Hooray for Big Stedman!!

Stedman went home on Saturday. He will be living with a very nice couple who have three other cats and a beagle. They came into the Shelter to put a hold on him and were so excited about it. I have no doubt he will be well taken care of.

A cute little boy named Rascal took Stedman's place today. Rascal is an orange tiger and is a little under a year old. He is very friendly and very playful. He will not have any trouble settling in.

Hold on Ben and Jerry - together!! We have alot of litter mates at the Shelter and this is the way we like to see 'em go! The applicant originally applied for Mikey but as the second hold. The original application had been approved so this is a mere formality. I am hoping they get to leave on Saturday.

Just a reminder...since volunteers come in twice a day it really is not necessary to use alot of litter. The more litter there is in the box the more it seems to be every where. Also, remember, we need to keep our costs down. Please do not fill the boxes halfway to the top - put only about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch in the bottom.

I have been busy this summer and rarely have had an opportunity to get to the store. Every time I do go I am so impressed by how orderly all of you keep it. Things looked great today!! Thank you again for being patient about the locks on the cages and the change in litter. The ten cages at PetSmart are responsible for 30% of our feline adoptions. Your help and commitment to this program is so important to the Shelter.

The September schedule is almost complete. There are two openings - both in the morning: Thursday, September 10 and Monday, September 21.

In addition to the regular schedule we are participating in a fall Adoption Event on Friday, Saturday & Sunday, September 11-13 and will have extended adoption hours. We will also bring dogs based on the number of volunteers that are available. Please let me know if you can help. The more the merrier!

Here's our Rascal:

Say Good Bye To The Dry Spell!!

It looks like the summer dry spell is finally over. I am very happy to report that we have had many adoptions over the past week to ten days. I don't know where to begin... Myrna was adopted by one of our volunteers and is doing well. I love her - she is so pretty! Frankie went home last Saturday and Mikey went home last Sunday. Pretty little Fluffy who got sick got a wonderful home when she returned to the Shelter. Get this...HAZEL got a home! She was adopted along with a shy cat named Cassie. Her new family was made totally aware of Hazel's dislike for other cats as well as her...shall we say"spunk" and they had to have her! I know everyone worries when a cat goes back to the Shelter. The return worked out great for Hazel and Fluffy.

PetSmart is having their annual September adoption event on Friday through Sunday, September 11-13. I would like to have the adoption table open on Friday 11-3pm, Saturday 12-4pm and Sunday 12-3 pm. The Saturday adoption table is covered from 12-4 for the resident cats. I would like to have dogs at the store on Saturday and Sunday for two or three hours. I also would like to bring down more cats to spend the weekend. Let me know if you are available for any of the hours. The shelter will receive $25 from PetSmart Charities for each animal adopted during the three days.

Five new kitties arrived on Wednesday. Two brothers, Ben and Jerry, are absolutely adorable! They are littermates. Jerry is a gray tiger and Ben is solid gray. They are in the big cage together. Hopefully a customer will simply have to have the pair of them after seeing them run and play - and, boy, do they run and play!

Oriella is a couple of years old and is a little shy. She is a black and white female. She is sweet and very pretty. Penny is a blue cream who is just about a year old. She snuggles and hugs and is very loving! Jana is about two years old and is a torti. She can also be a tad shy but is friendly when she becomes comfortable. Please leave these three in their own cages until they appear to settle in.

The following dates are still open in September:
Thursday, September 10, AM
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, September 11-13, Adoption Event (see calendar)
Sunday, September 27, Adoption Table

Here's the new girls...sorry, no pictures of Ben and Jerry.

Toto Goes To The Emerald City!

Toto went home on Sunday. He is going to be living with a small dog, another cat, mom and dad, and a ten year old boy who is absolutely THRILLED to be getting him! I suspect that both the boy and Toto are going to be quite spoiled.

Tonight a hold was taken on Oliver and from what I have heard so far it sounds like a good application. I will review it tomorrow at the Shelter.

