The Boys Are Back In Town!!

Boy, did we have a busy weekend!! Violet left on Saturday. She will be living with another cat that was adopted from Animal Outreach last weekend. So happy for her!!

Reeses and Twix did not stay long!! They went home on Sunday. It is so nice they were adopted together. Their new mom recently lost her cat of 20 years and was ready to adopt. Can you just imagine these two rip-racing around a house?!! They are going to be a handful!

The boys - Duncan and Blackout - are back!! I am sure you remember them from a few months back. These two initially came into the Shelter last year at the end of November. Tenants moved out of an apartment in Wildwood and left them behind. We think they are about two years old. They are so friendly and absolutely love each other. They have been caged together since they came in. This is a pair we really do not want to break up! Their adoption fee is $35 each BUT if adopted together the second fee will be waived! Please do what you can to see they go together! Duncan is the cat to the left below - he has more white on his muzzle. Blackout is to the right and has more black on his nose.

I have a lot of people committed to the adoption event at the end of the month. As it gets closer I will e-mail a schedule out to those volunteering. We will also start having dogs at the store on the first Saturday of the month beginning in June.

I think we may have bought the wrong size brown paper this last time around. Please be patient with it and I promise the next round will be easier to handle!

The April schedule looks great - knock on wood!! I still need the morning of Friday, April 22 covered (Good Friday). Oh, and it's not too early to look ahead to May :-)

Spring Has Sprung!

It has been a long time since the last post and I apologize for that!! Just to reiterate the information sent out in the last e-mail....

The adoption table on Friday evenings will now be 4:00-6:00pm.

I am very happy to announce that starting Saturday, June 2 we will have Shelter dogs at the store on the first Saturday of each month from 12:00-3:00pm. This will be a great addition to our in-store adoption program - PetSmart and PetSmart Charities, Inc will be very happy!!

Little Midget went home last Wednesday night and will be joining several older cats as well as a couple of dogs. She was adopted by a woman who had adopted from the Shelter before. Her new mom is part of a small non-profit rescue group and we can rest assured that Midget will have a nice life!

Two young females arrived on Saturday named Twix (calico) and Reeses (torbi). They are six months old. They were spayed just last Thursday. They came in to the Shelter with two other litter mates which we still have. They were born in a home to someone who had not altered her cats and things became out of control. The younger ones were brought to us to put up for adoption. Reeses and Twix have been socialized from birth and had been living with nine other cats. Once they get beyond the stress associated with adjusting to their new environment they should be fine. We wanted to keep them together initially to make the transition easier for them. They do not need to be adopted together - however if someone is interested in adopting two cats make sure to let them know these two girls are litter mates. Here is Reeses and Twix.

In the event you saw Bobbi Sue as the featured cat in the newspaper a week or so back here is her story... She was adopted from the Shelter along with a beautiful calico named Pumpkin. Both cats are declawed. The adopting parents were advised Bobbi Sue is not fond of other cats but they really wanted two cats and could only take declaws. We were repeatedly assured that each cat would have it's own space and things would be just fine. Since Bobbi Sue had been with us so long I decided it was worth a try. Well, the two cats did not get along and they opted to bring poor Bobbi Sue back. Thankfully a client of one of the veterinarians we use was interested in adopting an older declawed cat and Bobbi Sue left on Friday. I sure hope this time it's for good!

I realize it appears that our adoptions from PetSmart are significantly less that years past. I believe this is because we now have two other organizations at the store every weekend - Animal OutReach and the Animal Alliance of Cape May County. Please do not fret over this though! The cats with Animal OutReach are our cats and we work closely with the AACMC to increase adoptions and decrease the number of adoptable cats entering the Shelter. Many of the cats with AACMC would be in the Shelter if not for the commitment and dedication of AACMC volunteers. In other words - all these cats are basically ours anyway!!

Kittens... If anyone is interested in adopting a kitten please let them know that we presently have about a dozen kittens in foster homes that are still nursing. We should have them available for foster pending adoption in approximately five to six weeks. Please tell them to call the Shelter and we can explain he process.

I received a GREAT response for the next PetSmart Adoption Event. Thanks everyone!!

Below is the dates that still need to be filled in April. As always it is the dreaded Thursday and Friday mornings! I would love to find a regular for these time slots!! Believe me - I am trying!

Friday, April 8, AM cleaning
Thursday, April 14, AM cleaning
Friday, April 22, AM cleaning (Good Friday)
Friday, April 29, AM cleaning

Tara and squirrely go home - Flurry is back!

OK...so I must apologize for not keeping up lately - it has been difficult with all the activity!

Flurry is all better and came back to take Squirrely's place who left last weekend. Squirrely will be living with two dogs and a cat. Tara went home Wednesday night. She will be living in Atlantic City with an older woman who recently lost her cat to illness. She is very excited to have Tara. She will be the only pet and will be lavished with attention!

Below is sweet little Midget who arrived yesterday. Her owners were living with family and had to move out and subsequently Midget arrived at the Shelter. She is older - at least 10 - and her adoption fee is only $8.00. You can tell by the holiday paper in the background that she has been with us for some time now. She lived with a dog and another cat so will be fine with other animals. Because she is older it is even more important to watch for signs of stress with the move from the Shelter to PetSmart. Initially allow her to have her own space until we know she has adjusted.

Earlier this week I received an e-mail that Violet was intimidating Flurry and appeared to be scaring her. If you ever observe behavior like this please do what you can to ensure it does not continue. If need be put the aggressive cat alone in a cage and close him/her off from the others and note your observations in the book. This is a very stressful situation for a cat to be left in.

Six rolls of brown paper were brought to the store yesterday. One was still left over from the last batch. Five were placed in the manager's office so there should be two presently in the adoption room.

