The Scoop - Summer 2008 32 Page Volume
Transcription
The Scoop - Summer 2008 32 Page Volume
FOCAS Summer 2008 THE SCOOP FOCAS, Inc. P.O. Box 439, Hasbrouck Heights, N.J. 07604-0439 FOCAS Saves Another “Angel” We have all seen objects thrown from a car window – a piece of paper, perhaps a cigarette being tossed, but how about a six month old puppy? That was exactly the case a little over a month ago when a Good Samaritan reportedly saw a small Pekingese puppy being thrown from a car window onto the highway ramp of Route 80 in Paterson. Although a seemingly horrible story, this little puppy actually wound up inspiring and touching the lives of numerous people. State Trooper Nick Rubino was on duty the night a call came in from a man who claimed he had just seen a little puppy thrown from a car window. Rubino was the first to arrive at the scene. “I pulled up to the ramp and she was just laying there curled up in a ball and bleeding heavily. You could tell she was alive, but had no life in her,” he remembers. Rubino quickly picked up the puppy to examine her on his car. Shortly thereafter, Trooper Thomas McLaughlin arrived and together they rushed the puppy to Oradell Animal Hospital on Winters Avenue in Paramus. This hospital is a state-sanctioned emergency animal hospital that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Being a dog owner himself, Rubino could not understand how or why someone would do this to a puppy, but left her in good care of the Oradell Animal Hospital. Once the puppy was received at the hospital, the staff decided to fittingly name her “Trooper” and she immediately became a hospital favorite, tugging at the hearts of the entire staff. She arrived in poor shape with pelvic and hip fractures, and numerous abrasions. Luckily, there were no significant internal injuries, but she did have to endure surgery for her fractures. Dawne Glazer, an In-Hospital Client Liaison with the hospital, knew that these procedures would be costly and quickly called up Carol Burrows, President of FOCAS, to request that Trooper be made an “Angel Fund” recipient. FOCAS is a non-profit organization that was established in 1984 for the “Protection and Preservation of Animals” by offering numerous programs to the community for animals and their owners. FOCAS’ “Angel Fund” was established to provide veterinary services to animals in need, above and beyond what can reasonably be expected under shelter operations. In 2007, the Angel Fund saved the lives of hundreds of homeless animals at a cost of over $112,000. Glazer notes, “We have a wonderful relationship with FOCAS. They have provided many of our animals with the funding needed for medical procedures and always have volunteers helping us at the animal hospital. Trooper’s bill came to over $8,000 and if FOCAS didn’t step in, this wouldn’t be possible.” After FOCAS officially adopted Trooper, her surgeries took place and she began the long process of healing – but not without a fan base surrounding her. “Every single staff member fell in love with her because she is just such a sweet dog. Throughout the entire day, people would stop by to say hello to her,” Glazer remembers. Glazer actually wound up fostering Trooper for eight days, only adding to her love for the puppy. Shortly after people began hearing of Trooper’s story, News Channel 12 ran a story on her in their nightly news broadcast. That is when Monica Fay, from Milltown, New Jersey, first saw her future puppy. “I was watching the news and saw her story. I called Oradell Animal Hospital to check on her and just wanted to make sure she was okay. I already have two Pekingese dogs but for some reason, I couldn’t get Trooper out of my mind. Eventually, they referred me to Carol Burrows at FOCAS to go through the adoption process,” Fay says. Visit: www.focasnews.org Continued on page 4 Email: [email protected] The SCOOP is the official publication of FOCAS. A d v i s o r s T r u s t e e s TRUSTEES O f f i c e r s FOCAS President Carol Burrows Treasurer Helen Barden Secretary Lorraine Lenge Helen Barden Carol Burrows Del Hewel Lorraine Lenge Natalia Mouzytchenko Jennifer Skrapits Kenneth D. Fischer, D.V.M. Hillsdale Animal Hospital Eileen Haley, Prof. Trainer Second Chances FOCAS, Inc. Visit: www.focasnews.org P.O. Box 439, Hasbrouck Heights, N.J. 07604-0439 Est. in 1984 for the Protection and Preservation of Animals FOCAS' Mission FOCAS was established in 1984 to promote the general welfare and natural conservation, preservation and protection of all species of animals. For the past 24 years FOCAS has provided funding, humane services, and programs for animal care and well-being to support abandoned, homeless and injured animals at the Bergen County Animal Shelter and in our Bergen County Community. FOCAS is still going strong thanks to the generous financial support of our donors and unwavering commitment of trained, dedicated FOCAS volunteers. Our faithful contributors make it possible for the on-going support of: spay and neuter programs; rehabilitation of stray animals; veterinary services, medicine, surgeries and critical care for animals; dog obedience training; fostering special needs and infant animals; educational seminars on pet companion health and behavior issues; financial assistance for veterinary care to individuals referred by local veterinarians who, because of financial or physical hardship, must consider euthanasia for their pet companion; and more. FOCAS takes seriously its responsibility for sound fiscal stewardship of the funds it raises and the generous donations that you entrust to it. That is why our goal is to insure that both be used exclusively for the well-being of animals. FOCAS is committed to upholding its mission and honoring your trust. Thank you for allowing us to be instruments of your generosity and compassion. Your support is priceless! ***** FOCAS likes to hear how newly adopted pets are adjusting to their new homes. Please keep in touch. Email your updates to [email protected] or mail them to FOCAS, PO Box 439, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604. Be sure to include pictures. We would like to share your happy experiences with other readers of The Scoop. FOCAS is registered with the State of New Jersey as a 501 ( C ) ( 3 ) charitable, non-profit, volunteer, humane organization. No FOCAS volunteer or Trustee receives a salary. We do not pay for professional fund raisers (we do this ourselves). FOCAS does not receive government funding. We do not release our donor list to government agencies, organizations, or businesses. All donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. Summer 2008 Page 2 Visit us at: www.focasnews.org FOCAS Core Programs……..Our Passion FOCAS Angel Fund – provides funding of veterinary expenses for extraordinary medical procedures and care that cannot be given to animals within the shelter environment. Many of the animals helped, which otherwise would have faced euthanasia, are now in loving homes. FOCAS Feral & Stray Cat Spay/Neuter Program – provides funding for spay/neuter surgeries of feral and stray cats. Ferals and strays that go through the program, in addition to the sterilization surgery, are dewormed and given distemper and rabies vaccines. Strays that are adoptable are placed in the FOCAS Adoption Program. FOCAS provides referrals for low-cost spay/neuter surgeries of owned pets. FOCAS Adoption Program – provides the opportunity for homeless cats and kittens from our community to be placed in “forever” homes as pet companions, rather than being returned to the street or surrendered to a shelter. These cats and kittens are home-nurtured in FOCAS volunteer foster homes until adopted. FOCAS holds ongoing adoptions at PETCO in Paramus and Westwood Pets in Westwood. FOCAS Foster Care Program – provides nurture, care and socialization for homeless infant and adult animals, including those with medical or special-needs. Many require special therapy, nurturing or handling before adoption placement or rescue relocation. FOCAS Helping Hand Program – provides financial and “people” assistance to individuals referred by veterinarians who, because of financial or physical hardship, are considering euthanasia for a pet companion rather than pursue veterinary medical treatment. FOCAS Volunteer Services Program – provides, through the compassion of dedicated, trained FOCAS volunteers, thousands of hours of service each year for shelter animals including exercise, socialization, basic training, adoption counseling, grooming, transport, and assisting with photographing animals for adoption listings. FOCAS Dog Obedience Training - provides low cost obedience training for puppies and adult dogs, with special incentives for dogs adopted from the Bergen County Animal Shelter. FOCAS hopes to reduce the number of potential surrenders or returns of dogs to the shelter for common behavior and training issues, thus reducing the potential of euthanasia of healthy dogs. FOCAS Educational Seminars – provides free community seminars given by professional trainers, veterinarians, animal care professionals and humane organizations on relevant topics to promote safety, health and a responsible and rewarding long-term relationship with pet companions. FOCAS seminars are given the first Wednesday of each month at Oradell Animal Hospital. FOCAS Rescue & Transport Program - provides assistance with rescue and hospice placement efforts including transport to place homeless animals who are deemed to be difficult to adopt because of age, illness, special-needs, or breed. FOCAS Community Outreach Program – provides volunteer speakers to visit local schools and libraries to educate the community on pet companion care, responsible pet ownership, the rewards of opting to adopt a homeless animal, the need for spaying and neutering of animals, and the vital importance of volunteering. Summer 2008 Page 3 SERVICES & PROGRAMS Funding - Services for Homeless Animal Well-being & Care Visit us at: www.focasnews.org FOCAS Saves Another “Angel” Continued from page 1 WHO IS FOCAS? Coincidentally, there was a large amount of adoption applications by people in law enforcement. Monica Fay’s husband, Patrick Fay, also happens to be a Lieutenant with the Hackensack Police Department. Along with their three children, Courtney, Patrick and Kendall, the Fay family proved to be the best choice for Trooper’s new home. FOCAS contacted them to inform them that their application had been chosen. “The care that Trooper received from everyone involved is amazing. From the State Troopers to the animal hospital to Carol Burrows and FOCAS, it speaks volumes about everyone involved in her story. We’ve kept in touch with Dawne and Carol and send pictures to update them. She’s absolutely an angelic dog. After everything she’s been put through, you would think she’d be a nasty dog, but she is the exact opposite - just a joy to have in our family,” Fay notes. Before Trooper left for her new home, a sad farewell was said between the Oradell Animal Hospital staff, Carol Burrows and Troopers Rubino and McLaughlin. Glazer sent Trooper off with a scrapbook she had made and Trooper Rubino had purchased Trooper a blanket for her bed with a New Jersey State Trooper insignia embroidered on it. In a testament to Trooper’s remarkable impression on everyone she met, there is a reunion planned for her to take place at FOCAS’ Blessing of the Animals event, which will be on Sunday, May 4 at the Bergen County Animal Shelter in Teterboro. The Fay family plans on taking Trooper to the event to reunite with Oradell Animal