Update on the Abys rescued in Rhode Island

Remember back in July when I posted about the SECOND rescue of 18 Abyssinians in Rhode Island? Well, according to this post from New England Aby Rescue (NEAR), those Abys are all at the Potter League for Animals and are are now legally free and clear to be placed with new owners as their veterinarian judges them to be healthy enough to be adopted.

The first two boys available for adoption are:

Thames

and Warner. If you are in New England and interested in either of these two young men (they are between one and two years old, the same age Angel was when I adopted her), click on their names to apply for adoption.

Aby-a-Day – 20 July: “Having one eye makes you see the world in unusual ways” (Flashback Friday)

Yesterday’s post about that horrific situation in Rhode Island naturally reminded me of Angel’s situation. It was ten years ago this October that I collected her in California, but it was around mid-July that I was being approved to adopt her. This is her story, as I was told it by Purebreds Plus, her rescue:

“The story behind Angel’s eye and foster situation is sad; The breeder had a couple of tough years with her mother who was sick and dying and in the midst of this her pregnant females in December of 2006 – January 2007 were getting sick. Almost 75% of the kittens born were dead or died shortly after birth. She had never had this problem before and only when the pet food information came did she begin to put things together as she was feeding some of the recalled foods. When she bred her females (and a couple of the kittens born to them), health problems showed up in the lines – Herpes infections like none seen before with ulcerated eyes and very sick cats. Not being as careful as usual, her numbers increased and unhealthy cats increased.

I met the breeder at a cat show in October 2007 and we talked about me taking some of her cats. I knew nothing about the situation. A week before Christmas she called me and we set January 1 as the day I would take 5 of her cats. The very next day she took 4 other cats to the Humane Society and asked that 3 be put down and the other (Angel) be put up for adoption. Two days later the Humane Society paid a visit and found a house with over 60 cats, spotlessly clean. She gave up the sickest cats and others, totaling 18 cats. The Humane Society called us, and on Friday December 20th, we spent 3 hours there bathing cats’/kittens’ eyes that were horribly stuck together and gave meds. They could only allow us to take the original 4 as there is a 72 hour rule in California. Sunday the 23rd we went back and took the other 16 (2 had died). Then at the breeder’s house we took 5 more cats – a total of 14 kittens and 11 others between 5 months and 14 months. We separated the kittens by illness levels and 9 of the healthiest kittens went to Southern California Aby Rescue. Unfortunately 5 of those died. Of the 5 that we kept, 2 died over the next 3 months, both of FIP. The other 3 were adopted. Of the other Abys 2 of the younger ones died and the others were adopted except Angel, who had many problems over the months finally with an eye ulcerating in April. She has been healthy since..

(Angel also had another medical problem: when they removed her ulcerated eye, the veterinarian – for a reason I can’t fathom – put a prosthetic eye into Angel’s eye socket. Her body rejected it. So she had to undergo another surgery to remove her fake eye!)

The problems:

· Upper Respiratory Infections that finally healed, then eyes ulcerated. Some eyes were saved and a couple had the eye removed. This was different than the normal herpes infections that we had seen in rescue where the conjunctiva was swollen and goopy. The eyes ulcerated seemingly overnight and it was a relentless treatment regime that could save then (if it did) (Angel is in this group, obviously).

· Bordatella – took 6 weeks of Doxycycline to go away

· Some of the cats were vaccinated (for FIP). Of the cats that died, they all had vaccines and 3-6 weeks after got sick and then died of FIP. The breeder begged us not to vaccinate because she had the same problem.

· Ringworm – Over the 7 months we have taken 35 cats and have about 10 more coming. The ones we have seen since April have not been as ill and that is what we expect of the remaining 10.”

It’s been ten years…Finally, after moving to Sweden and being in a hierarchy where she is, at long last, the oldest female, Angel seems to be becoming “comfortable” in her home…or, at least, more comfortable. I don’t think she’ll ever be a “normal” Abyssinian…but at least with us, she can be herself. Whoever that is.

Abys in Need – 26 dead Abys in freezer, 18 more living in squalor…AGAIN!

