09/11/2021
Hi there, folks. This is our newest addition, Bumblebee. I realize that I haven't posted in a very long time, but my situation has been very uncertain. Some of you may remember that I was looking for a new place to live a year ago. I really didn't know if I was going to be able to stay in Luquillo, or in Puerto Rico, for that matter. So, I didn't feel comfortable posting about my "mission" when I wasn't sure that I would even be around. That doesn't mean that I haven't been finding kittens on my doorstep! I currently have 8 kittens of varying ages that still require surgery, not to mention about 10-15 adult cats who depend on me for food.
The past 18 months or so have been difficult for all of us. Personally, my housing crisis really effected my mental state, and for a while, I was very depressed. I've also been dealing with my son, who spent several months in the hospital due to a MRSA infection that first moved into his heart and lungs, and later reappeared in his spine. As a result, he is now basically a paraplegic, and I have been caring for him since he was released from the hospital on June 29th. As I am disabled myself, this has been a big adjustment, especially since the place we are living in is just not set up for someone with his needs. We don't even have a wheelchair ramp, but since we are going to have to move at some point, it just doesn't seem practical to install one.
I've also had a lot of car problems. I'm now on my third car in less than six months. I finally was forced to take out a personal loan to buy an older minivan. Once we are in a house that is wheelchair accessible, I will be able to take my son to appointments and improve his quality of life. I will also be able to attend events like the Palmers Farmers Market as Island Cat Oasis. And most importantly, I can finally realize my goal of starting a TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release) program in the Luquillo community, and begin to end the overpopulation of cats in our area. Fingers crossed, the minivan will continue to run well, but I must find a source of income so that I will be prepared when repairs are needed.
In a way, Covid has been a blessing for me. The eviction and utility shutoff moratorium has bought me time to find alternative housing. Thankfully, I have finally found a new house to move to, and we are working towards making that a reality. Sadly, I'm not going to be able to take all of the outside cats with me, but I will be close enough to come feed my "colony" every day. The stimulus payments have also been vital for buying foods for the cats, and getting them the medical treatment they need. But that money is gone now, and half of them still need their shots. All eight of them still need to be spayed/neutered. Three of them are female, who are long overdue, and risk becoming pregnant soon.
So, I am asking for your help to get these kittens the treatment and surgery that they need. I hope to have several kittens ready for adoption by December 11th, when I will have a tent at the Palmas Farmers Market in Humacao at the Wyndham Palmas Beach and Golf Resort. But I'm not holding out an empty hand. Bumblebee is helping to introduce my new "Tingler Tees" which will be my "gift" to you for a donation of $30. I will be creating a separate post tomorrow, showing the front and back of each unique, hand painted and dyed shirt. And I will have other "gifts" ready to share for smaller donations soon. In the meantime, if you wish to donate, you can do so through PayPal (friends & family, please) at [email protected], or through Venmo -Pfeiffer. Thank you!
