~ Pieces of Me ~

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 07:13:00 +0000

Happy New Year!

May 2013 bring you happier times and many blessings for you and your loved ones.

I'm ready to step into 2013 and move forward ..

I'm in the Daily Courier!

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 22:08:00 +0000

Click here to read!

Very late "Kitty Tails"

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 18:29:00 +0000

I'm sorry for not keeping up with my "Kitty Tails" posts. Truth is, I haven't been to the Adoption Center since Nov. 15th. I've had a lot of things going on in my life and sadly it's kept me away from the one thing I enjoy doing. I'm hoping to be able to go back this week.

Since my last post, our lovely Callie finally got adopted (last week). She had been with us since June, so you can imagine my happiness when I hear she finally got a home! I'm going to miss Callie. It took months for her to finally ease up around us. I really got to "know" her during that time. I hope she is a happier girl now.

Last Friday, The Yavapai Humane Society had their opening for our first Photography Showcase. Three of my photos were included, along with other photos from fellow volunteers. I enjoyed being there. I've never had my photos printed, blown up and shown in public before, so it was a nice first for me. I got a lot of compliments on them.

Hope you enjoy the pictures below!

~"Pick-me-up" Mondays~

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 18:00:00 +0000

This poor kitty doesn't like Mondays, either!

~"Pick-me-up" Mondays~

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 05:32:00 +0000

~"Pick-me-up" Mondays~

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 06:10:00 +0000

~"Pick-me-up" Mondays~

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 18:45:00 +0000

My wish for this week...

Kitty Tails

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 18:25:00 +0000

I hope my readers have been enjoying my weekly "Kitty Tails" post.
I really enjoy writing about my volunteering days at the Adoption Center!

Burmese Kitten

Yesterday was a hectic day for us. We got in a litter of four Burmese mixed kittens the day before and yesterday they were getting all the attention; especially while we were trying to clean. Everyone was wanting to look at the kittens. One, named Lulu, got adopted.

I was hoping to get more pictures of the Burmese kittens but I didn't get a chance to. I was busy most of the time. I cleaned out five messy cages in Room 1 and then cleaned half a dozen food bowls, litter boxes, scoopers, and three carriers. It took me half the day to finish, leaving me very little time to spend with the kitties.

Itsy Bitsy (Top) and Callie (Bottom)

We got a nice surprise yesterday. - It turns out that Callie has a sister!

Itsy Bitsy came to us a few days ago but had been at the shelter location since June. Myself and another volunteer thought Itsy Bitsy looked like Callie. In fact, we actually had someone stop by and make the comment that they looked alike. We checked both their files and share enough Callie and Itsy Bitsy came from the same home! They were together for about fives years before being turned into our shelter due to their owners having allergies. The two sisters were separated after that. I guess somehow someone must have missed the fact that these two were related. After months of being separated, the two sisters are finally reunited!

We've been trying for months to get Callie adopted. It's been hard because she prefers to be alone and most people have at least one or two cats already. Maybe now that her sister is back, that will be change. I'd like to think Callie and Itsy Bitsy will get adopted together. I hope for that.

Flora, Mack, Denver, and Thyme

Denver is back with us. I thought Denver got adopted, but it turns out he was taken back to the shelter due to not eating. Flora is back with us, too, after being treated. Denver, Flora, Mack, and Thyme all came from the same home. They were rescued from a hoarder and unfortunately had some health problems with their teeth. All four cats had to have their teeth removed. They're on a special soft food diet now. Each one is so affectionate. The future is brighter for them now that they're with us.

Big Pappa

I finally got a picture of Big Pappa. He is one of the most sweetest cats I have ever seen. He just loves attention!

I was very happy to see that Miss Holly was out and playing. She's still a bit shy, which is why I haven't taken any new pictures of her, but she is making big progress. I'm sure I'll be able to get a few pictures of her next week.

Since my last "Kitty Tails" post - Smeegles, Lucky, Sisters Jess & Jill, Brothers Jeff & Mutt, and Jimmy & Kenny all got adopted!

Kitties up for adoption

(Cats at YHS and Petsmart Adoption Center)

~"Pick-me-up" Mondays~

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 19:42:00 +0000

In the garden ..

