Colorado Animal Rescue Express (C.A.R.E.)

The Cat Transport

On January 10, 2009, there were 21 cats and 3 dogs transported from Kansas City, MO to Denver, CO. These animals were facing euthanasia at local city pounds and their only hope was to be rescued. Emails were sent out with their photos and thankfully, some wonderful rescues in Colorado responded and came to their aid. They were all saved!

It took a lot of work and effort from all involved to get them out of the shelters, to the vets to get their shots, to homes where they would temporarily stay until their ride and then to organize the ride itself. I was fortunate to be a part of this as the driver of this transport and devoted a weekend to saving 24 lives.

Thanks to C.A.R.E., the animals had a mini-van rented for them and the gas was paid, which enabled this transport to happen. Each animal rode in his or her own carrier with a soft blanket to lie on. They fit comfortably in the van and together, we headed westward with hopeful futures, knowing they would be safe until they could find their very own home. The cats and dogs were perfect passengers. All were quiet and they rested well. We left early in the morning from MO and arrived to a dark, cold Denver evening.

Rescuers met each other and then the animals headed off to start their new lives. These animals had all had different lives prior to this. Some were family pets that were no longer wanted and were discarded at the pound. Some were strays who had never known the warmth and love of a home.

One orange tabby cat named Jonah, arrived at the shelter emaciated and malnourished just a week prior. The shelter staff fell in love with him, gave him fluids and tried to help him but knew he'd never make it there. He was a fighter and was now on this journey, this transport,  that would lead to health and a new life.

Another cat, named Mama Mia, was very pregnant and due to have babies any day. She and all the little lives in her were spared. There was a brother and sister pair, Romeo and Miranda, who were very bonded and they found a wonderful home together in just a month's time. Many of these furkids have now been adopted into loving homes.

The outcome for these cats and dogs would have been very different had it not been for all the rescuers working together and especially if we had not had C.A.R.E. to sponsor this trip and make it actually happen.

Hemingway the polydactyl cat had a wonderful home in Kansas City and then one day his owners moved and left him behind.  Not only did they leave him behind but they kicked him out into the cold winter - Quite a change for a house cat!  The neighbors fed him until he was taken in off the streets by a nice lady.  C.A.R.E. then transported Hemingway to Judy with Hope 4 Fuzie Faniez in Wyoming.  He is now once again warm and happy!

Romeo and Juliett were rescued from an abandoned home in Nebraska when they were tiny kittens.  Their Mama was very sick when they were found.  Because the Mama was so malnourished and possibly had contracted distemper, Romeo and Juliett were born with Cerebellar Hypoplasia, a condition whereby the cerebellum does not develop correctly while in the womb (similar to a child with cerebral palsy).   When this happens, kittens have a hard time learning to walk.

Romeo and Juliett could not walk at all when they were first found but a wonderful foster Mom massaged their little legs and provided physical therapy working with them to strengthen their legs.  Now they are learning to get around on their own.  They use each other to stabilize and gain better control.