Four Out - Four In

It was a good week for our feline friends at PetSmart. Dixie and Zach went home on Saturday and Kisses got a hold on Sunday. Dixie went home with one of the PetSmart employees who has adopted from the Shelter in the past. After Zach went home Kisses was put in the big cage with Zorro. When Kisses' new family heard they were approved they felt bad leaving Zorro behind so decided to take him, too!

You are going to like the four cats that arrived this week. We have had a run on girls so now it's time to bring on the boys! Rudy and Hazel arrived on Tuesday. Hazel is the only female among the new bunch. She is a sweet, friendly torti. Rudy is an orange and white male who is very friendly and playful.

Puss and Boots arrived today. They are in the big cage and hopefully will be adopted together. They are brothers who were surrendered to the Shelter by their owner a few months ago. The owner had to move and the new landlord would not allow cats. He often checks up on these guys to make sure they are okay. Boots is gray and white and Puss is all gray. They are not lap cats and are a tad independent - however they are friendly. Prior to living at the shelter they were inside/outside cats so they have gone through a period of adjustment losing their freedom. Should anyone show interest in either one please make sure to tell their story and encourage the person to take them together.

Poor little Jess is back at the shelter. Wednesday night she had some blood AGAIN in her litter box. She went to the vet today and will be on some medication for a little bit. I will keep you posted on how she is doing.

Here's our new guys.....


There are still some open dates in May which are all over Memorial Day weekend. They are listed below. Here they are:

Saturday, May 23, AM
Sunday, May 24, Adoption Table or PM
Monday, May 25, AM

Big news!!! I am now the manager of the County Animal Shelter so please do not hesitate to call me there during regular hours.

**If you are doing any of the cleanings on Monday, May 25 please be aware that PetSmart will be on their holiday schedule.

Four Go Home Together!

Yes, it's true! FOUR cats went home together Wednesday night....Johanna, Grace, Prince and Prinny. It is awesome that Prinny and Prince get to stay together! I talked with their new mom today and she said all four are doing well. Little Grace hid her first night but is already out and about and part of the crowd. Apparently Prince and Prinny moved themselves right in and took over and Johanna settled in without a problem.

That adoption cleaned out the cages so six new guys and an old friend arrived on Thursday. Welcome back, Carmen! You know what they say - third time's a charm - let's get this girl a home!

Five of the seven new guys were surrendered to the Shelter by their various owners. Zach and Zorro are a pair of tabby brothers given up by their owner. Hopefully they will be like Prinny and Prince and get to go home together. Dixie is a feisty black and white male also surrendered. Wendy is a pretty black female with a stubby tail brought in by her owner. And then there's Jake, who you may remember. We adopted him from PetSmart in the middle of 2008. He is a gorgeous buff colored guy. When his owner moved the new landlord would not allow cats. Too many surrenders these days!!

And then there's little Miss Pirate. She has a very cloudy eye which she most likely can not see from. She came into the Shelter as a stray and is sweet but a little shy.

Jess and Xena each got a hold on Wednesday night. The applications are at the Shelter. It also appears that Dixie boy already may be spoken for. A PetSmart employee is applying to adopt him.

This weekend is the Spring Adoption Event at the store. The adoption table is open extra hours and dogs will be visiting on both Saturday and Sunday from 1:00-3:15PM. Four dogs attended the Earth Day Fair and did great! Tell everyone you can to come meet our dogs!

Here's the line up:


There is still a few shifts open in May so let me know what you can do:

Tuesday, May 12, morning

Friday, May 15, morning

Saturday, May 23, morning

Sunday, May 24, adoption table OR evening cleaning

Monday, May 25, morning

Welcome Royalty!

An entire family of five came to pick up Ebony on Sunday afternoon. She will be living with a dog, too, so there certainly will be no lack of company for her.

Shy little Gracie is getting alot of attention. A very interested person plans to return with her dog on Wednesday night to see how they do together. She is so timid so I don't know how that will go.

The two new arrivals just may break your heart. They were surrendered to the Shelter together when the daughter of their owner developed an allergy. Both are about two years old. Prince is a male tabby and quite friendly but is presently very afraid. His companion, Prinny, is a pretty girl with very distinct calico markings. She, too, is normally friendly and affectionate but arrived at PetSmart very nervous and afraid. Since they are accustomed to being together they were put in the big cage. Tracey said they were huddled together and "looked like one big cat lump" when she left the store. I know you guys will give them the patience and TLC they need to settle in and not be afraid anymore. I sure hope they go home together.

The following dates are open in May:
May 9, Saturday, AM
May 12, Tuesday, AM
May 15, Friday, AM
May 23, Saturday, AM
May 24, Sunday, Adoption Table or PM
May 29, Friday, AM

As always I will update the calendar as people sign up so please check it before responding.

Don't forget the Earth Day Fair at the County Park this Saturday 10a-4p. Joan and Barb will be there with dogs and Janet will be at the table with a couple of cats along with shelter animal attendant Libby! Encourage people to stop by and say hello and meet our animals.

Check the link to the right...that's right, the Shelter made the news again!

Here's our sad little new pair...

The Easter Bunny Was Good To Us!

