KITTENS AND PUPPIES AND RESCUES, OH MY!!
73Puppies in the truck and coming home
Where is the heart of mankind?
The need never ceases....broken hearts and helpless animals
I’ve heard that God does not give us more than we can handle. I’m putting all my faith in this truth. Because, right now; it’s reaching the point where I’m not really sure just how much more we can handle.
PUPPIES IN THE STREET
Last night, after working all day preparing for a huge yard/rummage sale on Saturday and the subsequent long distance move in our near future, I was already exhausted from the emotional, physical and psychic drain that has become day to day life. Constantly running up and down three flights of stairs, carrying boxes for sale, packed belongings to take with me, my legs were throbbing (and, believe me, this says a lot because I run up and down stairways at both houses every day from am to pm).
Al had worked 8 hours, toiling in the beautiful and sculpted gardens he has created for this community’s wealthy residents. Installing yards and yards of black plastic piping for hundreds of feet of drip systems, designing and creating beautiful rock waterfalls, meandering walkways of native sandstone or indigenous bricks originally fired and "stamped" right here in SE Kansas, and the beautiful floral venues which highlight these unique landscape scenes; on a day which reached the upper 90’s, Al arrived at my house as tired and worn out as I was.
After filling one another in on our individual activities, we decided to grab a few items for dinner at the local market, take the ‘back way’ home so that we could stop by our Veterinarian’s to pick up medications and special diet and, finally…off to home!
Little did we know what was waiting for us just around the corner of a very curvy, steep roadway with an extremely limited view of what was coming just around the next turn.
As we approached a particularly windy part of the road, out dashed a small puppy, running haphazardly in one direction and the next right down the middle of the pavement!
“Al! Stop! What is that puppy doing way out here in the middle of nowhere?” (This part of our sometimes route home is very isolated and treacherous; there is no fathomable reason why any domestic animal would or could survive here ).
Al screeched to a sudden stop as, in the rear view mirror, “Kath, there’s another one.”
We jumped from the truck and walked quickly but carefully towards the little dogs.
They ran.
HOW MANY PUPPIES IN A TYPICAL LITTER?
All five of them.
By now, three more appeared from out of the heavy brush just off to the side of the road. The first thing I noticed was how thin two of these little dogs were. As we reassuringly moved towards the scared animals, they all scattered in different directions.
Fearful that oncoming traffic would injure, or worse, the frightened pups, we devised a plan; thiking on our feert; Al went one way, I; the other. We were able to gently coax the five back into the safety, such as it was, of the bushy undergrowth.
We had just bought cans of cat food for our sanctuary so, we had enough food to lure the dogs closer. At first, they would not come near…we tossed small balled up wads of tasty smelly food towards each little one, and, ever so slowly; one after the other allowed us to draw nearer.
After several hours and dozens of cars driving by…oblivious or uncaring; even when told what we were doing on the side of the road in such a questionable and , in their eyes, suspicious nature; each and every one drove on away…no offers of help or assistance; no suggestions to call animal control (we would not have allowed that, anyway because, around here, when an animal is surrendered to the “shelter,” it’s a well known death sentence. No..we would not allow that even if someone; ANYONE; had thought it a preferable choice to leaving the dogs…not knowing that Al and I would NEVER do that, either!!)
As I worry, how in the world are we going to deal with this in the face of everything that is going on in our lives, I also wonder, “How many people have driven by these poor, terrified, starving abandoned animals? How could they do that? “
We remained on the side of the road, climbing hills, gathering ticks, burrs, stickers and evergreen needles in our pants and hair and shirts; until we captured each and every one of those young, helpless creatures. One by one, they struggled, yelped and shivered as we first took a hold of them by the scruff of the neck. Within minutes, though, realizing they had been saved, the crying stopped, the shakes receded and the throw aways collapsed into resignation.
Loading one after the other into the cab of Al’s truck; once they were inside, it was obvious they wanted to be safe, secure and to be able to, finally, relax.
Relax, they did. Five little bodies spread out all over the seat, floor and brake, clutch and gas pedals! With much determination bolstered by disgust at the behavior of people abandoning animals, and a deep desire not to let any one of the pups out of the truck, we finally were able to “load up” and continue home.
