A wonderful animal lover posted about a dog rescue and a kitten rescue that she spearheaded. I have some experience with rescuing kittens and socializing them to become affectionate lap kitties so I made a super long comment, I realized it needs its very own post, so here it is.
We currently have 5 kittens staying in our mudroom becoming socialized, this is our 3rd litter so I am going to dispense advice for anyone undertaking similar tasks.
One of our clients had a stray momma show up and have babies. We coached them about feeding the kitties each day and getting the cats used to humans providing food. Little things like shaking the food and making some noises when pouring it out, even calling "here kitty, kitty", putting the food bowl near the house entrance, to help them associate humans as food providers. After a few weeks of our client feeding and being able to pet them while eating we decided it was time for kitten "finishing school" and brought our cat carriers and a have a heart trap. We had one carrier for each kitty. Once you get one in and the door closed, do not count on being able to open it to get another one in. We also brought a have a heart trap, just in case.
A food that cats cannot resist is babyfood, the pureed meat kind. Any flavor seems to work, chicken is especially tasty to them. We put some on a spoon and have the kitties lick it off, they love it, once they get brave enough to try it. For this litter, they had developed a liking for mackeral (what cat can resist?) so our client opened a can and put some on a plate and was able to lure most of them into one carrier. Then we had the 2 hold outs that each was lured into its own carrier, the last one with some man handling. This one did a spreadeagle and made the task difficult but not impossible. If this happens to you, put a towel over him while still holding firmly by the scruff, (covering their face can get you a couple moments of calmness). Be sure to wear gloves, make sure you can grip them firmly with the gloves on. Holding firmly by the scruff makes their body release endorphins and may help calm them somewhat.
Once they are in the carriers cover the carriers with a towel - it calms them and they won't try to dig their way out. It also might be a good idea to have small towel in the carrier in case they have an accident on the drive home.
When you first take them indoors they are understandably freaked out. The best place to start is in a small room, a small bathroom can work wonderfully. Cover any windows or mirrors so they don't try to throw themselves through or claw their way through, we have taped cardboard over them. You can probably uncover the windows after 4 or 5 days, but err on the side of longer. Also make sure any hard to reach spots are closed off or the shy ones will have a place to avoid you. We had to tape cardboard over places like the chest freezer so they can't hide behind it. They do like having a box that they can hide away in, so have one or two available for them. I used a BIG dog crate in my mudroom, and had a litter pan and a box in there.
Have minimal interaction for the first night just let them get their bearings without having to deal with strange humans. Keep them in the crate (if you have one) for a couple days and talk nicely to them when you go in to attend to the food, water and litter. And you can leave the dry food out but only put down wet food when you are in there, and try to feed them from a spoon, they will get brave after a day or two. Having a radio playing talk shows might help them become accustomed to human voices also. I try to sit in there and just read my email or make phone calls to get them used to me.
About litter training, I have never had to show a cat how to use the litter, it is a natural inclination of theirs. The main issue is to keep it clean as often as possible, then they will not develop any bad habits. They are pretty tolerant, I have been busy and not gotten to it until late at night and thankfully no accidents.
They will become a little more relaxed so you can start petting them when feeding, and eventually you will be able to pick them up. Try not to force things, you will win them over gradually. For our current bunch at this point, after about 3 weeks of having them in our mudroom, they are little purr machines, and are all over me once I walk in the door. There is one hold out (little princess Buttercup) that is still afraid of my husband who only visits once a day, but she is slowly becoming more trusting, she loves petting from me, so it is only a matter of a few more days before Peter charms her.
Keep them confined to the small room for a couple of weeks or until they start coming to you when you call. You do not want them finding some hiding place in your house where they will not have to interact with you. We are just starting to open the door from the mudroom to the rest of the house and they explore a little, until our "real" kitties (the first litter that we socialized) hiss at them and scare them back to the mudroom.
We are hoping that a no kill shelter "Defenders of Animal Rights" will have some space in their kitten room soon. Their kitten room is awesome, the kitties and people roam freely so you can get a better feel for how the personalities will match. And I can go and visit my "graduates" once a week and pet them and quiz them on their lap cat lessons, until they get adopted.
