The Cats of Parliament Hill Blog

by Klaus J. Gerken Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, North America, Planet Earth, the Sol Planetary system, the "Milky Way" Galaxy, the Virgo cluster of Galaxies, the Universe, and whatever is beyond or ever was before.

Latest update: Monday, 10 March 2008

Preamble

IMPORTANT NOTICES Please under no circumstances abandon cats or kittens on the Hill or by the Cat Sanctuary. The cats will not readily accept newcomers and for the most part chase them away. Nor is it a given new cats will find the Sanctuary in search of shelter and food. Most abandoned cats are very disorientated and will just randomly wander off finding starvation and death - especially in the winter. If you can no longer care for your cat, please take her to the Humane Society where she can be well taken care of and put up for adoption. This is what we do for any abandoned cat we find. And it causes us great grief when we cannot capture one - which happens way too often. And if you give kittens as a gift for Christmas, ensure the person or the household you give them to can provide for them. If not, then you should reconsider your priorities. No kitten deserves to be abandoned like an unwanted toy. Owning a pet is a serious responsibiliy. If you don't share that feeling, you shouldn't own a pet. It's as simple as that. Abandoning your pet is a criminal offence with up to 2 years in jail. Perhaps you who would be so callous should think about that. Treat your pets well, and they will reward you with unconditional love for the rest of their lives. Should we all care so much as they care for us. Klaus J. Gerken Before you abandon a pet you can no longer care for, please contact these organizations:

Previous logs are available at the Library and Archives Canada:

All photographs by Klaus J. Gerken unless otherwise stated.

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.

A Brief History of the Cats of Parliament Hill There is a story that Colonel By brought hundreds of cats with him when he built the Rideau Canal in 1826, to take care of the rodent population, but unfortunately that cannot be confirmed. What can be confirmed is that cats were employed in the Parliament Building (as in many other building) as pest control until 1955 when they were replaced by chemicals. Until 1970 ground keepers fed the cats in various locations, when Irene Desormeaux began feeding the cats where the existing colony now resides. Rene Chartrand began helping her in the mid-nineteen eighties and began building some wooden structures (some of which can still be seen) for the cats to keep warm in. In 1987 when Irene passed on to take care of stray cats in a greater colony beyond this world, Rene took over and loyally fed the cats to this day. In 1997 Rene and a friend built the existing structures. Brian Caines began helping about that time, and I began helping out in 2003. That year brian and I decided to put together a support team to ensure that Rene would be ok (he's in his mid-eighties now) and that the cats would always be well provided for. We now have a team of eight caregivers who volunteer their time to this amazing cause. * 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 (Ensures the colony's health and welfare) Klaus Gerken (Official Photographer, and Keeper of the Blog - I do the weekend shift) Laura Jaremkow Lorraine Milobar Sally Sax Helene Pomerleau Kathryn Bunn Leyla Di Cori Heather Ferguson Sebastien Badour Christ Oliver - Author of "Fish Lecan, Maria Dorfinkley et les Chats de la Colline du Parlement" and the blog below: Ben Asselstine

True Stories about the Cats on Parliament Hill by Christ Oliver

The Alta Vista Animal Hospital (For medical care). 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: Thumbelina Snowball (AKA Six Toes - lives with the white mother on the east side of the Hill) *Kid Jr (lost 2006) *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 (Lost Nov 2004) Max (Integrated 2005) Shadow (Integrated 2005 - but probably there earlier and the father of Smokey's kittens)) *Penelope (Abandoned Christmas 2005 - taken to the Humane Society Feb 2006) Lillian-Wentworth (Integrated 2007) *Phoebe (The new white - taken to the HS by Brian and Laura 18 June 2007) *Hero (15 years old - abandoned - taken to the HS for adoption) *Mike the cabbie (Abandoned July 2007 - Named by Joanne Stanbridge) - Taken to the Humane Society 24 July 2005. 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.

The Blog

Sally Sax Friday, 1 Feb 08 836AM Hello everyone, All the cats were well fed this morning, including the whites. I'm relieved they all got a bite to eat before the big snow storm! I'll keep an eye on the weather and if need be, I'll go up at lunch and after work to do some digging. Sally * Helene Pomerleau Friday, 1 Feb 08 845AM Hey everybody! Sally: I'll go too after work (probably before 5:00) to clean the snow and to feed the cats for the long night coming. I'll be there at lunch too if you need a hand... Happy weekend all! Helene * Brian Caines Friday, 1 Feb 08 918AM Hi All:As my grandmother was fond of saying-Many hands make light work. Unfortunately I won't be able to make it to the Hill today at lunchtime as I have an appointment. I am glad to know that the Whites were fed; they will be sated and comfy in their hideaway waiting out the storm. And the others will be comfy in their condos, sleeping together if it gets too miserable. I will give Rene a call to let him know that the cats have been well looked after. Let's all hope the storm peters out before it reaches here! Thanks and have a good weekend, Brian * Sally Sax Friday, 1 FReb 08 214PM Hey everybody! It is crazy out there, so I hope you are all able to leave work early (or stay home, for those of you who aren't working)! I met Helene on the hill at lunch to give the shelters a first sweep, and I will head over around 5 to do some more digging, although I suspect with the amount of snow coming it will barely make a dent! Sally * Helene Pomerleau Friday 1 Feb 08 612PM Hello all! I went to the colony after work (around 4) to give the cats a good meal and some warm water before the long night coming. I brought 6 cans of food and they ate 5!!! There was nothing left!!! I also clean the snow. Even if Sally clean it at lunch, there's was a lot!!! After, I went to see the whites and they both came out when I called them, but went back in their spot right after when they say the bad weather. It broke my heart because I wasn't able to go down since there was a RCMP officer in his car looking at me... I wish I had been able to feed them down there but... Sally went to the colony too around 5 to clean again. Have a nice weekend! Helene

