Conference misery::feline

    That is sooo courageous of you! -to stop and help a poor kitty on the
    verge of using up all nine lives!  I don't know if I would have such
    courage; I would be too afraid of hurting the poor baby more by moving
    him even though it would help him in the long run.
    
    Anyway, I just want to say to all of you who rescue these beautiful
    lost housetiger souls:  I admire your strength!
    
    I haven't ever come across any furfaces needing rescuing during my
    adult life (before that, mom was always there to help), but I would
    like to think that I would have the strength to do whatever needed to
    be done.  The easy path is to look the other way or pretend you didn't
    see the kitty by the road or the skinny kitten with a lost look on its
    face; and, unfortunately, too many people take this path.  I hope I
    never do.
    
    Oops, forgive for gushing! :^)
    
    This tabby boy will be in my thoughts today; I hope he pulls through
    with flying colors.
    
    Best,
    Michelle

    Good for you, Pat!  What a saint!!  Even if he doesn't make it, at
    least he will pass from this world in the hands of loving, caring
    people instead of suffering by the side of the road.
    
    Lots of hugs to you,
    
    -Roberta
    

    Way to go, Pat! 
    
    ng

    Please don't be too soon to judge that nobody has called looking for
    this cat.  If one of my cats was missing at this very moment, how would
    I know if I'm sitting at my desk?  (I am assuming the owner(s) work).  

    You might want to call other surrounding vets to let them know of the
    cat and it's condition/whereabouts.  If the owner does try to find him
    at least he/she will have a lead in doing so.

    Please call a local newspaper and ask them to run an ad regarding the
    cat hit by a car and give the vet's number in Bedford to call.  That
    way there if it is someone's cat and they are concerned, they will know
    the real story.  I pity some poor kid wondering where his little Fido
    has gone off to and not knowing if he'll ever return.  :^(  Newspapers
    will run these kinds of ads for free.  It's a good thing to do, whether
    or not the cat lives.  

    Geeze Pat, I hope you don't have to cover the expenses for this poor
    thing.  Too bad the inconsiderate *(@&#@ that hit him wasn't around so
    you could hand over the bill.   Is this your vet that you go to or was
    it just the nearest one open this morning?  

    Well, if it wasn't for the lady who stopped before me to take him out
    of roadway, I can say he wouldn't have lived this long.  I'm just glad
    I came by at the right time.  Usually it's turtles or birds that I've
    stopped to help but this is the first "live" kitty.
    
    You're grooming table cover came in handy, Roberta.
    
    Pat
    

    Yeah, I read that and thought, "Geez, what an awful way to christen the
    grooming stand!!"
    
    All kidding aside, I'm happy it was used for a good purpose, and hope
    this kitty baby makes it.
    

    .4
    
    The State Police and Animal Control Officer were also notified about
    this cat this morning directly from the vet's office so if someone
    calls asking if a cat of that description was found, they can refer
    them to the hospital.  However, should the cat survive I am not too
    sure the cost of care/surgery would be affordable by owner.  Again, I'm
    simply going by the area he was found in and the fact he was not
    neutered.  
    
    Also, on the same note of cost, if a lot of expensive surgery is
    required, I'm not in a financial position to take on any more than I
    have already; I have 8 of my own plus a horse I board and a 19 yr. old
    dog I support though she lives with a friend now.
    
    This vet was open early and I do know they've taken in lost and injured
    animals before and placed ads in the local paper for same so I'm sure
    that will be taken care of for this poor cat too, provided he makes it
    in the next 24 hours.
    
    Thanks for your thoughts and concerns everyone.  As I said, he's a
    sweet cat and it would be wonderful if he could come through this okay.
    
    Pat
    

    .6  I had just washed it Saturday too but I couldn't think of a better
        way to christen it.  
    
    

    Pat, since you found him on the turnpike, it's only appropriate that
    he gets named Everett. :^)

    I rescued a dying baby once.  I worked in the rental office at the
    apartment complex I live in, and one of the cleaning ladies found this
    cat and put it in my office. I saw it, "Oh what a cute little
    baby!...." wrong. cronic lung infection, eye infection...the poor thing
    had gotten out and got caught in a storm.  she was about 8 weeks old. 
    I took her to a vet who lived in the complex and he basically told me
    that if she did make it, it would be alot of money. I was crying so
    hard!! I couldn't do it,because I didn't have the money, and I have 2
    babies of my own to worry about.
    
    Why can't we save them all? It's not fair. I know what you're going
    through, and sending hugs to you and that poor baby.
    
    shannon

    Good for you, Pat!  Please keep us all posted.  If the vet bill is
    significant and you can't find the owner, send me mail and I'll send
    you a donation.
    
    I'm glad there are people like you out there!
    
    By the way, Bedford Animal Hospital is my vet.  I think they're
    excellent and have a great deal of trust in Drs. Sofield and DiPrima.
    
    Deb

    
    Thanks, Deb.  I'll give update tomorrow after I talk to them again.
    
    Pat
    

    I just called Bedford Animal Hospital re. this poor cat and I was
    informed he died during the night.  Poor baby is in kitty heaven now.
    
    I want to thank Deb and Karen for their generous offers to help
    financially.  The technician I spoke with thanked me very much for
    bringing him in and there would be no charge for his care.
    
    Pat 
    

    Pat,
    
    I'm so sorry to hear that.  I know it's not much comfort right now, but
    at least he died knowing that someone cared.  Instead of dying by the
    road lonely and scared, he had people who cared around him, and now
    those same people will grieve for him.  I'm sure he's in heaven now
    purring his thanks and watching over you.
    
    You're one of a kind don't ever change.
    
    Kim

    Pat....I too have done this many many times...every time I see a baby
    in the road I get out of my car and at least move them to the grass so
    that they don't get hit again.   I then usually call the Dog officer in
    the town to let them know that they are there.    It hurts like h*ll
    and I have tried to NOT stop and help and I just can't do it.  I will
    always turn around and go back.  
    
    He is in heaven now and he died knowing that he was loved and that is
    the most important thing to any living creature...knowing that they
    were loved...
    
    Bless you
    
    
    Linda

    Pat...bless you for trying to help this baby.  
    
    Sandy

    I would have done the same thing.  Unfortunately most of the cats that
    I have moved off of the roadways have been dead already.  One was right
    outside of DEC one night around 5pm.  I still think about him.  He was
    still warm - but not breathing!  I was so upset!  On Continental Blvd -
    which isn't supposed to be a Hwy - but people drive fast anyway.  I
    cried as if it were my own (thinking about if he were mine).
    
    Sonia