Rescue Meez

by Siri Zwemke

A personal memoir detailing who I am and how I inadvertently landed in the field of Animal Rescue via my love for Siamese cats. Having no ‘official’ rescue or non-profit experience, join me as I put together ‘Team Meezer’, a group of volunteers who came together to help rescue over 12,000 cats. Covering the Eastern third of the U.S., we learned as we grew, making lots of mistakes in the process. Join us as we share those mistakes, some funny, some sad. See how we grew from a “Crazy Cat Lady” with way too many cats into a successful non-profit animal rescue. We shed blood, tears, and yes, even clothes as we deal with sad, loving, and angry cats. We rescue cats from drawers, rifles, bathtubs and hoarders. We find soulmates, both furry and human. We laugh at ourselves as we take a look at some of our misadventures over the years. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will learn something!

240 pages, Paperback

Published April 9, 2019

About the author

Siri Zwemke is the Founder and Director of the Siamese Cat Rescue Center, begun in 1998 when she went from Crazy Cat Lady to successful non-profit entrepreneur. Siri loves cats (but of course), gardening, baking, reading, writing and photography, and she is working towards her black belt in Karate (slowly but surely).

Reviews

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fabulous true story of the origin of an animal rescue and how it developed into the amazing program that it is today. This memoir, written by the Director of the Siamese Cat Rescue Center, is a great read. It is full of heart warming stories about the author’s early experiences with rescuing and rehoming Siamese cats and the lessons she learned along the way. You will laugh a lot and cry a little. And, by the end, be wishing for more.

[Christy Dunovant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny, thoughtful, sad and hopeful

This book hooked me from page one! As a volunteer for Siamese Rescue, I was interested in learning more about the infamous cats and the days when the rescue started, of course. But what truly hooked me was the honesty of Siri's self reflection, her resilience, and the love of aniamls and people that permeates the stories. This book is an inspiration for anyone in pursuit of their passion, not just for animal rescue!

[Elle Thornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Rewarding Tale of Siamese Cats & People

This is a story of adventure, deliverance, learning, steadfastness, and above all, love. Rescue Meez: My Journey Through Siamese Rescue is about cats, more especially that very special breed known as Siamese: yes, there are stories that bring tears (for me they started immediately when I read about the “very sad looking seal point male [who] sat on the abandoned front porch” of a rural Virginia home, “wondering what happened to his family”) but also smiles: think about a cat who is badly broken but finds its spirit again. The author is bent on turning what is painful into salvation. So this is a story about very needy cats and their very determined rescuer.

The author, Siri Zwemke, is creator of the highly successful non-profit Siamese Cat Rescue Center (SCRC at siameserescue.org). Over the last twenty years the SCRC has saved some 12,000 Siamese cats and, assisted by 3,000 dedicated volunteers throughout the country, found the cats forever homes. The stories of the cats are tales of heartbreaking and awful
circumstances with many happy endings though, inevitably, not always: the author is direct about the things that went wrong during her challenging journey to learning the art of cat rescue and matching cats to people.

The calls to rescue are true adventure stories: there are stories of hoarding, of abandonment, of threats of mayhem and terrified cats hiding out in abysmal squalor. There are cats that seemed too damaged to ever be placed in new homes.

But these cats, all of them, are stars, and they do shine. Here are two of the book’s many stories (edited with spoiler alerts): Duke is “a cat that had been found in a home with the pet parakeet, both of them sitting loyally by the side of their owner who had been deceased for several weeks.” And there is PowPow, who had been rejected by her family and preferred to keep to herself. Until the day a special child came to the SCRC a child “who twirled around in circles waving his arms and whooping.” From her solitary perch, PowPow watched the autistic child run and circle around, then PowPow jumped down and followed until the boy “sank to the floor, wrapping his arms around his knees and curling up on himself,” his energy spent. Whereupon PowPow “went right up to him, nudged his arms aside, and parked herself in his lap.”

A large part of the charm of this book is the author’s writing talent: her descriptions of cats, their behavior, the expressions in their eyes, the situations they find themselves in, along with her descriptions of people and ability to find the humorous in utter chaos, all these are a delight. It is a fast-paced, thoughtful and thoroughly rewarding story.