Be strong about finding a home, be sure to question the responsibility level of any prospective cat parents. Never let someone get them as a present for somebody else, that rarely works out. And always Spay and Neuter! There are some low cost programs, in our area there are SNAP certificates and the Humane Society has a low cost program. Some vets will give you a break on price so be sure to ask and let know about your project.
Good luck, it is a very rewarding commitment of about 2-6 weeks depending on how old they were when you caught them, the younger the better. Our current bunch was probably 4-5 months when we captured them. They did have human interaction with the daily feeding, so that probably helped quite a bit. They are very happy chappies and love when I show up and pet them, they are jostle for position under my hand and a couple jump in my lap on their own.
Merry Christmas,
Maggie
410-852-9524
And of course if you need a bigger house for your cat rescue projects just give me a call, we have some great bargains in the area right now.
Search for house Bargins in Maryland at www.HelpShop.com
This special time of year brings us the magic of Train Gardens! These fascinating miniature worlds are enchanting to all. It is especially fun to watch small children delight as determined engines move their loads around the elaborate little towns. The endless hours of very careful work are apparent and easy to appreciate.
In Maryland we are fortunate to have many fine examples of these wonderlands.
The following list of train gardens includes information taken (with permission) from the Washington, Virginia & Maryland Garden Railway Society. Their list was compiled through the efforts of kidstreetnews.com, a fantastic website full of activities for families; Chris Hancock of Sykesville and Patapsco Railway see his website trainsrcool.com, (trains really are cool!); and the assistant webmaster of the Washington, Virginia & Maryland Garden Railway Society. Click through to their list of other displays outside the Baltimore area, there are many!
They have graciously allowed me to share them with you by way of this blog post. Be sure to click through to their webpages, all are great ways to explore the world of trains.
Here are some train garden events going on in and around the Baltimore area:
Arbutus Auto Painting and Bodyworks, 4621 Leeds Ave., Arbutus, MD. is hosting its 11th annual holiday train garden. November 29 through January 3. Monday through Friday, 6:30pm - 8:30pm, Saturdays 10am - 8pm and Sundays 10am -7pm, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve 6:30pm - 8:30pm, Closed on Christmas and New Year's Day. There is a collection box for non-perishable food items for Southwest Emergency Services. (Please note, NOT open during business hours, website is out of date.) arbutusauto.com
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum, 901 West Pratt St., Baltimore, MD. Holiday celebration of toy trains and model railroading layouts beginning with the arrival of Santa by locomotive on Friday, November 28. The festival features many different layouts including the Museum’s “HO” model train layout in the C&O #725 passenger car and the outdoor “G” scale layout. Children can ride the train with Santa on Saturdays and Sundays through December 21. Train rides Tuesdays through Saturdays. November 28 - December 30, Monday through Friday 10am - 4pm. Saturday 10am - 5pm. Sunday, 11am - 4pm. Closed on Christmas Eve and Day and New Year's Eve and Day. 410-752-2490, www.borail.org
Baltimore City Fire Department, Engine Company 45 and Truck Company 27, 2700 Glen Avenue, Baltimore, MD. Continuing a longtime tradition, the Baltimore City Fire Department has opened its 52nd Annual Holiday Train Garden. Each year the garden features displays with themes relative to the Fire Department and current issues. The Train Garden occupies almost half of the station and is expected to draw more than 10,000 people. Operating daily 10am - 9pm from December 6 through January 4. 410-396-0171.
Baltimore Society of Model Engineers, 225 W. Saratoga Street, Baltimore, MD. Open House 2nd Sunday of the month, 1pm - 5pm. Two large (12'x65') layouts featuring diesel, steam trains, and trolleys in HO and O scale, operating Thomas the Tank Engine model. Additional static model displays, 34 authentic railroad heralds, and railroad manufacturer's publicity photos. Special Holiday open house dates: December 6, 14, and 20, January 1, 4, 11, 18, and 25, and February 8. Santa will be there on December 6 & 20. 410-837-2763 (Friday evenings), www.modelengineers.com
Centre at Glen Burnie, 6711 Governor Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD. Claus Toy Company Train. See this huge, hand-constructed G-scale model train featuring Santa's Toy Company and Distribution Center November 1st through December 31st, during mall hours. 410-766-6529, www.thecentreatglenburnie.com
Dundalk Patapsco Neck Historical Society, 4 Center Place, Dundalk, MD. This year's train garden trains running on four different levels, some down right where the little ones can see them Modeling Maryland from Ocean City to our hometown of Dundalk, with over 25 action scenes. Open December 5 through the January 4. Open seven days a week Noon - 8pm. Closing at 4pm on Christmas Eve and closed Christmas Day. The museum will also feature a display of German incense burners, "whirlies", stuffed animals, and ornaments. Call 410-284-2331 for more information.
