October 2011 - Happy Endings

Quarterly Newsletter
Vol. 1 Iss. 2 | Autumn 2011
The Cat’s Meow
Visit us on Thursdays from 6pm-9pm!
!
www.HappyEndings.us!
!
Milwaukee, WI 53219!
[email protected]
!
& Saturdays from 11am-4pm!
4359 W. Forest Home Ave.!
Baron’s Corner
Our mascot,
Baron, answers
readers’
questions about
your finicky
felines!
Cats About Town
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Success Stories
Seasonal Reminders
Check out where some As the weather
of our adoptables are changes, watch out
living around the
for dangers - indoors
city.
and out -- that could
Page 3
harm your pet.
Page 4
In each issue, we will
Merchandise
give updates on some
Show your support
of our truly Happy
of Happy Endings
Endings.
everywhere you go.
Page 2
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(414) 744-3287 (vm only)
Upcoming Events
Stuff We Love Useful Information
A listing of Finally, a solution
Special list of
events happening
resources
just for
to cat allergies!
soon; mark your
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cat owners.
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calendars!
Pages 5-6
Featured Adoptables
Word search
We are showcasing
puzzle
and cute
our Senior Cats
this quarter. Could kitties to color for
you find your children who love
felines!
perfect companion
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today?
Pages 7-8
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
WE Energies
Give the Gift of
Light donation
form.
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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,
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All of our adult cats are spayed or
Happy Endings No Kill Cat
Shelter is a nonprofit 501(c)(3)
lives since 1994. It is the mission of
Cat form.
Adopting from Happy Endings
About Us
volunteers who have been saving
Sponsorship Form
Kids’ Page Sponsor a Shelter
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.
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Did You Know...
‣ Every month, our cats eat over 300 pounds of
dry food, 300 cans of wet food, and over 130
pounds of special diet food?
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Find Us Online!
Join our social network:
grou.ps/HappyEndingsShelter
‣ Over 800 pounds of litter is used every month
at Happy Endings?
‣ We find homes for over 200 cats each year?
@HappyEndingsWI
‣ So far this year, we have spent over $34,000 in
medical care for our cats?
H
ello all my friends and fans out
Now Available: Best of
SPONSOR A SHELTER CAT!
there, feline and otherwise. This
Country Cookies Cookbook!
time we have a question from a
We have recently introduced a Sponsorship
concerned cat owner.
The Best of Country Cookies cookbook is
Program at Happy Endings. When you
only $9.99 and filled with over 250
sponsor a cat or condo, your monthly
It seems her otherwise perfectly
award-winning recipes. Stop into the
mannered cat started peeing out of donations go toward the health, happiness,
and
wellbeing
of
one
of
our
shelter
cats.
You
shelter and pick up yours today!
the box. After questioning the owner
at length, it was discovered she had
purchased a brand new, fancy,
covered litter box. It was beautiful,
expensive, and the owner loved it.
However, her cat saw it as a dark,
stinky thing that she wanted
nothing to do with. She was not
about to do her business in
something that nasty. After all, she
was the queen of the house and
deserved so much better.
will receive photos and updates on your
sponsored cat. You can choose to sponsor a
cat or condo for as little as $10/month; you
can stop at any time. In addition, you can
visit during regular shelter hours and attend
special sponsor-only events.
For more information and to become a sponsor,
print out the final page of this newsletter, or visit
HappyEndings.us/Sponsoring.htm
I advised the owner to get rid of the
box or at least keep it uncovered. I
am pleased to report that she is now
back to being a perfect cat. Some
cats will tolerate a covered box. We have a variety of t-shirts and tote bags
However, some hate them. Bear this available for purchase at events and the
in mind when picking out a new shelter (pictures are available on our website):
litter box. What looks good to a • Double-sided “Cat Hair Everywhere!” tees in
human may not appeal to your little an assortment of colors
fuzzy furball.
Show Your Support
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.
• Double-sided “Dog Hair Everywhere!” tees in
That's all for now. Keep the an assortment of colors
questions coming. My staff and I • Double-sided “Wild About Pets!” tees in slate
will do our best to answer them. See blue or kiwi green
you next time.