Hospital staff members (including Glazer), Trooper Rubino, Carol Burrows, and other FOCAS members. “People really have to be reminded that Trooper’s story and so many like hers would not be possible without the funding from FOCAS. Since FOCAS is all donationbased, it’s so important to get the word out so we can help other animals like her,” Glazer adds. To find out how you can help other animals like Trooper, or if you would like additional information on FOCAS and its programs, please call the FOCAS Help Line at 201-943-4019 or send an email to [email protected]. * * * * Katie Grasso, Reporter & FOCAS Volunteer Town News, April 30, 2008 Is FOCAS the Bergen County Animal Shelter? No, FOCAS is not. FOCAS was designated, by the County to be the sole provider of volunteer services at the Bergen County Animal Shelter. Only the County sets policies and procedures for all shelter operations. FOCAS remains a “voice for the animals” to strongly advocate for programs and progressive standards in their best interest. However, FOCAS has no control over which of its humane programs to improve quality of life for the shelter’s animals will be accepted. FOCAS is a 501 ( C ) ( 3 ) non-profit humane organization relying solely on unpaid volunteers and charitable donations to fulfill its mission. All contributions to FOCAS are tax deductible as allowed by law. FOCAS does not receive federal, state or county government funding. Donations to FOCAS are used to provide medical care and humane programs that help the animals at the Bergen County Animal Shelter (BCAS) and other homeless, injured or sick animals in our community. The Bergen County Animal Shelter is a public institution owned and operated by the County government. It is funded by tax dollars and is staffed with paid employees. FOCAS provides medical care funding, volunteer services and animal welfare programs that surpass the basics that the Bergen County Animal Shelter provides. FOCAS supplies “extras” like beds and toys as needed. FOCAS was the “advocate” for the animals responsible for working with the County to install air conditioning in the kennels. FOCAS implemented a formalized volunteer training program for canine handling, socialization, behavior modification and rehoming. FOCAS volunteers devote thousands of hours each year giving hands-on animal care to dogs, cats and bunnies through all stages of shelter life, from adjustment to shelter confinement to optimal adoption placement. FOCAS is a member of Volunteer Match and an honored recipient of the prestigious Dr. Harry Brandeis Memorial Community Service Award bestowed by the Community Resource Council Of Bergen County. Summer 2008 Page 4 Visit us at: www.focasnews.org Blessing of the Animals FOCAS and its homeless animals. Trooper Nicholas Rubino (who found Trooper), and the Fay Family (who adopted Trooper) were recognized as well as Dawne Glazer (Oradell Animal Hospital employee who had fostered Trooper). Commander Fred Marston of the American Legion Post 310 in Little Ferry was also recognized for his help in securing the American Legion for past FOCAS Flea Markets. As an added surprise, Commander Marston generously offered the Legion free of charge for the next Flea Market. Also recognized was Larry Inserra, Jr., President of Inserra Supermarkets (accepted by Lily Austed) for his donations of food and beverages for FOCAS’ fund raisers. David Viganola from Re/Max Professionals had donated money so that the raffle tickets could be printed for the Blessing. As a reminder that the love for animals spans generations, FOCAS also took the time to recognize some local children for their outstanding donations and service to help homeless animals. One little girl named Kaitlyn, after earning money for doing her chores, decided to donate half of the money earned to FOCAS. Cathe Ayvaz and Brownie Troop 1093 made and donated gift baskets for FOCAS fundraisers. Two sisters, Isabelle and Harlie, who previously adopted a cat from FOCAS, requested that guests at their birthday parties bring animal supplies rather than birthday presents for themselves. These children are role models for their peers and offer a bright future for animals’ well-being. The girls’ parents proudly commented that, “They decided to do this on their own. They both have big hearts and they love animals, we’re very proud of them for doing this.” After all of the certificates were given out, Father Joe, a chaplain at the Bergen County Jail, took the microphone to begin his blessing over the animals for the eighteenth year in a row. In a solemn prayer, he reminded the audience to remember deceased, sick, lost and hunted animals. He also reminded them of their duty to take care of animals by adding, “…it is indeed proper for us to spend time, efforts and funds on a worthy concern as the care of animals and pets so long as humans are not neglected… for all God’s creatures, including animals and pets, are worthy of our respect, our care and our love.” With that being said, animal owners lined up for Father Joe to bless their pets with holy water and a short prayer. He then made his way to the inside of the shelter to individually bless every single homeless animal (rabbits, cats and dogs), offering hope and a prayer for all of these lonely animals who so anxiously await a forever home of their own. Katie Grasso, Reporter & FOCAS Volunteer Hackensack Chronicle, May 16, 2008 Summer 2008 Page 5 ANNUAL EVENTS Sunday, May 4 was a day of thanksgiving at the Bergen County Animal Shelter - a day to be grateful for so many people’s selfless acts of kindness, a day to be grateful for people and organizations’ contributions, and a day to be grateful for those furry little creatures in our lives we call pets. FOCAS’ Blessing of the Animals (“the Blessing”) took place at the Teterboro shelter where over 70 local pet owners and animal lovers came to celebrate their pets and have them literally blessed. To some people, the idea of this may seem a little strange, but to any devoted animal owner, a pet is more than an animal. It is a family member and rightfully should be blessed into the faith of the family. In addition to the blessings, FOCAS also took the opportunity to recognize the people in the community who have significantly contributed to their organization over the past year. Carol Burrows, President of FOCAS, opened the event by thanking everyone for coming and quickly turned the microphone over to Rabbi Sharon Litwin who offered five blessings for animals. “Thank you for inspiring others to take care of our creatures - you display courage and an open heart... and to the animals - thank you for coming into our lives,“ she said. Captain Bill Sheehan, the Hackensack Riverkeeper, then addressed the crowd and offered an educational look at our local Hackensack River and the wildlife that comprises it, offering around 260 different species of animals to the area. He also reminded the crowd of the importance of contributing to groups like FOCAS. “Unfortunately, the government often doesn’t have enough money for these animals. It’s not that they don’t want to help more, but that they can’t. So, oftentimes groups like FOCAS pick up a lot of the weight that the government cannot,” he noted. “Trooper”, the little Pekingese puppy who was thrown from a car window onto Route 80 and rescued by FOCAS was also there with her new family. Her story generated public attention and the Blessing offered a chance for her to reunite with the State Trooper who found her, the Oradell Animal Hospital staff member who fostered her, and her new family. Certificates of Commendation were also given to acknowledge the exceptional donations of individuals to Visit us at: www.focasnews.org FOCAS Annual Cat Show ANNUAL EVENTS It was a day filled with whiskers, raffles and love at the Bergen County Animal Shelter. FOCAS’ Annual Cat Show hosted over 30 cat owners and lovers and offered a day to celebrate their feline friends. For over 20 years, FOCAS (Friends of the County Animal Shelter) has been offering these yearly cat shows to local residents. FOCAS is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping abandoned, homeless and injured animals in Bergen County. FOCAS President, Carol Burrows, began the Cat Show by thanking everyone for coming. “You are all a blessing for caring so much about your animals to take them to events like this and support our cause,” she said. “All of the proceeds from this event will benefit the animals - from our Spay/Neuter Program to our Angel Fund, you’re helping by supporting us.” The event then turned to the friendly cat “competition”. Two judges from FOCAS judged each of the 19 cats registered on criteria such as “Nicest Whiskers”, “Nicest Eyes”, and “Judges Pick”. After each cat was presented, the judges began to deliberate while the tricky tray auction began. Most of the auction prizes were donated to FOCAS throughout the year and ranged from kitty socks to a pet stroller. According to Jennifer Skrapits, Co-Chair of the event with Natasha Mouzytchenko, “About 90 percent of all of the prizes were donated to us this past year. From businesses to individuals, so many people contributed to these great prizes!” Helen Barden, Treasurer of FOCAS, added, “This really is a year-long project. As we received donations, we put them aside and both Jenn and Natasha work so hard to put these baskets together.” After the auction, the winners were announced for cat competition, and keeping with tradition, each of the 19 registered cats received a prize, enforcing a friendly competition. Special mention was also given to some cats that have passed away. John and Cynthia Hamilton, residents of Hackensack for over 20 years, are no strangers to FOCAS’ events. They have been attending the FOCAS Cat Show since 1985 and began coming with their two cats, Dewey and Schuyler. Although they both passed away this year, the Hamiltons attended the event with their other cat, Leila, who is two years old. “We’ve been coming to these events for such a long time and they’re really great,” said John. “This is the only event like this that I know of in the area and we look forward to it every year.” His wife, Cynthia added, “Although we’re sad that Dewey and Schuyler are not with us this year, we still wanted to come for Leila. It’s a really nice day. We’re looking forward to FOCAS’ Mrs. Claus pictures in the winter.” Another cat owner who is mourning the loss of her pet is Darlene DeSantis of Palisades Park. Her cat, Cheeseburger, recently passed away, but that did not stop her from attending the cat show. Cheeseburger’s name and presence was noted by FOCAS, as they presented DeSantis with a present, acknowledging Cheeseburger’s memory. DeSantis notes, “I’ve been coming here mostly every year since Cheeseburger was one year old. It’s a really nice event, and a great way to raise money for animals who need it.” Passing on her love of the event, DeSantis attended the event with her mother, daughter and daughter’s boyfriend. “Cheeseburger was such an important part of my life, and it’s so nice that FOCAS has acknowledged him. It helps ease the pain of his loss a little bit and makes me feel better,” she added. Whether young or old, alive or deceased, FOCAS’ Cat Show provided a fun-filled day to acknowledge the significant presence of cats in people’s lives. The wall was decorated with heart-shaped names of all FOCAS cats adopted in 2008. For more information on FOCAS’ upcoming Dog Show, or other events, please visit www.focasnews.org or call (201) 943-4019. Katie Grasso, Reporter & FOCAS Volunteer