|
07/24/09
 In Rockford, Michigan this week, a cute grey and white tabby kitten sacrificed one of its lives for a shot at the remaining eight. The staff at the North Kent Transfer Station believes he survived a ride to the dump and ejection from the dump truck, then narrowly escaped a grizzly end by darting out from his heap of trash moments before it was compacted.
The employees have been feeding him, and he’s taken to hanging out by a food dish in a quiet spot above a door.
Resource Recovery Specialist Kristen Wieland says, “Because its so loud in here he likes to kind of hide away so nobody knows he’s here. So its a good spot for him to watch everything but kind of stay out of the way.”
The cat doesn’t have any tags but is well socialized so he may not be a stray. His owner may claim him by calling the Kent County Animal Shelter at (616) 632-7300. The shelter will also coordinate an adoption if necessary.
Wieland says it is not unusual for animals to be found at the facility, and points out that many racoons have been found in the loads of trash in the past. The building is located inside a big, closed landfill, and animals and known to roam throughout the area.
[LINK: WZZM13.com]
See related Cat's Meow entries:
07/24/09
In recent months, Catster and Catblogger peeps have been stepping out from behind their web personas to meet longtime online friends. This week I’m spotlighting some of those meetups.
The 4th of July was celebrated in Michigan by a group of Midwestern Catster moms who’d had two previous meetups. Catster mom Terry gives the report:
It was the magic of Catster friendships that brought 5 lovely kitty moms (moms to Madison, Lily, Piewackit, Tessie and Ginny) together from across the nation for a wonderful extended 4th of July weekend. And, this was not the first time and surely not the last.
The ladies all enjoyed the company of five kitties at Madison’s house, which was much needed as we all missed our babies while being away. Madison truly is a miracle kitty, for she came very close to losing her eye.  Thanks to the love, devotion and determination on her mom’s part, Madison is keeping her eye and is doing nothing but getting better and better. The Power of the Paw and great friendships is truly magical.
This was our third “crazy cat lady” get together, which was further extended when Piewackit & Ginny “dangerous beans” moms went to visit Flowie’s mom in Illinois (photo at right). Yet ANOTHER purrfect visit and wonerful time!
The Catster mom get togethers started last summer in Chicago, when our friends decided on a whim to get together, as we all got along so well on line and our kitties all love each other on Catster! Our second visit was at Lily’s house in Minnesota, with this most recent group event at Madison’s house in Michigan. There is already another Catster parent meeting planned in Canada between Isis’s mom and Ginny “dangerous beans” mom; we’re going international!
See related Cat's Meow entries:
05/20/09
 A couple of months ago, The Cat’s Meow reprinted a story about a working cat in Michigan named Larry who went missing. I’m thrilled to report that Larry was found three weeks later, and is back at her post at Michigan Coating Products.
Phyllis Anderson, a Michigan Coating employee who oversees Larry’s care, contacted The Cat’s Meow to share the good news. Larry had been found in the warehouse of the shop next door.
The Cat’s Meow: When the shop next door found Larry in their warehouse, was she in good health?
Phyllis: She was in good health, but had lost a little weight! I don’t think she was in the warehouse the entire time, but I do believe she had been there for awhile.
The Cat’s Meow: What was the reaction at Michigan Coatings when Larry was found?
Phyllis: Everyone here at Michigan Coatings was so happy she was back. When Carol announced over the intercom that Larry was home, everyone came running.
The Cat’s Meow: Does Larry appear to be happy to be back at her post at Michigan Coatings?
Phyllis: Yes, Larry is happy to be home! She is so spoiled here!! She has a routine and has an attitude!
The Cat’s Meow: Is she still the same psycho kitty?
Phyllis: I do believe she’s calmed down a little and is not quite as psycho as she was, but you still have to be a little careful because sometimes if she wants your attention and you ignore her you may be in trouble!
The Cat’s Meow: How does Larry think the Detroit Tigers are going to do this year?
Phyllis: Larry is not sure about the Tigers because sometimes they start out ok but then slack off but if you tried to put a Lions shirt on her….look out she may react bad to that..it might embarrass her!
The Cat’s Meow: Thanks, Phyllis, for taking the time to update us on Larry’s return! I’m sure our readers will be thrilled to her she’s safe and sound.