As most of you are aware volunteers from Animal OutReach show case cats from our Shelter on weekends at PetSmart. Initially the volunteers were transporting the cats to and from the Shelter each weekend day. Shelter staff now are bringing the cats to the store early Saturday afternoon and picking them up late Sunday. The large stainless steel cage is wheeled into the adoption room overnight Saturday. Needless to say this is added work for the volunteer cleaning Sunday morning - thanks guys! I have advised staff that they are to empty the cage of all articles and clean it Sunday afternoon when the cats are picked up.

Kitten season has begun. This sounds like fun when you first hear it but in actuality it is a nightmare for shelters. Yesterday afternoon the first, of what will surely be many, kittens arrived - three kittens not even a week old were brought to us from a gentleman who found them under a bush on his property. Fortunately overnight he was able to trap the momma and now the kits will be nursed. PLEASE tell anyone who will listen to spay/neuter their cats!!! Tell them...if you are feeding outside cats you must take the next steps...TRAP, NEUTER, RETURN. There is a multitude of both low cost AND no cost alternatives for people throughout this county. Have them call the Shelter for help and for information. Last year in the month of May alone we took in 167 cats and kittens.

As you may have read in the paper this week 22 of the 58 dogs seized from Goshen Road were signed over to the various shelters where they are temporarily housed. Our Shelter has four of the twenty-two. I am happy to say that three of the four are already adopted!! There is another hearing scheduled for March 11. Let's hope the remaining dogs are signed over at that time!

The following days still need coverage this month...
Friday, March 11, AM
Monday, March 14, PM
Thursday, March 17, AM
Friday, March 18, AM
Friday, March 25, AM
Thursday, March 31, PM

Good Bye, Marilyn!!! Yay!

Yes, it has finally happened! Marilyn went home Wednesday night and she was ready! She went into her carrier, did a little sniffing around and then laid down right in it. She will be living with a cat adopted from us a few years ago from PetSmart named Tabs. Some of you may remember her.

Randal went home Wednesday night as well. He will be living in a household with four other cats. A vet check of this applicant revealed he knows the secret of feline longevity! He has owned quite a few cats that all lived beyond age 15.

Flurry has been sneezing up a storm so she was taken back to the Shelter and put on meds until her cold clears up. Don't worry - she'll be back.

Having two cats go home and one go back to the Shelter allowed for the arrival of the three guys below. Cheech and Versace are so cute!! They are buff colored males with silky smooth fur. They will adapt to a home with kids, cats and dogs. They were relinquished to the Shelter when their owner went into a nursing home and could no longer take care of them. Cheech is wearing a leopard skin collar and Versace is wearing a dark blue collar. Versace is the playful outgoing one and Cheech is the laid back guy. Of course I would LOVE for these guys to go home together! The adoption fee is waived on one if that happens!

Calypso was added to the group as well. She is a beauty and very friendly. She went to PetSmart for the weekend and had such fun playing with Squirrely we decided to give her Flurry's cage. She would adapt to any household as well.

Here's pictures of Cheech, Versace and Calypso:

The March schedule looks great. Below is a list of days that still need to be covered:
Thursday, March 3, AM

Friday, March 11, AM

Monday, March 14, PM

Thursday, March 17, AM

Friday, March 18, AM

Friday, March 25, AM

Thursday, March 31, AM

I would like to set up a regular schedule for dogs to go to the store once a month - maybe the first Saturday of each month. This schedule would be posted in the store and added to the on line calendar. Please let me know if you are interested in helping with this and if so what your availability is for March, April, May and June.

Old Man Winter Feels the Warmth!!

I am starting to have trouble keeping up with blog posts with so many cats coming and going! Of course that is a good thing!! Let's hope it continues!

Winter went home last night! Now that was fast - but didn't I predict it would be?? He will be living with two other cats and a dog. His new family was thrilled when their application was approved.

A nice big male black cat named Randel was brought to the store on Tuesday. He is three years old and was abandoned in a house by his previous owner. He weighs thirteen pounds and loves to snuggle!! You will see a small patch of hair missing on his back. Do not worry!! This was caused by a topical worming medication that was used on him and the hair will be back. Here's Big Randel...

This weekend is the annual Second Chance For Love adoption event at PetSmart. The adoption table will be open from 1:00-4:00pm on both Saturday and Sunday. The weather forecast is good so hopefully people will be out and about. We will have several dogs at the store from 1:00-3:00pm on both days. Volunteers handling the dogs: please be at the store by 12:45pm and plan to be there until the dogs are picked up at 3:00pm. Dogs must always be monitored and can only be handled by volunteers who come to the Shelter and walk dogs on a regular basis.

I still do not have takers for the morning cleaning next Thursday, February 17. Please let me know if you are available.

I have not heard otherwise so everyone must have located the new cleaning agent. Please...if you haven't - let me know!!

Less than a week for Baxter!

Oh, that Baxter!! Sure didn't take him long to get adopted - less than a week! His new mom had been at the Shelter looking for a cat for her son and then went to PetSmart where she met Baxter. He'll be going home tonight and will live with a dog and a nice little family.

Two boys joined our collection of girls today. They are pictured below - Butters and Winter. Winter is a big old white cat and is so cool! He is laid back and will be fine with kids, dogs and other cats. He is somewhere around 5-6 years old. Butters is young, lively and friendly and will make a great addition to any home as well. He was found on Butter Road in Upper Township. I don't think these two are going to last very long!

Hopefully the misunderstanding concerning the cleaning products has been cleared up. Remember...do not hesitate to contact me or talk to the store manager if you are unsure about the location of any thing you need.

We are all set for the adoption event for next weekend. I will e-mail instructions to those involved at the end of next week. Looks like we will be able to have a couple dogs at the store on both days! Great!

Good news...we received pictures at the Shelter from the woman who adopted Meow and Stefania. In the picture they are sitting side by side in their beds. They look so content and comfy!! It is always so nice to see our guys in their homes looking happy!!!

I still need someone for the morning cleaning on Thursday, February 17.

