OMG MY FIRST TIME AS A CONDUCTOR!

OMG MY FIRST TIME AS A CONDUCTOR!

Being a cat loving girl since I moved out on my own nigh on 30+ years ago, it was only logical that once on Facebook I search for others like me. As I looked for cat groups, I happened upon

#URRKN – Underground Railroad Rescued Kitty Network. With my interest peaked I soon realized their mission was to help transport rescued kitties across the US to their forever homes. In this technological era, the world had gotten much smaller. Rescues, sanctuaries, shelters, colony caregivers now had websites and Facebook pages to spread their messages to the far corners of the country, to rally help with saving so many homeless kitties. Someone on the west coast might see a cat in Georgia…touched by their story, connected by the look in their eyes, or just a feeling this cat was meant to be part of their family. Whatever the reason, short of expensive flights, or long and uncomfortable car trips, how does a faraway adopter get

their new baby home?

Enter the 24,000+ member strong #URRKN, the Love Train. I was hooked. I was on board. I joined immediately…then waited and watched. I checked the #URRKN postings daily waiting for a transport to head through my area so I could sign up to be a conductor for the very first time.

I was anxious…but patiently watched and waited. And then it happened! Sunshine, a sweet old guy who was dumped in the middle of a feral colony in Maryland had been plucked to safety by the loving caregiver. After vetting him, sadly Sunshine tested positive for FIV. The caregiver couldn’t keep him, he wouldn’t survive if she returned him to the colony, and the uninformed city shelter was known to euthanize FIV+ cats. After some searching, she found a shelter who specialized in hospice for unadoptable kitties – but it was in Iowa! How would she ever get this boy more than 1,000 miles away. Well, #URRKN of course. Me, me, me!

But I was certainly not alone, each transport takes a team. More than 20 women and men working together on this one transport alone. From admins and screeners, to transport coordinators and event ambassadors, to dozens of cheerleaders and conductors on the road, all with just one mission…getting sweet Sunshine “home!” I was beyond excited to be part of this event. I signed up to be a conductor for two legs on the second day of the transport. As the weekend drew near, the transport coordinator, reached out to me. The B&B hostess, the person who boards the kitty passengers overnight midway in the 2-day transport hadn’t been found, would I do it? Plus halfway through day one, another kitty would join the Love Train, so I would be hosting two kitties on Saturday night. I excitedly, albeit nervously agreed. Quickly I made arrangements to entertain my little guests separate from my own feline babies, and awaited the big day….my very first #URRKN transport.

On Saturday evening I met the conductor before me at the agreed upon destination, brought my two road weary guests home and settled in for the night. Of course, I didn’t get much sleep, there were too many kisses to give, too many purrs and head rubs to receive. I’m not sure what happened but I became instantly attached to these little orange souls. The next morning arrived too quickly and I sullenly packed up my guests and their belongings to head further west. Over two hours later I met the next conductor. As we began to do the transfer it happened, I began to sob. Tear blinding, chest heaving sobs. Now, don’t get me wrong….I was happy Sunshine and Taffy were rescued off the cold streets. I was happy they would have a family where they could live out their lives knowing love and care as never before. But it was still so hard to wave goodbye as they continued their journey west towards Iowa. Was it because I had recently lost two of my own babies? Was it because I had a soft spot in my heart for orange cats? I drove the long distance home in a state of melancholy, checking in with #URRKN home base to hear how the transport was progressing and see the photos the other conductors were posting along the way.

I didn’t understand these emotions I felt swelling inside me. Could anyone? A resounding yes! Although embarrassed to admit that I couldn’t stop the tears, the event ambassador for the trip was empathetic and kind. She consoled me by saying it happens to all members sometimes, no matter how long they have been doing transports, including her and the rest of the #URRKN management team.

Now almost a year and several transports later, I still find myself tearing up when transferring kitties to the next conductor. But I know now that is because of my passion and that of others, to help these kitties find real love, to find a real home. I know it is the great joy that fills my heart to tears. For myself and the 24,000+ kitty loving volunteers of #URRKN Network that make this happen all year long, I hope we never quit shedding tears of joy…or lose our passion to make a real difference.

As a final note, I will again be not only a conductor but a B&B hostess on June 6, 2015 …you should tune into the Underground Railroad Rescued Kitty Network Facebook page that weekend to follow the excitement of so many dedicated volunteers working to get these next two kitties to their forever home. Hmm….I feel the tears coming already.

Written & Submitted by Cindy Hauff

Leavin’ on a Jet Plane!

Backstory: Sophie-Once upon a time there was a beautiful little kitten named Sophie. Sophie lived in Phoenix, AZ, but even though she was beautiful and very loveable, this poor little kitten did not have a home to call her own. The angels at Mayvn Rescue took wonderful care of her, but still she longed for that most special of treasures: a forever home and human of her own.

Then, from all the way across the country, miracles started to happen. Taylor saw Sophie and fell in love; a wonderful person offered to help her on behalf of the rescue; the rescue approved its second out of state adoption; a foster stepped up at just the right time; and then Sophie got a ticket to ride the Love Train!

Now there were only two obstacles left: Sophie was too young to spay and, although she had her ticket to ride the rails, Phoenix to New Jersey was going to mean over 50 hours in the car for this bitty kitty. But Sophie grew and had that all important surgery and then another angel flew over! Sophie now has a non-stop ticket to fly from Phoenix to New York where she will be met at the airport by her new Forever Meowmy. And don’t worry friends; this kitty will be flying all the way home in the cabin with her very own and very special URRKN conductor accompanying her all the way.

When Sophie’s transport went “live”, I was so excited to be the first conductor to sign up, not knowing at the time that I was going to end up being the sole conductor. Sophie’s transport was very special to me for several reasons. One, it was my first transport. Second, it was happening the week of my birthday, and most importantly, there was a whole in my heart that needed to be filled. In addition to volunteering with URRKN, I also manage a feline care center for a rescue group in Phoenix. The previous year, shortly before my birthday, we rescued a group of kitties from the kill list at the Humane Society. One of those cats was a beautiful Lynx Point Siamese that we named Sinatra because of his big blue eyes. Sinatra developed a bad URI, which turned into pneumonia despite all the care he was given. The night before my birthday we admitted him to the hospital, the vet said he needed some breathing treatments, but would be okay. The morning of my birthday, Sinatra had a cardiac arrest as we were walking into the vet’s office to visit him. Sadly, despite all the efforts of the vet and his staff, they were not able to save him. I was devastated, and his crossing left a huge in my heart. I knew helping to get Sophie, another beautiful Siamese kitten to her forever home was meant to be, and was a way to honor Sinatra’s memory.

I picked up Sophie at her foster home the night before our flight. She was as cute as the pictures I had seen and was even sweeter then you could imagine.

