Three Happy Tails and Four Welcomes!

OK...so, here's what has been going on...  Keith and Charles were adopted together by a very nice young couple who are so exited to have them!  They will be the only two pets in the home and will have a wonderful time!  Bell was adopted by a nice young man that lives with his parents.  They have two dogs as well so Bell will be in a lively household!

CC was brought back to the Shelter because she just did not seem to be doing well. She was not eating and not using the litter box.  She is one of those cats that just seems happier in the Shelter rather than the PetSmart environment.  All that noise, people, other animals, and different volunteers every day can be stressful on a cat.  Don't worry about her...she will be fine with us!

Mira and Jerry came down to the store first and went into the big cage.  They do not need to be adopted together.  They were not together at the Shelter and are not litter mates.  Mira came in as a very young kitten back in June. Jerry came in a way back in December of 2011.  Poor guy has been growing up in a cage.

Mira

Jerry

Coco and Paige went to PetSmart today.  Coco is a torbi and is a little bit over two years old.  What a lovebug!!  She is a total lap cat!  It is always amazing when we see cats like this continually get overlooked. She quietly sits and wait for someone to notice her and they don't.  You guys are gonna love her!  She loves attention and loves people.

Coco

Paige is an old girl that purrs and loves attention!!  Very friendly!!  She is over 9 years old and qualifies for our "Seniors for Seniors" program.  Her adoption fee is waived for applicants over age 62 yaers old. 

Paige

Toni comes back this month!!!  Yay!!! Welcome back!!  Special thanks to newcomers Jess and Mike for covering some Sundays while Deb & Warren are away.

Spring has sprung which means kitten season is right around the corner.  Please encourage everyone you know and everyone you come in contact with to spay and neuter their cats.  Many low cost and no cost options are available in Cape May County.  Tell people to call the Shelter or call the Animal Alliance of CMC for advice and guidance.  There is a clinic every Thursday next door to the Shelter.  It is very easy to remember the phone number for the Alliance: 465-NEUT (short for neuter).  Very helpful and very accomodating!!!

The April schedule looks great.  Below is the dates that still need to be filled:
Sunday, April 7, AM Cleaning
Sunday, April 14, AM Cleaning
Friday, April 19, AM Cleaning
Sunday, April 21, AM Cleaning

Thank you all very much for taking care of everything while I was away. It is nice to have such committed and reliable people volunteering.  You all truly make a difference!!

Mr T and Midnight Go Home!!

We are all so happy for Mr T and Midnight!  How wonderful that they finally got to go home and they will stay together!  They were adopted by a very nice man who has adopted from us in the past so he also has other cats.  They are going to have a nice life!!

Charlie and Keith moved into he big cage on Thursday.  They came into the Shelter with other littermates back in October.  They may be a little shy until they settle in but both are sweet and friendly.  They are well under a year old.

Charlie



Keith

Hopefully everything is going well with the pine litter.  Everyone seems to feel the same way - it is easier to clean but we seem to use a lot as it disintegrates easily.  Please make sure not to overfill the boxes. 

I will be going away from Wednesday, March 6 through Tuesday, March 12.  Right now the schedule is complete for that time period.  If you need to cancel please call the Shelter so arrangments can be made to cover you - do not email me nor call me.  If it is after 4:00pm and you are due in that same night please call the store and tell the manager you can not make it.  If you observe any medical issues, need more paper or have any questions at all please make sure you call or email the Shelter.

Special thanks to Barb A, Barb J, Judy M, Judy Mc, Lydia, Connie, Joyce and Peggy for helping with Shopaholics!!  It was a huge success!!  Our donations doubled what we took in last year! 

Coverage is still needed for Friday, March 15 in the morning.  If you can cover it let me know tonight or tomorrow otherwise I will send out another email next week.

Juliet Gets A Proper Goodbye!

