2016 What A Year!

What also made 2016 an amazing year is that we have the most spectacular supporters around. I honestly can't get over it. You all truly rock. Like seriously rock. We couldn't have done any of this without all of you. I know I say this over and over, but I really do mean it. I don't know how many times, I just shook my head in my hands, but then one of you showed me why I continue to go on doing rescue. Our rescue relies strictly on donations and you guys came through time and time again. Thank you for believing in us. Thank you for being a part of our family.

I can't wait until 2017 and I can't wait to blow this town out of the water. Chicago hasn't seen anything yet. We will continue to be a force that drives through this town and we hope you join us for the ride. It sure in the hell is going to be a good one!!!

With that being said, if you would like to make a year end tax- deductible donation, you can do so here https://www.crowdrise.com/whiskers-and-tails-rescue-foundat…. Crowdrise gives us 100% of your donation. However, if you would like to make a donation via paypal, you can also do that here https://www.paypal.com/donate/…
 
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. We look forward to continuing to make a difference in the many lives of the cats of Chicago in 2017 with you by our sides. xoxo

Helping A Community Cat - Wicker Park

Just got home from dropping off a feral shelter and food for this handsome guy. Someone sent us a message about a cat sleeping on a porch in a cat bed in the Wicker Park area. It's obvious this cat has taken up residence on this property so we thought he needed a shelter that would really protect him from the elements. The gate is locked so I had to lift the feral house over the 6ft fence. I also left them a bag of food with my number. The cat was there sleeping in the cat bed when I arrived, but moved when I approached the fence. He ran over to the cat food bag as soon as I left. I didn't see any food bowls. Hopefully this will help them. I hope they contact me.

Happy Holidays From WTRF

We know that Santa came early this year for Driver and Stetson. They were indeed on Santa's good list. The WTRF family hopes that this Holiday season brings you love, peace, and happiness. We thank you for the goodwill and cheer that you have brought to us through out this year. We wish you and your families a warm and wonderful holiday and bright and happy New Year.

WTRF Shoveling Snow For Eldery Caretakers

Yesterday we spent the day going from colony to colony to shovel out snow and create clear pathways from feral shelters to feeding bins. We also did food drop offs to some eldery caretakers. Once that was complete, we went all the way to Lincolnwood to bring a feral shelter and food to help a 75yr old woman with her ferals.

WTRF still traps in winter. We believe in getting a head of kitten season.

This woman is caring for 2 ferals, one came into her house this week to whom she named Bella. We assessed Bella and believe she is semi-shy and will definitely come around with socialization. She is about 7- 8months old and has been fed since she was a kitten so she is not in total fear of people. I was able to pet Bella and she nudged her head into the pets.

We will be trapping bella and company this week.

 

Winter Tips To Keep Your Ferals Warm

With the Chicago temperatures plummeting to -20* we would like to remind everyone of some safety tips for your ferals.

1. Use plastic bowls for food & water.
Stainless Steel bowls should be replaced with plastic bowls in winter. Many people use stainless steel water / food bowls to help lower bacteria accumulation. However, stainless steel transfers cold. If your ferals touch the frozen bowl after drinking water from it, they're tongue or mouth skin can accidentally get attached to the bowl. However, if you are using a heated stainless steel bowl you should be okay. 

2. Pet friendly Salt to Melt Ice.
Regular Icing Salt that contains sodium chloride or calcium chloride can burn the paw pads and can be extremely harmful if ingested. Some other options that are safe is Safe Paw Non-Toxic Ice Melter Pet Safe. You can also use sand, but it won't help to melt the ice. Another great tip that I use is, after shoveling, lay down Styrofoam sheets near your colonies' feeding / sleeping area. Styrofoam stops the transfer of freezing cold from the concrete ground. Also, it is light weight and very easy to pick up to brush off any snow that may have fallen on it. Shovel and lay it down again.

3. Build a warm insulated feral house.
There are plenty of plans that you can find online to build a feral cat shelter. We truly believe the double bin plan with insulation in btwn is the best and provides maximum protection. Always stuff the inside bin with straw. Never stuff it with hay, blankets, or newspapers.

4. Solar Pool Covers.
You can find cheap solar pool covers on craigslist, sometimes free if there is a rip. I drape the solar pool covers on the tops and sides (not on the opening side) over my feral bin shelters. The Solar Pool Covers helps bring heat. Just remember to remove them when it starts to get warm out again.