Klaus Gerken Saturday, 2 February 2008 Went down around 8, and as usual downtown is in chaos after a huge snow storm. The sidewalks weren't cleared, and the streets only half. So I had to trudge through about a foot of snow to get there. The Hill was even worse. Nothing had been cleared and the wind was autrocious. All the cats got a good feed, and I left some for the whites, although the snow there was pretty deep and they disn't come out when I called them. I went back again around 11 and met Brian and Laura who had cleared the compound of most of the snow. I stayed a while with Brownie on my lap and Shadow next to me before heading home.

Bruno proud and a bit confused after destroying my bedroom

8am
Approaching the colony through high banks of snow

Blackie coming out to greet me - Brownie and Spot...

Fluffy getting out of the way of the snow plow

Brownie giving me a big meow as I was clearing the snow from the platform

Blackie, Max and Fluffy just as the sun was coming through the clouds

Shadow seems to be twice the size of Brownie - is he ever getting big

The West Block from the colony

Max, Blackie and Shadow as I was leaving to get water

The East Block and piles of uncleared snow

One of my favourite oximorons: No stopping at any time and just a few yards away...a Stop sign!

Lillian-Wentworth and Max and the others snuggled in their cubicles

Ti-Gris making an appearance

Blowing snow on the Hill

Cat crunch - notice L-W in the top left corner

On my way to feed the whites

Shadow and Spot - with Blackie safely tucked away

And so with Max

Looking back on the colony over a hill of snow

11am:
Ti-Gris and Brian in the back

Laura with Lillian-Wentworth

Brian and Laura

Brwonie and Max

Lillian-Wentworth watching whil Brownie was on my lap and Shadow was sitting next to me

The compound just before I left

Bruno fast asleep when I got home

* Sebastien Bador Saturday, 2 February 2008 5:40pm Hi, I just want to let everyone know that I dropped by at around 10 this morning and fed both White Mother and Snowball. The snow was much too deep for them to come up to the path (Snowball made one attempt but after a couple of steps she gave up). So I went down and gave them a big can of wet food and the remaining Temptations that I had. White Mother in particular was very hungry. I created a path for them and in doing so started a mini-avalanche. The snow was two-feet deep (it really collects there because of the wind). Hopefully, they will be able to come up again without any difficulty. Sebastien

Klaus Gerken Sunday, 3 February 2008 Went down around 9 and met Laura and brian on the Hill. Stayed to talk to some visitors and sit with the cats.

O'Connor Street as I was leaving to feed the cats...just piles and piles of snow...

Brian and Laura already at the colony as I arrived

Laura and Brian admiring Lillian-Wentworth

Max rather frazzled

Brownie, Spot and Fluffy sharing breakfast

And don't forget the pigeons...

The gang

Lillian-Wentworth sleepy

Shadow curious

Lillian-Wentworth makes a friend

Brownie and Fluffy on the bench just before I left

Lillian-Wentworth watching Shadow

The Noon-Day cannon covered in deep snow

Brian Caines Monday, 3 February 2008 11:20am Hi All: I arrived at the Hill a little later than is normal and the usual suspects were there waiting patiently. They were all well fed and well watered before I left. As a bonus I got to see both Snowball and Mama White who came up to greet me. The pathway Sebastien blazed is working as it should. As a special treat they each got a separate can of wet food which they enjoyed. Eleven degrees tomorrow so I can't imagine that I'll have to shovel. Have a good week, Brian

Brian Caines Monday, 5 January 2008 11:27AM Hello All: A wet, sloppy, miserable morning. A lot of snow fell overnight; more than I had expected. I shovelled and then fed and watered them all. Again the Whites visited for a few minutes and enjoyed their morning meal! I telephoned Rene and gave him the day off! Brian * Heather Ferguson Monady, 5 January 2006 3:19PM Hi, yes, I still take an interest in the cats. I continue to be amazed at the services you all render the cats in all weather. Heather.

