The Cat`s Meow - Happy Endings

N
O
K
I
L
L
C
A
T
S
H
E
L
T
E
R
The Cat’s Meow
!
!
!
!
!
4359 W. Forest Home Ave.!
www.HappyEndings.us!
!
Milwaukee, WI 53219!
[email protected]
(414) 744-3287 (vm only)
Quarterly Newsletter
Special Needs
Spotlight
In each issue, we will
showcase one of our
cats who is in need of
some very special care
Page 2
above what our
ordinary budget can
Merchandise
accommodate. Please
Show your support help us give these
of Happy Endings fantastic felines a
everywhere you go. second chance at a
Page 2
healthy, happy life!
Baron’s Corner
Baron answers
questions about
your finicky
felines!
Page 3
Vol. 1 Iss. 1 | Summer 2011
How You Can Help
We have compiled a
list of the items we
need most to keep the
shelter working
everyday. Using
coupons and finding
sales on these items
can be a very
economical way to
assist us in caring for
the many cats we
house.
Adoptables!
We are showcasing
our Purrrfect
Pairs who must be
adopted together.
Useful Information Success Stories
Special list of
Updates on some
resources just for of our truly
cat owners.
Pages 4-5
Kids’ Page
Upcoming Events
A listing of events
happening soon;
mark your
calendars!
Page 5
or feral animals that are brought to
us or rescued from the street.
Happy Endings provides a safe haven for
feral, stray, abused, neglected, unwanted,
and/or critically injured cats until they
are ready to be adopted. Animals are
Happy Endings Quarterly Newsletter
Page 8
WE Energies
Give the Gift of Light
donation form.
Page 9
Sponsorship Form
Sponsor a Shelter
Cat form.
Page 10
All of our adult cats are spayed or
neutered before adoption. Happy
Endings currently places about 200 cats
into loving homes each year. All potential
adopters go through an application and
no-kill organization run solely by
Happy Endings to find permanent
homes for unwanted, stray, abused,
Page 7
Happy Endings.
Adopting from Happy Endings
Happy Endings No Kill Cat
Shelter is a nonprofit 501(c)(3)
lives since 1994. It is the mission of
Word search puzzle
and cute kitties to
color for children
who love their
feline friends!
Page 3
About Us
volunteers who have been saving
Page 6
interview process.
We have very special volunteers who
work with feral cats born on the street so
that they learn to trust humans and find
their forever homes!
never euthanized by Happy Endings
Potential “parents” are matched with the
cat that touches their hearts and fills the
empty spaces in their homes and lives.
Many of the cats at Happy Endings are
strays or have been mistreated. As a
unless they are in a terminal state of
result, some are quite shy and considered
suffering as determined by a veterinarian.
unadoptable by other shelters. Happy
We also aim to rescue cats scheduled for
euthanasia due to overcrowding from
other shelters.
Endings has a socialization program
where volunteers work with the cats on a
daily basis to build trust with people.
1
H
A
P
P
BARON’S CORNER
Y
E
N
D
I
N
G
S
Did You Know? Show Your Support
We have a variety of t-shirts and tote
‣ Every month, our cats eat over
bags available for purchase at events
300 pounds of dry food, 300 cans and the shelter (pictures are available on
of wet food, and over 130 pounds our website):
of special diet food
• Double-sided “Cat Hair Everywhere!”
tees in an assortment of colors
S
ince this is my first column, I
thought I would introduce myself
and tell you a little about me. I am
the handsome black and white cat
with the silky fur that sits in the tree
greeting all of you (and sneaking in
a belly rub) as you visit the shelter.
You can also see me in many of the
slideshows, as I am the Happy
Endings mascot.
‣ Over 800 pounds of litter is used Double-sided “Dog Hair Everywhere!”
•
every month at Happy Endings tees in an assortment of colors
‣ We find homes for over 200 cats
each year
‣ So far this year, we have spent
over $21,000 in medical care for
our cats
2
• Regular Totes with Happy Endings
logo are $4/each
• Insulated Totes with Happy Endings
logo are $6/each
We have also begun selling adorable
cartoon animal rescue t-shirts through
LaCroixTees.com and $5 from every
item sold through the Happy Endings
link goes to us!
Shirts are available in short sleeve, long
sleeve, tank top, sweatshirt, and hoodie in
both adult & youth sizes.
I am now the official shelter mascot.
I greet all the new arrivals and try to
help them adjust to a shelter
environment. I love kittens! I love to
groom them and play with them
and they love to play with my fluffy
tail. I try to keep those little fuzz
balls happy.
