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Some call this time of year, the "season of miracles." No matter whether you celebrate the birth of a savior, the miracle of the lights, or you just feel that it's a miracle that you survived the mall, there are certainly small miracles going on all around you, when you volunteer, foster, donate or help spread the word about rescue. Each adoption is a miracle for that cat, the miracle of being saved from euthanasia, the miracle of finding a forever home, and forever love. Those miracles come only with hard work on the part of every volunteer, foster, donor and supporter. For our volunteers and fosters, it can be easy to lose perspective at this busy, hassled time of year, easy to have your holiday spirit squashed under the constant onslaught of people looking for Christmas kittens as gifts, easy to forget, on a weekend when the adopters seem to have forsaken PetSmart for the mall and "only" a couple of cats were adopted, that through your support we're saving the world, one cat at a time... and easy to forget that each save is, indeed, a miracle.
This season, we bring you an amazing story of 3 miracles - and one cat.
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According to the American Humane Association, about 1 out of every 3 pets go missing at some point in their life, and approximately 10 million cats and dogs are lost every year. Only 15.8% of dogs and 2% of cats that make it to the shelters are reunited with their owners. No matter how careful people are at keeping their cats inside, the statistics suggest that it just happens. That’s part of what makes the story of Kim – technically, “Kim 2”… a miracle.
Kim came to FFGW from the Upshur County Humane Society, an all-volunteer shelter in rural West Virginia. That was her first miracle, as cats in Buckhannon, WV do not have a high adoption rate. FFGW tries to work with such shelters, and for some of our partners we are their only option when a cat has overstayed his or her time. When you rescue hundreds of cats a year, and don’t always get to name them, duplication of names is inevitable. Although you won’t see it on our website, a number is assigned in our database so that we can distinguish between cats of the same name. And so, our second Kim, “Kim 2,” went to an experienced foster in Leesburg named Lindsey (not the only FFGW Lindsey, but since humans typically have last names Lindsey doesn’t have a number!) where she was loved and socialized and where, one very unfortunate day in April, Lindsey’s dog burst through a window screen to join his people on the neighbor’s deck, and Kim followed him out.
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Lindsey panicked. FFGW mobilized, Lindsey’s entire neighborhood mobilized, and together with Lindsey we searched, and put up flyers, and contacted local vets and shelters, and searched, and searched, and searched… and did not find Kim. Lindsey did not give up, but spring turned to summer, and summer turned to fall, and as winter approached, hope for the little black cat dimmed, although Lindsey looked for Kim every single day. |
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Six months later, in late September/early October, and 15 miles away in Purcellville, a kind woman named Liz noticed a small black cat hunting along the tree line in her back yard, a cat no neighbors knew. The cat would run into the woods whenever Liz or her family stepped outside, but she began feeding her and trying to win her trust. The cat would peer into the house, and eat in the outdoor cat house LIz provided, but would disappear when people were outside... |
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...until the beginning of December, when, Liz tells us, "I was outside just as it was getting dark and she came strolling into the yard so I approached and this time, she didn't back away. I got within about 20 feet, sat down, and let her approach me gradually until she finally let me pet her! It was totally her choice and she had the cutest meows as if she wanted me to help her. Over the course of the next hour, I led her up our deck stairs and into our bedroom with treats."
Liz took her to the vet – where her microchip was scanned and told them she belonged to FFGW and her name was – “Kim 2.” Somehow Kim, who limps from an old, healed break in her leg, traveled for 6 months and 15 miles to find another angel.
We were called, and honestly, we’re surprised you didn’t hear us screaming and yelling and jumping up and down for joy. (It was the talk of Lindsey’s holiday party!)
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Two miracles – rescue, and being found… and Kim’s story had yet another miracle in store…
Kim was now in her forever home.
The woman who found her loved her.
Three miracles – three gifts, if you will. It’s a miracle – well, three miracles – that warm our hearts.
FFGW microchips each cat and kitten prior to adoption, typically at the time when the animal is spayed or neutered. Pet microchipping is a process that involves placing a tiny RFID device, about the size of a grain of rice, into the soft tissue. This microchip lies dormant until it comes close to an RFID scanner. When it does, it transmits a unique reference number to the scanner, along with details of the microchip provider. This reference number relates to a database entry that contains personal information so that one can be contacted in the event that a pet is found.
Only approved professionals can obtain this information, and only if the owner has given permission for the microchip provider to share it. Otherwise, the microchip provider will contact the owner directly to let you know that your pet has been found. It is important to keep this information up to date and contact the microchip provider if you move or transfer ownership of your pet.