Ellicott City B&O Railroad Museum, 2711 Maryland Avenue, Ellicott City, MD. "Holiday Festival of Trains" Bring the family down to the Ellicott City Station for the ALL NEW 2008 Holiday Festival of Trains. The star of this year’s Festival in Ellicott City is a miniature Thomas the Tank Engine G-scale model layout along with a brand new custom-built, multi-level O-scale model train layout. Opening November 28 and running through January 25. The museum will be open Wednesdays through Sundays, 11am – 4pm, closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Saturdays, December 13th & 20th, Santa Claus will greet visitors in station’s very own red caboose. 410-461-1944, www.ecborail.org
Ellicott City Fire Company #2, 4150 Montgomery Road Ellicott City, MD. 11th Annual Train Garden. A 24 x 10 Foot display that largely fills a glass-walled room. Coal locomotives, Switch tracks, flashing train signals. In all there are eight trains, including a circus train, an Amtrak passenger train and a long freight train that course along various tracks, on various levels, chugging into tunnels, disappearing into and then emerging from snow-covered mountains. There’s a carousel and a North Pole scene, complete with Santa Claus and his elves. Open December 6 through January 4. Hours are Saturday and Sunday 11am - 8:00pm, Wednesday through Friday 6:30 - 8:30pm. Call 410-313-2036 for additional information and additional hours.
Fire Museum of Maryland, 1301 York Road, Lutherville, MD. "Trains of Christmas" Come see the Holiday train garden! Open every Saturday only November 29 through December 20, Daily December 27-30, 10am - 4pm. 410-321-7500, www.firemuseummd.org
Glyndon Volunteer Fire Department, 4812 Butler Road, Glyndon, MD. First annual holiday train garden. The 12 x 32 ft "O" scale layout took volunteers over 1550 hours to create. Lots of interactive buttons for the kids to push and a scavenger hunt to follow throughout the garden! There are 5 trains on the layout and many fully operational accessories. The man in the red suit will be visiting on weekend for children who want to have pictures taken with Santa. Monday through Fridays 5:30pm - 9pm, Saturdays and Sundays Noon - 9pm. 410-833-1262 ext. 5, www.gvfd40.org
Marley Station Mall, 7900 Governor Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD. Holiday Train Garden. A tradition in Glen Burnie for 15 years. Created by the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, this legendary display features a 300-foot landscaped garden and includes a number of interactive elements for the enjoyment of parents and children alike. Opening November 15 and running through December 31. 410-766-2033, www.shopmarleystation.com
Morton's Model Railroads, 2000 Frederick Ave., Baltimore, MD, Open houses beginning November 29, Saturdays & Sundays, 2pm - 6 pm. mortonmodelrailroad.com
The Shops at Kenilworth, 800 Kenilworth Drive, Towson, MD. "Making Tracks to Kenilworth for the Holidays". Every year for the past 20 years The Shops at Kenilworth has presented its renowned holiday train garden. This fascinating tradition has become a holiday spectacle for hundreds of people who arrive at the mall in anticipation of the vast electric train display. The vast exhibit of trains, bridges, and animated figures has been expanded this year to be more exciting than ever. In addition to an extra 32 feet of viewing area, there are more figures, bridges, and interactive push button animations. This spectacular 92-foot-long electronic train display pulls into the station on November 28 and runs through January 9. Monday through Saturday 10am - 9pm and Sunday Noon - 5pm. While you're there, check out the train layouts down in Stebbins Anderson too! 410-321-1909, www.theshopsatkenilworth.com/
Sykesville and Patapsco Railway, Downtown Sykesville, MD. This display of railroad history includes a 1910 Pullman Parlor Car, 1927 B&O Caboose, 1910 Interlocking Tower with N, HO, O, G-gauge and American Flyer model train displays. Open house Saturday December 6, Noon to 9pm, in conjunction with the Sykesville tree lighting ceremony, which runs from 6pm - 9pm that evening. Train displays also open Saturday December 13 & January 3, Sunday December 7 & 14, January 4, Noon - 4pm. Open houses are normally held the 1st Sunday of each month from 1pm - 5pm. 410-795-3157, www.sykesvilleandpatapscorailway.org
Wise Avenue Volunteer Fire Department, 214 Wise Avenue, Dundalk, MD. 28th Holiday Train Display. November 29 through January 4. Weeknights 6pm - 9pm, Weekends Noon - 9pm, closed Christmas Day. 410-288-0710. Here is a photo from the Wise Avenue display in 2007.
