on drops instead of ointment. Makes it easier to give because she didn't like seeing the ointment coming into her eye. One of the best things about Oscar is that she buries her poop. Of course she digs to China and piles the whole box of litter on top of her stuff but at least she buries it. I've had cats in the past that never buried anything. Then only used the box once I started driving with no way to stop so I had to live with the smell. Yes I use a covered box but some cats can produce stuff that if not buried will fowl the air.

OSCAR

Oscar is a very friendly cat that is more kitten than adult cat. She chirps when she's happy and purrs often. When you take a break from petting her she will meow mournfully and reach out her paw, fingers extended to their maximum limit, making her paw twice as big and pat you very gently. She loves to play and be pet and held. Overall Oscar is great!

OSCAR

Oscar was left alone for the 1st day and she of course hid. The only thing I did was medicate the eye at night. I have dry food and water out always. She didn't come out at all. I medicated her in the morning and decided to open a can of food. She was instantly my best new friend. Rubbing on me and bumping my hands and arms and trying to get the food before I could put it in the dish. After putting her food down back to work I go. As I started driving Oscar jumped into my lap. Petting her is like petting a kitten, all over the place. I told my wife petting a fish out of water would be easier. Then she used my knee as a scratching post. As that pain was starting to go away and she was again rubbing and walking all over my lap she used my crotch as a scratching post. Oscar was very close to being declawed right then and there. The only thing that saved her is that I was driving. And of course she thought nothing of it and went back to cuddling me. Yes! she got a nail trim! All cats will get nail trims first thing. New policy!

OSCAR

Oscar is a medium sized female. At a glance she is gray with white mixed in. A closer look and she is a a tortishell, gray with white and orange. Oscar? Happy Endings shelter did not name her. She has a unique face that could be a boy or girl. I'm sure the owner was thinking she was a he thus the name. Some cats have no problems adapting to a new name however Oscar might. She not only knows her name but comes to it even when it's not dinner time. Even Shakespeare said "what's in a name?".
I have her because she has an eye infection. It's mostly healed but I've been told it can take 2 to medicate her. The truck is different. I can bury them in blankets and there is no place for them to go.

ZOE

Zoe had some visitors in the truck. I had a driver that got injured in Texas so I took a driver down to pick up the truck and then brought the other driver back. Zoe was in heaven. Pet and played with all the way down and back. She especially liked the ride back because the driver had broken his leg and had to lay down the entire time. Zoe was cured up next to and on him for most of the trip. When the other drivers were out of the truck she kept going to the bed looking for them.
Zoe is a day cat and so many people saw her in the window of my truck. "what a great looking cat", was a common statement. People enjoyed watching her attack the squeegee through the glass and attack the bugs flying around outside. Others had seen how when I opened the door she would be there waiting for me. As I climbed in she would climb into my arms and snuggle into my shoulder. She does not like being alone.
Zoe is healthy and back at Happy Endings shelter.

GENERAL

Generally you don't have to give a bath to a cat. However over weight cats do need some help. They can't reach everywhere so regular brushing is a must. If the cat doesn't like brushing try not to let them get fat. Remember your in charge of the food. Your supposed to feed them according to the size they should be not the size they are. Then there are the cats that just don't groom well. If the cat stinks you may want to look into why. Older cat with bad breath, probably dental issue.
 Once you put the soap on your committed. Premixing the soap in containers that can be easily pored over the cat helps. Trying to keep the cat in the tub or sink is usually enough to work the soap in. A hose with some pressure will help in rinsing or lots of jugs filled with clean water. Rinse well! The soap can upset your cats stomach. Dry completely, specially long haired cats because they tend to mat. Brush them as they dry to also prevent matting. Mats pull on your cats skin and puts them in constant pain. DON'T cut out mats! EVER! A cats skin is flexible and can get pulled up into the mat. You think your cutting through mat and it's really the cat. They sell all kinds of brushes to help. Read the directions. Mat splitters are put under the edge of the mat and worked back and forth slicing through the mat then brushed out. Not for pulling through the mat. Your vet can help. Tell them what you need done and get their advice. Skin problems can be solved with washing but it may be something more. If you can't care for it don't have it.