This is ghastly. Rhode Island Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals discovered 26 dead Abys in a freezer and 18 more in “very poor condition” yesterday. According to the RISPCA investigator, the surviving cats were underweight and covered in feces, but none were in such bad health that they will need to be euthanised. Well, thank StarClan for that!

But what really pisses me off is…THIS ISN’T THE FIRST TIME this person has done this! Eight years ago I posted about this exact same idiot who had 48 Abys, along with a corn snake, one dog, a turtle and two other household cats confiscated by the RISPCA. Just as last time, the cats are at the Potter League for Animals, so if you’re interested in helping to rescue one or more of these Abys, please contact the Potter League for Animals (Newport, RI), 87 Oliphant Lane, Middletown RI 02842, Phone: 401-846-8276, Email: info@potterleague.org. But keep in mind it will probably take some time to get them healthy enough for adoption.

Additionally, my friend Meg has started a donation page on Facebook in Cousin Taz’s memory to raise funds to help the Potter League help these Abys.

And now I need to go hug Angel.

Other People’s Abys – Cleo closes down a pet store chain

I don’t know how I missed this, but better late than never. Back in January, an Abyssinian kitten was seen for sale in a pet store in Brampton, Ontario, Canada…for $1,300 CDN!

Braydon Dennee first saw Cleo during a trip to the mall. According to him (and his photos), “You could see every single bone in her body…She wasn’t fighting back. She was just getting beat up by this other kitten.”

I can well believe that one…after all, I also have a red/sorrel Abyssinian who gets bullied by another cat. Bad enough that Abys don’t do well in cages to begin with.

Cleo’s plight sparked an internet attack on PJ’s pet stores. And it’s true: PJ’s Pet Centres are going out of business. Not sure if that “by popular demand” is referring to the closing or their restocking pet food…but I’m going to pretend it’s the former.

The only thing that stops this story from being a truly happy ending is the fact that no one seems to know what happened to Cleo. According to the news articles I found, the store pulled her to aid in her “recovery.” but no one seems to know where she ended up. If anyone does know…I’d love to hear the rest of this story!

Abys in Need: Piper Jane in Iowa City, IA

Another entry in the “People suck” category…

“This is Piper Jane. She is a 3 year old Abyssinian. She was rescued from a farm where she had been dumped for no fault of her own. The cattery owner no longer wanted her for breeding. Piper was near starvation when we found her, we knew she wouldn’t survive the winter. Piper has doubled her weight since her rescue. She is now current on all vaccinations and was spayed last week. She is very sweet and has an enthusiastic purr. She loves attention, but is not a lap cat. If you are interested in adopting Miss Piper please let me know.”

Really? REALLY? Dumped. On a farm. I don’t even. Hey at least she’s not declawed…

If you’re interested in Piper Jane, you can send an email through the Rescue Me website, or ring Tricia Deol on 319-541-9584.

Abys in Need: Northeast Aby Rescue (NEAR)

Filling a need that’s long needed filling, Northeast Aby Rescue (NEAR) started up early this year to rescue, foster and find homes for abandoned or otherwise needful Abyssinians and Somalis in the northeastern United States. I’m meant to be working on a logo for them, but so far have only completed a sketch…

All of these lovely Abyssinians (and one Somali) are currently available:

– Sasha age 13 in Chicago, IL; ruddy female with special needs (blind). Adoption Pending

Cri Cri

– Cri Cri age 12 in Chicago, IL; ruddy male. Adoption Pending

– Darby age 6 in Philadelphia, PA; red female. Adopted Today!

Downton Abby

– Downton Abby age 12 in Washington, DC; red female.

– Elsa age 10 near Hartford, CT; black silver female. Speacial needs: No other female cats.

Eilonwy

– Eilonwy age 3 in Philadelphia, PA; red Somali female with special needs (urinary). Adopted Today!

Abys in Need: Rummy in East Falmouth, MA

It’s weird, but it seems as though there have been a LOT of rescue Abys showing up in New England lately.

