So let me ask you, why are you reading this today? Hey, you’re on a roll, you got it right! Obviously it’s because you are connected in some way to the wonderful world of critters. Maybe you love your pets, maybe you are a rescue person, maybe you are an animal activist, maybe you want to make a difference, or maybe it’s even all of these. As you know, the world if full of maybes and what-ifs. There is one thing I’m certain of though, it’s that there are heroes out there, and they walk among us. We don’t always see them, we don’t always hear about them, but they’re out there, doing what they do every day, often completely un-noticed or unrecognized.
You know the type of individual I’m referring to, I know you do. Where would we be without them? I can tell you quite bluntly that many of us would be homeless or dead.
When I was rescued, adopted, abused, re-rescued and finally in my forever home, I promised myself that I would do whatever I could to make life a little easier for as many other critters as I possibly could. But I’m just one Tabby. Oh sure, I supposed I could say I’ve been somewhat successful, but I would have zero success if I had to do this alone. Fortunately that isn’t the case. I am so fortunate to have made some of the best friends a cat could ever have. And our online community known as the Cat Blogosphere is one of the most loving families ever. But we all know what we do, we’re linked together by the amazing Interwebs.
I would like to dedicate this special day to the unsung heroes of animal rescue. And today, I’d like to tell you about one of those I’ve recently encountered. Let me tell you about Kathy. If you’ve been following my blog for a while you’ve probably encountered the Social Media rescue of my Sister Dolly, which started via CT, back to Greenville, SC to a wonderful rescue lady named Jenna.
Not too long ago Jenna contacted me on behalf of her friend Kathy to see if I could possibly help with a sweet young girl cat named Little Bit.
Little Bit had just two days to live unless a miracle happened. Little Bit had required a lot of surgery and not only was she at risk of losing her leg because she was confined to a cage, she was a major risk of losing her life. Up to this point the vet care, and there was a lot of it, was being totally funded by Kathy.
Then Jenna again contacted me on behalf of Kathy about another sweet feral girl who had been terribly sick, so sick that a nasty infection had taken one of her eyes. You knew her at the time as Faith, who is now happily in her forever home as Selina.
We had some breathing room with two whole weeks to try and help this girl. Let me tell you, she was one sick little one for quite a while. Again, the vet care was never withheld and was totally paid for by Kathy. Both Little Bit and Selina are now safe in their forever homes, but others are not so lucky.
By now you must be thinking, isn’t that nice that some rich lady helps out so much. NOT! Kathy is retired and is not wealthy. She pays for all this vet care and puts it on her credit card, and they worries about how she is going to pay it off later. I don’t have to tell you how much a vet bill can run up for just one kitty. But Kathy repeats
this over and over and over again. Her only priority is caring for the kitties. In her typical day she gets up early and does not finish until around midnight. I couldn’t even begin to tell you how many feral lives she has touch or improved. I have encountered just two of those lives and although things looked impossible, Kathy never gave
up.
The heroes, they walk among us. I am compelled to try and give a little back, the only way I know how. And that’s by asking for a little help. Below you will see a ChipIn called Kathy Cares.
Kathy does not know I’m doing this, nor did she ask for assistance. Upon her retirement she left behind all “information technology”, so she will never even see this post. I have to try, to just ease the burden a little, because I know how financially challenging just one little illness can become.
I know the economy is tough right now, but there never really is a wrong time to try and help one of those heroes. I also know that a few green papers here, and a few green papers there can add up. So if you can find it in your hearts to give a dollar or two, many kitties you will never know will be forever grateful. And if you cannot, that’s okay too, the only thing I ask is that you remember your own local heroes, and take the time to say thank you for all that they do. They do indeed walk among us.
Remember, adopt cats, we deserve it!!! Purrrrr! Zip! Later!
People like Kathy, Jenna and your mum and dad, lovely Brian are just TERRIFIC!!!!!!!!!!!! Such valiant wonderful people!!!