All the way, little furry canines cuddled on my lap, my knees, feet and beside Al and I in the center of the seat. It was a sight.
BARELY CONTROLLED CHAOS
We arrived home and, thankfully, had just moved Smoky Mama and her kittens to their new place so, we had the bathroom of the cottage available to house the puppies overnight. Today, after work; after another exhausting and draining day; we’ll build a new dog run around the large, insulated dog house we always have ready for whatever eventuality comes our way (and, rest assured, they ALWAYS do!).
We fed the babies - they ate voraciously - and made sure the water we’d already given them was replenished, laid down several thick plush throw rugs for their comfort and continued on with the regular nightly duties.
The night time animal care is similar to the morning except that, each evening, we mix big batches of canned cat food with the kibble so that they have variety in their diet. Some of the cats are given their meds in the pm hours because we have limited time earlier in the day. Again, scooping all around, sweeping, cleaning of counter tops where errant kitties might have left paw prints; special CD for the Urinary tract Toms who keep on developing crystals which can be life threatening. Most recently, we've added 'check on Candy to make sure she's eaten and is continuing to heal after major dental surgery... Blind Honey bear and Goldie are fed separately, old cats given special food in their own private area, Feline Aids and FELV kitties attended to in their separate quarters, high nutritious special menu for nursing Smoky and, finally, feed the dogs who have their own huge dog run and indoor house…there are 5 dogs…Lady, Brandy, Scruffy, Kitty and Bandit.
Time has passed quickly, as it always does, and, at 10:30, it’s “our time.” This is what we say….”ok, babies, now, it’s our time.”
Nuke something hot and fast, sit for a few minutes; half hour if we’re lucky and, off to do the last watering, scooping and checking on the menagerie.
Off to bed.
The next morning; it starts again.
I don’t mind..not at all. This IS our calling; we ARE a sanctuary. However, when others are so calloused, careless, mean hearted and selfish that they find it easy to throw animals away then…well, my ire peaks, my disappointment and disgust builds and my love for humanity lessens.
I’ve heard that God never gives us more than we can handle……..
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What a menagerie of animals and people. Where do you and Al find the energy to deal wit it all. Sounds like you need to create a non-profit entity.
I had no idea that cats can get kidney stones. IT makes sense, since the foods they eat are high in purines.
Hi Marellen..yes, sweet pups...well, we'll figure out a good life for them..and our other 5 dogs...I wonder, too...why people allow these babes to be born and then just toss them off to fate. Thank you for the visit and kind, caring thoughtful words.
Hi Augustine. Well, yes, we have the forms and have filled them out...and, yes, cats develop crystals due to several reasons; one is diet...these particular cats just cannot handle the processed foods we buy and others are emotional cases...they become so 'upset' for whatever reason that their stomachs bleed thus producing blockage after a while..from the results of irritation. Ours are ideopathic...one has had the situation reoccur 4 times, the other only once..anyway...thank you for the always thoughtful and intelligent comments.
Ps...the pic you like on FB is Al's favorite, too.
Breaks my heart to hear of people that abandon any animal. Thank goodness you were there to rescue these beautiful pups.
Lucky Cats, you truly are a hero to all the animals and animal lovers out there (including me). This story had me tearing up. I don't understand how any human could abandon an animal, especially babies. They had options. There are no-kill shelters and they could have put an ad in the paper for free puppies. There are lots of people who would love to have a dog. I will never understand these kinds of people. Thank you for sharing this story. I rated it up, beautiful, interesting and useful!
Thank you Susan....are you the same Susan who has so much information about animal products, etc? If so, I've often referred to your hubs . Thank you so much for stopping by, JASusan!!
Hi AMY! Yes, it tears me up...I just CANNOT walk by or drive by as if nothing matters..I do not understand people...truly; it makes living in this world very difficult at times. I have to say, sadly, that this is 'business as usual' around here...in this part of the country; it is very common. Thank you, Amymarie, so much for your caring and sweet comment.
As usual ... you are my heroine. Both you and Al are exceptional people ... and I just know you will never stop taking care of abandoned animals.
All power to you, Lucky!
I can't believe poeple just dump puppies. They should be caught to spend a couple of nights in prison. Okay maybe that's to much be that is how I feel.
You a great couple to pick 5 puppies now you have more to love you.
