My Good Deed for the Day
Today I am doing something that I’ve never done before: I am helping to transport two older cats from a foster home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to their forever home in McAllen, Texas. The trip will take two days with the cats spending the night in Mobile, Alabama. Sera and Chloe were two of twenty cats that were surrendered to a shelter. You can read their story here in a post at Your Daily Cute.
This is Sera; she’s 12 years old.
I have always been ambivalent about long-distance transports. On top of the trauma they have already faced, they are now going to be transported for two days with multiple changes of persons before they end up at their forever home. I cannot help but wonder why go to all this trouble? Are there no cats available for adoption in Texas? Don’t get me wrong; I am happy these cats will live.
What kind of home will they move into? With long-distance transports like this, I wonder how you can truly vet the family that will take in cats in this manner. Will they go into a loving, forever home? Or are they the latest acquisition of a hoarder?
And then there is the cost. If I were to be paid for this service, it would cost around $212 for my leg of the journey (if paid at my regular rate). That would buy 8 spay vouchers at the low-cost clinic in Panama City. Which is the more prudent use of funds?
Chloe is 8 years old.
So why am I doing this?
-Because I’ve never done anything like this before and now I will be able to say that I have.
-Because I believe that with all the positive energy going into this transport, good things will come of it.
-Because, in the end, I believe we each have our path to walk, and I feel this is a part of mine.
So while you are out and about this weekend, think of those of us transporting these two ladies to their new home, and offer a prayer for them to have a happy and healthy future.
January 12, 2013 at 5:09 AM
Your ruminations at the end chime entirely with my sense of life and my values. It reminds me why I follow your Blog. You will get benefits from this journey beyond measure, as you already know. It is inspiring to know someone, if only on the web, who can be so mad, so sensible and so inspiring: all at the same time. God bless you
January 12, 2013 at 5:39 AM
What beautiful cats……I hope and pray that they are truly going to a home where they can enjoy their later years in peace and quiet. God bless you Miss Jen and Rumpy!
Kitty Hugs, Sammy
January 12, 2013 at 6:00 AM
We each feel called to do what we can, and this is part of your calling. You may find that you’ll want to do more transports or you may decide to direct you energies in another direction. They say life is a journey – and this case it has a literal, as well as a figurative meaning. Good Luck!
January 12, 2013 at 6:22 AM
What a good thing you’re doing! Both these kitties are lovely, but, oh my, that Chloe is a doll. Will be thinking of you, wishing you safe travels and that Chloe and Sera are heading to the most wonderful, loving home they can imagine.
January 12, 2013 at 6:25 AM
Good for you! My friend volunteers for a labs for rescue group and has a lab that was brought to NJ from Alabama. They did a home visit and had her complete a thorough application and interview process. I’m sure these two cuties are going to a loving forever home and you’re part of making them feel happy and loved.
January 12, 2013 at 6:43 AM
Jen I have had similar thoughts about long distance transports…but then came the time when I had a senior female Lab to place & the home that wanted her was over 1500 miles from where we were in Wisconsin…It took a lot of work to coordinate, but in the end it was worth it for all involved…I learned that in rescue it pays to stay open to all possibilities
January 12, 2013 at 6:55 AM
That is so nice of you to do that. I often wonder about why they need to be moved as well and Texas always seems to have so many homeless pets already. I would understand it more if there was someone waiting for them with a home. A safe journey.
January 12, 2013 at 7:05 AM
Thank you so much for helping to transport Sera and Chloe to their new place where they hopefully find their lovely forever home.
What you’re doing now is one of the greatest things for poor animals, Jen. We very much appreciate of it.
I don’t understand how come the human who dumped them could do that if I look at their innocent cute faces.
I pray and keep those lovely Sera and Chloe cats in my thought to find their forvere warm house.
January 12, 2013 at 7:26 AM
All of you who are involved with pet transport are complete angels!!! The work that Dorian has done and ALL OF YOU just makes me want to cry. Safe travels and huge ((((hugs))))))
January 12, 2013 at 7:46 AM
That is so wonderful and we have so much respect for you to do that! Good luck!
