SANTA CLAUS

Santa claus will soon arrive. I'm helping him out by playing Santa Claus at Petco. This Saturday and Sunday 1 to 4pm will be it until next year. I enjoy all the animals. Cats, dogs, rabbits,  gwinnie pigs and much more, even a snake. So if your in the area of Southridge mall in Greenfield Wisconsin stop by the Petco. Hope to see you!

GENERAL

Generally I would have a cat to talk about. I'm changing carrier paths and will only be driving part time. So for now I will not be taking any more feral cats. That may change because my wife and I  are talking about maybe setting up something at our house. I will still take the unruly to the vet. I will also help work with the cats at Happy Endings No Kill Cat Shelter.

GENERAL

Generally speaking, well writing Happy Endings No Kill Cat Shelter has several cats that need more then most are willing to give. If your home all day or live alone for what ever reason, why not adopt a friend. Shelter have so many animals that need help. If your over 60 years of age why get a kitten or a puppy? A cat can live for over 18 years if taken good care of. You would be almost 80. So many things can change in your life that could force you to have to abandon your friend. Happy Endings No Kill Cat Shelter will take any cat they adopted out back, but then who will take your 15 year old cat. If you adopt an older animal you can share your love and if something happens you have given them at leat that time. Cats are easy to care for. You don't have to bend down, contrary to popular belief. Cats will use a litter box on a raised area. Would I want a litter box on my dinning room table? No! An end table away from where people sit with a perch to get in and out from, yes. If your single and looking, an older cat can keep you company while you look. Kittens and puppies  are cute but only for less then a year, then they are cats and dogs. And those that think they will get a kitten and train it, will soon find them selves being trained. An older animal gives you the opportunity to get a personality that fits yours.

AUTUMN

Autumn is back at Happy Endings No Kill Cat Shelter. I can't do much with her, she flinches when you approach her but then lets you pet her. Autumn is just skittish and there is no way to help her until she gets adopted or goes to a foster home. The shelter has several cats that just can't handle a caged life. Autumn needs work and will be a great companion, if someone would take the time. She is such a unique looking cat, red with drowns and some black mixed in. Autumn likes to be pet. She doesn't bite although if you go to fast or stick your hand in front of her face she will run. I took her just to see how she was doing and she is doing fine.

LITTLE ONE

Little One has a oral disease that is way to long of a word for me to remember, much less spell. What it basically comes to is that Little One is allergic to her teeth. The only solution is to put her down or remove all her teeth. Happy Endings No Kill Cat Shelter is going to remove all her teeth. Little  One has gained weight and is looking great, but has stopped eating again. Everyone was hoping that removing her teeth wouldn't be necessary. This is not easy on an animal and is only being done for Little One's overall health.  The foster person deserves a big pat on the back for the great job she's doing. The shelter could use a lot more people like this foster. No one knows how much pain this causes the animal. Little One ate for me and the foster because we biult a trust with her. I hope the foster will continue to help Little One. She's is a great cat and they all deserve great homes!

AUTUMN

Autumn did something new. Every cat I've had in the truck has used the scratching post, me or nothing I could tell. I'm sure when I  wasn't around they scratched on everything, but with no visible damage until now. Autumn used my log book as q scratching post. This didn't happen while I was sleeping, it happened while I was on a dock getting unloaded. The D.O.T. is not going to accept "my cat scratched it"! So I made out 7 new pages and got rid of the damaged ones. Now Autumn is sitting starring at me with a "see what you get" look on her face. I took a picture of her stare so Darlene may post it on here. That is out of my abilities.

AUTUMN

Autumn let me pet her, no problem. You just can't come at her from a face on direction. Not unless you go really slow. I found a mat on her back and immediately got out my grooming supplies. I worked the mat out of her back. She's so fat she can no longer groom that area. Autumn needs more grooming but I thought I would do it 7n stages. As soon as I let her go she did 3 things at once, ran away, looked back with a hiss and shit. This all happened in about 2ft. 3ft more and she was in her litter box. I cleaned up the mess and left her to calm down. It couldn't have been to traumatic because she slept on the bed with me. I felt her climb over me to get to a spot and get comfortable. In the morning Autumn was on the dash sleeping. She gave me a long stretched out hi with a lot of ssss's in it and ran off to the bed.

GENERAL

Generally  speaking  I  don't  usually  bitch about the same thing over and over. There's  enough new shit for me to bitch about. HOWEVER now and again crap gets thrown in my face so obviously stupid I  have to point it out and see if anyone has a conscience thought in their head. Autumn the cat I dropped off thin is now fat. How is this possible? When someone or something can't get their own food then it's the person getting them the food that makes them fat. If you buy the cheapest food with little to no nutritional value then when your animal gets sick, you only have yourself to blame. Yes even feeding the best food doesn't  guaranty your pet won't  get sick but it helps. THINK PEOPLE! If your feeding your animal the recommended amount and your animal starts to gain weight then DAH! Cut back on the food. Look into their diet. Is someone else feeding them? Small "TREATS" can be huge in calories. Remember how big you are to your pet. Yes I could loose some weight. I eat like crap. My favorite chef is Boyardee. My favorite cereal has a Captain in the title. But that is only because I'm feeding myself. You may not be able to stop eating ice cream at 3am but you can control your pets diet. But it's such a small amount and they're begging for more. STOP! Grow a spine and feed them properly. If they're to thin give them more, if they're to fat give them less. You don't have to get food from the vet. There are great over the counter foods. Yes your pet may not like the 1st or 2nd you bring home but if you have been feeding them the equivalent of Twinkies they will most likely not be thrilled with a carrot. STOP LOVING YOUR PETS TO DEATH! LITERALLY!

AUTUMN

Autumn is back in the truck. Happy Endings No Kill Cat Shelter still calls her Missy. I hate this name for her! Autumn has fur that mirrors an oak forest in the fall, lots of shades of browns and reds. Autumn has a very unique coloring. They got her fat which is not very appealing on her. She has been around the truck and sat on the dash for a few hours, and now curled up on the bed.

SPATZ

Spatz goes back to Happy Endings No Kill Cat Shelter today. She's not totally ready and still has trust issues but we are leaving on vacation.  Spatz is able to be pet and I'm going to give the shelter the gloves I used so my sent and the smell of cat nip are on them. Spatz loves cat nip so I keep the gloves in a Rubber Maid container with cat nip so at least she likes what is touching her. I really hope the shelter will continue to work with her. They are extremely short handed so just cleaning the cages is tough to get done. The volunteers do a great job but it seems everyone is at their braking point.  When we get back I will be taking another cat that needs work. Spatz is on her way to being someones friend if someone gives her a chance. She enjoys being pet but still lets you know your in her personal space. I've had her with me for almost a year so I hope someone can give her a home.

SPATZ

Spatz is getting friendlier by the day. She still lets me know I'm encroaching on her personal space.  As soon as I start petting her she rubs into my hand. Spatz has a soft steady purr. I'm trying to be more aggressive toward her to make her more used to people approach her.

SPATZ

Spatz has not only begun to purr but actually licked my finger while I petted her. Either she's coming around or luring me in. Only blood will tell.