Several of my friends that are also URRKN members, of course wanted to meet her, including our very own Tina and Chris LaBlanc! We had a party for Sophie at my house, so she got tons of extra attention before settling in for the night. We even created a drink in her honor.

She was the best little traveler right up until I put her carrier under the seat in front of me. At that point, everyone knew she was on board!!!

Here are Sophie and Debi at the airport.  So cute!

Our flight was to be a non-stop to JFK, where Taylor and husband would meet me. I was to have a 4 hour layover and then get back on a plane and home to Phoenix. Things didn’t go quite as planned. The plane had some bathroom problems(non flushing toilets) and we ended up in St Paul, Minneapolis for what was suppose to be a quick landing to fix things. Two and half hours later we were on another plane and finally heading to JFK, but it was questionable if I would make my return flight. It didn’t matter much to me, as long as I got Sophie to her anxiously awaiting mom and dad. Taylor and Ron were lucky enough to find someone from Delta that gave them a pass to meet me at the gate. I was in NY just long enough to hand them their precious cargo, get a few hugs, kisses and pictures, and walk from Gate11 to Gate 7 and get back on a plane to Phoenix. I jokingly tell everyone, my trip gives the statement, “A New York Minute” a whole new meaning.

Taylor and I stay in touch, and Sophie is doing great in her new home. She has grown quite a bit the past 3 months, her mask is really filling in, and her markings have gotten quite a bit darker too.

I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to get this precious kitty to her forever home, and looking forward to the next adventure with URRKN.

Don Ameche is Trading Places!

Moving day. We all know what that’s like. In and out, doors propped open, madness abounds! Now you’re loaded and ready to go. What’s the last thing you load? Well your kitty of course! Only he can’t be found! Heart stopping then racing then stopping then racing. The house is empty! Where could he be? He’s gotten out? Where could he be? Can you imagine the devastation of having to leave and not knowing where your precious puss is? Well Liz had to do just that. All the way from the north of Tennessee to the top of Florida. Can you imagine what she must have been going through on that long ride to a new home?

Liz has some great friends though and one of them went to the house and found Meche inside! I’m sure he was confused, wondering where his people went, and where his favorite chair was and “Where is my bed?” So Don Ameche hung out with Liz’s friends waiting to hit the rails. And unlike the movie, he wanted to trade places with anyone who would help take him home to his meowmy!

Here is Don Ameche dreaming of the day he would get to ride the rails home.  The time will come very soon baby boy!

But the story doesn’t begin there.  Liz Murphy Thomas found him a year ago along the side of the road. He had either been hit by or thrown from a car and his little tail had to be amputated. Since he was so young, he’s learned to adapt pretty well without it.  Look how tiny he was – thank you Liz for saving this precious one.

Now Liz needed help getting her baby transported to her.

Samantha Myers said, “Don Ameche is getting along fine here in Tennessee but I can tell he misses mommy. Please disregard the spilled food in the background; that was a game of tag gone awry.”

Time to trade places and head out from Harrogate, Tennessee, and make your way to Jacksonville, Florida little man.   On September 8, 2012, Don Ameche bid farewell to Samantha and with the help of URRKN transporter extraordinares, made his way home.

Samantha drove the first leg and met Lori Miller in Knoxville, TN.  From Knoxville to Chattanooga, Don Ameche was a very well behaved gentleman.  Here he is waiting for his close up in Chattanooga while he waits for conductor Julie Poole.

 It was onward and upward from Chattanooga to Marietta, GA.  Julie Poole then handed Don Ameche off to Mary Delplane who drove this baby on to Macon, Georgia.

Rest stop please.  Here is a great pic of Mary and Don Ameche in Macon while waiting for the successful transfer.

And here is a lovely pic of Susan as she is getting ready to continue the long and winding road south.

Choo choo goes our URRKN train as it drove south towards its final destination.  Susan Mills was at the controls driving from Macon to Cordele GA.  Here is a pic of our wonderful VIP traveler right before Susan left the Macon station.

Chug chug chug down the road we go, and Don Ameche keeps thinking, there’s no place like home, there’s no place like home.  Oh wait, that’s the wrong movie!  But check out on the look on this baby’s face… what was that sound?  Is that my meowmy’s voice?  Are we there yet?

Susan has made the hand off to John Bullock. John is headed to Valdosta, GA to meet Liz Thomas.  Don Ameche is now on his last leg before seeing his meowmy again after 5 long weeks.  He told the others how nice his meowmy’s friend was and how she took such good care of him.  But he now wouldn’t trade places for anyone since he was almost home!

So what is the best part about the drive from Valdosta, GA to Jacksonville, Florida?  Don’s meowmy was driving that last leg!!!

What a beautiful little man!

So as his story winds slowly to a close and the train rounds the bend to a place called home, special thanks are in store for all the URRKN transporters, cheerleaders, admins and everyone who plays a part in getting kitties safely home.  We leave you with this final pic of Don Ameche, making sure the cabinets in his meowmy’s home are constructed correctly!

There really is no place like home!

Misha ma belle

Misha ma belle,

“These are words that go together well, My Misha.

Misha, my belle. Sont des mots qui vont très bien ensemble, Très  bien ensemble.

I love you, I love you, I love you. That’s all I want to say,

Until I  find a way I will say the only words I know that You’ll understand…”

Misha, however, was waiting for a forever home and a meowmy to tell her she was loved.   How could you not fall in love with this face?   Misha is an 8 year old Seal Point Himmy. She was plucked from Barry County shelter by a rescuer extraordinare.  Misha was considered a senior and senior kitties are not always the easiest to adopt. A wonderful foster was found until Misha was ready to ride the rails. Our girl was lucky that Mary fell in love. Misha didn’t have to travel too far to her furever home but required transport assistance from URRKN.  Her meowmy, Mary Stroud,  was very anxious to get her and URRKN came to the rescue.

Her journey started on September 1, 2012 and the road traveled would be from Holt, MI to Cincinnati, OH… five and a 1/2 hours and 323 miles are all that was between Misha and her furever home!

The first leg from Holt, MI to Toledo, OH was conducted by Julia Johnston.  Leg A to B would take would take just under two hours and the love train was chugging down the tracks.  Check out the beautiful baby in her crate… such a pretty girl!

Legs 2 and 3 (B to C and C to D) were graciously driven by Sandy Conley.  Our URRKN conductors are just amazing and Sandy is no exception.  She volunteered to drive a double leg so Misha could go to her meowmy without delay.   Here are a few pics of the successful transfers.  Note the alert expression on our VIP traveler’s face.

Is this the way to my meowmy?

Such vivid colors on the blanket just make Misha even more attractive – she is gorgeous isn’t she?

Resting up while waiting to transfer for the final legs home.  Love is in the air and Misha knows it won’t be long now.