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Basil Goes Home - Flurry Joins Her Littermates

Basil went home Wednesday night with a happy family and a cart full of new kitty cat supplies!! He is going to have a nice life!

Nike was brought back to the Shelter because he appears to have some type of allergy. It looks like he is getting hot spots or itchy areas which he then scratches and little scabs are forming at the site of the irritation. You know he is in good hands with us at the Shelter.

Two new cats arrived on Friday - Baxter, the orange tom and Flurry, the pretty tiger with white. Flurry is litter mates with Blackout and Duncan and was left behind just as they were. She has beautiful markings and is VERY friendly! Baxter is about two years old. He showed up at a TNR colony and was so friendly the caretaker brought him to the Shelter where we discovered he was already neutered. He is a nice guy. Their pictures are below:

George and Jerry arrived safely at ROAR in Connecticut. Thanks, Paige!!

I am very happy to announce that on Friday at the Shelter three new volunteers were trained in the paperwork for the adoption table - Kathleen, Lydia and Joe. They will be working with each other and seasoned volunteers in the next few weeks. Thanks, guys!! If anyone else is interested in learning the paperwork please let me know and I will arrange your training at the Shelter. As I always say...it is not rocket science but it is a tad tedious. We can go over it at the Shelter without interuption.

Dog Walkers & Handlers...I am short on help for the Adoption Event in February. I have three volunteers for dogs for Sunday, February 13 but only one for Saturday, February 12. If you can help on Saturday please let me know.

The February schedule looks great. Below are the only openings that still need to be filled:
Friday, February 11, AM Cleaning

Thursday, February 17, AM Cleaning

Friday, February 18, AM Cleaning

Friday, February 25, AM Cleaning

Update on the dogs seized by the SPCA... The accused still has not signed the dogs over to the various Shelters. SPCA officials and the County Prosecutor's Office are doing everything they can to move this process along. I will keep everyone posted.

Topeka Heads Home! Three New Arrivals!

Topeka left on Wednesday night. Her new family had settlement on a new home last weekend and are thrilled to have Topeka coming with them! They were very excited to pick her up!

George and Jerry are going to Connecticut to the Ridgefield Operation For Animal Rescue (ROAR) where they will go up for adoption. (Please click on ROAR under links to the right for more information on this organization.) We have had amazing success with this small Shelter since they starting working with us last summer. On Friday, January 28, Paige will be transporting George and Jerry along with four kittens that are presently in foster up to this wonderful little shelter. I did receive two applications for George and Jerry however neither worked out.

Three new cats arrived yesterday. Two brothers, Blackout and Duncan, are now sharing the big cage. They are wonderful! They are a couple of years old and were left behind - along with a third cat named Flurry - when their owner moved out. Flurry is just getting over an upper respiratory infection and is in sick bay. You will probably meet her soon! You can tell them apart by the amount of black on their little noses. In the pictures below Blackout is on the left and Duncan is on the right.

The third new arrival, Violet, is a sweetheart! She is under a year old and has been growing up at the Shelter - we have had her since August. She is very friendly and sweet! Here she is:

All three of these guys will do fine in homes with dogs, kids and other cats.

Three new volunteers trained this week! Welcome to Peggy, Lydia and Joe! Thanks to Ruthann and Larissa for doing the training!

Still one opening in January...Friday, the 28th, in the morning. Let me know if you are available to cover it. Please look ahead to February, too.

If you need to call me please call my house phone first and then my cell. If the cell ringer is turned off I won't hear it. I will send those two numbers to all of you in an e-mail.

Topeka Is Not In Kansas Anymore!!

Topeka arrived yesterday! She was scheduled to be at PetSmart on Saturday but the snow canceled her trip so she arrived Sunday instead. She is a nice gray and white female about a year and half old. We've heard her story before...someone moved out of an apartment and simply left her behind. She is named after the street where she was living in Wildwood Crest - Topeka Avenue. She will do well with other cats, kids and dogs! Here she is...

Attention those who work the adoption table: we have changed the language on the hold agreement. Often times applicants feel a "hold" implies that we will no longer accept applications and that the adoption application is a mere formality. Please take a minute and read the new form. You will see a spot has been added for the applicant to initial indicating they understand the Shelter reserves the right to decide what home best suits the needs of the cat and that the deposit does not guarantee the adoption. Hopefully this will eliminate some confusion and keep everyone happy!

I still don't have any takers for two mornings this month... Thursday, January 20 and Friday,January 28. Let me know....

Looking ahead to February...I will need someone to fill the adoption table on Wednesday the 2nd.

2011 Starts With A Bang!!

Let's hope the first five days of 2011 are an indication of how the entire year is going to go!

On Saturday, New Year's Day, Meow and Stefania went home together! Some of you may remember the woman who adopted them. She was approved to adopt Jinx and Cali and had even already paid the adoption fee. The day before she was to pick them up she learned her sister was very sick and she needed to care for her. In the mean time she asked that we keep Jinx and Cali up for adoption and even use her money should we find a home for them. Well, we did and off the two went. On Saturday, she came to PetSmart and fell for Meow and Stefania. Since only six weeks ago she had been approved to adopt two cats there was no reason to make her wait! She went home - made some arrangements, talked to her resident cat and came back and picked up the girls!

Lucy's new mom submitted her application on Sunday and was approved a few days later. Her heart went out to Lucy after reading her bio. Lucy went home last night to a very excited mom and dad. She will be the only cat - no kids either - and will be spoiled rotten!!

Two new cats arrived on Tuesday - Basil and Nike. They both will be fine in a household with dogs, other cats and children. Both are members of large litters and, unfortunately, are quickly growing up at the Shelter. Basil is the last of a group we called "The Spices." We suspect he was continually overlooked because he is plain looking while the rest of his litter had striking physical characteristics. He is a young tiger striped male with a very pleasant personality. He is a nice, friendly cat who will make a great pet.

