Mavis, Martha and Gladys find a happy home together

16 years ago

Image

By Norma Milton
Special to the Aroostook Republican

   Last week I talked about our little feral cat, Mr. Harry Morris, who was trapped at Madawaska Lake in 2005 and relocated to Woodland, then made a huge journey from Woodland to Sinclair and is now back in residence at the horse barn in Woodland.

   Another of my favorite stories is about the Bickford Feral Cats.
   David and Ruby Bickford live in Etna, Maine and have adopted five cats from CPR. Three of these cats were feral.
   A couple of years ago, David was in the county enjoying our winter sports when he read about CPR and our funding quest.
   He called for directions to our home, as he wanted to stop and make a donation. When David arrived, I didn’t hesitate to show off our lovely group of current feral fosters in our insulated garage room.
   At the time I was fostering the two sisters, Mavis and Martha, along with several other feral cats. David lost his heart to little Mavis. Mavis had been trying hard to learn to trust humans, but had not crossed over completely from feral to tame. David spoke softly and lovingly to her.
   I was in awe as I watched David connect his heart with Mavis. He reached in and Mavis allowed him to hold her for just a few minutes.
   It was definitely a magic moment between the two of them. 
   Later that night, David called me. He had returned home and discussed Mavis with his wife. David and Ruby drove back to Madawaska Lake to adopt Mavis.
   A few weeks later, David called again to say that he and Ruby were worried about Martha losing her Mavis and said they would adopt her as well. I told him that Martha had developed a strong friendship with feral Gladys and was doing quite well.
   But the Bickfords wanted to see for themselves that Martha was okay. The adoption story ended with both Martha and Gladys going home to join Mavis as members of the Bickford family.
   We corresponded with the Bickfords by e-mail for many months. David and Ruby have become faithful supporters of the CPR shelter and they have spearheaded several volunteer projects for the shelter. We are, indeed, grateful for all the support they continue to give to CPR.
   Later in the year, the Bickford’s adopted two young kittens from the shelter. Now the entire family are CPR supporters including David’s 90-year old mother.
   Mrs. Bickford, who lives with David and Ruby, knits for CPR craft fairs.
   The following is an e-mail I received from David concerning the adjustment of Mavis to a home environment.
   “…I thought I would drop you a quick note. Mavis is doing well and has become one of the family. She does not like to be picked up, but she does like to sleep with us and has become very fond of my mother who lives with us. Mavis spends a lot of her day sitting in mom’s lap and helping her knit.
   “She will let you pat her, loves to rub on legs. She gets along well with the other cats and dog. Although she will not be allowed out she loves to sit in the window and watch the birds at the feeders and the other cats when they are out.
   How are the other cats doing? Has Martha become a little more acclimated to humans?”
   A later email tells of the adjustment for Martha and Gladys. “The kids are settled in but they are very nervous and act threatened. They spent the night under our bed, as I did not get them in the big cage. They huddled together, but did eat and use the cat boxes.
   “Today we decided to bring them out from under the bed and put them in the bathroom and let them stay there to see how they adjust. The bathroom is quite large and they have a big dog bed to lie on as well as their cat box and food.
   I had to remind Ruby it took a week for Mavis to get used to things. We are hopeful that Gladys and Martha will also adapt as well.”
   More than one year later, all three of the cats are loving cats in the Bickford family.
   Although timid with strangers, these three feral cats are proof positive that kindness, patience and time can perform miracles.
   Tent Sale:  We have new items in our tent sale.  Please stop to see what items you might want. 
   The average daily cost of providing all medical care and surgery, direct animal care and comfort care to each animal until he is adopted is $5.64.                          
   Returnable bottles: continue to spay/neuter many precious animals. 
   The 88 Bennett Drive Redemption continues to pass on your donation as well as your wonderful comments.
   Thanks so much for your support.  
   Call 498-3800 for information or check out our pets at www.cariboupetrescue.petfinder.com.
   Caribou Pet Rescue, 6 Richards Rd., PO Box 488, Caribou, ME 04736 
   Neuter and Spay – It’s the ONLY Way. 

Image Contributed photo
    Mavis, a feral cat fostered from the age of three to five months, is now a loving member of the Bickford Family in Etna, Maine.  The Bickfords also adopted Mavis’s feral sister Martha and her feral friend Gladys. All three cats have made a good adjustment to the new life offered to them. Mavis spends most of her days curled up in the lap of Bickford’s 90-year old mother and pulls playfully on the yard as his mother knits items for CPR craft fairs. Feral cats are easily tamed if caught within the first four to five weeks of birth, however, when caught at an older age, they will take more time, knowledge and patience that few people can give. The Bickford’s are an exceptional family.