Check out that fabulous tail and the great big smiles on both Misha and our incredible conductor!  URRKNeers are the absolute best and take incredible care of our special passengers.  We love it that way.

At the end of the relatively short but meaningful journey that our conductors drove and our conductors cheered, a furever home was waiting for this special kitty.  Momma could sing:

“I want you, I want you, I want you!
I think you know by now
I’ll get to you somehow,
Until I do I’m telling you so you’ll understand…” ma Misha! 

May The Force be with you Luke

The URRKN Force is with you Luke!

Luke found himself in the shelter in early July after his mommy had to go to a nursing home. As if that wasn’t bad enough, they gave him less than a month to find a new home! But something really special happened to Luke. The day before the one that was to be his last, his picture was posted on FB. A friend of the poster saw him, and the look of fear on his sweet face moved her to action. She contacted her friend and on the very day that may have been the last one Luke had, he was swooped up and taken to stay with his foster until he could make his long way home.

Signups for Luke’s transport took lightning speed. Signups for transport began on August 25, 2012 and by August 29th, Luke found himself in warp speed in less than a week thanks for our URRKN Jedis. Jedis from as far as way as Australia cheered as the transport was set for September 1st.

Here is Luke saying goodbye to foster mom Jenni.  And let’s not forget his four legged stepbrother.

Luke’s stepbrother tell him, “have a safe trip pal.  Don’t forget what I taught you!”

“In the car and ready for a great adventure without as much as a peep from this good boy. Now I know I want him!”

“Goodbye and good luck Luke!” With Laura Strickland, on Day 1 and the first leg is completed!

First leg completed, transfer made! Laura Strickland is on the right, Angela Roberts on the left. Laura says: “Luke is on his way to Las Vegas!” A special thank you to Angela for driving 4+ hours one way in order to get Luke to the next conductor.

Angela met with Nadine Day to transfer for the Las Vegas NV – Cedar City UT leg. It was then onto Ruth Brandt for the overnight stay at the B and B.  Ruth had participated previously with URRKN when Bill Cosby, now named Schroder arrived in Salt Lake City and became a part of Ruth’s furever family.  Ruth had said she wanted to pay it forward and now she could.

Arrived at the B and B with Ruth Brandt.

From Ruth… “Luke made the trip to our house to have a sleepover in Price, Utah! We picked him up in Cedar City, Utah (after a 4 hour drive to get there!) and immediately turned around and came home! He is such a good kitty and never even meowed! I’m told that he hadn’t eaten or had any water all day long, and he still hasn’t yet, but I’m sure he will. He likes to hide a bunch, especially in tiny places, but he is a lover kitty for sure!”

Luke is waiting at the door . . . “LET ME OUT!!!”  He was ready to explore his nighttime accommodations.  Ruth and her VIP guest would head out in the morning around 8:00 to take him to Provo for the next leg of his journey! ♥

Investigating everything and looking for hiding places. Luke is very shy for such a big kitty!

Day 2,  Young Jedi Luke is ready for his next interplanetary transfer via Judy Kiel.

9am on September 2^nd, Judy reported in stating “Luke is on his way to Brigham City. Ear drops successfully employed.”  Our young jedi was once again on his way to his destination.

Can’t wait to get home.  But there was more excitement yet to come.

Just heard from Luke’s new Purrever Meowmy Cassie and she is now on the tracks to Dell, MT where she will meet Luke in just a few hours.  Luke will be changing trains in Pocatello, ID very shortly — his last stop before meeting Cassie.  The very capable conductor  for Brigham City to Pocatello was Mary Ann Hubbell.
♥♥ Luke, you’re almost home!! ♥♥

One more transfer complete – check out those happy faces!!!  Judy Kiel to Mary Ann – two fabulous ladies willing to drive our VIP passenger!

Jona Jacobson holds Luke in her car in Pocatello as she prepares to take the cat for the final leg of his transportation to Dell, Montana, where his new home awaits.

Breaking News!!! This just in!

The Idaho State Journal has requested an exclusive interview with our Young Jedi and his crew.  Check out this interplanetary article

Firth Woman, Logan couple help cat get to new home By Jimmy Hancock

Jona Jacobson said that when she saw a call for help to transport a rescued cat to its new home, volunteering was a no-brainer.

“I thought this was one way I could help cats without actually bringing every rescue into our house,” she said. “I figured I could do this and it would be my way of helping.”

Jacobson, who lives in Firth, recently lost a Bengal cat she rescued from some unqualified individuals in the Seattle area who were breeding it for profit. It’s a loss she and her partner are still feeling, making Jacobson reluctant to bring any rescues home right now.

Her decision to volunteer brought Jacobson to Pocatello on Sunday, where she met up with Mary Ann and Jim Hubbell, who live in Logan, Utah, at the Maverick Country Store, located at 2100 E. Center St.

The Hubbells had picked up Luke earlier in the morning from someone in Brigham City, Utah, and drove the cat to Pocatello.

Mary Ann said she and Jim were pulled into the mix by her cousin in Illinois, who called her asking if she could find someone to help transport the cat from her area to Pocatello.

“I volunteered to do it immediately,” she said. “I decided it would be fun to do it ourselves.”

She said her and Jim had the shortest leg of the trip for the Utah and Idaho transport of Luke, who started his journey in Mesa, Ariz. The person from whom they picked up Luke drove four hours south from Brigham City to pick up the cat, only to turn around and bring him home for the night.

Mary Ann said the experience has been a good one, and one she said her and Jim would be willing to repeat in the future.

“I wouldn’t mind doing it again,” she said.

The move of Luke from Mesa to Dell, Montana, a small community in Beaverhead County, located in the southwestern part of the state, bordering Idaho, was organized by Tina LaBlanc, founder of Underground Railroad Rescued Kitty Network.

LaBlanc, who resides in Avondale, Ariz., organized the network last fall, its official start date being Oct. 31, 2011. She was prompted to do so after reading about Jack the Cat, a pet lost by an airline last fall while it was in transport. It was 61 days before Jack was finally found and by then he was so badly injured, his outlook was not good.

He died 12 days later, in early November.

But Jack the Cat served as a reminder to LaBlanc, a reminder of a time when an airline lost her cat. It was 1997 when LaBlanc’s husband was transferred from Germany back to the U.S. and in transport, one of her cats was lost.

“She was only missing for a few days and was located in another state,” LaBlanc said. “We were able to get her in intensive care and she survived, thankfully.”

But hearing about Jack stirred up all those memories and also shocked LaBlanc a bit, the idea that airlines were still having difficulty keeping tabs on an animal so many years after her ordeal.

“I thought, somebody has to do something about this,” she said. “Then I had that quiet voice in my head that said, ‘You are somebody, ’”That was all she needed.