Visit LaCroixTees.com/animalrescue/HappyEndingsNoKill
CatShelter to get yours today!
• “CATS” tees in an assortment of colors
BARON • Regular Totes ($4) and Insulated Totes ($6)
with Happy Endings logo
• First Aid Kits, either for humans or animals,
are available for $12/each
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Donation Wish List
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CATS IN THE COMMUNITY
• 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
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.
• Science Diet Sensitive Stomach
• Science Diet Original
• Natural Balance Green Pea & Duck
• Catnip, Treats, & Toys
• Rubber-backed Rugs
• Cleaning Supplies:
• Hand sanitizer
• Paper towels
Give the gift that never
stops giving . . . ENERGY!
• General cleaning supplies
• High-Efficiency (HE) Laundry Detergent
• Bleach
• Heavy Duty Trash Bags
• Office Supplies:
• Stamps
• Colored paper (8 ½” x 11”)
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!
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Saffron’s
Success Story
In the spring of 2009, I was wandering the
streets of Stevens Point, WI all by myself.
Then much to my surprise, a very nice human
couple picked me up and took me under their
care. They couldn’t make me a part of their
family so they took me to Happy Endings No
Kill Shelter in Milwaukee.
I was very scared when I arrived at Happy
Endings, but everyone treated me with
nothing but kindness. I had a nice cage and
litter box that was cleaned every day and
plenty of food and fresh water. One human in
particular held me a lot and worked on
getting all of the knots and mats out of my
coat. Her name was Ann. She spoiled me a
little bit, but not too much.
Some of the humans noticed a sore on my
cheek so they took me to an animal doctor
(called a vet). Apparently there was an abscess
under some of my teeth and the infection
actually ate a hole right through my little
cheek. They put medicine in my food every
day and soon I didn’t hurt any more. Once I
was better, they took me back to the vet and
she took out the two teeth causing all the
trouble.
About a week after I got back, they moved my
cage to the front room of the shelter so people
could see me and maybe take me home.
When Ann found out I was available for
adoption, she took me home right away. I
have moved several times with Ann. Once we
even moved back up to a town not far from
where I was found.
Now we are back in the Milwaukee area
where I share a nice home with Ann and
another kitty named Mala. I have to admit
Pat Haberski — President
that although long car trips and new homes
Angela Slawny — Vice President & Medical Coordinator are exciting, I am very happy to finally settle
Linda Green — Treasurer
down so that I can be carried around and
Karen Jacobs — Secretary
pampered like the Queen that I am.
Lana Huebner — Auction Chair
• Volunteers
Board Members
• Cash donations are always appreciated
for either our Medical Fund or for
supplies to help our day-to-day
operations
Darlene Rager — Media Relations & Event Coordinator
Happy Endings Quarterly Newsletter
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Seasonal Reminders
HALLOWEEN SAFETY
• Keep candy contained. Be sure all candy
and wrappers stay far away from your
felines. Foil and cellophane candy
wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed,
and chocolate can cause vomiting and
diarrhea, even death in large doses.
• Decorations can be dangerous. Beautiful
candles and dangling decorations are
often a part of Halloween, but keep them
out of paw’s reach. A curious cat can
easily tip over a jack o’ lantern and start a • Give kitty a separate room. Just
fire or become entangled in a stringy
like on Halloween night, the
spider web.
safest place for cats when a lot is
THANKSGIVING TIPS
• Inside is safest. The safest place for your
cat is indoors, away from potential harm.
Keep cats, especially black cats, inside for
several days before and during
Halloween.
going on during Thanksgiving
day is in their own room. Some
cats thoroughly enjoy visitors,
but many find all the noise and
activity that goes with
Thanksgiving extremely
stressful.
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CHRISTMAS DANGERS FOR CATS
• Christmas trees are much more dangerous to cats than
dogs. Pine needles can puncture a cat’s internal organs
if ingested, and the water the tree sits in can be toxic if
your cat drinks it. Try to keep your tree away from
furniture that your cat could use as a launching pad to
jump onto it.
