Truman and Tia

[SteveA]

The boss and I have, over the last few years, earned the reputation of being folks that the NH Humane Society can call to "foster" cats.

They know full well, that once we get them, they won't be coming back. :rolleye1:

They call us with cats that are either too sick or abused to fit into the normal adoption profile. Being a "No Kill" organization they depend on folks willing to work with certain animals to either adopt or nurse back to the point that they can be adopted or at least healthy enough to bring back into the shelter without the fear of spreading whatever conditions they have to the rest of the animals.

Here are two of the latest. They have adapted well to us and won't be going back to the Humane Society.

Truman,

Truman was brought to the shelter as a stray. He had been being feed by a gentleman in Barnstead, he was an absolute mess. Skinny,completely matted and weighed about 5 lbs.

We had to completely shave him, clear up a massive eye and respiratory infection and get him back to good health. The Humane Society had given him the name "Bugga".

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It took 8 months, but check out our 14 pound Truman.

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Tia is a very sad story. She was found abandoned in Gilford. She had, and still has, serious neurological problems. Our vet and the Humane Society are convinced that she was "kicked around". She still can't walk a straight line and has trouble holding her head still. She has what appears to be tremors of some sort. She is getting better, but still focuses on our feet when ever we approach her. As you get closer she runs away.

If we are sitting still, or laying down she will approach, but still a very nervous little cat. She is still only about 4 pounds. The good news is she gets along well with the other cats and her medical conditions have greatly improved.

This is Day 1

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This is now, almost a year later.

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Why tell these stories...?

Times are tough for the Humane Society. It's getting harder to raise funds and harder still to have folks volunteer to take the "hard to love" animals.

Please consider volunteering to be a "foster family" or maybe just pass up on the cute little Kitten or Puppy, and take in one of the older, harder to adopt "senior" cats or dogs.

Don't make me tell you about "Lucy", our deaf cat we are working with now.:eek:

[GuitarCrazyo]

I think Ive seen it, is it the one with its eyes bulging out, looking like theyre about to explode any second?

[eillac@dow]

SteveA...

Please provide the info for donations...name, address, etc.

What you and your wife do is really amazing. To see the before and after pics are great. Thank you..

I really don't feel like i am in the right position to be "foster" pet parent, but if I can help in other ways, I will try.

You are doing a great job!

Thank you!:D

[Quilt Lady]

Truman has turned into "Hairy Truman"!:laugh::laugh: His coat came back in beautifully . . . a testament to the wonderful care you and Diane give your cats. There is a special place for those who help the disadvantaged. I would agree that Tia has suffered some brain damage but that doesn't make her any less lovable. (I'd like to give the person who did that a "tune-up"!) I noticed those red ears: she's a flame-point. They are gorgeous cats. Bless you for helping those who cannot help themselves.

I will continue to show my support for the fine work the shelter does. May every animal find a loving home of its own.

[Chickie]

Truman and Tia must have thought they had reached the promised land when they went home with you. The "before" photos brings tears to my eyes, but the changes in the "after" pictures are incredible and inspiring. Powerful evidence as to what can be accomplished following such extreme neglect and abuse. They were certainly in a sad state. Unfortunately many others are not so fortunate and know only cruelty and suffering throughout their entire lives. Kudos to you and others who respond to the plight of these dear creatures with so much love and caring. It is truly a happy ending story for those two.

[SteveA]

Truman has turned into "Hairy Truman"!:laugh::laugh:

Why didn't we think of that! It's perfect!

For those who asked. Information about donating and/or volunteering is available at the NH Humane Society website.

http://www.nhhumane.org/

Check out the "Weekly Featured Single". Twiggy.:(

The story on her mentions the Willow Fund. That fund is used to pay for services to animals that have needs that are going to be expensive.

They also have information on the Fostering Program. We fostered a mother cat that had 3 kittens and had taken on 6 other kittens that had no mother. When the kittens were old enough we sent them back to the Humane Society and they were all adopted. That was five years ago. Mom cat stayed with us. We named her Maya. She was a great mom to all 9 kittens.

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An earlier post in the Winnie Pets Section mentioned the Lakes Region Humane Society.

Here is the link to their site.

http://www.lrhs.net/

Thanks for the kind words.

[jr616]

Both of our boys came from the NHSPCA in Stratham. Simon (the orange tabby) was fostered by a wonderful woman who took care of him when he had eye surgery - While he does not have 100% vision in that eye he still runs around our house like a maniac! I thank God for her everyday! Kudos to you!
We try to donate on a regular basis - it's just so easy to all another bag of food or case of cans to the cart at the grocery (harder to remember to drop of on my way home).
In these times when the food pantries need our help so much sometimes we forget the 4 legged friends that help those less fortunate get through their days too.
I know without my guys the toughest days would be so much harder.

[dpg]

A couple weeks ago I brought my dog to get his nails clipped here in Mass. The store was having some type of sidewalk event/open house with a lot of food companys giving out samples. Now I'm talking 2 and 3 pound sample bags. I walked around with my dog and acted interested in all the different brands getting what they would give me. My guy doesn't need it, the bags are going to the local shelter. Don't tell anyone. :eek::D:eek::D

[Tadpole]

Aren't rescue animals great? It's like they KNOW they've been given a second chance. The white dog in my avatar is Moby. He's my Tennessee rescue. He was at a kill shelter, and was ready to be put down. I had actually been looking for a female yellow lab, but got my Moby-man instead. He turned out to be the most loyal dog ever. Oh, his brother in the picture is Dick. He came from our local shelter when he was just 7 weeks old.

I have decided that the next dog I adopt will be an old dog. They are so hard to place, and deserve to live out their last years in comfort and being loved. There's just something about an older dog's demeanor that is appealing. Most people want a puppy, and the old ones get ignored. They deserve better.