Carole Baskins Diary

Babycakes the Genet Arrives

November 1, 2000 the SPCA in Largo called and said, "We have a coati here." I asked how they came by the creature and they said that he was found wandering around a posh neighborhood and no one had claimed him. I wondered silently to myself if these people had ever seen a Raccoon up close? There was no way that a coatimundi was wandering around Largo. I asked them to describe the critter and it didn't sound like a coati nor a raccoon. This was before the days when you could just snap a picture with your cell phone and beam it across the bay.

 

I was intrigued, even though I was pretty sure that what I would find would be some Bengal Cat gone feral, so I drove 40 minutes to Largo.

 

When I arrived the caretaker was frantically saying that she thought the poor “coati" would die because it wouldn't eat cat food or dog food and had been days without a meal while they had tried to find the owner.  As I walked down the corridors I shuddered at what kind of experience these last chance shelters must be for anyone who isn't a dog.  The barking was deafening and it was no wonder that whatever was in the cage back there had shut down and refused to eat.

 

We came to a small, stainless steel cage, like the vets have for small animal recovery, and there, scared out of his mind, was an African genet.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genet_(animal)  I told them what they had and explained why pet food wasn't on his menu but that snakes and rodents would be.  He was fast and wild and there was no way they were going to find a pet home for him, so I agreed to take him to the sanctuary.  We guessed his age at the time to be around 5.

Leaders

A LEADER is a great servant. The master of Man expressed the ideal of leadership in a democracy when he said, "And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant."

 

A LEADER sees through the eyes of followers. A leader puts herself in their shoes, and helps them make their own dreams come true.

 

A LEADER does not say, "Get going!" Instead, a leader says, "Let's go!" and leads the way. A leader does not walk behind with a whip, but is out front with a banner.

 

A LEADER assumes that followers are working with her, not for her. A leader considers them partners in the work and sees to it that they share in the rewards. A leader glorifies the team spirit.

 

A LEADER does not hold people down, but lifts them up. A leader reaches out her hand to help her followers scale the peaks.

 

A LEADER uses heart as well as head. After the facts have been seen, she lets her heart take a look too. A leader is not just a boss--but a friend.

 

A LEADER has a sense of humor. She is not a stuffed shirt. She can laugh at herself--has a humble spirit.

 

A LEADER can be led, and is not interested in having her own way, but in finding the best way. A leader has an open mind.

This may have been our position in 2000 but we've since learned that captive breeding actually harms conservation efforts, rather than helps them. Find out more at CubTruth.com and BigCatRescue.org/breedingkills

My grandmother, Sara Maude Fisher, died in a nursing home today.  I always felt guilty that we didn’t keep her at home.  We tried, but she was crazy as they come, and would run off in the middle of the night.  She needed someone to watch her constantly.

 

My dad really tried to keep her out of a home.  He ran a furniture sales business out of the Oldsmar Flea Market and employed her to help.  She lost more money than they made each week, by giving wrong change and forgetting to charge people at all, but for as long as he could make her feel useful and keep her out of danger, he did.

 

My father visited her every week until she died and I felt bad for him because she would rant and rave about how he never visited her, whereas her baby, Terry always did.  She was wrong.  Her other children didn’t visit her much if at all.

 

Dad said she would frequently pull out a magazine and who ever the cover model was that month, she would proudly proclaim to anyone who would listen that it was me.  She would tell them how rich and famous I was and just seemed to revel in it.

 

She had potential to be rich and famous.  She was a young, beautiful and talented French opera singer but she gave up her career to marry a poor, hard working German and raise four children in the 1940s.

