Mews and News - Hearthside Cats

Hearthside Cats, Inc.
‘Mews and News’
Fall 2010
P.O. Box 282, Geneseo, NY 14454
585-243-0873
A Little Love and a Lot of Patience
You can never tell what a cat will do. Mirabella is a primary example. A beautiful calico, she came to Hearthside after becoming homeless and refused to be
touched for several months. One day a wonderful woman came to Hearthside
to adopt two cats to be her companions...and she also wanted to a give a difficult-to-place cat a forever home...and she chose Mirabella. Getting Mirabella
into a carrier was no easy task, and she feared being touched. But after that
her life changed for the better...after two months in her new home with lots of
patience and coaxing from her new person, Mirabella now comes forward to
be petted and plays with her feline companions. It just goes to show that a different environment with more personal attention can work wonders, as evidenced by Mirabella. Hearthside has other difficult-to-place cats who would do
well in a situation where an adopter can devote the time and effort to bring
them out. Give us a call at 243-0873 if you feel you're up to the challenge and
want to make a difference in a cat’s life.
Bennie
A Fresh Start
for Bennie and The Jet
Benny and The Jet’s people moved
out of their trailer and left the two kitties locked inside. After three weeks,
a concerned neighbor called the
sheriff, who contacted Hearthside.
Although it took several days of effort
and help from the trailer park management, we were able to get the
cats out of a certain death trap. Both
were very thin but otherwise healthy.
Even after their ordeal, Bennie and
The Jet were affectionate and trusting with their foster caregiver, and
we’re happy to report that they both
have found their forever homes.
Walkers Help
Homeless Cats
Our Walk for Cats on May 2nd raised
$2,450 for Hearthside, surpassing
last year by nearly $600! Walkers
and volunteers of all ages gathered
on this summery Sunday in Geneseo’s
Highland Park to walk a mile for cats.
Congrats again to Lynda Standish for
being the top pledge collector.
Thanks to all of you who supported
the walkers, volunteers, and students
from SUNY Geneseo Alpha Phi
Omega service fraternity...all who
helped make this event a rousing
success. See you at next year’s
Walk for Cats!
Thanks Again to Local Merchants
Over the summer local merchants allowed Hearthside to place canisters on
their counters. Customers donated spare change to support the cats to the
tune of $278! Our thanks to Lakeville Liquor, Livonia Wine & Spirits, Lima
Pharmacy, Tom Wahl’s Avon, All Seasons Wine & Liquor, Park Inn Liquor,
Clockworks Wine & Liquor, Milex Drug, B&B Liquor, Valley Liquor, Good Spirits
Wine & Liquor, and York Main Street Deli.
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The Jet
A Little Rain Didn’t
Stop the Shoppers!
Adoption Corner!
These adorable kitties are looking for a new
home! Like all of our adoptable cats, they
have tested negative for Feleuk/FIV, are
neutered or spayed (if old enough), and are
current on vaccinations and vet care.
Sparky II lost his family at five weeks and
didn’t learn proper socializing. Although playful and affectionate, Sparky II likes to roughhouse. Almost a year old now, he is learning
to be gentle and is mellowing out.
It wouldn’t be a traditional June
Hearthside Yard Sale without rain.
But in spite of it we raised $2,043
during this annual event, an increase
of $300 over 2009. We thank all of
you who donated gently-used items
as well as the many shoppers who
bought these treasures. Kudos to
the following hard-working volunteers: Pat Alise, Helene Brado,
Nancy Corbett, Bonnie Costanza,
Carianne Coyne, Paula Dennison,
Karen and Paul Duffy, Kay Farkas,
Sue Gavin, Bob and Kate Kreger,
Victoria Raschi, Lanna Ruddy, Laura
and Tom Thornton, and Naida Wilkins.
We also thank Shanks Enterprises
for assisting with trash disposal.
Sparky ll
One-year-old Mickey is quite shy due to an
infection that cost him an eye. Now fully
recovered, he is a bit timid but likes to be
with other cats.