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 22:59:00 +0000

"In the garden, Autumn is, indeed the crowning glory of the year, bringing us the fruition of months of thought and care and toil. And at no season, safe perhaps in Daffodil time, do we get such superb colour effects as from August to November."

- Rose G. Kingsley, The Autumn Garden, 1905

Kitty Tails

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 22:16:00 +0000

Mutt and Jeff

I'm going to start off this week's "Kitty Tails" by saying .. I finally got a picture of Mutt! I didn't think I would ever get a decent picture of him. He seemed to be more outgoing this time; which was nice to see. I sure hope Mutt and Jeff get adopted together, and soon. These two boys are such sweethearts and need a forever home. They're five months old now and have been with us since July.

Jimmy and Kenny

Since my last "Kitty Tails" post - Marly, Denver, Frenchy, and Smeegles were adopted! A little black kitten (named Vickie, I think) got adopted on Thursday while I was there. She only just came to us the day before, along with two grey kittens, brothers Jimmy and Kenny, and another black cat named Big Papa - let me just say, his name fits him well.

Callie, Holly, Blackie, Sisters Jess and Jill, Lucky, Flora, and of course, Jeff and Mutt are still with us.

Lucky gets more sweeter each time I see her! She's such a lovebug!

Our dear girl, Holly, is still shy, but making progress. She has such pretty big eyes.

Vickie

Our sibling kittens - sisters Jess and Jill, brothers Jimmy and Kenny, and Jeff and Mutt are so cute to watch! I always hope for our sibling kittens to be adopted together. They have such a bond. It makes me sad when one gets adopted without the other.

Jill

Callie is getting more and more comfortable with her surroundings each week, but being at the adoption center isn't the life for her. I really hope we can find her the perfect home soon. Until then she is being loved and taking care of by the volunteers.

Lucky

I didn't get a chance to take a picture of Big Papa. He is such a talker and love attention! He has to be one of the biggest cats I have seen yet. He isn't big as in fat, he's just a big cat, period. I will try to get a few pictures of him next week.

November 2-4 is Petsmart's National Adoption Day! The Yavapai Humane Society has teamed up to get at least 40 animals adopted during these three special days. The event is being held in Petsmart's parking lot. Is your local Petsmart doing something? If so, make sure to check it out! A special companion could be waiting there for you!

Kitties up for adoption (Page)

Therapy in Photography

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 07:02:00 +0000

It was a really nice evening today. I couldn't let it go to waste, so I got my camera and headed out for a bit. - something I haven't done in a few weeks; which is odd for me.

I love getting lost in nature and capturing it with my camera. It's my therapy, both mentally, emotionally and spiritually. My dream is to be a professional photographer one day.

For more photos, please visit my Portfolio and Facebook "Like" page.

http://rchportfolio.wix.com/capturing-natures-soul

https://www.facebook.com/Capturing.Natures.Soul

One Fierce Kitty

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 20:46:00 +0000

I don't celebrate Halloween, but I couldn't resist the opportunity to make my sweet Preston look like a fierce kitty!

Please stay safe out there tonight and keep your cats and dogs inside!

~"Pick-me-up" Mondays~

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 17:59:00 +0000

Yes, they do . . .

Kitty Tails

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 17:29:00 +0000

Yesterday was a busy day. I spent 9-5 with the kitties; helping out with the cleaning, feeding, and spending time with each cat. We had six kittens in Room 1, and boy, it sure was hectic! Six kittens, running from one side of the room to the other; jumping and climbing on things. This is what I like to call a real kitten overload. It's so much fun to watch. We had a lot of people stop by just to watch the kittens and their antics.

Sisters Lily and Frenchy

We have fifth-teen cats in total. I should say had. One got adopted yesterday - a little kitten named Lily!

Lily and her sister Frenchy (the black kitten) came to us on Wednesday.

Yesterday a gentlemen came in and asked to see Lily. He said he wanted to surprise his ten year old daughter with a kitten - he had made a deal with his daughter that he would get her a kitten if she made her school grades better, and she did! All I could think about was how happy that little girl would be getting her first kitten. - I love witnessing adoptions like this one!

