Tales & Tails of New York

As I begin this new adventure in cyberspace, there are three tiny kittens sitting in a cage and hissing each time I approach them.  They are 7-weeks old, two golden little boys and one tabby girl.

They were sent to me about an hour ago, from the Brooklyn "Animal Care and Control" shelter.  Because the kittens are "feral" (i.e. unsocialized), they were due to be euthanized, unless rescue could be found for them.

It is comparatively easy to socialize small kittens this age.  The hissing and ears flat on head are merely signs of fear, but only temporary.  They have, to this point, never been handled by people.

But, already I can pick them up and stroke them.  No purrs yet, but that will come soon. When that happens and when I can be reasonably assurred they will not run and hide from an approaching human, the three kittens will be let out of the cage to run free and play like "normal" socialized kittens and cats.

 In a few weeks, the little ones whom I now affectionately call, "The three little bums" will be ready for adoption.   But, then that will be the truly hard part of this venture.

I don't know what exact number these three kittens represent in terms of how many animals I have personally rescued over the past 15 years. I just know that I would never be able to write up every individual story. 

But, I do intend to write up the most memorable and those which taught the most in one way or another.  I hope others can relate to some of the experiences and are welcomed to share theirs.

Most of all, I hope some people can become inspired to help those less powerful than ourselves, whether other people or animals.

Don't get me wrong. Any kind of non-profit or humanitarian work is hard, stressful, often heartbreaking and financially draining.  But, the rewards when they come are like no other.

Sometimes, it is as simple as being there to see those hisses turn to purrs.

Sometimes it is seeing that animal you pulled off the "euthanasia list" go to a loving and committed home.

Most of all, it is just knowing that you made the difference.

And yes, even all of Donald Trump's dollars can't buy that feeling.

It is indeed, "like no other."

Three little bums.  Soon, we will decide names for you.

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