In closing, let me leave you with a
Fun Feline Fact: Did you know that
99% of calico and tortoise shell
kitties are female? Also, 95% of
orange tabbies are male. I guess it
must be in the genes!
• “CATS” tees in an assortment of colors
• First Aid Kits - either for humans or
animals - are available for $12/each
I was left at the Happy Endings
door many years ago in a live trap. I
wasn’t very nice at that point. I was
terrified and probably feral. It took a
long time for me to calm down and
be nice; in the early days I was very
nasty. However, the Happy Endings
staff did not give up on me. They
saw through the tough guy act and
taught me to be myself.
In future issues, this will be a
question-and-answer feature. Please
submit your feline-related questions
to info@Happy Endings.us. I will
do my best to answer them.
• Double-sided “Wild About Pets!” tees
in slate blue or kiwi green
Find Us Online!
• Join our social network:
grou.ps/HappyEndingsShelter
•
@HappyEndingsWI
•
Visit LaCroixTees.com/animalrescue/HappyEndingsNoKill
CatShelter to get yours today!
Happy Endings Quarterly Newsletter
N
O
K
I
Donation Wish List
• Non-Clumping Cat Litter (clay type)
• K-M-R kitten milk (powder or liquid)
• Gerber Baby Food - Chicken (#2 size jars)
• Cat Food:
• Purina Kitten Chow
• Purina Cat Chow
• Science Diet Light
• Science Diet Senior
• Science Diet Sensitive Stomach
• Science Diet Original
• Natural Balance Green Pea & Duck
• Catnip, Treats, & Toys
• Rubber-backed Rugs
• Cleaning Supplies:
• Hand sanitizer
• Paper towels
• General cleaning supplies
• High-Efficiency (HE) Laundry Detergent
• Bleach
• Heavy Duty Trash Bags
• Office Supplies:
• Stamps
• Colored paper (8 ½” x 11”)
• Volunteers
• Cash donations are always appreciated for
either our Medical Fund or for supplies to
help our day-to-day operations
Happy Endings Quarterly Newsletter
L
L
C
A
T
S
H
E
L
T
E
R
Cats in the Community
We are so thrilled that Happy Endings has
been selected by two PETCO locations (S. 76th
St. in Greenfield and S. Howell Ave. in Oak
Creek) to occupy their in-store adoption
centers. We are also very fortunate that two
veterinary clinics (Crawford Animal Hospital
in Greenfield and Animal Hospital of South
Milwaukee in South Milwaukee) have been
fostering as clinic cats some of our adoptable,
friendly kitties. This extra exposure in the
community eases the population in the shelter
and enhances the chances for adoption for our
cats.
Sponsor a Shelter Cat!
Would you like to help shelter cats
but can’t adopt right now? We have a
solution for you!
Happy Endings is a Cat’s Happy Beginning
We have recently introduced a new
Sponsorship Program at Happy Endings.
When you sponsor a cat or cage, your
monthly donations go toward the health,
happiness, and wellbeing of one of our
shelter cats. The best part is that you will
be making a cat living at our shelter
happier until he or she finds a forever
home. You will receive photos and
updates on your sponsored cat. In
addition, you can visit during regular
shelter hours and attend special sponsoronly events. You can choose to sponsor a
cat or kitty condo for as little as $10 a
month and you can stop at any time.
For more information and to become a
sponsor, print out the final page of this
newsletter, or visit HappyEndings.us/
Sponsoring.htm
Special Needs Spotlight
Pierce
Pierce (above) came to Happy Endings by
way of a partner rescue. He and his littermates were living on a farm and a kind
lady offered to have them all neutered/
spayed for the farmer. When she brought
them back, he decided he didn’t want
them and told her to find homes for them.
When Pierce arrived at Happy Endings,
we noticed he was holding up his front
leg and not putting any weight on it. We
also noticed an abscess on that leg. He
was immediately treated at the vet for the
wound and infection. After the wound
healed, he still would not use his leg, so
back to the vet he went. X-rays revealed
an old break in his leg that was causing
him problems.
A visit to the veterinary orthopedic
specialist revealed that the extent and
location of the break is non-repairable
and the only option is amputation to
relieve him from a lifetime of pain. We
also learned through this course of testing
that Pierce has a heart murmur, so before
we can proceed with the surgery on his
leg, he now needs to see a cardiac
specialist to determine if his heart is able
to withstand being anesthetized for
surgery.