One goal of the Underground Railroad Rescued Kitty Network is to link potential owners with cats — regardless of where in the country each is at — in need of adoption, thereby rescuing them from being euthanized. The other goal is to then get that cat to that new owner.

While she’s awaiting approval of her nonprofit status, she’s not waiting to get cats moved around the country.

“Luke is our 50th transport,” she said. “We are growing like a runaway train. It’s wonderful. It’s a lot of fun.”

And while Luke just happens to be from LaBlanc’s home state, that is far from the norm. In fact, she’s not only helping cats connect with people all around the U.S., she got people wanting to mimic what she is doing in several other countries.

“Most of our cats are actually from out East,” she said. “Once my nonprofit is approved, I have people set to go in Canada, Mexico, Australia, Ireland and England. So we are set to go international as soon as we get that nonprofit status.”

Once a real estate sales agent, LaBlanc now dedicates her full attention to the Underground Railroad Rescued Kitty Network.

Like the Hubbells, Jacobson says she too is looking forward to transporting other cats in the future.

“Oh yeah, absolutely. It would be great,” she said. “To get little kitties to their new homes, I can’t think of much better when it comes to cats.”

POCATELLO Posted: Sunday, September 2, 2012 11:44 pm Updated: 12:30 am, Mon Sep 3, 2012.

Mommy I’m home!  Jedi Luke with his furever Meowmy! Special thanks to all who participated!

From Cassie Betz, “I just wanted to show you the goodies that Laura Strickland sent with Luke. That’s Stella, our chocolate lab, checking everything out. Laura makes these homemade items and they are loved by all who has them 🙂

When I took Luke’s crate out of the car at our house, Ricky-Bobby came running over and started rubbing all over it. I’m not sure if he even realized Luke was in there, but he seemed to be saying, “Welcome home, Luke! I’m your new brother!”

This just in from Cassie: “Getting Luke settled into his new digs and then will post pics. Thank you to EVERYONE who made this journey possible! I guess it takes a village to save a cat! :-)” ♥♥♥

Here he is!! Luke is getting some lovin’ from my husband, Brent, in this photo. They love each other already!

Here is our boy Luke eating! Yay! For the next day or two he will be staying in one of our unfinished basement rooms until gets settled in and used to us. Then we will introduce him to the rest of the house. Jenni, please don’t be alarmed by the chewed up corner of that crate……that one is ours. Yours is completely intact and will be shipped back to you this week. Thank you!

When Jona & I met up in Dell, there was a group of guys outside the Dell Merc that saw us handing off a crate with “something” in it. They were wondering what was in there, so my sister-in-law started telling them Luke’s story. They were amazed, and they all wanted to see Luke, so we opened up the car door for them to see him. I wish I had gotten a picture of these 4 Montana dudes all sticking their heads in our car at the same time. Hysterical! Luke’s first groupies!

One more update on Luke before bed. He has been exploring his room & finding lots of fun hiding places. We went to check on him once and couldn’t find him anywhere and went into a full-blown panic, until we looked up to see him sitting on a shelf above our heads with a smirk on his face! 🙂 He has been eating, drinking, peeing, & pooping, so all systems are working fine! 🙂 My husband thinks he should be named “Frank” as in Sinatra, because of those killer blue eyes…..

Luke had a great night, and just got a chance to meet Ricky-Bobby briefly. No flying fur, just a couple of quick nose touches and that was it. Luke is still cautiously exploring his new environment and making a mental note of new places to hide. 🙂 The dogs are DYING to meet him, but we are holding off on that for a little while until Luke gets more comfortable. When I told him he wasn’t going to have to get back in the crate today, he did backflips! Well, not really, but I’m sure he was doing them in his mind!

Master Luke is adapting well.  Don’t you just love a happy ending?  In a galaxy not so far away, all is right with the world as another kitty has a furever home!

This Little Mittens is a Very Special Kitten

Three little kittens lost their mittens … and one little kitten named “Mittens” has found her furrever home.

Can’t you just imagine waking up to little Mittens patting your face with those adorable white paws? Katherine Doctor could too, and that’s part of the reason she fell in love with this little one and opened her heart to give Mittens a home. Only one obstacle remained between Mittens and furrever: Mittens was in Shelby, NC and her new family was in El Paso, TX.

Don’t worry though, URRKN to the rescue and Mittens was given a ticket to ride the Love Train to her new home. With the engine rumbling quietly and the vehicles outiftted with catnip and toys…all that remained was for her conductors to drive her home!

Here we go Mittens, here we go.  August 18, 2012 was bright and sunny and a perfect day for a kitty transport.  The first leg on her three day tour was Shelby NC to Anderson SC and our fabulous conductor was Marlene Berry. Check out Marlene and Anita with Miss Mittens.

Hand off from Marlene to Nessa for the next leg; Anderson SC to Atlanta GA. Such a pretty lady – wait… all three are pretty!!!

Because real men love cats too, here is a pic of Nessa’s finance Mark along for the ride. We love our men participants because we can’t all be crazy cat ladies!

Made it to Atlanta with no problem other than the usual traffic. Here is Mittens hanging out with Nessa waiting for her transfer.

Such a snuggly baby – getting loves and rubs from Nessa.

Transferring from Nessa to Gretchen for the Atlanta GA to Oxford AL leg. The love train is moving right along.

Next pic is of Gretchen getting ready to leave – check out her conductor’s hat. That is really cool! Our conductors are always very stylish in their URRKN bling 🙂

The love train continued to roll south and before Mittens knew it, she was at the next transfer point in Oxford Alabama. Mittens was well on her way to becoming a true southern belle and was very polite as she changed hands from Gretchen to Randee Cole.

Mittens was very alert and you could almost hear her thinking out loud… are we there yet?

Before two shakes of a cat’s tail, Randee and Mittens arrived in Tuscaloosa AL for the transfer to Candice Keene. Mittens was now more than half way finished with her first day’s ride. We are getting there little one. Onward and upward, here is Mittens chilling in Candice’s vehicle.

Upon arrival at Meridian MS, Mittens met up with her next conductor, a URRKN good guy; Patrick Milligan who would drive Mittens two legs. first to Jackon, MS and then on to Monroe LA where he would transfer Mittens to her first evening’s B & B hostess, Sadie Mae Joslin. There is light at the end of the tunnel Mittens.

We are grateful for all our conductors but it is extraspecial when someone volunteers to drive more than one leg! Finally Mittens was transferred to Sadie Mae for the last leg of the first day and her B & B. Almost there 🙂

Made it! At the B & B with Sadie Mae, hooray!

Noms noms noms… yummy!

Sadie reports that Mittens has been eating and playing and they are now bedding down for the night. Goodnight Sadie and Mittens. Katherine Doctor, Mittens first day is done! She’ll be home soon!