We had a great weekend! (Thank you, Leona, for covering the adoption table on Saturday AND Sunday). Corki finally went home! He left on Saturday. Leona said he jumped right into the carrier! Our boy was ready to get out of there! He will be living with a young man who is very excited to have him. Saturday Squeaky got a hold and was approved the very next day and got to go home on Easter. Also on Saturday a young girl came in and after spending alot of time with Jess came back on Sunday and put a hold on Isabella. The application has been approved and she will be leaving on Wednesday.

I am amazed that Jess is still there. She is so cute and friendly. I wish her day would come!

I brought two new new kitties down this afternoon - Kisses and Grace. You guys are going to love these two. Kisses is a black and white female and had absolutely no problem settling in. I put her in a cage and then let the others out. She was so intrigued I opened the door. She promptly jumped down and joined right in.

Little Grace is shy. She is a tiny calico and is really nervous. She looks like a kitten but is actually about two or three years old. (Unfortunately I do not have a picture.) She is very sweet and loves to be held and feels so frail and little. She climbed into a cubby and watched everything going on. Leave the door betwee cages shut for her for a couple of days and let her feel secure. Poor girl's a scaredy cat.

Ebony's hold is still active and the application is being processed. I anticipate her going Wednesday night.

I noticed today that we have no boys. I need to bring down some tom cats!

Volunteers are all lined up for the Earth Day Fair. We will have dogs and cats there available for adoption. If you get a chance stop by and say hi to Barb, Joan, Vilma and Janet. Libby, the senior animal attendant at the Shelter, will be on hand as well.

There was a nice article about the Shelter in the Spring issue of the Seven Mile Times. Click on "Shelter In The News" to the right and go to page 8.

There is still some openings in May so take a look and let me know what you can do.

Meet Kisses:

Good Golly Miss Mollie!

Molly went home on Saturday. Her new family brought a small carrier but she was not crazy about the idea of being stuffed into it so she left in one of our cardboard carriers. Often times it is easier (and causes less stress for the cat) to put it into the top of the carrier rather than into the door of a carrier.

Minx has a good application pending. Her potential new dad came in on Sunday armed with a completed application, all the supporting documentation AND a carrier! Unfortunately I was unable to verify his vet reference. He was very understanding about our adoption process and if all goes well will be back Wednesday night to pick her up.

Ebony got a hold on Sunday. Her app was promptly faxed to the Shelter by the very competent Judy M and is being processed.

I removed all the papers from the walls within the adoption room. All the sample forms are in a folder in the adoption table. The emergency phone numbers and list of volunteer phone numbers are in a clear plastic folder and are also in the table. I put the "Happy Endings" list in the cage room and the current calendars are on the back of the door. Please do not add anything else to the walls or to the folders. Once I bring a small file box where money and pending holds can be secured the table will permanently sit outside the adoption room.

A couple of reminders:
1) Please cut off the UPC codes from the litter and food bags and place them in the folder in the table. Do not leave empty bags folded on top of the bins. Throw them away.
2) When a cat goes home throw away all the cage cards.
3) Limit the blankets to one per cat. I know everyone wants the guys to be comfy and have lots of options BUT more is not always better. Remember, the cats are being marketed and clean, uncluttered cages show our guys alot better.
4) PLEASE sign the Maintenance Check List

The shelter will have a booth at the Earth Day Fair on Saturday, April 25. Also, the annual spring adoption event held at PetSmart is May 1,2,3. The adoption table will have increased hours and additional cats and dogs will be coming from the Shelter. Please let me know if you can help at either event.

As you may or not be aware kitten season is upon us. This means area rescues and shelters will be inundated with kittens. Kittens are born with a weak immune system and can not receive their initial vaccinations for several weeks. As a result many can not survive in a shelter atmosphere and often succumb to illness. If you or someone you know is interested in fostering kittens for the Shelter please let me know or have them call the Shelter and leave me a message.

What's Been Going On???

It was brought to my attention that I have not done an update for two weeks! Wow! That's too long! Having the cats arrive while I was out of town really put me out of the loop. I did not download a picture of Jasmine and since she has been adopted she was removed from PetFinder. She went home on Saturday. Sorry for not having a picture! Let's hope she is settled in at her new place all comfy and in charge of the remote like the cool kitty to the right!

A hold was put on Mollie yesterday. The application is at the Shelter being processed.

I checked in with Carmen and Jax today. Both are doing well. It appears poor Carmen has a worm issue and is being treated. She will be back as soon as she can. Jax is coming along fine with his upper respiratory infection. He can come back when he gets a clean bill of health.

The District Manager was at PetSmart over the weekend and wants us to do a few things differently. Nothing can be taped to the walls in the adoption room to include pictures, posters and communications. Also, the adoption table is to remain outside of the adoption room at all times. Something will be brought to the store to place money and checks in and it can be secured in a cabinet under the cages. Examples of completed paperwork, phone numbers and current schedules will be placed in one binder and put in the adoption table for reference. Any posters advertising fundraisers can be placed in a binder which can sit on the table as well as updated photos of dogs at the Shelter. I will try to take care of all this over the weekend.

Below is a couple of openings in the April schedule. Please let me know what you can do.
Sunday, April 5, AM
Friday, April 10, AM
Monday, April 13, AM
Friday, April 24, PM
Monday, April 27, PM

On Saturday, April 25 the Shelter will be participating in the Cape May County Earth Day Fair which is held at the County Park from 10a-4p, rain or shine. (Don't be afraid of the rain - exhibitors will set up under a tent in the large field just past the entrance to the Park.) Volunteers are needed to man an exhibit at the fair for the Shelter. I am hoping to bring both cats and dogs this year. Please let me know if you are available for the day or for any portion of it.