LITTLE ONE

Little One has been in foster few only 2 weeks and it sounds like she's doing great.  The person that Little One is now living with is taking the time to let her get used to things. Like she did for me Little One is eating like a pig. A matter of fact within a half hour of being there she was eating. When she gains a little more weight her foster person will cut her food back to the recommended amount to maintain Little One's weight. This person is got the carrier out and open just in case Little One needs to hide, but if she does go into the carrier it's not long and she's right back out. The carrier is not in the best of spots but the foster person is dealing with it. The important thing is what Little One needs. The person is moving the carrier an inch at a time to a better location.  I was told Little One has been out and all over the room she is in. The foster person is giving Little One treats and has her almost eating them out of her hand. The person lays down on the floor and talks to Little One and gives her treats when she's in the carrier.  Not very comfortable but again it's about Little One.  Anyone and everyone should learn from this person. It takes time and patience to help a animal get over their fears. I'm so glad Little One is with someone that truly loves animals. I've not mentioned the person's name only because it seems that they're helping Little One because they care not because they want prays and recognition. However if you know this person give them a pat on the back, a big huge and let them know how great they are!

SPATZ

Spatz is not having a good week. Now our driver broke down and I had to switch trucks with him. Tim doesn't pay attention to the fact he has a cat in the truck when he uses my truck.  I have to keep reminding him that the doors and windows must stay closed. It's not that he wants to let the cat or cats out but he just doesn't think about it. I give him little reminders that he will answer not only to me but to my wife Jessica and everyone at Happy Endings No Kill Cat Shelter. I could fire him they would rip him apart.

SPATZ

Spatz did NOT have a good day. I broke down and we spent the night in FYDA Freightliner's parking lot. That was fine but I checked in at 6am and at 8am they came for the truck. I told the mechanic to hold on I had to put my cat in a carrier. We Spatz and I went to the drivers lounge. I watched shit TV and Spatz hung out in a carrier. Who in their right mind would watch Dog The Bounty Hunter? 8 people taking down 1 drug addict. They show up with a camera crew, of course people are willing to talk. Take your 15 minutes when and where you can get it. There is no way busting some crack heads pays enough to support his whole crew. It's an insult to the real bounty hunters. Which by the way most bail bounds places just wait for the cops to pick them up on another rap. CSI Miami was just as bad. Over the top fake. Bad acting on top of it. No I couldn't turn the channel, but I sure did want to! So Spatz and I sat there in hell. As soon as the truck was done I let her go and gave her some canned food. Spatz did a full personal grooming and ate.

SPATZ

Spatz lost her toy this last week. She has a lion that came off a cat tree that had a bell on it's tail. For the last couple months I've been looking for it. Spatz pulls it out of hiding at night when I'm trying to sleep and plays with it. I only get 4 to 6 hours of sleep and need all I can get.  Her playing with a toy armed with a bell doesn't help. The toy is still there but the bell has been removed. She was hiding it in a corner under the curtain for the bunk. My wife thinks I was being mean by removing the bell. This is the same person that says she's worried I don't sleep enough. If someone adopts or fosters her they can give her a shit load of bells to play with. For now no bells. Spatz is doing much better without Little One in the truck. Spatz gets along with other cats but likes her own space.

Autumn

Autumn is a very cool colored cat. She was named Missy which didn't suit her at all. I renamed her Autumn and if you see her you'll know why. She is a tabby that is the color of fall leaves, brown, red and a hint of other colors throne in. I could pet Autumn when I took her back to Happy Endings No Kill Cat Shelter.  Now she is as feral as when I first took her. I had to return her to the shelter because another cat needed me to medicate it. I never got Autumn back. She is like some other cats at the shelter,  scared of everything. The shelter is so under staffed that know one has time to work with the cats.

LITTLE ONE

Little One has gone into foster. I had to work and couldn't be there to see her off. I did leave my phone number and hope the person calls to let me know how it's going. Happy Endings No Kill Cat Shelter has dealt with most situations and if there is a problem can usually work with the person to get it resolved. To often people take in an animal and think it will act just like the one they had as a child. Every animal and every situation is different.  I hope Little One settles right in and the person takes the time to further work with her. She is a very good looking cat and is friendly to a point. Hope to hear how she's doing. This leaves only 2 cats that I've dealt with left. Spatz my on going project and Missy that I renamed Autumn because it suits her better.

SPATZ

Spatz is a very smart very stubborn and totally great cat. If I hold the carrier open she gives me a hiss then goes right into it. She has a toy I don't know where she hides it but at night brings it out and plays with it. How do I know since I'm sleeping?  It has a bell on it. Spatz is very playful and always watching me. Since Little One has been in the truck Spatz hangs out on the bed or behind my seat. She still needs work but is getting there.

LITTLE ONE

Little One may have a foster home! Holy Fucking Yes! By the time I return the cats to Happy Endings No Kill Cat Shelter they are ready for adoption. Not always perfect but well on their way. Little One was able to be pet before I took her she just stopped eating at the shelter. Only a home will fix that. Now she has someone that is willing to give her a chance. I talked to the woman and she seems like she wants a challenge. The adopt is also gone a lot and needs a cat that is independent. That's Little One! Like all shelter animals you just have to go slow. The animal gets used to a small area and needs time to adjust. Some animals get used to and feel safe in a cage and need that at their new home. Others like Little One hate being caged but still need time to get used to a whole house. As adopters and fosters you have to use common sense and help the animal adapt. If it's out and about, eating, drinking and crapping great! If it's hiding and not eating, drinking and crapping you need to give it less space and less noise. If the animal is not friendly give it a couple days then go slow. Maybe try 2 or 3 times a day at most, but don't stop trying! It takes time! Start with petting. When you are both okay with it move on to holding and so on. Remember don't give them a place to hide you can't get to them. Give them places to hide but that you can touch them. Also approach from down low never over the top of them. Want to move their food dishes and or litter box go slow. A few inches to a couple feet at most. Remember the food dishes and litter box are theirs. If you move the food they may stop eating and you can move it back and go slower. You move a cat box to fast and they may use the space litter box or not. If your going to move the litter box I suggest putting a new one where you want it to end up then move the old one toward the new location. Also remember 1 cat = 2 boxes then 1 box for each additional cat. 3 cats 4 boxes and so on.

LITTLE ONE

Little One has just gotten back from the vet. She was given a steroid and a antibiotic injection. Little One has a medical condition called ??????????? Don't know don't care. Long ass medical terms serve me in no way. If there is a long ass medical term in stead of multiple question marks, it's because my wife supplied it. It effects her gum and soft pallet. The illness causes swelling like an abstract tooth. It can be treated but not cured. Signs of a flare up are like I said swelling which untreated can break open and bleed. Also can cause pain which can of course cause the cat to stop eating. There can be a smell. Everything that an abstract tooth can cause this can cause. Little One's teeth look good and she doesn't need a dental. If left to it's own she would stop eating and get tooth infections. Happy Endings No Kill Cat Shelter just had a cat dropped off with this illness totally out of control and the cat had to have all it's teeth removed. Little One is in no way even close to this. She eats fine for me! If this was an issue she wouldn't gobble down dry food like she does. There is always fresh wet food available. I open several different types through out the day but she refers dry. Crawford Animal Hospital is a where of her condition and feel Little One may need a shot from time to time but that is it for now. This is just one more hurtle in the way of finding her a forever home.

SPATZ

Spatz is still with me and doing great. She would do better without Little One but is dealing with her. Spatz is very playful and active at night. She still doesn't play much with me but is getting better. Little One took her spot so now Spatz hangs out behind my chair. I look back and there she is staring at me.