I have been remiss in saying goodbye to Juliet!  She left last week and now lives with one of our volunteers.  Adopted with her was a cat at the shelter named Katrina.  They have new names now - Teagan (Juliet) and Branna (Katrina).  They have settled into their new home!!  Thank you, Judy McL, for adopting these girls!!

Our last arrival at PetSmart did not receive a proper hello!!  Her name is Genevieve and she is VERY pretty!!  She came into the Shelter a little over a month ago and was already spayed.  We are still so surprised no one was looking for her.  She loves attention - loves to be brushed and loves her belly rubbed!  She could be described as a lap cat.  She is fine with other cats and would do well in most households. We think she is about a year and half old.

Lady Genevieve

Votes are in...looks like we are sticking with the pine litter.  Almost everyone feels it is easier to keep the area clean when not dealing with all that dust.  I always thought it looked better with the color of the cages and the brown paper. 

Again...a reminder...go easy on the litter and food.  Only put a half of a cup of food in the bowls.  At night if you see most of the food is still there do not add another half of a cup - just add whatever appears to have been eaten.  There should never be more than a half cup in the bowl at any give time. As far as litter...only use about an inch. Remember, we are in there twice a day.  We really need to be cognizant of waste.

Thanks to all who have volunteered for a time slot for Shopaholics.  There is a few spots left.  I'll send out an update schedule this week.

Someone is needed to cover the adoption table next Wednesday, February 27, 6-8pm.  I can change the time if earlier is better.  If no one volunteers for the table I will be looking for someone to just clean.


The March calendar is shaping up but there is still many open slots...all mornings.  Please let me know if you can cover any of them.
Sunday, March 3, AM cleaning
Saturday, March 9, AM cleaning
Sunday, March 10, AM cleaning
Friday, March 15, AM cleaning
Sunday, March 17, AM cleaning
Saturday, March 23, AM cleaning
Sunday, March 24, AM cleaning
Friday, March 29, AM cleaning
Sunday, March 31, AM cleaning

Hey, Toni...you back yet???



  

OK...we're back in business!!!  Eight cats were brought back to the store after everything was stripped and cleaned not once but twice.  Bell, Sandy II, Midnight and Mr. T returned.  Newcomers are CC, Juliet, Sierra and Claus. 

So, what happened to the rest? Winston was adopted and went home over a week ago.  He is going to be the only pet in the household and is going to be spoiled and happy and never lacking for attention!  Book went home also and will be living with a dog and three children!!  He not only got a home...he got a whole family!!  Ruby, Amethyst, Tyler and Cuddlebug are all doing well at the Shelter.

Wonderful news about the change in litter, huh?!!!  This should make cleaning a lot easier and should make the entire area looked neater.  The pine litter was placed in the canister yesterday.  Again...I beg of you...do not use too much of it as it is more expensive than the clay.  If this becomes cost prohibitive we will go back to the clay.  Scoop when you can! 

Here is the new guys:

Sierra is a pretty blue cream torti that unfortunately has been bounced around lately.  She was first adopted from us a few years ago and had a lovely quiet home.  Sadly, her owner died and she was brought back to the Shelter last March.  She was adopted shortly after that but was returned eight months later.  An infant moved into the house and the disruption was a bit much for Sierra.  This is something we actually see quite often - cats that come from quiet homes often do not react well when circumstances drastically change.  Please make sure potential adopters are aware she needs a quiet home and individual attention.   She is over five years old so her adoption fee is only $20.

Sierra

Juliet is so precious!!  She lived in a home with four other cats and is very friendly!!  Her owner moved into assisted living and Juliet and the rest could not go with her.  sSe is very affectionate and just loves being held and fussed over!  She is about three years old.

Juliet

Claus is a handsome young man who came into the Shelter as a stray in mid December.  He is another friendly guy and will be a wonderful companion!  We estimate he is just at a year old. 