Nike is one of a litter of four - three black cats and one tiger. He also is friendly and outgoing and will adapt to a household with everything. As you can see from the picture below he has a slim, delicate face and just may be mistaken for a female.

Five rolls of paper were given to the manager on New Year's Day. Please let me know when you take the last roll so I can arrange to pick up more before the only pieces left are all tightly curled and totally annoying!!!

Only two open dates left this month:
January 20, Thursday, AM Cleaning

January 28, Friday, AM Cleaning

Attention Dog Walkers...the next adoption event at PetSmart is Saturday and Sunday, February 12 and 13. I would like to have dogs at the store from 1-3pm on both days. Let me know if you are available to help that weekend.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

Welcome Lucy & Bonnie!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! As most of you already know - Dot did leave on schedule and was home for the holidays!

I decided to let the remaining six cats stretch their paws and legs for a few days and had planned to bring new cats to the store on Sunday, December 26. Well, a little bit of snow put a wrench in that plan!! The two new girls arrived today.

Lucy is a full bred Persian who was dumped at the Shelter along with another female Persian we named Ethel. Both of these poor cats are seniors and were found one morning at the front door left in a dirty carrier. So sad! Both were full of mats and suffered from an upper respiratory infection. Ethel found a room at Barb A's Convalescent Center For Aging Felines. Lucy was adopted from the Shelter only to be brought back twenty-four hours later as someone in the house "was allergic to her." Poor Lucy was returned in an old hamper taped shut with duct taped. She is so pretty and so nice and has been subjected to so much indignity. We estimate her to be approximately eleven years old. Please make sure that any applicant understands that Lucy requires routine grooming. She likes other cats and kids. We are not sure how she would do with dogs. Look at her pretty face!!

Bonnie is a nice little girl who came into the Shelter in August as a stray with her brother Clyde. Poor Bonnie has been left behind in prison while Clyde is on the outside living the life! He was adopted a few weeks ago. She is just over a year old and will adapt well in a house with cats, kids and dogs. Meet Bonnie:

Special thanks to the PetSmart managers for taking care of our cats during the storm and allowing the volunteers to stay at home rather than risk their lives in the snow.

The below dates are still open in January - the dreaded every other Thursday morning and every Friday but the first one of the month. New Year's Eve is covered!

Thursday, January 6, AM

Friday, January 14, AM

Thursday, January 20, AM

Friday, January 21, AM

Friday, January 28, AM

Adoptions Continue to Soar!

Adoptions have been going so well - knock on wood!!! Sabrina left on Monday. She will be living with another of our old friends, Gray - now known as Liberty. She was adopted by the family of one of the PetSmart managers.

Gable left on Sunday. He was adopted by the same couple who adopted Ronnie and Charlie a few months ago. Hmmm...these adoptions may validate the old saying that cats are like potato chips...can't have just one!

I have approved an application for handsome Prince Albert and he will be home for Christmas!! He will be picked up by his new mom tonight. Albert shall be living in beautiful Cape May with another older cat and a ton of love!

I have also approved an application for Dot - however at this time I have yet to confirm the pick up time. I am hoping she, too, can go home tomorrow night. She will be living with two other cats and an old dog.

The two boys who arrived yesterday are fabulous! Meet George and Jerry. Just like the Seinfeld characters they are named after they are fast friends - and brothers, too. These two lovable, friendly guys were left behind when someone moved out of their apartment. They will do fine with other cats, dogs and children. Although it is not mandatory they go home together it would be ideal. Please introduce them as a tandem and make sure anyone interested in either one is made aware of their story. Jerry is the one with the white chin.


There is still a few openings in January. Below is the list. Let me know if you can cover any of the dates:

Thursday, January 6, AM

Monday, January 10, PM

Friday, January 14, AM

Thursday, January 20, AM

Friday, January 21, AM

Friday, January 28, AM

As many of you are already aware the Shelter did assist the State SPCA with the seizure of dogs from Goshen Road in Cape May Court House on Saturday. At this time we have thirteen dogs of various breeds and sizes. They are all so nice and so happy and grateful to be with us!! Unfortunately these dogs - along with the others placed throughout the State - will not be available for adoption until mandated court proceedings are completed. I will keep you all posted as this situation develops.

We had a great turnout at the Shelter for Santa Claws and the open house. We missed all those who were unable to make it this year. Next year will be even better! Special thanks to Simone for making the arrangements, Tony for being Santa Claws, Alan for being the great photographer, Kathleen for manning the printer! Also, thanks to the staff and volunteers for working so hard to have the shelter looking so good and for being such gracious hosts and hostesses!

Have a wonderful Christmas with your families!! Thanks again for everything you do for the Shelter and for the animals of Cape May County. The PetSmart program is vital to the Shelter and I am thankful to have such great support from all of you!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!!

Brandi Goes Home!

Brandi went home Monday night. She will be living with a retired couple who are absolutely thrilled to have her! Brandi's new mom said, "We are so excited! It's like we're bringing a new baby home!" Her husband was driving around with a cat carrier in the car just waiting to be told he could pick Brandi up from the store!

The latest addition will arrive this afternoon and I think she will fit right in! Dot is all black and is about five months old. She came into the Shelter very young as a stray in late September along with two litter mates. One of her siblings has been adopted and the other is in sick room with an eye infection. Once she is healthy she too will come to PetSmart. Dot is a happy little girl and gets along with kids and cats and would probably be fine with dogs. It should be no time before we can open the door and let her hang out with the others! Here is little Dot:

Sabrina has a hold and hopefully will be meeting her new mom tonight. The applicant saw her on Petfinder.com and faxed an application to the Shelter. She has yet to actually meet Sabrina and will do that tonight. Hopefully the "interview" will go well and she will be going home!

A new volunteer is training tonight! Welcome, Marisol!! We always love getting more help!

Larissa's friend made beautiful quilted and crocheted blankets to send home with the cats when they get adopted. They are not to be used for the cages but are part of the adoption packet. They are in one of the cabinets so if you work the adoption table please make sure each new adopter gets one along with a kitty cat!