Good Bye, Tink!!

I am very happy to report that Tinker went home last Wednesday night. Corky has now joined Ebony in the big cage.

Two females were brought by Shelter staff to the store on Saturday. Xena, the young torbi warrior princess, had no problem settling right in. She was out playing by the afternoon and totally at ease by Sunday. Joanna, an older orange and white female, is the shy one of the two. On Sunday she was more relaxed yet reluctant to come out. She does welcome a good petting while remaining in the safe confines of her cage, though!

Squiggy got a hold on Sunday. Being the good volunteer she is Tracey followed the new directions and faxed the application immediately to the Shelter. Good job, Trace! I'll keep you posted as the application is processed.

I have a cancellation - Thursday, March 19, in the morning. As soon as it is filled I will update the calendar.

The April calendar is coming along. Below is the open dates - all are mornings:
Thursday, April 2
Saturday, April 4
Sunday, April 5
Friday, April 10
Saturday, April 11
Thursday, April 16
Thursday, April 30

Here's Joanna and Xena:

I bet Joanna and Jax would make a good pair in the big cage!

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!!!!

James Goes Home

James went home last Wednesday night. Easy going guy left without any drama!

I am very happy to report that an application for Tinker was completed and taken directly to the Shelter today. It has been approved and she will be going home Wednesday night! I will see about new guys coming over the weekend.

As many of you already know Jax has a rather gross habit of...well...licking the pine pellets and consuming what is in the litter box. In an attempt to curb this he will only have access to one box with clay litter. Right now he has two cages - make sure the doors stay shut.

Please be careful when refilling the bottles of lemon quat. On Saturday the bottle was filled with only water. The liquid should have a very pale yellow tint that is quite obviously not water. If you do not know how to refill the bottle please ask the manager to show you how. The system in place mixes the proper part lemon quat/part water automatically.

There is new PetSmart applications that are now completed when a cat goes home. The form is self-explanatory. Again, if you have any questions please ask the manager.

Judi, one of the trainers at PetSmart, has received permission from the district manager to conduct a training program for Shelter staff and volunteers who handle Shelter dogs. This will be a comprehensive program that will consist of several weeks of training. All sessions will be conducted at the store. The plan is to hold one session during the week in the evening (either Tuesday or Thursday) and the same session the following Saturday. This should make it easier for volunteers to attend. It will be structured as a "train-the-trainer" course and those who attend may be asked to train new volunteers. Please keep this in mind should you participate. Once the program has been finalized I will let you know when it will be held.

Allie Cat Gets A Home!

Yes, it's true! Allie went home on Saturday! She will be living with Midnight. Now we need to choose the perfect roommate for Tinker. It seems the big cage is somewhat therapeutic as it allows the shy cats to be handled easier. It really did wonders for Allie.

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Daisy got a hold on Saturday and was approved and went home on Sunday. Her new family is also a repeat offender! They adopted Blossom from us a long time ago. Daisy was picked up yesterday and arrived home safely before the storm started.

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Three new cats arrived yesterday. Ebony is a black female who is a couple of years old. She is quiet with a shiny, soft coat. Minx is also a female and is black and white. She is also a couple of years old. Jax is an older orange male. He is the aloof type who you will not have to worry about being underfoot. Jax and Minx were both a little scared and were nervously sitting in their litter boxes when Leona left them on Sunday. Please take a little time with these two until you have seen they feel more comfortable. Ebony appeared to settle in a tad quicker and climbed atop her cubicle.

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If you do the adoption table or if you happen to take an adoption application while cleaning....I am adding another step. Before you leave the store have the manager fax the application to the Shelter and verify that the the Shelter received it. This will get the adoption process started alot quicker. Sometimes it is several days before I can get to PetSmart to pick up the application. E-mail me that the application was taken, faxed and received by the Shelter and I will follow up from there. **If you take the application in the evening and drop it off at the Shelter the following morning that is fine, too. The goal is to get it to the Shelter by the very next morning.

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A total of 89 cats were adopted from PetSmart in 2008. Not only is this nine more cats then 2007 BUT it is also 21% of the total adoption (dogs and cats) from the Shelter. That is a significant number!! It is your compassion and dedication that made this possible. I am very proud of the program at PetSmart and without each and every one of you it could not be successful. Thank you for all you help!! If they could talk all 89 would say, "Meow, thank, meow, every, meow, one, meow ^..^ !!!

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Well, it never fails! The day I got the March calendar completed I got a cancellation...the evening on Friday, March 27. Please let me know if you can do it. Since it is only March 2 I will not reference the April calendar....but if you have a second.....

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Here's the latest trio on the fast track to adoption....

Four More Adoptions!

Midnight went home last Wednesday night. Sorry for the delay in passing that information along - I don't know where the week went! Fae went home on Saturday. She seems to really like her new mom and happily went into the carrier to be brought home. Valerie was picked up on Sunday and Bamboo left from the Shelter on Wednesday. Four more guys leave PetSmart that you all helped to find a forever home!

Tinker joined Allie in the big cage. Both are coming along well. Jess, Carmen and Squiggy are in the top row and getting along just fine. Corky, James and Daisy are sharing quarters on the first floor and having a ball.

