Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

Whoever he was, that guy was nuts.

Let the trolls come, and then ignore them. that’s the worst thing you can do to a troll.

Giving up is unforgivable.

At some point, the ability to learn is a factor of character, not IQ.

We know you aren’t a Democrat but since you seem confused let me help you.

This country desperately needs a functioning fourth estate.

If rights aren’t universal, they are privilege, not rights.

Disagreements are healthy; personal attacks are not.

It’s pointless to bring up problems that can only be solved with a time machine.

We’ve had enough carrots to last a lifetime. break out the sticks.

My right to basic bodily autonomy is not on the table. that’s the new deal.

Second rate reporter says what?

You cannot shame the shameless.

The next time the wall street journal editorial board speaks the truth will be the first.

“Until such time as the world ends, we will act as though it intends to spin on.”

Impressively dumb. Congratulations.

One lie, alone, tears the fabric of reality.

Something needs to be done about our bogus SCOTUS.

Not so fun when the rabbit gets the gun, is it?

Imperialist aggressors must be defeated, or the whole world loses.

“Everybody’s entitled to be an idiot.”

Stamping your little feets and demanding that they see how important you are? Not working anymore.

You passed on an opportunity to be offended? What are you even doing here?

I’ve spoken to my cat about this, but it doesn’t seem to do any good.

You are here: Home / Pet Blogging / Cat Blogging / Cat Rescue Bleg – Maryland/DC Area

Cat Rescue Bleg – Maryland/DC Area

by | 39 Comments

This post is in: ,

contessa

From commentor Karen:

I’m in a bad situation… I have a 14 year old kitty named Contessa who is diabetic.

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in April… I’d be getting a double mastectomy. My whole world stopped from that moment and was only about the cancer. I gave Contessa as much of myself as I could but it wasn’t what she deserved or needed.

When I went in for surgery, I had something set up where a pet sitting person would feed Contessa, inject the insulin and do the litter. Between the hospital stay and the rehab to rebuild my strength it was almost three weeks til I got home. She was very angry at me but I tried as hard as I could to make it up to her. I had someone that was still handling the care of her because I was weak as a kitten but I thought eventually I’d be able to take care of her again. I haven’t been able to take the RA drugs for two months, which hasn’t helped. On Thursday the 4th I got admitted into the hospital again because I’d developed an abscess and a bad infection and just got out on Friday the 12th and I’m even sicker from the drugs I had to get an IV for to make me better. I needed emergency surgery and now have a drain on each side of my chest.

I am getting help in paying for the care of her but that can’t last forever. My RA has progressed with a vengeance to the point where I’ve fallen three times in two weeks and I need to use a rollator everywhere. Taking care of myself is difficult since I live by myself in independent living and I have no help. The help I’m getting to pay for the cat care can’t go on forever and I can’t take care of her myself so I’ve come to the realization that I need to give Contessa up. I’m trying to find the best options available. I live in Maryland, outside of DC.

I’m hoping that a Balloon Juicer will be willing to take Contessa… It breaks my heart to give her to someone but I know that it will be better for her to give her to a good home. If I can’t find a place for her I’ll have to bring her over to the shelter, I’m afraid she’ll be put down. Thank you for any help you can give me, I appreciate it very much!

If anyone has a lead — someone who can take in Contessa, no-kill shelters in DC, any other help you might know about — leave a comment, or email me (click my name in the right-hand column, or annelaurie (at) verizon (dot) net) and I’ll put you in touch with Karen.

Reader Interactions

39Comments

  1. 1.

    JPL

    Karen you are a remarkable woman and I wish I could help. Maybe John can set up a fund, for whoever gives Contessa a home, to help with her expenses.

  4. 4.

    Mnemosyne (iPad Mini)

    Poor Contessakitty and poor Karen! But you’re right, sometimes finding a new home for kitty is the best thing for her. Sadly, I’m on the opposite coast and already have three. ?

  5. 5.

    MazeDancer

    I am getting help in paying for the care of her but that can’t last forever.