I finally got the proof I was looking for. From the beginning, everyone has accused me of marrying a wealthy man (and worse) but the Social Security office just proved what I’ve known all along. I made the man wealthy. From Don’s first paycheck until we began working together in 1984, he never made more than $18,500.00 per year. When we began buying distressed mortgages in 1984 his income doubled. It continued to grow until his divorce in 1989 and in giving away one million dollars as a divorce settlement, his income dropped. When Don & I married, his girlfriend, Pam (who I believe had caused the divorce by sending notes home in Don’s lunchbox and wiping her lipstick on his hankies) went into a rage. Don had trusted her with 3 million dollars with of property in her name and she gave back only 2 million, according to Don. I believed I had her dead to rights on racketeering and forced her to give back the money that she did. They were all deals that I had negotiated for Don, but he didn’t want me to know he was profiting on them and not paying me so he had put them in Pam’s name. As you may remember me telling you before, it was when I asked Don to settle up with me that he decided to marry me instead. I had done all of our deals in his name, using his bank accounts and never took out anything for myself, because Don kept telling me it was important to invest it all back into the business. It was a business owned entirely by him but I loved him and always believed that he would be fair with me. Because of his wife’s insecurity from Don’s past history with women, I was never allowed to come in the office, see the books or tell anyone who I worked for. Anne was the only person in Don’s world who knew who I was and what I did for Don. We were audited by the IRS every year from 1984 till 1997 so even though he may have been able to hide some income, the IRS was in our office almost every day for the first seven years. In 1992 we began rescuing cats by buying 56 of them all at one time at a fur farm. Don spent a fortune buying cats and rescuing cats that year. You can see the drop in income accordingly. Once I became his wife and “legitimate” business partner in 1991 you can see that his income increased to 14 times what he made before me. Critics would say that I just forced him into legitimacy and thus the increased “reported” revenues, but as I said, he was under constant IRS audit before. All of this is just to explain to you how it is that so many of these properties were mine via the Trust documents. By the court releasing these 17 properties, it is not giving away Don’s assets, but rather releasing what was mine all along. I often feel that no one has any conception of what a travesty of justice this whole judicial interference has been. I worked hard to get us where we are. I didn’t kill my husband and yet I’ve been punished for not being able to keep track of him every waking moment. I've been writing my story since I was able to write, but when the media goes to share it, they only choose the parts that fit their idea of what will generate views. If I'm going to share my story, it should be the whole story. The titles are the dates things happened. If you have any interest in who I really am please start at the beginning of this playlist: http://savethecats.org/ I know there will be people who take things out of context and try to use them to validate their own misconception, but you have access to the whole story. My hope is that others will recognize themselves in my words and have the strength to do what is right for themselves and our shared planet. You can help feed the cats at no cost to you using Amazon Smile! Visit BigCatRescue.org/Amazon-smile You can see photos, videos and more, updated daily at BigCatRescue.org Check out our main channel at YouTube.com/BigCatRescue Music (if any) from Epidemic Sound (http://www.epidemicsound.com) This video is for entertainment purposes only and is my opinion.

Hungry For You

YOU, make me so happy.   YOU are the most complete woman I have ever met.   There is nothing I will not be able to do with the rest of my life; I love you more than I thought was in me; I carry you with me which each moment of the day.   I am truly pleased with my life at this moment in time; we will have numerous moments in time from this point on.  - Pk

 

Hungry For You

 

My life will never be the same

After the fires of passion fanned

By you, the only man whose name

Is etched in stone, in no man’s land

 

You touch me deep, on every plain;

From deep within my hungry thighs

With rapture that I could not feign

Reaching unprecedented highs

 

To how you fill my hungry soul

With loving-kindness that you give

That heals my heart and makes me whole

And makes this life so great to live!

 

My appetite is whetted by

The very, single, thought of you

And satisfied when you draw nigh

And we are one, where once was two.

 

For: Peter Kent A. Kent

By:  Carole Stairs Lewis

12/2/01

 

Dear Peter Kent,  I rarely ask for anything  (I won’t even ask for directions) but I am asking something of you now, for two reasons.  I wouldn’t bring it up, because it hasn’t happened and perhaps never would, but you have brought it up twice and it seems that you are trying to feel me out on the subject without causing offense.  You have said that in the past you have used marijuana to calm yourself and to expand your vision.