What a great day to honour them all! Take care
x
Thanks Brian for that wonderful Tribute to someone who probably is not recognized at all. I put in a few green dollars and feel like I should put in a lot more since I get the pleasure of Little Bit but I just don't have it. Thanks for doing this.More of these rescue people need to be recognized. One of those beings is you Brian for all the work that you do. We appreciate all that you do for the animals.
A very moving tribute for a hero of a woman. God bless people like that who work so hard and so tirelessly for innocents who are abandoned and abused. They take heartbreak and fear and make things better for the little ones. There are heroes.
Kathy is a true hero and we hope she gets a lot of help. We will see if we can do anything.
We made a small donation, Brian.
We do find that it's those who *don't* have a lot of money who do the most. We don't know why that is, but poorer people often are more generous with what little they do have, with their time, etc.
Thank you for blogging about Kathy–and for doing so much for rescue and adoption all through the year.
We're participating in Blog the Change today too; by coincidence, both Sparkle and we have blogged about the same rescue!
-Fuzzy Tales
Angels come in all shapes, sizes, backgrounds and ages. Kathy sounds like she is right there at the top. And you ~ for all that you do sweet Brian ~ you are right up there as well!
Hugs to you!
xo Catherine
Thank you for sharing this story about such a wonderful hero. I think you and your family are heros too! You all do so much for so many animals. You all make the world a better place!
Thanks for sharing about this wonderful lady. Sometimes we all hear about the "big" organization without realizing how many people are out there being an army of 1 or 2 – with no real support. YEAH for letting us know about Kathy and also for helping Little Bit and Faith!!!
Brian, this is a wonderful and inspirational post. We think the folk who help homeless and ill cats rock! They have hearts as big as the universe. Kathy is a wonderful lady and we can't thank her enuff.
Rescue Rocks.
Kathy is an amazing lady who does so much with so little – she is an angel to all animals.
We think Marg is amazing too how she takes in animals like Little Bit and gives them a wonderful furever home. The world would be a sadder place if it wasn't for these "angels".
Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx
People like Kathy are amazing! True heroes!! Our mom wishes she could be more like Kathy and help the animals more. We asked her to chip in and send Kathy some green papers.
May everyone be greatly blessed for what they do. xxxxxxx
Kathy sounds like one of the many people we know or might not even know who work tirelessly every single day for the animals with needs. God Bless her and all of the ones like her! Lots of love, Holly and mom
Bravo to Kathy! This is a wonderful thing you are doing to help out this woman, who helps animals but asks for nothing in return.
Peggy from
BTC4Animals.com
peggyfrezon.blogspot.com
Thanks, Brian, for all you and other do!!!! You are wonderful!
Brian,
That was such a very nice tribute to Kathy that you wrote.
We will try to help a little.
Purrs,
Genghis
Hi Brian! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and checking out the adventures I have with Jada. You have a very nice blog too. I already saw on someone else's blog the Change for Animals post! What a great way to bring attention to a very important mission! I'm happy to see animals get adopted into loving homes they deserve!
Melissa & Jada
PS My mom has a tabby that looks just like you! He's a boy and his name is Angel. He doesn't like Jada very much though.
Okays, I wanna cry nows…what an inspirational post. Thank goodness there are peoples out there like Miss Kathy. People dat are determined to make a change and a difference.
I wanna also say thanks to you and to your family for for their voice as well.
Puddles
Why am I reading this today? Because Brian the cat is cool. Keep up the good work Brian 🙂
~Ron the human
*******************
Kathy sounds like an absolutely fantastic person! Thanks for sharing her inspiring story. It's a great reminder that we can all help – even if it's just a little.
Thanks for blogging the change!
Amy from
BtC4Animals.com and
GoPetFriendly.com
Kathy is an awesome human, Brian, but I have to mention that you are also a pawsome kitty for helping her out!