RINGWORM PROCEDURES

Ringworm procedures. This is what works best for Happy Endings No Kill Cat Shelter and if you ever have to deal with it I hope these procedures help you. 1st quarantine the animal. Ringworm is highly contagious and a pain in the ass to get rid of. Keep in mind where ever you quarantine the animal has to be easily cleaned because ringworm can live in carpet, bedding, scratching posts, and basically anything the animal touches. Keeping them in a small bathroom or closet you cleaned out, sounds so mean, but you get ringworm on you and can't go anywhere and will probably screw up your life for a little while. I'm talking no work, church, school and or social engagements. Basically the doctor is going to order you quarantined. 2nd get information. The more you know the better it will be. Don't trust just one source. Some may have had a really bad outbreak and others a very mild episode. Everyone's situation is different so take it all in then do what works for you. 3rd make sure it is ringworm. A black light only shows that you have dead flaky skin. Keep in mind they use a black light to freak people out about what's on your hotel bed spread. You really think that it's ringworm? A black light can be used once you know it's ringworm to check its progress. The actual test takes 7 to 21 days to get results.  They take hair and skin then add it to a solution and see what grows. By the way anything less then 21 days sucks because that means you got it. After 21 days your clear. 4th clean everything!  This crap lives for a very long time so anywhere the animal has been needs thoroughly sanitized. And keep cleaning where the animal is quarantined to keep it from reoccurring. That also means the animal. You will need at least 2 spray bottles. I'm the only one that will bathe cats at the shelter. Others could but don't. You need a special shampoo. I use a spray bottle. Fill it up with water and then add the shampoo, that way it won't foam up. Work up a good lather and don't get it in the animals eyes or you could blind them. Rinse thoroughly and dry the best you can. Then spray down with dip medicated kill all ringworm stuff. It's orange and will look yellow when sprayed on your animal especially white fur. It dries clear so don't freak. Do this at least once a week. Then you can spray the dip on the animal in between bathing as well. Use a medicated cream on visible areas daily to help get rid of it. 5th keep in mind that most shelters euthanize because it's a royal pain in the ass. The vet may also give you an oral medicine so see a vet. They may also give you a mousse. It has to be used daily so didn't work for the shelter. Remember it has to work for you! If you can't bath your animal then move on and do things you can do. Good luck!

RINGWORM

Ringworm is back at Happy Endings No Kill Cat Shelter.  The No Kill in the name means lots of work for everyone at Happy Endings. My first big adventure with ringworm was last year 2014 when the shelter rescued 6 kittens from a shelter that said they won't deal with ringworm, that shelter just euthanizes them. They gave us only days to decide. Happy Endings quickly discussed it and even though are way under staffed took the kittens in. I help medicate and bath them. The shelter tried something new a mousse. You have to use it every day so didn't work for Happy Endings.  What no one was told until they got the kittens is that they were also very sick. So on top of treating for ringworm they had upper respiratory as well. It took forever to get them healthy. And now the Shelter has a major break out.  Over 20 cats and at least 4 are adults. I am the only one that will bathe them and spray on the medicine.  The problem for me is that I'm highly allergic to sulfa which is what the stuff is made of. My hands swell up and it makes me light headed. Gloves don't work the kittens shred them. They just don't understand that the bath is for their benefit.

LITTLE ONE

Little One does not have an injury in her mouth. It's some kind of mouth disease that they are looking into. She is eating great with me. However I had to take her home this past weekend and she stopped eating. Little One was in our bathroom with Spatz and it's just not big enough for her to move around and get comfortable.  We have too many bullies to let them out with our cats. Back in the truck and eating constantly. Little One eats canned and dry food. She has slept next to me, along my back and on my feet. She also loves looking out the bunk window. If anyone reads this and has 1 room that Little One could hang out in please take her. I believe with some more work she would be a very loving cat. There is a difference between a friendly from the start and a feral made friendly. The feral made friendly will be your cat and tend to want only you.

LITTLE ONE

Little One is back in the truck. If you have read past posts about this cat you know she doesn't eat at the shelter. I told them to find her a home as an adopted cat or foster. So what happened? Happy Endings No Kill Cat Shelter found Little One a foster home. This was great and I was glad to hear it. So what went wrong?  Little One doesn't eat at the shelter because she is frightened and in a cage. The foster reported that Little One was not eating so the cat was taken to Crawford Animal Hospital. They put her under to do a full exam. People can pet her but holding her is not happening.  The doctor found a injury or something in Little One's mouth. It looked like an electrical burn like she bit a cord. They sent out a biopsy and should be able to tell exactly what it is. The foster said Little One has not been out of the cage she has been in at the fosters home. WHAT THE FUCK IS SHE DOING IN A CAGE? This cat hates being caged and is frightened. STUPID PEOPLE! Little One needs to go to a home with not only a loving person but one smart enough to understand her needs. I put her in the truck and within 24 hours Little One has eaten over a POUND of canned food and a half a cup of dry. I put a can in front of her and she starts eating. This is what Little One needs; 1. A room. Not a whole house! A home office or bedroom with a closed door would be great. Not forever but maybe 6 months to a year. 2. A strategically designed hiding place. Nothing hard for her owner/foster to get to. Close off under the bed or behind a dresser or closet. She and her loving person need access to it. Something at least waist high so you can sit and pet her or chest high so you can stand comfortably and pet her.  It needs to be about 1 to 1.5ft deep 1.5 to 2ft wide and less then a foot high. The front should be completely open. Needs to be able to easily reach in and Little One needs to know she can escape if needed. 3. She needs time to get used to whoever.  Go slow and use a winter insulated leather glove covered in cat nip. When everyone feels comfortable take off the glove. I never used a glove and never got bit by her. But cats can tell if your frightened so do what feels good. 4. Litter box and food should be close to the hiding place the move them back a few inches a week, but move them back if she doesn't like it! Or kill her! Because what she is going through right now will!

SPATZ

Spatz is back in the truck and got another experience.  We had to go to a truck wash to get the oil off which was everywhere.  I usually wash it at the shop but I couldn't wait. She was fascinated by the soapy water hitting the windshield.  Spatz kept looking right then left and moved up close to the side window to check out the soap suds. When they sprayed the side window she was looking out Spatz flinched back but kept  looking. I would have thought she would be afraid. A little while after hitting the road I think she was glad to be back in the truck.  I'm not sure what happened but Spatz fell or miss jumped off the shelf she likes to hang out on. I heard a crash and looked back to see food scattered everywhere and Spatz on the bed looking upset, scared and pissed like I did something wrong.  My guess is she fell off. She is a very clean and playful cat. Spatz is the only cat I have ever seen that I would testify cleans her entire body. Most cat clean certain areas, but Spatz will twist around and get everywhere. She also likes to roll around. No toy needed she just rolls and streches out and looks like she wants to play with me. Then I approach and she stops and looks like she's fearing for her life. As long as a keep an arms length away she will play with a string. So I don't know, but she doesn't usually jump straight to the floor so my guess is she fell off. A little while later I heard her burying something in her litter box. So I figured everything is good.

SPATZ

Spatz and I are spending a few days at a hotel.  My turbo blow and the dealer said they would get to it but it will be a day or two. I let Spatz out in the hotel room and set up her food, water and litter box. She immediately found a place to hide. The beds were on a pedistalls. Spatz went into the small gap between the wall and the bed. I left her alone for the first night. The next day when I was told we would be staying another day I reached in and petted her. Shocking she was fine with it. Sitting watching old movies I could hear her crunching on food. She would sneak past my bed to the bathroom and her litter box. If I looked over I could see her looking at me from under the bed. When I went to sleep Spatz would come out and look around. I know because the bed next to me was messed up from her being on it. The only screw up was no poop scooper. So like a kid playing in a sand box I reached in and sifted it with my hands. So I will have to add a scooper to my emergency cat supplies. I have Frebreeze and Lisal, dishes and food. I've never had a cat pee in a hotel but you have to be prepared because a hotel cleaning bill would be a cost I don't want to pay.