Hackensack Chronicle, June 1, 2008 Summer 2008 Page 6 Visit us at: www.focasnews.org Flea Market With a Cause FOCAS holds flea markets throughout the year - see page 25 for dates. of volunteers to work at the shelter, and has also provided numerous animals at the shelter with special medical procedures and care through their “Angel Fund”. In addition to working with the shelter, FOCAS provides their own continuous adoption (cat adoptions at PETCO in Paramus), foster care, feral and stray cat spay/neuter programs (wherein FOCAS encourages residents to report feral and stray cats in order to be spayed/neutered, dewormed, and vaccinated – thereby reducing the number of strays in the neighborhood.). This is especially important now, as the kitten season is upon us. FOCAS also offers a low-cost, seven week dog obedience training class to dog owners in Oradell on Tuesday nights from 8:00PM – 9:00PM. The cost is only $85 if adopted through the Bergen County Animal Shelter and $100 if not. Either cost is significantly less than other private companies’ training classes, which can run up to $350 for a six week session. All of the proceeds from this flea market will directly benefit FOCAS and its programs. This means that not only can someone do some great shopping, but they also get a chance to directly support an important cause. Adds Burrows, “None of this would be possible without all of our loyal volunteers and donors. We get donations from companies as well as individuals and all of the money helps support our organization. We truly appreciate everyone’s help in making this happen. Even if you’re not interested in purchasing any items, our refreshment stand and baked goods have their own fan base. People seem to love the food, so feel free to stop by! * * * * Katie Grasso, Reporter & FOCAS Volunteer Little Ferry Local, May 2, 2008 Make It Count for the Animals! For FOCAS volunteers, the well-being of homeless, helpless animals is in our hearts and on our minds constantly…and we know it is for you too. Make it count for the animals! From the FOCAS website homepage at www.focasnews.org you can easily… Click the Make a Donation button to make a cash donation to FOCAS from PayPal. But that’s not all, you even can make everyday needs for you and your pet count for the animals. How? From the same FOCAS website homepage….. Click on the PetMeds link to order non-prescription pet meds for your pet, OR…. Click on the GoodSearch button to surf the web, OR …. Click on the GoodShop button to shop at over 600 well-known brand stores (Target, Nordstrom, Best Buy, Fosters & Smith, Barnes & Noble and many more! Each of these activities will result in much-needed matching contributions for FOCAS. It’s easy. And, best of all, you will directly contribute to the life-saving efforts of FOCAS. We need you. They need you. Summer 2008 Page 7 VOLUNTEERISM Crystal, china, jewelry, household items – it sounds like a visit to one of our local malls. But instead of an overcrowded and overpriced shopping plaza, these are just some of the items offered at an upcoming flea market sponsored by FOCAS (Friends of the County Animal Shelter, Inc.). For the third year in a row, FOCAS’ Flea Market will be held at the American Legion at 100 Liberty Street right here in Little Ferry. It will open its doors on Saturday, March 29, 2008 from 10:00AM – 4:00PM and resume on Sunday, March 30 from 10:00AM – 3:00PM. The Flea Market will run the gamut of products from household items and small appliances to pet supplies and toys, books, videos, etc. Chances are, if you are from the area, you may have already heard of FOCAS’ Flea Market and its locally renowned refreshment stand. According to FOCAS President, Carol Burrows, these markets have even generated their own following. She notes, “The community involvement in these Flea Markets has been absolutely overwhelming. Before we even open our doors, we usually have a line of people waiting to enter! Lorraine Lenge, the FOCAS Flea Market Chair and Trustee, was instrumental in securing the American Legion location three years ago, and the Legion has just been phenomenal in working with us.” Perhaps the Flea Market’s enormous following is because of the market itself, but it may also be due in part to FOCAS and its mission. Established in 1984 for the “Protection and Preservation of Animals” as a non-profit organization, FOCAS prides itself on the many programs it offers to the community for animals and their owners. It is the Bergen County Animal Shelter’s only supplier Visit us at: www.focasnews.org FOCAS always “on the go” VOLUNTEERISM THANK YOU FOCAS volunteers for making it all possible through thousands of hours of volunteer service: at the shelter, at FOCAS PETCO adoptions each weekend, at home giving foster care 24/7, at fundraising events, providing 7 days a week counseling and spay/neuter assistance to the public via the FOCAS HelpLine, conducting community pet education and awareness seminars, transporting animals to rescues and events and more!! THANK YOU to members of our community and the fantastic hospital veterinarians and support staff who open their hearts and homes to foster homeless animals for FOCAS. And, a resounding THANK YOU to so many phenominally generous and caring children who organize projects to raise money and community awareness to help homeless animals!! Summer 2008 Page 8 Visit us at: www.focasnews.org FOCAS Feral and Stray Cat Spay/Neuter Help Line, Fostering and Adoption teams work "hand and glove" to ensure as many homeless animals as possible are given a chance to know the safety and love of a "forever" home. Our only limitation is the number of foster homes we have to temporarily nurture and shelter a homeless animal. Contact FOCAS at 201-943-4019 or [email protected] to find out more about fostering. It is soooooo rewarding! Mierella FOCAS spent $75,585 in 2007 and $30,000 as of June 2008 to provide funding for the Feral and Stray Cat Spay/Neuter program. Ferals - Strays - Orphans Helped by FOCAS SPAY NEUTER FOCAS, in special recognition of Carol Stamm for her assistance when my neighbor and I needed to control our shared colony of 20 or so cats. All the females have now been spayed and most of the males have been neutered. Kudos to Carol and your spay/neuter program. Also, many thanks to the doctors and staff at the Emerson Animal Hospital. They've been very accommodating and caring to both me and the strays. Keep up the great work. Dear FOCAS, thank you so much for your help in spaying two feral kittens. They are dong great...are well fed and have a safe pet condo in my yard. Bless you!. Diane D. Helen, thank you again for your help placing the sweet stray "Velcro". You and your organization are angels. Diane W. Dear FOCAS, since I have been feeding and supplying shelter in my back yard to a stray mother cat and her kitten, I felt responsible to get them spayed and netuered. My hopes sank when a local vet told me it would cost $300, plus the price of shots per cat. I'm living on a fixed income, so in my desperation I made some phone calls to animal shelters in my area and to FOCAS. I must say, FOCAS was the first to respond and you people were so helpful and quick, that I am still amazed. I spoke to Jean Mulligan and on the same day I had an appointment for both. I can't thank you enough for helping! I'm sending along a donation, so you can continue to help other animals who need it!!! Both cats are back outside in their natural environment. Heart felt thanks, Elfie S. Dear FOCAS, please accept this donation in appreciation for your help with neutering and inoculating a stray cat I have been caring for. I truly appreciate the willingness of FOCAS to help peolpe like me who want to help these homeless cats. You make it possible to better care for them. I hope this check will help defray some of your costs. I also would like you to know that Cats Exclusive was very nice to work with. They took good care of the cat, were pleasant and helpful to me. Thank you all very much. Carrole A. Y. FOCAS thanks Build-A-Bear Foundation for a much needed $5,000 grant to help our homeless animals. Summer 2008 Page 9 Visit us at: www.focasnews.org FOCAS Angel Fund They come in all sizes and ages. Their need is immediate. Thanks to you, our faithful ANGEL FUND contributors, FOCAS’ Angel Fund continues to provide extraordinary medical care to shelter animals that would otherwise face permanent disability or euthanasia. The FOCAS Angel Fund is the sole source of all but the very basic of medical care for BCAS animals. Pictured are some of the orphans given renewed health at a cost of $112,000 in 2007 and nearly $75,000 as of June 2008. Others just like them await YOUR help. They urgently need your financial donations to the FOCAS Angel Fund. Jack – surgery for fractured femur. Friendly – treatment for extended care and severe upper respiratory infection. Summer 2008 Page 10 Trooper – surgery and extended foster care for broken femur, internal bruising. Visit us at: www.focasnews.org Big Cat – extended hospitalization for severe pulmonary and bronchial issues. Indy – leg amputation. Joey – surgery for fractured femur, pubic bone and rib; treatment for burns over much of his body. Chewie – longterm care & treatment for severely ulcerated front and rear paws and emaciation. Jack – surgery and extended care for complicated intestinal issues and emaciation. Summer 2008 Page 11 Max - extended hospitalization and intensive care for severe pneumonia ANGEL FUND Scooter – leg amputation. Visit us at: www.focasnews.org ALUMNI Last Saturday my Son & I went to PETCO in Paramus in search of a new feline friend because we had recently lost our 18 yr. old & we had a hole in our hearts and our home. We spotted Emmi who is the most adorable little black kitty. It is only a few short days later and we are totally in love! Emmi is the sweetest, most affectionate, playful, funny little kitty. It only took her a few days to feel comfortable in our home. She is truly a blessing. THANK YOU! Hey Carol Here are some more pictures of Brisco doing some of his favorite things. Playing, getting a bath and sleeping in the sun. But his most favorite thing in the whole world is eating, so we are going to go have lunch now. Katie Pat Mc. Hi, my name is Rocky. I was originally named Roxanne by FOCAS because I was such a beautiful little kitten. Then, the veterinarian found out that I was a handsome, handsome boy! Anyway, my life turned around in September when my mom asked me to come home with her. When I got there I discovered that I had a mommy cat (20 years old), a two year old brother with extra toes and a one year old sister with the world’s largest tail. My mommy cat was a bit standoffish because she has arthritis, but we kids enjoyed each other and had a really good time playing, grooming each other and looking out of the window together. I’m having a great time. So, I asked my people mom to write you guys a letter and send a picture. Thank you, FOCAS, for taking me to PETCO in Paramus so that I could find a new family! Sharon Z. for Rocky Hi, my name is Tori and our family just adopted two kittens, litter mates, Emily and Ethan. I thought I'd share some pictures for all to see and to let you all know they're doing really good. Thank you! Summer 2008 Page 12 Visit us at: www.focasnews.org It’s a boy! I’d like to introduce Whiskey, former FOCAS kitten and now the newest member of my family. I couldn’t be happier! Courtney R. Gloria S. Let me introduce my precious little boy, Gizmo, who was 4 years, 4 months when I adopted him from FOCAS on