The Cat`s Meow - Happy Endings
Transcription
The Cat`s Meow - Happy Endings
Quarterly Newsletter Vol. 3 Iss. 1| January 2013 The Cat’s Meow 5349 West Forest Home Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53220 (414) 744-3287 Come visit us on Thursdays from 6pm-9pm & Saturdays from 11am-4pm Table of Contents 2- Baron’s Corner 3- Foster Program 4-6- Featured Fosters/Current Adoptables 7- Show Your Support 8- Kids Kitty Korner! About Us www.HappyEndings.us [email protected] 9- Donation Wish List & Winter Ideas 10- Natural Balance Rebate Program 11- Success Stories! 12- Calendar & Great Lakes Pet Expo 13- Spay/Neuter Facts & SpayMe! Clinic 14& 15-Upcoming events at Applebee’s! Happy Endings No Kill Cat Shelter is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) no-kill organization run solely by volunteers who have been saving lives since 1994. It is the mission of Happy Endings to find permanent homes for unwanted, stray, abused or feral animals that are brought to us or rescued from the street. Animals are never euthanized by Happy Endings unless they are in a terminal state of suffering as determined by a veterinarian. We also aim to rescue cats scheduled for euthanasia due to overcrowding from other shelters. Adopting from Happy Endings All of our adult cats are spayed or neutered before adoption. Happy Endings currently places about 200 cats into loving homes each year. All potential adopters go through an application and interview process. Potential “parents” are matched with the cat that touches their hearts and fills the empty spaces in thier homes and lives. Many of the cats that were strays or have been mistreated are quite shy and considered unadoptable by other shelters. Happy Endings has a socialization program where volunteers work with cats on a daily basis to build trust with people. 1 Happy Endings No Kill Shelter Baron’s Corner Rabies can be carried by the wildlife that live among us mainly, skunks, raccoons and even mice and bats. This is another major reason why all cats should be kept indoors, even though these critters can get into the house on occasion. The other extremely important shot is the combo or a four in one. This shot needs to be started at eight weeks followed by two more at 12 and 16 weeks. After that a yearly booster is needed. This immunization covers distemper, Chlamydia, calici and the more virulent forms of upper respiratory diseases. A yearly booster is also needed for rabies. Hello everyone furry and otherwise. Today we are going to discuss something that is not very popular with any of my feline friends. It’s called a SHOT!! However, like most things that are considered good and necessary for us we don’t like them. Shots protect us from some of the nastier diseases such as rabies. Although the incidence of rabies in cats is rare, it does happen. After the first year you have an option of getting a three-year rabies shot. I understand some vets now have a two or three-year combo shot available, as well. These are critical for good health and long life so don’t be too upset when your owner decides you need them. They are only looking out for you. By the way, rabies and distemper are usually fatal so please encourage your owners to schedule a vet appointment for you. See you next time. Sponsor a Shelter Cat! With our Sponsorship Program at Happy Endings, when you sponsor a cat or condo, your monthly donations go toward the health, happiness and wellbeing of one of our shelter cats. You will receive photos and updates on your sponsored cat. You can choose to sponsor a cat or condo for as little as $10/month; you can stop at anytime. In addition, you can visit during regular shelter hours and attend special sponsor-only events. For more information about becoming a sponsor, visit www.HappyEndings.us/Sponsoring.htm 2 Foster Program The fostering program at Happy Endings is an opportunity to help unwanted, abandoned and special needs cats have a home while they are prepared to find themselves a forever home. There are several circumstances that may require a foster home, such as: ·Cat birthing – when a pregnant female cat is nearing the time of giving birth or is found just after giving birth it is better for the mom and kittens to be in a sequestered location ·Kittens too young to be at the shelter – they may need to be fed at frequent intervals ·No room at the shelter - occasionally all the cages at the shelter are occupied and other arrangements for housing need to be used. In some cases a cat needs to be housed temporarily before intake at the shelter ·Special Needs cats – cats who need to be observed, specially