Five-year-old Winnie hides when adopters
come around, but she is very affectionate
with her foster caregiver and would do well
in a quiet home.
Keep Kitty Safe
During the Holidays
Winnie
Please consider opening your
heart and home to one of these
cats, or any of the others in foster
care.
Visit www.Hearth sideCats.org
for more stories and photos.
Mickey
Halloween is coming soon, as is the
annual holiday season. Hearthside
suggests you take steps to ensure
your pet’s safety during this hectic
time. On Halloween, it’s best to put
kitty in a quiet room to minimize the
stress of noisy trick-or-treaters and
the potential for escape. Set her up
Continued on page 3
Having a
“Kompanion”
Does a Heart Good
Having a feline companion can make
anyone’s days a lot brighter, especially for an older person. Hearthside
has a program called “Kitty Kompanions” that matches mature cats with
mature people who would enjoy having a kitty, without some of the worries and expense that go with pet
ownership. Through this program,
Hearthside arranges to place a suit-
able cat with an older person, waives
the adoption fee, and provides basic
pet supplies. We may also offer to
help with veterinary expenses, if this
is a barrier to someone who would
benefit from having a companion cat.
A Hearthside volunteer is available to
answer questions going forward. And
in the event the adopter can no
longer care for the cat, Hearthside
will take the kitty back, regardless of
the circumstances. Do you know
someone who would benefit from
having a companion cat? If so consider Kitty Kompanions....just call
243-0873 for info.
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Sweet Mona is nine years old and
would make a wonderful Kitty
Kompanion.
Continued from page 2
with comfy cushions, toys, litter box,
water, and a snack until treat or treat
is done. During the holidays with all
the rich foods, decorations, and people coming and going, also be mindful of hazards that can harm your cat
including:
- Poultry bones – can get stuck
or splinter in the throat or stomach
- Chocolate – toxic to cats
- Holiday plants such as holly,
mistletoe, Easter lilies and philodendron (also toxic to cats), and poinsettia (an intestinal irritant)
- Glass ornaments with hooks,
evergreen tree needles, and tree
stand water (especially if it has been
treated with aspirin as a preservative)
- Tinsel, ribbon and string – can
perforate a cat’s intestine
- Dangling wires and lights –
especially if they blink or bubble
- Tablecloths – an ultimate climbing temptation!
Take time this year to consider your
pet’s well being to make the holidays
a happier time for everyone.
Planning Ahead Gives
You Peace of Mind
Have you thought about who will
care for your pet(s) if you suddenly
require long hospitalization or stay in
an extended care facility? Very few
of us make accommodations for our
pets in our health care plans…not
because we don’t care, but because
we simply don’t think about it. It’s
better to make a plan and never use
it, than leaving your pet to fate if you
temporarily or permanently cannot
care for her.
To avoid last-minute or heartbreaking decisions, we suggest you
identify a nearby, trustworthy person
who likes animals and is willing to
care for your pet if you cannot. Don’t
assume that a family member or
friend will take on this responsibility
…make sure you get a commitment
from a reliable source ahead of time.
And it’s wise to have a back-up person, if your first choice is not available.
Continued on page 4
Nina is a pretty but skittish Special Needs
cat that hides from humans, but likes her
feline companions in foster care.
Sponsoring a Cat…
a Unique Holiday Gift
Have you ever thought of giving a
cat to a family member or friend?
2009
Financial Report
Here is a summary of Hearthside’s
financial results and adoption activity
in 2009.
2009 Income: $34,935
95% of Hearthside’s income came
from direct public support in the form
of contributions and fundraising
events. Hearthside does not receive
any government or agency funding.
2009 Expenses: $47,978
88% of Hearthside’s expenses went
directly to cat care – veterinary bills,
food, and pet supplies. The remaining 12% was for advertising, printing,
postage, telephone, office supplies,
and fundraising. Because expenses
exceeded income in 2009 (due mostly to large vet bills), we had to tap
into our investment funds for cash.