SPATZ

Spatz protests the full body petting, from her head to her tail. While Spatz grumbles she rubs into my hand, and has a butt button. She is very playful and sometimes wakes up and goes nuts. Not sure what sets her off but she rolls and attacks, well nothing, then rolls around some more. Spatz has a meow chirp that I find myself trying to chirp back to just to keep her going. I think she would be great in a home. Just would take someone that is willing to keep working with her. I had a cat like her that my brother in law took and worked with. Chestnut has become quite the cat, with a great personality.  Chestnut still doesn't like strangers but if you go slow she warms up quickly. He can pet, and hold her any time he wants. Spatz would be that kind of cat. So if anyone reads this and knows of someone looking for a bedroom cat that's Spatz.  I think the run of a full house would be to much for her at least for a while.  Maybe after a year she could or would be comfortable with that much space. A bedroom and some patience.

SPATZ

Spatz went nuts last night. I woke up to all types of meows coming from Spatz. At first I thought she had injured herself, but then I also heard her crashing around the front of the truck.  You see I've got a curtain that separates the bunk from the front of the truck.  Spatz was in the front and I was in the back. I peeked out and Spatz was on the dash with her head bobbing around then she took off jumping onto the seat and slammed her paws onto the window. Then I heard the buzzing of the fly and caught sight of it as it flew pass me. I shut the curtain and laid back down in disgust. Do I scare the crap out of her as I try to get the fly or leave her to her hunt. I left her alone and it didn't take long. She is always back by me up on her shelf in the morning. This morning no Spatz. I peeked out and she gave me those big doe eyes.

SPATZ

Spatz had to go home because it got to hot over the weekend.  She has no problem with our cats, and stayed with Simon who is a unregulated diabetic gray mail cat that we are trying to get healthy.  Well healthier at least.  Spatz just doesn't like change. She wants to be friendly and wants to hang out and play. She does great in the truck but the heat is a problem. So when I take her home she gets an attitude.  After only a few hours she calmed down and let me pet her.

SPATZ

Spatz decided, why should it be just wet outside? I was in a hurry, so I threw everything on the bed, canned food, snacks and a case of water. Spatz I believe made a clear, conscience choice to sharpen her claws on the case of water. Spatz split open not just one but 2 bottles of water. So before going to sleep I got to clean that mess up. Yeah! At least it wasn't pee. It's the fact she meowed with delight when she was slicing open the bottles of water knowing I couldn't get to her or the water. That's what pisses me off. But I got even, I petted her for an extra long time.

SPATZ

Spatz is not to happy with being the only cat in the truck.  It means I can spend all my time paying attention to her. I've increased my petting witch is brought out in her. The chin and side of face no problem. The top of head and body, well not so much. Spatz is getting better. At night she lays on the bed and seams to want to know what I'm doing.  Or she's figuring out how to kill me. And she plays! Favorite toy bells, really late at night. Spatz also likes to sing. I like all types of music but her singing not a big fan.

SPATZ

Spatz is gotten to that point that Happy Endings No Kill Cat Shelter would call a"go slow" cat. She will let me pet her but gives a little hi don't touch me, but the allows me to pet her. Spatz loves treats and cat nip. Spatz is also very load when she plays. At least it seems loud when I'm trying to sleep. She also now sleeps on my bed during the day and moves around the truck at night. Hopefully I get no other cats for awhile and Spatz and I can work out the hesitation she still has.

LITTLE ONE

Little One is back at Happy Endings No Kill Cat Shelter.  Hopefully she will settle in but it doesn't look that way. She is eating very little.  Little One is being offered lots of food choices but eats none of them. At this rate she will starve her self to death. It will take a while so people can watch how a very scared and stubborn cat commits suicide.  Little One is a go slow cat. That means she can be pet but on her terms. No fast movements. She may hiss to let you know your in her personal space, but once you start petting her she quickly warms up. Little One is a female long haired white with some patches of highlights. I do get attached to the cats I have with me in the truck and it's hard to see them suffer or go unadapted.  You put so much work into them you want others to see what you have seen. Little One needs a home either through adoption or foster. She has no problem with other cats, not that other cats won't have a problem with her it's always a crap shoot. So if someone can help Little One needs a home. And NO I can't keep her! I have Spatz to work with and others after her.

SPATZ

Spatz!  Where to begin?  Spaz is more like it. When I want to sleep is her time to party. Spatz has a chirp meow that doesn't stop. Then she kicks into a meow that sounds like your trying to start a car.  She does this during the day as well but 10 fold at night.  Spatz also now sleeps on the foot of the bed during the day and even at least once at night. I've seen her even try to play with Little One.  Little One just looks panicked and hisses at Spatz.  Little One doesn't mind sitting next to Spatz but she draws the line there. Spatz is becoming more friendly.  She still hisses a little at my appoatch but doesn't slap at me or try to bite me. She will hiss if I pet her the wrong way, "witch" is whatever she feels is wrong at the time. Little One is out of the truck hopefully this week and I can concentrate on Spatz.

SPATZ and LITTLE ONE

Spatz and Little One had an unexpected traumatic experience.  We were pulled over in Indiana and given a quick D.O.T. inspection. This wouldn't have been so bad but the first thing all officers want to do is open your passenger door. This is just not possible with both cats sitting on a shelf just to the rear of that door. One leap and one or both cats would be gone. So I explained about the 2 feral cats and that if the officer wants the door open I would have to put them into their carriers. I wasn't going to tell the officer no, but was hinting at maybe just not opening the door would be a better plan. So I told the officer to give me a minute to catch them. I was being very optimistical.  As soon as I grabbed the carrier they were off. Spatz went one way and Little One went another. The officer moved to the front of the truck and was watching through the windshield.  Little One flew up onto and across the dash. While I went after Spatz.  Across the bed, over a cabinet, behind the seat and back across the bed. I glanced at the officer who did not look thrilled. Spatz jumped on a shelf and I pushed her into a carrier. Then I went after Little One. I had her almost in the carrier when she twisted and got away. After several more laps around the cab of the truck I finally got her. The passenger door was open and we went through a couple minutes of paperwork like drivers license,  log book, bill of lading and registration.  Then the officer was gone back to his car to make out a report. A few minutes later I was handed everything back, given the report and was gone. I did give the officer a card with this blog address on it. I also let Spatz and Little One out before I drove off. They were not happy to put it mildly.  They starred at me and took off if I even came by them. What was worse is that our driver had to use my truck while I worked on his and so I had to catch them again so they could go to our house. I had more time so it did go a little better. It's funny though at our house Spatz basically walks into the carrier. Little One still does the no fucking way sprint.