February 18, 2006 at PETCO in Paramus. I have been informed by another organization that there was a Red Persian up for adoption at PETCO that day. Needless to say, I phoned PETCO and spoke with Helen (FOCAS foster mom). She advised me to come see him. I arrived an hour later and fell in love with this furry bundle of joy. He is extremely sweet and lovable. Every time I hold him I feel he’s telling me how special he feels. Believe me…he is VERY SPECIAL. Helen advised me on how I should gradually introduce Gizmo to Teena, my Calico. I did indeed. It took 12 days of them getting used to each other. But, it worked. Now, they are the best of friends. I am so happy that I found Gizmo that day and he is now in his forever, loving home. Thank you, Helen! Gail W. ALUMNI Dear FOCAS, Enclosed is a donation to thank you again for our Tommy. He was adopted in May of 2005. My granddaughters, daughter-in-law and I came upon him at PETCO. He was not the handsomest cat on the planet. Although he was being ignored, they thought he looked sweet and loveable…perfect for me. Scared at first, he was soon the chummiest cat ever. I was his “people mommy.” He is the cutest, cuddliest, purringest, lap cat I have ever had! As you can see from the pictures, he has become absolutely gorgeous with soft, shiny fur. Dear FOCAS, We wanted to express how the new addition to our family has brightened our lives! In February we went to Westwood Pets to buy supplies for our frogs and fish and came upon a new batch of kittens. After filling out the paperwork, my boys were so excited to bring Kevin home. At first, he was a wee bit frightened. He stayed upstairs and our Great Pyrenees, Lucy, stayed downstairs. Lucy is especially sweet and gentle and before we knew it, they were touching nose-to-nose (with plenty of supervision!). Today, they cuddle and play and miss each other when Lucy goes out. Kevin is a happy, affectionate, funny loveable little guy. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to love him Elizabeth, Alex and Keith (Lucy and Kevin too). Summer 2008 Page 13 Visit us at: www.focasnews.org ALUMNI Dear FOCAS, thank you so much for helping me find Cuddles!!!!! He's the most wonderful cat. We love him so much! I adopted him last week from the Westwood Pet Store where he was staying (Cuddles a.k.a Mr. Fluffy new name: Willy) and making friends. Cuddles/Willy loves his new big brother, Max: he follows Max around the house, plays with him, sleeps with him and sometimes just stares at him lovingly. I've attached two pictures of them together. Willy is full of love for everyone, he takes breaks from playing w/ toys, looking out his window and playing with his brother to check in with his humans for a kiss and a belly-rub every so often. He's gentle and happy and just such a great soul. Thank you to Helen (FOCAS volunteer), all the great people at the Westwood Pet Store and especially to the wonderful FOCAS volunteers at the Paramus PETCO who somehow knew that Cuddles/Willy would be the perfect cat for me. Beth S. FOCAS, I adopted a kitten, 7 months old, yesterday from PETCO in Paramus. The kitten's name was "VALENTINE" and her legs are injured, if you remember? Things are going well. As of right now, the transition is going smoothly. My daughter, Julia, age 5, slept with her all night long. "Blueberry" warmed up to her quite quickly. She purrs often, which is sweet. Gloria R. To My Dear Friends at FOCAS, just a little update on one of your cats, Rudy, that we adopted 4/7/07. We wanted to send you pictures to let you know that he is king of the house and will always remain that way. We love him more than words can say and I'm sure the feeling is mutual. Anyway, just an update to fill you in on one of your “children”. Susan & Ron H. (Note: Rudy is a FOCAS Angel. He was found on a subzero February night in a gutter...truly frozen, crying and painfully thin. A Good Samaritan asked FOCAS to help Rudy. FOCAS sponsored life-saving, intensive medical treatment. When released from the hospital, FOCAS placed Rudy in foster care until a forever home came his way. It surely did with Susan and Ron.) Dear FOCAS, My name is Schults and you took really good care of me until August 18, 2007. On that day, Tracy G. adopted me and I went to live with her and Lucy. I love Lucy but sometimes Lucy gets annoyed with me. Mom decided I needed someone to play with. On October 7, 2007 I got a brother, Mulligan. Unlike Lucy, he's my age and loves to play. I just wanted to tell you that if you didn't help me, my mom says I would never live here and, boy, do I like it here. Love Schults - the Handsomest Orange Tabby Ever Summer 2008 Page 14 Visit us at: www.focasnews.org Teresa Hello FOCAS! My husband Tommy and I were married July 2005 and I've always wanted a kitten, but never had one until November 26, 2005. Tommy and I adopted Buffy, our beautiful black kitten. She is the light in my life. It’s amazing the kind of personality she has! She has her routine everyday; she starts meowing and rubbing her wet nose on my face when she hears the alarm go off to ensure I wake up on time. Whenever I come home, she demands a hug for a few minutes before she goes on to play with her many toys. She knows when it’s time for me to clean her bowls and give her fresh food. She also requires I play with her a little but she's always gentle! At night, we bond by her sitting on my lap and me brushing her – the purring is so loud!! Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to care for Buffy. We can't wait until we get a bigger place so we can adopt more! Mary B. Hi, Carol... Sparkles has acclimated to our home quickly. The other cats are coming along. She is very brave and independent. She has taken over our 6 foot cat tree and has made the top level her home, her safe place. She is sweet and gives lots of kisses. Stacey P. * * * * FOCAS, this donation is in gratitude for allowing us to adopt a marvelous cat. Max was about 4 months old last December when we got him through a Saturday adoption at PETCO on Rt. 17 Paramus. He is the best! He has gained about 3 pounds and gets along well with our dog and other cats Constance K. ALUMNI Hi Carol, I adopted an orange and white tabby named Banky back in November of 2005. He was found in a bank ATM vestibule and was very underweight. His tail had to be shaved because it was all matted. Well let me tell you he has flourished in his new home! The day I brought him home, he just layed on a blanket in the middle of the floor...not a care in the world! He is so easy going, it's incredible! My other cat Emmy wasn't too thrilled with him at first and took a while to warm up but they get along well now. I had to separate them for a week! I changed his name to Oscar because Banky just didn't suit him...with his attitude, he's definitely an Oscar! Thank you for helping me find my little buddy. Hi, Helen. This should give you a good idea as to how Kingsley has settled in. He is SO sweet and SO very much loved! By the way, he has been renamed for his new life. He is called Simon Meowell. You probably won’t get that unless you are an American Idol fan, which I am. All the best Sue H., Simon, Chloe and Cleo Summer 2008 Page 15 Visit us at: www.focasnews.org LETTERS Dear FOCAS, instead of giving out favors at our wedding, we decided to give a donation to a worthy organization. FOCAS immediately came to mind as we adopted Lola, Owen and BlueBelle, our beloved rabbits. They are all members of our family and we simply can’t imagine our lives without them! We thank you for the timeless work you do to protect and save animals. Words can’t express how lucky we feel to have found our furry family members. Through your organization, my daughter has learned how to give back to our community and is even raising her own money to donate to you as well. Please accept this donation in honor of our marriage and our future life with our furry friends. Dear Doris, Kimo arrived at our house very alert and in one piece. We let him discover the house and all smells, then walked him around the yard and the block. Next morning he walked on his (soon routine) 2.5 mile walk through our neighborhood, with much pulling and sniffing. He eats his morning and evening meals with vigor. He hangs with me all day, and jumps up as soon as I move. I can go on and on, the short is: he is a great dog. He is a pleasure. Knut, Marquita, and Kimo Steve & Jen D. FOCAS, Casey joined our family at a very low time for us. Our parents were both physically ill and our 17 year old terrier mix took a sudden turn for the worse one evening and we lost her. Fortunately, my husband wanted to start looking for another dog. We soon found Casey, our year old American Eskimo. She brings great joy to our family and likes nothing more than a nice long walk or the opportunity to have her head and belly scratched. We are grateful that the shelter had such a wonderful animal to adopt. She is truly the bright spot in our family Hilary E. Dear FOCAS, this donation is a tribute to Punky & Snoozer for their upcoming 1st birthday. They were my first foster babies, which I adopted! I can’t imagine my life without these two sisters. * * * * Carol, I am eternally grateful to you (FOCAS) for saving my best friend. Gil R. (Gil and his dog Angus were recipents of the FOCAS Helping Hand Program). Summer 2008 Page 16 Visit us at: www.focasnews.org Madeleine & David T. Dear Doris, Autumn and Summer (Baby) are doing well. They are very happy in their new home. They are still settling in but every day they get more and more relaxed. For the most part they are very good girls. Summer has learned to sit and stay. Autumn knows sit, stay, and down. They are getting better with not jumping on people. Please print the attached photos of my girls and let everyone know they are happy and healthy, especially Sandy. LETTERS Hi, We adopted a cat from the shelter in January. Her name is Cottontail, and she had been at the animal shelter since May 2007. We wanted you to know that she is doing very well. She has been affectionate since we brought her home, although we don't think she will ever be a "lap cat." She loves to be scratched and pet but not held. She would play for hours if she could, and she always tries to get us involved but she will also play on her own. She's 8 pounds, but she has assumed command of our older, 25 pound male cat. We're very happy to have added Cottie to our family, and wanted to assure you all that she has settled in and seems to like it here! Mary Jo C. Hi FOCAS, here’s a picture of Mugsy. Thank you for saving his life!!! Jane & Bob C. This is Randi (now Brutus) with his "mommy" April. He was at BCAS for several months. Randi was a very well-mannered dog who always waited very patiently to be taken outside for a walk. One Sunday, a nice couple from Rutherford came to the shelter, fell in love with Randi and adopted him. I accidentally ran into Randi and April when I was walking with my dog. It turned out that we live a block away from each other! It is very nice to see a shelter "alumnus" in the neighborhood. I get to say Hi to him all the time! His mom told me that everyone loves him very much. Maho T. FOCAS Volunteer Summer 2008 Page 17 Visit us at: www.focasnews.org LETTERS Carol, let me explain how this donation is given. My cat, Miss Aliyah, had a birthday. I had a 5th birthday party for her. Ten children came with their parents. I told them not to bring presents for Aliyah, since she has enough toys and everything she needs. Instead, I asked them to bring a donation for FOCAS for helping shelter animals. They all