So far in 2010, our expenses are
down and revenues are up compared to last year.
In 2009 Hearthside accepted 75 cats
and placed 64 in new homes. Since
1991, we have helped nearly 1,700
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Sometimes a real kitty is not a practical gift, but here’s a different twist…
sponsor a Hearthside cat and “give”
a cat in someone’s name. Our
Special Needs Program makes it
possible by supporting cats that are
never likely to be adopted, due to
chronic medical or behavioral issues.
These special animals become lifelong residents of Hearthside, living
with their loving foster caregivers forever. There is no minimum sponsorship level or ongoing obligation. For
a donation in any amount, you (or
the person in whose name you give)
receive a framed photo and biography of “your” cat. For gifts of $80 or
more, we include address labels
imprinted with the kitty’s picture.
This might be the perfect gift for
someone special. Visit www.Hearth
sideCats.org and click on “sponsor a
cat” to see the kitties who need your
help!
cats and kittens. As we approach our
twentieth year in operation, the volunteers at Hearthside Cats are truly
grateful to all of you who support us
through your gifts of time, money,
supplies, and acts of kindness.
Together, we are making a difference, one cat at a time.
2009 Income
Investment
Income 5%
Fundraising &
Events 12%
Contributions
83%
2009 Expenses
Advertising,
Printing, Fundraising 7%
Postage 5%
Food, Supplies,
Cleaning 25%
Veterinary
Care 63%
Health Corner
The Importance of
Spaying and Neutering
Excerpts from
www.drsfostersmith.com
We all know about the problem of pet
overpopulation. The best way to minimize it is through spaying and neutering our pets. If you adopted a kitten or cat that has not been spayed
or neutered, talk to your veterinarian
about getting it done. In addition to
addressing pet overpopulation, spaying and neutering are important for
the health and well being of the animals. So, although you may spay
your cat in an effort to help control a
national problem, in doing so you
increase your kitty’s chances of living
a long and healthy life.
There is the myth that spaying
and neutering cats make them fat
and lazy. Spaying and neutering
does change the metabolism of companion animals, so in most cases,
they do not need as much food to
maintain their weight as unspayed/
unneutered animals. Activity is also
important for weight control, and if
we do not give our pets opportunities
for play and exercise, they can
become couch potatoes just like
some people (and bored too). So it’s
lifestyle – not spaying and neutering
– that usually leads to obesity and
related problems.
Spaying/neutering has been
shown to be safe even for young
cats. It’s true that younger animals
Continued from page 3
Since your pet will be stressed
by your absence, it’s essential to
keep her routine as stable as possible. So once you have identified a
caregiver, write down important information and review it together…your
pet’s health issues, dietary needs
and preferences, vet’s name and
phone number, and special routines.
You might also consider making
financial arrangements that will
cover your pet’s care during this
time. Taking these simple steps now
will give you peace of mind, and
your pet will be happier too.
may need different anesthetics and
are more prone to hypothermia
(lower than normal body temperature) during surgery. But as long as
procedures are modified to account
for these differences, early neutering
is very safe. In fact, animals neutered
at a younger age often have faster
recoveries than older cats.
It is also recommended that cats
be spayed before they have a heat
because:
• Any heat brings with it a chance
your cat could become pregnant.
This can adversely affect the health
of a young cat.
• A heat also brings with it the
chance for accidents and attacks.
Cats in heat try to leave their houses
to find mates and may be injured by
other animals or hit by cars during
their search.
• Owners of females in heat also frequently have to deal with a sudden
influx of male cats around the home.
These amorous visitors leave numerous droppings, and spray plants and
trees with urine in an attempt to mark
their new found territory....and they
can keep you up with their howling!
A further reason for spaying is
that these cats have a 40 - 60%
lower risk of developing mammary
cancer than those who have not
been spayed.
