Dear Reader…
I am excited to meet you and tell you about my book, Cat Tails: Heart-Warming Stories about the
Cats and Kittens of RESQCATS.
I began to rescue stray cats over thirty years ago and soon
realized that I wanted to make a difference in as many feline lives as possible.
I dreamed of creating a sanctuary for stray and abandoned cats and kittens. Once
I make up my mind to do something, I do whatever it takes to make it happen!
In 1997, RESQCATS, Inc., a non-profit sanctuary dedicated to
the rescue, care and adoption of stray and abandoned cats and kittens opened
its doors. My dream had become a reality. Now the hard work of rescue began. I
was enthusiastic and ready to meet every
challenge in order to make a difference in the world for the felines.
My philosophy has always been, "It's about the cats
first." I have always believed that if the day comes that it is not about
them first, then I don't need to be doing rescue anymore. That day has never
come! And it never will! .
I began writing articles for the RESQCATS newsletter with
the sole purpose of raising funds for the cats and kittens in our care.
As the years passed, I found that
writing about the cats and kittens was a creative way for me to share my
feelings about rescue and its many challenges. I began to realize the valuable
lessons that the animals taught me about life. I also discovered that writing
about the losses of some that could not be saved, as well as the grief I felt
after losing my personal animals, was a path to healing. Putting pen to paper
was a safe, less vulnerable way for me to express my feelings. Over the years,
I became more comfortable sharing my views on
topics that pertained to my experiences with the animals and people. I
wrote to educate others about all that it takes to get many of the kitties
healthy, including expensive veterinary care and the emotional ups and downs
that can be involved before sending that nice, healthy fluffy little kitten
home with a qualified adopter. Through the stories, donors began to realize the
challenges I faced and to understand my
heartfelt commitment to the cats. Supporters started to feel like they were
part of the organization in a personal way and to my surprise, they were more
willing to donate to RESQCATS mission.
For many years, a close friend
encouraged me to write a book about my experiences because she loved the
stories in the newsletters. I resisted the idea for years, but I thought about
her request often. One day, I accepted the challenge and spent my vacation time
for the next four years working on the book.
I had no idea what I had
committed to in writing a book! First, I chose which cats and stories to
include in the book...it was tough to choose! In hindsight, writing this book
has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. I
worked endlessly on every winter break to write, rewrite, edit, and re-edit until
I was satisfied that it was the very best it could be. What became most
apparent when I wrote the book was not just that I had made a difference in the
lives of hundreds of stray cats, but I discovered that the impact the cats had
on my life was equally profound.
The stories are truly
heart-warming and uplifting. Some will draw on deep underlying emotions...while
others are intensely touching and poignant. You will cry and laugh, as well as,
experience humor and delight. Every story contains a meaningful, inspirational
message of how animals make a difference in people's lives.
Animal lovers will enjoy the
book, but it is also a book about life, choices, meeting challenges and being
passionate about something.
It is my hope that my book will
encourage you to expand your compassion for animals and discover a greater
appreciation for the important lessons they teach us.
If I touch the heart of even a
single reader, then I feel I have accomplished my goal.
As a footnote, RESQCATS has
placed over 2800 stray and abandoned cats and kittens into qualified homes and
100% of the proceeds from your purchase of my book goes directly to the cats
and kittens at RESQCATS.
Enjoy Cat Tails: Heart-Warming Stories about the Cats and Kittens of
RESQCATS.
With love and gratitude,
Jeffyne Telson
About the Author
Jeffyne Telson grew up in Dallas, Texas but has spent most of the last half of her life in California. Although she has Bachelor of Arts degree in graphic
design from Texas Tech University, she has devoted the last two decades to the pursuit of
her real life’s passion…caring for stray and abandoned cats and kittens.
In 1997, Jeffyne founded RESQCATS,
Inc, as a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, care and adoption of
stray and abandoned cats and kittens.
In the ensuing 20 years, with
the help of a small group of dedicated volunteers, Jeffyne has grown RESQCATS
well beyond her dreams, into a highly respected rescue organization that has
placed more than 2700 cats and kittens with qualified families and individuals.
Today, in addition to being the
President of RESQCATS, Jeffyne and her husband, Mitch, share their Santa Barbara,
California home with 14 unadoptable cats, 9 collies and 15 giant
African sulcata tortoises…all rescued of course!
WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:
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About the Book:
In 1997, Jeffyne Telson founded RESQCATS, Inc, as a non-profit organization
dedicated to the rescue, care and adoption of stray and abandoned cats and
kittens.
In the ensuing 20 years, with
the help of a small group of dedicated volunteers, Jeffyne has grown RESQCATS well beyond her dreams, into a
highly respected rescue organization that has placed more than 2800 cats and
kittens with qualified families and individuals.
And now, she has written a book
about her journey of creating a cat rescue, the challenges and opportunities
she has faced, and most important of all, the valuable life lessons the cats
and kittens have taught her.
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