Lorraine Milobar Wednesday, 6 February 2008 9:20 AM Hi Gang: It was so nice to see all my little friends this morning. I had not seen them since January 8th. As I approached the fence, Fluffy was looking from his condo but I think was not sure who I was. Then I call him and well here they were all coming out of their little home. That made my day! They all had Seafood Supreme, left lots of dry food and warm water. I then went to see the Whitemother and Snowball. I did not even call them as I decided to go down with a full bowl of dry food and a can of wet. Both were there and did not ran away. One more great moment! I would like to thank Sally for taking over the period I was not able to feed our little friends. I know Brian would have done it but it is nice to have extra help. Thanks a million Sally! When can we meet...just let me know and I will be there...thanks again! Lorraine

Brian Caines Wednesday, 7 Feb 2008 12:39 AM Hi All: More snow on the Hill this morning so shovelling was in order. I am getting very tired of this! I believe this is the worst winter for snow in a long time. I don't believe it has been piled as high around the compound since I first started going there. The colony cats were all accounted for although the whites they did not venture out when Laura and I called for them. There were not any prints around the vent either so we have a feeling that Lorraine left them lots of food yesterday and they were staying put for the duration of the snowfall. We didn't leave any food for them as it was snowing so heavily we thought it pointless. I am still treating Shadow's eye and it is very much improved. Klaus and I were wondering over the weekend whether Shadow ever went into a condo. We have never seen him in one and we thought he was too big to go through the door. Well, we were wrong! This morning I saw him come out of one of the back shelters, looking rather sheepish at being caught. When Laura was shaking out the blanket in the hamper she found four copies of the book that Christ wrote Klaus about. There are two left. I telephoned Rene and told him to put his feet up today and to bother coming to the Hill. Brian PS. After leaving the cats I went to the National Gallery to see the Joe Fafard exhibition. Don't miss it. It is wonderful and very whimsical.

Brian Caines Saturday, 09/02/08 5:05 PM Hi Klaus: I hope you are starting to feel better. I arrived at the Hill at around 10 this morning and the cats were waiting patiently. All were fed and watered and I went to the Whites and although the WM was nowhere to be seen, Snowball did come up to see me and to have a little something to eat. I phoned Rene and told him not to come, but did he listen. Kathryn arrived and her parents arrived just as I was leaving so I was able to spend a few minutes with them. Lovely people. Brian * Klaus Gerken Saturday, 9 Feb 2008 As I was feeling somewhat better, I went down around 4 to see the cats. As fate would have it, I met Nancy and some of her friends from Kingston down for a visit. It was lightly blowing snow around and there were quite a few visitors. Lillian-Wentworth and Shadow did the most entertaining.

The East Block and the Langevin Building across Wellington Street

Some visitors having fun after visiting the cats

Rene just about to leave when I arrived - he said he was feeling fine

Max and Shadow going different directions after nuzzling each other

Shadow, Max and Lillian-Wentworth

Nancy from Kingston down for a visit

Nancy and friends

Lillian-Wentworth up a tree chasing squirrels

Lillian-Wentworth definitely on the hunt

Lillian-Wentworth proud as punch

Shadow and Lillian-Wentworth munching on some treats visitors put out for them

The East Block of Parliamend through light snow as I was leaving the Hill

Bruno loves building himself a cave to keep warm in

Brian Caines Sunday, 10/02/08 5:02 PM Hi K: I made it to the Hill about 10 this morning. There may have been blue sky but the wind was certainly strong blowing from the north. BURRRRR. The cats were fine and I gave them plenty of food and water. Neither white was about so I left only dried for them. Brian

Brian Caines Monday, 11 February 2008 11:28 AM Hi All: I had a quick visit (well, it was about 45 minutes) with the cats this morning. The cold was bitter and brittle, what with that north wind blowing over the colony. The wet food frozen within a few minutes. The warm water was really appreciated. No sign of the Whites, so I just left them some dry food. Hopefully it will be "warmer" tomorrow. Brian PS. A very nice couple from New York state dropped by to see Fluffy and the gang one more time before leaving for home. They had visited the colony on Saturday, met Klaus and the usual suspects and they fell in love with the long-haired, good-looking boy. They suggested Llewellyn as an alternative to Lillian to help him over his complex. I think it's a bit too Welsh and with just one too many "L's". * Sally Sax Monday, 11 February 2008 2:34 PM Hi everybody, I stopped by at lunch to give the cats some more warm water -- it is bitter today! Someone left them a couple of bags of temptations, so those are in the shed. Nice to see Nancy made it over for a visit on the weekend! Seems like we get a lot of nice visitors from Kingston... Sally

Brian Caines Friday, 15 Feb 2008 10:57 AM Hello All: I was at the Hill this morning at about 8 to feed and water da puddies. My, it was not pleasant. There was lots of "blowback" when I shovelled and there seemed to be no end to it as it was snowing while I was doing it. And we seem to be running out of places to leave the stuff! Winter in Ottawa-gotta love it. I left some food for the Whites, but they were nowhere to be seen. It was a much more pleasant yesterday at noon when I dropped by the colony en route to the Market. What a lovely visit with Helene and the critters. Bebe and Max shared my lap and Fluffy cuddled up to me knowing that there were treats somewhere in that backpack. When I finally took them out Lil and Brownie came by for their share. What joy for all of us. Brian

