FOSTER CARE FOR MISS KITTY?
Posted: Tuesday, September 27 at 07:53 pm CT by Mike Brunker
UPDATE: Nov. 23, 2005, 10:15 a.m. PT -- Bill Harris died Monday in a Slidell, La., hospital. Click here to read Mr. Harris' obituary. Comments will be posted at the end of this blog entry.
Bill Harris, the Slidell, La., man who credits his survival during Hurricane Katrina to his beloved cat, Miss Kitty, is agonizing over long-term plans for her care amid indications that his stay at a no-animals nursing home will not be a short one.
Harris, who was moved to the Trinity Neurologic Rehabilitation Center in Slidell last week so that he could be near his mother, Jane, says his chronic kidney condition has worsened as a result of his ordeal over three days after the storm surge roared up a canal off Lake Pontchartrain and turned his condominium into kindling. That probably precludes a quick release from the nursing home, he admits.
Bill Harris cradles Miss Kitty in his room at the Trinity Neurologic Rehabilitation Center in Slidell, La. (Donna Wackerbauer / Special to MSNBC)
He also has yet to receive any relief assistance from FEMA and counts as his worldly possessions the shorts he was wearing when he was rescued and a few sets of donated clothes that friends and the Red Cross provided him with since.
“I haven’t heard anything from them, but the lady I talked to on the phone said I was approved … so I must be on that list,” he says optimistically when I talk to him on the phone.
The uncertainty over the length of his stay at the nursing home has forced him to consider something he never thought he’d have to face: placing his pet with a foster family until he can get back on his feet. If it comes to that, he’s going to be very particular about the person or family that gets temporary guardianship of Miss Kitty, he says.
“Otherwise she might try and run away and find us,” he says. “She’s that type of cat.”
Donna Wackerbauer, a volunteer with the animal rescue group Noah’s Wish who helped recover Miss Kitty, says that she’ll keep the brown-and-yellow cat at the temporary shelter in a warehouse at a Slidell city complex as long as possible to give Harris time to work through his options.
And in the meantime, she and her rescue partner, Slidell animal control officer Horace Troullier, plan to bring the cat to the nursing home as often as possible so that Harris can have some “cuddle time” in an exterior courtyard.
Harris says his spirits, as well as those of his mother, were brightened when they brought Miss Kitty by Sunday for an unannounced visit.
“My mom was so surprised,” he says. “She hadn’t seen her in seven years. … She got right there up on my lap and on Mother’s lap.”
And Wackerbauer says Miss Kitty’s newfound fame preceded her to the nursing home.
“Everybody at Trinity knows the story,” Wackerbauer says of staff and other residents. “As soon as we walked in with that cat, they knew who we were and what we were doing.”
RENEWED FAITH IN HUMANITY
TRACKBACKS
Bill, if someone can get Miss Kitty here to me in Largo, Florida, I would be happy to care for Miss Kitty as though she were mine till you can get on your feet and take her home. I have been following the story of you and your angel miss kitty and have been truly touched by it. Although I know someone with room for her that is alot closer to you so you can visit will surely be offered as soon as this update to your story is read, we are here if you need us. e-mail and keep us posted
Kathleen Priester, Largo, Fl (Sent Sep 27, 2005 9:39:32 PM)
please let us know where we could donate to help out with the temporary care of Miss Kitty; so that Bill Hrris can get her back when he's well.
Rain, Oregon (Sent Sep 27, 2005 9:58:43 PM)
oh please...Donna or Horace can you not find it in your hearts to care for Miss Kitty. Knowing what is going on in Bill's life right now I'm sure he is thinking the same thing. There is a very special bond between the 4 of you..Mr Bill, Miss Kitty, Donna and Horace that is very special. You take Miss Kitty to see Bill and I'm sure you can see it in his face the appreciation he feels for you to go out of your way to do these very special visits. It would do Bill a world of good to know that Miss Kitty is being cared for by the kind hearted people who not only rescued her..But rescured her dad..(Bill).. I myself would foster Miss Kitty but I live to far and I already have 6 of the precious babies. Please consider this notion and look deep into your hearts.
Julie Wilson Fowlerville MI (Sent Sep 27, 2005 10:05:51 PM)
I'm not sure if he could handle her being so far away, but I've been following this story from the beginning and Miss Kitty has a wonderful home here in Phoenix if she needs one!!!
Andrea Hill, Phoenix, AZ (Sent Sep 27, 2005 10:31:11 PM)
Something that keeps bothering me about the reactions to hurricanes Katrina & Rita, are the people who are going round saying how the government isn't bailing them out of thier situation. I.E. No food, water, & shelter. What happend to individual responcibility of being prepared for Disaster?
