I have decided to participate in Thankful Thursday because I TRY to be positive and grateful most of the time.  Those who know me best will laugh at this as I am the queen bee of complainers.  That said, the one thing or person that I don't think I've ever complained about is one of my oldest and dearest friends in the world Stef.  I like her because she is an awesome friend, an animal rescuer, and lives in a very awesome city in CALIFORNIA.  Here are some photos of the lovely Stefanie with her cool cat Oliver who Stef rescued when he was kitten.  He is five years old now and as you can see a very happy cat.  I am very proud of the photos of myself with her other cat Roxy on my last visit since she will not even get close to Stef's friends who are there all the time!

But seriously, I would visit Stef even if she lived in Siberia!!!

I wrote earlier about a very pregnant, young, stray cat we found and took in a few weeks ago.  Well, she had a solid gray, gray striped, and solid black kitten two days ago.  Here they are:

This Sunday I want to Introduce Aliviara from www.petfinder.com.  I was so impressed with the work this lady does to help animals.  I was simply amazed to find out she was only sixteen years old.  I decided to interview her and learn more about her and the great things she does.  Aliviara is going to make a huge difference in her life for animals and people too! 

Please see the photos of Aliviara's pets at the bottom of the interview.  One is of a little kitten named Amy with broken legs in a cast that Aliviara is taking great care of!

1.    Tell me about yourself.

I'm sixteen years old and I plan on majoring in Veterinary Medicine, Specializing in Feline anatomy, conditions, and diseases. I would also love to foster for a shelter, something I haven't yet been able to do

2.    What are some ways that you help animals?

I often take in strays and nurse them back to health and socialize them before finding them a home or turning them over to no kill shelters. I also participate in animal fundraisers for local shelters and attend any events they may be hosting. My own pets are also spayed or neutered.

3.    How did you get Involved in Animal Rescue?

My parent's rescued a four week old kitten that was curled up in the middle of a dirt road in the pouring rain. That cat grew up with me and died at the ripe age of 12. Ever since then I've been interested in rescue, especially feline rescue.

4.    What Do You Think is the Hardest Think about Animal Rescue?  What Do You Think is the most rewarding?

The hardest part by far is the finances, but it is no comparison to saving an animal’s life and the great fullness in their eyes when they look back at you. The thing I find most rewarding is rescuing an animal off the street that had little chance at a decent life and finding that animal a home where it will be loved and cherished as a member of the family.

5.    What are the Three Things that You Would Like to See people do in Order to help Animals?

The first and easiest thing I think any animal owner can do is to have their own pets spayed or neutered. Secondly, pet owners should be aware of any local shelters or rescues in their area and try to contribute by attending events, becoming a member, donating, or just giving their time to volunteer. Lastly, have an open heart. If you see an animal being abused or neglected, do something, don't just stand there and do nothing. If an animal is hurt on the side of the freeway, stop and take it to a local vet or at least contact animal control. If a pregnant stray shows up at your door, don't leave her out there all alone. Welcome her into your house or find someone who will.

6.    Tell Me About Your Pets.

Snips is around 3 years old. Found as a stray running loose in a bad neighborhood. Technically she's my grandfather's cat but I rescued her so I claim partial ownership.

Amy was born April 18, Nearly 3 Months. Mother was abandoned on the street when the owners moved. Both her back legs were broken in an accident.

Napoleon was born born April 18, Nearly 3 Months. Mother was abandoned on the street when the owners moved. Amy's brother.

There are so many easy ways to help animals.  Many of these ways require little sacrifice but can save a life.  Most ways fall into the categories of donations, fostering, transporting animals, volunteerism, and public outreach.

Mama Cat by Denise Fleming 

This is a truly great book to teach children and even adults to have some empathy and or sympathy for animals.  It is about a stray mother cat who has three kittens and has to fend for herself and her babies with no help from any humans.  It is a fun story to read with a lot of illustrations and a very deep message.  I read it as an adult and it affected me very deeply.  I believe that anyone who reads this book will understand the importance of controlling the pet population and helping those who can not help themselves!