 

The favour that I ask is that you allow me the opportunity to assist you in both, before resorting to drugs.  The two reasons are both selfish, but you will benefit by them as well.  In every abusive relationship I have been in (and left)  there has been a man who used grass or alcohol to relax or to help him think more broadly.  I can tell you from lots of personal experience that they were never easier to be with when they were high and in every case were much less intellectual.

 

The second reason is that with every abuse, you change who you are and I love the man I know now.  I don’t want you to be diminished by dying brain cells when it is something that can be avoided.  I know that old habits die hard, but I can be all you will ever need to cope with any situation.  I am not as well educated or as perceptive as you, but I can challenge you to think deeper, to feel more fully and to experience life more abundantly.  I want to be the only drug you need. - Carole

 

Peter wrote:  I would do anything for you; that as well... You are a blessing to me; you are changing me, broadening me.   I have never known the love I am getting from you.  - pk

 

One song can spark a moment,

One flower can wake the dream.

One tree can start a forest,

One bird can herald spring.

 

One smile begins a friendship,

One handclasp lifts a soul.

One star can guide a ship at sea,

One word can frame the goal.

 

One vote can change a nation,

One sunbeam lights a room.

One candle wipes out darkness,

One laugh will conquer gloom.

 

One step must start each journey,

One word must start each prayer.

One hope will raise our spirits,

One touch can show you care.

 

One voice can speak with wisdom,

One heart can know what's true.

One life can make the difference,

One utterance of I love you.

 

Love, Peter Kent

 

Dear Peter Kent, I am so touched.  No one has ever sent me poetry before.  I was greatly moved by your response to the favour that I asked.  I believe you when you say you would do anything for me and that is so empowering.  I feel strengthened by your love.

 

Note from the future:  10/29/2020 I searched Peter’s poem to me online and found that he had plagiarized it.  Why am I not surprised that even his poetic words of affection for me were stolen?

 

I've been writing my story since I was able to write, but when the media goes to share it, they only choose the parts that fit their idea of what will generate views.  If I'm going to share my story, it should be the whole story.  The titles are the dates things happened. If you have any int

Rambo the Jungle Cat.  There is a notorious breeder of servals, jungle cats and hybrids in Okeechobee, FL known as Sue Arnold.  Former volunteers complained that you could smell her urine soaked home and cattery the minute you opened your car door at the street.  Despite her reputation she still breeds and sells more of these smaller cats than anyone else I know of and from all accounts is never willing to refund or take a cat back.  It was 12 years ago, but I am pretty sure that Rambo was born there.

 

He was sold to another woman who gave him to her daughter who planned to breed hybrid Chausie cats.  When this breeder / dealer died she had a tiny chain link enclosure on concrete in her back yard with two Jungle Cats and two domestic cats, cordoned off into even tinier cells.  The daughter of the woman who died was only 12 years old and the Internet had only been around for about 3 years when she found us online and called.  She told me that she loved Rambo and Cha Cha and that she was afraid that they would end up back in some awful hybrid breeding scheme.  She asked if we would come rescue Rambo and Cha Cha from such a fate.

 

Who could turn down such an incredible young woman?  When we arrived catching Cha Cha was no easy feat.  She about wore me out.  I put the carrier in the van and turned to go back to the jail cell they had called home.  If I live to be 100, I don’t think I’ll ever forget what I saw next:

 

This little girl was clutching Rambo to her chest, tears streaming down her cheeks and she hurriedly carried him down the driveway toward me.  You could just tell that she couldn’t get these cats to safety fast enough.  It made me cry.  I opened the carrier for her to gently put Rambo in, she said her quick good byes and Rambo and Cha Cha were finally on their way to a place where they would never be exploited again.

 

A few months later the little girl talked her family into driving up from South Florida to see Rambo and Cha Cha.  I was so proud to be able to show her the wonderful life her precious friends had now thanks to all of the wonderful volunteers here.  That little girl is 24 now and I don’t remember her name, but if she were to come visit again, she would be even more happy to know that Rambo has had such a long, happy, healthy life here at Big Cat Rescue.