Medical costs, to date: $517.85 (Plus: an
estimated $1200 - $1500 for upcoming
cardiac consult & surgery, if able.)
3
H
A
P
Purrrfect Pairs
In this issue, we are showcasing
adoptable pairs of cats who are bonded
and must be adopted together.
P
Y
E
N
D
I
Pip & Squeak (below) are brown tabby
brothers who had a rough start in life and are
still working on learning to fully trust
humans. They need a forever home where
they can continue to come out of their shells
and become lovely pets. Their sisters are Blush
& Blossom.
G
S
Shawnee & Cheyenne (above, middle & right)
are sisters who are very close, but have
distinct personalities. Shawnee is very
outgoing and spunky, while Cheyenne is a
little shy and easy-going. They are looking for
a special home where their unique traits will
be respected and appreciated.
Duncan & Dublin (below) are two very
handsome boys. They aren’t related, but their
bond is stronger than blood. They are sweet
but shy until they get to know you. They need
a patient and understanding family and will
be sure to thrive with the love of humans.
Greta & Genesis (above, left) are gray long hair
sisters who love to play and cuddle! They
were born in a barn but have since shed their
wild ways and become perfect indoor cats as
long as they have lots of playtime.
Honeybun & L.J. (below) are a sweet sister and
brother pair. L.J. is shyer than Honeybun, but
they both love attention and are quite striking!
Could these two lovebugs be waiting for you?
N
Carmen & Calypso (below) are long hair calico
sisters who lived in an auto garage for their
first five months. They are still rather shy due
to their rough start, but ready for the right
owner who will be patient and understanding
with them.
Beanie & Buck (below) are extra large short
hair gray & white sweethearts. They are welladjusted after living at Happy Endings for
quite some time. They enjoy snuggling on the
couch, leisurely naps in the sun, and the
occasional romp with some sparkly toys.
Blossom & Blush (below) are beautiful short
hair tabbies with gorgeous white markings.
They are also the sisters of Pip & Squeak. They
were once feral, but after many months of
hard work by our volunteers, they are ready
to find their forever home! They love other
cats and treats.
Sally & Miss Priss (below) are 3-year-old short
hair calico mixes. They were both feral when
they came to Happy Endings, however
through the hard work of our volunteers, they
are improving everyday. They would love a
home with other cats, but since they are still
learning to trust humans, a quiet environment
is ideal. Miss Priss has a seizure disorder and
will need a very special home.
See more adoptable pairs on
the next page!
4
Happy Endings Quarterly Newsletter
N
O
K
I
Les & Leroy (below) are 4-year-old brothers.
These two are so sweet and often overlooked
because of their shyness upon first meeting
strangers. They would absolutely love a home
of their own where they can get exercise and
the company of a loving family.
L
L
C
A
T
S
H
E
L
T
E
R
Tribble & Domino (below) are two adorable and
frisky felines! They were found as strays and
because of their wild start in life, they will need
a family who understands that they will be shy
in the beginning.
Connor & Murphy (right) are sweethearts
who would love human affection. They are a
little shy from life at the shelter, but in a
special home they would be thrilled to curl up
in your lap and provide everlasting love.
Could you be their perfect match?
Upcoming Events!
Spares for Spays Bowling
Tournament
On Saturday, July 23rd Burnham Bowl (6016 W. Burnham St.) is hosting
a 9-Pin Tap Tournament benefitting Happy Endings’ feral spay/neuter
program. Games will commence at both 3pm & 7pm. There will be cash
prizes, raffle items, & karaoke starting at 7. Preregister at www.Happy
Endings.us for $25 or $30 day of event (includes 3 games & shoe rental).
Space is limited, so sign up soon!
You’re invited to brunch at
Join us on Sunday, July 24th at 10:30am
at 7401 W. Barnard Ave., Greenfield.
Entrée options include your choice of steak, chicken, or vegan meals. Meals
include caesar salad, garlic potatoes, and cheesecake with raspberry sauce...all
for only $20! Mark you calendars now and plan to spend time with close
friends (or new friends) and family! Seating is LIMITED. Tickets are advance
purchase ONLY and can be purchased at HappyEndings.us or at the shelter.
Bucky & Bogey (above) are a wonderful pair
who could provide a lot of love and fun for a
family. Bucky is rather shy and takes some
time to warm up to people, but is very sweet
once you get to know her! She relies on her
brother a lot of the time, but sometimes
ventures out on her own, usually to nap on
one of the cat trees in the shelter. Bogey is
outgoing and will follow you around and see
just exactly what you’re up to, in case you
have a toy or treat! They get along well with
other cats.