• Tinsel and artificial snow should not be used if you
have cats. Cats are very attracted to shiny tinsel. If
ingested, your cat could experience an intestinal
blockage and require emergency surgery. Strands of
beads are a safer alternative. Artificial snow is very
toxic. Clean up any pine needles, berries, leaves, foil, or
anything small enough to swallow as soon as it hits the floor.
• Ornaments should be securely attached to tree
branches so if your cat does climb your tree they will
be less likely to fall off. You may want to apply a bitter
apple or other cat repellant to Christmas light cords to
deter chewing.
• Holly, Mistletoe, and Poinsettias are popular plants to
have in the home around Christmas. These plants are
toxic to cats so if you choose to have them, they should
be placed where your cat could never get to them.
• Ribbons and string used to wrap packages can pose a
similar danger to cats as tinsel. Make sure when gifts
with ribbon are unwrapped that the wrapping is put
away immediately where your cat can’t access it.
• Some cats actually like car rides, traveling and seeing
• Don’t share dinner with cats.
new places, but most don't. If you will be traveling
Some Thanksgiving foods are
somewhere for the holidays, consider leaving your cat
just too rich for cats and will
at home in familiar territory with a pet sitter or a
cause upset tummies or diarrhea.
friend staying at your house.
Other foods, like onions, are
actually toxic for cats and should • Like Halloween and Thanksgiving, Christmas often
be avoided at all times.
brings more candles into our homes. If you choose to
burn candles, make sure they are placed where your
• Feed cats a Thanksgiving meal
cat cannot access them. Cats could burn themselves or
of their own first. To avoid
knock things over and start a fire. A new safer
begging, give kitty his own
alternative are flameless LED candles, which even
Thanksgiving feast before you sit
flicker like the real thing!
down to dine. Safe choices
include a few bites of white meat • Advice from Halloween and Thanksgiving should also
be heeded at Christmas, such as securing your cats in a
turkey and a teaspoon or two of
room when people are coming and going in your
• Secure kitty in a separate room. Don’t
plain canned pumpkin (not
house and what you can feed kitty from your
give your fast-flying kitty a chance to dart pumpkin pie mix).
Christmas feast.
outside when you’re treating your
• Give cats extra attention. Cats
neighborhood witches and warlocks.
may feel neglected when your
Keep your kitty in a secure room during
time is consumed with cooking,
trick-or-treat hours. Turn on a radio or TV decorating and entertaining your
visitors. Set aside at least 15
at a low volume to help keep her calm
minutes for quiet time with your
during the endless chiming of doorbells
cat about an hour before the
and general commotion. This also applies
guests arrive.
if you’re hosting a Halloween party.
• Have proper ID. In case there is an
accidental escape, be sure your cat’s collar
has an up-to-date ID tag and/or that she
has a microchip implanted. These will
significantly help improve the chances
that your feline will be returned to you.
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• Include your cats when you
give thanks. Be sure to give
thanks for the cats who have
given you so much. Life is
infinitely better with their
unconditional love, companionship, and endless entertainment.
The Cat’s Meow
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Upcoming Events!
15TH ANNUAL
FUNDRAISING AUCTION
We invite you to join us at
Knights of Columbus - Council 3095
Milwaukee Meowsic Festival
1800 S. 92nd St., West Allis, WI 53214
A Benefit Concert for Happy Endings Cat Shelter
on the afternoon of
Saturday, October 29th
THE BLUE PIG BAR
doors open at 3:30 pm | auction starts at 4:30 pm | $3 admission
(FORMERLY VNUK’S LOUNGE)
5036 S. PACKARD AVE. IN CUDAHY
Come hang out with us
and improve the lives of
cats living in Milwaukee!
Saturday, November 12th
Everyone is invited - cat people, dog people, anyone
interested in helping animals! Bring your friends and
family! You are bound to find lots of great Christmas
presents for the special people in your life that will
benefit a very worthy cause.
4 pm to 2 am
*see poster on next page for more information
Come see Happy Endings’
volunteers at the next
Save The Date!
