Where have I been?....well...

I've been a bad blogger.  It's been over a month since I have written.


In my defense....okay no defense, no excuses, just life.  


I've been rescuing cats and dogs, working my "regular" job, working out at the gym, keeping my house clean, and letting love find me.


Honestly most nights I'm so exhausted that I can't think, much less type coherently.  I'm gonna do better, but here is a brief synopsis...


I've helped to rescue and place about 10 cats and dogs the last month or so.  I've gotten to love on some of the sweetest furbabies ever.  I've also had ringworm, but it's easy to treat LOL!  Got a few extra dollars that you would like to donate to a very good cause....please consider donating to Abby's Animal Angels.  You can paypal to them at abbysanimalangels@gmail.com.  Wanna foster, ask me for more details.  Looking for a new best furriend, then look us up on facebook to see our Adoptable Angels.


I've been frustrated with the gym.  I can't put my finger on what is bugging me, but the last couple of weeks it has been a chore to go, rather than fun.  My diet has been shaky too.  I'm still going and I'm maintaining, but not losing.  My trainer says I'm building muscles, and muscles weigh more than fat...blah, blah, blah.  I think I need to mix things up and I think I'm going to sign up for my first 5k in May!


My house has stayed moderately clean, although on any given day there are papers everywhere and cat food scattered in the kitchen, but that's life too.


Oh and Love found me.  Can't leave that little tidbit out.


That's all I've got in me tonite folks.  

Everyone can do something!

The poem below touched my heart and I wanted to share it with you. It sums up rescue work so very well. Yes, one of my foster kittens woke me up this morning at 6:00 a.m. wanting to play, but when he was done playing he snuggled up in the crook of my neck and purred me back to sleep. Yes, I lost a foster earlier this week. Greyboy died after being sick for basically his entire short life, but he knew love from me and my boys. And now he will play at the Rainbow Bridge and wait for me to come get him and take him home to God's place. Yes, I had to break up a dog fight yesterday, as one of the foster dogs got a little too frisky for my old, sometimes crotchety dog, but everyone was just fine. NO, rescue work is not easy! Sometimes it is sleepless nights, it is cleaning up accidents, it is giving medicines that sometimes animals don't want...BUT when you see that animal in the loving arms of its forever home, it is all worth it. To sit with that pit bull who was slated to die and pet his stinky head and get kisses because he knows you are saving him, that is priceless. To hand feed a kitten to weak to eat on his own and have him look into your eyes with the most loving and gracious look, that is priceless. To drive an hour to meet the next transport destination, to put $10 in that chipin to help heal an old cat that might not make it, to clean litter boxes and food bowls so that a shelter worker can do something else to save a life, these are all priceless.

Alfie...Attacker of feet!  How could I be mad at that face?!?

Everyone can not do everything! BUT everyone can do ONE thing and all of those ONE things add up to BIG things happening! Get involved. Need ideas...contact me here or on facebook or by email annakeyw@yahoo.com.

I hope you enjoy the poem by author unknown...

Rescue Angels

Tail tucked between your legs,
Confusion in your eyes -
I know it's hard to understand
That someone heard your cries.

When loneliness is all you know
And pain is all you feel
And no one can be trusted,
And hunger's all too real...

That's the time the Lord sees you
And lets you know He's there
That's when He sends His messengers
The hearts that love and care.

Yes, rescuers are angels
You cannot see their wings,
They keep them neatly folded
As they do their caring things.

The medicine to make you well
Good food to make you strong,
And finally to help you learn
That hugs are never wrong.

The perfect place then must be found
The home where you can live
Secure and safe and happy
With joy to get and give.

When you reach your Forever Home,
Your place to feel whole,
The Angels smile, and off they go
To save another soul.

~unknown

In memory of Sweet Gerald the Gentleman.

Bittersweet....and no I'm not talking about chocolate!

Today was one of those bittersweet days.  I slept a little late, but we still managed to get up and get to church.  William was fighting church the whole way, but when I picked him up from the Kid's Worship he said "Mom that was awesome!"  Robert had fun tales of Sunday School too.  We had a guest speaker for church this morning and he opened my eyes to something that God has been laying on my heart, but I've been too scared to follow God.  He talked about how God led him to prison ministry and wanting to have God in his heart more and how he struggled with letting God in and letting go of the world.  It was like this man was peeking into my brain!  I struggle so much with giving God my all and turning it over to Him.  Now don't get me wrong, I'm not going to go into prison ministry, but God has been laying something else on my heart for years now.  God has been trying to lead me to foster parenting for years.  Wait you say, you foster animals, and yes I believe God wants me to foster animals too, but I think God wants me to be a foster for children.  Quite frankly it all terrifies me, which is why I haven't followed God.  I haven't given it to God and let him lead me where I needed to go with it.  So, I'm writing this and then I'm emailing a friend who works with Connie Maxwell and something related to DSS and fostering.  I'm going to tell her what I have told all of you.  I don't know how I will do it financially, or time, or space, or anything, but I do have faith in God and I know that God can move mountains and that if God truly wants me to do this and is leading me to it, then nothing can stop me from doing it.  Tonight I ask for your prayers friends.  God, please help me to have faith, to be strong, to have courage, to follow where you lead even when I can not see where I am going. ~Amen.  


