by Lupe Gore

Feral Paws Rescue Group in Fresno shares with us some of their animal rescue adventures every month. Check out KRL’s article about Feral Paws to learn more about them. Lupe Gore is a FPRG volunteer.

It was the summer of 2012, and Paula of Feral Paws Rescue traveled to the Los Angeles County Shelter in Lancaster, CA to pick up cats who had to be pulled as their time was up at the shelter. Among the cats Paula picked up that day were two beautiful long-haired Calico kittens who were sisters. The kittens were named Ditty and Dotty, and were to be held at the Rescue until they had been spayed and fully vetted by the Rescue veterinarian, then they would be ready for adoption. However, on the day they were spayed, something went terribly wrong when Ditty didn’t come out of the anesthesia and had to be revived. She was in a coma for some time and had to have continual monitoring at the Rescue. Dotty would remain right by her side all the time. When Ditty finally did come around, she had been totally visually impaired.

Of course, from that point forward, Paula determined that these two sisters would always remain at the Rescue due to Ditty’s medical condition and Dotty needing to be with her all the time. Ditty had to learn to walk again, had to learn to eat on her own, and acclimate herself to her surroundings – and did so with the help of Dotty. By November 2012 she was up and walking around the house but still very weak; she would get tired easily. The following month, by Christmas, she was more alert, eating more and growing – in fact she was actually getting fat! As the months passed, both Ditty and Dotty continued to grow into beautiful adult cats and they would do everything together with Dotty leading the way. By March 2013, Ditty was getting part of her eyesight back and learning how to play with toys. The main problem she had was the connection between her brain and eyes, and focusing on objects.

As time passed both of these young ladies continued to stay in the house, played, ate, and slept together and enjoyed the company of other cats – with Dotty giving special attention to any kittens who were in the Shelter. Both Ditty and Dotty also enjoyed visits from Paula’s grandson, since he would spend hours playing with him. Sadly in 2016 Ditty’s heart gave out on her and she passed away suddenly. All of us associated with Feral Paws Rescue feared that Dotty wouldn’t be able to survive without her sister but she thrived in the company of other cats and continued to be loved by Paula’s grandson as he grew up, and was giving her (and the other cats) a lot of attention.

Ditty

Shortly thereafter Feral Paws Rescue was approached by the Fresno Unified School District on behalf of an elementary school teacher who thought it would be good to have animals visit his classroom so the children could learn about them, and also as an educational tool for the prevention of animal abuse. The Rescue complied and chose Dotty to be their ambassador for the school visits due to her gentle nature and love of children. During these visits she is allowed to roam free in the classroom (with supervision, of course) for the children to pet and hold her. We’re really not sure who enjoys these visits more – Dotty or the children!

Dotty

When Dotty isn’t playing “ambassador” for Feral Paws Rescue, she still remains inside the house caring for the kittens who come in and being a companion to the other cats – one of whom has a seizure disorder and is on medications. Dotty makes sure that Toby is safely sleeping in his bed under his blankets and lets everyone else know when he’s awake and out of bed. Just as she did with her sister Ditty, she watches over Toby all the time to make sure he is ok, and to help him out if he needs her. Dotty, you are a special angel here on earth and all of us at Feral Paws Rescue are so happy that Paula made that trip to Lancaster almost six years ago.

Learn more about Ditty and Dotty on the website.

Next Cat Adoption Event: Saturday, May 19, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Tractor Supply, 1630 Herndon Ave, Clovis CA

Michelson 2018 Saving Pets Challenge (May 1 thru May 31): https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/feral-paws-rescue-group1

You can learn more about Feral Paws on their website.

Check out more animal rescue stories in our Pet Perspective section & watch for more stories from Feral Paws every other month, and we would love to have you join our KRL Pets Facebook group.. Advertise in KRL and 10% of your advertising fees can go to Feral Paws.