4. Feed dry food. This will help your ferals to pack on weight which will provide them with more body insulation.
If you follow the above WTRF tips, your ferals will thank you. If you have any tips that you would like to share, please post them under this post. Remember, sharing is caring. Stay warm out there!

Stetson's Story - A Friendly Deaf Cat, Relocation Gone Wrong

Many of you have asked about Stetson's story and what it is. First and foremost we would like to say, that we are so happy that we are even able to have the chance to tell his story because its definitely one that should be told and shared with everyone. His story will at least have a happy ending, but unfortunately, there are others like him who won't.

I first want to thank some people; To my awesome team Melissa, Theresa, and Jamie who spent countless of ridiculous hours and days with me in Lower Wacker to help save him. My undying love and gratitude to you all, thank you for seeing this through with me and not giving up. To Ellen of Catvando TNR and Margaret for allowing me to borrow their drop traps on this mission, To Dave for all the drop trap video tips and putting the fear in me, even though I broke all the rules.To all of our supporters who sent their pawsitive vibes our way. Thank you everyone. And now on to Stetson's story...

Trap-Neuter-RETURN, Trap-Neuter-ADOPT this is what we believe in. This is what we practice. Then there is Community Cats at Work. This is not something that we have practiced and although we see the benefits of this ONLY if a cat or colony is in imminent danger. We believe that with relocation comes the responsibility of doing the relocation correctly. When I first saw the pictures provided of Stetson before we went to try to save him, I noticed his left ear looked like it was tipped, the signature sign of a TNR cat. I prayed that it wasn't. How can a TNR cat end up in Lower Wacker Drive? Well upon his save, he was indeed ear tipped and microchipped. Doing much research on Stetson's story, we found out that a very well known shelter that practices Community Cats at Work, relocated cats to Lower Wacker Drive. We find this to be utterly disgusting.

It is our opinion, that NO cats should EVER be relocated to any place remotely even like Lower Wacker Drive. We find this despicable and completely unacceptable. How can anyone in their right mind think that this location is an acceptable one for a cat to live in? There is No answer to this question that we would find to be an acceptable one to why you would relocate a cat down there. The locations are underground with no light and no fresh air. The locations are filled with grease dumpsters and exhaust fans. No cats should ever live in such an atmosphere with those conditions, EVER. NEVER, EVER, EVER.

Just from the amount of time we spent down there in a car waiting all those hours, our clothes reaked of smell, our eyes took a long time adjusting when we would leave and go out in the day light. These cats do not get to leave, they live there full time. What do you think they go through? it's deplorable. Stetson had rashes all over his stomach, hind legs, on his back, etc because of these conditions. Is this what is best for him? I think not. Stetson nor any other cat that was relocated there should have ever have to go through this. There are better options.

Rescue is supposed to be just that, rescue. It's supposed to be about doing what is best for the animal, not the $300 fee that goes along with the cat. It's not supposed to about the notoriety of the save. People need to start being held responsible for their poor decisions and this is a big one. People need to start questioning others and their decisions and standing up and saying this is NOT acceptable. We need to protect the future of other cats.

I want you to look at the pictures of where Stetson was living and you make the decision if you think it's okay for a cat to be relocated there? Do you think it's okay for a cat to live in these conditions? We are sure there will be some backlash regarding our post, but we don't care. We are here to do what is in the best interest of these cats. We have to be a voice and we are willing to fight tooth and nail for these cats and them getting the best care that they deserve. They are not 2nd hand citizens. What is wrong is wrong and this my dear friends is wrong. It's as simple as that.

Since Stetson has been in my care for 5 days, he continuously lets me pet him and makes biscuits the whole time. He also falls out of his basket bed when doing so. I'm pretty sure he would agree with me that the life he just left behind, was never a life that should have been chosen for him in the first place.

Stetson's Vet Visit

I brought Stetson to the vet this morning and had the works done on him.

He had a full exam done. He was given a shot for rabies and distemper, snaptested for fiv/felv, he came back positive for FIV. We had him de-wormed and treated with revolution for fleas even though we did not see any. We had a full blood Senior Wellness Panel done on him to which we will get the results back in a few days. We had a ringworm culture done that will be back in 2 weeks even though there was no glow, which you can't always go by. We also had a Cytology test done to check for any bacterial infections and he was given an antibiotic injection of Convenia. We had his nails clipped and his ears cleaned. He weighs in at 13lbs. And lastly, I had all of his hair completely shaved off.