“Rummy is a stunningly elegant purebred Blue Abyssinian male. Rummy is short for Rumbullion, which is his official name. This sweetheart is 4 years old, absolutely elegant and handsome, and one of the sweetest cats at the shelter. True to his breed, his stature is long and lean, with ticked reddish-colored fur with blue undertones, erect prominent ears, and big expressive golden eyes. Rummy came to the shelter because he has very severe food allergies that his previous owners could not control, because he kept getting into the dog’s food and their toddler shared human food with him. The allergy manifests itself as a very severe skin condition, which can be controlled by a strict diet of prescription food and nothing else. Is he worth this little bit of trouble? You bet. Rummy is exceptionally friendly, reaches out for you with his paw to say “Hi”, purrs up a storm, and will climb up on you to get more one-on-one time. This guy is a total charmer. We are looking for a very special home for this boy. Rummy needs to go to a family that is familiar with the breed, he must be the only pet, and the family should not have small children who want to share their food with him. Additionally, Abyssinians need a lot of attention from their owner, so he is not a cat for someone who is gone large parts of each day. If you are interested in meeting this gorgeous boy, why not come by the shelter during adoption hours or call to make an appointment.”

People for Cats
Phone: 508-540-5654
Shelter address : 44 Beagle Lane East Falmouth, MA 02536
Email: pfcbeagleln@aol.com

Abys in Need: Rocko in Acushnet, MA

Another homeless Abyssinian right in my own back yard, I’m afraid.

“Rocko is 7 years old. Male purebred Abyssinian. He has a big personality but lovable.

If you are interested in adopting Rocko, please call 508-994-0220 or e-mail cricket13@comcast.net.

Rocko is available through C.A.R.E. Center for Animal Rescue & Education in Acushnet, MA and is eligible for their Senior for Senior Program; he can be adopted for a reduced fee to seniors over age 55.”

And look! He even likes to dress up!!

Abys in Need – Rocky in PA and Two Gentlemen in the UK

A couple of Abys need homes…first this fine American fellow:

“This is Rocky, he is available for adoption through Northeast Abyssinian Rescue. I am fostering him in the greater Philadelphia area. He is a beautiful boy full of Abytude who loves to give me lots of head bumps and purrs. He is a bit on the high strung side and will do best in an adult only home or one without small children. His thoughts on dogs are unknown. He enjoys visits from my Abys so I believe he will do fine with other cats. He is 7 years old, just had a dental and is in good health. If you’re interested in Rocky please email us at NEAbyRescue@yahoo.com and we will send you an application.”

And then, in England, we have these two elderly gents:

“Two 15 year old neutered males desperately needing a new home.

There are two 15 year old Abys in very urgent need of a new home as their owner is getting remarried and his new partner is allergic to cats. The Abys are currently in a cattery awaiting their new home. One is blue and one is sorrel. One has IBS well controlled with diet, and the other arthritis. The cats are in Gloucestershire, but the owner is prepared to deliver them if necessary.

If you feel you could offer these two a home for their retirement, please contact the Abyssinian Club Welfare Officer, Harriet, by e-mail: welfare@charriet.co.uk or ring her on 0208 669 1655

Abys in Need – Alexy is still in Salisbury, MA

You may recall that last week, I posted about poor, 10 year old Alexy, whose family moved to England.

Well, she’s still there. According to the email I got via the Adopt-an-Aby network: “Alexy is a ten-year old, female, purebred Abyssinian. She was given up for adoption on May 2nd or 3rd because her family moved to England. Alexy had only lived with this one family during her lifetime and has not adjusted well to being at the shelter. She is a sweet, gentle cat, but is quite unhappy. She is in a cage all the time with little room to move around and cowers at the back of the cage when approached. The shelter had been told by the family that Alexy was friendly, social, and healthy.

She is at the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society (MRFRS), 63 Elm Street (Rt. 110), Salisbury, MA 01952, Telephone (978) 462-0760. Her photo and information regarding her are not included on their website which shows the cats at the shelter available for adoption.”

Come on, New England! Doesn’t anyone want an Aby?

Abys in Need – Alexy in Salisbury, MA

Poor Alexy!

Alexy is currently at the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society in Salisbury, MA. I get a lot of people asking me where they can find a rescue Aby in New England…well, here’s your chance!

