Comments are always welcome: Please send any comments to kgerken@synapse.net (We reserve the right to publish any comments on this blog).
Invitation I would like to invite anyone who has recollections or photographs of the colony before the present condos were built; especially any recollections or photographs of Irene Desormeaux before Rene Chartrand took over caring for the cats, or even prior to that, to send them to kgerken@synapse.net . We are trying to establish a definitive history of the cat colony for a book to be published in the next year or so.
The cast of characters: Irene Desormeaux (Who started it all in the 1970's) Rene Chartrand (Who took over when Irene passed on in 1987 and maintains the colony till this day -- he built the shelters in 1997) The Support Team: Brian Caines (Who ensures the colony's health and welfare) Klaus Gerken (Official Photographer, and Keeper of the Blog) Heather Ferguson (Volunteer) Laura Jaremkow (Volunteer) Lorraine Milobar (Volunteer) Leyla Di Cori (Volunteer) Christ Oliver (Author of "Fish Lecan, Maria Dorfinkley et les Chats de la Colline du Parlement") Genevieve (Fan) The Alta Vista Animal Hospital (For medical care). Ralston-Purina for cat food. And a host of many others. And the cats: Coco (RIP 2005) LePune (Lost 2003 and perhaps sister to Brunette and Lulu) Big Mama (RIP 1985? to 2006) The white mother and her brood (two whites and an orange tabby named Junior) Blanchette (lost in 2003) Blackie Fluffy Brownie Lulu (lost 2004 and sister to Brunette) Brunette Ti-gris Bebe (Integrated 2000) Bruno (2003/4 - adopted by myself Feb 2004 - and flourishing) Smokey and her three kittens living in the West Block ( put up for adoption fall 2004 because they could not integrate, no matter how much Smokey tried) Monty (lost 2004) The black and white we never got to name who only stayed a month (summer 2004) Spot (Integrated 2004) Samantha (Nov 2004 - lost because of my own stupidity) Max (Integrated 2005) Shadow (Integrated 2005) Penelope (Abandoned 2006 - hopefully we can intergrate her. She gets along well with the others) And so many others who just walk in and out or are adopted when we can catch them. Note for all: As Rene Chartrand is now in his mid-eighties several years ago Brian Caines and I decided to put together a support team so we check on the cats to ensure that Rene has been there to care for them on the previous day and to leave some food and water in case he would be unable to make it for whatever reason. To date Rene has not missed a day and is still, and always will be the primary caregiver. Besides, our help allows him to take the occasional well deserved day off, especially when the weather is bad.
Brian Caines Tuesday, October 10, 2006 9:37 AM Hi Klaus et al: Could you let Kathryn know that she is the regular visitor I mentioned in my email of October 5. I imagine that she is the last person who fed Kid Junior treats by hand as the next day he wouldn't come out of his hut. I really believe that the little fellow was a real ladies man. He certainly seemed to be more comfortable and relaxed around women and he loved to be spoiled by them. Maybe he should have been named Casanova as he certainly could charm his many female fans! And thank Kathryn for sharing her photos of the sweet beastie. Cat Clean-up: I noticed on the Blog that you have identified photo number 7 as "Brian cleaning out the old straw". It should read "Leyla cleaning out the old straw". Credit where credit is due!! All the photos that you put up are wonderful, but the Group portrait in the morning sunlight is stunning. Thanks for posting the nice messages from visitors to the colony. It's good to know people support our endeavours. * Christ Oliver Tuesday, October 10, 2006 10:00 PM Too bad for Kid. I will miss him and his naps on my feet. About the racoons. I come at the sanctuary often at 6 pm. I see the racoons are more audacious for food. I think they know the winter are coming. Usually, only one racoon come to see me on the bench. Today at 7 pm, ALL THE FAMILY (six) come to see me, even if Brownie and Sparky are on me. Brownie and Sparky go away when all the racoons search me for food. Two of them try to rob me of my bag, one search in my pockets, another one is searching in the trash can (he go away with a banana peel), one sit ON MY Hand, and the last one play with my shoe laces like a kitten. It was really weird and some bystanders laugh at this scene. They don't go away when i decide to stand up and two of them follow me a little. I try to take some pictures, but half of them are missed. It's not easy to take pictures when racoons want to stole your camera. No racoons have gone hostile during this time. Even when Brownie are Sparky hiss and give them a little paw stroke. The racoons ripped my bag put they was really careful with my hand. See you soon!