Years ago in Salt Lake City, when Miss LilyBelle, a seal point kitten, agreed to live with me, a woman said, “These are not ordinary cats you know.” Beautiful (Siamese truly are), and articulate (also true of Siamese), Miss LilyBelle lived for sixteen and a half years, enduring moves from Utah to Texas to Illinois and finally to Florida. She sealed my love for Siamese and took my heart with her when she died. I didn’t think it could happen, but when Charlie came to me from the SCRC, I found my heart once more. The author and her band of volunteers keep on making love possible.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read for anyone that loves animals, has pets, rescues, knows an animal rescuer, or - anyone that wants a good, satisfying book, that will transport you (Meezer Express pun intended) temporarily into the world of Siamese Rescue. I could not put it down! Read the ins and outs , as well as some secrets, of animal rescue; as we follow Siri on her journey of the heart. Get to know the some of the people and animals along the way too!
You will laugh, cry, laugh some more, and you will hold your loved ones tight. Maybe you will decide to adopt a rescue pet. Hopefully, if you don't already, it will inspire you to follow your own dreams, and to make a difference in the lives of others. This is one of the best (and least boring!) non- fiction books I have ever read. Paws crossed for a sequel!

=^..^= Volunteer, donate, spay/neuter, and please adopt! =^..^=

[Suzanne M. Toth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meezers to the rescue

A fabulous read. Full disclosure...I've known Siri and Darrell for many years thru SCRC and SICC. I have volunteered. I adopted from their sister organization in Colorado. This is the story of Siri's heart and she is finally sharing what I already knew.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. I actually had the opportunity to visit the center and meet Siri and at least one of the cats whose story is in the book. We were living in Harrisonburg, Virginia and a stray Siamese started visiting our yard. When he showed up one day with his front paw stuck in his flea collar, we borrowed a trap from Animal Control. We took him to our vet to remove the collar. He was so sweet and snuggling once the collar was removed. The vet told us that an older, intact male wouldn’t have much of a chance at the SPCA so we decided to contact VA Siamese Rescue. My co-workers took up a collection to pay for his stay at the vet until he could be evaluated by a volunteer. The good news was he was accepted and they had an opening in the intake room, he just needed a negative blood test. We picked hm up at the vet and drove him over the mountain to the center. We met Siri, and Chewy ( as we were calling him) had a bath. I followed his posts on the website and in just a few weeks he was adopted. I’m so happy VA Siamese Rescue was there when we needed it. I enjoyed reading about the various cats and the special challenges.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book and couldn't put it down. I've been a volunteer with SCRC for 8 years and enjoyed reading how the rescue came to be and its "learning curve." Highly recommend to anyone who is an animal lover and would like the story of how a very successful rescue came to be.

[Kmacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing and very entertaining true story by the talented director of Siamese Rescue. Siri was
responsible for the creating and maintaining an extremely successful program wherein thousands of Siamese cats were saved and placed in happy homes. This book is a very enjoyable read and I highly
recommend it for anyone.

[Lyn Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I completely enjoyed reading your book, Siri!! I want to thank you for so many things but mostly for sharing the good, the bad and all the love in between. Great job!!!

[Connie Blanchette-Laverty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!! Great job, Siri!!

Great insite about SCRC. Siri runs a great nonprofit organization and it was nice to get an inside glance from her.
I was fortunate to be amongst the successful meezer adopters.
My husband and I love our two seal point ladies and can't imagine life without them.
Great job, Siri and keep on Meezering!!

[Nicole Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll learn a few things along the way!

[Jeanne Brunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Now I understand more about the decisions made by Siri all these years I've been a volunteer for Siamese Cat Rescue. Couldn't put it down.

[Sharon Sistrunk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book and am super proud to be one of the many volunteers. Loved the funny, sad and touching moments that remind me why I do this!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a most delightful book! If you love cats, especially Siamese, you will be enchanted with the stories that Siri shares. Some of them are happy memories, while others are likely to bring a tear to your eyes. It is also a great book for someone interested in starting a rescue. While it is in no way a “how to” guide, I believe that it could help prevent a new rescue from making some of the same mistakes.