medicated, socialized or quarantined(FIV+ or FLEUK+) It definitely takes a special person to foster a cat for as any cat lover knows, cats are not always in a cooperative mood. Also there is the attachment factor. Cats can be quite affectionate and the foster person needs to keep in mind that fostering is in most cases a temporary situation until the cat is ready to find a forever home. This is not to say that a foster cannot turn into an adoption. However, adoption by the foster person is not in any way required. The other side of the fostering coin is the naughty kitty or who I like to call “The Demon Cat from Hell.” These cats need a lot of patience and love to try and get them over whatever behavior problem or medical condition has put them in a foster home. It does not matter whether a foster home has cats as permanent residents or not. However a foster person cat should be sequestered in a room by itself. This can be a temporary or a permanent location for the foster cat during its stay in the foster home. People who foster cats at Happy Endings will be treated the same as an adopter with regard to a background check, checking any previous vet records of their current or former pets and making sure the environment the foster cat will be in is suitably stress free and safe. Happy Endings will provide food for the foster cat, and required medications, vet care and as much information as possible about the cat. The foster person needs to provide a good environment, love, attention and the proper care of the foster cat. The fostering person also needs to communicate with Happy Endings in a timely manner if there are any health or behavior changes with the foster cat. Regularly scheduled status reports will be conducted by a Foster Program Coordinator. Ready to join the Happy Endings Fostering Program? Got more questions? We are here to help you. Please send your request to foster@HappyEndings. us along with your contact information you care to provide and we will get a Foster Application out to you. 3 Happy Endings No Kill Shelter Featured Fosters/Current Adoptables Ly Nikko, Lychee, Sue Lan, Mai Ling & Chowder - These beautiful Siamese Bubb cats are looking for a foster home where they can have individualized attention and love. Abandoned in an apartment for 8 months without human contact besides being given a bowl of food a day, these darlings need socialization, constant love and Bubb - A charming boy who needs a chance to regain trust. a special home. He is prone to urinary tract infections and requires e c he special food. In addition, Bubb does not get along well with other creatures (he does not like to share the attention and affection of humans!) That being said, he is a very sweet cat who loves humans and getting attention from them. Ty - A BIG boy with A LOT of love to give! Looking past his grumbles and grumpings, Ty is an absolute sweetheart. In need of a serious diet that Happy Endings isn’t very equipped to give him (as much as we do try), Ty really needs a foster home or forever home desperately. He loves to be brushed forever and ever but prefers to be the only receiver of brushings and love. Give him a chance and you’ll be glad you did! TY Winston ey Marley - She is a beautiful tricolor with a sweet disposition. Marley is a little shy with new people, but you can tell from her expression that she is looking for a connection. Marley has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. She requires twice daily medication and will need to be on it Winston - A laid-back boy with for the remainder of her life. tons of personality, is looking for a home that will understand that not Marl all cats are perfect. Winston’s New Year’s resolution is to loose a little weight! Not quick to trust, Winston needs a patient and understanding home. Because of a questionable past, we suggest that this home does not have any kids. Any potential fosterers or adopters must also have a quick wit about them! Rajah - He isn’t your average sort of cat. He is an absolute sweetheart but is prone to random nipping. Because of this, we believe he shouldn’t be in a home with children. Also, he needs to be the only cat in the house because he can be a bully with other cats at the shelter. All Rajah needs is a loving and understanding home that doesn’t mind a little sass! Rajah 4 Featured Fosters/Current Adoptables Sweat Pea is a wonderful companion! She is a mellow little cat that enjoys being around you. She was originally adopted as a kitten over eight years ago from Happy Endings. When her owner could no longer care for her because of urinary problems for two years, she was returned. Diagnosed