2010.07 AnimaLovers Companion

Inside this Issue: Spring Kittens, Where are They now?!, Tail Tales, Winston Norek
Spring/
Summer
2010
Spring has Sprung
I used to love spring, when weather warms and
leaves turn green. I loved the sight of robins, early
crocuses, gradually lengthening days. Then I began
working with cat rescue, and my love of spring faded. For
cat rescuers, spring is “kitten season,” and as much as
we love kittens, we dread “their” season.
As days warm, female cats go into heat, males
fight for mates, litters appear – and rescuers again face
the frustrating lack of resources and disappointment at
how many people fail to neuter their cats. We see
firsthand the effects of irresponsible pet owners allowing
unneutered cats to roam free and giving the offspring
away – or worse, leaving kittens in a box in a parking lot
or tied in a plastic bag on the side of the road. We see
these things because we’re the ones receiving calls from
frantic people asking for help; because we go to pick up
the box, untie the bag or corral the kittens huddled under
a car.
If that was all we had to do, it would be easy.
Rescue isn’t “just” picking up kittens. It’s providing
veterinary care, finding foster homes, nursing sick kittens,
bottle feeding (around the clock), and making sure each
baby has its best shot at reaching adulthood, despite its
shaky start. When all that is done, we work diligently to
ensure they go to safe homes.
While we smile as families fall in love with the
munchkins, we know every kitten rescued means an adult
(Continued on page 2)
DOG RESCUE:
FOR BETTER OR WORSE
Emmett, AnimaLovers’ ever challenging and
comical Brittany mix, had been our foster dog for 7
months. He was more than rough around the edges but,
over time, he softened into an affectionate and very good
natured friend. We worked to correct unwanted behavior
and cultivated his best assets, but Emmett did the hardest
part. He listened. He changed.
Of course, dog rescue is a “for-better-or-forworse” proposition. Unfortunately, when Emmett’s
adoption plan went into action, “for worse” was the
greater part of why we decided to make him our own.
Emmett’s behavior had inexplicably shifted over
the course of several days. He watched out of the corner
of his eye as we passed him in his bed. Nights became
unsettling for him and he walked through the dark with his
back hunched like a cat. His fur would stand on end, even
while his tail wagged, and he’d bark at nothing in
particular in an empty room. Emmett’s trust in the safety
of his environment had waned. Something was very
wrong. Emmett was rapidly regressing. We needed
answers.
Breaking the situation into manageable parts, my
husband Tim and I first filled out the adoption contract.
We have been Emmett’s family, the only long-term
support he has ever known, and he needed to feel that he
belonged with us no matter what. Next, to discover the
source of Emmett’s odd behavioral shift, we combed back
(Continued on page 2)
Page 2
The AnimaLovers’ Companion
Emmett and Daddy
(Emmett-Continued from Page 1)
through the previous week’s events hoping to uncover the
mystery.
Recently, Emmett’s foot pads had become rutted
and discolored. Based on a picture I brought to the vet, he
was placed on over-the-counter fish oil supplements.
Concerned that there was no discernible change several
weeks later, I took Emmett for a follow up exam.
Abhorring this visit after a previous bout with
staples, Emmett pulled me back toward the car from the
front door. When we did finally get inside, he would not
allow the techs to see his feet without significant coercion.
We left with several meds in hand, each a precautionary
measure to treat any possible issue with the least amount
of stress to Emmett.
One day later, Emmett’s behavior ever so slightly
began to change. I wondered if anxiety from the vet visit
had dredged up previous insecurities. Two days
later, Emmett grew more frenetic. The following day,
Emmett’s personality deteriorated into a ball of nerves
that could no longer be attributed to the dog we knew and
loved.
Could this be an allergy? Was he was sick? In
pain? Was there a tumor pressing on the behavioral
center of his brain? Anything was possible. We called the
vet to rush him in for a full blood work-up and x-rays.