So make sure your cat is protected...spay and neuter as soon as it’s
appropriate and encourage others to
do the same for their companion
pets.
See You at the Fall Craft Shows
Hearthside will have a booth at three upcoming fall events. Our handcrafted cat crafts – beautifully made by an industrious volunteer – make
wonderful holiday and everyday gifts! We also welcome your help if you
can spare a couple hours at the booth.
Naples Grape Festival
Sept. 25 & 26
Letchworth Arts Show
Oct. 9 – 11
Red Cross Holiday Show
Nov. 27, Geneseo
Three Good Reasons to
Name Hearthside
in Your Will
Creating a will is a very important
and personal endeavor. In a will we
identify loved ones and other individuals who will benefit from our estate,
as well as non-profit groups that are
meaningful to us. Here are the top
three reasons people name a nonprofit organization in their will:
• They believe in the mission.
• They’ve seen the mission at work
firsthand.
• They know the organization will
use their gift wisely.
And these are great reasons to consider naming Hearthside Cats in
your will. If you believe in our mission and have seen it in action, just
think of the impact you can have on
lives of homeless cats by including
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us in your will. Please consult with
your attorney or accountant before
making any decisions regarding your
estate, to find an approach that best
meet your wishes and financial
needs.
Keep Sending Those
“Paw Points”!
Some of you diligently save Paw
Points® codes from Fresh Step pet
products, which we redeem for free
cat litter. Look for specially-marked
packages of Fresh Step litter, and
please be sure to send us the printed Paw Points code. This is unique
to each package and contains letters
and numbers...please do not send
the proof-of-purchase label, as it
does not contain the special code.
Look for the imprinted code on the
inside of the box or bag, or inserted
in the pail. Thank you!
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Sandra Mattice – in honor of Patchie & Kelly
Karen Pitti
Madelyn Harmon
Larol L. George-Williams – in memory of Brutus,
Sam, Peppercorn & Mai-Mai
Debbie Sharp
Judy Bryant – in memory of Chien, Ming, Sydney,
McGuyver & KC
Eleanor Clifford
Carolyn Scott
Marlene Hurley
Robert & Nancy Moses
Marie Hack – in memory of Charlie & Tyler & in honor
of Oliver, Adora, Kisa & Estrella
Beverly Hart
Jane Pfromer – in memory of Doris Robbins
Kathy Stewart
Roxanne Supulski
Katie Schaap – in honor of Missy, Buddy, Jasmine &
Billy
Ann M. Mundion – in memory of Mewie
Ann M. Hawkins – in memory of all who have
crossed over the Rainbow Bridge & a huge thank you
to the volunteers
Dianna Schneider – in memory of King Tut
Joyce Williams – in memory of Leland & Molly & in
honor of Cinder & Snowball
Frances L. Knobel
Kevin & Cheryl Gray
Ron & Faith Bailey – in memory of Taffy
Steven Stubblefield – in memory of our friends
Joy Snyder – in memory of Rose Mary Walker
Mary Sturm – in memory of Stray, Moses, Walker &
Sweetheart
Cynthia Claire Allen – in memory of Boo & Burgler &
in honor of Scout & Hobo
Ruth A. Lea – in memory of Reddo I, Reddo II,
Barnum & Bailey & in honor of Patches
Dorothy Kazan
Louise & George Miller – in memory of Midnight
Shirley Lindell – in honor of Lizzie
Larry & Marge Boehme
Michael J. Buckley – in memory of Eunice Kennedy
Shriver & in honor of the Shriver Family
Linda, Alison & Tom House – in honor of Autumn &
Gabbi
Jack & Nancy Baldwin