This poor baby has a major skin infection all over his stomach and behind his legs and some on his back, which explains why we saw him consistently trying to groom himself. We aren't sure if the rash/scabs are a bacterial infection from all the grease and shit he was laying in under the dumpsters. The vet also said they can possibly be burns from the grease. We aren't sure which is why we had the Cytology test done.

 

My heart broke and I cried for all that he has been through. I was able to hold him today when he was under his knockout drug and it was the most amazing feeling to finally be able to give him the love that he deserves.

This poor cat was living under grease dumpsters in Lower Wacker Drive, living amongst the rats. He didn't get to see sunlight and he didn't get to breathe fresh air. He lived every day in fear with all the crazy that was down there. I literally feared for my life when I was there and I only spent 2 weeks down there. I can't even imagine how he has been living this way for so long. That should NEVER of happened. He should NEVER of had to live that way, not even for a day. We are still researching his story and we will get to the bottom of it. I promise him that.

He is currently with me at my house sleeping in a warm bed where he no longer has to fear, where the air is fresh and where he can see the difference between day and night. I will help him rehabilitate and show him the good in the world. He has a long road ahead of him. He has many future vet appointments ahead of him. We look forward to putting that horrible life of his behind. He has already started anew.

If you would like to make a donation in Stetson's name and help with his future care. You can make a donation to our Crowdrise fund at https://www.crowdrise.com/whiskers-and-tails-rescue-foundat… We will continue to update you on his road to recovery.

Here are some photos of his vet appointment from today. Not for the faint of heart.

Stetson - Lower Wacker Cat Finally Trapped

After spending countless of hours in Lower Wacker for the past 2 weeks, I would finally like to introduce you all to Stetson. In the coming days, I will post an update with his story.

Anthony The Mysterious Can Food Feeder

I'm beyond exhaustion. I work a full time job, 9.5hrs a day and have continued to try to trap our Lower Wkr Cat. Spent time there last night from 10p until 3am. There was so much demo/construction going on we were unsuccessful. We did see him, but there were no opportunities. By the time the construction crew left at 2am, the cat was hiding and tuckered out so we left.

Every Saturday, I get up in the am and go out to feed and check on a bunch of colonies. I don't own a car, yep thats right, so I take an Uber everywhere and walk. I got a call from the old man who feeds our Division colony. I was so glad to finally meet the mysterious can feeder. He called me to let me know they were out of food. I took an Uber over and brought him 3 cases of can food and a 25lb bag of dry. Anthony is older and puts all of his money towards these cats. We stood outside and talk for an hour in the cold. He told me about another colony and was nervous to tell me, but I earned his trust.

We walked over to the colony and we saw momma, dada, and her 3 cubs. I told him I would go home and bring him a feral shelter after I went to feed all the other colonies. I went along my way and did so. I called him to have him meet me there when I was on my way back and he was so gracious.
We are both happy they will have a nice warm place to sleep and we will put a plan into place to trap these cats and get these babies into a foster home.

I'm on 3hrs of sleep and want to go back out to trap the Lwr Wacker cat. I'm looking for help with that tonight. I just got home and need to spend some time with my fur kids, but would like to get out of here by 6p to trap. If you are interested let me know....

Here are some pictures from my day.

PAW It Forward - Feral Freedom

Since we are so small, we don't have a lot to give, but we do believe in Pawing it Forward. WTRF provided transport and the TNR vetting for these feral cats so that Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control could pull them from Chicago Animal Care and Control (Our City's Pound) and save their lives. Please meet Hemi, Plymouth, and Mae. They are currently at The Anti-Cruelty Society getting their TNR services. #FeralFreedom #PawItForward

Stetson - Lower Wacker Update

Since Tuesday, we have spent approximately 24hrs at the Lower Wacker trapping site. This does not include the time we spent traveling and setting up traps. We were there at the following times;

Tuesday night from 7pm-10pm
Thursday night from 10pm until Friday morning 7am
Saturday morning from 4:00am-11am
Saturday night from 7:00pm until Sunday morning 2am

This cat is not food motivated and we had some close victories. We were quite sure he/she was going to go into the trap last night. But alas, fail once again. This poor cat has grease all over his fur and is clearly uncomfortable. The whole time we were there last night/this am we watched him.her consistently trying to groom its horribly matted fur. We are so devoted to trying to get this cat. We are going to try to set up another plan in place.