ZOE

Zoe sleeps with me. I have no problems with Zoe sleeping next to me. We both get up several times during the night however. I gently move her so I can get out of bed. When Zoe gets up or returns to settle back down I'm just an object in the way and beneath her figuratively and literally. I've been awoken several times while she gets comfortable. Once I was awakened by Zoe doing circles on my head then she started padding me down. Another time she thought we both needed cleaning. Now waking up from a cat licking your arm like Zoe doesn't really bother me I just pull my arm under the covers. We have a cat at home that if I go to bed without shaving that day may wake me up by spitting on and biting my chin. Now that does bother me.

ZOE

Zoe has got to be feeling better. She is still sneezing and her eyes are a little swollen but she is going insane. Her favorite toy is my phone charger cord. Offer her a shoe lace and a plastic zip tie. No! Zoe still goes after the charger cord. She will play with other things briefly but as soon as I'm not watching she's attaching the cord. I now have another thing I have to watch for. Zoe was in my lap and noticed a cord hanging down. Before I knew what she was after Zoe had jumped up and caught the cord for the air horn. She jumped in 3 directions at once. She came down on my arms and steering wheel. Zoe then bounced off me and flew onto and off the dash flying towards the bunk. I have got to trim her nails! While Zoe calmed down I stanched the blood flow from my arms.
I have gotten several compliments about the good looking cat I have. We were at a red light and a woman picked up her chihuahua and showed it to Zoe. She didn't hiss but put out a grumble.
If it seems I have a lot to say about Zoe, it's because she is the friendliest most active cat I've ever had in the truck. Now that she's feeling better she's everywhere, Playing with everything.
I have noticed that Zoe does not like being left alone. I leave the truck and she is on my seat looking out waiting for me to return. If I get a phone call she's in my lap insisting on being pet. Zoe will shove her face into mine until I pet her. Phone call ends and she lays down.  Also Zoe does not like canned food, mine or cat food. She also may sniff but doesn't seem to want people food.

ZOE

Zoe is a total shit! She really pissed me off today. I stopped at Taco Bell for some Doredo taco supremes to go. When I got back to the truck Zoe was waiting on my seat. I put her on the dash and got situated. I took a couple bites of taco and hit the road. As I was eating, Zoe sat up and started moving her head around and bobbing. A fly had gotten into the truck. As I went to set my half eaten taco down she ran across the dash and jumped into my lap. She sent my taco flying into the door, window and floor. Before I could get a full scream out she had turned and jumped back onto the dash. Zoe almost didn't make it. She was able to save her self by using my soda pop that was in the cup holder for a little extra boost. My Mountain Dew hit the carpeting bursting open. Still driving down the road I started to clean up the mess. I took out the 2 remaining tacos and discovered they were destroyed during her mad dash for the fly. I cleaned up what I could putting it in the bag and Zoe was on the dash the whole time searching for the fly. Until she smelt sour cream. She then started pawing at the bag of taco garbage on the dash. Spreading the mess onto my dash. I finally pulled over and wiped down the door, the floor, the dash and me. The 2 remaining tacos were pulverized. I had to pinch and shovel them in, in order to eat them.
Zoe wasn't done. For dinner I bought a sandwich and a medium sized bag of chips, that way I would have some for later and a tea with screw on cap. She came over and licked the chip bag then put her front legs over the bag and sniffed my sandwich. Zoe then abruptly laid down. She crushed the crap out of my chips. You want to kill her but then she curls up in my lap and goes to sleep.

ZOE

Zoe has a new way of sitting. She was climbing over me to get to a shelf she likes to sit on, when we hit a bump. Zoe dug her nails in to catch her self and I leaned forward. She wound up on my shoulders. Now that has become her favorite spot. Zoe will climb up onto my lap then nuzzle her head up under my chin. Very cuddly! Then as I'm petting her she wedges her head behind mine and the seat and pulls herself onto my shoulders. Very uncomfortable and if I remove her she just comes back. Once she jumped from the self on to the top of the seat. Zoe would have fallen but she dug into my head to steady herself. Then plopped down forcing my head forwards and again she was on my shoulders. I can't say enough about how friendly Zoe is. Any claw marks are just her wanting to be close. Some cats can take or leave people as long as they are maintained. Zoe wants and needs people.