Happy Endings’ Annual
Valentine’s Pancake Breakfast
is Saturday, February 11th, 2012
from 8 to 10 am at
Applebee’s
5100 S. 76th St., Greendale
(414) 423–8013
on Saturday, February 4, 2012
at 10 am to 6 pm
$6 adults | kids under 12 free
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Spotlight on Senior Cats
In this issue, we are showcasing
adoptable senior cats and the top 5
reasons you should adopt an older cat!
1.
If you are a senior citizen yourself,
adopting an older cat is often the best
decision. Kittens have lots of energy and
often need extra care. Elderly cats make
great companions and you can give them a
second chance at a forever home in which to
live out their days.
2.
Older cats in shelters without no-kill
policies are usually the first to be
euthanized because they are less likely to be
adopted. Luckily, this is not the case at
Happy Endings. However, senior cats are
still the most difficult to find homes for.
3.
Cats over a year old are more likely to be
spayed or neutered and/or vaccinated.
This saves the adopter time and money right
off the bat. Cats whose owners have died
likely have vet records and were well taken
care of.
4.
If you want a declawed cat, or already have
cats without claws, older ones are more
likely to have already been declawed by
previous owners. Declawing is generally not
recommended for kittens (they can usually
be taught to scratch appropriately), so if
you’re set on a declawed cat, adopt one who
has already had this surgery.
5.
If you already own older cats, bringing
another older cat into the household will
probably be the easiest scenario for the new
and old cats to get along. A kitten might
pester a senior cat, while another older cat
will be a stress-free partner for your kitty.
Baby (bottom left) was born in April 1998 and of his traumatic past, he can sometimes be
has made it quite apparent that shelter life is cautious of other felines and canines.
not for her. She is a very sweet orange tabby
girl, but doesn't like the company of the other
cats at the shelter. Baby just wants to be the
only cat in her home. She is spayed, up to
date on her shots, and declawed.
Paws (above) is ready to paw her way into
your heart and hopefully your home!
Paws had a rocky start in life (May 2002)
when she was thrown out of a car in a
paper bag with her siblings as kittens. Her
littermates found homes, but Paws’
situation did not work as well. Now she is
at Happy Endings waiting for the right
person to take her home and give her the
Happy Ending she deserves.
Rajah (above) was born in April of 2002. When
you meet him, you may notice that he has fur
missing around his neck and stomach. This is
because his owners kept him tethered in the
basement on a harness because their allergies
were so bad. They eventually surrendered
him to us. As you can imagine, Rajah isn't
your average sort of cat. He is an absolute
sweetheart, however he is prone to random
nipping without warning. Rajah just needs a
loving and understanding owner without
other pets or children.
Connor (above) & Murphy (below) were
born in February 2003 and must be
adopted together, as they cannot live
without one another. Not quite used to life
at the shelter, they can be a little shy, but it
is clear that they both love human
affection. They would love to curl in your
lap and provide everlasting love and
affection. Please consider giving them the
home they deserve!
Noah, (above) born March 2003, was quite
literally knocking on death’s door: he was
about to be put down at MADAC when
Happy Endings rescued him. Now that he has
a second chance at life, could you be the one
to give him a chance for a forever home? He
is very sweet and quite charming. He will
even do flips so you can rub his belly. Because
Happy Endings Quarterly Newsletter
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More Adoptable Seniors!
Meet Shades (below left): a handsome guy who has a secret. Being a
senior (b. 6/01), he has slowed down some and would like to live
the rest of his life in the lap of luxury. Shades can be a little shy at
first, so he won’t really tell you his hopes and dreams, but given
some time, he can definitely tell you what he wants - a lounge chair
positioned right in the sun, a bowl of mixed grill paté, and a
sparkling clean water fountain, all in a home without other pets. If
you think you are able to turn his dreams into reality, then stop in
and meet him!
Ty, (above) born in April 2000, is a big boy with a lot of love to give!
Look past his grumbles and grumpiness and you’ll find an absolute
sweetheart. In need of a serious diet that Happy Endings isn't
equipped to give him (as much as we try), Ty really needs a home
desperately. He loves to be brushed but prefers to be the only cat in
a home. Give him a chance and you'll be glad you did!