Unfortunately, we are unable to trap during the week due to our day jobs. If you are willing to help with this project, please contact us. Once the cat is trapped we will have him/her brought straight to the vet. This cat has a hold on our hearts. He/She needs to be saved. If I could, I would live there until we got him. To be honest, this past weekend we pretty much did.

Stetson - A Lower Wacker Cat Rescue

After spending time with our families for our Thanksgiving celebrations, Melissa and I went out to try and trap this cat. This cat is in a very desolate area and definitely NOT an area that ANY cat should be in.

We were out there from 10:00pm until 6:00am this morning. We were persistent to get this cat, and were waiting for him to show up. We didn't want to leave, nor could we leave, because we had traps set. What do you do when you are trapping for 7hrs and you literally have no where to go to the bathroom because you are in a desolate area? You pee in flipping cups. Ummm yeah. I said it, we peed in flipping cups. #gross

The cat finally showed up early this morning and was scared and ran away. We waited for a bit more time and decided that it was time to pack it in and get some sleep and personally we did not want to have to continue to pee in a cup. #gross. Btw, did I mention that the car battery died? Yeah that happened too. So finally we got to my place, took a 3hr nap and headed out to go feed colonies everywhere this mid-morn.

If I ever hear someone say we aren't legit, let me ask you, what have you done and have you ever peed in a cup to catch a cat? Yeah. Btw, we will be going back out at 4am this Saturday morning to try and attempt to catch him. Maybe this time there will be a stop at Walgreeens to buy some Depends. #notlegitmyass #haveyoupeedinacuplately?

Happy Thanksgiving, So Much To Be Thankful For

The Whiskers & Tails Rescue Foundation has so much to be thankful for, It has been an amazing year. We are especially and most thankful for all of you. Our supporters, our volunteers, our colony caretakers, and to everyone in the community who have shown nothing but support and so much love not only to us, but to our community cats. We could never thank you enough and I can say without a doubt, there is only one other group that is more thankful for you then us and that would be the cats. From every bit of our hearts and theirs, Thank you. We love you and wish you and your families a Happy Thanksgiving. xoxox.

Feral Families Enjoying Our Feral Cat Shelters

With the temperatures dropping and as the winter season takes effect, we are soooo happy that everyone is sending us pictures of their feral families enjoying the warm feral cat shelters that we made. If you have one of our feral winter shelters, please feel free to post pics on our page, we love seeing them!

Another great Whiskers & Tails tip that we do and have suggested to caretakers, is to lay down Styrofoam under your shelters and under the area where you feed. The Styrofoam acts as a barrier from the cold concrete and protects your feral families paws from getting frost bite. If it snows, its also easy to pick up and dust the snow off. You can see in 2 of these pics that one of the caretakers did exactly as such.

It truly warms our hearts to see so many people caring for the cats in their areas! You guys rock!

Meet the Campell 41 Colony

We received a TNR assistance request 2 weeks ago from a man name Dave who is caring for 8 adult and 3 feral kittens and needed help. He is one of the most amazing, positive, happy people that I have ever met. He's truly incredible. We went out to assess the project site and we only saw one cat. We asked Dave to set up a feeding schedule in the evening so we can get a trapping plan in toe. We went back a week later (last Saturday) and met with Dave and saw 3 cats. We brought him feral houses, food, and traps. We zip-tied the traps open and placed them in different areas in his yard. The 3 cats we saw started to go in them to eat right away. We instructed Dave to strictly to feed out of the traps only and that trapping would ensue only a few days later. 

Four days later... This past Wednesday night, 4 cats were trapped and the next morning they were vetted at The Anti-Cruelty Society and received their TNR services. Last night, the last additional 4 cats were trapped and brought to The Anti-Cruelty Society this morning for their TNR vetting services. We currently only have 3 kittens left at this project. The 3 kittens are 7 weeks old and are too young for s/n so we will be putting them into foster care. If you would like to foster for us, please contact us at info@whiskersandtailsfoundation.org We are so happy to have provided Dave with help and get his colony taken care of in only 2 days. He really is one of the sweetest people that i have ever met and he is so good to his colony.

Thank you to Dave for being so accommodating and eager to take direction, and of course to the Whiskers & Tails Transport crew Liv, Trudy, and Jamie, you ladies are phenomenal! Love you. Now, I want everyone to meet the Campbell 41 Colony... Star, Junior, Baby, Happy, Blackie, Bootsy, Woodsy and Kibbles.