Read Full Story Here: http://www.burnabynow.com/news/Kittens+rescued+from+Burnaby+construction+site/6633611/story.html

An animal rescue group saved a cat and her litter of kittens from a Metrotown-area construction site in Burnaby last weekend.

Metrotown security called the Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association (VOKRA) on Friday about the cats because they kept triggering the site's security alarm at night.

"The momma cat was being a good mother and found a safe haven away from Vancouver's huge coyote population," said Maria Sorosky, a cat trapper with the association. "But a construction site is still a dangerous place for kittens. It's lucky the kind people who work there found them."

The construction site was heavily protected by high, locked wooden fences, so it is unclear as to how the pregnant cat found her way in. "It's sad that in the malls across Canada and North America there are pet stores that have their kittens shipped in from kitten mills, while out here outside there are homeless cats and kittens left unwanted and alone," Sorosky said in a press release.

Sorosk[i] set a trap Friday and was in possession of the mother cat by Saturday. Sorosky suspects the cat was not feral and had belonged to someone as she was rather trusting.
"She was obviously someone's pet who had been lost or abandoned and had not been spayed," she said.

The kittens, however, were lured and caught by staff at the site, who played with them until Sorosk[i] returned.
The association is taking care of the mother cat, who will be spayed, and her litter as they await adoption. One kitten has already been adopted by a Metrotown staff member, who was involved in tracking the felines.

"It is important we educate the public to always spay or neuter their pets," said Karen Duncan, founder of VOKRA. "It is also imperative to avoid supporting the inhumane practice of kitten mills and always adopt. Never buy from a pet store unless you know exactly where their kittens come from."



© Copyright (c) Burnaby Now

Happy Birthday to VOKRA President and Co Founder, Karen Duncan.

Karen has dedicated over 12 Years to VOKRA and many more years to
Volunteer Cat Rescue.

Have a Great Day, Karen!

Hello

My brother and I adopted Noelle on Saturday from the North Vanc Petsmart VOKRA adoption day, on behalf of our parents. I just wanted to let you know that it is going fantastic! We have renamed her Allie, and she is completely happy and feeling at home. She slept on my mum's bed last night, snuggled right up next to her and is playing and eating up a storm today. I've attached a couple of pictures of her enjoying her new life.

A big thank you to Wendy for being such a wonderful foster mum. It must have been hard to give up such an adorable kitty, but rest assured, she is going to be living in the lap of luxury and will know nothing but kindness and love all of her days. When the time comes that our parents can no longer be good kitty-parents, then my brother will welcome Allie into his home. No one loves cats more than Larry and she will be seeing him almost every day until then, so it won't be a difficult transition.

Having this kitty is giving my parents a will to go on, and a reason to get up every morning. We can't overestimate what this means to their well being and health.

Best Regards,
Paula

Pearl was rescued from the Trout Lake area in May of 2011. She was found by Al of Petsearchers Canada while he was actually looking for another lost pet in the area. It was pouring rain and Pearl was starving. She was hyperthyroid, and when she came to VOKRA she was sweet and valiantly wanting to live.

Pearl was adopted by Emma and had a lovely forever home. Pearl had a fireplace she dearly loved to sleep beside with her new adoptive brother. Almost one year later, a year of knowing what unconditional love and kindness was, Pearl passed peacefully with her adoptive mother, Emma by her side.

Pearl touched many lives while she was here. Al from PetSearchers Canada has shared some lovely words with us regarding Pearl:

“I remember the day Pearl came up to me looking for food; she ate the treats that I had given her like she had not eaten in a week. There was no way that I could leave her there, alone, especially after seeing her condition; very dehydrated and basically starving for food and love. I knew she was a special girl as soon as a met her and every time I held her in my arms she would just soak up the love. I knew she realized that she was now safe and would be cared for. So many mixed feelings now, so sad she has passed, however so glad she has experienced so much love and caring in the last year of her life. She was an older girl and what better way to pass lying beside a warm fireplace in the arms of Emma, feeling loved. I know Pearl is but one of so many that you have helped in this way but Pearl was special to me and from my heart I want to thank Marie, VOKRA and Emma for giving Pearl the opportunity to experience true love in her last year.

Beautiful Pearl, rest in peace!"

"... what we have enjoyed, we can never lose ... all that we love deeply becomes a part of us." - Helen Keller

Read more about Pearl (aka Blackie) in a previous VOKRA blog:

http://www.orphankittenrescue.com/blogs/2011/05/article265/

Remember Cee-Lo's Story? He survived an animal attack and lost most of the skin and fur on his face. See his before and after pictures and original story below.

A Huge Thank You to Dr. Manjet of Killarney Animal Hospital for his amazing surgery on Cee-Lo.

VOKRA is in desperate need of Foster homes, especially as kitten season approaches.
Our organization is driven 100% by volunteers and donations; we have no paid staff and receive no regular or annual government funding or contracts. Please, volunteer or donate today so other cats like Cee-Lo can be rescued, kept warm, safe and healthy.

BEFORE



AFTER

Cee-lo’s Story of surviving an animal attack & having his cries for help ignored
By Ellen

If Cee-lo’s story doesn’t make you tear up even just a little, nothing will. **GRAPHIC CONTENT**



This big, long-haired, little guy was wandering around near Commercial Drive for days, a giant, infected gash on the left side of his face where he had been viciously attacked by an animal. Although he continued to cry out in pain and distress, no one dared to approach him. Luckily, as soon as VOKRA was alerted to him, he was trapped and taken to the vet, where he underwent surgery, and received stitches to the side of his face. Currently, Cee-lo is recuperating from everything he’s been through, and eagerly enjoying all the goat’s milk, treats, and attention that he can get. He is certainly a brave little guy, on the road not only to recovery, but a brand new, happy life, and a brand new mane to boot!