James got a hold on Saturday. The adoption application is at the Shelter being processed. Unfortunately the hold on Squiggy was pulled. He's a good boy, though, so I am sure he will get another hold soon.

The couple who adopted Midnight stopped in last night and said he is doing well. They expressed interest in adopting Allie. OMG! Keep your fingers crossed!

Paige managed to get all the nails clipped last night with the exception of Allie and Tinker. Everyone loves when the nails get clipped! Thank you, Paige!

The last I heard we were totally out of brown paper for the cages. One of the managers was told and said it should be there this morning. Can someone give me an update? Did the paper arrive as scheduled?

I had a cancellation for this Saturday (Feb 28) in the morning. Please let me know if you are available.

The following days in March are still open:
Sunday, 3/1, morning
Tuesday, 3/3, evening
Monday, 3/16, morning
Friday, 3/20, morning
Saturday, 3/21, morning

FYI...PetSmart opens later on Sundays so you can sleep in a little - as long as you begin cleaning by 10am it is fine.

Second Chance For Love a Success!

The Second Chance For Love Adoption Event was a success! Special thanks to Barb A, Celine, Judy M, Joan, Larissa, Joann, Barb C, Jenn and Tracey for all your help! Also special thanks to Joanne and Barb C.....Saturday and Sunday morning in addition to our normal lot they had six more cats in a rolling cage to clean and feed. It was all worth it! Throughout the weekend holds were taken on four cats - Valerie, Midnight and Squiggy. Valerie's application has been approved and she may be going home Wednesday night. A hold was also put on one of the visiting cats, Bamboo, who is now back at the Shelter. He is a young male ( maybe 7 months old), smokey gray and all kitten. Here he is:

Also, on Saturday we had two dogs come spend time with us. Here is Robin, being very good with volunteer Jenn, and here's Roxy relaxing between volunteers Joan and Joann. Holds were taken on both dogs. It looks like both applications have been approved and our girls are going home.

On Sunday Miranda, a white young female Pitt Bull Terrrier and Edmund, an older male Pitt Bull Terrier, spent the day at PetSmart. Below you can see Both Miranda and Edmund relaxing. How good it must feel to them to be out of the Shelter for a couple of hours!

We had some room in the PetSmart cages so James stayed on and Tinker came back. James is a younger male and is friendly and outgoing. Tinker is happy to be back on the fast track for adoption. Here's James:

So, it was a good weekend!! I will keep you posted on the status of the rest of the pending adoption applications.

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Due to a cancellation coverage is needed for Monday, February 23, in the morning. Let me know if you are available. Friday, February 27, in the morning is still open as well. Please look ahead to March as it is rapidly approaching.

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If you missed the NBC TV40 coverage of the adoption event just click on The Shelter in the News to the right directly under the volunteer schedule.

Luck of the Irish for Shannon!

Yes, Shannon went home on Saturday! Our girl came a long way from being a stray on the streets of the Villas to the comfort of a forever home! Another happy ending! Cricket left on Saturday as well. Cricket is going to be pampered by a young girl and will live like a princess.

We had lots of cats arrive over the weekend. Squiggy came back and is reunited with his friend Jess. Carmen welcomed him into the fold as well! Welcome back, Squig!

In addition we now have Daisy, a white, gray and brown female. She is young - under a year - and has a ton of energy. You can even see that in her picture! Valerie is a dilute calico who is a couple of years old. She is a little shy and nervous but was not averse to being petted while sitting in the cage. Hopefully in a day or two she will be jumping out. Midnight is a young, big, long-haired black male. He is a beauty! He is very playful and loves attention. Because of his size he was given two cages. Corky is black and white male who is under a year old. He has no problem joining everyone for a romp.

Allie is doing so much better in the big cage! Last night she had a great time playing laser light. Some of the guys just take a little more time than others. Keep working with her.

Someone from the Shelter went today and took care of the issues mentioned in the book concerning Carmen and Jess and the matts on Midnight. Tinker is doing fine and should be joining us for the weekend.

REMINDER: If you need something brought to my attention it is not enough to note it in the volunteer notebook. You need to e-mail or call me directly. You can look at the schedule and see when I am actually at the store to read what is noted - it varies. I always check my e-mail. If you call the Shelter to report something please let me know. If you return a cat to the Shelter or one is picked up while you are there please let me know.

Here is the schedule for the Second Chance For Love Adoption Weekend Feb 13-15. If you see I have made a mistake let me know:

Friday: 12-3p Barb A, Celine
Saturday: 12-4p Barb A, Larissa, Joan, Jenn (dogs)
Saturday: 1p-3p Judy M (adoption table)
Sunday: 12-4p Barb A, Joan, Barb C (dogs)
Sunday: 2-4p Tracey (Adoption Table)

In addition to PetSmart the Shelter is having volunteers man a table in the lobby to answer questions and assist visitors. If you are available to help Vilma on Sat or Sun 12-4pm let me know.

Please click on Shelter in the News to the right and you will see an article about this event that is in the Herald. Forward the link to anyone you know who may be interested.

Special thanks to Leona who stepped in at the very last minute for me on Saturday. I clumsily fell while running and sprained my ankle and spent some time in the ER. Don't worry - I'm on the mend and will be 100% in a week or so.

Yeah! Feb 13 was filled!! Feb 27....going once....going twice....