ZOE

Zoe is a looker! She's gotten beeped at several times. Yes, Zoe is a good looking cat but that's not why the horns. You see, she likes to sit on the passenger side of the dash and look out and down at the people next to us. They see a cat staring at them and honk! Zoe is fascinated by everything going on around the truck. She watches people in cars and on the street. blinking or flashing lights mesmerize her. Passing vehicles and birds catch her eye as well. Zoe seems to also react to music as well. If I'm searching for a station and get just noise she meows!

ZOE

Zoe is a plastic bag licker. That's all I'm going to say on the matter. There is a reason I don't mind working with the misunderstood fractious cats versus the over friendly cats like I've had lately. Sammy (friendly) and Zoe (overly friendly) are constantly wanting paid attention to. The feral cats stay away from me as much as possible in the small space we're in. I have to seek out the cats that want to kill me. It's done when I have the time. These overly friendly cats do make life interesting. Zoe climbs all over me while I'm driving. She is never more then an arms length away. She enjoys being pet and played with constantly. One person adopts this cat they better not have a job. This cat would wear out a family of four with love.

Someone really loved this cat. Zoe does all the cute cat stuff. She will sit in my lap and place her paw against my lips or cheek and give a gentle pat to get my attention. Zoe also snuggles and nuzzles her head under my chin. She likes to be held like a little baby held to your shoulder. When I leave the truck she waits for me on my seat. And she won't get off the seat or make any room for me to get back in. Zoe does not know scoot or scram. I have to pick her up and move her.

Right now we've been trucking a lot so Zoe has been trying to sleep. The roads suck so she can't get even a cat nap in. Every bump she lifts her head and lets out a "I'm not happy" meow.
Zoe is very easy to pill, just drop it in. Then why is she with me? Simple Zoe hates the shelter. Zoe wants a human, needs a human! She has abandonment issues. Zoe is the way she is with me because we are not at the shelter. Let's face it, she had someone with her all the time and the person up and left her. Next thing she knows she's in a cage, in a bank of cages. Some cats can take or leave their humans but Zoe can't get along without a personal friend.

SIAMESE KITTENS

Siamese kittens from hell. A person contacted Happy Endings shelter about some cats that a tenant had abandoned. The landlord was feeding them but didn't know what to do about them. We were told they were somewhat friendly but skittish. When I arrived I went into the bedroom where they were in and that is the hell part. The bed was soaked in pee and crap. The floor under the bed was covered in crap. They were completely feral. When I saw what they were living in I was not leaving without them. I started putting them in carriers. As soon as they knew what was happening the chase was on. I was sliding though shit as they bounced off the walls. I was told I could come back and try for any I could not get. THAT WAS NOT HAPPENING! I was leaving no cats in that! By the end I was covered in crap, scratches and bites but I had them. They never really calmed down at the shelter but they all got forever homes. For some reason people were willing to take pissed off Siamese cats. No complaints from me, if people are willing to take cats that need some work that's great!

ZOE

ZOE

Zoe is a large calico cat that has a cold. Her eyes are swollen and she is sneezing. Like most calicoes she is friendly when she wants to be. She has bitten a volunteer. It is hard to judge when a cat will strike. Some volunteers are better at judging then others. Zoe was going to bite another cat and got the volunteer instead. I was told she is nippy. Animals in shelters tend to be a little more aggressive then in a forever home. That's where I come in. I will deal with the attitude and get the cat medicated, no matter how bloody I get. I will heal and the end result is a healthy cat. Happy Endings shelter gave Zoe to me to medicate. A pill twice a day and eye ointment. So far she is a very loving cat, but then I only gave her 1 pill and eye stuff. Zoe is on the way to becoming fat so I will work on playing with her and watching her diet.

ZOE

Zoe has decided to use the wall of the truck as a scratching post. I have a scratching post for the cats. Now I have to find a way to keep Zoe from tearing up the interior of the truck.