What a great story. You and Al are truly angels. I give you so much credit for all you do for these animals. I have one cat and he is sometimes a little too much for me. Your pets are very lucky to have you:)
Thank you Angie..from the bottom and top of my heart!
Writer, I, too, cannot understand this and, when we saw these little guys in the middle of that twisty road, we were aghast and pushed into high gear trying to retrieve all of them fron harm's way. No..my dear...your sentence for animal dumping/abandonment is far too kind...I would incarcerate the perpetrator for a year and charge them dearly...make them pay, literally and figuratively, for being so cruel. Some state laws do just that..fine up to $2,500. and more and jail for 6 monnths and more...So; your sentence is very lenient! Thank you my friend, for caring and commenting.
pedrn44...Thank you and welome to our wacky world of animal rescue. I love cats and always have had several as companions..and I love dogs, too. Can't ignore one or the other when in need.
This is how the safe haven here started. One woman looked after all these abandoned cats . It is now a non-profit agency and relies on donations. It is a no-kill shelter unless the cats are terminally ill and in pain. Thanks for being a beautiful couple.
Bless you Kathy. How anyone can leave baby Puppies on the side of the road is beyond understanding. You and Al will find a way, you're both committed. In my little town, we have a leash law, no animals running free. If whomever did this was caught, they would be fined and perhaps jailed. Thank you for being you.......The photos are priceless.....
YOU my girl are a savior , My hero !.....Awesome . Im always amazed at adopters and pet lovers. I love my dogs and cat more than some people. I woke up the other nihto a sick dog and was almost paniced! He's fine , I'm fine ...LOL .....thanks for sharing and saving ,Ed...:-}
Lucky Cats (and dogs, too!)--You truly have a calling. I hope that God gives you the strength to never stop what you are doing. I always thought it would be neat to run a no-kill shelter. Did I read that you're moving to California? I guess you're taking the menagerie with you. Are you keeping all the pups or finding homes? Will you continue with your in-house shelter there? That was a stupid question; how could you not! I, too, teared up when I read this. You and Al truly are angels. You have a special place in my heart. Bless you, bless you. And get some rest! :-) Oh, and I voted this hub up and hit buttons all the way across!!!
God bless you so you can save more doggies and cats. I used to do the things that you do and I have to say they are more emotionally exhausting than physically tiring. What you wrote here just motivates me to go back to that kind of charity work. You're right when you said that there could never be enough volunteers to rescue these poor little souls and to educate people about animal abuses. I'm voting your hub up, useful and interesting and I'm also sharing it with people just to raise awareness about the deplorable state of many of our domestic animals.
Lucky Cats, I am there with you. I live in the mountains of Maryland and unfortunately people choose this road to throw puppies and kittens out of their cars. There is a huge need for rescues, especially this time of year. The shelters are over flowing with unwanted and mistreated animals all awaiting there inevitable doom.
The other night after my daughters volleyball game we were driving home and I saw a little set of eyes. My boyfriend stopped the car and when I started calling here kitty kitty, suddenly there were seven sets of blank little eyes staring back at me. Seven little kittens all just tossed on the side of the road. We were able to wrangle up two of them. We came home I called my neighbor and we went out again. The kittens were scared but we did find one more.
It is truly a sad thing that people will not spay their animals and instead throw the resulting litters from their vehicles.
I believe that you are doing a great work. What you are doing is making a difference. I also want to let you that local animal shelters have pet food drives and also allow for people in the surrounding areas that are doing works like you to pick up free pet food on certain days of the week to help out the cause. They know that they cannot house all of the animals in their facilities and so when a citizen is working to ensure the health and wellness of the creatures that have no voice of their own they are willing to help. Shelters also have spay clinics we people in the service area can get their pets spayed for $50 or less and in some cases free. I hope this information will help you the cause and I will pray that all of your needs are met.
I vote up. Great Hub by a woman with a great heart!
You are wonderful people with big hearts! Good luck.
Anyone who cares for those of any species who can't care for themselves are the most special people in the world. Thank you,
Peter
Peter, I agree with you totally. I'm touched by those who have a heart for animals, children, the elderly, all of whom need someone to look out for them. I get so angry when I read stories like Lucky Cats' article here. Anyone who dumps pups or kittens on the side of the road or puts a litter in kittens in a bag with a rock in it in the lake--they should know what it feels like in some way. That may sound harsh, but those people don't seem to have a conscience.