Welcome Prince Albert!

It seems that due to the holiday Rhett did not get a proper send off! He left the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. Two teenage girls were VERY excited to adopt him. Here's his goodbye shot:

Fern left Friday night. Sabrina tried to go with her! When she could not get into the carrier she chose to sit on top of it. Fern's mom got a tad teary eyed, feeling bad leaving her behind. Then Fern's new dad proceeded to fall in love with Gabel! They just may be calling the Shelter tomorrow to adopt another one!

This will make you happy...Mayhem went home from the Shelter this week! Oh, and remember Zeus and Apollo from way back?? They were adopted together - finally - from the Shelter.

A wonderful tom cat arrived on Saturday named Albert. He is adorable! Albert is about two years old and will be good with cats, dogs and kids. He showed up in the yard of one of our volunteers, Larissa. She fostered Albert as the Shelter has so many cats and was trying to place him in a home for us. After a good prospect fell apart it was decided that he should go to PetSmart for prime exposure. OMG!! You guys are going to love him! He has a big old tom cat head and chubby cheeks and white whiskers!

Welcome to our newest volunteer, Olivia!! She was clutch when she jumped in last Thursday texting me at 10:30pm the night before to say she could cover! Thanks, Olivia!!!

Only one date left open on this month's calendar - Friday, December 17, in the morning. If you are available let me know.

Remember. Holiday Open House and Santa Claws next Sunday, December 12, 12-3pm. Please stop in and bring a friend! Santa pics will be 12-2pm.

Doogie, Doug and an old friend go home!

Doogie went home Wednesday night. He went right into the carrier without any trouble as if anxious to get on with his new life. His new dad bought him a bed and some other stuff and off they went!

Doug went home Friday night. He and our friend Cassie were adopted together. They will be living with two little girls - ages 5 and 6 - who are thrilled to have them! For those who don't remember Cassie she was at PetSmart at the very beginning of September and didn't seem to like it so we brought her back to the Shelter. She was the sweet little gray cat found in Wildwood stuck under a house. She was wearing a collar at the time but no one claimed her even after a canvas of the neighborhood. Here she is:

Fern and Sabrina arrived today. Fern is about a year and half old and is very sweet. She loves to be held and petted. She likes other cats and would also do great with kids. She is a cutie and very soft! She is a tiger cat with a lot of white!

Sabrina is a torti between two and three years old. She is also a sweetheart and will do fine with other cats and with kids. She is missing a toe on her back left paw which may be a little sensitive. I know some of you guys trim nails so please be careful with her.

Leona had Sabrina and Fern out for a short time today when they first arrived - and after putting all the other guys away. The two walked around and did a little hissing and grumbling which is to be expected. As always give them time to settle in before forcing them to share quarters with the other cats. Let's see how they do first. Here they are:

Hold on Rhett!!! I'll keep you posted!! Hopefully he gets to go home for Thanksgiving!!!

The following dates are still open in December:
Thursday, Dec 9, AM cleaning

Friday, Dec 17, AM cleaning

Thursday, Dec 23, AM cleaning

Saturday, Dec 25 - only one cleaning - not sure what time

Special thanks to Anne and Leona for teaming up and volunteering to clean on Thanksgiving Day.

Mark you calendars: Sunday, December 12, 12-3pm is the volunteer and staff Christmas get together at the Shelter. This year Santa will be at the party to pose for pictures with pets from 12-2pm!! The public is invited to come get their pet's pictures taken as well! The pictures are free and donations are welcome. There will be plenty of food on hand as well! It should be a lot of fun! I hope to see many of you!

Jinx & Cali Were Short Timers!!

Most of you did not even get a chance to meet Jinx and Cali and they are already gone! Yes, they went home together just last night. A family had come into the Shelter and met them last weekend but did not complete an application. Well, they came into the Shelter yesterday and completed the application and were easily approved. They have two little dogs and three other cats - obviously animal people!! Jinx was a tad stressed last night when they were picked up so we checked on them today. They are doing fine!

This is surprising...Tigger has settled in wonderfully and they are loving him! He adapted immediately. JoJo is the one who is taking a little more time and is a tad stressed. And, initially they did not want Tigger! (Since we all were so fond of Tigger and Jinx and Cali were such short-timers I have decided to allow Tigger to continue to be the featured cat!!)

Two girls have moved into the big cage. Although they were bunking together at the Shelter they did not come in together. Please do not hesitate to take applications for them separately. Although at first you may think they will be difficult to tell apart they are not at all.

Stefania is a gray tiger that came to us as a stray in February. She is two years old. She is a love! She is the one with the sleek body and thin face.

Meow is also a gray tiger that is two years old. She is the pudgier of the two and has a round face. She was surrendered to the Shelter in March when her owner was moving and could not take her. She is a nice kitty and very loving.

Stefania is the first picture and Meow is the one below it.



The December schedule looks great already! Please take a look and let me know if you can fill any of the remaining spots.

Hooray for Tigger!!!!

Yes, it is true!! Tigger has finally gone home! A family went to PetSmart and saw JoJo and Tigger in the cage together and initially chose JoJo. They came to the Shelter to complete an adoption application and decided to take Tigger as well. The boys will be living with an Old English bulldog and two boys - ages 7 & 9 - as well as mom and dad. Tigger came from a family of kids and dogs so should do fine. JoJo is so nice and easy going so he will be fine, too. They went home Wednesday night.

Sky and Mayhem are having trouble shaking an upper respiratory infection so we brought them back to the Shelter. I promise they will be back when they get better - hopefully they will get adopted before that, though!