Klaus Gerken Sunday, 17 February 2008 Yesterday Brian, Laura and Helene took Shadow for a check-up and they decided to keep him a few days for observation. He should be back on the Hill soon. This morning I felt well enough to go down and bring the cats a bit of food, and Brian will be down later to give a more substantial meal. As I got to the top of te stairs Fluffy came running towards me - he must have started even before he saw me as the snow banks were so high. The others. Unfortunated Lillian-Wentworth viciously attacked Max and they continued under the platform with spine-tingling screams. WHen it was over L-W came out to eat with the others amd Max stayed well out of the way. I picked him up and held him shivering and hissing in my arms to calm him down. I got some warm water, which they all appreciated. Some person left some food dry and cans of wet. I used the dry, but had to take the cans home as they were frozen solid. As fate would have it, the plastic bag I took them home in tore, and I lost several cans when they rolled down O'Connor street. I managed to get 11 cans home (with much difficulty) and will use them next weekend.

Fluffy running toward me with a big friendly meow

Spot, Brownie and Blackie, with Lillian-Wentworth on the platform

Lillian-Wentworth and Max eying each other

Lillian-Wentowrth, Brownie and Bebe. L-W keeping an eye on Max who was hissing at this point

Lillian-Wentworth confronts Max. L-W gave out a small almost inaudible "me?" and Max answered with a growl each time before they then they went at it with a ferocity you wouldn't believe. Fur flying everywhere and the other cats all ran over to watch the frey

After it was over and I had calmed Max down they all went back to breakfast

Lillian-Wentworth was the first to come back to eat and drink some warm water

Blackie, Bebe and Fluffy

Max finally came back, but kept his distance

Fluffy and Brownie

Max looking at me as I was leaving

Bruno to say "Where have you been?" when I got home

Brian Caines Monday, 18 February 2008 2:35 PM Hi All: Laura and I met on the Hill at around 10 this morning (after delicately manoeuvre our way through the icy Ottawa streets). We had a nice visit with the felines in the "warm" weather. Thankfully, we were also able to clean off the ice that had built up on the platform over the last month or so. I am glad to see it gone! We also went over to see the Whites and although we called they did not make their presence known. I am sure they'll eventually make their way to the bowl of food we left them. We did not see the injured squirrel although Helene and Sebastien did at lunch time today but they were unable to catch him. The poor beast is his own worst enemy. I will keep my eyes open for him and I'll give it my best to take him to the Humane Society. Brian * Sally Sax Monday, 18 Febraury 2008 4:49 PM Hi everyone, I had a later lunch today and only saw Lillian Wentworth -- no injured squirrel or other cats in sight. Lillian curled up on my lap for an prolonged cuddling session. He sure is great with people. Lorraine was kind enough to give Scooter and Sweetie a couple of gifts; here are a couple of cute pictures of Scooter having a great time with her favourite new toy! Sally

Scooter and fish (Photo by Sally Sax)

Scooter and fish II (Photo by Sally Sax)

Lorraine Milobar 19 February 2008 11:04 AM Hi Gang: Most of our little friends were there this morning to receive their treats, plenty of dry and wet food, and of course, the warm water. Brian was there waiting for me. We did not see Brunette nor Ti-Gris. I did not see the little squirrel but I am now feeding them further down so Lillian cannot catch them any more. I finally went down to feed the Whitemother and Snowball as I knew they would not come up. Left them with a full bowl of dry food and one can of Seafood Supreme and one can of Tuna with a bowl of warm water. I left and they were still eating. All and all it was a lovely lovely morning. Lorraine

Heather Ferguson Oh Klaus, you are too kind at times. I'll be thinking of you. Take good care and stay in touch. Heather. From: Klaus Gerken Sent: Sunday, February 24, 2008 3:12 PM To: Heather Ferguson Subject: Re: Hello from Gatineau Hi Heather, as fate wd have it...I slipped and fractured several ribs yesterday...never been in so much pain...eating tylanol like candy... also caught the squirrel with a broken leg ... shredded my finger...so on a rabies watch...I apologised to the squirrel... k

Klaus Gerken Wednesday, 27 February 2008 I slipped on the ice on Saturday getting groceries. As things would be and my body in shock, I didn't quite feel the full brunt of the pain until Monday, at which time my Doctor had taken the week off for administrative purposes, so hoped that the pain would only last another day or two (I had fallen before and it had only lasted three or 4 days before it got better. Boy was I wrong! (I spent most of Tuesday in the waiting room of the General Hospital!) Now finally having a coctail of pain killers that seems to work I feel good enough to update this blog. * Saturday, 23 Feb 2008 Morning: Iwent to feed the cats around 7 and the usual characters were out. I noticed that Max had somehow "tamed" Lillian-Wentworth to the point where Lil backed of whenever Max stared him dowm. Good progressionto see in the hyarchy.