Good morning world. It is the start of day two of Mitten’s journey to her furever meowmy. Have to eat breakfast before we go!

So Mittens hit the road for the second day of her journey to her furever meowmy. Sadie Mae drove to the drop off point where she would continue her journey with Bee Dee Leggett. Here is a nice pic of Mittens at drop off. Sadie says, “We really enjoyed having Mittens last night she is precious!! She is very talkative this morning! Meow Meow Meow she says! :)”

Bee Dee drove from Monroe, LA to Shrevesport where she met up with Arika Roy who drove our VIP passenger on to Tyler, TX. Everything went smoothly as the handoff was made to Bobbi Blanch. Mittens was now on her way from Tyler to Fort Worth. All the way she was super well behaved and very curious of her surroundings. One more transfer to Jacqueline Morin and our VIP was on her way to Midland. If you listen carefully, you might her say -boy Texas is a bigggggg state! Here is a great picture of Mittens. Jacqueline said, “Mittens was such a good traveler. She was purring and kneading her bed. That’s the way we like them!

Abilene to Midland was next and after transfer from Jacqueline to Heidi Dobey they were on their way. Here is Mittens with Heidi, once again super alert and watching the mile markers roll by.

So life sometime’s throws us a curve and they don’t always work out the way we plan.  As Heidi was traveling down the road, the unexpected happened and the transport changed.  At least 15 years prior while in the army, Chris worked with Candy Veroneau’s husband and Chris and FCM Tina and the Veroneaus were friends.  They hadnt spoken in over ten years but when Tina needed to make a transport change she called Candy who jumped right in to help.  Rather than to do the B & B, Heidi handed Mittens over to Candy who would drive the final leg which was over 305 miles.  Here is a pic of Heidi handing over Mittens for her final leg of transport.

Candy drove all night back home grabbed a couple hours sleep as a B&B Hostess even though she was leaving on vacation.  Talk about a special lady!  Here is Candy the following day handing Mittens to her furever meowmy.  Why did she do it (Candy that is)?  Besides being a lover of animals and a good friend to the LaBlancs, she delivered Mittens so that pregnant mama Katherine Doctor could be with her husband when he returned  home from deployment!  As Candy was driving Katherine was posting.  She said, “In just a few hours Mittens and I will be meeting for the first time! Words cannot express how excited I am to see her! The whole URRKN process has been incredible! I have sproken with some wonderful people, who organize all of this, over the last few months, and I must say, you ladies are so awesome for all that you do! Also, a HUGE thank you to ALL of the wonderful volunteers that made this transport (and every transport) possible. It is so amazing to see people taking time out of their day to give kitties their forever homes. Mittens has had a tough little life, and she is finally getting everything she deserves…a good home with a loving family. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to say thank you enough. This experience has been so great, and I look forward to the day when I can help a sweet kitty get home. We have been anticipating this day for months, and now it’s finally here! Choo chooooo, welcome HOME Mittens!!!

Candy and Katherine at the transfer point.  Can you hear Mittens saying, Mommy I’m home!

Everyone loves a happy ever after story and this one is as good as it gets.  After arriving home, Mittens spent a few hours sniffing out the house and then decided to hid behind the couch for a few hours.  Katherine reported that she is getting a little more brave, and is now hiding under Katherine’s bed.  She promised to take pics once Mittens reappears.  Poor baby has had quite a journey and needs some serious R&R!

And we’re out of hiding! She’s been hanging out and lovin’ on mama!

As this journey has come to a happy ending, Mittens says thank you to URRKN and all our drivers, conductors, cheerleaders, transport teams and friends for making this black and white beauty’s dreams come true.  She is finally where she belongs – a final tribute – she is at peace with her new sister, Kitty Jr.  There’s no place like home!

Won’t you come home Bill Cosby, won’t you come home!

This is the story of Bill Cosby, also known as Schroder.

BC traveled as a VIP on the same weekend as Mittens and DG. He then had an extended stay in Atlanta before he became a flying angel riding the love plane to Salt Lake City and into the arms of his furever meowmy.  Check out the story from a very clever blogger!

“The three ingredients of a successful union between two . . . humor, commitment & undying love.” Bill Cosby

No trip is too far for URRKN and this special needs kitty!

Bill Cosby (the cat) was surrendered to the Foothills Humane Society in North Carolina along with about 30 other cats and kittens. Flea infested and many of the kittens sick, Dana Mayer set herself to the insurmountable task of healing, in more ways than one, this major influx to her small shelter. Bill Cosby (the cat) is about 2 years old, and among his other problems when he made it to Dana, he was found to be FeLV+. Now Bill Cosby (the cat) was found by Ruth Brandt who lives all the way out in Utah. For various personal reasons, she KNOWS that Bill Cosby (the cat) is the perfect fit for her and her family. Let it be known that her son actually requested that they save a kitty for his birthday. When URRKN received the request for the transport and learned that Bill Cosby (the cat) was FeLV+ it was decided not to risk his health by such a long transport. To keep Bill Cosby (the cat) from traveling such a long way in car after car after car our resident airline guru was contacted for help. An extended B & B had to be located and secured in Atlanta, GA where Bill Cosby (the cat) can rest at his ease until our special angel can fly with him to Utah around the end of the month. “Bill, you’re going home.”

It takes a special person to adopt an FELV+ kitty. Bill Cosby has been given a new lease on life.

Kind words from the New Adoptive Meowmy Ruth Brandt.
“We are SOOOO excited! Bill Cosby (aka Bill the Cat who will ultimately be named Schrodinger once he gets home) is coming home, FINALLY!!! We have been waiting and waiting as patiently as possible! So far we haven’t needed Depends, but between now and then, who can say????? LOL

The dad of our family, Darrin, has cancer, and grandma has chronic leukemia, so we are no strangers to cancer and special needs. We certainly understand handling family members with TLC, and will love our newest family member with the same love and care that we are used to.

My deepest love and thanks go out to anyone and everyone involved in this adoption and transport. This is one special kitty. I have felt his spirit across the continent, and I know he is for us. We are ready and willing to love him as soon as he can get to us. In fact, we already do love him. He is in our hearts even now. ♥♥♥♥♥”

Special Cheers from the sidelines. URRKN has the best cheerleaders anywhere!

“Cheering for Bill from the cornfields of Iowa.” Jes Pint-Size
“I’m gonna have to buy a set of pom-poms, because I am doing a lot of cheering!!” Trudy Bledsoe
“I’m not on the route, but I will be cheerleading the whole way! ♥” Deanna Muzzy
“Love the name :). Not near me but safe travels to everyone involved.” Jennifer Bliesener
“Not in my neck of the woods but i’ll be cheering from the sidelines :-)” Lisa Kollman

Bill Cosby started out his journey on August 19, 2012 from Columbus, North Carolina.  Conductor Dana Mayer was at the wheel.  She drove this VIP to Greenville, SC where she met up with Cheryl Parker Brown.