Sugar, (above) a sweet senior princess (b. 7/98), came to Happy
Endings in April 2011. She was living quite the sweet life when her
longtime owner lost their home to foreclosure. Sugar would love a
quiet home where she is the center of attention and doesn't have to
share the spotlight. In the right home, she will be as sweet as 'Sugar.'
Allergic to Cats?
Up to 10% of people may be allergic to cats, decreasing
the quality of life for pet owners everywhere. Allergic
reactions range from mild discomfort to the unfortunate
surrendering of animals to shelters.
Everyone at Happy Endings would
like to give a very big THANK YOU to
Dave Burkowitz for cleaning up our
logo! Your generosity is most
appreciated and our newly refreshed
logo looks so great!
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Fortunately, in the case of felines, this may be preventable.
Cat allergies are formed only when saliva combines with
dander. Allerpet/C is one product that, when used
regularly, can keep allergies entirely at bay. With Allerpet/C,
you just dampen a towel with the product, rub it all over
your cat, and the allergens are neutralized!
Since this is not common knowledge, be sure to tell anyone
who suffers from cat allergies to give this a chance. You just
might be saving a life!
Allerpet/C is available from Amazon.com for under $10.
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KIDS’ PAGE
Cat Breeds Word Search
ABYSSINIAN
HIMALAYAN
RAGDOLL
BALINESE
MAINE COON
RUSSIAN BLUE
BENGAL
MANX
SAVANNAH
BOBTAIL
OCICAT
SCOTTISH FOLD
BOMBAY
ORIENTAL
SIAMESE
CALICO
PERSIAN
SPHINX
COLORPOINT
POLYDACTYL
TABBY
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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
• Emergency Disaster
Hotline (AHA): (800)
227-4645
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
• Milwaukee Area
Domestic Animal
Control Commission:
(414) 649-8640
• National Pet Recovery
Hotline: (800) 984-8638
• Alcoholic beverages
• Onion, Garlic
• Avocado
• Raisins & Grapes
• Chocolate, Coffee
• Yeast dough
• Macadamia nuts
• Products with xylitol
Poisonous Plants
• Lilies
• Cyclamen
• Marijuana
• Pet-Friendly Hotel
Directory: (310) 515PETS
• Animal toxins: toads,
insects, spiders, snakes, • Kalanchoe
& scorpions
• Sago Palm
• Fly, slug, snail, mouse,
& rat baits
• Yew
• Pet Loss Support Line
(U of IL College of Vet.
Med.): (877) 394-2273
• Citronella candles
• Chlorine
• Tulips
• Narcissus Bulbs
• Human Medications:
• Amaryllis
• Azalea
• Pet Poison Helpline
($35/call): (800) 213-6680
• Stolen Pet Hotline:
(800) STOLEN PET
• Vet. Medical Teaching
Hospital at U of WI,
Madison - 24 hrs: (800)
DVM-VMTH
• Cat Care Hotline
(Purina): (800) 228-2273
• Wisconsin Vet Referral
Center, Grafton: (262)
546-0249
• HomeAgain Pet
Recovery Service
(microchip provider):
(888) 466-3242
• Wisconsin Vet Referral
Center, Waukesha: (866)
542-3241
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Animal Emergency Kit
Toxins to Avoid
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.
• Rhododendron
• At least a 3 days’ supply of
food & water. Make sure
to store dry food in an
airtight and waterproof
container.
• Cold medicine
Antifreeze,
Mothballs
•
• Autumn Crocus
• Poinsettia
• Food & water bowls that
can be easily cleaned.
• Fabric softener sheets
• Chrysanthemum
• Oleander
• Extra litter and a scoop to
keep their box fresh &
clean.
• Aspirin, Vitamins
• Antidepressants
• English Ivy
• Castor Bean
• Mauna Loa Peace Lily
• Pothos
• Scheffiera
• Treats, toys, & a bed that
fits in the carrier.
• Paper towels, plastic bags,
and spray disinfectant for
animal waste clean-up.
• First Aid Kit for
companion animals.
The Cat’s Meow
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Happy Endings No Kill Cat Shelter
5349 W. Forest Home Ave.
Milwaukee
WI
53220