Oink oink,
Katie and Coccolino the mini pig
January 12, 2013 at 7:49 AM
Awesome! Such pretty kitties. Safe travels! WOOF WOOF
January 12, 2013 at 8:07 AM
Safe journey girls.
January 12, 2013 at 8:19 AM
One of the Little Women of Worsham Street is very involved in dog rescues and if the other Peeps in her group are as wonderful as she is, those are some Lucky Pups making their way across the USA and Canada. Good for you! The Red Man salutes you and hopes the C-A-T-S arrive safely.
January 12, 2013 at 8:23 AM
They’re beautiful, and this is such a mission of love, I don’t see how anything but good could come of it! Happy thoughts and prayers for a safe trip will be sent your way.
January 12, 2013 at 8:39 AM
I know with Greyhounds, transporting often happens for various reasons. Sometimes people have already adopted a littermate and want to give the pup a home, sometimes the dog has special needs and the right home for that dog is far away, and in some areas, finding an adoptable dog doesn’t offer as many choices. Usually with Greyhound transports, you have to have an adoption group on your end willing to vouch for you and agree to take the dog in if a surrender becomes necessary. Say you need a cat-safe dog and the small group near you is full of dogs that are high prey. Those are just a few examples I can think of.
When I was at BlogPaws they gave some staggering statistics about cats who end up in shelters. Finding new homes for cats hasn’t evolved in the same way finding homes for dogs has. As I sat listening to the presentation, I found myself wanting to go to the shelter and get a cat, even though that’s not feasible here at our house right now. lol I think people who start thinking outside of the established box for cat adoption are going to start helping to make great strides for them. While I tend to feel a lot like you do about finding a pet locally, I also am realizing that some thinking has to change to help cat adoption become more successful, so maybe you’re on the right path! I wish them both good luck and safe journeys to all involved in their transport!
January 12, 2013 at 8:48 AM
I hope the two ladies will be happy in their new furrever home – I send you a kiss and a BIG, BIG THANK YOU
January 12, 2013 at 8:51 AM
This is a great story. Have a safe journey!
January 12, 2013 at 8:52 AM
You are doing a fabulous thing and I agree with the positive energy bit. I understand the rest of your concerns but at least these two will hopefully have a wonderful new forever home. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
January 12, 2013 at 9:21 AM
I agree – all of you involved ln pet transport are angels. I’ve been involved at times because off a distress call on Twitter looking for a new home for kitties that are losing their current home for one reason or another., Quite often a Twitter pal takes them or knows of someone who will take them. In either case I have always felt good knowing the animals really are going to a good home.
January 12, 2013 at 9:48 AM
It’s so cool you’re doing this… it’s going to be a grand adventure and I hope you write about how it goes!
January 12, 2013 at 9:48 AM
Bless you for making this journey for these dear souls. I assure you, there are plenty of cats available for adoption here in Texas but with stuff like Petfinder.com folks don’t have to be restricted to just local rescues, shelters etc. This is a blog of about some fantastic people who’s life mission is the safe transport of our animal friends in every shape and form all over the world. If you need some pointers about the trip may be you could get some help from them! http://animalcouriers.wordpress.com/
January 12, 2013 at 9:49 AM
Very provocative post and excellent questions and insight. In the end, all we can do is hope that these acts of compassion, in whatever capacity they are, collectively add up to a better world and a contagious spirit from others to help animals in need.
January 12, 2013 at 10:14 AM
Your kindness is inspiring…what goes around comes around, I think.
January 12, 2013 at 10:56 AM
You’re my hero
January 12, 2013 at 11:04 AM
Bless you Jen!! I used to do transports quite frequently a few years ago and while there are always questions about it, I always felt very good about what I did and the animals I helped. Time and money now issues I have but I still praise those out there who are road warriors. The animals are so resilient!!
January 12, 2013 at 11:10 AM
Wow, what an incredible journey all of you. I will be thinking of you all. I am so happy for these two beautiful cats that they have found a forever home, and happy, too, that they will have you to support and love them as they make the trip. I think the questions you ask are very good and thought-provoking ones. I wish you all a very safe and good journey. Thank you for what you’re doing.