Siri writes lovingly about the animals she brought into the program. She shares her joy when a cat is placed into the right home. She lets us understand how she feels when the program fails to make the correct match and a cat is returned to the foster home or Virginia Center. Siri is able to look back and see humor in some of the rescue’s early mistakes and shares the lessons she learned from them.

Making the Siamese Cat Rescue Center a success took a lot of time and effort and the willingness to learn from her mistakes. Rescue Meez tells us that story with complete honesty and straight from the heart.

Like many other reviewers of this book, I have a history with Siamese Rescue. My original role as a driver for the Meezer Express (transporting Siamese) started many years ago and later I stepped in to help with the Siamese Rescue merchandise table at an annual cat show held in the city where I live. I’ve never met Siri but have known other volunteers who made annual trips to events in Virginia.

[Kathryn Munro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Siamese Rescue, a journey worth travelling.

Thank you Siri, for your years of dedication and service to the world of rescue. You have made a positive difference, and saved the lives of many meezers, (and non-meezers).

I found the SICC quite a few years ago and found a wonderful, caring community of people willing to share their hearts and souls to help each other and welcome newbies. From there I found you and Siamese Rescue. My experiences as a Meezer Express driver are some of my fondest memories.

This book is well written and it shares the ups and downs of rescue. From tears of sadness to tears of pure joy, Rescue Meez: My Journey through Siamese Rescue takes you on a roller coaster of emotions and leaves you grateful that people like Siri and Darrell exist in this world.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Siri & Darrell. And thanks to all SRC volunteers!

I read this book in one sitting, laughing at times and also sniffling. Siri matched me—via email and phone calls—with two Siamese cats, both transported from the Carolinas to SRC Virginia. My husband and I drove down from northern Maryland to pick up a couple of the sweetest flames ever.

Thank you to Siri and Darrell, and to our flames’ foster parents, vets and the Meezer Express drivers. In truth, my heartfelt thanks go out to every single SRC volunteer who makes Siamese adoptions possible.

Meezer Mom & Goodreads reviewer

[Michelle Spangler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a veterinarian that has worked in “ rescue” for many years, I loved reading the stories Siri had gotten herself into. However, the best thing about this book was the truly interesting story of her life and the formation and maintaining of a class A rescue group. I know because I worked with this group for many years now. While reading this, I could only imagine the toil that went into all the policies and training for volunteers. And it put it into perspective for me.

Absolutely interesting read and very entertaining.

[Nan Louie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insights into the world of rescue. I think for all those who chant "don't shop, adopt" should read this because some of the insights about running a rescue, matching adopters to the right cat, running a rescue as a non-profit business, need to be understood before judging on the sheer surface value of adoption. Warning: this book isn't as dry as I depict, the anecdotes sprinkled throughout keep you reading with a chuckle. Rescue is hard but rewarding work. It's about not just the cats, but the people too. Siri Zwemke's book bridges that gap.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun book! I have 2 precious kitties from Siri's organization so I greatly enjoyed the up-close and personal look at how she got started and the progress she has made. It's an amazing accomplishment and I laughed out loud at those Siamese antics. I also learned a lot about the breed - and I thought I knew a fair amount before I started. Highly recommend - it's a quick read...but maybe that's because I couldn't put it down.

[Chris, RN · Rating 5 out of 5]

An evocative, delightful story to read. I was glad I discovered it. As you read it you might tear up or let out a chuckle about the stories of Siamese cats who needed to find a home and the lady & ( the volunteers) who helped many thousands of "meezers" get to a new, better home. Can't recommend this book enough - wonderful tale of generosity, as well as how the non-profit came to be purely by accident.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the story told in this book! I actually volunteer for this Siamese Rescue Center. It was great to read the background story of how Siri started out. This is an amazing group of people and the love they have for these cats is so precious to see. The only sad part if the book was the end. Someone needs to step up and take over. There will never be another Siri, but hey, maybe an Alexa?!

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining, lighthearted look at how this remarkable woman ended up saving thousands of cats. An inside look at both the organization and how it grew and of many individual kitty stories. A quick and satisfying read.

[Cathy Mattioni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story of personal and professional triumph. A must read for all those interested in the cat rescue world!