While the majority of veterinary journals make no
mention of this, and the vet who originally treated our boy
was unaware, another vet at our same clinic knew of
some rare, undesirable side effects associated with the
medication Emmett was on. Whether it made him
hallucinate or simply feel anxious, we took him off his
medication immediately. The following day, we had our
happy, trusting Emmett back.
While this wasn’t the most joyous or ideal way for
Emmett’s adoption to come to fruition, we have no
regrets. When push came to shove, we knew we
belonged to Emmett and that he belonged to us – long
before bureaucracy, semantics and a medical mystery
entered the picture. The Universe whacked us hard over
the head to remind us of our undeniable truth. We are
family.
~Kim Clune
Spring/Summer 2010
(Kittens -Continued from page 1)
cat won’t be adopted. There aren’t enough homes for the
ever-growing number of cats, and many amazing adults
are ignored because an adopter’s primary criterion for
adopting a new feline is that he or she be small.
Kittens are fun. They tumble, chase, and amuse
you in the process. They make you laugh and admire their
energy. They’re also tireless, “in your face”, and complete
pests. They’re under your feet when you’re busiest and
awake and ready to rumble as you’re falling asleep. They
don’t take no for an answer.
They’re also an unknown. Their personalities are
as undeveloped as their manners, and you’re never sure
what you’ll get when they mature. Will they cuddle, sit in
your lap, greet you at the door? Or will they be independent and dedicated to doing their own thing? Their personalities are as likely to change as their sizes.
With adults you know what you’re getting: a lap
cat or one that gives you space. Still playful and entertaining, adults are quieter, more attuned to the rhythms of
their humans, and wonderful companions. They’re happy
to share your life and seem to realize you’ve saved them.
The choice is yours. Whether you add a kitten or
a cat to your family, we hope you consider your decision
seriously, listen to what our volunteers tell you about each
animal, and make a thoughtful choice regarding a lifetime
commitment. Above all, we hope the time comes when all
animals are spayed and neutered, when “kitten season” is
a forgotten memory, and every cat has a home where it’s
loved.
~Ronnie Lyons
The AnimaLovers’ Companion
Vol. XI No. 1
Copyright 2009 AnimaLovers
The AnimaLovers’ Companion, the newsletter of
AnimaLovers, is published 3 times a year by AnimaLovers, the
Animal Welfare League of the Greater Capital District, Inc.; P.O.
Box 6426; Albany, NY 12206-0426.
The contents of this newsletter may not be reproduced in
any form without the express consent of the authors. Please
address all editorial or other queries to The Editors, The
AnimaLovers’ Companion, at the above address.
Editing/Layout
Lisa Ruzza
AnimaLovers Board of Directors
Timothy Clune, Esq.
Sally Daggett-Nichole Diehm
Jude Martin -Kathy Owens
Judy Robertson - Lisa Ruzza
Jan Shannon -Terry Silic
Spring/Summer 2010
The AnimaLovers’ Companion
Page 3
Where Are They Now?
Georgia has Been on our Minds
We had been cat people for over 25 years. We cherished and loved three cats through sickness and in health.
Afterwards, I told the kids; “No more pets”.
I spotted an ad in our local Penny Saver about an elderly
little dog who needed a home because her owner could no
longer keep her. I had to call the animal shelter to inquire
about her but,. found that she had been adopted. It just was
not meant to be.
Now I starting rethinking my decision. “I’m not working
this year; the kids are teenagers.; I can stay home with a dog
and give it attention. Maybe we want a dog? I know Mike
(my husband) and the kids definitely want a dog. Maybe I
want a dog?” You get the picture. So I popped the question
and they unanimously voted to get a dog. Not just any dog an older dog who desperately needed a home
I started looking at all the rescue organizations; read the
bios, clinic times, etc. . Armed with all this information, Mike
and I attended an AnimaLovers clinic.. That’s when we met
Georgia. She came up to us immediately looking for attention. She was wagging her tail a-mile-a-minute. We talked
with her foster mom,. She explained that she had been displaced during Hurricane Katrina. She had extreme separation anxiety issues. Animalovers had been working with her
and she had made some progress.