did. They also made their own birthday cards instead of buying them. They were taught to give to help animals, instead of buying things Aliyah did not need. We had a nice party with ice cream and cake that I made to celebrate Aliyah’s special day. Enclosed is a check for the Angel Fund. Thank you to you and all the FOCAS volunteers. God Bless you all! Olga R. M. Marysue G. To All...we adopted Chloe Starr a.k.a. Gigi in August 2001. She is our little baby. She loves my son; they play, wrestle and snuggle together. Our first dog, Lucki Starr, was adopted in October 1991; she passed in February 2000. She protected my son and was so good with him. Please use my donation to care for all the animals currently without homes. Laura C. Our family adopted Sheba from the shelter on December 3, 2006. Our German Shepherd, Dolly, died from cancer in June. We really weren’t ready for another dog, but a few months later we received an email about Sheba telling us Sheba had been at the shelter for over six months and time was running out. As soon as we met, we couldn’t believe she had been there so long without being adopted! After spending time with Sheba and Gladys, a wonderful FOCAS volunteer, we knew we wanted Sheba to be part of our family. We took her home the same day. Sheba is beautiful, sweet, trustworthy, happy and highly intelligent. She instantly adjusted to our home and every family member. She loves people, especially children. You’d never know she spent nearly 7 months in a shelter. She had no behavioral issues, was completely housetrained and knew basic commands. Her only mischievous habit, she loves to steal plastic bottles from our recycling container. Thank you for not giving up on Sheba. She was meant to be part of our family. Hello Doris (FOCAS Volunteer) My name is Diana and my family and I adopted a male black Lab mix, Dustin. We renamed him Mickey; he is doing fantastic in his new home. My daughter has adjusted just fine. She spends a lot of time brushing Mickey and he now has a very shiny black coat. Mickey seems to love us all equally. He takes turns coming by all of us. I am about to take him on a walk now. He has made friends with some of the neighbor’s dogs too. He is truly a wonderful dog. Thanks for matching us up. Diana L. Summer 2008 Page 18 Visit us at: www.focasnews.org Lois & Paul P. (FOCAS gives a HUGE hug to this very special couple for opting to adopt a senior dog.) Hi everyone at FOCAS. It’s Fritz the cat sending an update on my life. It has changed so much since I was adopted in May of 1998. My buddy Felix crossed the Rainbow Bridge two years ago. I now have three Chartreux sisters. Yes, it’s true, three French mademoiselles now call me “brother.” A non-furry child from the Ukraine joined our family three years ago. Sasha and I loved each other right away! I’m the only one in our family who walks on a leash and harness, gives kitty kisses and taught my sister, Samantha Sue, to drink from the bathroom faucet (I use the kitchen faucet). Everyone who visits our house always says “If I had a cat, I’d want him to be just like Fritz.” So, all of you kittens, cats and dogs at the shelter or with FOCAS, there are kind people in this world. There is hope that you soon will have a loving home, too. Love you Fritz Hi, finally got around to sending the pictures of Stubby, now known as Gus. He’s doing great; thinks he is one of the dogs. In one of the picures, he is hanging out with his brother Ben on the couch. Thanks for a GREAT cat Sue P. * * * * THANK YOU Bob King for your considerable photography talents. THANK YOU Katie Grasso for your considerable writing talents. LETTERS Dear Carol, I enjoyed meeting with you at PETCO, Paramus. Enclosed is a picture of our Harry, a.k.a Professor in a previous life. Harry is 9 and was about to be put down when he was saved by my boss. Harry now lives with my husband, my mom and me. He was brought to the shelter with the excuse that we was wetting in the house. He has not made one mess since we have him. Harry is a great dog. He’s playful, obedient, loves to eat and has become a couch potato. He now gets a long walk everyday, has a big back yard and a playful young Lab next door to play with. Harry will have a home with us until he goes to doggie heaven. FOCAS, please use this donation for the Angel Fund. Thank you for all that you do to make the living conditions better for the dogs, cats, etc. My beloved dog, Teddy, who was adopted in 1995 from the shelter passed away suddenly. I still have dear Cody (13½) also adopted in 1995. He’s doing quite well for an old boy! They are my life. Eileen A. Summer 2008 Page 19 Visit us at: www.focasnews.org THE JOURNEY Tribute to beloved pets that crossed the “Rainbow Bridge” To Whom It May Concern: My name is Elizabeth Miko. 15 years ago, I visited your shelter looking for someone to love. I found the dog of my dreams at your facility, with a sign that read something like: "I bite and I'm bad with kids". Me too! My soulmate! (Once home and loved, he was not a biter but he was still not real keen on small children, but that's OK. Neither am I). He is and was the most beautiful creature I had ever seen. Sadly, as of last week he is now gone, but we lived, loved, laughed and played for 15 wonderful years - for that - I thank you from the bottom of my broken, empty heart. Once the grieving is over, rest assured I will be back to see you again. I KNOW another love will be waiting there for me when I'm ready. Keep up the great work! God Bless you all. Walter (Wally) Miko February ??, 1992 - April 3rd, 2007. Rest in Peace, Mommy's Angel. Thank you! Liz and Tom A. Mikey – Forever beloved FOCAS foster Teddy was adopted from the shelter in December 1991 and lived until November 2006. On the fateful day that I adopted Teddy, we journeyed to the shelter, arriving at the same time as a litter of puppies fostered by a FOCAS volunteer. They were yipping and barking in the back of her station wagon. We leaped from our car to follow the pups inside. I grabbed onto Teddy, the wildest pup in the litter. We signed the papers and stopped at Mikes Feed Farm on the way home to buy a cage and supplies. Teddy threw-up on the way home, as he did every car ride for the next several months. Teddy grew from a wild fuzz ball into a beautiful, sleek and extremely gentle dog. Never in his entire life did he snap or growl at anyone. He loved the woods, going on hikes, camping trips and car rides with his family. His favorite spot was at John’s feet; his squeaky toys never failed to amuse him. In his last year or so, Teddy started to show his age. Teddy suffered what appeared to be a stroke or seizure a few weeks before his death. Since his quality of life was no longer acceptable to him or John, he was euthanized in his family’s presence. He was buried near his family, who continued to mourn his loss. Although Teddy will always be missed, we all have wonderful memories of the best dog ever Candace C. P. Cleo - Forever Beloved Pet Companion of Susan and Gary R. - Summer 2008 Page 20 Penny - Forever Beloved Pet Companion of Amelia K. FOCAS works deligently to find rescue alternatives that will provide a “last chance” for animals at the end of their journey in the shelter. FOCAS gives thanks to committed rescurers who find it in their hearts to take in animals who are senior, physically impaired, have medical needs, are breeds difficult to place, or for thos whose time has simply run out. FOCAS gives thanks to its committed volunteers who work tirelessly 24/7 to locate quality rescurers. It takes an incredible amount of preparation to arrange the details and transport to a rescue. As you read these heart-warming comments, know the efforts to make this happen are nothing short of heroic. Visit us at: www.focasnews.org Nancy C. Carol, everything is going great. Mom is so sweet! I am calling her Chessy. She is terrified but warming up more and more, I finally got her to wag her tail! She is a great mom and loves her babies. Do you know if she lived inside? It seems like she has never been in a house before. I feel so bad for her, when you look at her you can see all the horrible stuff that she has been through and all I want to do is make her understand that she will never be hurt again!! I just want to make sure we find the best homes for these guys! Robyn Hi Carol....Amber did great with her surgery - she is currently with a family that fell in love with her and I think she found her forever home.....yeah!!!!! Thanks again for your help in saving this precious girl!!! I've attached some pictures - isn't she cute? Noreen Hi Carol, Noreen asked me to write to you about Lolly’s happy ending for your newsletter. I saw Lolly on Petfinder and thought she was the sweetest, tiniest little thing and ended up adopting her along with all her mamory tumors and gum disease. She is now living happily ever after in Vernon, NJ, healthy and happy, with her “furblings” Annie, Snickers, Pookie, and Lacey (all seniors) and Oliver our 4 lb. 1 ½ year old baby. Lolly is doing very well now and sleeps with me every night and has a nice backyard with a little “doggie pool” and the company of my 2 girls, Jenny and Lindsay and my mother who loves to spoil them all. Seniors make great pets!!! Linda R. Summer 2008 Page 21 RESCUES Well, my big boy Bubba was with me from Jan of 2005; hope had dwindled. I did forget about God though; He had other plans. Barb and Jeff, our all time adoption couple who had two of our girls made a date to meet Bubba. We went up there and left him for a trial visit. Looks like a perfect fit to me. I must never lose hope. Thanks to a wonderful and special family for making Bubba and my dreams come true. Visit us at: www.focasnews.org Found an Injured or Orphaned Animal? Invaluable advice offered by the Humane Society of the United States… PET POINTERS Many wild animals are born during the spring and summer months. In your own backyard, you may come across baby birds, rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, deer, and other young wildlife as they make their way into the world. For many people, the pleasure of seeing these young creatures is mixed with a sense of protectiveness—of wanting to help them survive. But spotting a baby animal by himself doesn’t necessarily mean he’s an orphan. Many wildlife parents leave their young alone during the day, sometimes for long periods. The mother is usually nearby and quite conscious of her young. Also, keep in mind that despite their small size, many young animals are actually independent enough to fend for themselves. How To Tell if an Animal Needs Your Help or Should be Left Alone Here are some general signs to look for: • a wild animal presented to you by a cat or dog • bleeding • an apparent or obvious broken limb • a featherless or nearly featherless bird (nestling) on the ground • shivering • evidence of a dead parent nearby Is the Animal Really an Orphan? Many young animals may appear to be orphaned, but actually may be doing just fine on their own. Determining whether or not an animal is an orphan depends on the animal’s age and species, and how you may perceive their natural behaviors. Here’s more information on the young of species you may encounter, to help you decide whether or not they need to be rescued. Baby Deer People often mistakenly assume that a baby deer, called a fawn, is orphaned if found alone. Rest assured that the mother deer, the doe, is probably nearby. The doe will only visit and nurse her fawn a few times a day to avoid attracting predators. Unless you know the mother is dead, leave the fawn