Brownie basking (photo by Christ Oliver)
Fluffy in the bag (photo by Christ Oliver)
The attack of the killer raccoons (photo by Christ Oliver)
Lorrain Milobar Wednesday, October 11, 2006 9:29 AM I visited our little friends this morning. Even with the rain, they seemed in good spirits. It was not too windy and actually I did not find it cold...but raining...so a bit miserable, I might add. I would also like to say, that like you, I have been very sad about Kid-Junior's death. It has not been a good year for me, as I just started to take care of them in early January...We lost dear "Mama" and now lovely "Kid-Junior"...it's a bit difficult! * Brian Caines Wednesday, October 11, 2006 11:55 AM I have phoned Rene to tell him not to come to the Hill today (because of the rain) as I will be dropping by with food.
Brian Caines Friday, October 13, 2006 8:45 AM I spoke to Dr. Lara yesterday and she was able to confirm that Kid died of a heart failure. He had had a number of small attacks over the last few months, and obviously the condition was severe enough to take him. Poor little fella. She is unsure of the cause of the fluids in the abdomen. This is common enough in dogs with heart conditions but this is the first time she has come across it in cats. She feels it may be due to the fact that Kid was feral and living outdoors. There was no indication of either feline AIDS or leukemia which is a relief. I will be picking up Kid's ashes on Monday. We should make arrangements for the scattering. I am sure that Laura and Leyla among others would like to be there. * Klaus Gerken Friday, October 13, 2006 3:21 PM Stopped by the hill around 2 on my way home. Rene hadn't been there, but arrived about 230. He was in good spirits, but wasn't dressed for the weather, with only a light sweater to keep him warm. I was freezing in my jacket. Lots of visitors to speak to, and I gave the cats some extra dry from a bag a woman left. The visitors were admiring Blackie sleeping on the chair when I came, but as I called Max, all the cats came running out, and the visitors were amazed. I spoke to them until Rene got there. As I was leaving Max was trying to follow me, but a little girl tried to pet him and he ran into the bushes. Let's see if we can co-ordinate a date to have a brief remembrance of Kid Jr. and Big Mama, and then scatter Kid's ashes where he and Mama lived such a rich and free life.
Klaus Gerken Monday, October 16, 2006 I'll let some photos from this weekend relate the story: Saturday, October 14, 2006
Dark, wet morning: Bebe, Blackie, Spot, Fluffy, Max, Shadow, Brownie and the White Mother
Bebe and Blackie
Spot and Shadow integrating well
Afternoon: Walking up to the colony around 1pm - Can you see Fluffy o the bench?
With Fluffy on the bench
Shadow and friend
Again, Shadow and friend
Hey, whatta pig... Brownie, Max and Raccoon
The big cat himself, Rene ... with Blackie
Fluffy, Blackie, Bebe, Brownie and Rene -- oops, missed the raccoon
Bebe in the bushes
Max playful after a nip of wild catnip
The secret stash of wild catnip on the Hill -- secret, obviously because we don't want an RCMP raid
Sunday, October 15, 2006
*
Brian Caines
Thursday, October 26, 2006 4:05 PM
Thanks for forwarding Nancy's letter, Klaus. It makes it all worthwhile.
PS. It was nice to see that Brunette has made it back; a little thinner but
really no worse for wear! Where does she and Ti-Gris hang out?? The "cyst"
on her nose does not seem any bigger than when she left but we'll have Lara
look at it when she comes to the Hill to do the annual vaccinations.