CITGO

CITGO

Citgo was captured at, you guessed it, a Citgo truck stop in Sturtevant, WI. We fuel our trucks there and one of our drivers was told that a cat had been hanging around the truck stop. It was the middle of winter with a cold front coming in. The weather reports were calling for temperatures well below zero with wind chills reaching 30 degrees below. I was not told about the cat previously by my driver or by the Citgo employees. When I went in to pay for my fuel I was asked if I was there to get the cat? What cat? The Citgo employees were really worried about a cat and the freezing temperatures. They told me how it had been seen in the area and that people would often throw it food from the Wendy's attached to the truck stop. The cat would hide under cars and curl up next to the entrance doors to get warm. They could not let it in to the building, not knowing if it was friendly. I rushed home and got some live traps and instead of sleeping spent several hours waiting for the cat to take the bait. It turns out the cat was quite friendly and quite sick. Happy Endings shelter took the cat and nursed it back to health. The cat was so small and cute it was quickly adopted.

SAMMY

Sammy went back to Happy Endings shelter and is not thrilled. Sammy is over his cold and ready to be adopted. Some more things that happened while with Sammy. He enjoys sitting in my lap while I drive. I had to pay a toll and rolling down a window with a cat that could jump out, is always nerve racking. Sammy was pawing at the window but it looked like he was waving at the toll attendant. The man laughed and I took credit for teaching him that. Yeah! I lied, so what! When Sammy thinks it's dinner time he will crawl all over me including through the steering wheel. He will head butt my face and jump from my lap to the food dish. He will also find and bring out the string to be played with. Sammy has no problem letting me drive and play string with him as long as I don't stop playing. He also started to sit in my lap and put his paws over my left arm so he could see out while going down the road.
     Had to take him to Advanced Animal Hospital in Milwaukee, WI for an update exam and to get his thyroid levels checked. The vet does not usually let the clients hold the cat for such procedures but the alternative is to put him under. Since I can handle Sammy's screaming and know how to restrain a cat they allowed me to hold him so he didn't need tanked down. The special food he is on worked! His thyroid levels were in range so no daily medications. He likes his food so no problems as long as you give him canned food and mix in water. He will eat some dry but canned is his thing. It was great having a cat that was not out for my blood.

SAMMY

Sammy is WOW what a friendly cat. He wants to be pet constantly. If you are truly lonely and looking for a friend, then Sammy is it for you. Some cats know they are king of the castle and that is Sammy. NO OTHER ANIMALS! Sammy was pissy at Happy Endings shelter. Grumpy in the truck with Autumn, another cat. Angry at our home with other cats, even though he was kept separate from them. Sammy saw a rabbit and was instantly upset. He did not want me touching him and went and hid under the covers. A moment to calm down and he was back in my lap. He is on medicine but is not to bad to pill. He screams like a 2 year old child in melt down and refuses to open his mouth, but doesn't bite. Any cat not biting me is great.
     He is a great lap cat. What will happen to him once the meds are over? He is so angry at the shelter that he won't let anyone touch him. He screams and swats at anyone that even gets close to him. Who will give a cat that is pissed at being caged and around other cats a chance when there are so many other cats to chose from?

SAMMY

Sammy went to Advanced Animal Hospital and received several different medications. The pill will be a bitch but we'll get it one way or another. He has to go back in 2 weeks for a recheck. Advanced Animal Hospital is great with the feral cats. I can hold the cat during exams and since it's my flesh between them and the cat, they will work with me. Most vets would want them put under but some exams are better done when they're awake. It also takes a lot more time and money to put them under.

SAMMY

Sammy is not feeling good. He has turned into a dick. Sammy does not make a very good sick cat. He comes near and as soon as I try to pet him he growls and bites. I'm just glad he doesn't bite hard. I'm going to relay his medical conditions to Happy Endings medical coordinator and probably take Autumn back so I can treat and work with him.

SAMMY

Sammy is a cat I can't do anything with. I socialize cats. Sammy is social. He is the only cat that climbed into my lap and let me pet him until my arms hurt. He stayed in my lap for hours. Sammy also slept with me.  He was king of his domain and now is in a place he does not like. Sammy is a cat that does not like change and will let you know it. He is a long haired, medium sized, dark tabby and declawed. He has attacked me at Happy Endings shelter but with no claws and bites about as hard as a 4 week old kitten, it's all bluster. Sammy is very loud when he does not get his way or something is happening he doesn't like! His screaming freaks people out. He has a thyroid issue that hopefully the food he's on takes care of. Sammy is a great cat that will be a lap cat for someone again if he ever gets a chance.