Phyllis: Thanks for your interest in Queen Larry the cat!! We are waiting for one of the late night talk show hosts to contact us to bring Larry to their show…..LOL…we may have to buy her a tiara…
(Temptations and Tiaras can be sent to Larry at Michigan Coating Products, 601 Ionia SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503)
See related Cat's Meow entries:
05/15/09
 Hi evrybuddy, Skeezix heer.
Today is my best frend Taz’s 20th birthday! Woo Hoo!!! And even tho time is vary precious to him, he jenerussly agreed to sit down with me this week and talk about this milestone event.
|
|
 Skeezix: Taz, to what do you attribute yer longevity?
Taz: Two things, good genes and to parents who whisk me to the vet at the slightest sign of trouble and are able and willing to mortgage their house to fix that trouble if need be.
Skeezix: How will yoo be sellubrating yer berthday at home?
Taz: I am going to spend most of the day sleeping . In the evening, my Dad is stopping at the market for fresh fish, which he will purrsonally cook up for me for dinner. I have also requested a very special cake!
Skeezix: How are you and yer Catster frends going to sellebrate yer berthday?
Taz: I hope my pals will stop in on my page and say hello!
Skeezix: Taz, yoo were Catster’s Cat of the Week this week. What was yer reaction win yoo found out yoo’d won this distinguished title?
Taz: Wow, Skeezix, I was speechless for a second! I feel great, I am going to be 20, and now Cat of the Week! Life is good.
 Skeezix: As you look back on yer long life, is there anything you regret not doing?
Taz: I do wish I had spent more time with my elder sister, Flinders, before she went to the bridge. She raised me from a small kitTON and we were really close until we both got older.
Skeezix: Anything yoo did that yoo DO regret?
Taz: No.
Skeezix: What stand out as some of the hilites of yer life?
Taz: First of all, the day my Dad found me in the parking lot of a local police station and took me home. Then, the two times in my youth that I escaped and went outside to sow my wild mancat oats; my parents eventually found me but I found out how much I was appreciated. Last but not least, the date my beloved Catsy (catster #521036) accepted me as her valentine, on VD 2008. She has since gone to the bridge but I will never forget her.
Skeezix: What’s a typical day like for yoo?
Taz: Dad gets up really early and I get up, too and greet him. I go in the basement to my purrsonal mancat cave and keep him company when he lifts things up and down. I sleep in until my old Wicked Stepmother (WS) gets me up and feeds me. Then I sleep some more until dinner time, when my Dad takes me out on my leash for my walk. Then it’s back to bed!
 Skeezix: Do you have any age-related health problems, and if so, how do you deel with them?
Taz: I was diagnosed with CRF (Chronic Renal Failure) years ago. Since then I have to go in to my vet once weekly for a poke, which Dad calls a fillup. My parents are convinced that my doctor’s approach to starting fluids at the beginning of CRF has kept my kidneys from getting worse. I also have been diagnosed with IBD (Inflammatory bowel disease) but I have been symptom-free for a long time.
Skeezix: Taz, I gotta tell ya, I am SO JELLUS of yer extensive wardrobe! Ware do yoo shop for clothes?
Taz: That old WS has gotten really creative over the years. She started out with clothes for small dogs. The ones at the stores are generally boring but you can get better ones at shows and art fairs. She then made odds and ends for me herself, which she still does (my ruby slippers are her proudest creative embellishment). Now she shops ebay and the doll aisle at Michaels for our wardrobes. One of our favorites for ready- made is Mary Catron in California, we found her on ebay.
 I bet you don’t have your own closet, do you? Dad finally bought me one as he got sick of finding my stuff all over.
Skeezix: Akshully, I do have my own clozet, but it’s pretty teeny, so sum of my wardrobe is stored in footlockers.
Win yoo blow owt all the candles on yer berthday cake, Taz, whut will yoo be wishin for?
Taz: A little more quality time with my family.
Skeezix: What advice can you give to other cats who are inching up on the 20-yeer mark?
Taz: Enjoy every day you are lucky enough to get!
Skeezix: Those are werds to live by, Taz. Pleeze, evrybuddy, drop by and wish Taz a Happy 20th Berthday!
|
See related Cat's Meow entries:
05/06/09
The Detroit Free Press reports that four of the state’s biggest auto insurers are now offering coverage for pets who are injured or killed in auto collisions. Amazingly, the additional coverage has been added with no increase in premiums.