Claus

CC is a doll!  She is special as an orange female is not very easy to come by! She also came from a multi-cat household.  She was surrendered to the Shelter along with six others when her owner was evicted.  She is lovely!!  She is five years old.

CC

So, here is the set up...Sierra has two cages.  Remember, she did best in a quiet home and a change upset her. Do not force her to mingle as the stress may be too much for her.  Juliet and CC are in singles and need to stay that way until we see them settle in.  Bell and Sandy II are sharing three cages because we know they will do fine with each other as they are returnees.  Claus is a single and also needs to stay that way for now. Big Mr T and Midnight are in the big cage.  Slow introductions for the new guys, please!!

We are working on the air filter system.  Hopefully we will get that done soon.  In the mean time let's hope the thorough cleaning did the trick.  Thank you for your patience!

There is a few openings this month listed below.  Please let me know if you can cover any of them:
Sunday, February 17, AM Cleaning
Wednesday, February 20, AM Cleaning
Saturday, February 23, AM Cleaning
Thursday, February 28, PM Cleaning

The Animal Alliance of Cape May Couty has received grant money from PetSmart Chairities to spay/neuter and vaccinate stray and free roaming cats in any area with the 08260 zip code...that includes all of the Wildwoods.  The surgeries will be done at no expense to the pet owner!  If you know anyone who needs help in that area please have them call 465-6388 or the Shelter for more information. 

 

Finally after three weeks we have some adoptions!!  Yippee!!  Josephine went home last night.  She was not scheuled to leave until next week but the family was anxious to get her home and she was picked up early!  After three applications one finally came through for Humphrey.  He was picked up today from the Shelter.  He is going to have a lot of fun playing with his new brother - an English mastiff!

 

Ruby and Amethyst are doing fine!  Do not worry about them.  Also, we have decided to bring George and Jerry back to the Shelter. They will be picked up tmorrow.   NOW BEFORE YOU ALL GET UPSET...they will be placed in cages in the Shelter in the front room where they will get sunlight and get to watch what is going on outside.  They will be fine!  We brought Leigh back and she has since been adopted.   Remember Piper and Shiloh? They were adopted from the Shelter, too!  Sometimes it takes a shake up in those PetSmart cages to get things moving again.  It is very important that we get cats adopted as there is always another homeless little buddy ready for his or her turn.  We simply can not afford to slow things down any more.  I promise they will be fine!

 

Below is the six new guys.  Bell, Book, Winston and Sandy II arrived today.  Mr T and Midnight wil be arriving tomorrow. 

 

Bell, a female, and Book, a male,  are litter mates.  They are about eight months old and came into the Shelter as terrified kittens back in June.  They have come a long way and are very playful but may at first appear a tad shy.  They will warm up when they relax.  It is not necessary that they go together.

 

Bell

Book



OK...now these two guys you are going to love!!  Meet Mr T and Midnight.  These two need to go home together and will be in the big cage.  They are a couple of big old boys!  They are eight years old and came into the Shelter when their owner died.  We had met their owner on a couple of occasions and she loved these cats!!  They were well taken care of and lived with two dogs and another cat.  The others have been adopted and these two remain.

Midnight

Mr T

Sandy II is a beautiful calico that spent the hurricane oustide.  She does have a heart murmur however the vet has assured us this should not stop her from having a full kitty cat life.  She is about two and half years old. As you can see she is lovely!  She is an affectionate girl!

Sandy II

One look at this picture says it!  Winston is a laid back guy who loves attention and will spend time in your lap.  He showed up at an outside cat colony where maybe he was dumped or maybe someone just has not calld us to report him missing.  He is about two years old and will be a wonderful companion.

Winston

 

As you all know...give these guys the time they need to settle in.  Do not force anyone out who does not want to come out.  Do not open cages between new guys until you are certain they will be ok.  And please do not worry about George and Jerry!!  You know they are in good hands with us!