This is what this country has evolved into; a bunch of people who expect to be taken care of. It's sad really that the people have forgotten the lessons from the Great Depression, and from the fears of the Cold War. TV Media & Society has decived & lured people through Product & Business Marketing into a false sence of security. I'm not saying don't help your neighbor, or stop donating to relief programs. What i'm saying is what needs to change, is people's perceptions.
Am i being insensitive? No, It's terrible what has been happening. But people need to educate themselves about emergency planning. Like a fire escape plan for a building; have an escape plan from your city & state. Create a network of friends & family. Set up points of contact, so people can check in & let others know how they are doing. Pick a special meeting place so if all communication is off, everyone knows where to meet up. Storm/bomb shelters, extra food& water stock piled, clothing & supplies. Things placed in totes to grab & take with you when evacuating; prepacked duffle bags with supplies in vehicles.
What Do You Think?
Andrew M. Goble (Sent Sep 28, 2005 7:48:38 AM)
Isn't there some way the nursing home can work out a means for Miss Kitty to stay with Mr. Harris? Pets are invaluable to an owner's mental and emotional health, and we all know how these conditions affect physical health. While those who are allergic should obviously be protected, the benefits to Mr. Harris and others in the home who would enjoy Miss Kitty's company far outway the anxieties of placing her elsewhere. This is an exceptional case, due to the destruction of Katrina, but could maybe be a test for future pet therapy situations as well.
Megan Kilian, New York, NY (Sent Sep 28, 2005 8:22:56 AM)
I want to help make it possible for Miss Kitty to board very close to Bill so she can make lots of visits.
What can we do to help make this happen?
Annie Minneapolis (Sent Sep 28, 2005 8:37:37 AM)
Yes, Donna and Horace you should foster Miss Kitty. You are angels to her, she trusts you. You are the ones who saved her and reunited her with Bill. Everyone knows you have done much to help all the pets in need. But as has been said, you 4 have a bond.
Laura Childress, Albany, GA (Sent Sep 28, 2005 8:43:49 AM)
I would like to help with the care of Miss Kitty also. Please let us know where we can send donations to help! Bill, our thoughts and prayers are with you, your mom and Miss Kitty!!
Angie, Sylvester, GA (Sent Sep 28, 2005 8:53:41 AM)
I just happened in on this story today. Judging from the fact that Miss Kitty seems to be a middle aged cat, I feel it would do her more harm to seperate her completely from Bill and his mom no more than what she is currently having to go through. She stuck by Bill during a catastrophic storm (no pun here) so for her, she needs to be as close to him as he does to her. Please do not separate them, even if it is for only 6 or so months. PLEASE!!
Coni Brandt, Southport, North Carolina (Sent Sep 28, 2005 9:02:21 AM)
Well, I've been wondering if it was Miss Kitty they found, and this is the first I've read since they found her. I live in Texarkana, Texas and have 2 cats of my own, would love to foster a 3rd one if possible, but if I were you, I would choose someone closer to your home for visitation purposes! Glad you are doing great and your mom too. Good luck and if I can help, I will be glad to. JoJo
JoJo Boyd, Texarkana, Texas (Sent Sep 28, 2005 9:05:40 AM)
Hey, at nursing homes here in my Texas town, there are both dogs and cats who mingle with the residents! They LIVE THERE and help especially on the Alzheimers units, and are spoiled rotten by the staff and residents alike. WHY can't Miss Kitty be at the nursing home? THINK OUTSIDE THE LITTERBOX, ADMINISTRATORS, FOR ONCE!!!
Holly (Sent Sep 28, 2005 9:25:27 AM)
Miss Kitty is Bill's life, how can anyone knowing what they both have been thur not allow them to be together, rules are made to be broken, especially in a situtation like this, I have 11 of my own, even have one called Miss Kitty also, they are my life, I don't know what I would do if I could not keep my babies with we. I would probably greve myself to death. I live in NC and have been following this story from day one. They are in my prayers
Jennifer Webb, North Carolina (Sent Sep 28, 2005 9:26:15 AM)
I would be happy to send a donation directly to the owner of the cat to help out.
I have 3 cats and my heart goes out to you.