Traditionally, separate pet policies often cost more than $30 per month. If your pet is injured or killed in an accident, the companies will provide from $500 to $1,000 of coverage to treat or replace the pet (save your comments; we all know pets are irreplaceable).
Lori Conarton of the Insurance Institute of Michigan said, “It’s very competitive. If other companies find that policyholders want this type of coverage, they’re going to want to start offering it, too.”
No word on whether pets will be covered if they’re the ones driving.
[LINK: Detroit Free Press]
See related Cat's Meow entries:
04/20/09
The following was written by Tom Rademacher of The Grand Rapids Press. Turns out Larry the Watch Cat is missing from Michigan Coating Products.
Even if you are not a “cat person,” I urge you to read this column, because it’s more than a story about a feline.
Perhaps it’s a lesson in how we’re going to get our groove back.
Larry is the “watchcat” for Michigan Coating Products Inc., a small business at 601 Ionia Ave. SW.
“We make paint,” said John DeJong, a tinter there and one of eight employees.
In truth, Larry was the watchcat there. He has been missing for more than a week. And OK, Larry’s not a he. He’s a she.
“I just named her ‘Larry,’” said Steve Nelson, another tinter. “Oh, we knew she was a female.”
“So why ‘Larry?’” I asked.
Steve looked at me as though I had never understood a punch line.
“Why not?”
Larry first earned her keep at a hobby farm in Allegan County but didn’t get along with other cats that later took up residence there, according to Doug Schmidt, a supervisor at Michigan Coatings. He brought Larry to his place of employment about 14 months ago.
She was a veritable kitten then, but learned quickly how to become a mouser. She dispatched more than a few in her first months there.
“We brought her in as our executive vice president of HR,” DeJong said.
“Human Resources?” I wondered out loud.
“No,” said DeJong, trying to stifle a laugh. “Hunting Rodents.”
Larry quickly endeared herself to office workers Phyllis Anderson and Carol Workman.
“Kind of a psycho-kitty,” Anderson said. “She had all her claws, and if you didn’t pay her enough attention, ‘Quwhoo-ee-oo’ — right across your arm or face.
“Crazy, crazy cat.”
Workman used food to draw Larry to her and settle her down. It worked.
“I fed her Temptations,” she said of a treat popular with cats. “And I used to pour myself a glass of water in the morning. But it became hers.”
Larry used to occupy an office chair just inside the front door. Salespeople would enter and see her and say, “How’s Larry today?” Every now and then, Larry would sport clothing, including a Tigers jersey that stopped fitting as she gained weight.
Larry’s standing was large. She had her own bank account. I saw the actual card, made out to “Larry the Cat” compliments of a local credit union. At last count, Larry had about $250 to her name, thanks to proceeds from a soda machine at the shop which were then deposited in the cat’s name.
Larry was mostly free to come and go, inside and out. Early last week, Larry apparently ran off. Or sought greener pastures. Whatever cats do. Hopefully, she wasn’t victimized or injured or killed.
When I approached Tom Lilly, the owner of Michigan Coatings, he referred to Larry like part of the crew.
“Oh, yeah,” he said good-naturedly. “Larry.”
That simple three-word acknowledgment made me wonder whether more businesses — big and small — should consider a softer edge.
Plants in the windows. A putting green out back. Watchdogs and watchcats and maybe even watchturtles. Less worries and more Larrys.
Maybe it’s time we strayed from the business models that made us great but haven’t adapted to prop us up in these hard times. Cupcakes every Friday. A merry-go-round in the parking lot. Sousa marches on the company loudspeaker at lunchtime.
Larry is not the first animal to occupy a place at Michigan Coatings. Before Larry, chickens somehow made their way into the plant. “Eggs every day,” Nelson said.
What’s next?
“We’re thinkin’ about a goat,” Schmidt said.
See related Cat's Meow entries:
03/05/09
In January, we shared the story of Earless Ernie, a gaunt cat found in the snow in Michigan. His eartips had been lopped off, and he was skin and bones. A boutique owner fostered him in her store until a furrever home could be found for him–and that didn’t take long.
Ron and Dixie of Kalamazoo, Michigan, adopted Ernie, and I’m thrilled to report that he is thriving after a month in their home. I talked to Dixie about Ernie’s ordeal and how he adjusted to life with a loving family:
Karen: When did you first hear about Ernie’s plight and decide to try to adopt him?