Blacky, Lucky, and Jeff

I spent some special time with Lucky again. She is such a cuddle-bug. She loves to curl herself up into my arms and knead me. She did something I've never seen any other cat do - she sucks on her own fur while kneading. She did that for close to ten minutes - laying in my arms, kneading me while sucking on her arm.

Brothers Jeff and Mutt are still with us. They seem to be getting bigger each time I see them. They're both very handsome kitties. I'm not sure why anyone isn't taking interest in them. I'm always getting nice photos of Jeff but none of Mutt - Mutt isn't as fond of the camera as his brother Jeff is. I'll get him one of these days.

I did manage to get a few good photos of Blacky. He is a stunning cat. Reminds me of my late friend's cat, Aldo. He's a loving guy, but quiet.

Blacky is our Cat of the Week which means his adoption fees are waived!

Sisters Jess and Jill

Kittens Jess and Jill came to us on Wednesday, too. They're such cuties! Where-ever there's one, there's the other. They stay close together as you can see in the photo. I hope they get adopted together. There was two women who came in late in the evening asking about Jess and Jill. They seemed really interested in the two kittens - I hope they will be back today to adopt them.

Denver, Pepper, and Marley

We have some new kitties in Room 2, too. There's Denver (who still seems grumpy), Pepper the kitten, Flora, Marley, and of course, Smeegles, who has been with us for a few weeks now.

Marley isn't exactly new to the center. He was with us a few months ago until he got adopted. His owners brought him back saying Marley didn't get along with their other cats. Well, Marley seems to get along just great while with us. I'm wondering if it was actually their other cat who had the problems. Either way, Marley is a handsome guy and very sweet. He will get adopted again in now time!

Pepper is a little sweetheart and knows it. I loved taking photos of her. She has that beauty queen attitude. I think she needs a better name, though. Not sure "Pepper" fits her.

Flora

Flora came from the same home as Denver, and is also related to Blinky. Actually, when I first saw Flora, I thought IT was Blinky. They're all rescues from a hoarder. I don't know the full story, but poor Denver needed some dental work. I think this is why he's acting the way he is. Flora is going in on Monday to have some work done, too.

Callie is still with us and seems more comfortable with her surroundings now. She isn't too crazy about the kittens, but has learnt to tolerate them. We had a few people stop by and say how beautiful Callie is, but all had cats and dogs already. Callie would be better in a home where it's just her. That doesn't mean she can't go into a home with another cat, but she prefers a nice, quiet home. I'm going to print out a few posters and put them up around our center. We need to get this girl adopted. She's been with us since June.

Callie

I hope my readers have enjoyed this week's "Kitty Tails"!

Make sure to visit the link below to see all of our sweet kitties.

Kitties up for adoption (Page)

~"Pick-me-up" Mondays~

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 17:29:00 +0000

The Hope for a Cure

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Sat, 20 Oct 2012 22:52:00 +0000

Cure. Hope. Love. Faith. Courage.

Every year in October, I dedicate a post about breast cancer awareness for my Grandmother who died from this horrible disease eight years ago. I never got to meet her before she passed, so the cause of finding a cure is something I hold close in my heart.

Preston is hoping for a cure, too!

Wellness checks and mammograms is something every woman (and Man) should take very seriously. It can happen to anyone and at any age, like this courageous woman who was diagnosed at the age of 21. According to the facts, 39,520 women and 450 men in the U.S. will die from this disease annually. Early prevention saves lives, so make sure to get checked. I know it's a scary thing to think about, but don't put it off. Do it for you ..and your family.

http://morebirthdays.com/

If you have a moment, check out these wonderful organizations: Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and The American Cancer Society's "More Birthdays".

With the support of thousands of women and their families/friends, these organizations help raise money to support research for a cure, prevention, and offer help to those who need medical care.

I have promised myself that one day soon I will walk for a cure in my Grandmother's memory.

http://ww5.komen.org/

http://www.avonwalk.org/

Update on Little Squrit

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Sat, 20 Oct 2012 22:50:00 +0000

I've been feeling heartbroken these last few days over Little Squirt. Yesterday was the first time I saw him since Tuesday Morning (Click Here). I'm happy to be posting this update - Little Squirt is doing good. Our neighbor has been taking care of Squirt, his Mommy, and a few other ferals that are in our area. Squirt is getting antibiotics for his eyes and will get fixed soon. Our neighbor's girlfriend said she plans on keeping the kitten.