Brownie, Blackie and Fluffy - a dull snowy morning - the light now was ;ater to affect my better judgement - smart Max mostly stayed in his cubicle

Spot, Max and Bebe for a feed

The twisted trees of the colony

Max watching Bebe eat

Max staring down Lillian-Wentworth, who then ran away and hid

L-W later came back to drink some water with the others - finally the sun makes an appearance

After leaving some food for the whites thick fog rollin from the west - it dissipated before it got to the Hill

Lillian-Wentworth quite contented wayching some visitors

Spot and Max sharing a cubicle with Brownie, Bebe, Blackie and Fluffy

Bebe and Spot

Just before Ben and I left - Max and Bebe

Afternoon: After I left after feeding the cats in the morning I went get some groceries. On the way home (with two heavy bags of groceries in each hand) I slipped on a streach of ice hidden by very light snow looking no different than the rest of the sidewalk I was walked along. With my legs going faster that the rest of my body I crashed down hard on my back. While I lay there some people just walked past me...that made me very angry. Slowly I got up, and at this point just sore and in no real pain, made my way home. I took some Tylanol and I didn't see any swelling (a few bruises a friend told me about, I went back to the Hill in the afternoon. Once there I met Helene and Rene and then mamnaged to cats the squirrel with a broken leg. He was hanging on a tree, so I just grabbed him, unfortunately he fell, and then climbed up again, so I grabbed him again, and he lacerated my index finger drawing quite a lot of blood. Helene got the carrier and I put him in there. Helene then phoned the Humaine Society and they came down and met up on O'Connot Street where we turned over the squirrel, and of course they took all my information just in case I would need some shots. Helene and I went back to the Hill (my back was beginning to get quite sore by now) and met Katheryn and he boyfriend. We all spoke a while and then I left for home. Helene offered me a ride, and when I got home I realized I should have taken her up on the offer. Took a lot more Tylanol and felt better.
Visitors to the colony

Brownie makes a friend

Rene with Blackie

Helene and Rene

Helene and Rene discussing the squirrel in the carrier

The Humane Society rep explaining the situation about me being bitten and what will happen

Lillian-Wentworth staring down a poodle

Helene Katherin and Lillian-Wentworth

* Sunday, 24 Feb 2007 Stayed in Sunday morning and rested. But got restless the afterrnoon decided to go to the colony just for something to to do and get my mind off my back. As luck would have it Christ Oliver was there and he showed me the book he was launching on Saturday in Gatineau. Hi Klaus! The children book about the cats of the Hill will be ready for the ®Salon du livre de l'Outaouais¯ (28 february to 2 mars). I and most most of the cat volunteers should be there on Saturday 29 February 2008.

Salon du livre de l'outaouais (28 february to 2 mars - come visit us)

Crist Oliver

Christ Oliver

Lillian-Wentworth trying to hitch a ride

All snuggled up

Max staring down Lillian-Wentworth

"Can I at least drink some water?" "Ok," Max says

* Monday, 25 February 2008: Unfortunately on Monday I really began to feel the pain in my back, so stayed home from work. But again because of restlessness went up to the Hill around 11am anyway. Ben was there and we spoke a bit. Stayed about half an our and then left.
Media trucks by the colong

Ti-Gris makes an appearance

Lillian-Wentworth is a tree - safe from Max I suppose

Ben feeding snacks to the menagery

Max and Blackie

Brian Caines Saturday 2008-03-01 Hello All: Let's hope that the saying "In like a lion out like a lamb" is true. I can't take another 30 days of this snow! I got up to the colony at about 10:45 this morning and did not leave until almost noon as there was just so much snow to shovel. But shovel I did and I even got around to feeding and watering the cats (including the Whites who did not make an appearance). Even though it was such a snowy morning there were a surprising number of visitors so I did have people to chat to while moving the snow from here to there. Hopefully there will be less snow there when I am there tomorrow morning. Afterwards I went to Bridgehead to warm up (I wasn't there long enough to dry off) before heading off to Gatineau for Le Salon du Livre. I got there just in time to hear Christ and Karen, as well as other children's authors speak about their books. Afterwards we went to his booth at Les Editions du Vermillon. Karen sketched a caricature of Blackie for me in my copy of the book. Lovely. I left four passes on the right-hand side hamper between the fleece and the comforter should you wish to go. Christ and Karen will be at their booth between noon and 13:00 tomorrow. It is worth going to as there are so many publishers and so many people. I was very impressed. Brian