Three really nice cats were brought down today. Graham is a big old tom cat without a tail that is absolutely gorgeous. You are going to love him. He is a personal surrender that came to the Shelter in December. Less than an hour after arriving at PetSmart we received an inquiry from someone very interested in adopting him.

Fluffy is a sweet long-haired female who is about three years old. She came into the Shelter last month with six other housemates. Their owner was being evicted and could not take the cats. He did come back to the Shelter for two older cats once he found a place to live but he could not take the other four as well. One has since been adopted. Fluffy is a little sad (understandably so) but I do not think she will be for too long once people start to see her.

Mikey is a young male who came into the Shelter as a stray in early June. He was already neutered so it is no surprise that he is friendly and playful. Somewhere in his short life he definitely had human companionship and with his personality he will again very soon!

Hazel was brought back to the Shelter today. Do not worry about her!! She just seems to be a tad too temperamental for PetSmart. The setting is not for every cat. She will be well taken care of at the Shelter and you just may see her again - if she learns to behave herself!

If you are in the area of the 8th Street Recreation field in North Wildwood on Tuesday night (August 4) look for Shelter staff, volunteers, dogs and cats that are all participating there in National Night Out from 5:30p-8:30p.

We have a couple of new PetSmart volunteers - mother and son, Johna and Joe. Welcome aboard!

Special thanks to Leona for pulling double duty on this past Saturday - doing both the morning cleaning AND the adoption table!! Thank you, thank you!!

The September calendar is shaping up. Please take a look ahead and let me know the dates you can cover. Shelter volunteers, please remember to e-mail Tom and let him know when you plan on being at the Shelter.

Below is the cats that arrived today: Fluffy, Mikey and Graham....

Fae Gets To Finally Go Home!

Fae left on Saturday and very calmly allowed herself to be placed in a carrier. Her new family was very excited to be taking her home. Stedman and Frankie will remain roommates and hopefully will get to go together one day!

Ugh! This dry spell is terrible! I looked at the blog for last year and saw that the month of July was pretty slow then, too. We were able to bring kittens and youngsters overnight Saturday to Sunday again. Although we did not get any applications it did give them some much needed exposure.

The 5th Anniversary Celebration last Thursday at the Shelter was a success! Thank you to everyone who stopped in. We had so much support from the County!! You will see in the below picture that four Freeholders, the Sheriff and the County Clerk were all on hand to support the Shelter. Congratulations to Janet K on being named "Volunteer of the Year" for 2008! You can see her proudly displaying her plaque in the photo below. Also among the pictures is the freeholders and the Sheriff with one of our resident dogs, Fudge. He did so well posing for the picture! Also pictured is the freeholders holding up the Shelter's birthday cake. Thank you to the North Cape May ACME for donating such a wonderful cake!! It had a picture of one of our dogs and one of our cats on it - not too mention is was delicious!! If you click on the links to the right - The Shelter In The News and 5th Anniversary Celebration at the Cape May County Animal Shelter you can see an article from the Cape May County Herald as well as a copy of the Anniversary program. Again, thanks to everyone!!

I do have some dates in August that need to be filled. Please let me know as soon as you can if you are available to cover any of them:
Saturday, August 1, Adoption Table or PM cleaning
Monday, August 3, AM and PM
Monday, August 17, AM
Friday, August 21, AM
Saturday, August 29, AM

Here's some pics of our little celebration.....(if you click on the picture it will open up larger and is easier to see)

Hooray For Jess!! Good Bye Miss P!!

OMG!! Jess finally got to go home! She was picked up Wednesday night and her new mom was very excited. She will be living with a little girl and a dog. Apparently Toto is a tad anxious to leave - he jumped in Jess' carrier and had to be reminded it was not for him.

Miss Pirate left with one of our fellow volunteers, Barb C. She will have a great life. Thank you, Barb! I feel like this is the jump start we need!!

Three new cats arrived on Thursday. Siam is a brown tabby that has been in the Shelter since May of 2008. Getting him adopted is a top priority! He had some stomach issues for a long time and was on meds but we have found that he does just fine on the PetSmart brand food. Please make sure he always is by himself with his food or he will start vomitting every time he eats. Let him out to play but do not give him access to the other food.