alone. Mother deer are wary of human smells; if you have already handled the fawn, take a towel, rub it in the grass, and then wipe down the fawn to remove all human scent. Then return the fawn to the place where you found him. If the fawn is lying on his side, or wandering and crying incessantly, he may be orphaned. If this is the case, call a wildlife rehabilitator in your area. (see Finding Help below). But remember: a fawn found alone and quiet is okay. Baby Birds It’s a myth that birds abandon their young if a person touches them. Unlike other animals, birds are not sensitive to the human scent. If baby birds have fallen from their nest, you can put them back if safe to do so. If the original nest was destroyed or is too high to reach, hang a small basket close to where the original nest was. Woven stick baskets work well for this purpose— they resemble natural nests and allow rain to pass through so the birds won’t drown. If you don’t already have one around the house, baskets can be inexpensively purchased at garden or craft supply stores. Make sure the basket isn’t too deep, since adult birds won’t jump into anything they can’t see out of. Move away from the area, but keep watch for an hour to make sure the parent birds return to the new nest to feed their chicks. If they don’t return, contact a local resource in your area. (see Finding Help below) Birds that are fully feathered on their bodies but with short tail feathers may be fledglings (adolescent birds). You may see them hopping about on the ground, but unable to fly. This is normal: birds learn to fly from the ground up! Often the young leave the nest several days before they are able to fly. The fledglings may remain on the ground for a few days, supervised and fed by their parents before they get the hang of flying. Keep a lookout for parent birds, who will feed their fledglings a few times per hour. Be sure to keep pets away from the area—dogs should be leashed and cats kept indoors. If there are stray pets in the area, put the fledglings in a small basket and hang it securely from a nearby tree limb. Hopefully, this will keep the birds off the ground for the few extra days they need before they can fly. However, if the birds appears injured, alone, or in imminent danger, contact a wildlife rehabilitator near you. (see Finding Help below) Baby Foxes Often fox kits will appear unsupervised for long periods of time while their parents are out hunting for food. Observe the kits from a distance; if they seem energetic and healthy, just leave them alone. Only contact a wildlife rehabilitator if the kits appear sickly or weak, or if you have reason to believe both parents are dead. Baby Opossums Baby opossums are born as embryos, barely larger than a bee. They crawl up to their mother’s pouch where they spend about two months attached to one of her nipples. When baby opossums get to be about 3-4 inches long, they ride around on their mother’s back—and if they fall off, she may not notice the babies are missing. As a general rule, if the opossum is less than 7 inches long (not including the tail), he is an orphan. Over 7 inches long, he’s old enough to be on his own. Baby Rabbits If you find a nest of baby rabbits and the nest is intact and the babies uninjured, leave them alone. Mother rabbits only visit their young 2-3 times a day to avoid attracting predators. If the rabbit nest has been disturbed, or if you think the babies are orphaned, recover the nest with surrounding natural materials such as grass and leaves. Put an “X” of sticks or yarn over the nest to assess if the mother is returning to nurse her young. Summer 2008 Page 22 If the “X” is moved but the nest is still covered by the next day, the mother has returned to nurse the babies. If the “X” remains undisturbed for 24 hours, contact a wildlife rehabilitator near you. Keep all pets out of the area, as they will surely find and kill the young rabbits. Also, try not to touch the babies, as mother rabbits are very sensitive to foreign smells and may abandon their young. A rabbit who is four inches long with open eyes and erect ears is independent from his mother and able to fend for himself. Baby Skunks If you see a baby skunk running around a yard or neighborhood all alone, there’s a chance he is orphaned. You may even see a line of baby skunks, nose to tail, running around by themselves—its likely they’re become separated from their mother. Skunks have poor eyesight, so if something scares a mother skunk and she runs off, her babies can quickly lose sight of her. In these circumstances, we recommend monitoring the situation for an hour or two to see if the mother appears. You can also put on gloves and slowly place a plastic laundry basket upside down over the skunks to keep them in one spot and make it easier for the mother to find them. Be aware that skunks spray to protect themselves from quickly moving threats such as dogs—if you move slowly and speak softly, it’s unlikely that you will be sprayed. If alarmed, skunks give a warning by stamping their front feet. So, if a skunk doesn’t stamp, she’s probably not concerned, and you may proceed. If no mother appears to retrieve her young, contact a wildlife rehabilitator. (see Finding Help below) Baby Squirrels If tree work was recently done and the nest or baby fell down as a result, give the mother squirrel a chance to reclaim her young. If the baby is uninjured, leave him where he is, then leave the area and keep people and pets away. Monitor from a safe distance. If the baby is not retrieved by sundown, contact a wildlife rehabilitator. (see Finding Help below) If it’s chilly outside, or the baby isn’t fully furred, place him in a shallow box with something warm underneath (like a heating pad on a low setting or a hot water bottle) so he doesn’t get cold and compromised while waiting for his mother to return. Do not cover the squirrel with leaves or blankets, as the mother may not be able to find him. Note: A squirrel who is nearly full sized, has a full and fluffy tail and is able to run, jump, and climb is independent. Finding Help If a wild animal exhibits any of the above signs, you should immediately call one of the following local resources for assistance. You will find listings for most of these in your telephone directory, or try an online search. • Wildlife rehabilitator: Visit, on the Web, Wildlife International or the Wildlife Rehabilitators Information Directory where you can type in your location and get a list of rehabilitators near you. Your local animal control agency or state wildlife agency should also have contact information for wildlife rehabilitators in your area. • Local animal shelter or humane society • Animal control agency • State Wildlife Agency • Nature center • Exotic animals veterinarian PET POINTERS Baby Raccoons If the baby raccoon has been seen alone for more than a few hours, he’s probably been orphaned. Mother raccoons closely supervise their young and don’t let them out of their sight. You can put an upside-down laundry basket over the baby (with a weight on top) and monitor him for a few hours. If the mother does not return, contact a wildlife rehabilitator. (see Finding Help below) Visit us at: www.focasnews.org Capture and Transport Once you’ve contacted the right person, describe the animal and his physical condition as accurately as possible. Unless directed otherwise, here’s how you can make an animal more comfortable for transport or while you’re waiting for help to arrive: • Punch holes, from the inside out, into a cardboard box or other container. A paper bag may be suitable for most songbirds. • Line the box with an old T-shirt or other soft cloth. • Put on gloves. • Use a towel or pillowcase to cover the animal, then scoop him up gently and place him in the container. • Do not give the animal food or water. He could choke, develop digestive problems, or drown. Many injured animals are in shock, and eating or drinking can make it worse. • Place the container in a warm, dark, quiet place— away from pets, children, and noise—until you can transport the animal. • Transport the animal as soon as possible. While in the car, keep the carrier out of the sun and away from direct air conditioning or heat. Keep the car radio off and talking to a minimum. • Never handle an adult animal without first consulting with a wildlife professional. Even small animals can injure you. Summer 2008 Page 23 Visit us at: www.focasnews.org DINNER RESERVATION Est. in 1984 for the Protection and Preservation of Animals FOCAS TM Invites You to………. A Benefit Dinner &Tricky Tray Auction For the FOCAS Angel Fund to Benefit Homeless and Abandoned Animals in Bergen County ….. AND have a fun evening too!! Catered by Giresi’s Caterers of Lodi All You Can Eat Beefsteak Dinner: Fries-Salad-Beverage-Dessert A delicious vegetarian entrée is also offered. WHERE: AMERICAN LEGION HALL 100 LIBERTY STREET LITTLE FERRY, NJ WHEN: SATURDAY – OCTOBER 18, 2008 – 7:00PM COST: $40.00 per person -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------____ Yes! Please reserve _______ seats. Enclosed is my check for $____________. ____ Please order _________ vegetarian entrees for me. ____ Cannot attend. Enclosed is my donation of $ ________ for the Angel Fund. Please print. Name ____________________________________________________ Address __________________________________ State _______ Zip Code _______ Seating is limited. Checks must be received by October 4, 2008. Make check payable to FOCAS and mail to the address below. No tickets will be mailed; your name/s will be at the door. FOCAS, PO Box 439, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 FOCAS Help Line 201-943-4019 visit www.focasnews.org Summer 2008 Page 24 Visit us at: www.focasnews.org FOCAS 2008 Calendar of Events Flea Markets: Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. March 29 & 30 September 20 & 21 April 26 & 27 October 25 & 26 May 17 & 18 November 22 & 23 Location: American Legion, 100 Liberty Street, Little Ferry, NJ Bergen County Animal Shelter, 100 United Lane, Teterboro, NJ American Legion, 100 Liberty Street, Little Ferry, NJ We hope you will join us! Check our website prior to events for times - Special Donation Needed Urgently - 24 years of service for the protection, preservation and well being of animals in our community THANK YOU FOR YOU KINDNESS AND GENEROSITY!!! On behalf of the animals this donation will touch and all FOCAS volunteers, thanks for caring and for assisting us in helping those that are so completely dependent upon our benevolence and compassion for their well being. YES. I want to offer this special donation to help FOCAS protect and care for orphaned, abandoned, and injured animals. ❏ $45 Friend ❏ $75 Supporter ❏ $100 Sustainer ❏ $250 Sponsor ❏ $500 Benefactor ❏ $1,000 or more – Patron Name: ____________________________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________________ City: _________________________________ State: __________ Zip Code: _______________ Please clip this coupon and return it along with your donation to: FOCAS, PO Box 439, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604. Donations to FOCAS are tax-deductible as allowed by law. No volunteer of FOCAS is paid. All funds go to benefit the animals. Thank you for helping us save lives. Thank you for making a difference! Summer 2008 Page 25 UPDATES ** Location: ***Location: Annual Events Blessing ** – May 4 Cat Show ** – June 1 Dog Show ** – September 28 Mrs. Claus Pictures w/Pets *** – December 7 with holiday gift table & baked treats Visit us at: www.focasnews.org Generation SPONSORS Real Estate 4 Have you seen Me? I'm still not home yet. If you find me PLEASE call the GREAT people at FOCAS 201-943-4019; they surely will bring me home again. Thanks, Love Pebbles Thanks to FOCAS many lost or homeless cats and dogs have found loving homes again. We are glad to assist. Borgos, Hanlon & Garcia 593 Kearny Avenue, Kearny, NJ 07032 201-991-8700 Generation IV Real Estate 174 Boulevard Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 Contact: Tom & Cheryl Koziol Today for a CMA - Complimentarty Market Anallysis Phone 201-288-8020; Fax 201-288-6847 Insurance Specialists Since 1920 Auto • Home • Business • Contracting 50 Bergen Turnpike Little Ferry, New Jersey 07643 www.aselfstorage.com FOCAS is extremely grateful to A Self Storage of Little Ferry for their generous donation of storage space for our flea market items. Their generosity, kindness and support enables us to continue this vital fundraising effort on behalf of the animals. Summer 2008 Page 26 Visit us at: www.focasnews.org FOCAS Friends of the County Animal Shelter, Inc. 2/08 PO Box 439, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 A non-profit organization founded in 1984 to promote the general welfare and natural conservation, protection and preservation of all species of animals TM Volunteer Application (All volunteers must be 18 years old or older.) _______ Adoptions _______ Adoptions _______ Dog Handling _______ Cat Handling _______ Foster Care _______ Greeter _______ Rabies Clinic _______ Grooming _______ Transportation _______ Help Line _______ Fund Raising _______ Newsletter _______ Grant Writing _______ One Time Events Assist the public at the shelter in selecting a suitable pet for adoption. Assist FOCAS at off-site locations in finding suitable adopters. This includes transport of animals to and from adoption sites, set-up and adoption counseling. Exercise, socialization and basic training of dogs. (FOCAS training & certification mandatory to qualify for this program) Pet, brush and socialize cats. Participate in foster care program to provide temporary in-home care for infant animals or animals with medical or special needs. Time commitment usually is 2 – 4 weeks or less. Greet the public at the shelter, provide basic shelter information and check for proper identification. Assist in filling out rabies forms for owners bringing their pets to BCAS for inoculation. Hours: 2nd and 4th Thurs of each month; 4:00-5:30PM Provide attentive care (bathing, brushing, nail trimming) to animals. Transport animals to approved rescue and grooming facilities, as needed. (Copy of driver’s licenses required for the FOCAS file.) Return calls from your home for inquiries made to Help Line regarding FOCAS’ low-cost spay/neuter program for feral/stray cats and provide information on low cost spay/neuter programs for owned pets. Assist in fund raising such as flea market, raffles and/or auctions (set-up, selling, baking, crafts). Write articles for The Scoop. Assist in applying for grants or seeking corporate support/sponsorship for FOCAS. Assist with annual events like cat show, dog show, Mrs. Claus, Blessing of the Animals. Animals that I have a specific interest in working with are (check all that apply): JOIN FOCAS Your interest in being a FOCAS volunteer is very much appreciated. As a non-profit organization, your support and participation will help insure that FOCAS can continue its ongoing commitment to the well-being of animals. Please indicate which activity/activities would make the best use of your interest, time, and talent. When complete, return this application to the above address. A response may not be immediate. All volunteers are required to participate in one fund raising & one event activity annually. Thank you. ______ dogs ______ cats ______ rabbits ______ guinea pigs ______ rats/hamsters/mice ______ birds _____ reptiles ______ Yes ______ No My employer participates in matching funds programs for non-profit charitable organizations. ______ I understand that along with my application for volunteer membership in FOCAS, I will submit a $25 membership fee annually to FOCAS. This nominal fee helps offset the costs of a t-shirt, volunteer mailings, and ongoing educational opportunities and materials. I also understand that upon acceptance of my application, I must attend a new volunteer orientation session and receive an official name badge, before becoming actively involved in any volunteer activities. Summer 2008 Page 27 Visit us at: www.focasnews.org Please answer the following (please PRINT): 1. Do you have a valid New Jersey driver’s license? Yes _____ No _____ 2. In case of an emergency, please specify a person whom we should contact. Name: _______________________________________ Address: Relationship _____________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (day) _________________________________ (evening) _______________________________________ 3. Do you have allergic reactions to specific animals? Yes ______ No _______ If yes, please describe: __________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Do you have a medical condition we should be aware of ? Yes _____ No _____ If Yes, please specify: ________ JOIN FOCAS __________________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. Please list any organizations that you are or have been actively involved in. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please read the following statements. They constitute the conditions under which you would be volunteering with FOCAS. 1. It is recommended that FOCAS volunteers handling animals receive a series of pre-exposure rabies vaccinations to protect them in case of being bitten by a rabid animal. The volunteer must make their own arrangements through their physician. If a volunteer does not wish to receive rabies vaccinations, the volunteer must sign a waiver, releasing FOCAS and/or any animal shelter or refuge where his/her services for FOCAS are given, from any responsibility and agrees to assume all of his/her medical costs, if a rabies incident occurs. Before this application can be accepted, FOCAS must have a waiver or proof of vaccination for rabies. 2. I certify that all information provided on this application is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. Any misrepresentation or omissions of facts called for in the application may result in a denial of a volunteer opportunity or dismissal from FOCAS. 3. I understand that if I am selected, I am a volunteer for and devoting my time to FOCAS on a voluntary basis primarily for my own benefit, and providing volunteer services at BCAS or any shelter is a privilege given to me solely through FOCAS membership; it is not an independent volunteer activity. I am serving with no contemplation of compensation for my services. 4. I agree to abide by all rules and regulations of FOCAS and, if my volunteer activities are performed at a shelter or animal refuge, I agree to abide by all rules and regulations that shelter or refuge may adopt from time to time. I give FOCAS my permission to investigate all pertinent information and references concerning my volunteer application. And, I release FOCAS and/or any shelter or refuge where my services for FOCAS are given from all liability for any damage, both legal and otherwise, for issuing this information. 5. I hereby release FOCAS, BCAS, any shelter or refuge where my services for FOCAS are given from all losses, damages and claims of any kind arising out of my own negligence or misconduct. Signature of Volunteer Applicant:________________________________________ Applicant Information: Name:__________________________________________ Date: ________________________ email Address: ___________________________________ Address:___________________________________________________________________________________________ ( Street) (City) (State) (Zip) Tel. (Home)________________________ Tel. (Work)______________________ Tel (Cell)______________________ Name of Employer: __________________________________________________________________________________ Employer’s Address: _________________________________________________________________________________ Summer 2008 Page 28 Visit us at: www.focasnews.org NEXT SESSION BEGINS : ________________ TM FOCAS DOG OBEDIENCE TRAINING You weren’t born with good manners and neither was your dog! But, you learned how to behave and so can your pet. We are here to help with behavior modification and obedience training classes for dogs at reasonable rates (see reverse side for registration requirements). Dogs should be four months of age or older, but even 10 year olds can learn! ENROLL NOW AND LEARN HOW TO MAKE YOUR DOG YOUR BEST BEHAVED FRIEND PRE-REGISTRATION is required due to the limited class size. To ensure a place in the session, complete and return the registration form on the reverse side along with a $50.00 deposit to: FOCAS Dog Obedience Training, PO Box 439 Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604-0439. Make sure to complete all information. Please print clearly and sign as requested. You will receive a confirmation email or telephone call. All applications will be reviewed before the start of the session. If your dog has any special medical or behavioral issues (such as dog aggression) that may interfere with you and your dog getting the most out of class, you may be asked to take private training before coming to our group class. THE REMAINDER OF THE FEE IS TO BE PAID AT THE FIRST CLASS MEETING. (NO EXCEPTIONS!) ALL FEES (INCLUDING DEPOSIT) ARE NON-REFUNDABLE FEE SCHEDULE All sessions consist of a series of 7 classes held once a week on Tuesday nights for one hour. The first lesson is an informative lecture held with NO dogs present. We will discuss canine behavior, training and behavior modification techniques, training equipment and much more! Basic Obedience and behavior modification ……..…………………………………………… $100.00 Basic Obedience and behavior modification for dogs adopted from BCAS …………..