“This beautiful girl is a purebred Abyssinian. She lived the entire 10 years of her life in a home so she’s a little scared to be here at the shelter. Nonetheless she’s very sweet, quiet and loves attention. Her loving family is moving out of the country and are not able to take their beloved kitty with them. She is a beautiful, healthy, girl of 10. Alexy is very friendly and social and would love to find another loving home that could keep forever this time!”

According to the rescue, her humans are moving to the UK and either can’t or don’t want to put her through the move. Which is sad, but in this case understandable: even though the animal importation laws aren’t as harsh as they used to be, they’re still fairly strict.

You can fill out an adoption application online, visit the shelter in person (they are located at 63 Elm Street, Salisbury, MA 01952) during their adoption hours, which are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 11am – 4pm, Thursdays 4pm – 7pm, and closed on Sundays and Mondays), contact them through their Facebook page or through Petfinder or you can phone them at 978-462-0760.

Abys in Need: Alicia in NY & Mocha and RubyRed in Los Angeles

Rescue Me has a few more Abys available for adoption, this time in Southern California and New York.

Alicia is in New York (not sure where) and her story is rather sad: “Alicia is a gorgeous and friendly blue Abyssinian cat. I’ve had her since birth but now I’m moving to NY and cannot have pets where I’m going to live. She is healthy and active. She’s 10 years old.”

Yeah. No comment. If you’re interested in adopting Alicia, her Rescue Me ID number is 15-02-09-00225

Mocha and RubyRed are being assisted by S.C.A.R. (Southern California Aby Rescue), and have been posted on Rescue Me. “Mocha is a 6 year old ruddy female seeking a new home without other cats or dogs. She is very high energy and needs someone with Aby experience. Local adoptions please. For more information contact Marla at SoCal Aby Rescue.”

RubyRed is a special needs Aby: “Are you looking for an aby with a softer side? One that loves to cuddle in bed and give face kisses? One that will purr the entire time you get your face washed? Then look no further, for I am your girl. I am only about five years old and have the most beautiful red coat EVER! Please don’t be put off at first if I don’t warm up to you. I will act coy and evaluate you. Once I accept you, watch out… I will be an attention magnet. Even toys will not deter me from just wanting your undivided love. My purrfect human must have lots of patience because of my shyness. Unfortunately I have ended up with many allergies. If given the wrong food (and I do like my meals), I will scratch myself raw. My foster mom gives me those little cans of Fancy something with turkey and I lap it up. Because of my special allergies I have to be the only one…something about eating from the other cats’ dishes?”

According to S.C.A.R.’s website, RubyRed is actually located in Las Vegas. If you would like more information on her, contact Marla at SoCal Aby Rescue.

Abys in Need – Kovu in Orlando, FL

This lovely boy showed up in a Craigslist ad yesterday:

“I have an Abyssinian in need of a new home. He’s a very sweet house cat, weighing about 10 lbs. His name is “Kovu” (also responds to “Coco” ~ his nickname).

Unfortunately, he is not friendly with other cats. He is somewhat dog friendly, but definitely means to let the dog know who’s boss. I acquired my dad’s Plott Hound when he died, and the two have been fighting lately. However, he is fine with my 3 month old puppy.

He is great with children who are gentle with him, however he can be flighty and hide a bit if he’s chased. (For example, he hides under the bed when my little sister comes over because she chases him around, trying to pet him.) He mostly likes to just sit on the couch and cuddle, and loves the occasional play session with strings.

Kovu is neutered and up-to-date on all of his vaccinations, and you’ll be provided with all his paper work when you come to pick him up. He’s also on Trifexis and is due for another round in 10 weeks. You can also have all of his supplies (toys, bowls, and travel crate), including his automatic litter box.

His rehoming fee is $100. I love my cat. I wish I didn’t have to give him away, but as it stands now, I can’t keep him. Especially since he’s not getting along with my dad’s dog. I want to ensure that if anyone takes him, they’ll take good care of him.”