Sally Sax Monday March 3 Hi everybody, I'm just back from a long and bone-chilling hour and half with the cats. Lillian Wentworth behaved himself pretty well today, although he seemed anxious for affection. Snowball came up for a bite to eat but I didn't see the White Mother. Much of my time was spent de-icing the platforms and surrounding areas, which was actually very satisfying! The cats have plenty of food and should be good for the rest of the day. Sally * Brian Caines Monday, 03/03/08 12:06 PM Hi Sally: Thanks for doing this. I am still waiting for the contractor as she is trying to find someone to look after her children as the school buses are not operating today. Yes breaking up thin layers of ice can be quite an invigorating, and at the same time, relaxing experience. Luckily we don't have to do it too often. I spoke to Rene and told that the cats have been fed. He didn't seem his usual self so I imagine he won't go, or at least I pray that is the case. Yes, I noticed that our Lil was well behaved when I was at the Hill this weekend. He is an exuberant little fellow and I do think that he is trying to establish his place in the pecking order. We should keep an eye on him but I am hoping that he will calm down shortly, when the spring finally hits. Brian * Sebastien Bador Monday, 03/03/08 8:41 PM Hi, I'm starting to get concerned about White Mother. When I went down to the vent on Saturday (she was unable to come up because of the fresh snow), she seemed ok and ate well. However, on Sunday, despite the nice weather, she did not appear when I called for her. Today, at noon, I went by and called her again, but there was no sign of her. I climbed down to the vent one more time (this time to break the ice), but there was no sign of her. This is the first time this has happened. On both days, Snowball showed up like clockwork. I hope she was not injured or killed by the snow-clearing. She usually bails when she sees or hears heavy machinery. However, over the past few days, they have been dumping a lot of snow and large chunks of ice right beside the vent. I hope she shows up tomorrow. Sebastien * Kathryn Bunn Monday, 03/03/08 9:06 PM Hi all! I will definitely stay on the look out for the White Mother. Haven't run into the whites myself in ages. Hope Thumbi is doing well at your place! Glad she has found a loving happy home! I was at the Hill today around 3. LW was being insanely affectionate. I mean LW is always affectionate (towards people atleast) but he was being so ridiculously friendly and adorable as if he was on some sort of drug. I was slightly overwhelmed by his affection and desire for attention. It was oh so adorable. He was sprawled on me, nudging me. However he then proceeded to groom himself on my lap and started attacking his own tail. Was ridiculously cute. Nipped a bit at me as he played/groomed his tail. Best leave kitties alone when they do their grooming. That kitty certainly has some massive teeth and sharp little claws. Also, LW has some major issues with sweet ole Brunette. LW was on my lap and Brunette was near one of the trees on the other side of the fence rubbing against some stems or something. LW immediately got distracted by her and jumped off my lap and crept towards her I tried to keep them apart but LW was a fast sucker and darted after Brunette who escaped harm by running to the back of the condos. It was really random and completely unprovoked. I was not pleased. The instant LW spotted her, his attention was immediately diverted. Brownie did come onto the bench while LW was there with me but LW did a few little meows and Brownie scampered off the bench. No real big hostility but a bit of a personality conflict. They have comfortably tolerated each other on the bench before. Kat

Lorraine Milobar Tuesday, 4 March 2008 10:06 AM Hi Gang: I was there this morning and all our little friends at the colony were there and Lillian behave very well. I went down and saw the Whitemother and Snowball and they appeared it good spirits and shape. They seemed hungry and were enjoying as usual the Seafood Supreme and warm water I brought down. I left plenty of dry food and opened two cans of soft. Lorraine

Brian Caines Wednesday, 5 March 2008 11:06 AM Hi All: My normal 20 minute walk to the Hill took 45 trudging minutes with the ice pellets blowing in my face. Nice. A fair amount had fallen at the compound when I arrived so I shovelled and cleaned up as best I could before feeding and watering the cats, of which only a few made an appearance. I also spread some sand at the "gate" as I noticed it was quite icy when I cleared the snow off the walkway. I didn't bother going to the Whites as with this heavy snowfall the bowl would be covered before they made their way up. And I am sure that Lorraine left them plenty for them yesterday. When I got got home I had a 45 minute shovelling fest to clear out the driveway so I am going to run a nice hot bath and enjoy lying in it while listening to Radio 2 and drinking tisane. Retirement ain't half bad. Brian PS. I am sure that with this heavy snowfall there's probably as much snow now on the compound as when I cleared it this morning at 8:30. * Helene Pomerleau Wednesday, 5 March 2008 12:00 Noon If necessary, I'll go after work because I can't be there at lunch. Helene * Helene Pomerleau Wednesday, 5 March 2008 7:18 PM Hi everybody, I went to the colony after work to give the cats a good meal before the night and to clean all the snow. It was my lucky day because when I arrived, Dave was there, cleaning. And my God, he did an amazing job!!! He also bought a big bag of dry food which he left in the shed. So I fed the cats and gave them warm water and I think they appeciated it. I left a little while after and Dave was still there. Thanks a lot to him! That was really nice!

Brian Caines Thursday, 6 March 2008 8:52 AM Hi David: Helene caught you out!! I understand you are the gremlin that was cleaning the cats' compound yesterday afternoon after the heavy snowfall. Thank you so much. I did my best in the morning but as the snow was still falling heavily I knew that there would lots later in the day. Your assistance really helps. The cats and the humans really appreciate you going up under the cover of darkness to ensure that everything was fine at the colony and to get rid of all the white stuff that had accumulated throughout the day. I heard that so far this year 11 feet of snow has fallen. I can believe it what with the mounds around the Hill. This too will end. Brian * Klaus Gerken Thursday, 6 March 2008 Since I haven't been down to feed the cats in a while (and I will not be so this weekend - although I might go down on Sunday - after Saturday's predicted snow fall), here are some past phhotograph which were to be part of the second Lulu.com calendar I had planned and never published. Most of these were taken in 2002/2003. Hope you enjoy the journey through time.