From Cheryl Parker Brown: Bill Cosby’s (the cat) Love Train is pulling out of Greenville, SC headed for Commerce, GA!!! Chooo- Choooooo!!!!! >^..^<

In Commerce, Georgia Dana transferred BC to Karen Bridges who would take him to Atlanta.  There the transfer was made to Nessa Delacroix.  Nessa is holding BC in his carrier during his transfer.

Karen Bridges and Nerissa Delacroix.

Bill Cosby in his private room here at Delacroix B&B with Nessa & Dante Delacroix.

After having a long stopover it is time for BC (Schroder) to head to Atlanta Hartfield’s airport to complete his journey to his furever meowmy.  August 24, 2012 was the day Ruth would finally get to see her baby.  Here are Nessa and Bryna at the airport.  No one knew what was coming next!

Another of Nessa with her son who gamely came along to wish safe travels to BC.

He looks so innocent doesn’t he.  Well that wasn’t going to be the case going through security and the TSA line.Not the best pic but BC was not happy when Bryna took him out of his carrier.  You see, TSA has to scan the carrier without kitty in it for obvious reasons.  You have to hold kitty, walk through the machine, then wait for them to swab your hands before you can put the cat back in the carrier.  Thank goodness for harness and leash rules at URRKN!  BC came out with no problem but wasnt going back in at all!  A TSA supervisor saw Bryna struggling with him and instructed her to put him in the carrier, walk through and then they would screen BC in a private room.

Here is BC in the private room – he was Dr. Jeykel and Mr. Hyde – he popped out of the carrier and began to explore the room like nothing had happened.  Tell that to Bryna who had BC scratches where he struggled.  Good thing she was stronger than him, endured the scratches and wouldnt let him go!

Finally the carrier was screened and BC was free to go.  Only problem is he wouldnt go back into the carrier without law enforcement assistance.  It took two TSA agents and Bryna to finally secure him.  And off she went.  The funny thing is that once he was back in the carrier, he calmed down and was even purring and rubbbing the carrier.  Once on the plane he went to sleep and didnt wake up until they landed!  He was almost to Ruth.

Meanwhile, here are Ruth and her son waiting for the plane to land in Salt Lake City.  Hubby was the one that was taking the pics.

Flight has landed and Ruth and family still had a few hours to drive back home.  Here is the happy reunion with their new baby.  Finally! We found Bryna and Schroder! United at last! (not the airline!) J Delta is the only way to fly!

Taking a closer look at BC (Schroder).  He was more than ready to go home.   A little better look . . . peek-a-boo! I can’t wait to get my paws on this kitty!

Too pooped to party – before driving home.

At home . . . So, what now?

But I’m not sleepy!

All’s well that land’s well.  Some parting comments from Ruth:

“After we made our 3 hour drive home from the airport, Schroder just wanted to explore the house, and that’s what he’s doing now. He and our doggie have met, and Schroder is very capable of asserting his authority, you’ll be happy to know! Our doggie, Miracle, is very excited and freaked out, but I’m not the least bit concerned about Schroder’s well being. I’ll leave it to Bryna to tell the story of how well this little spitfire can take care of himself! LOL I’m just really hoping that Miracle and Schroder will become fast friends in a hurry. Sibling rivalry isn’t my favorite thing!!!

Anyway, that’s it for now. Everything is great for now. I’ll continue to post updates and let everyone know how things are going. This has been a really great day and I just need to thank everyone who has been involved – all of the wonderful people involved in transporting BC/Schroder, all the incredible people involved with URRKN. You all have a special place in my heart. This is one special kitty cat, and he needed my family as much as we needed him. All I can say is thank you.”

For URRKN, from Bill Cosby (and Robert Frost – 1920):

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Momma I’m coming home!

From the event:

Gail Mowry rescued a 6 year old kitty in Washington state 3 months ago, and had been traveling with him to their new home in South Carolina, when her car broke down near Laramie, Wyoming. The car was a goner, as was all her money, but the nice people in Laramie  helped her out with a motel and a bus ticket home. (Bet you can guess what wasn’t allowed on the bus…) Frantically, Gail spent all night on the phone and online trying to find help for D.G. Cat. She found an angel in Suzanne of the Laramie Animal Shelter Foundation, who was able to pick up D.G. and immediately get him into a foster home! Suzanne says D.G. is a 23 lb Maine Coon, beautiful and very friendly.

Leaving behind almost everything she’d brought with her, it took Gail another 4 eventful days to make it home. The stories this woman could tell! A 70 year old knitter who makes blankets for shelters, she’s now settled in her daughter’s home, missing her beloved kitty.

D.G. loves to travel, having already road-tripped with Gail from the Pacific Northwest through California and Nevada to Wyoming. URRKN now has the opportunity to help reunite this gorgeous rescued kitty with his furever meowmy!

Here is handsome DG possing at his foster momma’s house, just waiting until he could get home to Gail.

Never one to turn down a good head scritch (yes, scritch, that’s different than a scratch), DG looks like he’s posing for the camera.

And here’s one of DG with his amazing foster Momma.  DG was obviously loved, which I’m sure gave Gail a bit of peace of mind as she tapped her knitting needles waiting to be reunited with this sweet boy!

Now, you do the math.  Wyoming to South Carolina.  That’s a long, long long way.  So long that it would take THREE days to get there.  And lots and lots of really great people.  Fifteen drivers – two B&B’s – and lots and lots of smiles …and tissues.  Lots of tissues.

This transport took alot to put together.  Hours upon hours of planning and tweaking and begging and networking.  But it happened.  Miraculously, all of these people pulled together to get this big (and I mean BIG) ball of fur home to his Momma!

First, Jeremy and Matthew hit the road on Saturday August 18th.  Now, the two of them had some bantering and bickering going on – and eventually decided to drive the first two legs together.   Look at them with DG!  This kitty doesn’t know what he’s in for, does he???

Look ^^^^  – They even brought toys for DG for rest stops!!  Haha – kidding!!  But just goes to show you what fun loving, crazy cat guys they are!!  The boys (all three of them!) headed east to meet up with Linda in Colorado.  At the end of their legs (they covered two of the original planned legs), this is what they each had to say:

Matthew – “‎[√] DG Leg A, [√] DG Leg B, [√] Couldn’t have gone much smoother, [√] Awesome, [√] More proof that Jeremy and I were separated at birth, [√] Multitudes of meows — in Aurora, CO.”

