A Day in My Life in Animal Rescue

So, it's hard to quickly sum up a day in my life—at least my own! Let me take you through it...

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• Full-time Work: I juggle a full-time job along with overtime, all in an effort to make ends meet.

• Morning Rush: I wake up to a flood of emails and messages from people seeking help with various situations, including:

  • Strays

  • Abandoned pets

  • Hoarding cases involving animal control

  • Owner surrenders due to illness or passing of a pet parent

• Vacation Days: I often use vacation days for back-to-back vet appointments or travel for specialists, like those in Allentown or Malvern, or when urgent medical issues arise.

• Responding to Needs: I strive to keep up with:

  • Responding to inquiries

  • Screening applications

  • Documenting intakes and veterinary care for each foster

  • Worrying about fundraising to cover medical expenses and supplies

  • Managing daily care tasks like laundry, cleaning, scooping, and feeding

• Volunteer Coordination: Ensuring we have volunteers to help at the adoption center and looking for more to assist with behind-the-scenes tasks and events is crucial.

• Medical Care: This includes:

  • Administering medications

  • Vaccinating, microchipping, deworming, and flea treatment

  • Evaluating fosters with other pets for suitable permanent placements

• Coaching Adopters: I also coach adopters on proper introduction techniques and tips for their new furry friends.

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The Realities of TNR

When doing TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return), you never know if you're dealing with a true feral cat or one that requires some socialization.

• Velvet: A black kitty we rescued in October 2024 from a TNR site is still learning to trust humans. She purrs and enjoys headbutts but will hiss and isn't ready to be picked up yet. We believe she prefers indoor life and is grateful for care, but she’s not a “normal” adoption candidate at this time.

• Cindy: Initially thought to be a kitten due to her tiny size (under 4 lbs), we rescued her because of a tail injury. However, she is actually a petite adult, around two years old, who is FIV+ and had a URI. After tail amputation, she was still not handleable, but she is beginning to learn it’s ok for a human to hold her. Baby steps of course but, we’re finally at that stage of testing the waters. She’s learning that pets are okay and is now showing interest in toys and scratchers like a typical kitty.

 

Unexpected Medical Cases

• Bart: Rescued as a baby last summer with both eyes shut due to URI, he became adoptable but soon faced new eye issues requiring entropion eye surgery. After healing, he was diagnosed with FIP and is now undergoing treatment, making him an ongoing medical case. This not only affects our medical budget but also the supplies needed for one foster.

• Spencer: Part of a litter from seven years ago, he suddenly became ill and was diagnosed with a rare liver shunt condition. He requires daily medications and a special diet, ultimately becoming a sanctuary cat.

 

Hoarding Situations

We’ve dealt with several hoarding cases. While some cats show immediate issues, many suffer silently from malnutrition and unsanitary conditions. They often turn out to be the sweetest, most appreciative companions once they receive love and care.

• Augusta & Tallahassee: These two kitties are still searching for their forever home after we assisted animal control with a cruelty case involving over a dozen cats.

• Dexter: Some hoarding cats have severe medical issues that may prevent them from being adopted. Dexter, for instance, was rescued from a homeless situation with over 20 cats in two dog crates and now suffers from lifelong respiratory problems.

Each day presents its own challenges and rewards in the world of animal rescue, and even though it can be overwhelming, the love and gratitude of these animals make it all worthwhile.

 

Loss

Binks: She is not fond of other animals and is selective with people. Binks has been a part of our family for quite a while, and although she's only about 5 to 6 years old, she was recently diagnosed with fibrosarcoma. We consulted an oncologist for guidance, but unfortunately, there is no treatment available for her condition. We will ensure she remains comfortable as long as she is happy and free from pain or discomfort.

Curley: Curley joined us after both of his owners passed away within a week of each other. He was always an only pet and, being older, was diagnosed with a heart condition during his stay with us. Despite undergoing procedures at the emergency hospital to drain fluid, along with medications and a special diet, he ultimately lost his battle before finding a new home.