15th Annual
Fundraising Auction
Donations and adoption fees only cover a portion of
our costs. We rely heavily on fundraisers to make up
the difference and carry us through another year.
We invite you to join us at
Knights of Columbus - Council 3095
1800 South 92nd St., West Allis, WI 53214
on the afternoon of
Saturday, October 29th
doors open at 3:30pm | auction starts at 4:30pm | admission is $3
Your cat may hate water . . . but your car could
probably use a good washing!
Come to Speedway (5490 S. 76th St.,
Greendale) on Saturday, August 6th from
10am to 2pm to have your ride washed.
Volunteers from Happy Endings will be
washing cars and taking donations for
the shelter. We would greatly appreciate
anyone who would like to volunteer, as well
old towels you would like to donate.
Happy Endings Quarterly Newsletter
We can’t have an auction if there’s nothing to bid on. This is
where we desperately need your help! All donations are fully
tax-deductible (Tax ID# 39-1811100). Because the shelter is run
entirely by volunteers, 100% of the funds we receive are used
exclusively for the expenses of our shelter. Monetary gifts are
wonderful too! Suggestions for items you can donate can be
found in the Events section of our website.
5
H
A
P
P
Y
E
N
D
I
N
G
S
Useful Information for Cat Owners
We have compiled some useful information that we think all cat owners should have
on hand. Keep this page for reference in case you ever need it in an emergency.
• Elmbrook Humane
Society: (262) 782-9261
Important Numbers
• American Veterinary
I.D. Devices (microchip
database): (800) 336AVID
• Animal & Pet Travel
Resources: (800) 545USDA (option 3)
• Animal Emergency
Center, Milwaukee:
(414) 540-6710
• Animal Legal Defense
Fund: (800) 555-6517
• ASPCA Pet Loss
Hotline: (877) GRIEF-10
• ASPCA Animal Poison
Control - 24/7 ($65/call):
(888) 426-4435
• Cat Care Hotline
(Purina): (800) 228-2273
• HomeAgain Pet
Recovery Service
(microchip provider):
(888) 466-3242
6
• Alcoholic beverages
• Emergency Disaster
Hotline (AHA): (800)
227-4645
• Onion
• Milwaukee Area
Domestic Animal
Control Commission:
(414) 649-8640
• Chocolate
• National Pet Recovery
Hotline: (800) 984-8638
• Yeast dough
• Pet-Friendly Hotel
Directory: (310) 515PETS
• Garlic
• Pet Loss Support Line
(U of IL College of Vet.
Med.): (877) 394-2273
• Avocado
• Raisins & Grapes
• Salt
• Coffee
• Fatty foods
• Macadamia nuts
• Moldy or spoiled foods
• Products with xylitol
• Animal toxins: toads,
insects, spiders, snakes, &
scorpions
• Pet Poison Helpline
($35/call): (800) 213-6680 • Algae
• Stolen Pet Hotline:
(800) STOLEN PET
• Citronella candles
• Vet. Medical Teaching
Hospital at U of WI,
Madison - 24 hrs: (800)
DVM-VMTH
• Fly, slug, snail, mouse, &
rat baits
• Wisconsin Vet Referral
Center, Grafton: (262)
546-0249
Animal Emergency Kit
Toxins to Avoid
• Chlorine
• Human Medications:
• Aspirin
• Vitamins
• Antidepressants
• Cold medicine
• Wisconsin Vet Referral
Center, Waukesha: (866) • Antifreeze
542-3241
• Fabric softener sheets
• Mothballs
Poisonous Plants
• Lilies
• Cyclamen
• Marijuana
• Kalanchoe
• Sago Palm
• Yew
• Tulips
• Narcissus Bulbs
• Amaryllis
• Azalea
• Rhododendron
• Autumn Crocus
• Poinsettia
• Chrysanthemum
• Oleander
In the case of an emergency that
requires evacuation, always
bring your pets with you. Each
of your animals should have a
special kit in case of a disaster
when you have to leave your
home quickly. It should include:
• A carrier large enough for
the animal to stand up and
turn around. It should be
clearly marked with your
contact information and
large enough for a litter
pan as well.
• Proper-fitting collar with
ID tags and leash if your
animal uses one.
• At least a 3 days’ supply of
food & water. Make sure to
store dry food in an
airtight and waterproof
container.