Proposed cover - Rene arriving on the Hill and being greeted by Lulu

Big Mama and Fluffy

Bebe all wrapped up

Furball - don't recall her name

Again - Brian will have to identify

I can identify Brownie, Blanchette, Brunette, Lulu and T-Gris

Thumbelina when she was still living at the colony

The colony before we painted the shelters

Regal Fluffy

Brownie

Blanchette using Fluffy as a warm pillow

Fluffy and Blackie on a cold November morning

Big Mama (a.k.a Vincent because of the one clipped ear)

Brian Caines Friday, 7 March 2008 5:11 PM Hi Klaus, et al. Thanks for the "latest" photos that you have recently placed on the Blog. They put a smile on my face and brought back many warm memories of cats no longer with the colony. The photograph of dear Blanchette using Fluffy as a cushion was particularly touching. And to see Mama again is to realise how much she is missed. The unidentified long-haired tortoise shell is PomPom. In the "group photo" that follows, the two unidentified cats are PomPom and her sister/mother, La Pune. Rene was a little vague about the relationships between certain cats and as he didn't keep any records there's no way to really confirm the cats' family histories. When I started becoming involved with the colony there were five adult calico/tortoise shells; Brunette, LuLu, PomPom, La Pune and La Patte. Rene usually said that the five were sisters, but occasionally he would say that La Pune was the mother of the other four. Who knows? They were definitely family, they were in the same age group and they were all lovely. I believe LuLu was the favourite of most people. Her loud rumbling, resonant purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr could be heard from miles around it seems. Brian

Ben Asselstine 8 March 2008 11:49 AM Hi Klaus, Ben here :-) I was just at the Hill, and a Native couple mentioned that they dropped off their cat at the colony. After finding and feeding their cat, fluffy chased him up a tree. About the cat: The cat is a large short-haired grey cat with a little white patch on his chest. It goes by the name Great Tiger, or just G.T. Pass it on. Ben * Klaus Gerken 8 March 2008 Hi Ben, I passed this on to the group. But to be honest, this makes me so angry, had I been there I would have called the RCMP, detained them, called the HS and have them charged. What a despicable thing to do to a cat - especially in the winter and another monster snowstorm on the horizon. k * Brian Caines Sat, 8 Mar 2008 12:02:56 Hi All: Thanks for the info Klaus about the abandoned cat. Nice people. If anyone happens to go by the colony today and can catch the poor creature please take it to the HS. Keep receipts for reimbursement. The address and hours: Location: 101 Champagne Avenue South Ottawa (just off Carling Avenue, on e block west of Preston St.) Hours:Mon - Fri: 12pm to 7pm*Sat: 10am - 5pmSun: 9:30am - 11:30amClosed Statutory Holidays * If you go during the week before noon ring the bell at the north door and you will be let in. I will look around when I am there tomorrow morning. * Bian Caines Hello All: I will certainly check tomorrow morning when I am on the Hill. I hope the poor thing is able to find sheler on what looks to be the worse night of the winter. If anyone wants to join in feel free. Coffee afterwards?? Brian PS. Don't forget, the time goes ahead tonight. What's the saying? Spring ahead-who are they trying to fool. * Laura Jaremkow Saturday 8 March 2008 8:56 PM Hey all... i was up at the Hill this AM before work to pre-shovel for whomever was feeding the kitties. As of 9 am i'm sorry to say that there was no lost kitty to be seen. If able, i will head up tomorrow after the women's show to see if any newbies are around. People...how they figure that the most recent biggest storm of the winter is the best time to abandon their precious cat -let's lock them out of doors in unfamiliar territory in the middle of a snow storm with unwelcoming creatures all around them and night fast approaching and see how they're feeling in the morning. .:laura:. * Klaus Gerken Saturday 8 March 2008 10:44 PM Here is a letter I just sent to the Ottawa Citizen: To those wonderful, caring people who abandoned a cat on Parliament Hill in this Monster snow storm, I have only this to say: I have never called anyone evil before, but you are evil. The volunteers could not get down in time to save this precious cat - if she surives this weather it will be a miracle (and this cat deserves a miracle). The poeple who abandoned her do not. If you have any decency left in you, surrender youself to the Ottawa Humane Society for charges of animal cruelty. What you have done is beyond any word I can find in the dictionary. Despicable would be a compliment in this case. Klaus J. Gerken

Klaus Gerken Sunday, 9 March 2008 3 AM The monster snowstorm from my window...I pray for the abandoned cat.

The storm at midnight

The storm from my window 2:45 AM

Klaus Gerken Sunday, 9 March 2008 After a most brutal snow storm I went down to the Hill around 930. Brian, Laura and Ben were already there clearing the snow and searching for the abandoned cat. Laura finally coaxed her out from under the platform and Brian brought her to the Humane Society (and what a trek that was! - see entry below). Ben and I fed the cats and then left. No snow had been cleared around the colony, so it was quite chore getting there - unfortunately my injured back is in agony at the moment - no work for me tomorrow. But all in all we are all very happy that we found the abandoned cat and that she is well and survived this monster storm. If these people are natives, as Ben stated, then the cat spirits will deal with them, and hopefully their elders will disown them.