Say hi to our new friends....

Shy Frankie Goes Home!

Our shy boy Frankie left on Sunday. Seems he may have wanted to stay! Tracey had to climb into the big cage to get him - then he jumped right out of the carrier as soon as he was put in it and tried to climb back into the cage. He will be so happy once he gets in his new home and meets Madame. She was adopted from us early in 2007.

Cricket's application has been approved and she will be picked up on Saturday.

Tinker had a bit of an eye issue and was brought back to the Shelter on Sunday. I'll keep you posted on how she is doing and she can come back to us as soon as she is given a clean bill of health.

Arrangements have been made for new cats to come to the store on Saturday. I will post a blog on Sunday giving you the scoop on the new guys, the weekend update and Cricket's send off.

Still no takers for the two Friday mornings....Feb 13 & 27. Please!!!

The Purrfect Home For Purrty!!

Yes, it's true! Our girl Purrty went home last night where she will join our old friend Whitney and another cat. Apparently Purrty was more than ready to leave for good. Once the cardboard carrier was put together she jumped right into it as if to say, "Get me the heck outta here already!" As you may or may not remember, Whitney had a bit of an attitude - typical calico. Apparently she still does and is the princess of the household. Purrty will have to learn to bow down to her. In case you can't remember her, here is a picture of Whitney. The face says it all!!

Great news....a hold on shy Frankie! It is another past customer. This applicant adopted Madame, an older, very sweet female, back in March 0f 2007. Well, Madame's family wants another mellow kitty and Frankie totally fits that bill. The application is at the Shelter so I will keep you posted on that.
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The adoption event scheduled for next month is looking really good! I have had a good response from volunteers. Dogs are scheduled to be there on Saturday and Sunday 12:30-3:00PM so spread the word. .

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Some of the outstanding dates in February were filled but, alas, some new ones opened up. These are the dates in February (as of today at least!) that need to be filled. They are all mornings:

Friday, February 13

Monday, February 16

Friday, February 27.

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You know the drill.....

Ricky Goes Home & Three Girls Arrive

Little Ricky went home on Saturday. His new family is very excited about their new addition. He is going to have alot of fun being able to run around a house! Squiggy is doing well at the Shelter and will be back soon.

Another hold on Purrty! I hope this is THE ONE! The applicant adopted Whitney back in 2007. Remember her?? She was a funny calico who seemed to take forever to get adopted. She was the 100th adoption from PetSmart. It is very fitting that the same family is now interested in Purrty. I will keep you posted on the application. It is at the Shelter for processing.

The same four dates listed in the last blog entry still need to be filled. Again, let me know if you are available. Also, I am trying to add hours to the adoption table for the Second Chance For Love Adoption Weekend - details on that weekend are also in the last blog entry. Barb A is going to coordinate the volunteers that would like to help with dogs at the event. If you want to help that weekend please let me know ASAP. The Shelter would like to do a press release for the local newspapers detailing what time volunteers will be available at PetSmart. Please let me know what hours you are available.

Remember to read the notebook before you begin cleaning. Please take the time to read back to the last time you volunteered to insure you don't miss any important instructions or information. Medical issues and information need to be delivered in a timely manner and the notebook is the most efficient way to keep everyone informed.

Three new cats came to PetSmart today. All three are females. Two look VERY much alike - Cricket and Faye. You have to look closely to see the difference. Both are black and white. Faye has some black on her nose and the white stripe on her forehead is a tad wider. Cricket is very vocal - or at least was on the ride down - and is declawed. She is also the more out going of the two. Cricket had no trouble walking right out of her carrier and checking out the new digs. Faye is a little shy and nervous and curled up onto her blanket and watched everything from there. Tinker is a black and brown tabby and seemed to settle in just fine.

Okay...based on my description can you pick out Faye???

Thumpity, Thump, Thump....

Thumper when home on Sunday and his new mom was VERY excited to get him! I don't have a picture so I can't feature Thumper as he says goodbye. He is a good boy and is happily lying around a house now!

Squiggy was showing the signs of an upper respiratory infection and was returned to the Shelter. He is presently on antibiotics. Once he gets a clean bill of health arrangements will be made to have him return. In the meantime his partner in crime, Ricky, has a new home and is being picked up on Saturday. He is being adopted by the parents of our latest volunteer addition - Jenn J. Squiggy sure is going to miss him!

The hold on Purrty fell through. The applicant opted for a puppy instead. Poor poor Purrty! When will she get a home?? Right now she is rooming with Frankie and taking such good care of him. He is pretty shy and she is patiently grooming him and obviously telling him everything is going to be okay. The two look so good together. Wouldn't it be great if....I can't even say it...

The two calicoes, Carmen and Jess, seem to have bonded and are having alot of fun together. They are both so cute!

Arrangements are being made for new cats to be brought to PetSmart on Sunday.

PetSmart Charities is hosting the Second Chance For Love Adoption Weekend on Friday-Sunday, February 13-15. Volunteers are needed to man the adoption table a few extra hours. I would like to see the table open on Friday for two hours in the early afternoon. In addition I need someone to cover the table from 12-2pm on Saturday and Sunday. It is already covered from 2-4pm on both days. Please let me know if you are available. I am going to arrange to have dogs participate and will need help with them. As in the past I also hope to have additional cats come stay for the weekend. Please let me know if you are available for any of the time slots.