• Food & water bowls that
can be easily cleaned.
• Extra litter and a scoop to
keep their box fresh &
clean.
• Treats, toys, & a bed that
fits in the carrier.
• English Ivy
• Paper towels, plastic bags,
• Castor Bean
and spray disinfectant for
animal waste clean-up.
Mauna
Loa
Peace
Lily
•
• Pothos
• Scheffiera
• First Aid Kit for
companion animals.
Happy Endings Quarterly Newsletter
N
O
K
I
L
L
C
A
T
S
H
E
L
T
E
R
KIDS’ PAGE
Kitty Word Search
CARNIVORE
LITTER
SCRATCHER
CATNIP
MEOW
SPAY
CLAWS
MOUSE
TAIL
FELINE
NEUTER
VACCINE
FUR
PAWS
VETERINARY
KITTEN
PURR
WHISKERS
Happy Endings Quarterly Newsletter
7
H
A
P
P
Y
E
N
D
I
N
G
S
Success Stories
NERA ANNE
BELLA
Pat Haberski — President
Angela Slawny — Vice President & Medical Coordinator
Linda Green — Treasurer
Karen Jacobs — Secretary
Lana Huebner — Auction Chair
Darlene Rager — Media Relations & Event Coordinator
Nera Anne’s journey with Happy Endings
began September 2nd, 2009. She is now
considered one of our most remarkable
success stories. About two years ago, a
beautiful brown and shy tabby kitty was
left at our door. Her eyes were closed and
she appeared to be blind. Thankfully, after
a visit to the veterinarian we found out
that Nera was not blind, but rather had the
rare eye condition eyelid agenesis.
This condition involves partial absence of
the eyelid which permits the hair to rub
against the cornea. Eyelid agenesis makes
blinking nearly impossible and
exceptionally painful. After extensive
reconstructive surgeries, Nera was finally
able to open her eyes and, to our pleasant
surprise, she retained vision in one eye!
Nera soon found her forever home with
the most caring and loving parents,
Kassandra and Chad. According to her
parents, she is the “queen of the
household” and “runs the place.” The
living room of Nera’s new home is
decorated with cat toys and scratching
posts; and to the amusement of the whole
neighborhood, Nera routinely dons a
harness and leash and goes for walks to
enjoy the fresh air. Nera will continue to be a special needs cat
with daily hydrating ointment applications
to her eyes, but her parents say she is good
about accepting the treatments. We are
very grateful to all of our donors and
volunteers at Happy Endings for helping
Nera find her Happy Beginning!
Board Members
Adoption Hours
Little Bella came to us at less than
12 months old. Unfortunately, her
front legs were broken, the
ligaments severed, and one paw
had been declawed with pliers.
After multiple extensive
orthopedic surgeries and months of
rehab, Bella has found her forever
home!
Visit us on Thursdays from 6pm-9pm &
Saturdays from 11am-4pm!
Our beautiful Bella has gotten the
best happy ending any cat could
ask for. Not only can she now run,
walk, and play, she also has
wonderful parents who spoil her
and love her very much. At first,
they were a bit concerned that she
may have difficulty getting around
the levels of their home, so she had
her own room with a private
bathroom and place to eat.
However, Bella quickly proved that
she could get around quite well
and found her favorite spots
throughout the house.
Happy Endings No Kill Cat Shelter
PO Box 070898
Milwaukee, WI 53207
Public Relations
Darlene Rager can be reached by email at
[email protected] or by mail at:
Give the gift that never stops
giving . . . Energy!
Bella likes to stalk unsuspecting
animals through the sliding glass
door and has a favorite napping
place on the furniture. She has two
roommates, Chloe & Gigi, and
everyone seems to get along. Bella
goes on vacation up north and
treasures one-on-one time with her
new humans. She has made lots of
new friends and even supervises
the antics of the neighbor’s new
puppy. We are very proud of our
Bella and look forward to more
updates on her forever home.
8
Participate in WE Energies’ “Give the Gift of
Energy” program. Print out the donation form
on the next page of this newsletter, fill it out,
and mail it in with your donation. It’s quick,
easy, and literally lights up the shelter!
Happy Endings Quarterly Newsletter
Happy Endings No Kill Cat Shelter
5349 W. Forest Home Ave.
Milwaukee
WI
Happy Endings Quarterly Newsletter
53220
9
N
10
O
K
I
L
L
C
A
T
S
H
E
L
T
E
R
Happy Endings Quarterly Newsletter