Morning: Look who's back! Ti-Gris - after a four month absence
Max, Spot, Brownie, Fluffy, Blackie and Ti-Gris, very hungry
Hey stop crowding me! - Max, Fluffy, Spot, Brownie, Blackie and the White mother
Afternoon: What a show-off, Shadow and Max
Shadow - mysterious as always
Max and Bebe overdosing on wild catnip
Max and Bebe finding another stash of you know what...
Max following me down the back stairs to get water - boy was he ever vocal!
Ti-Gris back home safe and sound -- I hope Brunette shows up soon (they usually show up together)
Rene dishing out food for the white mother
Last view of Max and Fluffy when leaving the colony
Brian Caines
Tuesday, October 17, 2006 8:59 AM
Just a quick note to let you know that Lorraine and I were on the Hill
yesterday morning and we were both thrilled to see that Ti-Gris has returned
to the colony in perfect shape and as sweet as ever. (Roger, along with the
rest of the regular visitors, will be pleased.) No sign of Brunette but I am
sure she'll make her presence known soon.
Ti-Gris was very nonchalant and she couldn't understand the fuss Lorraine and
I were making about her. She acted as if she had always been there; she is a
cat afterall!!
*
Klaus Gerken
Tuesday, October 17, 2006 9:05 AM
Ti-Gris was back Sunday morning, and one of the first to welcome me to the
Hill (See the photos on the blog). The little girl was quite hungry and ate
about two bowls of wet food before she disappeared into one of the side boxes
to stake out her cubicle for the coming winter. I don't think Brunette comes
before Novemeber, at least that's when she showed the past few years.
Klaus Gerken
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
I got to the Hill around 430 before the rest of the gang and went up to
Queen Victoria's Hill with Max, who decided to sniff the wild catnip, and
was in cat heaven. Brian came about 15 minutes later, then Laura, Kathryn,
and Leyla around 5:15. Max was a perfect companion to all of us. Even Shadow
made an appearance. Laura, Brian and I remembered Kid Jr., Mama and some of
the other departed cats. Rene spent his time sweeping the leaves. And at
one point Thumbelina made an appearance by a bench near the cannon. Brian
went over to give her some treats and Max followed. Max and Thumbelina are
getting to be quite good friends.
After Leyla arrived we had a brief ceremony at the colony to scatter Kid
Junior's ashes. Brian, Laura, Leyla, myself and Kathryn were there.
They crematorium had even provided an urn with the ashes (which Laura took
home), a card from Dr. Lara and a certificate. First to scatter the ashes was
Leyla, then Laura, Kathryn, Brian and myself. All in all, between some tears
and laughter we celebrated Kid's life well. As we left, I noticed some of
Kid's ashes on my shoes, and said, "Ok Kid, let's go for a walk..." RIP.
Max in catnip heaven
Brian with Thumbelina
Max
Laura, Leyla, Kathryn and Brian with Kid's Urn
Laura scattering Kid's ashes
Kathryn's turn
Brian scattering Kid's ashes at Kid's favourite spot
Laura placing the last of Kid's ashes
Laura, Leyla, Kathryn and Brian
Dr. Lara's card of condolences (Photo by Kathryn Bunn)
Kid Junior's death certificate (Photo by Kathryn Bunn)
Klaus Gerken
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Some photos from this weekend:
The gang being fed - cold saturday morning
again
The white mother on the hunt
Max
Max
Brownie and Max and visitor
"Max is on the roof! Max is on the roof!" a little girl shouted
Brownie and Shadow
Bebe
Max getting stoned again
Welcomming comittee
Klaus Gerken
Monday, October 23, 2006
Not feeling well, but went down around noon to see the cats. Even thought
it was wet day, there were lots of visitors. All the cats were around, but
I didn't see Spot. Thumbelina made an appearance and was ravegously jumped
by Brownie, Max and Shadow working like a team. Shocked me to see it.