Thank you to everyone who attended the volunteer meeting on Tuesday night. I am glad so many of you had the opportunity to meet Sheriff Schaffer. I am grateful that he took the time out of his busy schedule to meet with us. 2009 is going to be a great year for the Cape May County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center!

The following dates are still open in the February regular schedule. They are all morning cleanings:
Sunday, February 1
Saturday, February 7
Friday, February 20
Friday, February 27

We Begin the 2009 Tally!

Great job while I was away!! You guys are like a well oiled machine!

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I am so happy that Tabs will be the first on the 2009 Happy Endings list! Mamma Mia, Ashley, Jenny and Buster have all gone home also. I never even got a chance to see Ashley or Buster.

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Four new cats arrived today and you are going to love all four! Ricky and Squiggy are orange and white young males and a tad difficult to tell apart. You can tell the difference by the amount of white on their faces. Jess is a really super cute young calico. All three are under a year old. Frankie is a handsome black and white male who is a few years old. It is a great group!

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Crystal from the Shelter had dropped off the four earlier today and put them in the prepared cages. When I arrived Ricky, Squiggy and Jess were in separate cages along the top row and Frankie had a double cage on the bottom. The three on the top row appeared to be trying so hard to open the doors between the cages. I let everyone out and watched to see how they interacted. Ricky and Squiggy immediately ran all around together and had a blast. They are really funny to watch! Jess was hesitant to jump down and join in but seemed really intrigued by everyone playing. Frankie looked from his cage but did not want to jump down. Shannon, Thumper and Purrty had no problem with the newcomers. Poor shy Allie just hung out in her cage.

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I decided to open the three doors on the top row and let Ricky, Squiggy and Jess room together. On the bottom row I opened all the doors and gave everyone room. Frankie did not move from his cage but the others went in and introduced themselves. I kept Carmen alone in a cage on the top row thinking maybe the other three are too young and too rough for her. We can see how that goes.

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Please remember to initial the Daily Maintenance Check List. The managers are evaluated on our compliance so let's make them look good!

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There is three remaining open dates in January:

Jan 16, Friday - AM

Jan 18, Sunday - Adoption Table or PM

Jan 30, Friday - AM

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Please feel free to look ahead to February and let me know what you can do.

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One more thing...the key (on the red lanyard) to the adoption room is MIA. Check your pockets, purses, cars, etc and see if you accidentally brought it home! If you find it just bring it back - no questions asked, I promise!

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Get a load of this group....

Christmas Comes For Three Guys!

Terry, Eunice and Munchy sure didn't last long! Terry went home on Sunday. Both Munchy and Eunice went home yesterday. Eunice went home to an older woman who recently had lost her cat to a long illness. She was ready to give a loving home to another cat. Munchy was adopted by the same family who adopted Flutterbee in July of 2007. They also have other cats so it will be a full house for Munchy. Munchy's name is being changed to Lucky!

There is a very good hold on Tabs! Yippee!! The application is at the Shelter being processed and if all goes well she should be going home over the weekend. She will be joining a household with one other cat. As you know Tabs was adopted from us this summer only to be brought back to the Shelter as someone in the house had an allergy. Let's hope this is the REAL forever home for Tabs.

Two new cats arrived yesterday. Some of you may remember Shannon. She was with us for a few days in the beginning of November but went back to the Shelter due to an upper respiratory infection. She is fine now and has returned! I do not have a picture. She is orange and about two or three years old. She is very vocal and very nice! She is going to make someone a very good companion.

Mamma Mia is a real beauty! She is a Siamese mix with striking blue eyes. She was nervous when she arrived so move slowly with her and be patient. With her looks I am sure she will generate alot of interest.

Below are several dates in January that still need to be filled. I am particularly concerned about the dates that appear in red. I am going away from Saturday, January 3 through Sunday, January 11. I would like to have these dates covered before I leave so PLEASE let me know ASAP if you are available. If you have to cancel your shift for any reason while I am away contact the Shelter at 465-8923 between 9a-4p (seven days a week) and let them know coverage will be needed. Give them as much notice as you possibly can. Please do not e-mail me if something needs immediate attention - again, contact the Shelter during the times previously stated. I will update the calendar as soon as I hear from volunteers so please check the schedule before responding.

DATES:
January 4 (Sun) AM
January 4 (Sun) Adoption Table or PM cleaning
January 5 (Mon) AM
January 10 (Sat) AM
January 16 (Fri) AM
January 18 (Sun) Adoption Table or PM cleaning
January 19 (Mon) PM
January 24 (Sat) AM
January 30 (Fri) AM


Mama Mia (how can I resist ya!)

Have a Safe and Happy New Year! Thank you for everything you did in the year 2008 to make life better for companion animals in Cape May County. I look forward to all of us making even a bigger difference in 2009!

Hey Mom...thanks for taking care of the cleaning on Christmas!!

Willie, Lillith and Zannie Go Home!

Little Willie went home on Saturday! As stated in the previous post he will be joining our old friend Sashimi - now known as Triscuit. Lillith and big Zannie went home together on Saturday. They will be living with two teenage girls who were very happy to get them. The girls patiently held the cats and waited until they seemed content and then both very demurely allowed themselves to be placed in carriers. It's always nice when two get to go home together.