We took her for a walk and came back to sit on a bench,
just to spend time with her. She was so affectionate and had
the sweetest face. We talked with the Dog Coordinator who
explained the adoption process. I looked at Mike and said
“Do you want to go somewhere and talk about this privately?” He answered “What’s to talk about? She’s the
one!”
We started the adoption process. Georgia came to live
with us on September 17, 2009. Truthfully, it has been a
somewhat difficult road because of her anxiety, but the love
and companionship she brings to our lives far outweighs any
difficulties.
She rarely barks, loves to go for long walks, had a ball
when we were took her camping in the fall, follows me everywhere I go and will gladly lick you to death to show her
love and devotion. Six-months later, we are all still amazed
that we ended up with the best dog in the world, and we tell
her that all the time.
~Barb King
A Letter From Reece
It doesn’t seem like a year has gone by, boy, it
sure went fast. I’m doing very well, loving life in my forever home with plenty of love, food and attention.
I have four other cats to play with, including our
newest addition, Holly, a former barn cat from Corinth.
Honeybuns, Sweetiepie and Mocha are my canine partners. Honey is the mama dog – she showers all of us
with plenty of doggie kisses and love. Honey likes to
make sure that I don’t get into too much trouble, but of
course, you know me – I love to keep things interesting
and active!
I still enjoy the same old things that I did when
you last heard from me. Turkey breast remains my favorite meat, and I love doing sprints up the stairs…
down the stairs and all around the house.
Of course, my favorite time of the day is when I
get to curl up on Mom’s pillow at night or on the reclining
chair with Dad when he’s grading papers or relaxing
after school. I have to admit, I’ve scattered Dad’s papers
all over the place more than once! Good thing he has a
sense of humor about it!
I currently weigh about 12 pounds, which makes
me almost as big as Slick, our family’s all-white cat. I
visited Dr. Way in September and he told me that I’m a
strong, healthy boy who is expected to have a normal
lifespan
I would once again like to thank everyone who
donated to Animalovers and made the life that I have
possible. The people at Animalovers do great work and
deserve all of your support and assistance. Without
them, I wouldn’t be alive right now enjoying the life that I
have. In the meantime, I’ve got some turkey breast to
chew on and my brothers and sisters to chase around.
Thanks again to everyone!
Reece
Page 4
The AnimaLovers’ Companion
Spring/Summer 2010
Tail Tales
A dog named Heidi had lost her home.
Her family had moved and left her alone.
She did not understand why they had to leave.
The reason, to her, was unknown.
One of the yards that Heidi visited much
belonged to a lady named Carol
who loved dogs a bunch.
Carol provided Heidi with shelter in her yard,
with water, food, toys and soft beds
to make her life less hard.
Some people just don’t care,
or think about how animals feel.
But animals do have feelings.
Their sadness and fear,
happiness, confusion, hurt,
love and loneliness are very real.
Slowly and patiently, Heidi’s trust Carol won.
And Heidi eventually decided
to accept Carol’s help not to run.
So Heidi made an entire neighborhood
into her temporary home.
She borrowed backyards, porches and a shed,
and relied on nice people to keep her fed.
However, Heidi would not stay in one place for
long.
She leapt over fences and even a ten-foot gate,
being cautions and wary, because
she no longer trusted people to handle her fate.
Carol got Heidi to listen,
to take biscuits from her hand,
and to even start to wag her tail again.
Now Carol, together with a team
of veterinarians and other animal friends,
is helping Heidi to get healthy.
And to find a safe place she can call home
where she will never again
feel like she needs to roam.
All of the neighbors, for Heidi,
their yards they were happy to share.
But nevertheless, Heidi was not safe
with busy traffic nearby and no medical care.