with a ‘swollen bladder,’ medication did not help. X-rays were taken and a bladder stone the size of a man’s thumb was found. No wonder she was in pain and having problems! The stone was surgically removed and she is now on special urinary diet food.She is very petite weighing less than six pounds and can be a little defensive when first approached. However, once she gets to know you will return the affection. Caging is very traumatizing for her and she will do better in a foster or adoptive home. Sweet Pea Beamer is a handsome boy who was Harlo born on 10-28-08. He was found under the hood of a car with a rubber band wrapped tightly around his back foot. The band was removed before any permanent damage to his leg happened, but he now has a bald spot where the band Harlo is an absolute sweetheart used to be. Now, he is full of energy that was rescued from Animal and is coming out of his cage to play Control. He was adopted from and run around with the other cats. Happy Endings, but through biHe still is a bit scared of humans zarre circumstances was but likes to talk to you and even will kidnapped from his new owner. tolerate human attention. Beamer The kidnapper dumped him in an needs a home where he can run old church deep inside a cemetery. around and be himself! Luckily two good Samaritans were walking by and heard his cries. As a result, he spent extensive time at emergency and is now a diabetic. Diabetes is currently controlled by food but that can change at any time. He needs a special foster or adoptive home where his medical challenges are understood. He loves to lie around and relax! Harlo Beamer Calypso Carmen Carmen and Calypso are beautiful calico sisters who need a home together. They were born 06/04 and lived in an auto garage until they were 5 months. Because of their rough start in life they are still a little shy. These girls are looking for that special owner who will understand and be patient with them. 5 Happy Endings No Kill Shelter Featured Fosters/Current Adoptables Scooter is an orange beauty in need of loving parents that will help with the socialization skills needed to find a forever home. Scooter has a lot of love to give but is not quick to trust. Sco oter Jelly Bean A kind soul found Jelly Bean as an orphaned kitten, and brought her to safety at Happy Endings. Jelly Bean is still very shy with strangers, and needs a special home with patient parents who will let her come to trust and bond with them. Minnie Minnie is a young, medium gray-hair darling. She is looking for parents understanding of her trust issues and willing to be patient. With some socialization, Minnie is sure to be a great companion. Find Us Online! Check out all of our adoptable cats on PetFinder! @HappyEndingsWI Skeeter Bu nny AND! This beautiful young orange tabby may have the most distinctive name at Happy Endings! Skeeter Bunny was about seven months old when she and her mom were rescued last winter, and she was as feral as a kitten can be. Skeeter Bunny is still very shy, so shell do best in a quiet home, without dogs or small children. 6 SHOW YOUR SUPPORT! Our fun and colorful t-shirts are purrfect for pet-lovers! There are multiple designs to choose from, each coming in a vast array of sizes and colors. Wear one of these and you will certainly be the “cat’s meow”! Available to purchase at events and the shelter, $15 each! Go green and support Happy Endings at the same time! Our canvas tote bags are available in regular ($4) or insulated ($6) and in many different colors. Going grocery shopping? Never worry about perishable food items ever again! Just stick them inside one of our convenient insulated tote bags and shop to your hearts content, spreading the word about Happy Endings everywhere you go! We are also selling adorable rescue t-shirts through LaCroixTees.com and $5 from every item sold through the Happy Endings link below goes striaght to us! Shirts are available in short sleve, long sleve, tank top, sweatshirt and hoodie in both adults and youth sizes. Make sure to shop using our link: www.LaCroixTees.com/animal-rescue/HappyEndingsNoKillCatShelter Our first aid kits ($12) are perfect for those ‘on the go’. A handy clip makes carrying it around with you a breeze. Just hook it on your belt loop and off you go! Comes standard with an ice pack, bandages and gauze, wet wipes, scissors and a tweezers which are placed in two zippered, see-through pockets. Kit can be fully customized for either pets or people! 