Our friend Kristen, on behalf of the newly-formed Northeast Aby Rescue (NEAR), is assisting the adoption through Rescue Me:

“Northeast Abyssinian Rescue is assisting Kovu’s owner find him a new loving home. Kovu is a calm loving 8 year old neutered male Abyssinian. He has never lived with another cat. He lives with 2 dogs but isn’t getting along with one of them. Kovu is currently located in central Florida. All applications will be considered. If you would like to know more about this sweet boy, please send an email to neabyrescue@yahoo.com”

Kovu is in the Orlando, Florida, area if you know of a home that needs an Aby in it.

Abys in Need – Yes, ANOTHER one! Hendriz in San Antonio, TX

Would you believe…there’s another Aby in a shelter? This time it’s a Fawn in San Antonio.

“Pet ID: A324710, Spay/Neuter”

There is not a lot of information on his Petfinder page, but he’s at the Animal Care Services Division Of San Antonio, 4710 State Hwy 151, San Antonio, TX 78227, 210-207-6666.

Abys in Need – URGENT! Harley in Orlando, FL

Oh, this is just too sad. Poor guy. And you know “due out date” is probably a euphemism for the “E” word…It looks like his front leg may have been injured, too.

“Animal ID: A313516 Room No.: WCI21

Hi, my name is Harley. I am an approximately 9 year old ruddy and white neutered male. I am fearful and I weigh approximately 7 pounds. I have been at Orange County Animal Services since Monday, March 16, 2015. My due out date is Sunday, March 22, 2015.

Find out more about our adoption process here. Each animal may be available for adoption, pending acceptable temperament testing and a health screen.

If you are looking for me, please come to Orange County Animal Services
at 2769 Conroy Road, Orlando, FL. The phone number is (407)836-3111.”

I know people on the Aby Facebook Club are working on getting him out, but I wanted to share him here, as well. Florida is really bad for older pets – especially cats – being turned out to fend for themselves when their humans die and the children come down to take care of their parents’ belongings. The adult children either don’t realise how much the cat meant to their parent, or they don’t care…but it happens a lot down there.

Abys in Need: Leo and Ruby in Oakland, NJ and a STRAY Aby in Orlando, FL

This is apparently a brother and sister, bonded pair. They are neutered/spayed and declawed.

“Leo is a fawn colored, purebred Abyssinian. He is extremely affectionate and seeks lots of attention from his family. He is very bonded to his,Ruby, and they should be adopted together.”

“Ruby is a red colored, purebred Abyssinian. She is an independent, sweet and quiet girl. She is very bonded to her brother Leo, so we would like them to get adopted together.”

All it says about them beyond that is to please contact Carol at 1-914-589-4575 for more information.

Now, THIS I have no words…It just turned up on the RescueMe website this afternoon. “Beautiful, young Abyssinian who has been hanging around my house. Very timid, but each day gets more comfortable. Not certain sex. One eye appears to be cloudy- blind in eye?. Have three rescued indoor cats and can’t take this beautiful, sleek creature. Please consider.” The photo really does look like a purebred Ruddy, too. I do know in Florida when elders go to nursing homes or die, their grown children frequently just turn their beloved cats out to fend for themselves because “that’s what cats do.” It’s terrible. I hope someone can help this poor Aby. For more info, contact Nan Farrell at (716) 708-5929.

Abys in Need: Kameo in WA and Sheba in AR

Two Abys turned up on Petfinder this morning, one in Port Townsend, WA and the other in Witter, AR.

First we have Kameo, who is currently a guest of The Humane Society of Jefferson County, WA

“Hi! My name is Kameo! I’m a beautiful petite purebred Abyssinian. I came to the shelter because I was unhappy living with a different family member and her THREE male cats. I’d like to be the only cat with people who are home a lot. Abyssinians are very active, intelligent and curious, and they desire feedback, interaction and even some training. I like playing with toys and using my scratching post. I’d also appreciate a cat tree to climb on. I am 8 years old, spayed, micro-chipped, vaccinated, treated for fleas and ready for my forever home! Come see me today!”

If you are interested in Kameo, please contact the shelter through Petfinder.