Exact statistics vary, but on average, microchipped pets are as much as 50% more likely to be returned to their owners than those without a microchip. Or, in the case of Kim 2... now "Zephyr" because she blew in on the wind from Loudoun... more likely to let your rescuers know that you’re safe, and loved, and home! |
| | | A Quiet Little Miracle
Our Year-End Letter will be arriving in your mail box as you read this, and in it we tell the story of a cat named Pico for whom your support enabled FFGW to provide a miracle - an unlikely rescue, and the gift of love, a real home, and a couple years of life that could only come from the miracle of compassionate fosters and loyal supporters.
Not every story in rescue has a happy ending, especially for an elderly cat in a shelter whose chances of adoption are slim. For Pico, though, we hope that you will see that his story truly is a happy one... you can read our Year-End Letter here:
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| | | | The Combined Federal Campaign is an effort through the United Way for Federal Employees to participate in charitable giving. Under the auspices of the program, employees can select from a wide array of charities for giving.
In past years, a dedicated crew of volunteers has attended events at area Federal agencies, and spoke about FFGW. This year, some charity events will be virtual, others in person.
We need your help with two things:
Speakers!
People who can participate in the in-person or virtual events and talk about FFGW, our program, and how important giving through the CFC is to our mission.
A Videographer!
We have the opportunity to have a one-minute video uploaded to the CFC website, so that people can hear about us even outside of these virtual events. If you have some video skills, and can help us put together some video that we already have, a voice over that we'll write, and compliant captioning, we would absolutely love the help!
If you can help with either of these things, just reply to this newsletter.
Also, this month, we ask that if you are a federal employee, you list FFGW as a recipient in your agency’s CFC/United Way campaign:
(CFC#26212; United Way #8911).
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| | Featured Cats:
Rex and Roo are brothers who are looking for a home together. They love to play and wrestle, and to snuggle in bed with their people. They have lived with cats, cat-friendly dogs and children, and do very well with all.
Rex, the more outgoing bro, is the leader and Roo follows him everywhere. They are constantly making their foster family laugh with their playful antics and sweet, gentle dispositions.
Rex and Roo came to FFGW a few years ago and were adopted by a wonderful family where they were very happy. Sadly, their family was transferred overseas and concerns about approvals to move in and out of various countries with cats resulted in the boys being returned to FFGW.
These two boys have had multiple homes since they were rescued, and are very much hoping for a Christmas miracle of a true forever home. They are currently our neediest kitties due to the amount of time they have been in foster care Come meet these snuggle bunnies today!
Please submit an application - or tell your friends about Rex & Roo today! |
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Check Us Meowt! On Social Media!
Facebook, Insta, Twitter?
We try not to overflow your email inbox, and most months send just one Newsletter with a deep dive into all that's going on at FFGW, and some fun cat-centric stuff - but you can find out all the rescue happenings closer to real time on our social media! (And of course... see a lot more cute kitty pictures!)
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter below!
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Shop & Rescue!
You can shop and also help FFGW at the same time, by making your Amazon purchases through our "smile" link!
Use the button on the left for anything Amazon, select the Feline Foundation of Greater Washington as your designated charity. Your price doesn't change but a percentage of your purchase goes to FFGW!
In 2021 we received over $1000 through the Smile program, which donations were enough to provide 3-4 spays or 5-6 neuters - for an entire litter of kittens!
Thank you!
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I Feel Like Something Chewy!
Actually, not that chewy, but "Chewy"!
www.chewy.com is a pet product company specializing in home delivery of all things pet-related. FFGW has a "wish list" which you can find here:
Any products you select from our wish list will be delivered directly to us for use at our adoption center at PetSmart and by our fosters!
If you're new to Chewy, we'll even get a gift certificate for bringing in a new purchaser. It's a great way to help us in our mission to help the kitties!
Thanks to everyone who has donated food, treats, litter, beds, toys... Chewy's platform doesn't allow us to see the names of our generous donors, but please know that your support is very much appreciated! And if you drop us a line and let us know when you donate something, we'll be more than happy to send our thanks!
This post contains affilliate links. FFGW may be compensated if you buy something after clicking on these links. |
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| We've Gone Home!
Adopted in November (22)
Ezekiel, Erin, Tommy, Addie, Big Mac, Fiona, Tuesday, Monica, Morgan, Bo, Skittles, Bobbie, Sam, Oakley, Tigger, Misty, Mina Goliath, Mouse, Winston, Myles & Myst
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Adoption Fairs
Leesburg Weekly Fair Leesburg PetSmart - Sundays 11 - 1 pm
Next Event: Sunday January 8
--Midweek Adoptions by Appointment for Cats in the Center--
We need volunteers to help care for the cats at Leesburg! Contact Brittany@ffgw.org
Looking for a new cat for your family? Get pre-approved for adoption by filling out an adoption form online today.)
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