……… $85.00 Refresher course - follow-up training after graduation from our course……………………… $55.00 IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Dated proof of current DHLP-P, Rabies and Bordatella vaccines must be submitted before the start of training. Mail verification along with your deposit, or bring to registration. For the safety of all pets participating, there can be NO exceptions. FOCAS Dog Obedience Training is held at the Reformed Church of Oradell, 641 Church St., Oradell, N.J. 2/08 Summer 2008 Page 29 APPLICATION The family member who is with the dog the most, or the person having the most difficulty with the dog should take the dog through class. Other adult family members that are 16 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER (proof is required) are welcome to observe to learn the same training techniques. (Sorry, no one under age 16 is permitted to observe while classes are in session.) Visit us at: www.focasnews.org REGISTRATION FORM: FOCAS DOG OBEDIENCE TRAINING Date______________Name______________________________Address____________________________________ Town_________________________State_____Zip_________Email address________________________________ Phone (H)__________________________(W)___________________________(C) ___________________________ [ Please √ the phone # where you are most easily reached or with an answering machine. ] Predominant Breed_______________________________________________________Age_____________________ APPLICATION Sex? F____ M ____ Spayed/Neutered? Yes_______ No______ Pet’s Name_______________________________ Adopted from the Bergen County Animal Shelter Yes ______ No_______ Date __________________________ Class time: 8 p.m. – 9 p.m. How did you learn about FOCAS training? _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ The information provided about the above pet is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and correct. Signature of Owner/Custodian/Student Trainer: _____________________________________________________ For dates of up coming training sessions, visit the FOCAS website at www.focasnews.org. For additional information or call the FOCAS Help Line at 201-943-4019 or send an email to [email protected]. The success of this training program depends mostly on YOU and your commitment to training your dog and modifying his/her behavior. You will be learning how to teach your dog to be on his/her best behavior. This involves spending 10 to 15 minutes (2 to 3 times a day) guiding your pet through each level of training as it progresses each week. REMEMBER…patience and positive attitudes are very important. Dogs learn through repetition and positive re-enforcement. You will find the time and patience you invest in your pet’s training will be well worth the effort. The skills you learn during this training program should be used throughout your dog’s life. Conditioned behavior can be forgotten. Use and practice are the two key elements in keeping your pet on his/her best behavior. K9 Personality Profile Please write next to each behavior the number 0 to 10, indicating how you would rate each behavior issue ( 0 = no problem; 10 = a severe problem ). Not Housebroken _____ Destructive/chews _____ Mouthy _____ Excessive barking _____ Steals _____ Jumps _____ Pulls on leash _____ Separation anxiety _____ Fearful _____ Rowdiness _____ Aggression – Your dog growled, snapped, showed teeth, threatened, tried to bite or has bitten: Strangers _____ Family members _____ Children _____ Dogs _____ Small animals _____ Guards/over protects - Your dog growled, snapped, showed teeth or has bitten in relation to any of these: Food _____ Bones _____ Toys _____ House _____ Yard _____ A person _____ Other _____ Other problems: _________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Summer 2008 Page 30 Visit us at: www.focasnews.org Memorials – Pets Abby, from Elizabeth Cohen Alf, from Sylvia J. Gopzynski Amber, from Sheryl Lowenhar Andy, from Thomas’ R. Petrie, Jr. Ashley, from James Garvey Baby, from Susan Batchelder Baby Girl, from Lorraine Lenge Bailey, from Lynne Petronella Bailey, from Mike Roemer & Cathy Schmidt Barkley, from Dr. & Mrs. Vito LaFerrera Barnaby, from Michele M. Schwartz Bella, from Maryann Calcagno Piazza Belle, from Elizabeth A. Bellamy Bellamy, from Catherine Della Fave Ben, from Judith Stephans Benny, from Theodora Gino Bentley, from Linda LaFerrera Berringer, from Beverly E. Wender Billy, from Sylvia Gordon Blackie (FOCAS rescue), from Natalia Mouzytchenko Blacky, from Natalia Mouzytchenko Blade, from Debrah LaCorte & Kelsi Bootsie, from Sigrid Frawley Brownie, from Linda LaFerrera Buddy, from Roberta K. Apolant & David Duerr Camie, from Lnda Schoeppler Casey, from Judith Stephans Cato, from Dr. Carol Carberry Cecelia (FOCAS rescue), from Natalia Mouzytchenko Champ, from Terri Ferraro Chauncey, from Mr. & Mrs. J.J. Hiel Cleo, from Gary Rosenblum & Susan PetzeRosenblum Coco, from Carol Kaminski Coco Puff (Toto), from Carol & Ira Haines Cocoa, from Mr. & Mrs. Robert C. Buchert Daisy, from Lorraine Taylor-Schull Daisy (FOCAS rescue), from Natalia Mouzytchenko Dan, from Christine & Karen Moylan Daphne, from Anita Muller Dewey, from Mr. & Mrs. John Hamilton Fluffly, from Anita Muller Foxy & Sonny (bunnies), from Susan DiFazio Foo, from MaryannKirchenbauer Fraidy Cat, from Sondra Teichman Francis, from Cheryl Vee Ginger, from Bernice W. Reid Ginger, from Lorraine Lenge Harold, from Sigrid Frawley Henry, from Barbara A. Bolger Jake, from Lillian Procalo Judy & Tommy, from Renee & Joe Rao Keek, from Mike & Chris Haus Kelly, from Joan Johnson Kelsey, from Joan & Edward Slavinsky Kerry, from Kathleen Mallon King, from EmilyWaskowski Kodi, from Ellen Terpening Kris, from Donald G. Madden Lucky, from Eleanor Murf Lu-Lu, from Sari Goldstein Maja, from Elizabeth A. Bellamy Maggie, from Ann Marie Posada Maggie, from Olga R. Mosciaro Marty, from Edward & Joan Slavnisky Max, from Dawn Glazer, Janet Ottens & Stephanie Sivalls Max, from Dr. Carol Carberry Max, from Shawn & Kim McKelvey Max, from Larry Vernieri Mickey, from Elizabeth Cohen Mikey (FOCAS rescue), from Carol M. Burrows Mikey (FOCAS rescue), from Lorraine Lenge Molly, from Barbara A. Daggett Mocher, from Jeanne Mulligan Motlie, from Ellen Ruth Dec Mr. MacGregor, from Marie Orr Rimasse Muffy, from Gloria Jackson My Three Dogs, from Bonnie Goldstein Niki, from Ronald Ciccone Norman, from Sonia Bissell Oliver, from Donna L.Eslinger Patches, from Carol Stamm Patches, from Carol, Choo-Choo & Shadow Stamm Patches, from Helen, Percy, Pookie and Prissy Barden Peeble, from Noreen Hauck Peebles, from Lnda Schoeppler Penny, from Joan, Jo and Phyl Percy, from Carol Stamm Percy, from Mike & Chris Haus Percy, from Natalia Mouzytchenko Peter (FOCAS rescue), from Natalia Mouzytchenko Phoebe, from Kathleen Ann Jones Piper, from Charlotte Panny PJ, from Maryann Kirchenbauer Remy, Rory, & Baby, from Sergio & Ursula Facchini Riggi, from Joseph & Jane Concato Samantha, from Charles & Mary Elizabeth Steward Samantha, from Magda Patrescinu Samantha Joy, from Ken & Phyllis Johnson Sanders, from Mike & Chris Haus Sara Jane, from Marie Orr Rimasse Savanah, frm Harold & Jeany Smith Schuyler Cat, from Cynthia Hamilton Summer 2008 Page 31 Sheba, from Shawn & Kim McKelvey Smokey (FOCAS rescue), from Natalia Mouzytchenko Solly, from Elizabeth Cohen Sophie, from Renee Dossick Susie, from JudyStark Sylvester,from Eva M. Burns Sylvester (FOCAS rescue), from Natalia Mouzytchenko Taggart, from Moira Austin Tatoo, from Glenna Aimee Boroson Teddy, from Candace C. Paska Teddy, from Mr. & Mrs. Frank Costano Tiger, from Bernice C. Cleveland Tobby, from Sigrid Frawley Topanga, from Lauren Arndt In Celebration and Honor of People and Pets Atticus, from Dr. Carol Carberry Bonnie & Hogan, from Linda Jones Bonnie & Hogan, from Susan & Gary Rosenblum Boomer & Scooter, from Deborah Dobbs Brandy, from Joan Fallon Carol Stamm, from Diane Dougherty Carol Stamm, from Claudia J. Cisternino Carol Stamm, from Mari Garcia Carol Stamm, from Tony Blazina Caterina, from Alejandra Kunert Dana Jean Jakob, from Elizabeth Cohen Dolores Socha, from Dr. Carol Carberry Dr. Carol Carberry, from Dolores Socha Eric and Carol Chandler, from Allan & Kendra Daniel Franklin (bunny), from Donnna Peszko Gail Christensen, from Leslie Brunell & Joseph Corrado Helen Barden, from Laurie Robinson Helen Barden, from Nancy Stiles Helen Barden, from Susan Jones Jennifer Skrapits, from Joyce Molinari Joan Lehner, from Allan & Kendra Daniel Judi Jensen, from Barbara Fisher Kendra Daniel, from Sandra J. Whitson Kitty, from Deborah Dobbs Lisa Kundriat, from Susan Jones Lisa Kundriat, from Kristine Safatinos Magda Patrascanu, from Kathleen Treni Mary Ann Held, from RJ & Ruth Reardon Miss Aliyah, the Mosciaro family Misty, from Tom & Nancy Tyrrell Olga Mosciaro, from Tim Taylor Rev. Michael & Mrs. Linda Carrier, from Irma DeMaio Rocky, from Shawn Zall Roe Parascand, from Sharon Manzo Ronnie & Tom Knauss, from Joann Naples Samara, from Phyllis Saleh Steve Royka, from Iris Lance Susan & Gary Rosenblum, from Deborah & Robert Reehorst Susan Petze-Rosenblum, from Claudia J. Cisternino Twinkies, from Sherry Atkinson Willie, Mike & Chris Haus ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Memorials - People Adele Honig, from Sigrid Frawley Agnes Kidd, from Mike & Sheila Massoni Aileen de Torres, from Manuel de Torres Alice A. Baum, From Rick & Kathy McGrath Andrew J. Szucs, from Maryann Szucs Andrew J. Szucs, from Mobilization for Animal Rights Art Spinelli, from Brian & Lisa Jacoby Barbara Jo Kattenhorn Arnold, from Keith T. Krysz Charles G. Lutz, from Susan Formilan Claire Warchalowosky, from Joyce Newman Dorothy A. Cromarty, from Rose Fore & Family Elizabeth Kimmich, from June Roetti Frank Slagmolen, from the FOCAS Flea Market Team Frederick D. Hall, from Carol Ring Frederick D. Hall, from Gloria Kulow Frederick D. Hall, from the Bergenfield Employees Assoc. Frederick D. Hall, from Mr. & Mrs W. DeLouise Frederick D. Hall, from Prospect Fire Company No. 1 Gina Brancadoro, from Olga R. Mosciaro Gina Brancadoro, from Jorge & Ann Marie Posada Heinz Ohngemach, from the Fedro & Urami Families Helen S. Bacha, from Ellen Szilagyi Helen S. Bacha, from Richard & Bonnie Vargo Helen S. Bacha, from Rob Tucker Helen Perna, from Cheryl Cereso Henriette Bertelsen, from Elizabeth A. Bellamy Henry Prahm, from Mr. & Mrs. Stewart Kidney James Barrett, from Joseph & Lorraine Lenge Jeanne McCort, from Mary Vicari Jerry Lee, from Steven & Eileen Janowsky Joe Babernitsh, from Jean & Bob Golden Julia Boturla, Mrs. I.V. Carley Julia Holman, from Ellen Szilagyi Marie Lodato, from Ruth Campo Marie L. Moore, from Steven Moore Marie L. Moore, from Susan M. Moore Marie Szwarc, from Pat & Elizabeth Tartarone Mary Lenge, from the Lenge Family Matthew J. Moore, from Susan M. Moore Melinda Dorangrichia, from Olga R. Mosciaro Monica Monroe, from Beth Canning Mrs. Morton, from Jill Krapels Muzzi Mirza, from Dr. Carol Carberry Norma Vandermast, from Dorothy Zivitsky Nicholas Sanzero, from Olga R. Mosciaro Rita Marten, from Jill Krapels Ruth Erickson, from Richard & Karen Erickson Olga Costanzo, from Elizabeth Beyer Rose Spina, from the FOCAS Flea Market Team Terri Meyer, from Sara Barteluce Thomas McNiff, from Joseph & Elissa Koch Tom Novembre, from Cindy & Vinny Vicari In Thanks FOCAS Angel Fund , from Cathy Schmidt FOCAS Feral/Stray Cat Spay/Neuter Program, from Elfie Schnellbacher FOCAS, from Gerard Feulner FOCAS, from Gina Lupo for training of Rexy Rex FOCAS Feral/Stray Cat Spay/Neuter Program , from Helen Geurra FOCAS Angel Fund, from Mary Kris Biggins FOCAS Feral/Stray Cat Spay/Neuter Program, from Mr. & Mrs. Riportella FOCAS Angel Fund, Olga R. Mosciaro FOCAS, from Rosemary Bryan FOCAS, from Sue Hoffman for Kingsley FOCAS Feral/Stray Cat Spay/Neuter Program, from Toni Borowski FOCAS, from Vicky Castronovo for Reggie, Hutsol and Bing By request….FOCAS now offers Opt to Adopt highquality magnetic vinyl paw prints. 5¾ inches; 25 mil thickness. $7 donation per magnet (includes postage and packaging). Make a statement for homeless animals in our community!!! Purchase a magnet to show you care about them. Visit us at: www.focasnews.org Name: ____________________________________________________ Please Print Address: Street:______________________________________________________________________________ City: ______________________________________________ St: _______ Zip:___________________ Phone: ____________________________________ Email: ____________________________________ I would like to order ________________ number of FOCAS Opt to Adopt magnets. Enclosed is my check for $ _____________________ made payable to FOCAS. Mail your order to: FOCAS, PO Box 439, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604-0439 Limited quantities. Orders will be filled as they arrive. THANK YOU. FOCAS, Inc. Friends of the County Animal Shelter, Inc. P.O. Box 439, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604-0439 ™ THANK YOU FOR HELPING US HELP THE ANIMALS... Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID So. Hackensack NJ 07606 Permit No. 657