 

There has been an additional form added to the adoption paperwork from PetSmart management.  I will email those who do the adoption table to bring you up to speed on how to handle that.  It concerns vaccination records. 

 

Update on Glory and Anastasia...they are doing well!!!  Leona spoke with their mom the other day at PetSmart.

 

Deb and Warren have been covering Sundays for quite awhile but, alas, we will be losing them from February 10 through April 21.  If you have any friends interested in helping now is the time to recruit them!  We need a regular for Wednesday mornings, every other Saturday morning, and Sunday mornings (until April 21).  Below is the days in February that need coverage.  They are all mornings:

Wednesday, February 6

Saturday, February 9

Sunday, February 10

Wednesday, February 13

Friday, February 15

Sunday, February 17

Wednesday, February 20

Saturday, February 23

Sunday, February 24

Wednesday, February 27

 

Just a reminder...double check please...make sure all cats have access to food, water and a litter box before you leave!!  Also, when we get down to about 15 pieces of paper email the Shelter and Cc me.  It usually takes a few days for us to break some one free to cut paper and get it down to the store.

 

Stay warm and be careful driving this weekend!!

 

 

 

 

Happy New Year!!!!

We had another wonderful year at the Cape May County Animal Shelter!  We would never be able to do what we do if not for the PetSmart store and you gang of volunteers!!  It has been seven years since the store opened and our volunteer program there is still going strong!!  Thanks to each and every one of you for everything you did this past year to support the PetSmart program!

We had two adoptions this past week and some new arrivals.  Lauren went home last weekend with a couple of very excited little girls!  When the girls arrived at PetSmart with their mom they were told Lauren was going with them and was their present from Santa!  According to Judy M there was many squeals and screeches of delight!!

Tinkerbell went home on Saturday. Her new mom thought long and hard about this adoption. Her cat had passed away right before Hurricane Sandy and she really missed having a cat.  She was thrilled to find Tinkerbell and it appears to be a wonderful match!

We have a pending application for Humphrey.  Unfortunately the application for Josephine was pulled.

We decided to bring Leigh and Abby back to the Shelter for a while and bring a total of four new cats down.  I know this makes some of you worry about the ones we brought back but please do not!!  They are fine!!  Sometimes changing things up is exactly what we need to spark adoptions.  We are going to allow George and Jerry to remain at PetSmart and plan to really market them.  Hopefully that will make a difference.  Please take an extra couple of minutes to socialize those two!!

So, here is the new guys...Ruby and Amethyst and single cats Cuddle Bug and Tyler.  Ruby and Amethyst are about two years old and were dumped under cover of night at the clinic that is next door at the Shelter.  One morning in early September when volunteers arrived they found the two cats left in the vestibule of the clinic.  Both were already spayed. We are assuming they are litter mates since they were dumped together.  They are both very sweet.  It appears they have always lived together so should go home together.  As always, adopt both and the adoption fee is waived for one.  Both would be $35.

Cuddle Bug is just as the name implies!!! Poor guy is growing up at the shelter!!  He came in as a stray kitten - about five weeks old - in early June.  He had a litter mate named Squirrel who was adopted.  Prior to the adoption they were caged together so we do know he gets along with other cats.

Last but not least is Tyler.  Tyler is another kitten that is basically growing up in a cage. He has been with us since late August and at that time we thought he was about three weeks old. It is about time he got out of a cage!!

Amethyst

Ruby

Cuddle Bug

Tyler

The January 2013 calendar has some openings.  Anne changed days after Toni left and now does Thursdays so Wednesdays now need coverage.  In addition is two other time slots.  Please let me know what you can cover.  (Would LOVE a regular Wednesday cleaner!!  Recruit a friend!!)
Friday, January 4, PM Cleaning
Wednesday, January 9, AM Cleaning
Wednesday, January 16, AM Cleaning
Friday, January 18, AM Cleaning
Wednesday, January 23, AM Cleaning
Wednesday, January 30, AM Cleaning

May we all be blessed with good health, good friends, good times and an abundance of new adopters in 2013!!