January 12, 2013 at 12:03 PM
We have similar feelings about transporting shelter animals long distances when there are lots of animals closer to home needing forever families. However, a home is a home is a home. Well done you and good luck to those beauties
January 12, 2013 at 12:07 PM
How kind of you to make this journey and I hope the cats are going to a wonderful home. It does seem odd, in that all shelters, everywhere are usually overflowing with cats and generally don’t need to be imported. Have a safe trip!
January 12, 2013 at 12:09 PM
Have a safe journey! From a European perspective that sounds like a very long way!
January 12, 2013 at 12:17 PM
-Because otherwise it would be a very long walk!
January 12, 2013 at 12:27 PM
wow! how awesome of you and those that transport and care for these animals! i knew you were heavily involved in pet care,pet umm what’s the word?…activism? but i never knew that part of it involved helping the little guys get new forever homes. i had thought the same thing when i started thinking of the costs for the new pet owners, i mean are the REAL animal lovers or some horrible hoarder type as you worry about. after reading about the savannah cats from the view point of the breeders / owners i’m glad my little guy was abandoned ,so I could find him and love and care for him. he’s my baby
January 12, 2013 at 6:15 PM
You’re doing a great thing! I love long drives. They’re different with critters, because you have to stop more regularly to feed, water & exercise them (well, probably not exercising cats–that sounds like a recipe for disaster). I looked at your trip on a map–wow! That’s a real haul. I know you’re doing a job (albeit unpaid), but try to have fun along the way.
January 12, 2013 at 6:45 PM
They’re beautiful cats, and well done you! We all have a journey to travel in life whatever species we are…sometimes our happiness is best found close to or existing stamping grounds but sometimes our journey must carry us much further to the place where we are meant to be. These things happen for reasons we often cannot fathom but the end result nullifies all the potential traumas and difficulties, the doubts and anxieties about it being the right thing and the right place for us to end up. I believe these two beautiful cats are going to just the right and perfect home for them and for their new owners to go so far afield to find them they must be very sure these two cats are the one and only right ones for them. On that basis I am certain they will offer a wonderful, loving and perfect home for them. The more trouble you have to go to, and the farther you have to search for the ones that are right for you, the ever more greatly you treasure them
January 12, 2013 at 7:11 PM
We are so happy these lovely girls have found a furever home. While we completely understand the concerns that you all share regarding having to go so far, the fact is that these girls could not find a home locally, and therefore transporting them IS necessary. It is all very well and good to say that there are cats available in Texas for these people to adopt, but they were willing to take Sera and Chloe when no one else stepped up, and for that we are eternally grateful.
Lots of love, meows and headbonks from the fuzzles xxx
January 12, 2013 at 7:30 PM
What a wonderful thing to do. I understand your concern about a good forever home. I also know that not many people would be kind enough to adopt an elder ca(s) so your transportation leg is giving these two beautiful cats a chance to live the rest of their lives in a loving home. Bravo.
January 12, 2013 at 7:57 PM
How wonderful!!!!
We howl our support!
God Bless You
the collies and chuck
January 12, 2013 at 8:12 PM
You ask good questions about this issue, but I think that the deed is a good one. I applaud you for helping these two animals find a home, and all my good wishes and prayers go to this being a good home for these girls. Blessings to all involved, and may we find more reasonable solutions in the future.
January 12, 2013 at 8:31 PM
I am sending you a great big THANKS for all that you do!!! And prayers for the two girls to have happy, long, and safe lives!! xo Chloe and LadyBug
January 12, 2013 at 10:02 PM
good!
not only is my house where i do whatever, it is a (i’m fairly sure:) happy orphanage for 5 indoor cats and the three dawgz.
the dawgs “got out” today for a snowy cold wilderness hike where they chased a few rabbits. okay, we’re not realy good for the rabbits …
January 12, 2013 at 10:52 PM
My wish is that they do wind up in loving, furr-ever homes. Thank you for your act of kindness and love that allows them to have a second chance.