Activity:
What is a rhyme?: A rhyme are two words that end with the same sound. For example, “Cat” rhymes with
“sat” and “pat”. “Understand” rhymes with “hand” and “sand”. “Worm” rhymes with “germ” and “squirm”.
In the poem above, there are eight pairs of rhyming words. Can you find them?
Some words sound somewhat alike, but are not actually rhymes. “Again” and “friend” and “care” and “fear”
are examples of these so make sure that you don’t include them in your count.
Unfortunately there are many dogs with stories similar to Heidi’s. Over your spring or summer breaks from
school, you could (with an adult’s help) contact a local animal rescue group or animal shelter and ask what
you can do to help. There are many ways to volunteer.
~Abbe Hahn-Hook
Spring/Summer 2010
The AnimaLovers’ Companion
Page 5
Home is Where the Heart is
These kind-hearted AnimaLovers animals are looking for love, attention and a forever home with a
person like you to fill their hearts. Read their journey to us. They are searching for the next chapter of their
happy ending ‘tail.’ For more information on any of the cats or dogs, please call (518) 448-5468 or E-mail:
[email protected].
Cody
Cody is a remarkable-looking
dog - regal and handsome - all
in one. He was found shivering in the streets during the
recent brutal cold spells. His
spirit appears to have been
unaffected, as demonstrated
by his never-ending tail wags.
Whisper
Whisper was brought in
with her siblings; but,
sadly, she is the only one
that hasn't found her
home. She is still under a
year old. She might be a
little shy at first, but in
time, she will be your
forever snuggle pal.
Thelma & Louise
They are small
beagles looking to
hopefully stay together. What more
can we say?; the
picture says it all.
Annabelle
It's hard to believe that beautiful Annabelle was living outside, begging for food, when
AnimaLovers rescued her!
She is the perfect companion
cat--loves to be brushed, and
loves to sit in your lap.
Mix it Up
Cooking
with
AnimaLovers
The AnimaLovers’ Mission
•
•
•
•
To provide housing, veterinary care, and
adoption for unwanted, abandoned, injured, or
stray dogs and cats;
To educate adopters, as well as the general
public, about the health and training needs of our
companion animals;
To promote spaying and neutering as an efficient
and humane means of animal population control;
To advocate for legislation which will prevent
cruelty to animals.
Vegetarian Recipes
from our Families &
Friends
Help support the continuing rescue of needy cats
& dogs in the Capital District and get a great cookbook
filled with people & animal treats as well. It's yours for a
donation of $10 (or more, of course). They make great
gifts for your animal loving friends as well.
Cookbooks are currently available at:
• AnimaLovers’ Adoption Center in the East Greenbush
PetsMart (during clinic hours)
• Our great cat fostering shop, TATTERED PAGES Used
Books, located in Glenmont Center Square.
• All of AnimaLovers upcoming events, so watch our website
for more information, www.animalovers.org
Page 6
The AnimaLovers’ Companion
Spring/Summer 2010
Thanks For Asking
Winston Norek:
It is truly exciting to know that so many caring people have requested an update on the farm
cats featured in the Winter issue of AnimaLover’s
Companion. Although all of the cats were in poor
physical condition, each cat adopted from this farm
has proven to be a wonderful, loving creature grateful for a new beginning. None of this would have
been possible without the efforts of the numerous
caring volunteers who have spent months trapping,
spaying and neutering and re-homing these wonderful cats.
In the meantime, a fantastic neighbor, Carol,
has initiated a care and feeding program for the remaining cats. She goes over two or three times a
week with dry food and her special concoction of
warmed moist food and cottage cheese to feed
them.
At this writing, the one of the last adoptable
cat was recently rescued. Dancer is a black cat with
orange rings around his tail. He got his name because, from the beginning this little cat stood on his
hind legs and sort of danced around begging to be
picked up. Animalovers found him a wonderful
home and family of his own!