Oliver is a youngster who is very social and playful. He's the orange guy.

Myrna is pretty and sweet with beautiful eyes BUT is not real crazy about other cats. She needs to have her own space. Please keep her alone and do not rush her into being with the others - that can really stress out a cat who prefers to be alone.

We have alot of kittens at the Shelter between the ages of six weeks and five months. Throughout the summer we will be bringing those who have reached a point where they can be spayed or neutered to the store on Saturday afternoons and picking them back up Sunday afternoon. They are adorable and alot of fun. Hopefully this exposure will increase our adoptions.

The Shelter will have an information table at the 4-H Fair held on Thursday-Saturday, July 16-18. Please let me know if you are available to spend any time there.

We will be celebrating the 5th Anniversary of the opening of Shelter on Thursday, July 23. Please see the link to the right for more information. We will have light refreshments and an open house. We will be offering microchipping for owned pets for $20 from 12:00-3:00. There will be a short ceremony at 3:00PM - Freeholder Director Beyel, Freeholder Desiderio and Sheriff Gary Schaffer will say a few words. (I think I will, too!!!) Please spread the word and please make sure to come yourself and have a piece of cake!!

Meet Siam, Myrna and Oliver.....

Hector Moves to Barb's Assisted Living

Yes, it is true...another elderly cat has moved into Barb A's assisting living area for aging cats. Hector will be joining the two senior girls Cassie and Ella - remember them?? What a lucky little man! Thank you, Barb!! Let's hope this jump starts adoptions at PetSmart!!

By now everyone should had dealt with the change in litter. How's it going?? I know we don't like it but unfortunately we have no choice. PetSmart does so much for us so we need to cooperate. As I said in my e-mail the store was audited by the District Manager and as a result the store managers must make some adjustments in policy. The Pet Adoption Center is not the only area of the store that is undergoing some changes.

Thanks to some volunteers several Shelter residents went on outings last week. Janet K and staff brought dogs and cats to the Loyalton of Cape May on Tuesday, June 23. The residents of the Loyalton loved meeting the guys! Jenn J, Barb A, Larissa, Joan S, Janet K and the Gerys helped with the Jaworski Youth Fund Family Festival in Stone Harbor on Sunday, June 28. With all this help the Shelter was able to bring four dogs and four cats to the event. We all met alot of nice people and the animals got to spend a couple of hours in the fresh air.

The Shelter and the Animal Alliance of Cape May County (AACMC) have joined together to start the Barn Buddy Program. Click on the link to the right for details. I am sending all of you a flyer explaining the details of the program. Please forward it to anyone you know who may be interested.

OK...the schedule...there is presently two openings in July - both in the morning - Sunday, July 5 and Friday, July 17. Please let me know if you are available. Remember...the store opens at 10am on Sundays so you can sleep in a bit.

Happy Fourth of July!!!

Slow Lately!

Wendy left last weekend while I was away. Sorry for the delayed news!! Her new mom is very excited about having her. Poor Wendy was starting to show some signs of stress so it is great she got to finally go.

Seems my out of town emergency procedure was put into place last Friday. Thanks to Jenny for stepping in at the last minute! I owe you one!

How are things working out with Hector and the wet food? I was told we may be torturing the other cats by opening a can of wet food for him only. I have also been told that sometimes he is not even interested in the wet. We could try simply moistening the dry food we put in his bowl. Let me know what you guys think.

I looked at last year's blog and this time of year is always slow. People are busy with weddings, graduations and family vacations. Hopefully it will pick up soon.

We have alot of kittens in foster care who have reached the age where they can be spayed/neutered and put up for adoption. In a couple of weeks we will bring several down to PetSmart on weekends so they can get some exposure. These guys are real cuties!!

Thanks to Barb and Joan for helping out at the Doggie Fashion Show at King Nummy Trail Campground last weekend. Our dogs always love a day out of the Shelter! Sounds like everyone had fun!

