Death Row Deadline - Step One

It is often said, we do not choose our animals, our animals choose us.  I am a firm believer this is true.  Time, circumstance and fate is what brings us together with our four legged or two...furry or feathered soul mates.  Whether it be the loss of a pet that opens our home for another one or one that shows up on our door step there are forces beyond our control that unite us with the pets that we need and that need us.

So, here begins my journey with my first "Death Row" rescue. Sal.  I am hoping to give an honest and heartfelt day by day recount of the journey that Sal, who will be soon have a new name with his new life - in the hopes to inspire and encourage people who think that rescue is "too much work"

Sal entered Brooklyn ACC on May 12, 2013.  Here is his posting information, in which I did not eve bother to read.  I saw a picture of a "feral" cat, tranquilized into submission.  His weak eyes even through a computer captivated me and I knew a new chapter in my life had just opened up.  I knew I had to have Sal, that Sal belonged with me.

Brooklyn Center
SAL - ID#A0965079

... I am an unaltered male, white and br tiger Domestic Longhair mix.
The shelter staff think I am about 4 years old.
I weigh 11 pounds.
I was found in NY 11225.
I have been at the shelter since May 12, 2013.

MALE, WHITE / BR TIGER, DOMESTIC LH MIX,4 yrs
STRAY - STRAY WAIT, HOLD FOR DOH-SCR Reason DOHREQUEST
Intake condition NONE Intake Date 05/12/2013, From NY 11225, DueOut Date ,

Medical Behavior Evaluation RED
Medical Summary SCAN NEGATIVE BRIGHT, ALERT, RESPONSIVE, HYDRATED dirty, matted coat; moderate tartar/ gingivitis and calculi Aggressive; striking, hissing & growing abrasion on forehead from attempting to get out of trap abrasion on lower eye lid; injured nails and nail pads sedated: 0.2ml telazol IM for exam
Weight 11.0 

I scanned through his intake information.  I am no stranger to the feral feline, and Sal was something I could handle right now.  My home is small and already full enough for us with 3 large breed rescue dogs, 3 rescued cats and 3 small children -- 5.5, 4 and 2 - with another one due in November.  Yes, we have a full house - but it is a happy home.

I immediately sent a message to my friend Trish and began sharing and sending pleas all over Facebook to bring Sal to me.  Everything happens extremely quickly at the ACC.  Cats are listed and killed beginning 6am the following morning.  My saving grace - was his DOH hold (Department of Health) because he scratched someone.  Most people think I am insane for taking a chance on an aggressive animal.  The people who know me, understand why - perhaps that will be another blog.

After a lot of chaos, a lot of calls and emails - Hudson Valley Animal Rescue and Sanctuary stepped up to help both me and my new pal, Sal.   Karen made the pull.  Sal was still on DOH hold, but once it was released - he was mine.  We did it!  We saved...ONE.  It always begins with one.

After an eternity of waiting, Sal went in to be neutered on Wednesday May 22 - and will be heading out with the Mayor's Alliance for arrival at is FINAL destination.  HOME.

And so, tomorrow, the journey will begin.  A cat tagged as feral, aggressive and as most would see him - hopeless.  I see opportunity for healing.  It will be a long process.  Sal has been betrayed by humans and it will take him a long time, if ever for him to once again trust.  My goal is for him to find safety, solace and peace at my home, now his.  My hope - is for a friendship.  I am pleased with either result.





"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" ~Lao-Tzu

Sal, tomorrow - STEP ONE







I would like to take a moment to mention there were TWO cats that day to be pulled, but Fuzzy - a chocolate long haired female, with an adorable left hind leg of beige was not as lucky.  By the time HVARS was able to get a hold of the ACC to make the pulls, Fuzzy was already euthanized.  I don't know how many cats are never given the chance, but it was my first failure as a rescuer and I cried for the soul I couldn't save.  The grim reality is there will be more losses in my life of animal rescue and rehabilitation, and no - I will never be ok with that.