Carol and other volunteers are trying hard to
fund their efforts so that the remaining cats get a
stable diet, monthly flea and tick preventative, deworming, altering and vaccinations. The goal is to
keep the remaining population under control and to
place any kittens born in the interim into rescue.
Thank you on behalf of the friendly farm cat
crew.
~Brenda Naizby
Funds for Seniors
Donate your car to AnimaLovers.
The dogs and cats will love it!
http://www.donateacar.com/charity/animalovers.html
You can find us, along with
many other great rescue groups
across the U.S. of A at
www.petfinder.org
Winston joined our family when my son was tenyears old. My husband and son were campaigning for a
dog at the time, but knowing that I would be the one
ultimately responsible for this animal, we finally compromised on a less labor-intensive cat. Winston, a feisty
orange and white long-haired and his sister had been
abandoned in a box on Feura Bush Road, and were
rescued by a young girl who later went on to become his
veterinarian at the Delmar Animal Hospital! He was 6
weeks old when we brought him home, and he remained our faithful feline companion for 18 years!
Shortly after Winston’s passing in April of 2004, I
contacted AnimaLovers about the possibility of establishing a fund in his memory. I met with them and they
were very enthusiastic, but since they already had the
“Pets Helping Pets” fund, they wondered if I could think
of a different angle.
My husband was the one who came up with the idea
of a fund aimed at providing assistance for Seniors who
needed help with veterinary expenses or adoption fees
for their pets. AnimaLovers thought that was a wonderful way to help seniors, who might be on a fixed income,
pay for the medical treatment and medicine their pets
might need, and the “Winston Norek Fund” was born!
Every year I make a lump sum donation to the fund,
which is then supplemented by donations to the fund
from AnimaLovers members, friends, relatives and coworkers.
Some say a cat has nine lives. The fund that was
established in his memory has definitely saved many
more than nine lives. Although there has not been another pet in our lives, we have the comfort and gratification of knowing so many have benefited.
Over the six years this fund has been in existence it
has helped countless seniors keep their pets healthy not
only by helping with surgical expenses and medicine,
but also by assisting with the costs of veterinary checkups and up-to-date shots. With your additional help we
can ensure that no senior will have to give-up their beloved pet due to a lack of funds for medical care and
treatment.
~Meryl Norek
Spring/Summer 2010
The AnimaLovers’ Companion
Page 7
Pets Helping Pets
PETS HELPING PETS is a unique opportunity for you to make a donation in your animal’s name to
help provide necessary medical and emergency care for animals in need. Animals who need medical care
often suffer needlessly or are euthanized because their families cannot afford the necessary veterinary
services. We want to give these animals a chance at a healthy life with the folks who love them.
Additionally, the Winston Norek Memorial Fund (see page 6) provides senior pet owners with help in
shouldering the cost of veterinary expenses. Meryl Norek, an AnimaLovers volunteer, conceived of the fund
as a lasting memorial to her beloved feline companion of 17 years, Winston. Ms. Norek has generously
committed an annual donation to the fund to ensure Winston’s loving legacy is passed on to companion
animals in need in our community, but with your donation added we can help even more.
All donations made to PETS HELPING PETS are maintained in a separate fund and will be used only
for the purpose of providing needed veterinary care for animals. Your donation - in the name of your
companion animal - will be recognized in the next issue of AnimaLovers’ newsletter. What a great gift for the
cat or dog who has everything! What a lovely way to remember a beloved companion! And most importantly,
what a great way to help other animals...