Thumbelina ran down the hill followed by the gang, and disappeared into
the bushes. I felt like admonishing them, but cats have their own code, and
you can't get mad at them. Hopfully next time Thumbelina returns they will
accept her -- she's such a gentle soul. I sat on the bench for awhile
with Brownie, Bebe and Fluffy. Lots of pigeons nipping at my hand and once
I got some dry cat food then perched on my hand and ate. I gave some of the
food to visitors and they all had a great time. Bebe and Max just sat there
watching it all. Rene showed up around 3pm and I helped him put out the food,
and then went home.
Shadow
Ti Gris
Brownie and Fluffy 
Thumbelina
Brownie and Shadow after chasing Thumbelina down the hill
Pigeons
Visitor and pigeon
Max, Brownie, Bebe and Fluffy
Rene arriving
Max
Fluffy, Ti-Gris and Brownie partaking
Leaving the Colony
Heather Ferguson
Tuesday, October 24, 2006 2:22 PM
Hi everyone,
in case you did not know yet, Brunette is back. She looks a little thin and
seemed to be shivering. She was certainly hungry and was meowing to be fed.
She has a small growth on her face like a large mole. Was that there
before? She was testy. Ti-gris was hanging around too.
The other cats were in fine form. The white mother still growls as she
eats, and I still find this hilarious. Talk about table manners.
I was not overly generous with the dry food, having miscalculated, but I am
sure that was enough to hold them. There is just one small box of dry in
the shed, but I left that not knowing who would bring what at lunch.
Heather.
*
Leyla Di Cori
Tuesday, October 24, 2006 2:57 PM
Hi gang!
What great news that is!!! I'm happy Brunette is back.
I too, had noticed the mole previously... I just hope it's not bigger!
Will let you know when I'm back in town.
Be well and pet the kitties for me!!!! :-)
Cheers,
Leyla
*
Lorraine Milobar
Tuesday, October 24, 2006 5:25 PM
Hi gang:
I went at 4:00 p.m. to bring some dry food and more fresh water.
Brunette was there a bit tiny but seems to be in good shape. Our other
little friends were there as usual and in good spirit I might add.
Finally, Brunette's mole was there before.... We should get it check if
we can catch little Brunette.
Lorraine
Nancy Robertson
Thursday, October 26, 2006 11:47 AM
Hiya,
I came across the cat-blog and love it! I've been visiting the cats for
probably 20 years or more.
This photo was taken 2 or 3 years ago, in March. I thought it was Bebe, but
this beautiful calico has colour on her nose, Bebe's is all white. My son is
a "cat whisperer", animals, especially cats, love him.
Somewhere at home, I have pics when he was still in a stroller, just under 2
(so 15 years ago), with the raccoons in the evening. He kept yelling "CACOONS
CACOONS". We have brought many friends and family to see the cats, all have
loved it. When I find them, I'll scan any that seem worthwhile to send;
they were taken before digital cameras were around, the "old fashioned" way.
Keep up the great work, the cats are so blessed to have you, Rene and the
others to look after them!
Thanks,
Nancy
Nancy's son and Big Mama, March 2003 (Photo by Nancy Robertson)
Klaus Gerken
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Due to my indisposition, Brian will be feeding the cats this weekend.
Brian Caines
Tuesday, October 31, 2006 10:23 AM
Hi Gang:
I went to the Hill on both Saturday and Sunday morning and I must admit
because both days were so miserable that neither the cats nor I wanted to
spend a lot of time together. I fed and watered them for which they were
most grateful and Spot and Max nuzzled my head as I put out the food for
them. But as soon as they were finished eating they disappeared into their
huts to get out of the wind, the rain and the cold. Smart animals. And when
they disappeared I left to go to Bridgehead to enjoy a nice, large, steaming
cup of Joe!! After feeding the cats I telephoned Rene to tell him not to
bother coming and he listened on Saturday, but it looks like he made it to
the Hill on Sunday. At least Sunday was the better of the two days although
the winds were incredible when I was there at around 10.