Rhett and Gable took over the top row of cages Wednesday afternoon. These two came from a group of seven cats that were all trapped at one location where it appeared they were all inside/outside cats. Apparently the tenant in a rental property left them all behind when he moved out. The new tenant notified animal control and the cats were brought to the Shelter. Both are males about 6-8 months old and are very friendly and should do well in any situation. Rhett recently represented our Shelter cats at a visit to the Crest Haven Nursing & Rehab Center and did really well. Rhett is the brown tiger striped guy and Gable is black and white. Here they are:

Jinx and Cali took over the big cage today. These two are litter mates and are five years old. Their owners were moving and could not take them. Jinx is the black cat and Cali is, of course, the calico. They love each other! It seems bad luck is following them. A very nice woman came in and was adopting both of them. The day before she was to pick them up she learned her sister was very ill and needed her. She was really sad but could not go through with the adoption. She has promised to come back and get them as soon as she can but does not want to deter anyone else from choosing them as she is not sure when she will be able to actually bring them home. She paid the adoption fee but asked they continue to be available. If we find the right people we can waive the adoption fee. This is a pair that ideally will go home together. Please remember to tell their entire story to anyone who shows interest in one or both of these guys.

This weekend is another adoption event at PetSmart. We will have dogs at the adoption table on Saturday and Sunday from 1-3pm. In addition we will have our regular adoption table hours on Friday from 6-8pm, Saturday and Sunday from 2-4pm. Animal OutReach will also have volunteers at the store with Shelter cats on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

Adoptions have been going so well (knock on wood)and let's hope it continues!

Please look ahead to December and let me know if you can fill in on any of the open dates.

Sixty Goes Home & Sky Comes Back

Sixty went home last night. We all knew he wouldn't last long! He will be living with another cat and a Golden Retriever. Poor Mayhem will have to live without him.

Sky came back today. She is doing great! She is bunking with Mayhem and Doug on the top floor. Marilyn and Brandi are sharing cages on the bottom floor. The woman who put a hold on Marilyn picked two other cats at the Shelter and canceled the hold on Marilyn. We were so excited as she chose two five year old cats that were surrendered together. Unfortunately due to an illness in the family she had to withdraw the application completely.

Here's some GREAT news....Sheba was adopted from the Shelter!

I have received e-mails about Doug sneezing. I cleaned this morning and kept an eye on him and he wasn't sneezing. Let me know if you see it again. Also, just a reminder... When you observe something you think needs medical attention e-mail the shelter at animalshelter@cmcsheriff.net and Cc me. Put Attn: PetSmart Medical in the subject line. Each morning and throughout the day the e-mail is checked at the Shelter and your message will be forwarded to the medical staff. In the event the e-mail is not being checked due to a holiday or sick day I will be aware of that and will see that the message gets where it needs to be. Please do not text me or only e-mail me. Also, between the hours of 8a-4pm you can call the Shelter as well.

Doogie, a long haired black male cat, arrived today. He is a nice cat and gets along with other cats, dogs and kids. He is on the lower level in a cage by himself. I think he will settle in just fine and after a day or two we can open the door and he can hang with Marilyn and Brandi. The guys seem so comfortable and happy when three share four cages with one cage being the "bathroom!"

I have two openings left this month and both are Thursday mornings...November 11 and November 18. Also, let me know if you are available to help with dogs for the adoption event at PetSmart on Saturday and Sunday, November 13 & 14.

I will be doing the schedule for 2011 that includes the regulars. Please let me know if you want to change anything.

Good Week!!!

We had a good week! Poncho went home Wednesday night and will be living with a nice family and a weimaraner. His new dad brought the dog into the Shelter to see how he would do with cats. The dog reacted very well to the cats and we are sure he will be respectful of Poncho and they will get along quite well.

Chuck and Annabelle went home last night. When Ruthann got the carrier ready for Chuck poor Tigger jumped in and didn't want to get out! I guess he has been enjoying his time with Chuck and wanted to go home with him. Chuck's family was pretty sad leaving Tigger after watching that. We need to get Tigger a home!!

Annabelle's new family is thrilled! They remarked several times on how soft and beautiful she is. She will be living with a very nice family.

Sheba is not doing so well at PetSmart. Some cats just don't do well in the "fish bowl" atmosphere or the communal living. She is exhibiting some signs of stress. She is becoming increasingly resistant to having her back touched and got a tad hissy yesterday. She will be fine with the staff at the Shelter.

Below is the trio arriving over the weekend. Jojo is a gray male and is a few years old. Not much seems to faze him! He does well with dogs, other cats and kids. He will be Tigger's new roommate. Marilyn is a sweet little calico about a year and a half old. She is another one who is pleasant and will be fine with other cats, dogs and kids. Brandi is special!! Look at her little black and white face and pink nose! She is so cute!! She is also about a year and half old. She may be a tad scared when she first arrives but I guarantee you will have her purring away if you hold her and talk to her. Although her profile recommends a home with older children please assure potential adopters that this is always a case by case basis. Some children do better than others with animals. Also, since she is a tad nervous adopters with a dog may not be a good fit. She is fine with other cats.

For now the three youngsters will continue to share the lower level. Mayhem and Sixty will continue to share their two cages. Leave the door shut between Brandi and Marilyn and give them a chance to settle in.

Next Saturday we will have cats and dogs at The Waggin Tail pet store on Route 9 in Erma for the inaugural (and hopefully annual) Howls and Growls Halloween Event from 12-3pm. Please spread the word! Our dogs and cats will be in costume! (Special thanks to Barb A for organizing this event.)

Every couple of months I need to remind everyone of a few logistical things. I hesitate to ever criticize as you are all volunteers and I would be lost without you!! The PetSmart program is very important to the Shelter cats. Let me first thank all of you for everything you do and for your continued commitment. Now...a couple of logistical reminders....

Food bowls need only to be filled half way.

Litter boxes need only to be filled about an inch to an inch and half from the bottom.

Empty the water jug before you leave.

One blanket per cage is PLENTY!

If you have time cut a few sheets of brown paper for the next volunteer if you see there isn't any left.