    If money can help extend Contessa’s care that’s happening now, happy to donate. Maybe that’s a interim solution until the RA drugs kick in? Or until a new home can be found.

    Just post a PayPal, people will give.

  7. 7.

    Tommy

    I’d take her, but so far from you. I recall talking about how my feral cat came to live in my house. People here tracked me down after and said you didn’t do that all did you? I was like yes I did. People come to my household and are stunned how loving my cat is. She is a little scared of you. But spend a day or so in my household and she will warm up to you. My parents who are not cat lovers are because of her.

  9. 9.

    Dog On Porch

    Way Off Topic: Since when did Monday Night Football include the Star Spangled Banner in its intro? Jesus, it’s like we’re back in 2003, when you couldn’t swing a dead cat without bumping into it. Memo to the NFL: at least play the Hendrix version of what is, after all, a truly crappy tune

  11. 11.

    Poopyman

    We can’t take another one in, I’m afraid. We had this guy show up at our door on a sub-zero night last January and tried to integrate him, but a couple of the others went bonkers – to the point of developing cystitis for one and an infection for another. And he would have been Number Six.

    If it comes to it here’s a list of the no-kill shelters in Maryland, although I hope we can help you pay for her care so you can keep her.

    ETA – that list of no-kill shelters is incomplete since it doesn’t have our CAWL on it, and probably others.

  12. 12.

    Alison

    @Ruviana: Um. Agreed. What the hell.

    To Karen: I’m so sorry for everything you’re dealing with, and will share this post in the hopes of finding this baby a new home.

  13. 13.

    WaterGirl

    @Tommy: Tommy, if you’d be willing to take the kitty, I would chip in for transportation.

    St. Louis looks to be a straight shot from DC, maybe 850 miles. Surely we could make that happen somehow if a less complicated option doesn’t present itself.

    Karen, I am so very sorry for what you are going through.

  15. 15.

    MomSense

    Karen, I am so sorry you are going through all of this. I can chip in to help either with continued funding for medical care or transportation to a lovely person like Tommy who might be able to help.

  16. 16.

    Mary G

    Hi Karen – Satby’s GoFundMe for her dog with a jaw tumor did very well (I keep checking back to make sure) and if you would like to keep Contessa, that might help with the caretaker fees. I know I would find a little bit somewhere to kick in.

    Your post breaks my heart. I don’t know how you can stand it. I have had RA for thirty-five years now and can barely cope with that. I was told in 1983 that I would never walk again and was so stubborn I managed it up until the aughts, but falls finally convince you that you have to give it up. I fell twice in one week off the one step up onto my back porch, despite having grab bars to hold onto, and the paramedics sat me down and gave me the speech. To add breast cancer on top of that would be a nightmare.

  17. 17.

    Tommy

    @WaterGirl: Well I’ve made that drive from DC to St. Louis. Used to live in DC. Not an easy drive. But I would take that darn cat. Often joke here I live in a rural town. True. One thing I love is my vet often deals with my cat and horses, cows, live stock, you name it. Always makes me think she has a clue about animals.

  20. 20.

    askew

    I am so sorry to hear of your struggles Karen. I am too far away and not a cat person, but I’d be willing to chip in to get the cat to Tommy or to help with re-homing.

  21. 21.

    Tommy

    @Alison: I won’t make that trip. If somebody wants to bring the cat to me, I am all in. Not going to get it myself. I hope that doesn’t sound rude, but it is what it is. I tell the story of my cat.

    I was at a Super Bowl party. These kids throwing this kitten into a kiddy pool. I walked out and told them this was wrong, wrong on so many levels. Cat came to live in my house. She hated humans. Had to put her in a single room because she ran into the wall if I even came near her.

    I put my clothes I wore in so she could “smell” me. Laid for hours in the room reading so she got used to me. It took her a long time to get used to me. To let me touch her. Trust! Now I have to give her attention 24/7. She is never more then a foot or two away from me. She rocks.