I was told I could visit Little Squirt whenever I wanted to. I miss him so much but I'm happy he's doing good and being treated - that's what matters most.

Kitty Tails

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 17:16:00 +0000

Flower

I got some much needed kitty therapy yesterday while volunteering. I can't think of a better way to spend the day. I enjoy being with our sweet kitties. It was a really nice day. Starting with some great news - our lovely girl, Flower, got adopted on Wednesday along with a cute black kitty named Smiley!

Lucky

After finishing up with cleaning cages, feeding, and then washing out boxes/scoopers/bowls, etc, I spent some special time with a sweet b/w kitty named Lucky. She had to spend the day in her cage because she was sneezing. Lucky is a very affectionate girl. She rested herself in my arms and started kneeding me. I just know she will make someone a very special companion.

Big Boy (Now named Puma)

Big Boy (now named Puma) got adopted on Monday. His new owners came in and told us that Puma is fitting into his new home nicely! He has the whole house to himself and loves to run about. He's a happy-go-lucky kitty who seems to find fun in just about anything; except wearing his new collar! I was really happy to hear how Puma is doing. His new owners are wonderful and already adore Puma to bits.

We still have Jeff and his brother Mutt (yes, we have a kitty named that) with us. They're four months old and so full of energy. Jeff is more of a lover while Mutt likes to wiggle out of your arms and dash off.

Jeff

We have nine kitties at our Petsmart Adoption Center. Callie has been with us the longest now. She's our Cat of the Week, which means her adoption fees are waived. Then there's our two boys Jeff and Mutt, Flora, Shy Holly (who is making progress), Smeegles, Lucky, Blacky, and Denver.

Blacky

Denver is a handsome orangie kitty. I wish I could have gotten a nice picture of him. He was being grumpy (you can tell in the picture below) and wasn't going to have any of it. Blacky is also really handsome but is still shy with us. Flora, on the other hand, loves the attention! So does Smeegles, but only on her terms.

Denver isn't a happy kitty

Well, I think I've covered everypurr. Volunteering is so rewarding on so many levels. I'm really enjoying this new chapter in my life.

Smeegles

Flora

I was told a few weeks ago about a video that was put together using photos taken by volunteers. I've been searching everywhere for it and couldn't find it, until today. Some of the kitties photos are ones I've taken over the months. The song and pictures really pull on your heartstrings.

Kitties up for adoption (Page)

National Feral Cat Day

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 16:52:00 +0000

Little Squirt

I know I'm a day late writing about National Feral Cat Day, but I wanted to write something from my heart with the hopes that it might touch others and make them think.

When I think of National Feral Cat Day, I think of the several feral cats/kittens that came into my life since my move last year. Starting with a few kittens, then Ginger (Read Here), Monty, and some others. Each one came into my life and left a lasting imprint on my heart. Including this latest one, a kitten named Little Squirt. He found me last Friday; starving and covered in fleas. I spent the next few days feeding him and cleaning him up. Tuesday morning He was allowed out (not by me) and his Mother got him. My hopes was to take Little Squirt to the Yavapai Humane Society where I volunteer for, but I wasn't able to. I've not given up. I am keeping my eyes and ears open for him; hoping to see him again. I get so angry inside when I think about all the feral cats I've seen, cared for, and loved. I've seen too many suffer. It all started with one person - not spay/neutering their cat(s) and then abandoning them, or letting them go loose. Like in so many other areas, we now have a problem that will be never ending. How many lives have to suffer before a real changed is made? I know there is people out there who see this as no big deal. Perhaps some will think I'm crazy for even caring so much about it. But for me, and this goes for any animal - Dogs, Cats, etc - They can't speak for themselves. They didn't ask for this. So I'm speaking for them. Fighting for them. Loving these feral kitties is what got me into volunteering. It's a cause I'm very passionate about.

Please, if you own a cat/dog, be a true animal lover and spay/neuter your pet. Don't add to the suffering.

http://www.alleycat.org/

~"Pick-me-up" Mondays~

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 16:32:00 +0000

Wise words to start your week off ~

Kitty Tails

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 18:53:00 +0000

I didn't get to go to the adoption center yesterday. I haven't been feeling well lately and had to call in sick.