Jeremy – “Yes, I do feel like a billion dollars(said in Dr. Evil’s voice.) Biscuit, today you taught me that the greatest good is often measured by doing the smallest thing. Daddy misses you, but your wings were needed to help guide these kitties home today.”   (Jeremy is referring to his own sweet foster kitty who had just crossed the Rainbow Bridge shortly before this transport took place.  RIP Biscuit!!)

Here are Jeremy and Linda at their handoff spot.  Both of them sporting their URRKN swag.  Want to get some of your own?  Check out this site http://www.cafepress.com/urrkn

Here is DG doing a little exploring with Linda at a rest stop.

And, here he is resting up for his next conductors (father and son duo – Andrew and Bill) in Kansas.

After handing DG off to Andrew and Bill’s capable hands, Linda said, “Well, just had a bite to eat in Colby and headed back to Denver. Going to be lonesome without D.G. Will check in later. Should be home in about four hours.”  Then she updated us when she got home, “Just checking in, we just arrived home, safe and sound from Colby, KS. What a great feeling to have helped get D.G. home to his Mom. Thank you for the opportunity to help.”

Before she headed off for that bite to eat, Linda snapped this picture of Andrew and Bill!  Isn’t it awesome to see so many men involved??  Yes, the crazy cat lady stereotype is alive and well in this group, some of us wear it more proudly than others (haha), but I personally love to see the men who break that stereotype.  Noone here is crazy – we’re all just a bunch of folks who love kitties and want to help!  (ok, I *might* be a little crazy, but shhhhhhh)

This is an awesome picture of DG getting some love from Andrew before they hit the road toward the meeting point with Stacy.

Stacy and Bill in Abilene…..

…..and Stacy and Andrew……

Stacy would be the last conductor of the day for DG, as she was also scheduled to be the five star B&B for this handsome man.

Once DG arrived at his B &B, Stacy posted that she let him out of his carrier as soon as she could so he could begin to unwind.   She said he was very quiet on the drive home.  In fact she turned on the interior light a few times just to make sure he was okay.  But he was a perfect gentleman.  Upon arrival she prepped his toilet and got his food set up then let him out.  He sniffed around for about 20 minutes but then made himself right at home.   Stacey said, “The other 4 pets were less than happy that they were kicked out of their room…lol.  But, DG seemed quite comfy on my bed.”

DG says good morning on August 20th after a refreshing night at his B & B with Stacy.  Now it’s time to hit the road so I can see my furever meowmy in just a few short days.  And the train travels on!

By the way, DG came with his very own poster that traveled all the way to his furever home.  Check this out!

On the road for a very long day, DG arrives at his second evening’s B & B and his gracious hostess Susan Brown in Franklin, TN.  Here he is having noms and Susan says his motor is already going.  Got to keep that fluffy figure going!

One more of this beautiful baby kicking back at Susan’s home.

On the road the following morning for DG’s final transport day, Susan Brown handed this gentleman off to Michele Golley who drove DG from Cookeville TN to Knoxville TN where Lori Miller took over.

Here is a nice shot of conductor Lori Miller who has DG and is headed from Knoxville TN to Waynesville NC.  He was a perfect gentleman riding the rails but by now he is wondering… are we there yet?

One thing is for certain, that DG is quite the looker!  He is almost home and his meowmy Gail is sitting by the front window waiting for her special boy.

Here is our VIP with Mandy Kelley leaving Columbia SC on his last leg to mom!  Go DG!  Mandy says “he’s ready too… hissed and bopped me when he had to go back in his carrier!  This is it – the final leg.  DG traveled a very long way and into the arms of a grateful Gail Mowry.

Another successful URRKN transport complete.  All the way from Laramie Wyoming to Mt. Pleasant South Carolina, volunteer drivers, transport coordinators, cheerleaders, family and friends made sure that this VIP had an incredible trip and a happy ever after ending.  Thank you to all of you who made this possible.  You are all kitty angels!

Justice is served!!!

From the event:

This girl was surrendered to the shelter by an owner that was moving and couldn’t take her along. (BAD owner! Bad OWNER!!) She spent 4 months in the shelter in Virginia until a contact of the East Coast Maine Coon Rescue sent her to Chris in a general e-mail. So Justice was then taken to New Jersey to be loved and pampered until a home could be found for her. In steps our hero, Don! He has adopted Justice, so now she will be making the trip back to Virginia to a permanent forever home. Justice is a loving 10 pound Maine Coon, until she decides differently! I’m told she can be moody and can even be aggressive if she feels threatened. Don will provide the perfect home for her. She won’t have to compete with anybody (2 legged or 4 legged) for his undivided attention. A match made in kitty heaven!

This picture doesn’t quite do her beauty “Justice”, does it??  Hahahaha – I didn’t even realize I was doing that until I started to type!  Anyway – I just want to say that we all know that we don’t know the circumstances behind this beautiful girl being left behind, but we do find it very sad that Justice was a disposable member of her former family.  No worries, though, she has a NEW family in Don and we’re certain that she will be a spoiled and happy girl there!  In a crazy twist of fate, she was dumped in a shelter in VA, moved to NJ and is now moving back home to VA.  I guess she’s a Southern girl after all!

Justice’s transport started bright and early on August 11th with Christine taking Justice from NJ to PA where they’d meet up with Trish.  Here she is ready to set out on her big adventure.  Now, as you may remember from way up there ^^^^, Justice does have a penchant for striking out if she’s scared or nervous, so all conductors were cautioned about that and it was noted on her carrier that she should not be taken out except in extreme emergencies.

Don’t know about you, but I think she’s already plotting her escape from the confines of this plastic and metal box!

Once Justice was on board with Trish, she sent us these pictures.  Look at her face in this one – yup, she’s definitely plotting something!

Trish and Justice headed off to meet up with Edmund in Delaware.  Edmund sent us this lovely shot – maybe the plotting is over and she’s thinking longingly of her new home with Don?

After he got home, Edmund said, “Did my first transport, went exactly as I expected. Met 2 other great volunteer Conductors, had nearly perfect weather and driving conditions and a perfectly wonderful fare. I’ll do it again to put a Kitty into a loving home”  After one transport, most of our volunteers are hooked.  You just can’t beat that warm fuzzy feeling (I know, I know, if you’ve read other blog posts, I keep saying that!  But it’s TRUE!)

Edmund and Justice met up with Jennifer in Baltimore.  Here’s a few pictures from Jen!  Look at that beautiful, expressive face!  In the bottom one she even kind of looks like she’s smiling!  I wonder what Jen said to her??

After Jen, Justice met up with TJ and her son Alex in Virginia.  Now, Alex is an old pro at transports – he’s done both the transport (with Mom driving, of course) and the B&B.  Future conductor in the making, I think.  In fact, here are TJ and Alex getting ready to go!  Wonder if Alex is going to share that sandwich with Justice??  (Kidding, we know kitties don’t eat people food!)

