Well, I am currently waiting around in a Walmart, as 4 males are being neutered, courtesy of the Cat Lady and her rescue.

This morning was rough, though.

Before seeing what cats we could catch, I went to bring the truck into the yard.  I heard a strange noise, and something dark in the grass.

It took a moment to identify it.  It turned out to be a baby raccoon.

Unfortunately, it was still alive.  And suffering.   I had to dispatch it.  This is not something I have never done before, but this one left me crying.  I don’t know what got to it, but I’m guessing another racoon.

Nature can be so cruel.

After moving the truck, I had the distraction of helping my daughter get 4 males into the carriers. 

I was left with a bloody arm and the need to change my shirt, but we got them.

We got Stinky and Syndol, which I expected.  Nosey was a bit of a surprise.  I think the last one is Collin. 

Today was not one of the cheap spay days (where they will also do neuters), but a regular clinic day.  The rescue still got a very good price.  The Cat Lady also passed on some donated cat trees, a cat cave, a couple of cones and some blankets.  She has kibble for us, too, but it was to be delivered later today.

Since I am hanging around until pick up time – for the time and cost of gas, it is not worth driving home and back – we talked about meeting up again, so she could pass on the kibble donation.

Well, that changed.

She got home and discovered their dog had a medical event and had to rush him to a vet. 

They just can’t catch a break!!!

We did get a generous cash donation, though, so I was able to pick up three 9kg bags of kibble.  We still have some from our monthly shop, so we are good for a while.

For now, I’m just hanging out in the Walmart area, checking different stores out.  I want to scope out some traps.  The rescue will lend us one, but it would be good to have our own. 

It would be good to get a raccoon trap, but those are a lot more expensive.  With good reason.  We might be able to get one of those on loan from the municipality.  Yesterday, I found that we have at least one raccoon in the pump shack.  I didn’t see it, but I heard it barking and snarling and went looking.  When I opened the door, I heard movement in the back.  I don’t mind the mama and her 3 babies (or is she down to 2 now?), but I think the big one is a male, and they can be a real problem.

Crud.

I need to think about something else.  I’m getting weepy again.

Anyhow.

The clinic knows I’m hanging around town, so they will try to fit the boys in as early as they can.  Hopefully, it won’t be too long. 

I think it will be a while before they trust us or the carriers again! 

The Re-Farmer