7 Happy Endings No Kill Shelter Kids Kitty Korner! Lychee Bubb Winston Calypso Carmen Beamer Marley Jelly Mini Bean Rajah Sweet Scooter Pea Skeeter Harlo Bunny 8 Donation Wish List Cat food & litter: • K-M-R kitten food (kitten milk) is especially important for kittens that have lost their mothers • Kitten Food - Purina Kitten Chow/ Science Diet/Iams • Science Diet Light/ Reduced Calorie • Science Diet Sensitive Stomach • Adult Food - Science Diet Optimal Care/Iams/Eucanuba • Natural Balance Green Pea/Duck • Clay type NON CLUMPING litter Cleaning Supplies: • • • • • • Hand sanitizer Clorox Sanitizing Wipes Paper towels Toilet paper General cleaning supplies Concentrated laundry detergent Office supplies: • Stamps • Color paper (8½ x 11) • bright yellow • light yellow • lavender • light pink • light blue Keep Your Cat Healthy & Happy: Winter Ideas! •Buy A Video Or DVD. These videos have mice, birds, or other small animals scurrying about that your cat can watch. Some cats love these and will even bat at the TV screen. •Grow Wheatgrass Or Catnip Indoors. Many cats love the scent of fresh catnip and also eat wheatgrass to aid in their digestion. You can purchase small plants of catnip from a nursery and wheatgrass at your local health food store. •Try A Heated Cat Bed. Cats appreciate warm, cozy spots to curl up in as weather gets colder— especially seniors. •Simulate Hunting With Toys. Interactive toys simulate hunting and stalking that really give your cats a workout and the mental stimulation they need. •Open Your Curtains. Less light in the winter may cause a decrease in natural brain chemicals, like serotonin, that increase mood. •Wake Your Cat Up For Playtime. Cats may need encouragement to get off the couch and be active. However, for those truly lazy days, invest in a laser light toy. Your cat will go nuts chasing the red dot! • Volunteers are always needed. If your time or energy won’t allow you to volunteer with us, please tell others that we have a “no-kill” policy and that help is always needed! • Money donations are always appreciated. Many companies match donations made if you check with the human resources department. •Watch Your Cat’s Diet. Cats may overeat during the winter months. This can lead to unhealthy weight gain. Make sure you feed the recommended amount of cat food and go easy on the treats. 9 Happy Endings No Kill Shelter Natural Balance Nonprofit Charity Rebate Program Did you know that Natural Balance Pet Foods will donate money to Happy Endings when you purchase their food? Simply cut out the UPC code from the Natural Balance bagged food or case of canned food, attach it to the register receipt as proof-of-purchase, and mail it to Happy Endings. When 50 UPC codes are collected and submited, Happy Endings receives a check from Natural Balance. It’s just like donating cash to Happy Endings! Now Available! Look for Natural Balance at a store near you! IS A PROUD SUPPORTER OF THIS PROGRAM. Cat Holidays! Best of Country Cookies Cookbook! January 2 - Happy Mew Year for Cats Day The Best of Country Cookies cookbook is only $9.99 and filled with over 250 award-winning recipes. Stop into the shelter and pick yours up today! January 22 - National Answer Your Cats Question Day February - National Cat Health Month February - National Pet Dental Health Month 10 Oliver’s Success Story: Another Happy Ending Oliver was adopted as a rambunctious kitten full of spunk, and he hasn’t changed! Now at nine months old, Oliver is still a spit fire. This keeps his owner, Mary Yachinich, on her toes at all times. A UWM student, Mary loves the companionship her little roommate offers. Purring on her face is her nightly bedtime story. Nibbling on her toes is the morning wake up call. Oliver wouldn’t have it any other way! The only one of his family to survive, Oliver was placed in a foster home as a very young kitten. This foster home provided him with the love and care he needed to be nursed back to health. Oliver will never forget the foster home that made him able to be the cuddly and loving cat he is today. Sugar’s Home Sweet Foster Home Sugar’s success story is all about the special pleasures of bringing a senior princess (or prince) into your home. Sugar was thirteen when circumstances forced her life-long owner to place her in Happy Endings, and spent a year with us before she met her new permanent foster family, Carl and Pat. It proved to be a perfect match! Sugar had obviously been a loving and trusting companion to her first family, and she’s equally a joy to her new parents. Sugar is thriving in her new home. At Happy Endings, she was reserved and reluctant to leave the security of her cage, but at home she loves human companionship and she loves to explore. Sugar has claimed thrones near the TV and near the