I almost didn't go to church this morning, but look at what I would have missed. WOW!  

My legs are on FIRE!

I think my personal trainer is trying to kill me, LOL!  I have been to the gym the last 3 days in a row and I L.O.V.E. my trainer, but seriously, I think my legs are going to come off.  I am trying to turn exercising into my new addiction.  No more being addicted to food, love, or alcohol.  Exercise is my new drug!

I have loved every painful moment of working out so far.  My trainer is a hottie so that's helpful, but he makes it fun!  He cheers me on, he counts my reps and keeps me motivated.  I've done the gym thing before and hated it.  I don't know if my mind is finally in the right spot or if my trainer is that good, but either way, I'm enjoying exercising.  (gasp!)  What did I just say?!?  I'm enjoying exercising!  I look forward to going to the gym after work!  Glory Hallelujah!  I'm going again in the morning!


A friend suggested that I should take a before picture and take one every 30 days or every 10 pounds, but ugh, I don't know if I can.  What do ya'll think?  On a side note, say a prayer for my legs please.  Really, I think they are revolting. SMH


I hope everyone has had a fantabulous week!  I have and God is guiding my ship!  Thank you and Goodnight!

Fostering Fluffy and Fido....

Foster (verb) - to take care of.  


     When most people think of Fostering they think of kids without homes.  Well, Fostering is also for animals without homes.  Fostering is rewarding and frustrating.  It is heartwarming and heartbreaking.  You will get purrs and headbutts and slobbery kisses.  That dog or cat you helped save will look into your eyes and you see them say "Thank You".  You will also pick up poop and give out meds.  You may have to travel some, but I guarantee every mile is worth it.

     There are shelters all over the South that are literally busting at the seams with homeless animals.  Some of them are owner surrenders, others are strays.  Some are mutts, others are purebred.  All need homes, furever homes, temporary foster homes, somewhere safe for them to stay.  Shelters and rescues rely on foster programs to help save animals.  The process is usually similar to adopting...fill out some paperwork, verify your current pets are up-to-date on shots, and then decide who would be a good candidate for your foster home.  If you open your home to a foster animal(s) then you allow a rescue group to save more lives or you give a shelter a few more days to find a place for your foster and it saves the next one who takes that spot too.


     My fostering adventure began in November of 2010 with a little doxie mix named Wynona.  She was terrified of men and spent most of her time shivering under my feet, but she was adopted just 2 weeks later and had I not fostered her, she would have been euthanized within 2-3 days.  Next was Galaxy, then Nilla and Gunner, Stella, Snoopy, Sassy, Beau, Abby, and Honey.  That's the dogs LOL!  Galaxy was heartworm positive and without a foster would have been put to sleep.  Beau was a sweet senior who was dumped by his owner after 10 years.  My home was his final home...he just gave up, but he died knowing I loved him.  Abby is still with me for another week or two.  She is a deaf and partially blind aussie.  She runs in circles and drives me crazy, but I lover her sweetness.  Honey is an abused 5 month old pit bull.  She is as sweet as her name, but hyper and we are working on manners (hahahaah).


     I quickly realized that the cats were what really needed foster homes.  My very first foster cat was a sweet, proud mama that was fiercely protective of her babies.  I had to clean her cage wearing gloves and long sleeves to avoid wounds lol.  But she and her babies found rescue and was saved because I gave up a corner of my bedroom.  After that the spring hit and kitten season exploded.  I fostered 4 litters at one time, and honestly, it was too much, but I survived.  I have better fostering goals and expectations now.  On the flip side I have helped to save almost 50 cats and kittens this past year.  Wow!  Here's a partial list of the cats (I know I won't get them all).  Bucket Kittens - Cobalt, Bear, Nubby, Mister.  Barn Kittens - Tippy, Lulu, and Hermione.  Peanut Kittens - Frog and Turbo.  Fern Kittens - Toes and Peaches.  Molly, Olivia, Trail Mix, Estelle, Janet, Dorito, Bootsey.  Romeo and Juliet.  Alfie, Nicky, Noel, and Grey Boy.  Kiwi and babies.

     I foster for an incredible rescue now called Abby's Animal Angels.  They are located in Greenville, SC and are a truly good rescue that know what they can and cannot handle.  You can find them on facebook.  Also, if you have some spare change, consider donating at http://buffysdemodex.chipin.com/bianca-and-babies or directly to our vet North Greenville Veterinary Hospital, 864-244-8281.


     Fostering is not for everyone, I know this, but please consider opening your home to a cat or dog in need. If you want more information, just ask and I will point you in the right direction. I can tell you this, it feels good to save a life and rescue people are some of the best people in the world! Don't believe me? Give fostering a try and prove me wrong! LOL!

