angelcatbeds's Profile

Bio

I have been making cat beds for about 4 years now and donating them to rescue groups around NC. They are generally pretty popular items at auctions - I save my most elaborate ones, complete with beads,ribbons and extra fancy stitches and yarns, for these important events. I volunteer with Independent Animal Rescue as a member of their feral cat team by trapping, neutering, and returning (TNR) ferals cats on the UNC campus where I work. I also spent a year as a volunteer with Operation Catnip, where I worked one Sunday a month helping out at this wonderfully organized spay/neuter clinic for feral cats at the NC State Vet School. When the clinic location moved to another town I began volunteering at the beautiful and inspiring sanctuary called The Goat House Refuge. The cats, dogs, goats, hens, turkey, and talented, compassionate founder are such a joy to work with. For a real treat watch this video: http://videos.newsobserver.com/index.php?a=player&id=2003033

I have also spent time working with a group of avid cat lovers negotiating with Animal Services personnel in my county to define regulations for maintaining feral colonies. Last Fall I successfully rescued and returned a fire victim's cat who was injured and lost for 4 weeks. That's a whole story in itself, but I mention it because the experience was nothing short of miraculous for me and served to further deepen my dedication and love of cats. I have never met a cat that I didn't feel an instant comfortable connection and bond with!

Ini January 2008, my 14 yr old cat Angel (the cat bed namesake) was diagnosed with a heart murmur,the "worst" arthritic knee my vet had ever seen, and hyperthyroidism which was treated with idodine radition, Minnie (16) was diagnosed with a large liver mass that has now been downgraded from a cancerous tumor to a benign "lumpy" cyst! My vet bills led me to offer the catbeds for sale on Etsy to help with the cost. Now my dear boy Angel is fighting diabetes and after 11 months, 2 different vets and 3 different insulins, I am just starting to get him regulated. Feline Diabetes is a challenging, often frustrating illness and it takes love and commitment, plus lots of independent research, to cope with it. Thank goodness for the Feline Diabetes Message Board!

About a year ago I rescued 2 very sick kittens from a large feral colony. Numerous state rescue groups pitched in and managed to relocate 87 cats from their very dangerous locations. One of my sweet babies was too ill to recover; the other one had to have an eye removed and has limited vision in the remaining one. He is named Cashew and is now a beloved new member of my family.

Besides my 3 cats, I also have 3 lovable dogs: Bailey, Andy (who are both shelter dogs) and Heidi -rescued in the infamous Sanford puppy mill case won by ALDF. These sweet canines have been raised by and as cats since doggy-ness is something I don't have such a natural grasp of.

The beds have been very popular and most cats just instantly claim and adore them. I have a Bachelor's degree in Art and making these beds has been a great creative outlet for me; I love making them and since each one is unique I am constantly challenged with creating something new.

In addition to my 6 fur-children, I have a daughter and a son who have left for college. I earn my keep as a library technical assistant at UNC-Chapel Hill. I have been a vegetarian for 21 years. I believe in animals as sentient beings with basic rights to life which humans seldom give them. We must change our attitudes and lifestyles for our sakes and theirs if this planet is to survive. If you too love animals, please consider becoming a vegetarian if you're not already.

If you purchase a bed please send a photo of your cat in it! The beds are just empty "things" until a perfect little cat moves in.

Thanks for visiting my shop!

Female, Born on August 30

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