The dog training at PetSmart started the first weekend of this month. When people ask if Shelter dogs ever come to the store let them know that several are there every other Thursday evening and every other Saturday afternoon through the end of July. I'll see that the actual dates are posted for you guys for easy reference.

Please look at the July schedule...there are a few open dates.

Yes, Jess is back...let's hope she doesn't stay long this time!

Three Boys Go - Three Boys Arrive

The big boys, Puss and Boots, went home together last night. They are joining a couple of other cats and an old dog. Their new parents are no strangers at the Shelter as they have adopted two cats and a dog from us in the past. The guys were stuffed into those little cardboard carriers and off they went. They must have been so happy when they were set free at their new home!

Rudy went home earlier this week. His new mom couldn't make it to PetSmart Wednesday evening or next weekend so we picked up Rudy and brought him to the Shelter for her. He went home Tuesday morning.

You are going to love the three new boys. Hector is a quiet little old man who loves attention. He is a gray and white and enjoys a good petting! Stedman is a big old regal black cat. He can be vocal and is quite a gentleman. Toto is really cool! He is an orange and white polydactyl with a big mouth! At the Shelter he often held full fledged conversations with the staff! Watch his big feet, though. Toto hates getting his nails trims and will let you know it. That extra toe must make his paws ultra sensitive.

I am going out of town to Animal Control Officer school next week and two days the following week. Please do your best not to have to cancel your shift. If you do need to cancel between the below dates contact the Shelter at 465-8923 between 8am-4pm. After 4pm and before 9pm please contact PetSmart at 886-7356 and ask for the manager. I will be away the following dates:
Sunday, June 7 at 1:00pm through Friday, June 12 at 6:00pm
Sunday, June 14 at 1:00 pm through Tuesday, June 16 at 6:00pm

There has been a couple of cancellations and a few dates that have not been covered yet in June. Please let me know ASAP if you are available.

Friday, June 12, AM

Sunday, June 14, PM or Adoption Table

Thursday, June 18, AM

Friday, June 19, AM

Jess is doing well. I promise she will be back soon.

Here's the three new boys:

Carmen Goes Home!! Yippee!!!

Yes, it's true!! Carmen has finally emerged triumphant after three trips back to the Shelter. She went home Wednesday night! I am sure that will make everyone very happy.

Little Jess is fine and is being observed for any more signs of bleeding. She is a sweetheart and said to tell you all she said HI!

Two old friends are back with us and were brought to the store on Thursday. As much as I like them both I wish they weren't back. Remember Fae? She was adopted out of the store this year - sometime around late February. She was returned to the Shelter at the end of April. The owner said someone in the house is allergic. Then there's Frankie. He was one of our very original adoptions. He was with us in the summer of 2006. Frankie was having some litter box issues so was brought to the Shelter. He seems to prefer clay litter so keep him separated from the others and give him the clay litter. We can try the pine if he appears to be doing ok. Both kitties are black and white and very friendly. When taking applications on these guys stress the fact that they have been bounced around.

More of the smaller plastic litter pans were brought down the other day so we should be set for a while. Someone let me know when we get down to one stack.

There is quite the article in the 7 Mile Times about yours truly...click on The Shelter In The News, look to the left and click on page 66 and read all about it!

The Shelter is also in the news as we are looking for foster homes. I am hoping the plea makes it into the local papers next week. Read the article by clicking on More News.... to the right. Please share it with anyone who may be interested in fostering.

Remember these guys? Frankie is the one with the more symmetrical coloring on his face.



I still need to get the cleaning on Monday, Memorial Day, covered in the morning. If you can do it let me know ASAP. Keep in mind the store will be on holiday hours so you can sleep in a little. You can get there between 9:30-10am.

Here's the open dates for June:
Sunday, June 7, AM
Saturday, June 13, Adoption Table
Sunday, June 14, Adoption Table
Saturday, June 27, Adoption Table
Sunday, June 28, Adoption Table




Have a happy and safe Memorial Day Weekend!!!!

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.