Shelter Cats and Redemption

  On this date, and day, back in 2000, I met Tyler for the first time at Little Shelter.  How is it possible that this was TWENTY ONE years ago?   Here's the story of how Tyler and I met.   We pick up from almost the exact moment I first laid eyes on the greatest cat that ever lived.  Shelter Visit: Friday, December 8th, 2000: My escort to the cattery was a shelter employee named Gayle.  Or Gail.  I never asked how she spelled it.  Anyway, she had 9 cats and was the resident expert on every cat.   “What are you looking for?  Any specific color?” She asked, obviously expecting a snobby Long Island answer.  Apparently on Long Island (Lawn Guyland) people matched their pets to their decor.  That always pissed me off.  Match their PERSONALITY to your decor, not the color of their fur! “I’m looking for a cool, friendly cat.  I still live at home with my parents, so we prefer one already declawed.” “Oh, we ha...

Originally written in May 2015.  September 11 th .  2001. That day of days.   I was working at the time at BAM: the Brooklyn Academy of Music.  Even then it was what a former girlfriend referred to as “hipster doofus.”  BAM is a Brooklyn performing arts institution.  Modern dance, modern arts, from what I understand they put on great shows.  I did see Pete Townshend there once.  I, however, can't dance. I look like I’m making wine when I dance. STOMP STOMP STOMP.  It isn't pretty.  The rest of the area had yet to become the hip downtown Brooklyn it has since become.  I grew up walking distance to the Cyclone, so I remember the REAL Brooklyn. I remember the real bagels and the real bialys.  Do you all know what a bialy is? The Barclays Center?  Nope, it was a parking lot at the time. What was I doing there you might ask?  At the time I still thought I could make a career out of working in Museums.  The truth ...

The Tucker Tooth Extraction Fund: Phase Two! Now, phase 2 begins.  Tucker has finally gotten past his pesky ear infection, which means it's full steam ahead with his tooth extraction.  Tucker's tooth must come out in May to avoid a major, life threatening infection.  The cost to extract Tucker's tooth is between $1,200 and $1,500. The bills for the ear infection alone are well over $600.  I cannot and will not let anything bad happen to my Tuck-man.  Please donate if you can and share if you can't! Donate on Facebook here:  https://www.facebook.com/donate/846178132779768/ Donate on PayPal here:  paypal.me/tylersowner

Donate to  The Tucker Tooth Extraction Fund! Those of you that know me knows what Tucker means to me, coming from the same line of cats that brought Tiger and Jackson.   Now Tucker needs your help! Tucker has had a few health issues over the past few weeks.  First, an ear infection, and a stinky left ear, that has been plaguing him is in the process of being dealt with, thanks to strong, but not cheap, anti-biotics.  He's a tough cat, and a trooper, so I am hopeful the meds will do the trick. Next up, the tooth, the tooth, and nothing but the tooth.  Once the ear infection is resolved, Tucker needs an expensive tooth extraction. Turns out his tooth, on the upper right, is badly infected and will have to be extracted within the next 4 weeks. Without an extraction, this infected tooth can spread to the entire right side of his face if left untreated.  Nothing is cheap with vet care, and this is no exception.  The cost to extract this tooth is $1,500! Ple...

 Hey there blog fans, here I am.  Back with only my second blog of the year.  Sorry I've been blogging less and less these days.  I just don't have it in me like I used to.  I keep dabbling with the idea of shutting this down, but....so far....have stopped myself.  So, here's a bit of new content for ya.  So let's tackle the question: Why do Tucker and Jackson have March in common? That's easy. For starters....March 2nd marks 4 years since he left Little Shelter for the last time and came to live with me. His first....and last....forever home.  How in the hell have four full years flown by already? Also easy.  They do when you're having fun.  Tucker is the anchor of my household, how 5-cats strong.  He's as solid as it gets, as sweet as it gets, and as cat-friendly, as it gets.  Adopting Tucker was the best thing I've ever done, and certainly the highlight of 2017. I couldn't ask for a better successor to Jackson.  Speakin...

Coming soon to no theaters anywhere... The Bean Boy & Ramona Christmas Spectacular! Happy Holidays from Shelter Cats & Redemption!  

Tyler, my first and still best cat ever, would have turned 21 today. The sixth year without being able to celebrate your birthday with you. Birthdays with Tyler would involve very expensive cat food, some turkey or chicken, and a new toy. Life remains incomplete without you, despite the fact that I am surrounded by loving cats. I love to imagine what he would be like if he were still here and still in charge. I expect that he would be loving being the "elder statesman" of the colony. Happy Birthday old man. I love you, I miss you beyond words, and I cannot wait until we are together again. Say hi to Tiger and Jackson for me. As is my annual tradition, here's a re-post, or re-blog, or re-whatever, of the first three chapters of Tyler's story. Enjoy! 1. "I understand, you need something to love." Animals never did well in my home as a kid.  Even before I was born.  My parents had a German shepherd named Knappie (named for Napoleon Solo from The Man from U...