 

This story was actually written in 2011 to the volunteers, but was placed here because it is the day Rambo arrived.

 

I've been writing my story since I was able to write, but when the media goes to share it, they only choose the parts that fit their idea of what will generate views.  If I'm going to share my story, it should be the whole story.  The titles are the dates things happened. If you have any interest in who I really am please start at the beginning of this playlist: http://savethecats.org/

 

I know there will be people who take things out of context and try to use them to validate their own misconception, but you have access to the whole story.  My hope is that others will recognize themselves in my words and have the strength to do what is right for themselves and our shared planet. 

 

You can help feed the cats at no cost to you using Amazon Smile!

Visit BigCatRescue.org/Amazon-smile

 

You can see photos, videos and more, updated daily at BigCatRescue.org

 

Check out our main channel at YouTube.com/BigCatRescue

 

Music (if any) from Epidemic Sound (http://www.epidemicsound.com) This video is for entertainment purposes only and is my opinion.

Jamie and I Go to Las Vegas for International Small Felid Workshop

 

Jamie and I are in Las Vegas at the Fifth International Small Felid Workshop.  We arrived on 11/29 and are departing late tonight, arriving back in Tampa tomorrow morning.  It is our second visit here together to bond.

 

Tuesday I went to the conference and Jamie shopped the “strip” and then that night we ate at Paris and had a five course meal that was beyond compare and then went to see the traveling Titanic Exhibition.  Standing at the base of the re-created stairway of the ship, Jamie said she thought she would cry.  The whole thing was very moving.

 

Yesterday I went to the conference while Jamie shopped more of the malls along the strip and then we had room service deliver a terrific meal, and then we took a helicopter ride over the brilliantly lighted, Las Vegas hotels and casinos.  It was the first time either of us had been in a helicopter and it was a thrilling experience.

 

I've been writing my story since I was able to write, but when the media goes to share it, they only choose the parts that fit their idea of what will generate views.  If I'm going to share my story, it should be the whole story.  The titles are the dates things happened. If you have any interest in who I really am please start at the beginning of this playlist: http://savethecats.org/

 

I know there will be people who take things out of context and try to use them to validate their own misconception, but you have access to the whole story.  My hope is that others will recognize themselves in my words and have the strength to do what is right for themselves and our shared planet. 

 

You can help feed the cats at no cost to you using Amazon Smile!

Visit BigCatRescue.org/Amazon-smile

 

You can see photos, videos and more, updated daily at BigCatRescue.org

 

Check out our main channel at YouTube.com/BigCatRescue

 

Music (if any) from Epidemic Sound (http://www.epidemicsound.com) This video is for entertainment purposes only and is my opinion.

My Love in the Morning

Dawn makes its presence known complete

Though comes in quiet on cat feet

The sunlight filters through the shade

Upon the bed wherein we laid

 

It’s gentle rays, so soft and meek

Steal their kisses upon your cheek

And I’m inclined to do the same

With passion for you I can’t tame

 

I gently touch your supple skin

And yearn to feel you deep within

I think of pleasures that you store

With fond remembrance, more and more

 

I feel this overwhelming need

To straddle you, my virile steed

And ride you till I feel the rush

That causes me to outward blush

 

And then collapse upon your chest

Full knowing that I’ve had the best

Content in every single way

Till morn shall bring another day

 

 

Found My Place

From any where I care to roam

Your easy manner calls me home

And welcomes me with open arms

Bewitching me with all your charms

 

No matter what the hectic day

Or devil’s dues I’ve had to pay

You make our home a haven sure

Where faith and hope and love endure

 

The sight of your car in the yard

After a day that’s long and hard

Is soothing as an angel’s touch

And what I’ve needed, Oh, so much!