The November schedule looks good! Below is the dates & shifts that still need coverage:

Thursday, November 4, AM

Sunday, November 7, AM

Monday, November 8, PM

Thursday, November 11, AM

Friday, November 19, AM

Sunday, November 21, Adoption Table

Sunday, November 28, Adoption Table

Monday, November 29, PM

Let's hope we have a good weekend!!!

Welcome, Sixty and Mayhem!

Clementine knew her time had finally arrived!! Like a perfect lady she allowed herself to be placed in a carrier for the journey home. Her new mom had a cart full of welcome gifts including a new bed. So happy for her!!

Doug fit in well with all the youngsters so now all four share the lower level. Chuck and Tigger are together in the big cage and are wearing each other out! Sheba is on the top floor with two cages.

Sixty and Mayhem are the new arrivals and will be sharing quarters at PetSmart. They were surrendered to the Shelter together when their owners moved and could not take them along. Sixty is white with patches of color and is so friendly! He is 7 months old. He is like a wiggle worm that you can do anything with! He loves to be held and loves attention. Mayhem is really not as her name implies - actually the opposite. She is quiet and gentle and watches over Sixty like a mom. She is a year old and has brown and black stripes. Ideally we would love to see these two adopted together however it is NOT a must. If anyone shows interest in one or the other we need to make sure they are aware of their shared history and using the skills of a master salesman we need to encourage them to take both!!

Here they are in separate pictures as well as together.

On Friday I dismantled the big cage and took the pieces into the back store room and scrubbed them down with hot water and lemon quat. Boy do I wish the cages and inserts were not made of that textured material! It is so hard to keep it clean.

We have really been doing well since summer ended and hopefully it will continue through the weekend - knock on wood!

Happy National Feral Cat Day ^..^ !!!!!

Oh My Darling, Clementine!!!

Clementine is going home tomorrow night!! Yippee!! She is going to a very nice young family who can not wait to get her! She will live with three kids, mom and dad and a dog. I had a long conversation with her new mom and she totally understands that Clementine will need an adjustment period in her new home.

Cody went home last night. It sure didn't take him long! He left the store with a new family and a cart full of new kitty cat supplies!

Doug arrived at the store today. He is a male gray tiger - about five months old. He is one of a litter of six. Three have been adopted. He is super friendly and couldn't wait to explore his new surroundings at PetSmart. He actually seemed happy to be there! Doug's two brothers are still at the Shelter so let people know if they like him you know where to get them another!


Look ahead to November and let me know if you are available to fill in any of the empty days. There will be another adoption event at the store Friday through Sunday, November 12-14. As always I am hoping to have enough volunteers to be able to brings dogs to the store on Saturday and Sunday from 12:30-3:00pm.

Skippy and Streetz...YAY!!!!

Yes, it's true!! Skippy AND Streetz went home this weekend! Streetz went home Friday night and Skippy went home on Saturday. What a great weekend! Skippy will be living with four other cats and a dog. His new family totally understands how important it is to slowly introduce him to the new environment. Their reign in the big cage is finally over!! (Kudos and special thanks to Ruthann for "closing the deal!")

Regal went home yesterday. He was brought to the Shelter in the morning where his new family picked him up in the afternoon. Tigger was having such a good time with him all morning rolling around and wrestling! I hope Tigger gets to go soon.

Three new guys are coming today. All three are young, friendly and energetic. I suspect Sky is gonna have a ball with these new friends!

Annabelle is a cream colored female about a year old. She is a total love bug! She is so friendly and just loves attention. She will be put in the cage next to Sky and after a day or two we can open the door between the cages. I think Sky will be happy to again have company. Here she is:

Poncho and Cody are both males and although they are not litter mates they have been sharing a
cage at the shelter. They will be put in the other two empty cages with the door open. They both came into the Shelter when they were about seven weeks old and that was in mid-June. They are about five months old now. Cody is orange and white and starts to purr as soon as you look at him! Poor guy was found in a trash can. Poncho is gray and white and is a friendly little guy! Both have no problem being picked up and held and love attention. Beware when you first set them free as they are gonna love to run about! Meet Poncho & Cody:

Please....another reminder....do not put soiled litter pans in the cabinets beneath the cages. There was four in there yesterday. It is so important that the room be kept clean and not have an unpleasant odor. I know it is difficult to clean the pans in the area in the back room. Ugh. So, at minimum spray the pans down with the lemon quat and wipe them clean.

The store was totally out of paper towels on Monday. Hopefully more will have arrived today. Look in the back room or ask the manager if they have arrived. For now there is a box of disposables hand wipes to use which should easily carry us over until the paper towels arrive.

Only two openings left on the October schedule: Monday, October 11 in the evening and Thursday, October 14 in the morning. Let me know if you are available.

This was such a good week!! Boots, Streetz, Skippy and Regal all leaving is awesome! Let's hope it continues at this rate! We still have MANY kittens at the Shelter so please tell people interested that we got 'em!! Thanks again for all your help!!

Boots and Moon Go Home

Boots and Moon went home on Wednesday night. No, they did not go together. Actually an applicant came to meet Skippy and decided on Moon. Poor Skippy! But, after learning the hold was pulled on Skippy ANOTHER applicant called the Shelter and will be in tonight to meet him. Keep your fingers crossed. This new applicant is a regular at PetSmart and has seen Skippy there for a long time. Ruthann, let's see you close the deal tonight!!

The family who adopted Boots was considering Tigger as well. Unfortunately when they were introduced to Tigger he...um...shall we say...acted up a tad. There was a little scratching and some acting out so they decided to just take Boots.

Chuck was brought to the store yesterday. He is a big handsome orange and white cat with a lot of attitude!! He is really cool. Chuck is a few years old - maybe three. He has a lot of energy so will enjoy play time out of a cage. Check out Chuck below....

We will cap the number of cats at PetSmart at eight. It seems to get too cramped when we exceed that number. Right now we have four males and four females. I'm going to try to keep it a good mix like that.