AUTUMN

Autumn went back to Happy Endings shelter today. She was not happy! We had to stop by the vet for Sammy who is now on meds. When I put Sammy in the carrier Autumn ran! Autumn does not like being put in a carrier. She also does not like being grabbed by the scruff . When we did get to the shelter I was able to pick Autumn up in her bed like a hot dog and put her and the bed into the carrier. As soon as I tried to put Autumn in the cage she got away and past me and right under the cages. I was able to get her out from under the cages, but not before she kissed my finger goodbye and punched me in the face. Autumn actually bruised my jaw and it swelled up. The kiss she gave my finger drew a little blood, like I said she doesn't like being caged. Then the volunteers got this great idea, lets move Autumn to the front room so maybe she will be seen and adopted. So I got to move her again. All this might sound like she should not be adopted but Autumn is a great and friendly cat. Once you start petting her she melts into you. She is not very active but loves being pet and will fill your windows with her joyful self. All pets need a friend that will take the time to love them. Once you build trust with Autumn she will stick to you like glue.

AUTUMN

Autumn had to stay in a carrier for a few hours. Had to get work done on the truck and the mechanic needed access to the inside of the cab. Cleo won't come out of hiding with all the noise but Autumn will, so she got put away. That is why you have to be prepared. I gave Autumn a small can of food early to make up for her sitting in a carrier. Cleo came out of hiding and ate it. Autumn was pretty upset so I'm not sure she would have eaten the food anyway. I did give Autumn an extra long ear scratching session. When you stop petting her she gets a look of utter bewilderment on her face. Her purr is very soft like she's enjoying it but doesn't want to admit it.

AUTUMN

Autumn is a brown tabby female, medium sized. She has red in her coat and a cool face. She came from the outside and is definitely feral. Not to many people got a good look at Autumn. As soon as the cage door opened she was gone. The cages are on wheels for easy cleaning and because of her size she fit right under and far back as she could get. The volunteers work with all the cats, socializing them, but if you can't see them or touch them it makes it tough. That's where I come in. I took her with me and wow what a difference. Autumn is a window cat. She lays all night in the window as I drive. During the day she will be looking out the side window or laying out on the bed. She does jump up on the dash during the day but doesn't stay long. It gets pretty hot with the sun beating down. When she first got in the truck she would growl and hiss. Now she may flinch but I think that's her making sure I'm not going to grab her and shove her in a carrier.

HOYA

Hoya is a large grey male that has dilated pupils. He can see but probably not very well. If you try to pet him it's a 50/50 chance he'll let you. He tries to bite but he's slow and lets you know he's going to try. I discovered if you hold him like put him in a cat bed and pick him up he enjoys being pet. He's not feral. He was someones cat then they got a CHILD. Hoya was used to life as he knew it. With a new baby the house was in an up roar. The fact he can't see very well and with all the commotion. Well Hoya got an attitude. I think with a quiet home and someone that will put him back as the center of attention, someone would have a great pal. He needs a little work and some time to start trusting again. he wants to be someones hangout buddy. Happy Endings does a great job matching people and cats, so he has hope. The hard part is cats that come from homes are used to their world, their routine and now everything is different.

CLEO

Cleo was returned to Happy Ending shelter and by the medical coordinator's suggestion was placed in with Carmen and Calypso.  All 3 seem to get along with other cats. She is doing much better. It seems she needs companionship to help her stay calm. Right now it's the other cats keeping her clam but in the truck she seemed to like just hanging out with me. Carmen and Calypso don't seem to mind having her in their cage but that doesn't mean all 3 have to go together.  Cleo is just hanging out with them for now. I believe once she is in a forever home she will not need a roommate. It's nice to know that Cleo does get along with other cats though. It opens up more opportunities for her.

CLEO

Cleo is hopefully going back so she can get adopted. Some more things about her. She chirps when she's happy. Cleo seems to want to be Autumns friend however Autumn does not want to be Cleo's friend. I believe Cleo would get along with other cats as long as they were introduced slowly and the cat didn't get in her face at the start. She is a loving and playful cat.