Brian cada dia gosto mais de ti pois eu penso como tu se todos fossem um bocadinho mais humanos com os animais de serteza que o Mundo era mais doce
Essa senhora é um anjo ..para os nossos amiguinhos bem aja ela exestir
Venho desejar um bom fim de semana e segunda feira vai lá ao blog que terás lá uma coisa para ti
Ronrons da amiguinha
Kika
Hey Brian, Thanks for this heartfelt and amazing post! I made the same promise when I was adopted and given a second chance – help other animals who are not as fortunate as me! And you are right green papers add up and if everyone just donated a $1 or $2 it really adds up.
Your pal, Pip
hi Brian! Wow what a great post – Kathy really is a hero! We can't donate right now but we will put the chipin at our blog to at least hopefully help a little. We always think if we just won the lottery we could help so many animals who need it.
Brian you are somewhat of an unsung hero yourself. You are always doing something to help an animal in need. This lady is truly an unsung hero. I did contribute a little bit, but hope to come back next week and add to it. Hope your chip-in will still be up then.
Thank you for this beautiful post, Brian. We are thankful for heroes like Kathy, and we will rustle up some green papers to help, even if just a little.
We are honored to know so many heroes here on the CB.
Brain, I always adore what you try to help many of us in shelter. For me, You are one of my hero , Brain !
Thanks for this powerful post !
About Kathy, I will do tweet this post, let's share her story and may be more of us can help donation.
xoxo
What a heart-warming story! You and Kathy are both unsung heroes — but there are plenty of kitties singing your praises!!
What a kind and thoughtful post, and how nice of you to use today to salute someone so involved in improving the lives of cats.
You are so right, heroes walk among us, adding hope and possibility and positive change to a world filled with sadness, pain and despair. Kathy, Jenna and your family will probably never make the national news or receive a Nobel Prize but the difference you all make is worth that and more. Know we applaud and recognize your incredible efforts. You are true heroes. Kathy deserves a little help.
Brian
We will come back and donate right now Mom is on her iPad and we cannot see the chip in.
We were all so moved by your post and you are right there are heroes who are totally nameless who walk amongst us. Thank goodness for the kindness and generosity of those like Kathy.
Purrs
Abby
God bless people like Kathy and yourself.
We love rescuers. Au and Target are both rescued kits. Rescuers are the best people!
We think people like this lady are real heroes! I made the Human send a few green paypers. (Well, I didn't really have to make her!)
love seeing so many people like yourself and kathy that are involved in rescue work being honored today, you are all angels!
Great and really inspiring post!
Wonderful post, you all are Angels…Brian, Kathy, Marg and so many others we have met through the CB! Thank you all for helping the animals with the work you do.
We just gave a little..sorry it couldn't be more.
As a rescue house myself I know the need. Thank you guys for posting this chip in for her. I'm happy to admit to some cool karma just now. At our house; like everyone I'm sure, we are always very low on any extra funds. BUT, I figure we could afford to send five bucks. I logged into my paypal just now to send it and do you know what? I had twelve dollars in there! I realize now what it was from… way long time ago I was bidding on an adorable hat; I didn't get it but I… Read more »
Great post!! 🙂
After having met Kathy, I totally agree, she is one awesome woman to do all that she does. She's called & checked up with me about Selina and I've sent her photos, etc. I'm sending her a check today myself for Selina as a donation – I wouldn't feel "right" otherwise. Meanwhile, interesting news from my vet. Selina had her "well kitty" this past Sat., and he says that he sees NO evidence that there was ever an eye there in the first place! No evidence of an eyeball, and no evidence of a third eyelid! Consequently, his theory/feeling is… Read more »
PS – And I hope no one "apologizes" for any amount they give to this fund. NO amount is too small! Besides, it takes a lot of small things to build one great BIG thing! 🙂 🙂
Laura & Selina
We admire all of you for what you do. We can’t contribute to the fund, but we hope those who can will. What a wonderful thing you are doing for Kathy.