And here are some that you still have time to catch in Carroll County:
Carroll County Library Headquarters, 1100 Green Valley Rd., New Windsor, MD (formerly The New Windsor Middle School). The Four County Society of Model Engineers will have their Modular HO layout set up during the Holiday Season. November 28 through January 4. Wednesdays, 6pm - 9pm (no Christmas and New Years eve), Fridays, 6pm - 9pm, Saturdays, 9am - 6pm, Sundays, 12pm - 6pm. 703-759-2771, www.library.carr.org
Manchester Volunteer Fire Department, 3209 Main Street, Manchester, MD. Manchester Train Garden, Come and see this Spectacular Holiday Train Garden with over 500 sq. feet of entertainment for the whole family which includes Antique Trains, Hot Rods, and Disney Characters. November 29 through December January 4, Saturdays and Sundays Noon - 6pm. Also November 28 and December 19, 6pm - 9:30pm. 410-239-2286, www.manchestervfd.org
Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company, 702 N Main Street, Mount Airy, MD. 4th Annual Holiday Train Garden November 29 through January 4. Saturdays & Sundays Noon - 6pm. 301-829-0100 ext. 17, www.mavfc.org
Pleasant Valley Community Fire Company, 2030 South Pleasant Valley Road, Westminster, MD. "Christmas in the Valley" The train garden has been redesigned for the 2008 holiday season and features several new attractions as well as some favorites from past train garden displays. Grand Opening November 15 from 9am - 3pm, then each Saturday and Sunday November 22 through January 4, from Noon - 4pm. Christmas Eve 3pm - 7pm. December 26, 29, 30 from 4pm - 8pm, December 27 and 28, from Noon - 6pm. 410-848-1977, www.pleasantvalleyfire.org
If you are coming from Harford County or Northern Baltimore County one of these might be convenient:
Applewood Farm, 4435 Prospect Road, Whiteford, MD. "Christmas at Applewood". Eight model train displays and The Applewood Express, a miniature 1870's vintage steam train that will carry guests on a scenic 6/10 mile tour. Plus Christmas trees, reindeer programs, hayrides, petting zoo, kiddy maze, snowball bowling, reindeer antler toss, & 1773 log barn. November 29 through December 21, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am - 4pm. "Brite Lites Christmas Train" night time train ride, 5pm - 7:30pm, November 29, 30, December 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28. Special Brite Lites train to benefit Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation, November 28. 410-836-1140, www.applewoodfarm.org
Chesapeake Susquehanna & Western Model Railroad, 36 Porter Road, North East, MD. 10th Annual Christmas Model Train Open House has been under construction for the past 11 years and continues to change each year. Tues 12/2- 6:30pm to 9pm, Sat12/6- 11am to 4pm, Thurs 12/11- 6:30pm to 9pm, Sun 12/14-1pm to 5pm, Tues 12/16 6pm to 9pm, Sat 12/20- 11am to 4pm, Tues 12/23- 6:30pm to 9pm, Sat 12/27- 11am to 4pm, Tues 12/30- 6pm to 9pm. Also our Garden Railroad and Christmas lights will be open each Saturday night in December from 6pm to 8pm weather permitting. 410-658-4297.
