Helen's Welcome Blog
Friday, October 16, 2009 at 1:39PM 
Whatever this blog thing is I like it. I already have plenty adoring fans, but the more the better! For those of you that don't know me my name is Helen, and I live at the Humane Society. Although I am pretty particular about who I let pet me, I will let all of you adore me from a distance (I can't go around getting pet by EVERYONE... think of how messy my hair would get!).
I arrived at the Coulee Region Humane Society back in August 2002. I was found at just 6 weeks of age along the center line of George Street late one night along with another kitten who everyone thought was my brother. I do not think this, I know this! Who would leave us, abandoned in the middle of a busy street? Thankfully, we were saved and for the rest of my life I will be forever grateful to the Humane Society for this as well as all the animals and people they help. But, that is where the line is drawn as everyone should be grateful that I am in their lives now.
At first every one thought I was blind, hence my name after a very special person named Helen Keller. Turns out I am not blind, but I do have problems seeing at times due to my eyelids being deformed. Hard to tell why this happened to little ole’ me, but who has time to dwell. This is the deck of cards I was dealt and at least I am lucky enough to have my life and be surrounded by lots of people who take care of my every need. It also turns out I have spinal bifida. And, you wonder why I am moody sometimes…heck, there are many days I feel pretty crummy. So, just remember that the next time you think I am being mean.
About a year ago, I was dragged to Pewaukee, WI. In fact, I was taken across the State in a cage in a car 3 times in just a few months. Whatever! First, a check up. Then, the day I will never forget…a car ride, some time in a cage at a place where everyone was in scrubs and lots of animals told me I was there to receive a medical procedure. Huh? I do not think so, I started screaming, no yelling for my people to come back. And, before I knew it, I was sleeping soundly. Then, I was awake and it felt like I was floating on air, but wait, I had this plastic cone shaped object around my head. A few hours later, it finally hit me…I got to see myself in a mirror…all I could do is scream both in fright and pain. I could hardly see my eyes they were so puffy. I wandered around the office looking for answers and all I kept hearing is “Oh, Helen, are you OK?” NO, NO, NO, I was not OK! Then I heard “Oh, honey, here is some extra treats. I hope you are OK.” Now, that was a little more like it…treats, keep them coming!
After a few days, the cone came off. I felt a little better. And, the best, for some reason, it no longer felt like I had sand in my eyes 24 hours a day. I overheard someone say that due to the deformity of my eyelids, my eyelashes were growing into my eye and causing abrasions and discomfort. I guess the surgery helped this. Word is I might need to go through this again. Let’s not talk about that right now.
I am not one to readily admit my true feelings but I am so pleased to live here in the Humane Society. I get to meet new people, play with (and maybe chase) all of my staff, i.e. all the workers here and some of the volunteers too! They like to call me “sassy” but you know what, I am just keeping them all on their toes... They are here to take care of animals and I know what all animals want! Food! Food! Play! Paperwork to nap on! Love! And least excitingly but pretty darn important, vet care (I don't like going, but my eyes feel so much better now so I have to admit that the vet isn't ALL bad).
Well thanks for adoring me today, stop back later to read more of my musings, I will keep you up to date on all the stuff the humans are doing and more importantly all of the stuff I do! If you really want to adore my beauty stop by the shelter to see me... and the other animals too, I suppose.
Reader Comments (2)
My dear Helen,
You are truly brave and fascinating kitty! I will look forward to checking in on your blog, but don't get too wrapped up in this internet stuff that you don't have time to keep your staff in line. It never hurts to give them daily reminders that they are lucky to have you, as you are them. Make sure you take good care everyone and more importantly, yourself (of course).
Your friend, Sara :)
Well I have to admit that I am shocked, Helen, that you have agreed to talk to us on a public forum. We all know that you are busy playing, eating, sleeping getting attention and/or threatening us in that special manner that is so unique to you. I did not know that you would ever take that little step down necessary to talk to us (humble humans that we are). You are indeed a lucky girl to have been rescued and adopted by CRHS.
I will be very interested to hear more of your thoughts and feeling about CRHS and what it feels like to be a pampered cat with your very own fan base. I am particulary hoping that you will disclose anything that we (volunteers and staff) are doing that displeases you; we all want to correct our errors and make you even happier.
I personally would like to take this time to apologize to you for sitting on you while you were sleeping in the reception desk chair. I know we did not get off to a good start because of that and since I didn't do it on purpose I hope that you will let bygones be bygones. I am so looking forward to hearing more from you .