Talk about feel-good stories
By Christie Keith
January 19, 2008
I’m reviewing a book for the Pet Connection syndicated feature. I don’t get much room for those reviews, just enough to give readers an idea of what the book is about. And I’m not going to “spoil” the review for you here.
I just wanted to share a small excerpt from the book itself, because it took me by surprise and gave me hope, and I thought it might brighten your hearts, too.
The book is Bonnie Silva’s “Fifteen Legs,” and it’s the account of the nationwide network of animal rescue transporters who move dogs, cats, and other animals from areas where they’re unlikely to be adopted to foster and forever homes.
But this post isn’t about rescue transport, nor even Silva’s book. It’s about a network of cat lovers caring for a feral colony in Newburyport, Mass. The cats live in a waterfront area full of expensive shops and restuarants, and were becoming a nuisance, stealing food off the diners’ plates in the summer, and mewling pitifully outside the restaurants in the winter.
Several residents went to the head of the local Chamber of Commerce, herself a cat lover, and suggested something be done to help the cats, and in 1992, the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society was formed.
And all that’s very wonderful and heartwarming, but it’s not the part that made me cry. This is:
We have twelve feral cats living on the waterfront right now that are fed out of four feeding stations by thirty-five devoted volunteers who are there twice a day feeding and caring for the kitties. The volunteers are all between twelve to fifteen years of age.
Twelve to fifteen years of age. Go give those kids some love.
love sent! great that kids are involved. our city shelter has a program with high school kids. they write a newsletter at the end of the summer and it makes me cry every time. i guess i’m not that jaded after all ;)
Comment by straybaby — January 20, 2008 @ 2:20 am
When I heard about the homeless marine veteran who lost his wife and son in a tragic accident and that was living with his DOG in his car in O degree weather, and that the Mom of Marine Vets in Florida is going to call a Mom of Marine Vet in Colorado to help him out, I cried, not for the Marine Vet but for the DOG who will also get help, I assume. Just cry every time I think of the story.
Comment by Colorado Transplant — January 20, 2008 @ 11:32 am
Just wanted to add—I heard the story on the Ed Shultz show and Ed is continuing to keep up with the outcome. (Progressive Talk Radio).
Comment by Colorado Transplant — January 20, 2008 @ 11:35 am