[Vicki Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Meezers

I had the privilege of visiting the Virginia shelter and meet in Siri and the resident meezers in 2010 then the good fortune of adopting a very fluffy meezer-like (Ragdoll?) Chocolate point kitty, Pepper, now known as Roxie, on 2014 from there. This was all thanks to one of the volunteers I meet while on the SICC website with whom I am still friends. Cats bring us together.

So wonderful.To hear the story of how it all began.

[Kathi Meenehan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book twice now, and unreservedly recommend it. If you are involved in a pet rescue, or particularly love Siamese cats, many of these stories will resonate with you. You will smile at some common rescue missteps as the rescue began, and yes, cry a bit too. I consider it part memoir, and part “How to start a rescue” primer!
Full disclosure, I am a long-time volunteer with Siamese Rescue, (SCRC) after finding them via the internet during a casual search for a new Siamese cat. While I didn’t adopt a cat from them then, I immediately recognized their very professional website, including “Happy Tails” from successful adoptions, and a Volunteer tab outlining meaningful job descriptions for volunteers, and I told my friends, ‘I must volunteer with them! These are my people!’ They understand Siamese Cats and are seriously focused on improving the lives of cats finding themselves in need of rescue. Over the years volunteering, I began as a kennel worker, (yes, even cleaning Dinky’s cage,) and transported cats toward their new homes via the Meezer Express. Soon I added the more technical volunteer activities of Intake and became a Lead Interviewer. I continue those jobs even today. This has been the best “job” I ever had, even though my paychecks are measured in purrs and Happy Tails” from the hundreds of adopters I’ve helped to find their new family member. The credit for this great success lies with Siri, and Darrell’s vision and leadership. Recognizing the power of the internet and social media was an unusual strategy at the time, and certainly helped greatly with later success.
Modesty prevents Siri from outlining exactly how tough beginning a rescue was, but you will get a sense of this in the stories, if you imagine how hard starting with no budget, and cats beginning to regularly arrive was, without a true placement plan in place. That is a similar circumstance most new rescues encounter, but what sets SCRC apart was her ability to constantly learn and up her standards as she learned the business. Her organizational skills are outstanding, and while she describes some chaotic first steps, it’s important to realize that her vision of the rescue (along with her sharp intellect and ability to galvanize and organize others) has created a “best practice” rescue, unreservedly recommended and trusted by Vets and Shelters all along the Eastern third of the United States. Thousands of volunteers and adopters are so happy with their adopted pets, they feel like they are her family. And the volunteers have become a family unto themselves as well, sharing the highs and lows, both in the rescue business and within their own families.
I’m hoping there’s another book in her future, she’s covered the start here, and even touched on her soulmate cats, but the rescue is as much about rescuing the people who reached out to SCRC, either as an adopter, or as many adopters have, as a volunteer.
I’m sure I will go back and read chapters of this book again and again. Congrats to Siri and Darrell too!

[Carol Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't have been more pleased to see that Siri had written this book because this is a story worth telling. Any human involved in animal rescue would benefit from reading this book, but Siamese lovers will actually understand the joys and heartbreak described. These beautiful, demanding creatures have a way of winding themselves around your heart and soul.
I have been a volunteer for Siamese Cat Rescue for several years, and it has been the most rewardng experience I've ever had. After volunteering for a local rescue and finding it much too unstructured and chaotic, Siamese Rescue filled my need to help animals. Siri and Darrell have developed a very professional organization with a heart. I love the MOMS software developed specifically for the organization, and I've bragged to my coworkers that it is easier to use than the software we use at work! (I'm a dispatcher and deal with transport at both jobs!) I consider it an honor that I've been able to do this job.
In addition, I've adopted 4 cats from Siamese Rescue, so I've seen the organization work from the "customer" side as well. Not only were the Siamese wonderful additions to my home, but it was because I had such a good experience that I began to volunteer. After reading Rescue Meez, I see I'm not the only one! I have laughed and cried and followed the progress of some of the "unadoptable" cats, only to see Siri or one of the fosters turn on the light in their eyes. One I will never forget was Bonnie Blue who spent 3 days traveling to the center in a carrier without ever coming out, because she was so difficult to handle. This sad and mad girl then spent several months with Siri who performed her magic and broke through Bonnie's defenses. I kept up with her progress until the day I saw a picture of that sweet girl lying along side of her new adopter. I will never forget her, and I know that many other volunteers were involved in this rescue, as with all of them.
I hope everyone who reads this wonderful book can see the sacrifice of Siri and Darrell and the time and effort that went into and continues to go into the work they do. Many cats have been saved and many people too, for rescue isn't just for Siamese! Our pay really is in the thanks and love shown by adopters for their cats, and the effort, professionalism, and dedication of all of the volunteers.