Adopt ~ Foster ~ Spay/Neuter ~ Volunteer ~ Sponsor ~ Transport

You can't do everything, but you can do something!

Resolutions...dun, dun, duuuuun

Here it is the dreaded New Year Resolutions post...

1. Lose weight.  I know, I know, this is on everybody's list, but with my food addiction it is very hard and very important for me to list Lose Weight.  Specifically, I want to lose 100 pounds this year, which according to my fitness brother is very doable.  I'm actually going to shoot for 10 pounds per month.  I've got to make up some meal plans, exercise plans and get to more meetings.  In order to lose weight, I've also got to keep my addiction in check.  Got any yummy, good for you recipes?  Please share!  But they also need to be easy, I'm cooking challenged LOL!  Below is an incorrect Fitness Plan!

2. Run a 5K by the end of the year.  Bahahahaah!  Yep, that's what I thought to myself when I thought of this resolution.  But I really think I can do it.  I'm going to sign up for any and all walks that are in Greenwood and I am walking around my neighborhood, which will eventually lead to jogging, which will lead to running.  I was going to walk in the "Run Your Ice Off" event in Greenwood, but they cut out the walk this year!  How dare they!  But there will be others.  Have a cause you want to support, I will walk for you or with you.

3.  Spend More Time with Family and Friends.  More reading with my boys, more dinners with my parents, and yes Cayce a trip or two to Valdosta!  If you are my friend, come on let's hang out.  We can go for a walk, study the bible, kick back and watch the kids play, or whatever!  The possibilities are endless!

4.  Keep My House Clean.  Don't laugh, this is not easy with 2 boys, 3 dogs, and 6 cats.  Luckily the dogs help to clean up whatever the boys spill.  I got all of the clothes washed this weekend, but of course the boys are coming home from their dad's shortly with dirty clothes, so....  But I did get the carpet cleaned in the living room today and you can just barely see the spot where William spilled ketchup and Robert tracked red mud. This is an important resolution because it ties in with #3 and people coming over to my house.

5.  Let Love Find Me.  No more chasing, no more hunting.  I'm here, love will find me, or it won't.  But the other really awesome part of this is Love finds me everyday in a hug from my boys, a purr from kitties, a hug from a friend.  Maybe this one won't be so hard!

6.  Advocate for Animals.  Okay I'm already doing this one, but I am going to keep doing it and I'm making it a resolution because it is important to me.  Adopt ~ Foster ~ Spay/Neuter ~ Sponsor ~ Volunteer  There is always something you can do.

I think that is everything.  Oh but wait!  Now that you have read these, you have to help me.  Hold me accountable.  Remind me to be patient.  Encourage me when I'm discouraged.  "Together we can do what we could never do alone" OA Basic Text.

2012 is my year!

Goodbye 2011 - Hello 2012

I'm Anna Key and this is my first blog entry.  2011 was a heck of a year, but most of you already know that.  2012 is going to be better, I feel it in my gut!

This was one of the worst puppy/kitten seasons in the last couple of years.  Between the economy and irresponsible owners, animal shelters saw a huge intake of animals.  This is the first year that I really dug into rescue work.  I had volunteered for years, but this year I got dirty.  I asked the hard questions and got the hard answers.  At one time I had 20 kittens that I was fostering, plus my permanent animals.  I have helped to save more lives than I can count this year.  I cry, I curse, and I love them unconditionally.  I love fostering!  I wouldn't stop doing it for anything.  Just knowing that this tiny, black kitten that is purring on my shoulder right now, is alive because I opened my home to him, WOW, that is amazing to me.  Not to mention that I have made some incredible friends in rescue.  And let me tell you, those rescue friends would do ANYTHING for me and I for them.  Right now I have 2 foster dogs, an abused pit bull and a deaf aussie, and I have 4 foster kittens.  Want an animal?  Rescue or adopt from a local shelter or rescue group.  Want to save a life?  Spay or Neuter your pets!

2011 also saw my Food Addiction rear its very ugly head.  Hi, I'm Anna, and I'm a Food Addict and an Overeater.  Good I got that out of the way.  (deep breath)  I realized in 2007 that I was a food addict and have been fighting addiction ever since.  But this past year just about did me in.  I gained more weight, faster than I have before and I couldn't stop eating.  I was miserable.  But I knew what to do and on September 30th I walked into a meeting for the first time in over a year and picked up a white chip of surrender.  Since then I have picked up 30, 60, and 90 days!  I am slowly, but steadily losing weight.  Meal plans, exercise plans, and more meetings are all in my future.

2011 also brought more heartbreak than I ever want to feel again.  The search for love is ongoing, but I get daily doses of love from my animals and boys, and for now, that is enough.  Of course, God sends his unconditional love daily.

I am hoping and praying that 2012 is going to be a better year....for business, for rescue work, for love, for food.  God is in control of my life now and He will guide to me where I need to be.  As long as I do the footwork, God will do the rest.  Give Him something, and He will do everything!

Purrrrs to you!