Dixie: We first learned of Ernie’s plight on or about January 22. We saw his picture and story in our local newspaper. The picture just made us cry (both of us, my husband and me.) His eyes were just captivating–and they seemed to be begging us to take him home. We decided right then that we would love to give him a good home.
Karen: What was your impression when you met Ernie for the first time?
Dixie: He looked scared and didn’t interact much. He just lay there on his little kitty blanket and stared with wide eyes at any person that moved. Remember, he was being fostered in a boutique, so the public is constantly in and out, plus employees are bustling around. He mostly stayed on his blanket in a chair by the cash register so he could be close to people (which he loves). However, he was very sweet natured and he let us pet him and talk to him. So, our first impression was very positive. He was adorable and we thought he would fit nicely into our home.
Karen: Were there lots of people trying to adopt him?
Dixie: Yes, I believe there were. However, we were the first ones to look at Ernie and then (here is the important part) drive to the Humane Society and declare our intentions and then PAY the adoption fee. That’s the reason we got Ernie…we were first to seriously ‘claim’ him. I did hear from the Humane Society employees that there was a lady from Toledo, Ohio that had contacted them by phone earlier that day and said she was driving from Toledo to Kalamazoo to adopt him. However, we were there first. I’m sure she was disappointed. There was one lady, I don’t know where she was from, who handmade a beautiful quilt for him with squares with little kitties on them. She sewed catnip under some of the squares. He LOVES this quilt and sleeps on it all the time.
Karen: Did you keep his name, or give him a new one?
Dixie: He was going by the name “Earless Ernie” prior to adoption. We dropped the “earless” so as not to give the poor baby a complex. His name is “Ernie.” Sometimes we call him “Sweet Little Ernie.”
Karen: What’s Ernie like?
Dixie: He follows us around all the time! He really enjoys being near people. He will follow us around the house and if I am caring for houseplants or exercising or practicing music, Ernie can be found about 2 feet away watching. He also is not afraid of the vacuum cleaner, like the other two kitties. He also doesn’t run and hide when someone comes to the door. He actually comes to greet any visitor. He enjoys being petted and talked to. Last night when I got into bed he came and lay on my chest and gave me little kitty kisses on my cheeks.
He is very good about sharing food with the other two. Mick is the alpha cat and Ernie respects that and doesn’t push or try to take over the alpha position.
Ernie likes to bird-watch! We have a kitty window seat with a bird feeder right outside the window. Most days when I come home from work Ernie is sitting in the window seat staring at the birds and squirrels. We have a large, screened in porch and I KNOW Ernie will be out there all the time when the weather warms up! He will just love being up-close and personal with the birds and squirrels.
Karen: Do you have other pets?
Dixie: Yes, we have two other kitties. They are TICA-registered Nebelungs. One is “Paradigm’s Dominic Mick the Magnificent of Edwards” but we call him “Mick”; and the other is “Paradigm’s Batgirl Shami Grace of Edwards” but we call her Shami.
Karen: After all that Ernie had been through, was it difficult for him to adjust to being in a loving home?
Dixie: Not at all. He just LOVES to be around people, and the store where he was fostering was empty at night. Now he has people and other kitties around all the time and he is as happy as can be. He also has a heated bed and his own special quilt, plus he is young and still very playful. He seemed to walk in the door and instantly made himself at home. He was also instantly attracted to playing with Mick and Shami. This is a very good thing, because Mick just turned 8 yesterday, and had begun to not be as playful as he has in the past. Ernie sparked that playfulness in Mick. It is just wonderful to sit and watch them play together!
Karen: Has he suffered any long term health problems as a result of his ordeal?
Dixie: Not at all! I find that truly amazing. I would have thought he would be afraid of people, but he isn’t. He was checked out by at least 3 veterinarians and all three said he  should not have any long-term health problems because of his missing ear parts. Comparing his ears to the ears of Mick and Shami, it seems that the top half (approx.) is missing from each ear. They are symmetrical and clean cuts, and now the fur has grown on the ends. He is very long and slender and has a long tail and long legs. When he stands up on his back legs he looks an awful lot like a Meerkat, as their ears are rather short. He actually just looks like a cat with short ears.
Karen: How much did he weigh when you first adopted him, and how much does he weigh now?
Dixie: He weighed 8 lbs. when we adopted him and now weighs 11.5. He doesn’t look heavy now, as he is so long. He had been at the foster ‘home’ (store) for about a week before we got him, and he had been eating well there. However, when we first saw him his ribs and shoulders were very visible. Now you would never be able to tell he was undernourished.