Saucers is being picked up this weekend from the Shelter. Remember sweet little Lady, the gray tabby? She has been adopted from the Shelter and will live in a quiet home as the only cat. It is a perfect fit for her.

October is national Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog month. We will be having a couple of special events to increase awareness of the plight of shelter animals. On Saturday, October 8, 11a-1p, we will be at the Stone Harbor Post Office with dogs and cats. On Saturday, October 16, Sandy Paws Mobile Grooming will spend the day at the Shelter pampering our dogs and instructing visitors on the importance of grooming pets. On Saturday, October 30, 12-3pm, we will be at the Wagging Tail in Erma for a Halloween Adoption Event. Volunteers are needed to help Barb A with the event at the Wagging Tail so if you are interested please let me know. In order for dogs to go Barb will need help.

The October schedule has a few holes that are listed below. Thursday and Friday mornings are tough to fill!! Let me know if you can cover any of the below dates:

Friday, Oct 8, AM

Monday, Oct 11, PM

Thursday, Oct 14, AM

Friday, Oct 15, AM

Friday, Oct 22, AM

Thurs, Oct 28, AM

Friday, Oct 29, AM

Two New Arrivals

Sweet little Saucers was brought back to the Shelter on Wednesday. One of her eyes was looking sore, was slightly closed, runny and irritated. She was not congested and showed no signs of upper respiratory problems. She is doing fine and will be back soon. Maybe she was scratched or got something in it.

Sheba arrived on Wednesday afternoon. She is a beautiful soft gray kitty with gold eyes. She came into the Shelter as a stray but was already spayed. She is a couple of years old. She is a pleasant cat and was friendly from the start and adapted well at the Shelter. Hopefully she will do the same at PetSmart.

Regal is a lovebug!!! He is the kinda cat that walks right out the door and into your arms when you open the cage! He is a black and white male and is a few years old. He is so handsome and so friendly! You guys are gonna love him!

You will see that changes were made to the profile posted for Boots and Tigger. It is made clear on the new profile that the two cats do not have to be adopted together. Although you should encourage a potential adopter to take both please do not discourage someone if they are only interested in one.

The September schedule WAS complete...I said WAS! Coverage is needed for the morning cleaning on Tuesday, September 28 and for the evening cleaning on Thursday, September 30. Please let me know ASAP if you are available on either day.

Please look ahead to October and let me know your availability.

Casper Finally Gets To Go Home!

Casper left on Saturday and his new family is delighted to have him! They arrived thirty minutes early to pick him up. Streetz was moved into the big cage with Skippy.

This weekend is the fall adoption event at PetSmart (Sept 10, 11, 12). Kittens will be brought to the store Friday afternoon and picked up Sunday afternoon. If you are scheduled for morning cleanings keep this in mind and allot some extra time. Kittens can be messy!

I have volunteers for Saturday to help with dogs from 1-3pm. I'm looking for people to do the same hours on Sunday. If you are also available on Saturday please let me know. The more volunteers there are the more dogs we can bring.

Six rolls of paper were brought to the store last week. Five were given to the manager, Stacey, and one was put in the adoption room. Whoever takes the last roll let me know so the supply can be replenished.

We all survived another summer! Let's hope kitten season is over, too!

Below is the dates still open this month:
Sept 16, Thursday, AM

Sept 17, Friday, AM

Sept, 22, Wed, PM or Adoption Table

Sept 29, PM or Adoption Table

Two New Arrivals

Two cats were brought to PetSmart today to replace the cages vacated by Ronnie and Charlie. Both are petite females that are really friendly.

Cassie is a beautiful shade of gray and is under a year old. In June she was found under a house in Wildwood crying for food. She was really thin and so hungry. She was wearing a collar so the person who found her knocked on all the doors in the surrounding area but no one knew where she belonged.

Saucers is a few years old and is awesome!! She is so friendly and can be quite vocal. She will reach out to you through the cage for love and attention!

Both Cassie and Saucers should settle in without a problem however give it a few days before you open the doors to their cages. Remember, they have been living solo for months and cats need to take their time when dealing with changes in their environment.

Here they are:

Bobbie Sue seems to be having a little trouble with her back legs and we fear it may be due to lack of movement and being cramped in the cage. She really has put on weight at PetSmart. She is back at the Shelter and at night we let her loose in the lobby so she can get those legs moving and get some exercise.

Calendar update: Thursday, September 2, has been filled. Please look at the previous post and let me know if you can cover any of the remaining days.

Keep your paws crossed that Hurricane Earl does not cause any damage along the east coast as it travels this way.

Some Old Friends Go Home!

Wow! The last entry I did was July 31! How did that happen?? I do have good news... Charlie and Ronnie were brought to the Shelter this week and were picked up by their new parents. Their foster parents are THRILLED to see them going home together.

The below litter mates arrived at the store Wednesday afternoon. Sky is a female brown tabby and Moon is her brother. They are really nice! Of course if they go to the same home the adoption fee for both is $70. It is not a MUST that they go together but it sure would be nice!

The fall adoption weekend at PetSmart is Friday - Sunday, September 10-12. I am hoping to have dogs at the store on Saturday and Sunday so let me know if you are available so we can make that happen.

There is still some openings on the September schedule. Here they are:

Thursday, AM, September 2

Thursday, AM, September 16

Friday, AM, September 17

Wednesday, PM or Adoption Table, September 22

Wednesday, PM or Adoption Table, September 29

Thursday, AM, September 30

Here's some more good news.... Remember Anya and Willow? They were adopted together two weeks ago! And remember poor Belle who left only to be brought back two days later? She was adopted along with her brother, Beau, and they are very happy in their new home!! Oh...and Fendi and Gucci?? Remember them?? They too were adopted together! I need to remember to let you all know when the guys you met and took care of get adopted from the Shelter. I can't believe I haven't shared all this sooner!!

Please let me know if you can cover any of the above dates. Thanks for your help!!