August 25, 2005 - Update from me:
I wanted to let you all know that Dexter is doing very well, according to his current temporary caretaker Kathleen.  Dexter still does not want anyone to get close to him but I really hope that once I get him into his new enclosure he will get used to me.  Perhaps now that his feet have been lasered for the pressure wounds he will be able to walk better.  I will take pictures of him once I get him moved into his new home.  The enclosure is still not completed but the man that is doing it has very little time right now since he was called back for a full time job.  He is trying very hard to get around to finishing it. Right now just the flooring is down.  We will cover that with lenoleum in order to protect Dexter's feet and make it easier for me to wash down since I doubt he will ever use a litter box.  He has no control and goes where ever he is standing.  I don't mind though.  It will be just fine.  The enclosure will be 10 feet by 16 feet wide and have a nice roof over it with a back room that will be fully enclosed with an entry way and that will be 6 feet by 10 feet.  I plan to install some security lighting and a fan to keep the cats I put in there cool during these hot humid days.  Dexter owes his life to Dr. Burton, Tina and Kathleen.  Without them helping save his life and continue his care he would not be here today.  He also owes it to all the donors that came forward to help him.  We appreciate it so much.  We have raised all the funds necessary to cover all his medical bills.  The money I made on selling my personal items on Ebay produced almost the total amount needed for the materials to build the enclosure which is about $850.00 from our estimates.  Any funds received from this point on earmarked for Dexter will go towards medical care of another feral cat in need, and believe me there are many.  If you'd like to donate to SCFN and help another feral cat in need or pay to be spayed or neutered and vaccinated, please send your checks to P. O. Box 624, Cocoa, FL 32923.  Dexter's pal Puddin does not come around my house anymore.  Perhaps because Dexter has been gone for so long but I believe I have spotted her at a neighbors house on more than one occasion.  I'm planning to add a fence around the enclosure so that I can open the gate and perhaps Puddin will come by and see Dexter and decide to hang around again.  That is my hope and my wish.  I pray for that.  Bleu the other feral that hangs around my house is here 24/7 now and just loves people.  I have a feeling someone owned and dumped him.  Once I get him fixed and vaccinated and tested I plan to put him in the enclosure with Dexter to give Dexter company.  Right now Dexter is in a large cage in a room with other cats so I'm sure he is comfy with the company.  Anyway, thank you all so very much for your generosity.  I'm slowly healing from brain surgery but hope to be back to semi-normal, whatever that might be, soon.  I have about 3 more weeks of Short Term Disability and go see the Dr. at Shands next Thursday.  I will have to go to rehab for some time since I still have a great deal of neck and shoulder pain and have some difficulty with my voice after speaking for a little while.  Hopefully all this can get under control.  I thank you all for your well wishes and support during my surgery and for all the help I received during my recovery phase.  Now let's work on getting Dexter home to me.  God Bless you all!  Paw Hugs...Tami