You and Al are truly angels, God touched you both to be saviors of animals and thus you do this unconditionally. What a beautiful gesture to stop and gather them up and take them back to your place to feed and love them. I am so proud of you both, I have so much respect for people who are kind to animals.
I love them to, I have a wonderful cat who owns me and I couldn't possibly be happy without her in my life. I feel the same away of course about dogs and any animals who is being mistreated or abandoned. You see so much of that along the roads, I guess people find it easier to just dump them rather than take them to a shelter or try to advertise to have someone come and take them from them.
It's easier just to get rid of them, how sad is that? It's awful. Thank you for sharing this hub, those are beautiful little guys, I wish you all the best and I hope you find nice safe homes for them.
Angels like you and Al are invaluable. Not only do you rescue and make lives for each animal so deserving of loving homes, but you affect others, spreading your influence, so your actions may move beyond what you alone are able to do. It does not get any better. Thank you from the bottom to the top of my heart.(and thanks, Peter, for the heads-up!...with all the horrible 'stories' out there, I need the good ones, too, to keep on keepin' on.)
Wow, you are doing such a GREAT thing helping these poor animals! We were walking in a park here one day and people had a box and were chasing something.. it turned out that someone had brought a box of five little rabbits to the park and turned them loose... perhaps they were once Easter presents that "grew up"... we felt awful seeing these poor little rabbits that were very much out of place in the wild and would not have survived if not for the people that were catching them and bringing them to a safe place. So glad you were able to help these poor little pups!
FLORA, RUBY, ED, VICTORIA, KERLYNB, ERIN, MARY, PETER, VICTORIA (I am so very complimented!!!) , KEN, TINA and KATHY
Please, know how much your kind words, support, understanding, care for animals and so many excellent and helpful suggestions and information means to me. I am so thrilled that this touches so many people...your honesty and warm words make me and Al so grateful..and less alone in our attempts to do what we can to save these helpless, innocent animals. The upset and disappointment which permeats my soul over the behavior and cold heartedness of some people is tempered by your visit, by your encouragement and by the fact that you have written that you are spurred on to action. This is what I PRAY for, what the world needs. So, an honest, and very humble THANK YOU for your visit and for your heart. Bless you a thousand times. Your friend, Kathy
I'm touched Kathy. Words can't say enough about you two. Maybe you'll find me along side of the road one evening...
:-)
John, if you were on the road and in need, you better believe, we'd pick you up, too!! Thank you for the sweet comment, my friend.
Kathy, that wee puppie knew when to come out of the bushes - this little one had a guiding light telling it, that now was the time to make itself known and all would be well. And how right this young one was. What better, loving, warm hands to shelter them from this world that yourself and Al.
It breaks my heart to know that our beautiful animals are treated like this. But the sad fact is, I have never known anyone who treated animals in this barbaric way, who didn't also treat people in the same way. This heartless cruelty is in their blood. But I believe in karma - what you give out, no matter if it is animal or person, it will come back on you. So hell mend them!
This story is heartbreaking but also beautiful. Yes there is cruelty and coldness in this world. But there are also the shinning lights like you and Al. From all of us who love animals, a huge big hug and thank you!
Ps - buy the way, the puppies are adorable!!!
Hi there Helen! yes, it's a very sad and sorry situation; the way in which our animals are tossed away as if trash. It sickens me. We do what we can. If I were in charge of such things; I'd bring down the full extent of the law upon such people....just as is done for this type of treatment of humans...and make sure that the sentence is never 'pardoned.' Fines, incarceration....this is how I would deal w/such heartless people. I share your belief; that one day, the evil among us will receive their just desserts.
Yikes! I'm on my soapbox big time, but, honestly; this is almost unbearable.
Thank you so much for the wonderful understanding and caring comment, my dear. Kathy
Oh, Lucky Cats, what lucky dogs! Your hubs have been a true inspiration to me, since I'm petless for first time in life, but my daughter took in a stray, and I've worked with him. She says when I move I'm taking him w/me. No, I said, I'll be too busy taking care of others. I may never be able to have a true sanctuary like you, but this hub convinced me I WILL start fostering when I move---- on a really helpful scale. You do inspire, and so does Al! Thank you.
