Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Saving Raggedy Ann, Part 2: The Recovery


Yesterday we introduced you to the amazing Raggedy Ann, an innocent victim of animal hoarding. From the comments we received it's obvious she continues to touch hearts everywhere.

As promised, today we present part 2 of Mudpie's exclusive interview with Ann as she tells us about how life has changed since being rescued, her ongoing recovery, and her hopes for the future. (If you missed part one yesterday, you can read it here.)

Mudpie: What's life like for you today?

Raggedy Ann: My life is very different now. I have a clean home that isn’t overcrowded with other pets and doesn’t smell like pee or poop. My litter box gets cleaned twice a day, or more if it is needed. I really appreciate that cause let’s be honest, who wants to step in a dirty litter box. I have food brought to me multiple times a day, sometimes even while I’m still in bed. Oh did I mention, I have a heated bed. My foster mom keeps calling me “The Princess and the Pea”, whatever that means. I just know that it’s really soft and comfy, especially since my fur had to be shaved because I was so badly matted. I tried really hard to clean myself, but could never get ahead. Now I have no problems grooming myself. I actually find it really peaceful and relaxing.

What struggles are you still facing?

Right now I am still fighting an infection in my mouth from my rotting teeth. They soon will be coming out so that should clear up soon. The biggest challenge I’ve faced is the result of the tremendous malnutrition that clearly went on for a long time. I am extremely anemic. Doc says my levels were so bad, I should have had a blood transfusion. Thankfully the rescue that took me in, Saving One Life, told my mommy to start giving me chicken liver to help me gain more iron in my blood. So far it is working. I’m not where a normal kitty should be yet but am on my way.

Now that I am gaining weight back at a healthy rate, I am feeling better and getting up more and exploring my room more. My foster mom opens the window for me every day so I can sit in the windowsill and watch the birdies or lizards run by. The more I get up and explore, they say the more muscle I will build.

What are your hopes for the future? Do you think you'll be able to live in a forever home one day?

I hope that my original mommy gets the help that she needs, so no other kitties have to suffer like I did. I’m so happy that Saving One Life took me in and never gave up on me. I’m thankful for my foster mom, even when she has to give me yucky medicine, because she has always made sure I’ve had food to eat and a warm bed to snuggle up in.

Wouldn’t it be purrfect to find a furrever home. My foster mom tells me about it every day. That I will never know what it is like to go hungry again, that I will always have a warm bed of my own and that I will always know love. Which to her means, kisses. I’m still not 100% sure of them, but they are starting to grow on me.

What do you want people to learn from your story?

I want people to learn the signs of animal hoarding, so they can report someone if they think they need help. Even if it is a family member, you are our voice. We need you to speak up for us. I’m thankful to whomever called the police. We weren’t safe anymore and without them stepping up, I wouldn’t be here today. According to the ASPCA these are the signs to watch out for:

· They have numerous animals and may not know the total number of animals in their care.
· Their home is deteriorated (i.e., dirty windows, broken furniture, holes in wall and floor, extreme clutter).
· There is a strong smell of ammonia, and floors may be covered with dried feces, urine, vomit, etc.
· Animals are emaciated, lethargic and not well socialized.
· Fleas and vermin are present.
· Individual is isolated from community and appears to be in neglect himself.
· Individual insists all animals are happy and healthy—even when there are clear signs of distress and illness.

Also, I hope that I can inspire people to foster other animals in need. I hear that there are between 900-2,000 cases of animal hoarding reported every year. We would all want to be loved and cared for. Even if we only stay with you for a short time, you can show us to trust again. Please consider opening your home and your heart to animals in need.

How can we all help with your recovery?

Well, my foster mom has been sharing with me all the nice letters and cards people have been sending. I love how many people all over the world are rooting for me. I just got a beautiful blanket and I hear a sweater is on its way to me, too. My recovery isn't over yet but all the support and love has made a huge difference. Something that would help is remembering I am not the only one who has had such a bad experience. Saving One Life just took another six sweet kitties from the same shelter who were in another hoarding situation. You can learn more about them by visiting their Facebook page Six Sweet Souls Saved https://www.facebook.com/SOLsixsweetsavedsouls/.

Lastly, I want everyone to know that I appreciate all the support. As much as my foster mom and rescue love me, saving a kitty like me isn't cheap. Saving One Life has given me world class care and the financial support from our many followers has made that easier for sure.


Thank you, Raggedy Ann, for sharing your story with us over the past couple days. Your incredible courage and beautiful heart are an inspiration to everyone, and we wish you nothing but happiness and love from here on out.

28 comments:

Summer at sparklecat.com said...

I'm so glad Raggedy Ann continues to recover - and I purr for her to find an awesome home!

Kitties Blue said...

