As a child, I read all the National Geographic stories about Jane Goodall and her research about chimps in the wild. I read all the James Herriot books, and I was crazy in love with the movie Born Free.
“Born Free” – Written by John Barry
Born free, as free as the wind blows
As free as the grass grows
Born free to follow your heart
Live free and beauty surrounds you
The world still astounds you
Each time you look at a star
Stay free, where no walls divide you
You’re free as the roaring tide
So there’s no need to hide
Born free, and life is worth living
But only worth living
‘Cause you’re born free
(Stay free, where no walls divide you)
You’re free as the roaring tide
So there’s no need to hide
Born free, and life is worth living
But only worth living
‘Cause you’re born free
I have always loved animals, and I have always been perplexed with the fantasies of wild animals being domesticated, and of domesticated animals living in the wild.
Both fantasies are just that – fantasies. Neither scenario really works well.
Through the convergence of different factors in my life, I have become involved in a rescue effort of the latter scenario – domestic animals unwittingly being thrust into living in the wild, and coping with the resulting consequences. A friend who lives in the country has encountered a feral cat colony developing on her property.The colony is growing, and coming close to getting out of control.
My childhood wonder still exists, and I want to believe that these cats are “Born free, as free as the wind blows, as free as the grass grows…” But wisdom gained through experience tells me different. Domestic breeds are not really made for life in the wild, and feral cats need attention despite their wild nature.
I have agreed to assist my friend with trapping the cats so that they can be spayed/neutered to prevent further overpopulation of feral cats. I am learning about the process of TNR and have been offered traps by a seasoned feral cat rescuer. The process of trapping begins next week. I have already captured 5 kittens and taken them to a shelter for rehab and adoption. The adult cats will be trapped, neutered and returned to their habitat, as they are not good candidates for adoption.
I thought I would share the inspiration from the rescue process via artwork. Each day for the next few weeks, I will feature a drawing of one of the cats and auction it here on my blog. The proceeds will help me have a bit of income to sustain me through the effort (I still have to pay my bills).
I also have a rescue fund set up if you would like to donate to the rescue effort. You can donate via the ChipIn widget in the sidebar. Thank you for your help!
Today’s drawing is of one of the kittens that was taken to the Tuscarawas County Humane Society cat shelter.
Here is the info on today’s drawing:
5″ X7″ Prismacolor Pencil and Marker Drawing on paper by artist BZTAT
Comes with an acid free mat ready for an 8″ x 10″ frame
Leave bids in increments of $5 below in the comments section.
Minimum Bid $40 USD
Shipping: $8 USA $18 International
BUY NOW OPTION: You can buy this piece now for $75 as long as no bids have been made in the comments below. Simply write BUY NOW in the comments and send a payment of $75 + shipping via the ChipIn widget in the right sidebar.
Highest bid at 10:00 pm EST on Sunday 2/19/12 wins the piece.
Winning bidder: make payment of bid + shipping to PayPal to Paypal using email address bztat at bztat.com.
Please allow 4 weeks for USA shipping.