Looking back on O'Connor Street after a long trek to the Hill

The Centre Block - Parliament Hill

Approaching the colony - and three feet of snow to trudge through

Laura, Ben and Brian. Laura is tryng to coax the abandoned cat out from under the platform

Blackie, Brownie in the cubicles, Fluffy and Max eyeing each other - Fluffy was so happy to see me he couldn't stop licking my face

Lillian-Wentworth being a real gentleman

Ben and Blackie

Success! I have him! Laura and the abandoned cat

Another

Laura and Ben getting the cat in the carrier

Great Tiger - who would be so callous to abandon you?

Laura - deservedly proud

Laura and Ben checking on Great Tiger

Laura on her way to an appointment

Lillian-Wentworth, Blackie and Ben

Brian with the abandoned cat on his way to the Humane Society

Ben feeding the cats

One last look at the colong before leaving the Hill

Metcalf Street on my way home

Almost home - last balcony on the top right is home

* Brian Caines Sunday, 9 March 2008 12:56 PM Hello All: I stumbled to the Hill to be greeted by Ben who was shovelling off the compound and by Laura who was trying to coax GT, newly abandoned cat from out from under the platform. She could hear him but she couldn't see him. I got the cage and gave her some food and finally he made his presence known. What a good looking cat; a big boned all-grey male. Klaus arrived just as I was going to get water for our charges and when I was returning Laura was leaving as she had to meet friends at 10 but not before catching him. I left the food and water with the guys and climbed through the snow piles to Wellington/Metcalfe where Ben reminded me there was a taxi stand. No cabs. I went to the 240 Sparkes Street taxi stand. No cabs, no buses either. I passed three hotels. No cabs. I had considered phoning the HS but by the time they would be able to pick us up we'd both be frozen so I decided to keep walking. It was rough. I walked using the main streets (facing traffic!) as these routes were cleared of snow but my arms became very tired very quickly and in places the wind was cutting. But I slid, slided and slouched towards the the Humane Society and arrived almost an hour and a half after starting. Murielle, the admitting technician, kindly got me a cup of coffee to warm me up and I relaxed while she took the details. G-T is an unfixed male who she thinks he is probably a little over a year and in good health. He is such a sweet beast. Laura had no problem putting him into the cage and Murielle had no problem getting him out. Actually, he just wandered out when the cage door was opened. And although I know he was knocked about as I carried him and he was really frightened by the numerous snow-ploughs we passed enroute, he didn't fight or struggle in the cage. That would have been awful. Walking home I was dreading the thought of having to shovel out the driveway of the drifts that appeared overnight. But when I arrived Lammert had nearly finished the job so I was able to crawl into the bath and listen to Espace Musique on Radio 2. What bliss. Gradually my arms became unjellied and my back no longer ached. Not that really matters as I am just glad that Laura was able to catch the lovely fella and I was able to get him to the HS before the cold of tonight. His is registered at the HS as GT and his shelter number is A087026. Brian PS. As I was walked I thought about 'Dante's Inferno' which I read in Faith Class about 40 years ago; no doubt to scare the bejesus out with the terrors of hell! Didn't work! I remember being confused when Dante portrayed the final (9th ?) circle of hell as being a frozen waste land rather than a fiery furnace. The instructor explained that the worst part of hell is reserved for those heart is without any feelings of goodness and kindness. I can only hope that the couple who abandoned BT will spend eternity there as there can be no kindness in the heart of anyone who could so cruelly mistreat an animal. (You should read James Joyce 's 'Portrait of an Artist as a Young Man if you want a good description of eternity in hell!).

Brian Caines Monday, 10 March 2008 8:10 AM Hello All: I made it to the Hill this morning at about 7:15. I was surprised how dark it was when I left the house; the time change really made a big difference. But I was happy that the walk was so much more pleasant than yesterday even though it was colder. The cats were quickly fed and watered, including the Whites. You may have to do a few finishing touches at noon as s I was there only for a short time. Brian * Sally Sax Monday, 10 Mach 2008 8:52 AM Hi Brian, I just got back from a weekend in Toronto last night -- the roads were surprisingly good yesterday, although we did see quite a few trucks at the side and across the median of the highway. Saturday was such a mess which makes it all the more remarkable that you walked all the way to the Humane Society with GT; I carried Sweetie and Scooter home to my place which is not nearly as far, and I did it in much better conditions, so I know how heavy those carriers get! Thanks for the amazing effort you put into that last rescue, it was really wonderful of you! Sally * Brian Caines Monday, 10 March 2008 8:58 AM Thanks Sally. I must admit I did mutter a lot a lot from Parliament Hill to the HS, but I am glad I did it. Last night would have been very difficult for him. Klaus has put up a few photos of GT on the Blog. Isn't GT a lovely cat?? I am certain with his warm temperament and good looks that he will find a loving and caring owner(s), unlike the two who abandoned him. Brian * Sally Sax Monday, 10 March 2008 9:04 AM He's gorgeous! I love the pictures of him with Laura, I'm so glad you guys caught him. Sally