LITTLE ONE

Little one is back with me as well. She is back to not eating.  So I took her to see what I could do. Out of Happy Endings No Kill Cat Shelter she started eating. After about an hour of exploring and hidding I gave both Little One and Spatz canned food. Little One ate the whole 3oz can. I gave her another and she gobbled it down too. She ate 6 3oz cans in the first 24 ours. That's about equal to 2 Big Mac's and a medium fry. Little One has now after a few days slowed down but still is eating more then she needs.  I will continue to over feed her so she can put on some much needed weight. This is one of those cats that just does not do well at a shelter. Happy Endings No Kill Cat Shelter has done what I'm doing,  given her plenty to eat, but she only eats when she's out of the shelter. That also doesn't mean she didn't eat at all but not enough to remain healthy. The shelter even tried appetite stimulants and Little One still wouldn't eat. Little One if left to long at the shelter would probably starve herself to death. She needs a home either through adoption (best case) or a fauster home. I can't keep her! I wont keep her! And I will NOT keep taking her back to fatten her up so she can starve herself again. Whatever happens after Little One goes back this time is not my problem.  Will I be upset and angry if she dies? "HELL YES!" But I can't keep taking her. The up and down weight will kill her as well. Little One has a sister who is doing great at the shelter. A matter of fact even better now that Little One is no longer with her. Little One was not eating when she was with her sister Freddy.  They came in with those names. Separate or together Little One needs a home!!!! NOW!!!!! Or she will most likely die. That sounds ominous and could be stated more tactfully but then again, I like the straight forward.  LETS FIND HER A FUCKING HOME!!! Save the nice shit for the funeral!

SPATZ

Spatz has had quite the week. We went away so I left her home in a bathroom we are remodeling.  Everything dangerous had been removed so she wouldn't hurt herself.  Spatz still found a way to cause trouble. I put plastic on the outside wall and raped it around to the inside walls. Then hung the drywall. There is just a very small section that I'm waiting to drywall b3cause I have to finish the electrical.  Well Spatz was able to wedge her self into and behind it. "OH NO! We can't find your cat!". "We think she got out of the room". The first thing I thought as my wife was asking in the background.  "What are our cats doing?". If there was a new cat loose to fuck with, then that's what our cats would be doing. Depending on the cat Spatz would be sniffed, pat, hissed at, jumped on or maybe even attacked. But left alone would not have happened.  B6t our cats were acting normal. I told them to look everywhere even if they thought she couldn't possibly get in there, and check behind the plastic in the corner. After searching the entire house and not finding her, Spatz showed up by some Houdini act back in the room. Spatz was able to get everyone in trouble for not listening and doing what they were told.

HARLO

Harlo is one of our permanent fosters  from Happy Endings No Kill Cat Shelter.  He's diabetic but it's controlled with a special diet mostly. Harlo has had some flare ups where he had to get insulin for a little while. He also is loosing protein in his urine.  He gets a half a pill once a day to help. That is why I took him with me, to make sure he got it. The people watching our animals could pill him but why when I can do it. This didn't make Spatz happy. He would lay in the way for Spatz to jump down and as much as she screamed he just wouldn't move. Harlo is our big goofy cat. Our cats will jump him and he doesn't move the he jumps them and they scream and run. Harlo gets along with everyone. He just out weighs all our cats so when he does to them what they do to him they loose. I've seen Harlo tackle a cat then stop and clean him self while our cat is trying to get away. Harlo is even easy to pill just drop it in. What a change from what I normally deal with.

JACKAL MEETS GLENWOOD FIRST GRADERS

Jackal was honored on Friday 5/8/2015 at Glenwood Elementary School's 1st grade class. The amazing students wrote a story about Jackal and his capture. This 977 word, 24 page, fully illustrated, hard back book is something we never expected. Jackal and I arrived at the school and were welcomed with such enthusiasm it took us by surprise. Jackal was so nervous he pooped in his carrier. I didn't mention it to the class because I didn't want Jackal being embarrassed and upset with me for mentioning it. We just ducked into the rest room and got rid of it. I let Jackal out so the students could get a good look at him. He of course had other plans and hid in the book shelves. Jackal has never been around that many people before so it took him a little bit to calm down. While Jackal calmed down two of the students took turns reading their story of Jackal and how he was caught to us. Jackal however was not paying to much attention. I will wait for a couple of days and read it to him and all our other animal friends. Every part of this book is incredible. I still can't get over how professional the book is. If you went to a store to buy a book this is what you would be looking for. IT IS AN ACTUAL HARD COVERED FULLY ILLUSTRATED BOOK. From just a few blogs these people wrote a complete story about Jackal. WOW!! The students all had great stories to tell and questions about Jackal and the cats I work with. I got Jackal out of the book shelf with no problems and the class lined up to pet him. Jackal soaked up all the attention. I was not only given a copy of the book for myself to keep but Happy Endings No Kill Cat Shelter also got a copy. The students also gave us pictures and other art work to take with us. I went just around the corner to the shelter and hung them all up for everyone to admire. It was a great day for us and we had so much fun. I can't thank those students enough and their teacher who helped make it all happen. Again and again THANK YOU!! Please if you know one of these students give them a big cat hi five and tell their teacher how greatly appreciated she is. Thank you all for caring so much and for putting it down on paper.

THE GIRLS NEW FRIENDS

Our first night with Carmen, Calypso, and Cleo: As we place the carriers in their room in front of their cage, Calypso's carrier started moving~she wanted out. We opened the door and she ran in the cage to her new bed. The other two needed some assist in leaving the carrier, but in no time they were laying in a kitty pile in their kitty bed. Throughout the evening we spoke to them in soft, loving tones, and gave them their space. We put up a baby gate so we could see them and they could see us, even though they were did their best to ignore us. Cleo was the first to explore the room, but ran back in the cage when she made eye contact with my husband. We bid them goodnight and went to sleep. When my husband woke up @3am, he spotted all three of them on the kitty condo. Despite the 5 levels of this large cat tree, they were all huddled on the second highest level (the condo is very sturdy and over 6' tall). The three of them appear to move as a unit. This morning my husband woke me and said, "They're gone". We thought maybe all three jumped over the baby gate, but did not find them anywhere. We thought we did a good job of kitty proofing the room, esp. the closet so they had no good hiding places. Ahhh, those smart girls!!!! We have a treadmill in their room and we were both sure there was no way they could fit under it. How wrong were were! Well, now the treadmill is raised off the floor on lots of hard covered books (thank goodness we don't use a Nook tablet). I noticed they ate some kibbel, and did use the litter box, though. My husband is making bacon and just took the pan to the doorway to waft some good bacon smell in there, it may not have worked for our girls but it sure made me hungry. I am going to entice our scaredy cats with a bit of wet food. Later today I'm planning on making chicken. They won't be able to resist those smells for too long. I know they will come around with patience and lots of sweet talk. I'll keep you posted Cat Daddy Mark. :) Thank you so much Happy Endings staff, and Mark and Jessica. 

GENERAL

Generally speaking PLEASE consider everything before getting a friend (pet). Ask your self all the questions. Here are just a few. How old are you and will the pet out live you? Who will take your friend if you get sick for a few weeks or longer? What if you have to move, can you take your friend with? Can you afford to medically take care of your friend? Can you feed and care for your friend? Can you commit to the relationship, it takes a lot of time? What if you go on a trip, where will your friend stay? I'm only discouraging getting a friend (pet) because I see so many abandoned animals in my travels. Remember they need you every day! If you like to travel or have a job that keeps you on the move consider what will happen to your friend. Many people want a friend but live in a no pets apartment. If your life style just doesn't have room for a full time friend VOLUNTEER!!! There are plenty of shelters all over this country that need people to care for the friends they've rescued. A friend (pet) is an every day commitment. Volunteering at a shelter is as much or as little of a commitment as you want it to be. If you don't have time to go in and help hands on volunteer to help at a fund raiser or just give cash. Shelters are always in need! That's because people are selfish and stupid! It's all about them not the friend (pet) they are considering getting. To many don't even take the time to consider what the consequence's will be. Throw a human baby in a dumpster or abuse it in any way and people want your blood! There is no one lower than someone that harms a child. Animals, not so much! A animal abuse story may get a "that's sad" response at most. If you compare the numbers far more animals are abused, tor chored, neglected and abandon than children. HELP!! If you can't help, then fine, but DON'T ADD TO THE PROBLEM!