 

Your voice I hear, when at the door

Does calm my soul down to the core

I melt into your warm embrace

And by your side have found my place

 

I've been writing my story since I was able to write, but when the media goes to share it, they only choose the parts that fit their idea of what will generate views.  If I'm going to share my story, it should be the whole story.  The titles are the dates things happened. If you have any interest in who I really am please start at the beginning of this playlist: http://savethecats.org/

 

I know there will be people who take things out of context and try to use them to validate their own misconception, but you have access to the whole story.  My hope is that others will recognize themselves in my words and have the strength to do what is right for themselves and our shared planet. 

 

You can help feed the cats at no cost to you using Amazon Smile!

Visit BigCatRescue.org/Amazon-smile

 

You can see photos, videos and more, updated daily at BigCatRescue.org

 

Check out our main channel at YouTube.com/BigCatRescue

 

Music (if any) from Epidemic Sound (http://www.epidemicsound.com) This video is for entertainment purposes only and is my opinion.

Even when the wolf is at the door...

I’m dreaming that I am walking through the moonlight a few steps behind Zorro and Zoe our four month old Great Dane puppies.  I am wary, but not overly concerned as we walk on in the mid summer night’s heat.  Unexpectedly, from up out of a hole in the ground, a huge black wolf bolts out and bites Zorro nearly in two.  The 70 pound puppy yelps and falls to the ground.  Zoe is darting around nervously, not knowing what to do.

 

Using a technique that has worked with tigers, I am only vaguely aware of how much I fear dogs as I face the wolf and take a huge, black ear in each hand.  I pin the temples of his skull between my forearms and hold on to his ears as tight as I can.  On the rare occasion I have had to defend myself or someone else with a big cat, this posture was only until the cat understood that I would prevail and the cat would intuitively give up.  I have no such communication with a canine and continued to hold on to save my life and that of my charges.

 

The wolf seemed rabid and was lunging with all of his weight against me, teeth snapping and shining in the moonlight.  His breath was vaporous even in this heat because of the fever that burned within him to kill.  His claws were tearing at me, but I was oblivious to the pain and focused on keeping him from getting away and keeping him from killing me in the meanwhile.  I could still see Zoe dancing around us, too timid to step in.  I could hear Zorro whimper and knew he was still alive.  I tried hard to calculate the situation around me.  I couldn’t protect both dogs if the wolf escaped my grasp.  I couldn’t carry Zorro to safety while defending Zoe.

 

I kicked myself for not being better prepared.  I knew the dangers involved in taking the animals out through uncharted territory.  I could have carried a weapon or done something that would have kept them safe.  I couldn’t think about that now.  I was getting weak.  The sweat and blood dripped from my body as I was being thrashed about hanging onto the head of this beast who seemed to grow larger and stronger by the minute.  My hands were wet and the ears were getting harder and harder to hold.  The teeth lashed closer and closer to my throat.

 

I looked into the blazing, demonic eyes of the wolf and saw nothing but evil glaring back at me.  If I gave up, this “thing” would kill me and the pups for no reason.  I wasn’t going to let that happen.  Hearing Zorro whimper again, I was filled with determination.  I would hold onto this thing until it dropped dead from exhaustion, because what doesn’t kill me makes me stronger…

 

I heard Alan Schreier and the dogs come inside.  I had overslept and Alan Schreier had taken them out for a walk.  I guess the moral of the story is:  Even when the wolf is at the door, hang in there until you prevail.

 

I've been writing my story since I was able to write, but when the media goes to share it, they only choose the parts that fit their idea of what will generate views.  If I'm going to share my story, it should be the whole story.  The titles are the dates things happened. If you have any interest in who I really am please start at the beginning of this playlist: http://savethecats.org/

 

I know there will be people who take things out of context and try to use them to validate their own misconception, but you have access to the whole story.  My hope is that others will recognize themselves in my words and have the strength to do what is right for themselves and our shared planet. 

 

You can help feed the cats at no cost to you using Amazon Smile!

Visit BigCatRescue.org/Amazon-smile

 

You can see photos, videos and more, updated daily at BigCatRescue.org

 

Check out our main channel at YouTube.com/BigCatRescue

 

Music (if any) from Epidemic Sound (http://www.epidemicsound.com) This video is for entertainment purposes only and is my opinion.