Tampa Bay Feline Rescues Save 18 Cats

Pulled From Brevard Animal Services & Enforcement

by Sailin' Cat, Space Coast Feline Network
February 5, 2011

Saturday, Feb. 5th was preceded by a day of intense planning between SCFN, NACC, SACC, and several feline rescues in the Tampa area. I've learned 'no surprises' is too much to hope for, but I wanted as few surprises as possible. My first stop Saturday morning was for a full tank of diesel in my truck. At SACC I pulled six cats and kittens, then borrowed about 10 more empty cat carriers. Heading north on I-95, I made a quick stop at Petco to let the other rescue groups know I wouldn't be showing my foster cats that day. I continued north on I-95 to NACC where I pulled another 12 cats and kittens, checking them off my 'packing list' as NACC staff stuffed them into the borrowed carriers. At both BASE facilities, we coordinated last minute changes and additions to the pull list with the Tampa folks by phone. After leaving SACC, I hopped back on the interstate in a light rain. Sometime later, southwest of Orlando, I reached my next destination a few minutes ahead of schedule. With a little free time on my hands, I moved "Harley," an 18# 11-yr-old Siamese mix, from the back of the truck to keep me company in the cab. He's a great cat! After a while, the SUV from Tampa pulled in, crammed full with small empty cat carriers. Deb, transporter for the Tampa rescues, sat in the bed of my truck (left photo below), to avoid the rain and contain any loose cats, while she transferred the rescued felines one by one to smaller carriers so they could all fit in the SUV (right photo below) I passed her pairs of carriers through the tailgate window.

To see most of the rescued cats, click: [`SailinCat.com/animals/cats/SCFN/2011-02-05_rescue/BASE_pull_2011-02-05.htm`] (That's not an exact list. There were other last minute changes while I was at animal control.)

Transferring cats from Space Coast to west coast. (Click image to enlarge.)	Crammed in for the ride to the west coast. (Click image to enlarge.)

After exchanging tales of feline rescue and lots of foster advice, we each headed back home. Arriving in Cocoa Beach around 11:00pm, I dropped by my favorite seaside bar to catch the blues band's last set and unwind from a rewarding day behind the wheel. Go Tampa rescues!

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