I wandered to the Hill yesterday morning and Lorraine was there and we spent
a wonderful half hour together and with the cats. I have called the vets to
make an appointment for them to come to the Hill to vaccinate da puddies and
I will keep you posted. I have also telephoned Ritchies for more food but my
contact is away until Saturday. I will follow-up with him them.
Have a good week all,
Brian
*
Klaus Gerken
Tuesday, October 31, 2006 4:21 PM
Thanks Brian, for taking over for me on the weekend. It's very
much appreciated. I'll be able to feed them next weekend. I look forward to
the annual vaccination marathon. And let me know if we get some more dry, I
can store some of it here for the winter.
By the way: Heather fed the cats this morning after we had breakfasat at
Nates from 7 to 8.
*
Heather Ferguson
Tuesday, October 31, 2006 5:34 PM
Hi Brian,
sounds like you had a good time despite the weather.
I fed and watered the cats today as usual. The weather cooperated - it only
started to rain once I was done. All the cats look fine.
Nothing to report otherwise.
Heather.
Leyla Di Cori
Wednesday, November 01, 2006 11:44 PM
Hi gang!
I just got back to Montreal after a less than 24h trip to Ottawa. Woah! I'm
exhausted!!!
I managed to go see the cats this afternoon at around 1:45pm. I could only
stay about 15 minutes. It was cold but the sun was bright and lovely. It was
odd to see all the trees leafless...
I was greeted by Fluffy. He seemed to have recognized me from afar with my
bag of treats. He was followed by Brownie and Blackie. They all came to say
hi! :-) Bebe soon came by too and jumped on my lap! It was the best!!!
:-)))) When I called out Max he came by too. The few visitors were amazed at
how the cats seemed to know me. (Yes Heather, you were right: cats do
remember!!!) :-) Rene was there too... I did see Brunette and Ti-Gris. They
sure have slimmed down!!!
As I left, Conrad one of the RCMP officers that use to see me every morning
asked me how were the critters and also asked why I wasn't around as much...
I explained the situation but how I was happy to see the kitties remembering
me.
I hope next time I come by, I'll get to spend more time with the cats...
I need some sleep... Big day tomorrow.
I hope all of you are doing well!!! Keep up the good work gang! I love to
read from you all! :-)
Yours truly,
Leyla
Klaus Gerken
Friday, November 03, 2006 7:42 AM
Brian,
Could do me another favour and do this weekend? I've come down with a
massive cold that's just beginning. I'm sure I won't be up and about until at
least Monday...if then. In case you can't, Heather said she might be able to
help.
*
Brian Caines
Friday, November 03, 2006 9:29 AM
Hi Klaus:
No problem. I'll be there on both days, but not as early as you normally
make your visit. On Monday morning, if the weather cooperates Lorraine and I
will add a little more straw to the condos for the comfort of da puddies.
I hope you get over your cold. It's really hitting some people very hard.
Brian
*
Klaus Gerken
Friday, November 03, 2006 9:42 AM
Hi Brian,
Thanks...I really miss them. I'll add Leyla's letter to the blog sometime
today.
I almost died just dragging myself to the store this morning for some much
needed supplies. Sweat pouring off me, heart racing. This is certainly not a
"Take two aspirins and go to bed" kind of cold. Some people at work have had
it off and on for two weeks or more.
I'll look forward to your weekend report on Tuesday.
*
Brian Caines
Friday, November 03, 2006 9:47 AM
Hi Klaus:
Get well soon. And don't feel badly that you can't make it to the Hill this
weekend. They will be well cared for. But I know you will miss your visit
with them and they'll miss you!! If the weather reports are accurate it will
be a little more pleasant than last weekend so I'll be able to spend some
time with them .
Brian
PS. It is great to have so many dedicated people helping the cats and Rene.
We can all count on each other to ensure da puddies well-being.
*
Klaus Gerken
Friday, November 03, 2006 9:58 AM
That's why it's a support "team" and not just individuals. We did good
putting this together.
k