[Suzie Palfreyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is very well written with lots of humor and exceptional candidness! I read this memoir because I was eager to see the behind the scenes of an organization that has significantly impressed me for so many years. For anyone interested in Rescue, this should be at the top of your reading list! Likewise, if you love kitty cats, go ahead and add it to your list. You will be thoroughly entertained!

I have been blessed to adopt two cats from this rescue. The first was a beautiful seal girl, Brooke (VA1010) nicknamed “Tootie” who was my soulmate cat until she died of kidney failure and left me heartbroken. I can’t even write this without my eyes filling with tears. The second was Zanzibar (VA5203) nicknamed “Yummy”, a male snowshoe whom we affectionately refer to as a “double reject” since he had been returned to his foster because he wanted too much attention. He is our “pita” boy (pain in the a$$) and we love him to bits. When he really frustrates us we mutter under our breaths that “he is going to live forever.” We will all be crushed if he doesn’t.

We have been involved with this organization for many years as transporters on the Meazer Express (more than 18 years) and my son was born into this life of transporting cats. He grew up riding alongside them in the backseat, talking to them sweetly and calming them down. Although I only played a teeny tiny role in this organization, I watched through the years many of the changes that Siri implemented, and she discusses them with such humor and candidness; I loved reading the back stories. I remember when the cat carriers started to appear with the “property of Siamese Rescue” taped to them. Ha! Now I know!

Thank you, Siamese Rescue, for paving the way for an exceptional example of how to grow a rescue organization. And thank you, Siri, for revealing “one of your biggest mistakes.” I, too, have a Solomon story. And I am encouraged by your words that “as long as we can turn those mistakes into future positive actions, for oneself and for others, then some good can be found.”

[Michelle Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Book

I truly loved this book. It’s so easy to read and is filled with anecdotal evidence as to why Siamese cats are the best cats ever. I have had the privilege to serve three Siamese cats who have become part of my very essence. I adopted a female seal point in Germany, named her Sable, and had the pleasure of her company for 23 years. Then came Maggie who never left my side and always gave me comfort. She was very opinionated and never shut up but I loved her for 21 years. My current cat, Sabrina is a Tonkinese who is somewhat aloof but needs time to adjust. She is gorgeous and also very intuitive. She is also quite talkative.

I never met Siri but I have volunteered with Meezer Rescue as a transporter and short-term foster, puller and interviewer. I live in Florida but was always curious about what it would be like to be able to work at The Center and commune with like-minded people. I thought Siri was the most gifted and sincere expert I knew. She’s an icon in Siamese rescue and I am in awe of her energy, expertise and empathy.

I was initially drawn to Siamese cats for their exotic markings; but once I began to understand them better, I love them for so much more than their beauty. Siri writes as if she has peeked inside my soul and knows my heart in a way I would never have to explain to her. Throughout the years she has been my go-to expert for cats in general and Meezers in particular.

I was thrilled with the launch of this book and I loved reading about the evolution of Siamese Rescue. I had no idea it was challenging because Siri made it all look so easy and professional. Siri has made the world a better place.

If you are a cat fancier, you will find yourself nodding knowingly, at times and laughing out loud at other times. I recommend this book highly and hope to someday meet the author and see the center.

Oh. Apologies to Amazon, but THIS Siri has it all over Alexa!

[Sally Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy reading, a must for any animal lover. Siri gives a very real glimpse into the world of cat rescue with funny stories along the way. Having been a volunteer in many capacities for this truly wonderful organization for years, I could really relate to her humorous stories of failures and successes...we in rescue have all been there!

[Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. Then again, I’ve been following and donating to this rescue for years. It was nice to see how the rescue began and the journey over time. To meet some of the cats and the process for running a successful operation. Glad to know my donations helped. It’s an interesting read, I learned a lot and entertaining.