Glen Rock Fire Department, Hufnagel Public Library, 32 Main Street, Glen Rock, PA. Annual Christmas Train Display features 4 large layouts, HO, American Flyer, O, and G. With all of the trains we have over 1800 square feet of trains. There is lots of animation. See the real water and fish on the Garden layout. November 28 through January 4. Fridays 6pm - 9pm, Sundays 2pm - 6pm. Special Christmas Eve show from 9 pm to midnight, before the Glen Rock Carolers start their trek. www.grfd.org
Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Company, 3825 Federal Hill Road, Jarrettsville, MD. 27th Annual Train Garden open from November 28 through January 18. Open 6:30pm - 9pm Fridays, 1pm - 9pm Saturdays and Sundays, Also 6:30pm - 9pm December 29-30. Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve. 410-692-7890, www.jarrettsvillevfc.com
Liriodendron Mansion Holiday Model Train & Village Show, 502 West Gordon Street, Bel Air, MD. For the second year, members of the Harford Modular Railroad Group will fill the downstairs rooms with a model train layout that will run in one continuous display through the main rooms. Upstairs rooms will feature a train shop, a hands-on train set up for kids, and three rooms of villages. The mansion will be decorated for Christmas. A great event for all ages! December 12-21, Tuesday through Friday 4pm - 8pm, Saturday 10am - 8pm, Sunday 10am - 6pm, Monday the 15th, special day for seniors and foundation members, 10am - 3pm. 410-838-3942, www.liriodendron.com/index.html
From the the Wise Avenue Volunteer Fire department display from last year, 2007, here are a few photos:
Our Beloved Bromo Seltzer Tower
A carnival
Here is one corner of the display, it is different each year and takes the fire fighters 6+ weeks to build.
Take some time to indulge your inner engineer. Chooo-chooo!
And if you are wishing for a house a little bigger than these give me a call, I would love to help.
mls listings search at HelpShop.com
Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday.
Maggie
410-852-9524
November 2008 statistics for the Reisterstown zipcode 21136. This is a large zipcode and it includes Glyndon, Glyndon's zipcode was 21071 before it was combined with 21136. Many (but not all) of the traditional Glyndon area listings are now entered into the multiple list system under the Reisterstown zipcode. By the way the 21071 still works for mail so if you move here you can still have that swish Glyndon zip.
Average days on market was 106, average Sales Price was $297,792, the median Sale Price was $282,250. The average Sales Price as percentage of the average List Price was 85%. Keep in mind that this List Price figure was the final list price and not necessarily the original list price.
The days on market for the November settlements was 106. I believe this relatively low number reflects a slight upswing of activity that happened in the Sept/Oct time frame.
For November there were 234 total active properties on the market and there were 17 that went under contract or contingent contract. That makes the market absorption rate 13 months! Of course for such a length of time there will be some sellers that will withdraw or the listing will expire. These factors would most likely adjust the 13 months to a slightly lower figure. And my editorial comment is that November this year seems to have had a slowdown in showings, and I would attribute that to the economic factors affecting credit and also the concerns over job security.
Lets talk volume; there were 6 units sold in November 2008, compare that to 28 sold in November 2007. We are having a tough time right now if you are in the sellers shoes. However if you are a buyer you have an amazing opportunity. I have never seen sellers so willing to work with buyers to make a deal come together.
Interest rates are low and going lower, so even though it is the busy holiday season now would be a great time to get out and see the prospective properties so you are in a position to lock rates when they dip below 5%. Can you imagine getting a 30 year fixed mortgage at below 5%? And a great priced property? The folks that are prepared will be able to see that lovely low figure on their monthly statement for the next 30 years! The perfect storm for the economy has created the perfect buying oportunity for those who are ready.
Let us know if you are ready.
www.HelpShop.com has great search tools.
Call me, I would love to help.
Maggie Baumabch
410-852-9524
Maggie@HelpShop.com
There is a new program that will soon be available for delinquent mortgage holders. The program is called Streamlined Modification Program, it is an attempt to help as many as possible to keep their home from foreclosure. The program will be available to loans owned by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Hope Now and it’s 27 service partners.
The mortgage servicer will work with the homeowner to adjust the monthly payment to be 38% of income. The monthly payment would be principal + interest + taxes + (homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance, homeowner dues, condo dues).
There are several ways that they can make the adjustment:
Any or all of the methods can be used to get the monthly payment down to the 38% of income.
Criteria to qualify:
The program should start on December 15th, so banks might not know a lot about it, but hopefully they will be up to speed soon.
The mortgage holder must call their servicer and ask about it.
The servicer will ask for
Here are some links that go into detail about the program:
The FHFA's (Federal Housing Finance Agency) press release about the program and FAQ:
Spread the word and help folks save their houses. Think Stability.
Maggie
(410) 852-9524
Listings Search at www.HelpShop.com
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