Thank you for sharing this incredible story, Mudpie. We hope you are able to keep in touch with Raggedy Ann and keep us posted on how she is doing. She obviously had a huge will to live, and we wish her a happy life and continued improved health. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo

Unknown said...

She's well on her way to full recovery! Who wouldn't want to adopt that beautiful girl?! Thank you for sharing!!

Hannah and Lucy said...

We are so pleased Raggedy Ann is recovering well - we know what she went through as we were found by the RSPCA with over 100 cats in a house and they took us all away. We were lucky as Mum saw us both in a cage at the RSPCA and brought us both home with her.

Unknown said...

So glad this sweet girl is getting better! What a story she has had. I'm so glad you shared it.

The Menagerie Mom said...

Raggedy Ann, your transformation is phenomenal and truly inspiring. You are so beautiful, and I'm not just saying that because I love me some calico. Thank you so much, Raggedy Ann and Mudpie, for sharing this with us!

The Island Cats said...

We purr that Raggedy Ann makes a complete recovery. Animal hoarding is such a sad situation. The shelter the mom volunteers with has had to deal with several hoarding situations this past summer.

Anonymous said...

Raggedy Ann's story is one of hope. Thank you.

Cathy Keisha said...

I cannot believe she made it but am so happy she did. I hope she regains muscle because she looks like a runway model. She is one beautiful girlcat.

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

I will keep Raggedy Ann in my purrs as well as her foster Mom. What an amazing spirit Ann has!

Anonymous said...

Great posty Mudpie. We couldn't comment yesfurday cuz our mommy was cryin' too much. She just hates fur any animal to suffer in any way. We's so glad dat Ann is gettin' better. Sendin' purrayers fur her and all da kitties. Fanks fur sharin' and carin'.

Luv ya'

Dezi and Raena

Colehaus Cats said...

Sweet Raggedy Ann, what a wonderful life you have now. We are amazed you made it through and send soft purrs that your recovery continues on the path to complete health and happiness.

Random Felines said...

we are so glad she and the others are safe and recovering

meowmeowmans said...

Amazing what love and care can do. We are so happy that Raggedy Ann is doing so well. Soft and gentle purrs for her continued recovery.

Mariodacat said...

Awww, bless your sweet little heart. We are so happy you have been rescued and are away from that terrible situation. We hope you soon find a forever home.

The Swiss Cats said...

We're glad Raggedy Ann is recovering so well. Purrs

Unknown said...

We are purring so hard for Raggedy Ann and her other sweet siblings.

Jean from Welcome to the Menagerie

da tabbies o trout towne said...

Rageddy Ann; we due hope yur mom getz de help her kneadz; N we hope ewe and all yur houz matez R in ther foreverz home veree veree soon....we R knot on facebook ...but noe oh sum one who letz uz see ther page; we will chex out sweet souls ~~~~~~ high paws two ewe.... N everee one who iz inn volved with yur rescue & ree coveree & de manee blessings oh St Francis for like for ever ~~~~~~~ ♥♥♥ two everee one ♥♥♥~~~~~~~~~~

Hairballsandhissyfits.com said...

All the best of luck to Raggedy Ann!

Robin said...

Raggedy Ann is such an inspiration. I'm glad to see that she is gaining weight steadily and getting all of the treatment that she needs. Overcoming long term malnutrition is very difficult. We are purring and praying for Raggedy Ann. I hope to see some updates in a few months when she gets even healthier!
-Purrs from your friends at www.PlayfulKitty.net

Mickey's Musings said...

Dear Raggedy Ann, we are so happy that you are doing well and that you know what it is to be safe. We purr you continue to get well and get a loving home where you can continue to thrive and be loved as you deserve.
Purrs Georgia and Julie,
Treasure and JJ

Katie and The Katz said...

Dearest Raggedy Ann, you are furry beautiful and your heart is so loving. We purr fur you to gets well and has a wonderful life. Looking furward to seeing an after photo when you gets some more weights and all your lovely fur grows back.
-Purrz from the Katie Katz

BeadedTail said...

What an amazing ladycat you are Raggedy Ann! We're purring for your continued recovery from that awful situation and hope you have a life full of the love and care you deserve.

pilch92 said...

Raggedy Ann is beautiful. I am so sorry for all she went through and I will be praying her dental issues get resolved soon too.

Three Chatty Cats said...

Oh Raggedy Ann, you are a beautiful kitty. And what a wonderful rescue to take you in and it sounds like you have an awesome foster mom. Thank you for shedding light on hoarding and that it's a disease and also what to look for.

A Tonl said...

Poor sweet girl - we're so happy she has such a great foster home to help her recover!

Unknown said...

Raggedy Ann has her own Facebook page with updates at least daily. Her story is really incredible and the work this organization does is priceless. https://www.facebook.com/savingraggedyann/

Nancy said...

Aww…what a sweet, sweet girl. I love her name too. Praying that this beauty gets a very special forever home!