Diane K. Pearson – in memory of Slick & in honor of
Jessie
Linda Schein – in memory of Wonton & Sabrina & in
honor of Sasha, Samson & Patches
Ardele Murphy – in memory of Pat Leddy
Jerome Rainey
Barbara Tange – in memory of Eleanor Boyd
Loretta Vosburg
Nancy Ingraham – in memory of my husband, Donnie
Joyce Wechsler – in memory of Rocket Man
Joanne Wegman
Martha Scala – in memory of Ninja
Barbara Price – in memory of my boy Dennis
Elizabeth Cook – in honor of Sporty & Spooky
Doris & Ray Rissler
Beverly & Floyd Embling – in memory of Bandit & in
honor of K.C. Kitty
Mara Hogan
Susan & Alan Muller
Norma Rumfelt – in honor of Amos & Tinker
Steve & Deb Robinson – in honor of Boyd, Roxie &
Snowball
Jim Risley – in memory of Streeker
Donna & Angelo Abby – in memory of Morris
G. Jean Hamilton – in honor of Smoky & Hope
John & Judy Gascon – in memory of Larry, Sara &
Callie & in honor of Sunny & Bella
Laurie Hausler – in honor of Bean & Natasha
Velvetpaws
Alyson Kluth – in honor of Ellie, Aley & Tobey
Chandra Edgar – in honor of Bagheera
Jan Wischmeyer
Martha Garland – in memory of Emily & Piper & in
honor of Hallie & Misty
Mary Kernahan – in memory of Vinny & Rocky
Nancy McCulloch
Richard Bloomer
Chris & Tony Pritchett
Karen J. Miskell
Jackie Werner
Bob Baart – in memory of Callie
Theo Greenman – in honor of Cloud
Carol Milliken – in memory of Oscar
Frank & Janet Arcuri – in memory of Charlie & Louie
& in honor of Sadie
Ann Brunner – in memory of Penelope & in honor of
Mr. MacDuff, a Hearthside cat
Ellen & Gilbert Smith
Peggy A. Hall
Dee Donnelly – in memory of Erin & in honor of
Letetia & Louisa
Mary Marcello
Phil Raab
Joyce Semmel
Anonymous
Mr. & Mrs. Jon Ferree
Marilyn Berthold – in honor of Sami
Marilyn & Henry Robin – in honor of Petey
Carol Browne – in memory of Blackheath, Bentley &
Soho
Beverly Evans – in honor of Shalimar
Diane Weiss
Linda LaGeorge – in memory of Mickey & in honor of
Peanut
Kay Reali – in honor of Lilly
Barb & Kurt Christiansen
Wixie McMaster
Karen Duffy – in honor of Susan & Jessica Shuman
and their efforts with rescue animals in Tucson
Paul Duffy – in honor of all Hearthside volunteers
Ann M. Mundion
The Deuel Family
Sandy Brennan
Beth Reali
Jack & Joan Tetamore – in memory of Cory & in
honor of Wiffy
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Paul, Claire, Jim & Deb Allen – in memory of two
beloved kitties, Duchess & Murray
Karen Bernecker – Special Needs Program
West Wise – Honeoye
PETCO Foundation
Ann Brunner
Karen Pitti – Special Needs Program
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Joan & Jack Tetamore
Dorothy Kazan
Frances Harwood
Chandra Edgar
James & Arleen Somerville
William Mammosser
Anonymous
Caroline Ringland
Donations in memory of Rosemary Walker:
Gerald & Dorothy Moore
John & Susan Murphy
Marie Farrell
Joy Snyder
Beatrice & Donald Saxton
Wayland Golden Agers
Dorothy Hurlburt
Carol Genova
Rosemary Zuck & Bob Mummert
Ahlin Family – Bob Lee Ann, Matt, Leah & Rob
Barbara & John Arnault
Eugene & Muriel Walker
Joe & Leann Scudder
Tom & Mary Quinlan
Leonard, Brian & Scott Wheaton Families
Dennis & Mary Lou Chapman
Tom & Carolyn Wager
Janet & Marc Dunn
John Russell
John & Jenni Leuzzi
Leanna Landsman
Sara & Richard Edmond
Ben & Leslie Norton
Roy H. Gibson Farms
Diane Paul
Helen Gordon
Mary Jo Wager
Gladys C. Walker
Rosemary Michel
Carol Smith-Morgan
Sally & John Vaughan
Joan Wamp
Maureen Perlette
Rush-Henrietta High School Animal Rights Club
Bruce Federation
Chamtek Mfg., Inc.