The cages are full again! Four new guys arrived Sunday afternoon. They are Eunice, Munchy, Terry and Carmen. Carmen and Terry are both friendly calicos and look alot alike! You may want to be careful letting them out of the cages at the same time. Terry immediately drew two applications. One completed the application and brought the required paperwork immediately to the Shelter. There is a very good chance she will be leaving on Wednesday.

Munchy is a black and tan male tabby that is about six years old. He was a tad shy upon arrival at PetSmart but should be just fine. Eunice is an older quiet female. She is gray and white. She, too, was a little nervous and shy upon arrival. Let's give these guys some time to settle in. I am sure they are going to appreciate the freedom we give them once they become acclimated to their new environment.

Jenny was doing some sneezing so went back to the Shelter for a check up. She received a clean bill of health and came back to PetSmart on Saturday.

Please take a look at the January schedule as there is still quite a few shifts that need to be covered.

Here's the new guys:

Good bye Greg, Welcome Allie & Jenny!

Greg went home yesterday. The new girl, Jenny, looks alot like Greg so apparently there was a little confusion as the cats were out playing when Greg was being picked up. They figured out who was the boy and who was the girl and home he went!

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Boy, is our little Willie getting a TON of attention! There is at least three holds on him right now. It looks like he is going to join one of the cats adopted from us last year. Remember Sashimi? Her name now is Triscuit and Willie will more than likely be her roommate. Sashimi was adopted last year on December 21. This will be a wonderful home for Willie! I am hoping he gets to go on Wednesday.

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I brought two new cats on Saturday. Jenny, as mentioned above, is a gray female that is a couple of years old. She is very pretty and mellow and settled right in. She was having trouble eating the adult dry cat food so the Shelter put her on a softer dry kitten food. There is a bag on top of the bin for her. Allie is a female that is also a few years old. She has beautiful copper and tan stripes. She is a tad nervous and right now is finding comfort remaining in the cage. She should come around soon. For now just keep in mind she is still settling in.

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We have been doing great communicating observed medical issues and getting the cats the meds they need. Good job! Please continue to note in the book whatever you feel needs to be passed on and e-mail me as well. During the day call the Shelter and note your actions in the book.

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I trained a new volunteer on Saturday who will be doing every other Thursday morning. Welcome aboard, Celine! I am sure you will enjoy being a part of this worthwhile and successful operation!

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I am still in need of a regular Friday morning volunteer so if any of you know someone who wants to get involved please have them contact me. It is actully three Fridays a month as the first one is always covered by Christina.

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There is alot of openings in the January calendar. Please take a look and let me know what you can do. There is a slight change....Joanne will no longer be doing the first Sunday of the month beginning in January. Sunday is her only day off and it seems she would like to have one morning a month without an obligation. Humpf!! What nerve! She will be doing the first Monday evening of the month instead.

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Here's Jenny & Allie:

Three More Adoptions

Samuel and Dandy both went home Wednesday night. Dandy's new mom had already been approved by the Shelter so she went to PetSmart, along with her son, and after meeting some of the cats she chose Dandy. Good for him. Samuel will be an only child and will get tons of attention!

Saffron was put on the fast track over the weekend. A couple came in and really loved her but were in the area visiting and heading home to Massachusetts. Leona immediately went into action! She contacted the Shelter to see if anything could be done to hasten Saffron's adoption. The application was completed, the paperwork provided and a vet reference obtained! The application was then approved and Saffron headed to her new home later Saturday afternoon. Good work!

There is an application pending on Polly. It is at the Shelter for review. Polly really seemed to take to the applicant so hopefully this will go through.

Two new guys arrived today. Willy is a sweetheart who came to the Shelter with an eye infection. The infection cleared up but the eye is permanently damaged. It does not cause him any discomfort nor require special attention. He was a little nervous when he arrived so be sure to give him a little time. I am sure he will be fine. Greg is a gray male who is really pretty and seemed to settle right in. His picture is below. Unfortunately I don't have a picture of Willy.

Usually at this time we are planning the Christmas dinner/meeting. The Shelter and the Advisory Board are in a transitional period so I have decided to wait and try to have our meeting after the New Year. More information on that will follow.

There are still two openings in December. Both are Friday mornings - December 12 & 26. Let me me know if you are available
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Welcome, Samuel and the Girls!

Sawyer went home Wednesday night. This poor cat's ordeal began over a year ago and thankfully now has a happy ending! It sounds like he is going to a nice quiet home which he will share with an older female cat. Perfect!

Four new cats went to PetSmart today. Samuel is the only male of the group. He is a black and white male and is a few years old. He is very nice and really responds to attention. People seem to love these black and white guys so I bet he gets adopted quickly. Lillith is a sweet long-haired orange and white girl. Polly is a brown, black and white tabby. She is very friendly and a nice older girl. Saffron is a big calico! The drive to the store was traumatic for her but she seemed fine by the time I left. She also is friendly and was very vocal today. All four are nice cats. As they settle in we will decide what doors to open between cages.

I brought a new notebook today for information to pass on. Please make sure to read the notebook before you begin cleaning. Should you observe any sign of illness or injury please note it in the book as well as any action taken, ie. notified Shelter or sent me an e-mail. In the event you do notify the Shelter make sure to send me an e-mail as well.