To keep up with my weekly "Kitty Tails" post, I'm going to share a story about Zella and the special friendship she made.

Zella

A few weeks ago an elderly woman (had to be in her mid-late 60s) came in and said she wanted to adopt Zella for her 90yr old Father. He had seen Zella a few days before and fell in love with her. After that, the woman said Father had watched a television program about how cats/animals and people sometimes find each other when they're both in need. The man said he felt a strong connection with Zella and needed her. Zella needed him, too. She got adopted that day!

It just goes to show, you're never too old to be a cat lover! It brought me so much happiness seeing Zella get adopted and knowing how happy that old man would be. It's a memory that touched my heart and will forever stay with me. This is part of the reason why I love volunteering so much.

Zella - On the day she got adopted

Since my last "Kitty Tails" post, our beautiful sisters, Josie and Zira, Dharma and our sweet boy Ziggy all got adopted!

Link -- Petsmart Adoption Center - Kitties for Adoption

~"Pick-me-up" Mondays~

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 16:08:00 +0000

The perfect to-do list for Mondays!

Kitty Tails - New weekly blog post

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 18:37:00 +0000

I'm going to share my "kitty tails" here as part of a new weekly blog post! It's been an amazing experience being a volunteer. I'm looking forward to sharing my stories here.

I really love volunteering for my local Humane Society. I choose to spend my Thursdays at the Petsmart Adoption Center since I'm a crazy cat lady. The day starts off with cleaning cages, feeding, washing up, then play/cuddle time with the kitties. I've been doing it for about seven months now (hard for me to believe) and the experience has been both amazing and life changing. I have bonded with kitties, earn their trust, then watch them get adopted. Some are kittens from feral Mommies. Others are adults, either previously owned or abandoned. Each have their own story, personality, and needs. As volunteers, we love these kitties as if they were our own. We take the time to get to "know" each one. In doing so, it helps us find the best homes for them. I have heard of stories that have made me smile or cry. I am so grateful to be apart of something that brings good to others, for both the kitties and their new families.

Josie and Zira - Sisters

We have five kittens in Room 1 and one shy kitten in Room 2. Each one is so cute and playful. I call it the "Kitten overload" when kittens are in their crazy, playful mode. They're so hard to resist, especially while cleaning the cages. It's hard not to want to pick one up and cuddle him/her all day long. We have two sets of siblings: Sisters Josie and Zira, and brothers Mutt and Jeff. Then there's Ziggy and our shy girl, Holly. Poor Ziggy got adopted a few weeks ago and then was brought back due to being "too much responsibility". People ... I just don't understand them..

Ziggy

Our adult kitties are just as sweet, especially the older "senior" ones. Sadly, the older kitties get overlook sometimes. If I had a big home, I would take them all, especially Callie. She's been with us the longest now. One of the reasons is; Callie is an independent girl who prefers to be a loner. This makes it hard because most cat lovers have at least one, two, sometimes three (or more) cats. Callie needs to go into a home where she can be the queen. I know somewhere, out there, is the perfect home just waiting for our dear Callie. Our kitties stay with us for as long as it takes. Some get adopted faster than others, but they all get adopted eventually.

Callie

As of now, we have 12 kitties - Flower, Callie, Dharma, Mutt and Jeff, Josie and Zira, Holly, Ziggy, Smeegles, Blacky and Big Boy.

Yesterday was the day of "Blessing of Animals", so Reverend Kimball Arnold from the St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Prescott, AZ, came down to our shelter and adoption center to bless our cats/dogs. Each one received a certificate of blessings. It was really nice watching our kitties get blessed. I asked her to bless my two cats, Twixy and Preston before she left.

Come back next week for more Kitty Tails!

I took photos of all, except Blacky - he's still a bit shy with us.

Link -- Petsmart Adoption Center - Kitties for Adoption

~"Pick-me-up" Mondays~

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 18:08:00 +0000

Is your Monday's always sluggish? Mine is, too!

Stop by every Monday for a little "pick-me-up" to jump-start your week!

Starting with these inspirational words. . .