CARMEN CALYPSO CLEO

Carmen Calypso and Cleo went home!!!!!!! I met their new forever friends and you can't help but like them. They seem like they will (and are looking forward to) working with them. They were going to only take Carmen and Calypso but since Cleo has been with them for so long they decided it wouldn't be good to brake them up. The people even said I could stop over and check out how they're doing. After over 10 years of being at Happy Endings No kill Cat Shelter Carmen and Calypso have a forever home. And Cleo who has been there for a couple of years has gone with them.

Carmen and Calypso grew up at the shelter. They came in with brothers and sisters and just never caught someones eye. The girls as people called them had continuing medical problems. It didn't help that Calypso was untouchable. But I felt sorry for them and with help from Advanced Animal Hospital, Crawford Animal Hospital, South Shore Animal Clinic and a lot of patientce we were able to get them healthy and friendly. Carmen still needs a squirt of medicine once or twice a week but may not even need that now that she's in a great forever home. Cleo was very sick when she got to the shelter and I was able to get the meds in her and she became very friendly. Cleo still has a milky eye but that's permanent.

Hats off to the couple that took them!!!! They are upper middle aged and said that they don't want cats that will be with them for 20 years. I tend to agree with them. It's hard to loose any friend (pet) and the longer you have the friend the harder it is.

LITTLE ONE

Little One has gone to Crawford Animal Hospital for a check up to see if her liver values have improved. Andy the vet tech even cleaned all the medicine I oopsed and shot all over her face. Not my fault! As soon as I go to squirt in the medicine Little One turns her head. She also has gotten good at biting the syringe. I've gone through about 6 syringes in a week and a half. I got good news Little One is all better! She will have to go back in a month for a recheck but was able to return to Happy Endings No Kill Cat Shelter. She does allow me to pet her but like Spatz has to smack my hand first a couple of times just to remind me that she's not putting up with any crap from me.

SPATZ

Spatz has found her voice. She is got quit a unique meow with a chirp. When she wants food or is playing Spatz becomes quit load. She has also found a toy I thought I got rid of. It is a mouse with a bell on it. Spatz loves playing with it after I've fallen asleep. If that wasn't load enough Spatz now has Little One meowing back at her. I would and sometime do stop them because I need the sleep but it's also great that Spatz is getting so at home in the truck. She will let me pet her if I go slow but still smacks my hand CLAWS OUT! Just to remind me she's still in charge.

SPATZ/LITTLE ONE

Spatz may not like Little One but seems to hate me more. As I was about to give Little One her meds she escaped and wound up by Spatz.  So I got hold of Little One and just before I squirted the meds in Spatz lunged over her and bit me. That a loud Little One to escape.  So I got to chase her around the truck until she settled on a spot I could hold her and get the meds in her. The good thing is that even though they may not like each other, they do seem to tolerate each other.  So they should be able to go to a home that may already have a cat. I think in time they would okay with other cats. At least they don't fight, grumble not not fight.

LITTLE ONE

Little One decided to wake me up last night. Not by walking on me or snuggling up to me. Little One thought pissing on me was the thing to do. How do I know she did it? I felt the warm piss and turned on the light. Little One was just moving off my foot and onto a shelf. So I got to clean off my foot and change the sheet and blanket.  That is why I have plastic over my mattress and spare bedding. I'm sure it's just her way of saying lets be friends. I thought about returning the jester. But then I would be the one that had to clean up that mess and bath a cat. Well at least I get to torture her with medicine.
Today Little One pulled a great move, she jumped up into the cabinet Spatz was in. Did not go to well. Spatz did not appreciate the visit. Of course I was driving and couldn't stop. No cat fight I'm happy to say. Little One just laid down and Spatz just bitched. When I stopped I tried to get Little One out but she just climbed onto Spatz.  Then Spatz climbed onto her. They were far more worried about me then each other. So I wound up grabbing Spatz. This will make medicating Little One just that much more fun.

SPATZ

Spatz got a treat. I saw a tuna fish snack pack at a truck stop. So I thought I'd treat Spatz and Little One.  I gave a small piece to Spatz and wow! Her eyes lit up and she kept licking her lips. Then I had a great idea, why not put a piece on the tip of my fingers and get her "eating out of the palm of my hand". I had some on the tip of my fingers and slowly moved towards her. Spatz's tuong kept licking h9er lips. I stopped a few inches from her mouth.  She just sat there eyeing the food and me. Then wham! Spatz went for it. My good idea turned into a bad idea. Like the old game "Hungry Hungry Hippo" she lunged. Hep arm and head flew forward.  Her claws dug into my up turned wrist and her jaws locked onto the tuna fish and my fingers. I pulled my hand back as she pulled away. I grabbed for paper towels to catch the blood now poring from my fingers and wrist and she happily ate the treat. I was pissed! Spatz kept licking her lips looking very smug and content. She moved slightly towards me in anticipation of more tuna fish. As if I was giving her more after biting me. So I gave some to Little One and ya then I through some to Spatz.
Having Little One in the truck is not helping to get Spatz friendly.  They don't fight but they are not friends ether.  She now moves around the truck more. Still stays well away from me, but does eat and use the litter box while I'm driving and when I leave for awhile I've come back to see her on the dash looking at the world.

LITTLE ONE

Little One went to the vet's office to get blood work. She did quite well for them after being tanked down. For me well let's just say Febreze does NOT get totally rid of cat piss. It hides the smell until the Febreze drys then the smell of piss comes through again. I changed my bedding and bagged up the piss soaked stuff. I wiped down the plastic cover on my bed and remade it. I did get Little One her medicine and that's what's important. The fact I just washed all my bedding is a minor thing. did I mention she pissed twice on my bed?

LITTLE ONE

Little One has a cold. I didn't name her or her sister Freddy. They are both white long haired cats with some color of a calico mixed in. Freddy is very friendly and Little One wants to be friendly but is shy. I can pet Little One if I go slow and if I hold her in a towel she let's me pet her as well. So why do I have her? Little One refuses to take her medicine. Okay she will not, no matter how hard you try, take her medicine. It took 2 of them over 10 minutes at the vet's office and they are very good at getting medicine into animals. If they had that much trouble how will Happy Endings cat shelter people do? So I was given Little One and told to make sure she eats and gets her medicine. She has all ready bitten me on the bottom of my hand. You know the part that lays on the steering wheel when your fingers grab the wheel. Well the shot of pain will help keep me awake.  And yes I still have Spatz with me also.

SPATZ

Spatz has found some new ways to screw with me, for instance she likes to bury her food. This is no problem but instead of covering it, Spatz threw it off the night stand like shelf on to my bed then buried it. Found it as soon as I was getting into bed. She also has the amazing ability to hold large amounts of litter in her paws and spread it over large areas. Spatz can leave the box, jump on the bed, onto the night stand thing, and the jump into a cabinet where she deposits her load of litter. On the bright side she's not attacking me as much.

SPATZ

Spatz is either getting used to me and fearing me less or is more confident she can kick my ass so is not that afraid of me. She is not hiding like she used to and is not quite as pissy as she's been in the past when I've tried to pet her. Spatz still smiles and says hi when I go to pet her but I'm still using gloves. It's just that her hellos look like a cobra about to strike. It will help with warmer weather coming because I won't have to take her home or leave the truck run. The more Spatz is in one place the better.