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The December calendar is full with the exception of the following dates:

Thursday, Dec 11, AM

Friday, Dec 12, AM

Sunday, Dec 14, Adoption Table or PM cleaning

Friday, Dec 26, AM

Meet the new guys: Saffron, Samuel, Lillith and Polly

Toots Goes Home - Mike & Ike Go Home Together!

It was a good week at PetSmart! While cleaning Thursday night Jen took an application on Toots that was approved Friday. Toots went home on Saturday. She warmed right up to her new mom and seemed so happy to be with her.

A couple came in on Saturday and put an application in for Mike and Ike. The application was approved today and when told they could come right in and pick them up, Mike & Ike's new dad wasted no time! When he arrived Mike calmly went into a carrier. Ike didn't want to come down from the ledge of the big cage so I had to climb in after him. I know they will be happy staying together. Right before they were picked up the two were asleep with their heads plastered together like Siamese twins! It is always so nice to send litter mates to the same home!

Dandy and Purrty are now in the big cage. Purrty was beating up on Sawyer who appeared to not like it at all. Sawyer has had enough stress in his life so I thought it best to separate them. There is an application pending for Sawyer and it looks like a good one. I am hoping he gets to go home Wednesday night.

Pita seems to be doing better. Just keep an eye on her when you let the guys out.

Someone is needed for the morning cleaning this Friday, November 21. Originally I was scheduled but I need to make arrangements to pick up cats from the Shelter in the late morning or early afternoon. I am unable to go to the store twice and the morning cleaning can not wait til that late. Let me know if you can cover.

Our notebook is full. I added enough pages to last until Friday when I will bring a new one.

The December schedule looks good. There still is a few shifts that need to be covered. Please look at the calendar and let me know if you are available.

Here is a couple of reminders:

1) Do not over fill the litter boxes. It is not necessary to put any more than an inch of the pine litter in the little boxes and two inches at the most in the big plastic tubs.

2) Wipe out the big litter boxes using the lemon quat and put them away with the rest of the tubs which are under the big cage. PLEASE do not put soiled tubs in arbitrary cabinets. God only knows how long they will sit in there before someone stumbles upon them. The number one turn off to people visiting shelters is smell. We need to keep everything clean.

3) Clean all food and water bowls removed from the cages.

4) Remember to initial in the appropriate place on the daily maintenance sheet the managers check.

Good luck, Trina! Good bye, Gin & Tonic!

Gin & Tonic and Trina left Wednesday night as scheduled. Trina is not going to know what to do with herself after living in a cage for eleven months. Her little legs are going to get quite the workout jumping and running! Lotus will be leaving today. She is so cute! I love the way she sits and lets her front legs hang straight down. Poor Dandy! I am sure he wonders where everyone is going.

So, I brought a truck load of cats to the store yesterday - six, to be exact. They are all very nice and you are going to love each and every one.

Mike and Ike are litter mates who came into the Shelter in July at about eight weeks old. They were very weak and sick. They were well taken care of and are healthy and strong now. I put them in the big cage with Lotus who welcomed them with open paws! Once she goes I am hoping that someone will see the two together and not want to separate them. Mike is the buff colored of the two and his picture is below. Ike is orange and I do not have a picture. They are really cute. Don't be alarmed if one or the other gives you a hiss when you meet. They are just a tad scared but are sweet. After a few days that should stop. To remember which is which just think of "Buff Mike" and it makes it easy!

Sawyer is one of what the Shelter referred to as "the Woodbine cats." They came into the Shelter over a year ago as a result of a cruelty/neglect case. Needless to say he has had a tough life. He is not very big and is sweet and really cute. He is not a "lap cat" however he does enjoy sitting next to you and being petted and brushed. He needs our attention! He has alot of white on him and the Shelter uses newspaper to line cages and the newsprint actually comes off on the cats' fur. He is a handsome guy and will look even better as that print wears off.

Shannon (also no picture) is an orange female about two or three years old. She is very vocal and very nice! As soon as you get to her cage she is up and talking to you! She was found by a compassionate soul living outside skinny and dirty. She was taken to a vet who made sure she was healthy. She was then vaccinated and spayed. Unfortunately this person could not keep her but did not want to merely leave her on the street. She was brought to the Shelter and she is going to make someone a great companion!

Zannie (also no picture) is huge fat cat! She is mostly white and gray and is six years old. She was brought to the Shelter by her owner who was moving and couldn't take her. I am so sad for the poors guys who find themselves living in a cage after being in a home for years. What must they think? How scared they must be! This poor girl needs to get back into a home. I gave her two cages and a big litter box. She will not do well in a home with small children.

Number six is a sweet little brown and gray tabby named Toots who has the big polydactal paws! I left them in the picture so you can see. She is probably the most shy of the group but by the time I left I could see she was getting better. I love those big paws!

As usual I left all the new arrivals in cages alone with the doors closed. Zannie will always have to have access to a big litter box. I think everyone will settle in with each other without a problem and we can open doors and give them room to move and socialize. I put Dandy in with Purrty and Tabs as I know all three get along with other cats.

I spoke with Aurora's neighbor yesterday who told me she is happily running around her new home and doing well with the resident cats there. Also, I was told that Crescent settled in fine after one day of hiding.

I have filled some of the days in November mentioned in the previous update and also had a cancellation. This is what still needs to be filled: Friday, November 7 (PM) and Friday, November 28 (AM). Let me know!!

Here's Toots, Sawyer and Mike......