Karen: Was it ever conclusively determined if the loss of his eartips was due to someone clipping them off, or was it frostbite?
Dixie: It was DEFINITELY determined that someone actually cut his ears off! It is so disgusting and just literally makes me nauseous to think of it. The cuts were clean and symmetrical and the pads of his feet showed no signs of frostbite.
Karen: Thank you Dixie for sharing this happy ending with us. Ernie is a beautiful cat–inside and out. I know a lot of Cat’s Meow readers will be as happy as I am to read the rest of Ernie’s story!
Would you like to be a friend of Ernie? Ernie’s a new Catster member, and would love to have some friends introduce him to the Catster community. If you’re a Catster member, please drop by and say hello, and if you’re not, Catster membership is free, and it just takes a minute to sign up!
See related Cat's Meow entries:
02/27/09
A Michigan kitten who was injured in a mauling and stuffed in a mailbox during freezing weather has made a miraculous recovery and is nearly ready for adoption.
The kitten appears to have been injured during a viscious attack by either a dog or a person, then stuffed inside a curbside mail dropbox, where it was trapped for several days. He was suffering from severe puncture wounds, frostbite and grave internal injuries including a collapsed lung. Neighbors heard the kitten’s desperate cries for help for days, but were unable to get the police or fire departments to help… the police said there was nothing they could do, and the fire department said the cat might be a little frantic so there was nothing they could do, either. (No word on why it was days before a postman opened up the box.)
Eventually, a postman freed the cat and it was delivered to Michigan Humane Society veterinarian Dr. Amy Koppenhoefer, who performed surgery. The kitten’s ear tips and paw pads were lost to the frostbite and his heart stopped once during surgery, but he’s recovering well. He’s been named “Glynn,” after the street on which he was found.
“Weeks later, he acts like nothing ever happened and is as sweet as can be,” said Dr. Koppenhoefer, who also provided foster care to Glynn as he recovered. “I call him my miracle cat.”
Glynn will be ready for adoption very soon.
Glynn is one of about 100,000 animals helped annually at Michigan Humane Society’s adoption, abuse investigation and low-cost spay/neuter, vaccination and micro-chipping programs. Glynn was the face behind a television fund-raiser on Feb. 12 that brought in more than $300,000 to MHS.
“Glynn is a single face, but representative of the tens of thousands of animals who depend on MHS each year,” said agency spokesman Mike Robbins. “It is why MHS must be relentless in the pursuit of our mission and why each person who picks up the phone, donates online or writes a check has literally become a life saver.”
To make a donation, visit www.michiganhumane.org or call 866-MHUMANE (866-648-6263).
See related Cat's Meow entries:
01/29/09
 Our Catster buddy Aldo (right) let us know that Earless Ernie has found a new home! Aldo’s family was considering adopting Ernie after reading about him on the Cat’s Meow, and was looking into how to transport him to Baltimore when they found out he’s found a new furrever home! WOO HOO!!!
The Kalamazoo Gazette reported that Ron Dundon and his wife, Dixie Edwards, officially adopted Ernie last Friday and planned to bring him to their Kalamazoo home this week. Ernie’s still painfully thin, but we’re hoping a few weeks in a loving furrever home (and lots of stinky goodness) will take care of that. Good luck Ernie and a big hug of thanks to Ron and Dixie!!!
[PHOTO CREDIT: Tess McEnroe/AP]
See related Cat's Meow entries:
01/23/09
A sweet, gentle silver cat whose ears were cruelly cut off, has a second chance at a happy life after boutique owner Lana Hawkins offered him a storefront foster home. “I figured he wouldn’t have a chance of getting adopted. He was such a sweet, gentle cat,” said Hawkins, a Kalamazoo boutique owner who often helps stray cats.
The cat who now goes by the name “Earless Ernie” was abandoned in freezing temps outside of Kalamazoo and later turned in to Animal Services. His emaciated frame spoke of the horrors he’s had to endure. His ears are healing, but he’s still frightfully thin.
Ernie is happy at Lana’s Couture, sleeping on a favorite chair near the cash register and roaming throughout the store. “He’s just appreciative to have someone take care of him,” Hawkins said.
If you can adopt Ernie, please call Lana at 269-345-3302.
See related Cat's Meow entries:
|
|
|