The second Aby is Sheba, who is at the Blue Moon Cat Sanctuary. Her posting on Petfinder states that she is “a purebred Abyssinian with papers,” she’s five years old, and apparently she is a retired breeder.

“Hello everyone. My name is Sheba. Yes, like the queen. I am a queen too. I’m fully grown and still a little petite. Abyssinian’s are know to be a little shy at first. But watch out. After I warm up and feel comfortable I’ll be all over you. We are also known for our burnt orange or rust colored coats. I arrived here at the Blue Moon from a breeder. Thank[fully] those baby-making days are finally over and I can settle down and enjoy some quality lap time.”

Sheba’s adoption fee is $150. If you are interested in her, just call 479-677-3021 or 479-738-8754.

Abys in Need: Fawn in Dallas needs a Foster Home

This is kind of sad…just got this a couple of hours ago from the Aby Rescue list:

“Perhaps you can help me. The bottom line is I had a heart attack just over two weeks ago and I have an Abyssinian cat, Fawn, that I feel could find a home where she would be better cared for. I am crying writing this with the thought of it and the only way I am going to be okay is feeling like she going to a better home. I can’t just put out an ad and hope to find someone.

Her last blood work was good. She will overgroom her belly. My vet has me feeding her hypoallergenic food.

She can also rub her head sore from trying to mark things when, I think, she’s feeling insecure. She is around 13 lbs. Hopefully, I can find someone who has more experience with cats than myself. Although she gets lots of attention, I stopped dragging around play toys and I know she could do with more exercise.”

Fawn (who is a fawn) is in Dallas and her human’s name is Trevor Gauden. He can be reached by email at trevorgauden@msn.com.

Abys in Need – Rescued Aby needs new human in Roanoke, VA

Brace yourselves…you’re about to become incensed. This came through the NAR Aby Email list and somehow got netted in my spam weir; it was originally sent last Friday.

“We rescued an Aby from the kill shelter in Roanoke. The shelter had her on the kill list because she had not eaten since she was brought in and was losing weight. Since I have had her, she is eating like a little horse and is gaining her weight back.

Her owner (who lived in Roanoke) passed away and no one in her family wanted her. In fact, her owner’s son brought her into the shelter, slammed the carrier down on the counter, and said, “My mother paid a thousand dollars for this F****** cat!” He said she was 5 or 6 years old.

She is now up to date on her shots, spayed and I am looking for a good home for her. She is a ruddy, very friendly, outgoing, a little talkative.

Can you help me find a good home for her?”

Can you believe that? Poor woman dies, thinking her kids will take care of her beloved Aby…and this is what happens. Incredible. And she’s the same age as Jacoby! I wonder who the breeder is – I’m sure they don’t know about any of this.

If you’re interested in this poor girl (I don’t know her name or have a photo of her), please contact Sandy Scheurer in Beford, VA at 540-586-8735 or email her at sansiaby@aol.com.

Aby-a-Day – January 17: “Shelter” (Saturday Photo Hunt)

This week’s Photo Hunt subject is “Shelter.”

Angel spent a few days in a shelter in California before the rescue was able to get her into a foster home. I don’t know the full story, but apparently her breeder contacted the rescue and then, before the rescue could help her with her cats, she took five of them and dropped them all off at a regular, county-run, old-style “pound.” And then when the rescue came to get her cats, she told them what she’d done. California has a 72-hour hold rule, so the rescue couldn’t get these five Abys out for three days. Angel was one of these cats. She was only about 6 months old at this time, too. I think this was before she lost her eye.

After this, Angel spent 10 months in her foster home. At first, it was fine, and she was living with a pack of other foster Abys and the resident cats. One of the resident Abys, though, a senior female (I think she was the oldest cat in the house), took a dislike to Angel, and she ended up living in an upstairs bedroom with another Aby friend. And then, when I brought her home…well, Tessie wasn’t the most welcoming.

All of this happened eight years ago, but the scars run deep. Angel is still very…different from most Abyssinians. She’s still definitely an Aby, but she’s been affected by her early experiences. Sometimes I wonder why they call them “shelters.” They don’t seem to be very sheltering.