Cee-Lo has tested FIV positive. He will be enjoying a long, healthy, easy going life with our Friends at Katie's Place.

Please help VOKRA with Cee-lo’s Vet bills. It is only with your support that VOKRA can continue to help Cats in need in the Greater Vancouver Area.

Every little bit helps:

https://www.orphankittenrescue.com/donate/

Remember Hamish? Here he is a month ago, living in a Garbage Dump. Read more about his rescue here: http://www.orphankittenrescue.com/blogs/2012/03/article327/

If you think fostering for VOKRA is for you, please contact us!
http://orphankittenrescue.com/fostering





UPDATE!

So Hamish has been adopted by his foster! Look at his new wonderful home!

"Hey Karen, here's some pics. Hamish is now called "Wiggum." He's such a sweet boy, I just have to look at him and he starts purring. And he's so patient with Raine, let's him carry him around the apartment, smother him, he just loves it all. And I've woken up the last three mornings with him snuggling up to me cheek-to-cheek. Hard to believe how much his life has changed in the space of a month, but he's clearly appreciative of it."







VOKRA desperately needs fosters. Please open your home to a kitty or two!
http://orphankittenrescue.com/fostering

Leonard: The One Armed Thug

- Thanks to Lee MacPherson for the content. Read more at http://limitedvision1.blogspot.ca/2012/03/waiting-for-leonard.html

Remember Leonard? A 3-legged Feral Kitten being tamed by some of VOKRAs dedicated Fosters? Well, here he is today, playing like a kitten should, running free and getting domesticated. Watch him in his very own You Tube Video! See the Link Below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-tcDwn2AtQ&feature=youtu.be

"Our tattooed, one-armed, drug-addicted thug of a foster kitten, Lockdown Leonard, got out of his cage tonight to play laser tag with big brother Ronny, and his sisters, Radiant Rena and la Bella Bianca. Feral kittens are such a chore!"

Lilies: Pretty Poison

With Easter just around the corner, it’s hard not to take advantage of the lilies that are well in stock, and decorate our homes with every color of this beautiful flower. What most people do not realize, however, is that lilies are very dangerous to cats, and may even cause death when consumed.

While cats are known for their intelligence, unfortunately, when it comes to eating, curiosity triumphs over being safe and smart. If a cat is found chewing on any part of a lily, it is immediate cause for concern, with key symptoms being vomiting, depression, and kidney failure. Vomiting occurs within approximately an hour of eating any part of the lily plant. Depression is the next stage, occurring over a period of twelve hours. Around two to four days later, an untreated cat may show signs of kidney failure. You can identify kidney problems when your cat begins urinating more frequently, is dehydrated and depressed, has no appetite, and has an upset stomach. Your cat’s body cannot survive without its kidneys, and this will ultimately result in death. If you suspect your cat may have been eating or chewing on any part of a lily plant, see a veterinarian immediately. Chances for recovery diminish with every passing second, but chances for recovery are greater if caught within six hours of consumption.

If you have a cat, please think twice before bringing these beautiful but deadly flowers into your home.

Hamish: Garbage Dump Cat

At only a few years of age, Hamish has already had more than his fair share of adventures, living a life that most of us would find unimaginable at a garbage dump in Terrace, BC. Rescued by Northern Animal Rescue Alliance, Hamish was flown into Vancouver last week so that he could receive the care and attention from VOKRA that he so urgently required. Hamish spent his formative years scrounging for food in a literal wasteland, and hiding in a little den from what must have been the unbearable cold and snow of the northern climate, where temperatures can easily fall below minus twenty degrees. It is nothing short of a miracle that this brave little boy was able to survive by himself for so long!


Can you spot Hamish in this picture? This was his home.

After weeks of unsuccessful trapping attempts by Northern Animal Rescue Alliance, Hamish strolled right up to a rescue worker, ate the food she had for him, and allowed her to pick him up and put him in a crate- it’s safe to say Hamish was ready for a new life! Having endured such hardship,ears frostbitten, Hamish was quick to enjoy the fresh food and water given to him. Hamish was very badly matted and had to be shaved. Happily, he also appeared to have no major health issues. Despite having lived on his own for most of his life, Hamish is a friendly cat, part flame-point with gorgeous blue eyes that are adorabley slightly crossed! He has adapted easily to the newfound care and attention that he has received from VOKRA. He also currently has a lot to say- wouldn't you?




Haimish is being adopted by his foster home..they love him!

Please help VOKRA help Hamish with your donations. It’s easy and we are a registered charity so you will receive a tax receipt: https://www.orphankittenrescue.com/donate/

-By Ellen

Cee-lo’s Story of surviving an animal attack & having his cries for help ignored

By Ellen

If Cee-lo’s story doesn’t make you tear up even just a little, nothing will. **GRAPHIC CONTENT**



This big, long-haired, little guy was wandering around near Commercial Drive for days, a giant, infected gash on the left side of his face where he had been viciously attacked by an animal. Although he continued to cry out in pain and distress, no one dared to approach him. Luckily, as soon as VOKRA was alerted to him, he was trapped and taken to the vet, where he underwent surgery, and received stitches to the side of his face. Currently, Cee-lo is recuperating from everything he’s been through, and eagerly enjoying all the goat’s milk, treats, and attention that he can get. He is certainly a brave little guy, on the road not only to recovery, but a brand new, happy life, and a brand new mane to boot!

Cee-Lo has tested FIV positive. He will be enjoying a long, healthy, easy going life with our Friends at Katie's Place.

Please help VOKRA with Cee-lo’s Vet bills. It is only with your support that VOKRA can continue to help Cats in need in the Greater Vancouver Area.

Every little bit helps:

https://www.orphankittenrescue.com/donate/