TJ, Alex and Justice headed off to meet up with new Daddy Don!  Here is Don meeting Justice for the first time!

After he got home, Don told us, “Justice is now home and running wild, after an 11hr trip she has a lot of pent up energy. Thanks to everyone-those who transported and well wishers.
TJ I hope you enjoyed your meal before heading back. Thanks”

Then we got to see Justice at home.  Looks like she’s settling in quite nicely, doesn’t it??  No sign of the scared, hissy kitty that we were warned about.  Clearly Justice is feeling safe and loved!!  Thanks Don!!!!

Want to help another, possibly misunderstood, kitty get a second chance at a happy life??  Come check us out here https://www.facebook.com/groups/URRKN/

Choo Choo!!

Oui Oui – it is Me – Miss Midnight LeRoux

From the event:

Someone once said “She walks in beauty like the night”…

They must have been talking about Miss Midnight LeRoux! She is a dark beauty living with foster meowmy Tami, in Overland Park, KS. Her adopter is in Glendale AZ, and is foster meowmy’s sister in law, Susan!! She has her microchip installed, and she is ready to go!!

Midnight transferred from Kindred Spirit Animal Rescue Center (Fairdealing, MO) to Kitty Cat Connection (Kansas City, MO) in January of this year by Susan, along with another black kitty, in hopes of saving them from a potential bad situation. In March, a nice lady indicated she was interesting in fostering her first cat or litter of kittens. It was decided that she would start with an adult foster cat, and when kitties more of her choosing became available, KCC would switch the kitties around. She was sent photos of 3 adults Susan thought would work for their home with two older children and a German Shepherd. The family chose Midnight.Midnight fit in to her new foster home fabulously, and bonded with everyone including the dog in a relatively short amount of time. They all loved her and described her as the perfect cat. They thought of keeping her for their very own, but ultimately decided they were just a bit too busy to have a long term responsibility to another animal at this time. Foster Mom Tami did a good job of showcasing photos of Midnight and stories on her Facebook account, and her sister-in-law followed along carefully. So carefully that now Foster Mom’s sister-in-law is the person adopting Midnight!

Here are a few pics of Midnight in her foster home

The send off on transport day (Saturday August 11th) – notice that even the goggie is there to say goodbye!

After Midnight hit the road with Julie, Tami said, “It was very difficult saying good bye to my foster kitty, Midnight LeRoux, but I know she is in capable hands with Julie driving and her sweet son in the backseat with Midnight. Also, her son has been nice enough to give me updates. So far everything is going great and Midnight Leroux is doing well.“

Julie and her son headed off to meet up with Susan and her hubby.  Here’s a picture of Susan and Julie with Midnight as they make the transfer.  Look at Midnight’s wide eyes.  Looks like she knows something exciting is happening!

Susan and her hubby with some of their URRKN swag.  Want some for yourself?  Check it out here.  http://www.cafepress.com/urrkn

At a rest stop, Midnight looks longingly at the box of litter and the bowl.  No, not really, but I just couldn’t think of what else to say here!  Haha.  Look how beautiful she is, though!  I just want to reach through this screen and pet this pretty girl!

Midnight looks a little confused.  Wondering where the little human is that should be in this car seat.  Don’t worry Midnight, the two legged baby is just fine, I’m sure!

Susan and Mr. Susan met up with Julia (yes, first Julie, now JuliA) in Oklahoma (where the wind comes sweepin’ down the plain….ooops, sorry, got distracted!).   Here are the three lovely ladies (Julia, Midnight and Susan!)

Julia and Midnight would head off to meet up with Wanda, who would be staying in a hotel with Midnight (now THAT’S a B&B, right??)  But wait, first check out this photo sent by Julia on her part of the trip.  Bad luck?  I think not!  I know all of our kitties are beautiful, but man, look at this face!!  She is stunning!!!

And Julia agrees because when she got home, she said, “Yes she is! She was very polite and quiet. I couldn’t get her to drink any water. Hope she chows down and wets her whistle tonight in the motel. Can’t wait to see pictures of her there. Great meeting you Wanda!”

Here are Wanda and John (and I think it’s also Mr. Julia – sorry, I never got his name!) getting ready to head out on the last leg before a night of rest.

Pretty girl enjoying some play time at the B&B.

Just trying to freshen up a little after a long day on the road.  Maybe a little privacy is in order here??

After a restful evening, Midnight is up and ready to hit the road on Sunday!

Here are Wanda and Pam as they get ready to make the most of Day 2.  Midnight’s looking at them intently – she must be very interested in what they have to say!

In New Mexico with Pam, waiting for Bonnie to arrive.  I think the pictures of the kitties looking out the windows in anticipation of getting to their new homes are my absolute favorite pictures that we get from our conductors.  Of course, no kitties out of carriers while the car is moving or when doors/windows are open.  And ALWAYS follow any special instructions that might come with kitty – some kitties should not be taken out of their carriers except in extreme emergency situations!  (End Public Service Announcement!)

Here are Bonnie and, well, maybe it’s Mr. Bonnie??  I’m not sure, but they look like they’re having fun!!

Another beautiful shot of this pretty girl’s face!

Hey – you there – can you drive this thing???

FINE!  I guess I’ll have to drive myself!

Hmmm….I think this thing down here makes the car go faster, but then I can’t see where I’m going.  What’s a kitty to do?!?!?

Eventually Midnight convinced Bonnie it was time to go and they headed off to meet up with Lava, who would take Midnight into Arizona.

Lava and Midnight headed off to meet up with Megan who sent us these two pictures.  This one is a shot of Midnight – Megan said that Suzy was there, and Midnight was craning her neck to see around Megan and catch a glimpse of her new Momma!!!

And here’s Megan saying goodbye to Midnight.  Kind of looks like she’s about done with this trip, huh?  (Midnight, not Megan.  Megan is clearly still feeling the warm fuzzies that come with transporting one of these amazing kitties!)

As we love to see, Suzy has sent us some updates of Midnight in her new home.  First thing was an update after they got home.  “She is home with us and has already met her sister’s Bella and Suki – only a couple of hisses and swipes and they are doing fine. Like I said the girls are more afraid of her.”  And then, most importantly – PICTURES!!!!

  Looks like she’s enjoying the view outside without having to actually go back outside!!

Lucky kitty – she has a new bed and it’s ON a bed.  How much more comfortable can you get??

Ok, no more pictures.  I’m trying to sleep here!!  zzzzzzzzzz

Nine conductors (including new Momma), two days, one B&B and almost 1400 miles.  Not bad, my friends, not bad.  Do you want to know what it’s like to participate in such an amazing event??  Then come join us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/URRKN/ to see what we’re all about.

Choo choo!!