CLEO

Cleo is a return for warrenty work. She is a very friendly but skittish cat. I originally got this medium sized black female cat because when she arrived at the shelter she had an eye issue. The vet prescribed drops 3 times a day and the volunteers come in twice daily. The first time they tried to get drops in her eye it did not go well. Pat the shelter president and another volunteer  (both highly experienced), fought like hell to get the drops in. That's where I come in. I did as much as I could for Carmen and Calypso , so back they went. They gave me Cleo, and in the truck I gave her the meds 3 times a day. I have nothing but time while waiting to load or unload. I will just keep trying until the drop goes in. Cleo may have gotten drops in her good eye, ear, nose and several drops didn't even touch her but I did not stop until 1 went in. Yes, I used twice as much medicine and was bitten several times and yes, she peed on my bed but the medicine got in her eye. Cleo is back with me now because while being placed back in her cage she was startled and nipped the volunteer. I took her back to see what was up. She remains a very playful and loving cat. Cleo goes nuts when you pet her. She pads the bed, arches her back to get closer to your hand and rubs all over you. She is still a little skittish on her right (bad eye) side. She also doesn't like bright sun light. I think it affects her eye. She sleeps under my pillow at night and sometimes in my pillow case. I have not been bit and  I don't think she would bite me, since I stopped medicating her.

CLEO

Cleo, Autumn and I had a department of transportation routine road side inspection. It was going along as well as to be expected when another officer pulled up. This officer had a dog with him. They asked if I wouldn't mind letting their dog in my truck to sniff for drugs. I had no problem with it but informed them that I had to put my cats in carriers first. The officers then held a little conference. They came back informing me that the dog was new and they didn't want to expose the dog to the cats. The officer doing the inspection decided to do a quick in cab inspection of his own. I told the officer I had no problem with that but I still need to put the cats in carriers. The officer said that would not be necessary. I told them that the cats are feral and will bite. The officer said he was not worried. I then told him that one will be in her cat bed and the other will be under or in one of the pillows. Just stay clear of them. He again said it would be fine. You know where this is going? I was telling the officer with the dog about what I do for the shelter. I told him I come through there quit a lot. I gave him my phone number so he could call when he thought the dog was up to the challenge of cats. He said he would talk to their trainer and supervisor. I said the only drugs I have is cat nip. He went on to say you wouldn't believe how many used trucks make a dog alert on them. They do find drugs the driver had no idea was there. I was asking him what they do in that situation. When we heard "HOLY S:-) :-) T"! The officer came out of my truck pulling on his glove. We asked if he was alright and had  he been bit? "YES he yelled"! He had marks on his finger but no punctures. He was demanding animal control be called. The officers left me standing there while they went to their cars. I could hear the one that had been bit talking loudly. A few minutes later the officer that had the dog said I could go. He handed me back my license and paperwork. I took of as quickly as I could. Autumn was still in her bed and I didn't see Cleo so she was probably under a pillow. My guess is the officer stuck his hand under the pillow and startled Cleo and she bit him. Autumn would have drawn blood and she was in plane site. So I doubt he was dumb enough to stick his hand by Autumn, and she would have hissed a warning as soon as he got close. I don't think people really understand what a feral cat is. He and I are glad it wasn't worse. I could see Cleo in quarantine for 10 to 30 days. I'm glad the officer with the dog was there and able to help calm things down. I wish there was a differant route I could take but then would the officer ever want to pull me over again? Dammed if I do dammed if I don't. I suppose I should feel bad the officer got bit but hay he was warned. He's just lucky I didn't have Jackle when he was feral.

CLEO

Cleo is very playful. She loves cat nip and cat nip toys. I have a small scratching post I put on my seat when sleeping. For the most part they ignore it and scratch the seat. Cleo has a blast with it. The post has a toy hanging off it. She was able to pull the toy off. I replaced the toy the next day. I'm not sure how long I was a sleep before I was awoken and had to tear the toy off the scratching post. It had bells on it. Cleo's toys are now all bell free. I don't know her exact age but she reminds me of a kitten.