Since our last issue, the following have given donations in the name of:
Ally & Sport ♥ Angel, Mister & Lucky ♥ Bonnie Kat♥ Bugsy♥ Candi
Casey, Maggie, Jasmine & Lilly ♥ Casper, Cole & Rocky ♥ Cubby & Panda
Dorie, Gracie & Patrick ♥ Duncan ♥ Farm Cats ♥ Harry the 5th
Iris Bartkowski ♥ Jack’s Birthday ♥ Jake, Guss and Maddie ♥ Jeannette Scott
Kali ♥ Lindy ♥ Ling Bing for Natash ♥ Lori Harris ♥ Lovey & Jax Leibowitz
Michaela Somers ♥ Mickey, Ring, Rascal & Whisper Smith ♥ Miss Emily
Rob & Denise ♥ Sally Barnard Daggett ♥ Sky Kitty ♥ Scooter, Astro, Magic & Huck
Sky Kitty ♥ The Holligans ♥ Tommy & Cullie Oliver ♥ Tooger, Madeline, Ollie & Bixby
Tyler & Tucker ♥ Willie Wagner & Phoenix Brumley ♥ Winston Norek ♥ Zeke
And memorial contributions have been made in memory of:
Barbara Carlo ♥ Catherine Ownes ♥ Dr. Norman F. Dennis ♥ Paul D. Frank ♥ Manner ♥ Max
Oliver, Max, Farley & Chester ♥ Alexander S. Kasparian ♥ Ariel ♥ Chris Bojanowski ♥ Meowth
Cody & MaCavity ♥ Corry ♥ Dolly ♥ Figarella & Preutzelas ♥ Ginger ♥ Gouraud♥ Harry ♥ Kitty
Heizi, Thea, Willie & Sydney ♥ Hunter & Thumper ♥ Jasper ♥ Joey, Pumpkin & Barbaro ♥ Johnah
Lotto, Tootsie, Mamma, Newcomb, Tweed, Jazz & Agway ♥ Muffin ♥ Penny & Gianni ♥ Rusty
Sabbath, Tripper, Sara & Sheena ♥ Sebastian, & Keno ♥ Shitaki ‘Taki’ Smith ♥ Smokey & Craker
Socks, Hobbes& Caramel ♥ Spencer Tracy ♥ Waldo ♥ Ziggy & Dolly
This contribution to AnimaLovers’ PETS HELPING PETS program (please check one)
___ is made in the name of:
___ is in memory of:
(your companion animal’s name/names as you would like them recognized in our newsletter)
Please mail this coupon, along with your contribution, to:
AnimaLovers
Please check one:
P.O. Box 6426
___ General PHP Fund
Albany, NY 12206-0426
___ Winston Norek Fund for Seniors
Join AnimaLovers Now!
Name:_______________________________________
Address: _____________________________________
_____________________________________________
City: __________________ St:____ Zip: __________
Home: (___)___________ Work: (___)____________
Email: _______________________________________
Please circle one: New Renewal
Please circle your membership level:
Individual ($15) Family ($25) Patron ($75)
Senior ($5) Student ($5)
Please circle your volunteering interests, if any:
Cat Fostering Dog Fostering Fund Raising
Cat Adoption Center Dog Adoption Clinics
Telephone Volunteer Humane Education
AnimaLovers’ membership year is from September
through August. Please send your completed coupon and
check (payable to AnimaLovers) to: AnimaLovers, P.O. Box
6426, Albany, NY 12206-0426.
For more information call 448-5468 or email
[email protected].
AnimaLovers Information
Phone: 448-5468
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web: www.animalovers.org
Postal: P.O. Box 6426, Albany, NY 12206
Dog Adoption Clinics
Please check our web site or call for dog adoption
clinic locations and information.
Cat Adoption Clinics
Luv-A-Pet Center - PETsMART, East Greenbush
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings
6 to 8 PM
Saturday & Sunday - 12:30– PM to 4:30- PM
AnimaLovers is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization and is
registered with the New York State Charities Registration Bureau. All
contributions are deductible to the fullest extent of the law. A copy of our
latest annual report may be obtained upon request from AnimaLovers,
or from the Office of the Attorney General, Charities Bureau, 120
Broadway, New York, New York, 10271.
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
The Animal Welfare League of the Greater Capital District, Inc.
P.O. Box 6426
Albany, NY 12206-0426
NONPROFIT ORG.
US POSTAGE
PAID
ALBANY, NY
PERMIT NO. 844