computers, and follows her people from place to place so she can nap near them, offer helpful advice in the form of purrs and squeaks, and claim her due portion of treats and attention. She even enjoyed the more rambunctious attention of visiting grandchildren and earned the title of “awesome cat” from their parents. Family life has agreed with Sugar in other ways as well – her calico coat is lusterous, she’s gained just the right amount of weight, and the constant exercise from keeping her humans in line has put a spring in her step. Like many senior cats, Sugar has advanced kidney disease but happily her condition has improved significantly by adjusting her diet and she shows no inclination to retire 11 Happy Endings No Kill Shelter Pick up your calendar at Happy Endings for $10! The Great Lakes Pet Expo! Saturday, February 2, 2013 10am - 5pm The Great Lakes Pet Expo is the premier pet lovers event in SE Wisconsin. Held annually on Superbowl Saturday, this event offers education, activities, vendors, entertainment and more. Shelters and Rescues will feature hundreds of companion animals available for adoption. See the latest and greatest pet products or sit back and watch the shows. All proceeds from this non-profit show benefit companion animals and their families in Wisconsin!! Adults $6 Kids (under 12) FREE $1 discount with donation of canned good for Feeding America 12 Spay/Neuter Facts According to most conservative estimates, an adult female cat can produce three litters per year with average of 5 kittens per litter. If only the number of spayed females is considered in the calculation, our shelter is responsible for at least 1500 less stray cats per one given year in the Milwaukee area. In the following year these 1500 cats have the potential to increase to 14,250 considering the reproductive output of just the female stray cats alone. According to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University, uncontrolled breeding of stray and feral cats in heavily populated urban environments can become a source of zoonotic, i.e. animal to human transmitted diseases. The transmission of such a disease may occur directly through animal secretions such as urine or saliva, and indirectly through contaminated soils, water supply and external parasites like fleas. Children and the elderly are at particular high risk due to immature or compromised immune system. Some examples of zoonotic infections are Salmonellosis that causes fever and diarrhea and Toxoplasmosis that causes birth defects if contracted during pregnancy (1). Children while playing in a sandbox are at particular risk of contracting intestinal parasites such as roundworms and hookworms (2). These examples represent only a minor fraction of health risks associated with uncontrolled numbers of stay and unwanted street cats. (1) American Association of Feline Practitioners and the Cornell Feline Health Center, Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine 2006. Zoonotic Disease: What Can I Catch From My Cat? Retrieved from http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/zoonoticdisease.html (2) Animal Specialty Group 2009, Roundworm Infection Feline. Retrieved fromhttp://www.asgvets.com/ indexphp?option=com_content&view=article&id=2mid=236 Health Risks to Your Cat Include: MALES Testicular cancer Benighn prostatic hyperplasia Acute and chronic prostatis, prostatic abscess Perianal gland adenomas Orchitis (infection of the testicles) Venereal tumors Perineal hernia (abdominal organs bulging out of rectum) Inguinal hernia with potential organ strangulation FEMALES Breast cancer Cystic endometrial hyperplasia and pyometra False pregnancies Mastitis (can occur during false pregnancy) Transmissible venereal sarcoma Ovarian and uterine tumors Cystic ovaries and hyperestrogenism Chronic endometritis Vaginal hyperplasia and prolapse Uterine torsion or uterine prolapse http://warrentonkc.tripod.com/spayneut.htm At the SpayMe! Clinic, we firmly believe that spaying and neutering pets is the best way to combat the pet overpopulation problem. Our purpose is to make the procedure affordable to everyone. There are no income guidelines and no residency requirements; anyone can bring their animal to us! We have licensed veterinarians and certified veterinary technicians (CVTs) on staff who focus specifically on high volume procedures. Indoor Cat Spay/Neuter $55: Includes Rabies and Distemper vaccine Outdoor Cat $45: Includes Rabies, Eartip and Revolution treatment Transport services from the Milwaukee area include in price! 13 Happy Endings No Kill Shelter 14 Newsletter designed by Bernadine Trimberger 15