GENERAL

General stuff people should know and pisses me off. Did you know Prescription Diet is a registered trade mark of Hills pet food manufacturers? There is no medicine's in it. It could be sold over the counter. Money, greed and marketing are why it's not. The food works, don't misunderstand my bitch. Vets are the best to diagnose your pets condition and match a food to help, however the food is formulated for that particular problem without medications. Holistic vets, those that don't use prescription drugs often use the same type of ingredients that are in Prescription pet food to treat their clients. I recently had a problem getting flea and tick treatments from a vet. Why? It has no use other then getting rid of fleas and ticks. You can get a cheaper less safe treatment at most stores that sell house hold crap. Why do you need to be a client to buy non- regulated products? I've looked on line and the Food and Drug Administration only regulates the quality of flea and tick treatments not the distribution of them. Same with pet food. What I'm getting at is these prescription items have no actual law or regulation governing them. It's a gouge your pocket book scam.

SUNSHINE &MOONBEAM

Sunshine & Moonbeam have fleas! Now we all have fleas. I woke in the night itching and felt the itching moving! Turned on the light looked down and saw fleas crawling on my arm. I looked to see if I had any flea stuff and of course not. Its winter and fleas are a summer proplem. I tried to go back to sleep but it's hard to sleep in a flea infested bed. I stopped at a Walfart and all they had was Heartz products which I've heard to many bad things about to use. Next was Kmark and since I was in an area with no pet supply place around like a Petco I broke down and bought Heartz flee spray. I did stop at a vet I found but without being a client would not sell me anything. You can't make meth out of it so what's the problem? Greed! They have it and want that vet appointment/ consultation fee on top of the sale. Even the prescription food pisses me off. I know only vets can get it but that's marketing. Get it? High priced specialty food called prescription. Is the food going to kill the animal if they get the wrong stuff? People don't always have the money for the vet appointment and food. The best some can do is buy the food that best matches the symptoms the owners detect. I've looked at prescription food and haven't seen any medicine's in it. Again great marketing. Prescription foods work! They're formulated to help what ever they are prescribed for. Well Spatz, Sunshine and Moonbeam have all been treated and my truck has been flea bombed. Sunshine & Moonbeam are now at the vet.

SUNSHINE & MOONBEAM

Sunshine & Moonbeam were just live trapped in Detroit, Michigan. Sunshine is a dirty brown or orange kitten about 6 months old. It has a very bad eye infection in both eyes and can barely open it's left eye. Moonbeam is a dirty gray or brown tabby. They look like siblings. Moonbeam looks healthy but who knows? I almost had the mom but that will have to wait. With Spatz and now two kittens the truck is full. The kittens are from a large industrial park. They don't seem to want to kill me but not willing to snuggle either. I'm trying not to get bit because then they have to go into quarantine. I will let them calm down and see if I can touch them.

SPATZ

Spatz has absolutely no compassion for me what so ever. I did something the other day I never do, I offered Spatz a piece of chicken off my sandwich. Her nose was going like a bunny rabbits and she licked her upper lip. I reached toward her to set it down and before I could drop it Spatz slapped my hand. I showed her the beads of blood forming on my knuckles. Spatz did not seem to care at all. Her nose was still going so I tried again to give her the piece of chicken. Again she slapped my hand this time racking a claw along my finger. Have you ever seen a cat look smug? So being the bigger person I tossed it at her. And she had the nerve to start looking for more! Cats!

SPATZ

Spatz still says "hi" to me quite often. Well she can't really form words but she opens her mouth and breaths out. Sounds like a tire looseing air but Spatz is making an effort and that counts. Sometimes when I'm petting her she won't even bite the glove much.

SPATZ

Spatz has no desire to be pet. Although she does keep track of where I am. I find her looking at me quite often. But if I try to pet her she responds with bites and pushing me away with her paws. I have learned that using gloves and not putting my fingers totally in them saves my hands. Spatz can bite empty glove until she gives up and lets me pet her. So far she gives several good bites and chews on the glove before giving up. I talk to her all day and keep talking as I pet her. After petting her she gets fresh food. It's the old carrot and the stick. I give the carrot and she tries beating me with the stick.

FOSTER PROGRAM

Foster program needs volunteers! There are 3 types of cats that need fostering. Kittens not old enough for adoption, sick cats that need closer attention and older cats that still have a lot of love to give. Sometimes a cat falls in more than one category.

Everyone loves the kittens but fostering them is a lot of work. They need to be constantly loved and played with. You as a kitten foster are key to helping prepare them for their forever home. There have been foster people that sucked. The kittens came back unfriendly and afraid. It's hard to adopt out a kitten that freaks out as soon as you get near it. Then there is the heart break when you have to give them back. You give them all your love and attention for a couple months and they're gone.

Sick cats are a real problem. I tend to get the ones that can't be easily medicated. But some just need constant watching, something that Happy Endings can't do. Then there are the permanently ill or injured that can't be adopted out. The shelter is very protective of these cats and wants to make sure they are getting the food they need and the care. My wife and I have taken in several of these cats  and I know Angie also has taken in several. Sometimes a cat may just need a couple weeks of care and other times a forever home.
Older cats are a problem. No one seems to want a cat with less the 15 years of self life left. Many of these older cats had people that have gone. They have lived for years in a loving home and now find themselves in a cage and their friend is no where to be found. What's even worse for the cat is if they're older with special needs. It might just be a special food or a medicine given every few days or even twice a day.

Happy Endings needs people who will care for all these types of cats and in return will work with the fosters to give the kittens and cats the best possible life. Would it be great if everyone that took on a special needs cat could afford them? YES! But it's not always possible. That is why the shelter has someone that is dedicated to finding these cats homes. Please call (414)744-3287 and ask for Tom if you think you might be willing to help or visit http://happyendings.us/volunteer/foster/. Try see if it works out.

SPATZ

Spatz has been able to get into places I didn't think a cat could. This is a problem because now I have to reach in to touch her. She has had time to get used to the truck so now it's time to try and pet her. I always start without gloves giving them the benefit of the doubt . I doubt she will bite me but that's why I'm really good at administering self first aid. I have a complete first aid kit with lots of bandaids.

SPATZ

Spatz. How to put this? There are no shit cats. Trying to keep that in mind let me tell you what the little shits been up to. I gave Spatz over a week to get used to the truck. I always allow ferals time to adjust. This is tricky and different for each cat. Some hide but come out to eat and use the litter box. Then there are the Spatzes. She comes out very rarely and eats and craps very little. Cats can be so stubborn they can starve themselves to death. I put food in the cabinet she was hiding in and she would not eat. Enough is enough! I had to get her out of hiding and eating. The cabinet she was in is about 4ft above my bed. It's more like a divided shelf. It has 4 openings one at each end and 2 along the sides. There are nets to hold stuff in. That is just the face of it. The shelf is all connected so once up there Spatz can run back and forth away from me. So I bought 24 rolls of paper towels and started filling in the space. When I got close she darted out and clawed open my skin. Great now I'm opening a roll to stonch the blood. Now with thick padded winter gloves on I pushed her out and filled in the space. I put out fresh food and took off. A few minutes later I heard a bag. Looking behind me at the bed and saw 3 rolls of paper towels. Spatz was back up there. Next stop I got her out again and packed it up tighter. As I was going down the road I heard scuffling noises and looked behind me. There was Spatz hanging by 1 paw swatting at the rolls of paper towels. Her expression is best described as "what". So now that she's out, she's eating. Probably from all the exercise she got trying to get back up in the cabinet. It will still be awhile until I try touching her. But for now eating, drinking and excreting is all I'm worried about.