  22. 22.

    jenn

    Holy toledo, Karen. I’m so sorry for the triple-whammy. Best wishes to you (and Contessa). I can’t have cats right now, but I’d be happy to help w transport and/or tideover funds, too.

  23. 23.

    Elizabelle

    Good luck to you, Karen. You’re an amazing person.

    Is Contessa a good little traveler? I could be persuaded to drive Ms. Cat to St. Louis and Tommy, if you do not find funding to keep her or a suitable home in the DelMarVa area.

    But not before October 2nd.

    Keep us posted. I have a friend who would make a terrific owner, and had a diabetic cat for years upon years. Don’t know if she could take another kitty, but I will ask. She’s local to Maryland.

  24. 24.

    karen

    Thank you all so much for your heartfelt responses! I knew this was the perfect place for the bleg because we all love our dogs and kitties!

    @Elizabelle:

    I live in Silver Spring, MD. If you can get my email from Anne Laurie, maybe you can get me in touch with your friend? So far I’m finding out that some of the “pet rescue” places in the local area are either not taking in any new pets or their definition of “rescue” does not mean placing a needy cat with them. I’d have to kick Contessa to the street and THEN she’d be considered to be worth “rescuing.” It’s been very disheartening.

  25. 25.

    Elizabelle

    @karen:

    No kicking Contessa to the street.

    I’ll check in with my friend later this week and report back to Anne Laurie if there’s any possibility.

    She’s got a very busy job and a few cats already, but since Contessa’s a senior, that could make a difference.

  26. 26.

    Riley's enabler

    I’m in for contributing to her care or the drive, whatever is needed. I’d take her, but I’m in Houston.

    I had a diabetic boy kitty and every morning we had an epic battle to test his blood and give him the insulin. He loved finding ways to escape and hide, and all that avarice helped him thrive until he was 21. Loved that boy.

    If Tommy can’t take her, and if she doesn’t mind dogs (one goofy female who likes cats) and other kitties (year old male), and we can get her here (I have a kiddo in school so I can’t drive for days), I’ll take her.

    I’m so awfully sorry for your struggles.

  27. 27.

    GHayduke (formerly lojasmo)

    Also in for some $ for transportation and/or medical bills. What a sweet cat. Best of luck to you, Karen.

  28. 28.

    Valdivia

    So sorry Karen. I have 3 already so I can’t take on another one but Homeward Trails and PetMac do amazing work (they really work hard to find ideal homes for the cats, they screen the adoption parents thoroughly). I encourage you to contact them.

  29. 29.

    satby

    @Mary G: I did do well on that gofundme, and mostly thanks to all you wonderful Balloon-Juicers. I want to help pay forward a little bit, either with working on a transport if Tommy or someone else will take her and Karen decides that it may be the best thing for both of them; or kicking in some of the largess I recieved once I have a diagnosis on my guy and know what it will take to treat him. Say the word Karen, we will all pitch in to do what we can.

  30. 30.

    Culture of Truth

    I’m not necessarily looking to take in a new kitty, but I’ve got experience, even in giving kitties IV. I’m not in DC, either, rather the northeast, but this story touched me. Reach out to me before you resort to a shelter, please.

  33. 33.

    BubbaDave

    1) I’m in with cash for transport and/or for continuing Contessa care. AL, do you still have my email from the Koda bleg or do I need to email you again?

    2) My Rajah (of blessed memory as of August 11) was diabetic among her other problems (fatty liver syndrome, renal failure, hyperthyroidism and eventually lung cancer) and with a change to the Hills M/D canned food diet we went from 2 units of insulin twice a day, to 1 twice a day, to 1 once a day, to 0. Improved her quality of life dramatically. Just a thought for whoever ends up giving a home to that sweetheart.

  34. 34.

    WaterGirl

    Karen, have you considered contacting one of the shelters and seeing if they could hook you up with someone to foster your kitty for a couple of months while you get through this terribly difficult time?

    Or, if you don’t have the energy, maybe someone more local could make the calls for you?

Comments are closed.