A Fond Farewell
It is with a great deal of sadness that I announce the closure of Community Cat Coalition at the end of September. The decision was a difficult one but after dedicating myself in a full time volunteer capacity to the emotionally and physically exhausting effort of rescue work for the last several years (in Brooklyn and Beacon), it’s become necessary for me to walk away. As part of my work, I’ve humanely helped nearly 300 cats and kittens. I am deeply grateful for each and every gesture of support that was extended to me and for every connection I was able to make with members of the community through doing this work. For this, and so much more, I am eternally thankful. Connecting with community has brought me tremendous joy, and I have loved every opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others, both the human and feline kind. I encourage you all to put forth whatever effort you can to make your own mark towards positive change in your community. Any effort, big or small, is meaningful and can make a world of difference to help end suffering. Thank you, cats. Thank you, community.

I spent a good part of the day packing up the former CCC space. When taking down the signage, I got very emotional while recalling all the time and labour spent at the space and the various cats and kittens that shared time with me there. The “phantom” signage reminds me of Wonder Woman’s invisible plane, and made me realize that Community Cat Coalition isn’t just here, but (could be) everywhere. And that is a beautiful notion.

Stewie Six Fingers was re-tested today after waiting a month to let his immune system develop. Unfortunately, he is still testing positive for FeLV (Feline Leukemia). Kittens can actually test a false positive for FeLV up to six months (and Stewie is now about four months old). Knowing this, I’ll continue to test Stewie every 30 days while looking for either an understanding foster or permanent home for him.

Stewie and his friends remain in good spirits despite his continued positive status for we know that FeLV positive cats can still be adopted into homes with either no other cats or other FeLV+ compadres and lead good lives. Please contact CCC if you are interested in either fostering or adopting Stewie. Special thanks to Audrey, Cheryl and Arwen for their stellar support.

I’m working on a colony in Beacon that I’ve been inspired to name after the family in The Sound of Music. Today, I was able to humanely trap four of the seven cats in the colony. A foster home is needed for the three young ones who will need some socialization. Please contact CCC if you are interested in this form of volunteer assistance. Pictures of the family to come.

Seeger was gently assisted to the other side today after learning of the severity of his injuries. He was also determined to be FIV+ which was inhibiting his healing ability. Seeger was first sighted as injured by a neighbor on Kent Street in Beacon over a month ago but wasn’t seen again until this week. After days of trying, I was finally able to rescue him. I am deeply saddened by Seeger’s circumstance and by his loss, but set that aside knowing he is no longer suffering. Endless gratitude to the veterinary staff of Hopewell Animal Hospital who extended their time, love and care to helping Seeger. Seeger will be buried in a sacred space amongst other rescued Beacon neighborhood cats who have passed on.

Seeger is resting comfortably and getting treatment for the severe wounds to his neck, legs and body. The injuries almost make it look like he got caught in one of those barbaric wildlife traps. While the exact cause of his injuries is unknown, Seeger is stable and has a hearty appetite and thirst.

Seeger is a colony cat I neutered over a year ago on Kent Street who showed up recently badly injured and emaciated. Thankfully, a couple of concerned neighbors notified me of the matter. It’s taken me days to get him, but Seeger is finally safe and receiving treatment.

Stewie Six Fingers, the little guy with big hands and presence, is thriving after being rescued from a yard in Beacon where he was abandoned on Independence Day.  Though he tested positive for Feline Leukemia (FeLV), I am hopeful he will re-test negative in a few weeks. It’s common for young kittens to test a false negative for FeLV as they can encounter the disease which will register in their system but it isn’t actually present in the blood cells.

Renee Richards, my beloved neighborhood stray, has been missing for a few days now. I’ve been caring for Renee (and her partner in crime, Cassius Clay) for almost a year now. It’s not like her to not come around, and I am weepy with worry.

Stewie Six Toes, a Polydactyl, was rescued from a yard in Beacon yesterday where he was dumped. This sweet something of a kid loves making biscuits with his big feets, rolling around like silly string and cuddling with his stuffed animal elephant friend. Stewie has tested positive for Feline Leukemia (FeLV), but I suspect this may be a false positive due to his age. Young kittens like Stewie who is only 5 weeks old  can test positive for FeLV but not actually be infected. I plan to give this baby boy lots of love and nourishing support and re-test him when he is older for more accurate results. Until then, Stewie is master of his own private domain away from the other cats and kittens as a safety precaution. As a standard, it’s wise to isolate any new cat or kitten you introduce into the home until he/she has been tested. Special thanks to Christy, Jennifer, Danielle, Karen and Jerry for their generous help with getting Stewie safe and sound.