Nancy Corbett
Sharyn Henry
Metalico Rochester, Inc.
Joanne Prevost
Denisse Digiorgio
Mark Savino
Katie McGraw
Karen Harvey
Kellee Bradley
Dianna Schneider
Wendy Krug – Special Needs Program
Mary & Greg Fitch
PETCO Foundation
Laura Roggi
The Holt Family
Richard Heye
Mary Lester
Jerry Merlau
Shanks Enterprises
Dr. Lanna Ruddy – in loving memory of Butch
Jayne M. Acomb
Elizabeth Noce
Jill Chesley
Pat Olmstead
Richard Beale
Loretta Vosburg
Annie Duffy – in memory of Butch & in honor of his
wonderful mom
Naida Wilkins
Winifred Lisuzzo
Mary & Greg Fitch
Louise Miller
Kelly White
April & Doreen Engram
Pam Gilg
Denisse DiGiorgio
Colleen & Frederick Caito
Donna Mankoff
Countryside Glass
Bonnie Costanza – in memory of Callie & Jack
Holiday Gift Ideas that Help the Cats, Too!
Here are some affordable and whimsical items for the holidays. All purchases
directly support the care of cats in foster homes. Use the order form below
or visit the “shopping” section at www.HearthsideCats.org.
Books
The Comfort of Cats – Pamela
Wallin shares her unique bond with
one particular feline, with beautiful
photography of Anne Bayin. $5 each
+ $1 S&H.
The Dog Rules – William Thomas
humorously chronicles the relationship between humans and dogs,
with hilarious illustrations by Peter
Cook. $5 each + $1 S&H.
“Hooked on a Feline: Basic Cat
Care from a Different Purr-spective” – Written by Taunee (a cat),
and translated and illustrated by
local author Barbara MugnoloWilliams... a humorous, no-nonsense
approach to cat care! Portion of purchase is donated to Hearthside by
the generous authors. Paperback;
$11.95 + $2 S&H per book.
ALMOST GONE! “Home Is Where
the Hearth Is” Cookbook – 90 main
dish recipes in a durable binder with
beautiful original artwork. $20 each;
two for $35; three for $50 + $1.50
S&H per cookbook.
Other Great Items
Hearthside Cats Bookmarks –
oversized (2.25" x 7"), original whimsical artwork, laminated for durability.
Choose from four designs: “Napping”,
“Kittens”, “House” and “Yarn”. $2
each + $.50 total S&H for 1-4 bookmarks, or $1 total S&H for 5 or more.
Item
Cat Angel Pin – pewter with 24K
gold-plated wings. 7/8" x 7/8". $8
each + $.50 S&H.
Hearthside Cats Tee Shirt – 100%
grey cotton with black logo. Medium,
large or extra-large. $15 + $1.50
S&H.
Cat Notecards – set of 10 w/matching envelopes. Specifiy which design
you would like: “Cat by Window” or
“Cat with Pawprints”. $5 per set + $1
S&H.
Qty.
Price ea. + S&H
Total
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Total enclosed
$_______________
Name _________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________
Phone _________________________________________________________
Check out Hearthside’s website to learn about kitties available for adoption or Special
Needs cats, find past newsletters, check out upcoming events, get lost-and-found
advice, and shop for great merchandise. We welcome your feedback!
Visit www.HearthsideCats.org.
Hearthside does not sell, rent or loan its mailing or e-mail list to other individuals, businesses or
groups. Hearthside is an all-volunteer organization, with all income going directly to care for
homeless cats.
Hearthside Cats, Inc.
P.O. Box 282
Geneseo, New York 14454
Non Profit
U.S. Postage
PAID
Geneseo, NY
Permit No. 34