BUBB

Bubb is back at Happy Endings shelter. He is still on ear meds but overall is doing great. He really needs a forever home. Bubb has got a neurological disorder and that makes him look older then he is. With me he gained weight and played. He loves strings and shoe laces. His claws are malformed either from a fungus or from a batched declaw job so he doesn't really have any claws to extend.

SPATZ

Spatz is a small black and white (tuxedo) female. Spatz?  Happy Endings does have a habit of naming cats after unusual things.  I believe she was named after the strap that used to go around the instep of your foot, which has not been used in a very long time.  She is feral. Found outside she was rescued and taken to the shelter. That is how we see it. To Spatz she was minding her own business when she was Shanghaied and thrown in a cage. Now she's in a moving thing that bounces and rumbles and vibrates.
I've been letting her get used to being in the truck and will start next week trying to pet or touch her. It takes time to build trust and I've got plenty of time.

LUCY

Lucy is a female orange cat. She is chunky, weighing in at about 14lbs. Lucy has marks on her nose and ear, I'm guessing from a fight. She also has an ulcer on her lip that adds to her tough gal look. She is actually very sweet and sleeps next to me and loves being pet. So why is she with me? Lucy had a dental and they pulled a couple teeth. She is on pain meds twice a day. Nasty ass liquid shit that has to be put under the tongue or along the gum line. When I said she looked like a fighter, she is a fighter. I'm supposed to administer pain meds to manage the pain. She is managing to fight getting pain meds. So far I'd say we're tied. Lucy has gotten her meds and I've had my blankets peed on and also my lap soaked with pee. Only 3 more dosses left. Oh boy!
As I said she sleeps next to me. Well, last night I went to turn over and Lucy sat up and smacked me in the face several times. Then in a huff laid back down and we went back to sleep.

BUBB

Bubb is off his meds and back at Happy Endings shelter. He was able to gain some weight and was given a bath. I hope he soon finds a forever home or at least a foster home.

JACKAL

Jackal the whole story. I've been asked questions about Jackal so here goes. I thought that since I don't fear feral cats I could volunteer to take one with me and try to make it friendly. I talked Happy Endings No Kill Cat Shelter into letting me take an all black cat named Dylan.  He was eight, not friendly and had lived his whole life in a cage.  He was with me for almost a month and had stopped biting me. He would even sit up on the dash and watch cars go by. I was at a very large steel plant in Chicago, IL getting loaded. When I returned to my truck the door was slightly open. I looked all over the inside for Dylan but didn't find him. I searched all around outside but didn't see him. It was at night and they were closing so I had to leave. I returned the next day with a live trap and started hunting for him. I asked the workers to keep an eye out for him. Over the next several months I stopped their every chance I got. The workers gave me several reports of sightings and locations to set the traps. I would walk all over looking for him and had spotted a black cat several times but as soon as I got close he ran.
I watched a black cat sniff around the live trap but didn't go in. Then it happened, a couple weeks later and several attemps there was a cat in the trap. He was going insane. I was afraid he would hurt himself. I put a carrier up against the live trap and got him to move into the carrier. I was so hopeful that it was Dylan I called and let everyone know I had him. I took him to Crawford Animal Hospital where my wife works so he could get checked out. They were closed but we were to set him up in a cage so the doctor could check him out the next day.
As soon as I opened the carrier he went nuts. He wanted out of there and my blood. I was able to get a pill in him, who knows how. I tried to muzzle him and he destroyed a new hard plastic muzzle designed to withstand a cats bite. While he was killing the muzzle, we got flea stuff on him. I also managed to get blood all over me, the floor, the walls, and the cat. None of which was the cats. He also managed to tear up the room. He tore pictures off the walls, knocked stuff over and off the counter. The room was trashed. I got him somehow back in the carrier, I don't know how. Then he was put carrier and all in a cage with a litter box. No food or water because we knew he would have to be put under for the exam and it's better to have an empty stomach. Dr. Hoyer checked him out. That is when it was discovered that I didn't catch Dylan. This cat was an intact male and Dylan was fixed. The doctor fixed (neutered) him and gave him several shots including one to make sure he didn't get sick. Dr. Hoyer also put him in quarantine because he had bitten me. The staff would feed, water and clean his cage but would not go near him. This had to be done for 10 days so he could be released from quarantine. If he would have shown signs of rabies, they would have had to cut his head off and examine his brain and I would have been given really painful shots in my stomach. I'm really glad that didn't happen. Meanwhile I was still searching for Dylan and checking with the workers but there were no more sightings.
After the 10 days he was released from quarantine. Then he was given to me. I think they were glad to get rid of him. He would growl and hiss at them. If they got too close he would lunge at them. As a parting gift they put him on medicine, not liquid I could squirt in from a distance, but pills. I think they were actually giggling as I left. At least my wife seemed to be. In the truck I let him settle in. Which to him meant stay as far away from me as possible. Then came pill time. We squared off. Cat verses man, an epic battle. Bob did, after several bitten fingers, get the pill. There was no way I could keep pilling him the way I was going about it. I just don't have enough fingers. I tried thick leather construction gloves but again he bit right through. He doesn't just bite through skin and muscle but I swear into my bones as well. Next I put an oven mitt over the gloves. It still felt like a vice clamping down on my hand but it stopped him from punching through my flesh.
He was renamed Jackal. A mythical demon creature. The name seemed to fit better then Bob. The fight to pill him soon added a great chase that as small as the cab of the truck is had me winded. We wasted several pills but he got what he was supposed to and got better mostly. Boy I wish the shot had worked. Jackal still had nasal congestion but no more runny nose and only sneezed now and then.
I started trying to pet him. This Jackal didn't take too kindly to. Biting and hissing and lunging was the norm. I still stopped and looked for Dylan but after over a month with no sightings it was decided the cat I had was the cat we all were seeing. The workers had my number if they spotted a black cat. Hopefully he moved out of the area and found a home. Jackal did eventually let me put the oven mitt glove on him. I started to move it ever so slightly by his ear with some tolerance on his part. Then one day he let me pet him. He started purring and nusseling  into me. I was in shock. It had to be some new trick to try and kill me. I removed the gloves and sure enough I was petting him bare handed. Wow! I did nothing different from the day before but he was friendly. You can't imagine how I felt. Since he now was friendly I couldn't wait to have others try to pet him. My wife wanted to wait fearing this was a fluke and Jackal would choose her hand to have a relapse on. My brother-in-law Frank dumb or brave tried petting him and had no problems.
Time to take him back to Crawford Animal Hospital to get his nose checked out. Now that they could touch him and observe him awake they got a better feel for what was going on. They did blood work and decided to scope his nose. They stuffed a camera up his nose and found part of his sinuses were eaten away. This could have been from a very bad cold or cancer. Since there is no cure and it doesn't bother him it was decided to leave it and keep an eye on him. This means a foster home that has the training to know what to look for. That I know of they're only 2 homes willing to take in these cats. Ours and Angie another volunteer. Since we had him and Angie is normally full up, we have him. Happy Endings will not adopt out these medical cats fearing they won't get the care they need. The shelter is very protective of all their cats and wants the best for them.
Jackal is doing fine and sleeps on my pillow when I'm not home. This would be fine but he still has the nasal problems. Every now and then he wakes up and blows snot on my pillow. Yes, I come home to dried snot wads on my pillow. What's worse is when I'm sleeping and he blows buggers on my pillow and yes me. My wife says that he sleeps there more then me so it's his pillow to do what he wants with.