Caboodle Ranch: For Cat lovers everywhere

I am frequently getting sent to interesting places.

Yesterday we worked on a package for a TV show at the Caboodle Ranch.

http://caboodleranch.com/

It is a cat sanctuary where a man has purchased a bunch of acreage and he accepts cats from all over the world.

Unlike our pet shelters, where cats get an average of 3 days before they are euthanized... this man intends to help each cat in his care live out their natural life.

All the cats get vet care and the man works tirelessly to keep the acreage clean and sanitary.

Anyways, I never imagined I would spend a day surrounded by 400+ friendly, calm, happy cats.

It was sort of surreal... they were EVERYWHERE.

It was nice to see someone doing something nice... so I thought I'd help get the word out about the work he is doing.

So, maybe you'll enjoy your coffee while reading about the Caboodle Ranch.

all the best,
mike

Yes, This gentleman was very sensitive to the criticism that he was a cat hoarder... and I believe the difference is subtle and yet obvious.

This man has already spent $100k of his own money on Vet bills etc. He's is actively caring for the cats each and every day.

He is obviously deeply affected by the realization that Cats are far less cruel than humans and he enjoys protecting them from a culture that treats animal life as disposable.

I felt privileged to have spent the day with him.

And, for the record I am NOT a cat person either, but I love all animals and admire each one as an individual that should not be carelessly destroyed simply because it seems convenient.

FWIW the message this man wants to share with the world is that he feels (and I agree) that Society must learn to spend money on spay and neuter programs so that we do not end up spending even more money euthanizing unwanted pets.

Anyways, just babbling.:-)

best regards,
mike

He is beautiful!

Ironically, while we were having lunch at a truck stop with our NYC producers we noticed an abandoned dog on the highway. They were amazed that the dog had been abandoned on the highway... and I had to awkwardly explain that this was a heartbreaking cultural tradition down here and that it was impossible to be considerate of each dog you see on the road because it is overwhelming and simply impossible to care for every abandoned dog you encounter.

Our past 3 dogs were all rescued off the country side and lived an average of 13 years and out current dog whom we have had for 2 weeks was rescued and left at the shelter where we got him.

So, it's not like people aren't trying to be helpful... it is just that the helpful people seem out numbered by abandoned pets.

The sight of the dog really seemed to focus the NYC folks appreciation of the work that Craig, the Cat person, was doing just down the road.

The no-kill shelters that you speak of are a great service. My mother in law donates about 20 hrs a week at her local no-kill shelter. It seems to really make her feel better about the big picture.

best regards,
mike

I can see how that would be a hard decision to make.

Hopefully we all do what we can... our property is a dog paradise... we have space,a fence, a pond, some mud to play in, lots of places to dig a nice hole, etc. etc. so we help dogs.

Your cat seems to be in an ideal place to be a cat. :-) Good Job!!!

all the best,
mike

Cat's are mysterious creatures. Have you ever seen a Cat on a leash? The natural lives of all animals have been disturbed. What is their natural life cycle? I don't own any animals but the local Cats frequently stop by to investigate. Cats have their own minds and don't trust anyone. Just a commentary on the state of life.

Is that really a good idea?  Dogs... buried bones... fenced in....

Seemed like a good idea at the time.

Wow, Robert that is heart wrenching. I still get sad when I think about my past dogs having to pass on from old age. It would be even harder in the circumstance you worked through. I am so glad that you are able to know that he found a great home.

all the best,
mike

Every neighborhood has a "cat lady". When I was a kid it was my grandmother  would toss pieces of scrap liver embedded with hard cat food from her apartment into the alley below. I swear the cats could tell time and would wait for her feedings which occurred at 3 pm every single day she was alive.
These were real alley cats! Circa Brooklyn NY 1960's.

I love cats. They are strange creatures but once they come out of their shell, they are very loyal, smart and lovable.

Oh yea, in my current neighborhood, the cat lady is my wife :)
We have dogs as well. Pomeranian's.....Don't ask....