Hi Teylina..well, it does my heart good to read your comment. No sweeter words could be spoken...knowing that you (and others, too) want to help animals is a blessing and relief. thank you so much. The puppies are in their large dog run right beside our other dogs...and have two warm houses to cuddle in together. They are beautiful and happy, sweet little beings. Thank you so your for this wonderful comment.
Dear Kathy,
I agree that a name change may be in order for you... these are some lucky little pups. It is indeed sickening to think that others can be so callous. You are my inspiration, and I am praying that your strength and devotion to these abandoned fur angels continue for a long time to come.
Voted UP & ABI, mar.
Beautiful story. And so familiar in a sad way. On one of my last days moving to my new house I found one of two (the other one was miles down the road and rescued by a fellow rescuer) hairless Border Collies; covered in Mange. No house withing a mile or so and all the cars stopped, looked, hurried away from that 'ugly' thing!
She is now a fluffy Border Collie again! And very much loved!
Oh how I love your hubs Kathy and your days work which it's easy to see that you love every minute of it.
You have an amazing life and would you mind if I came to live with you Ha ha ha!!
Carry on delighting us with your beautiful warmth and have a great day.
Take care
Eiddwen.
Mar..dear Mar, dear Cat R and Sweet Eiddwen....when I read words such as yours...I have hope, a positive feeling and a renew love for my fellow humans...embodied in you and your kindness. Bless you.
Erin, I am so backed up but, I wanted to take the time to thank you for the amazing comment and story of rescue. Bless you..I can see that you understand very well; the plight and sadness of abandoned animals. Living "in the country" places us in a position of being the local "dumping ground" for people who are careless, heartless and irresponsible. Several years ago, someone dumped a mother cat and her very little kittens on our gravel road..we tried to get them but they just scrambled and separated...this is one I'll never forget because, try as we might; our efforts threatened to make matters worse; separating the babies from their mother. We went back in daylight but they were nowhere...I shudder to think of their fate. We continued to look over days and weeks...to no avail.
These are the times when my heart sinks and I just can hardly stand it. Then, I read words such as yours and all the lovely comments here and I am reassured and heartened. Bless everyone !!! Kathy
What a touching story! Thanks for taking the time to stop and help those poor puppies-- especially since you were both already exhausted-- and for sharing your adventures with us here in Hubville. :)
Hi Reprieve! Love the pups and kittys...can't do anything else but stop...I guess, it's being "wired that way." Thank you so much for the visit and kind comment!
Hi Kathy,
I do believe we are only given what we can handle. Obviously, you can "handle" a lot. What an awesome story of love and compassion for animals. The world needs more Kathy and Al's. Thank you for all that you do.
Hugs,
Sharyn
Hi my dear Sharyn..I know that you, too, have gone far beyond the "call of duty" when it comes to loving and aiding companion animals and I bless you for that. (Well, I don't have the right to bless anyone but, you know what I mean..) Much respect and appreciation. Kathy
Lucky Cats Hi. What a wonderful hub.
You are both wonderful caring folks with huge hearts, the world does need a lot more like you.
I did love reading your story,although it made me pretty sad and very mad.
Folks that mistreat animals have no heart,soul or anything else for that matter.
The photographs are beautiful,but at the same time tell the true plight of these wonderful animals.
Thank you for reminding us, that we can do much better as far as our animals are concerned. Voted up.:):)
Hi Oliversmum. Thank you so much for your caring and aware commment..it is knowing that there are others "out there," like you that make our "mission" a little easier. I cannot bear to think of suffering animals....we must act to lessen their hurt and pain..it is a calling; one which we could never ignor. The puppies are almost full grown now, and I believe we've found a good home for two of them...it takes a long time in the area they were abandoned...people just don't care. All will be well, I trust. I truly appreciate your wonderfully kind and sensitive comment, oliversmum. Thank you.
marellen Level 6 Commenter 7 months ago
Poor little darlings. Thank God you and Al happened upon them. People are so callous with animals. If you can't care of your dog or cats offsprings then get them spade or neutered. Why didn't they bring them to a shelter or clinic....there were better options. I'm glad you have them safe.