January 13, 2013 at 12:33 AM
I have given you the “Shine On Award” for service. This is not a “blogging” award, but an actual real-world award given to people contribute to their communities and make a difference. There are NO “requirements.” You can pass it to others you feel deserve it or not. No questions to answer either.
Please drop by: http://teepee12.wordpress.com/2013/01/13/shine-on/ and know that you really do make a difference.
All the best,
Marilyn at Serendipity
January 13, 2013 at 1:45 AM
Amazing that you are doing this for these kitties! There are plenty of cats to adopt here in Texas though. Either way, very glad these kitties get to come over here to live in a forever home!
January 13, 2013 at 2:14 AM
Beautiful kitties, beautifully written post…most especially, you are a woman with a beautiful heart. I’m so very grateful to know you, even from afar. (Diana E.)
January 13, 2013 at 3:14 AM
Way to go! (literally). I wish them a happy and healthy future.
January 13, 2013 at 3:29 PM
Sometimes when all our homes and all the shelters are full, this is what it takes to save a life. Have a wonderful trip!
January 13, 2013 at 7:02 PM
This is so wonderful that you did this. Lots of prayers for them to for a happy and healthy future. Prayer for your family, too!!! xo
January 13, 2013 at 8:05 PM
Beautiful ladies – so glad that they’re getting the chance to live, and hopefully live well. Thank you for taking the time to help with their transport, and also for posting about this. You’re awesome!
January 14, 2013 at 9:02 AM
What a wonderful thing. I’ve considered transport too but realized I really don’t want to drive a long distance. And I’ve also wondered why transport would be needed when there are homeless pets everywhere, even in Texas.
January 14, 2013 at 6:01 PM
You have a good heart. I do see your concerns
We must hope these little ones were spotted on a website and the adopters were smitten. A forever home secured.
If those are the only ones they would adopt, I guess it’s worth it to save them.
Volunteers run monthly van deliveries of big dogs from here to CO – all have approved homes waiting…we get shipments of smaller breeds from CA. Lucky babies. Could only do it with volunteers – and if they are willing, what can I say. A good home is priceless.
January 20, 2013 at 4:44 PM
Just as you feel you had a “calling”, so did the person who adopted them. When a story is posted on the Internet, be prepared for the world (including TX) to see. There was what sounded like judgement about this person in your blog, and yes there are many cats to adopt in TX but again, when you post a story the whole world will read it so be prepared to act upon those interested. Those cats have won the jackpot and what needs to be said is how grateful and fulfilled you are knowing that.
January 20, 2013 at 5:22 PM
With all due respect, I said what I wanted to say, and I don’t need you telling me what I NEED to say.
January 28, 2013 at 8:22 AM
Just pointing out the hypocrisy of your statements. Don’t ask for help on the Internet then pass judgement on the ONE person who stepped up. If you feel that strongly about pet travel adoptions then recognize your negativity and stop doing it.
January 28, 2013 at 8:49 AM
Thank you for sharing your own negativity. May the Universe bless you with peace and live.
January 28, 2013 at 9:19 AM
I understand what you mean. There are so many times I have shook my head not understanding the long distance transports. I have seen animals transported from Maine to California, Florida to Michigan etc. I have also seen where during these long distance transports something happens to put it to a halt like the weather, transport person gets sick and can’t get there to do their part and more. My shelter has transported before too but that is because the person who adopted the dog paid for that dog to be flown to their home. Only transporting that needed to be done is to drive them to the airport. I feel that if the person wants to adopt they should be willing to pay for the transport for the fastest and safest way that can be done. Long distance transports can be devastating to a animal. Especially when its hours and days on the road. I have known of 2 dogs and 1 cat that died during transport from a shelter because of stress.
I will say I do get upset when its another shelter taking in the animals and after the long distance transport happens that animal is just left to be stuck in another shelter. While there are so many other animals in near shelters losing their lives because no one stepped up to save them.
Your doing a great thing, Jen. But those of us in animal rescue understand your feelings and concerns. But as happy as we are that these two kitties have a new home to go to , there are 2 more cats in closer shelters that will be euthanized because no one wanted them.
Happy tail wag