S. Coder
Sylvia Coder - Columbus, Ohio, 43221 (Sent Sep 28, 2005 9:31:09 AM)
Please let us know where we can donate to help Bill and Miss Kitty - also know she has a good home in North Carolina if she ever needs one. I had a wonderful lady kitty who lived to be 23 in my care! :-)
Alex, High Point, NC (Sent Sep 28, 2005 9:36:42 AM)
I live in the area of South FL that was hit by Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne last year. If we were told to evacuate, I would not have done so unless I could take my two cats (Satin and Lacey--brother and sister) with me. I am very protective of my cats. I went to stay at a friend's house and took them with me. I am hoping that, some day, the powers that be will realize they need to make provisions at shelters for people who have companion animals. To make someone, who has lost everything else, give up their pet, is absolutely heartless. If someone can get Miss Kitty to my house in Lake Worth, FL, I will care for her like she is my own until Bill can get back on his feet. She could even have her own room! Pls. feel free to keep me posted via email.
Linda Collins (Sent Sep 28, 2005 9:45:13 AM)
I would pay to have Miss Kitty Brought to NJ to care for her until this wonderful person can get back on his feet. I know the love he has for this cat. I myself have 2 and wouldn't know what to do if I had lost them, or even came close. I Have a huge apartment and 2 friendly cats for her to play with while she waits to be brought back home.
Jackie Smith, Westville, New Jersey (Sent Sep 28, 2005 9:49:30 AM)
On May 2nd of this year I had to have my cat put to sleep. Her name was Miss Kitty and she was 17 years old. I would like to help out in any way I can.
Thank You.
Linda Tynes (Sent Sep 28, 2005 10:01:52 AM)
Miss Kitty is all set. Adopt an animal from your local shelter, since you now realize you have room.
Kathy, Maine (Sent Sep 28, 2005 10:24:13 AM)
Has anyone thought of transferring Bill and his mother to a nursing home that accepts pets?
Kathleen, Manhattan Beach, CA (Sent Sep 28, 2005 10:54:26 AM)
Donna and Horace you have been a Godsend for Bill and his Guardian Angel Miss Kitty. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you from Ohio. I have many little Angels myself that had need of a home because of their special needs. I hope Donna and or Horace will be able to continue to care for Miss Kitty while Bill recovers. They have been through so much and I hate to see them seperated and traumatized again. If there is anything I can do let me know. In the mean time me thoughts and prayers will go out to all of you that have to face the task of having to pick up the pieces and go on with life after Katrina.
Peggy Paskert, Medina, Ohio (Sent Sep 28, 2005 10:56:19 AM)
I think it would be best for Miss Kitty to stay has close to Mr. Harris has possible. Even though lots of people are being very nice and thougthfull to offer their homes.(something we need more of) But Miss Kitty loves Mr.H. very much and she does trust Donna and Horace, so she should stay w/ Donna and Horace, close by to Mr. Harris.
beverly texas (Sent Sep 28, 2005 10:57:14 AM)
What a touching story! I am an animal lover and definitely a "cat person" so this story touched me. I also work with the elderly in my state so I understand the comments about the needs of nursing facility residents. I loved Holly's comment to "think outside the litterbox". There are indeed many facilities in this country that allow pets or have a pet therapy program. It is my hope that something can be worked out for Bill to have the delightful Miss Kitty with him or to afford him more visitation. And yes, I agree that Donna and Horace are angels.
Please keep us updated on this story and let me know how to donate to Miss Kitty and Bill. Thank you!
Cecily S.
cecily (Sent Sep 28, 2005 11:00:35 AM)
I wholeheartedly support the idea of the caretakers keeping Miss Kitty for now - or better yet bend the rules and let the kitty and owner heal each other . . of all the times rules should be bent - now would be it. I evacuated last year from Central Florida and took all 3 of my cats with me - they were the top of the list of my most imnportant possessions although all cat owners know they actually own us! So many people are willing to help in this situation that if there was a "Miss Kitty" fund set up, I am sure there would be enough money sent to keep up her care where she is now or set up a special room for Bill which she could stay in. If he has so little left would it not be the right thing to do to find a way to keep them together?
Gayle Rosier Deltona, FL (Sent Sep 28, 2005 11:13:31 AM)
I agree that rules where meant to be broken and I feel that Miss Kitty would do a world of good to those folks at the home where Bill and his Mom are at. That little Kitty would be so spoiled that she would forget the trauma that she has been thru and it would make a great deal of difference in Bills recovery process. It has been documented that Older people are in much better spirits and health when there is a pet around and I strongly feel that Miss Kitty would be there guardian Angel. Please administrators look deep in your hearts and not in your rule books. Give it a chance you would be greatly surprised on how these folks in the home respond so much better to treatment. They need Miss Kitty as much as Miss Kitty needs Bill....
Julie Wilson Fowlerville MI (Sent Sep 28, 2005 11:24:14 AM)
SEND A COMMENT
PLEASE READ: We will only approve comments that are directly related to this blog post, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.