GREAT WEEK!!!

OK...get very excited...it is true...Glory went home last night!!  Anastasia went with her!  The two will have run of a very large house so Glory will have her space.  Their new mom is so excited!  After seeing our very pretty Glory on line she went to PetSmart and met her.  While there she saw sweet little Anastasia and fell in love with her, too.  It is a perfect household for the two of them.  They will be the only pets in the house and will spend very little, if any, time alone. Don't worry...Glory can find solitude if need be.

Snowball went home last night as well.  She will be joining a family with kids and another cat that is two years old. Another family came in thinking they could adopt Snowball and were disappointed she was leaving.  They faxed a completed application to the Shelter anyway and plan to meet our new arrivals and come into the Shelter as well.  They just may adopt two!!

Below is the three cats that arrived at PetSmart today.  You will love them all!!! Josephine is cute as a button with her round face and pretty tiger markings.  She may seem shy at first but she is a nice, friendly girl.  She is under a year old.

Lauren and Humphrey are about four months old.  They came into the Shelter at seven weeks old.  They are litter mates so it would be very nice if they were adopted together,  however they can be separated.  They are both friendly and playful!!

Josephine the Jewel

Lovely Lauren

Humphrey the Hottie

If you do not follow us on Facebook then I am very happy to report that Piper and Shiloh have finally been adopted and went home together on Tuesday!!  It has been over two years since they arrived at the Shelter!

The December calendar has two openings.  Let me know if you can cover:
Wednesday, December 25, AM Cleaning
Saturday, December 29, AM Cleaning

Reminder!!!!  Open House, Holiday Party,  and Santa Claws at the Shelter this Sunday, 12:30-2:30PM!  Please stop in and say hi and have some tasty refreshments!!  This a great time to mingle with people of like minds!!  Bring friends and family!!

(PS: FYI...brown paper was restocked today! )

Gus Goes Home For The Holidays!!

Gus went home last Sunday.  He was adopted by one of the PetSmart associates who is so happy to have him!  She had adopted a kitten from us just about a year ago so Gus will have some feline company!

OK...I do not want to jinx it BUT...a woman is VERY interested in Glory and will be in today (Friday) or over the weekend to meet her.  She doesn't have any other cats!  She saw Glory on PetFinder and now wants to meet her.  Keep your paws crossed!!!

A precious medium haired kitten named Anastasia arrived at PetSmart today.  OMG!!!  She is a doll!!!  She walks out of the cage right onto your shoulder and purrs away! She came into the Shelter in mid-September as a kitten and is now about five months old. Although the cage card indicates she should not be placed with kids she has gotten better.  Just let potential adopters know she can get nervous. (This is really not a good picture of her...you need to see her to appreciate her!)

Cutie Anastasia

The shelter is teaming up with the Animal Alliance of Cape May County and offering a special program through the end of the year.   It is called Senior Pets For Senior Citizens.  Please click on the link to the right for details. Also to the right is the details concerning the annual Santa Claws Holiday Open House.  Please share both links with anyone you know who may be interested.

Good news...Toni will be back volunteering with us after all!!  Yippee!!  She is leaving for those dreadful winter months but will be back!

A new volunteer is training tomorrow with Leona.  She will be taking over every other Monday evening for Paige.  Welcome, Judy Mc!!  We love new volunteers!!

The December calendar is just about complete.  Below is the dates that still need to be filled. Please let me know if you can cover any of them.
Saturday, December 15, AM Cleaning
Friday, December 21, PM Cleaning
Wednesday, December 26, AM Cleaning
Saturday, December 29, AM Cleaning

Lots Going On!!

OMG!  Sandy the Stupid Super Storm sure complicated matters!  Where did the last month go??  Thank you all very much for taking care of PetSmart while I was away.  Each year the planning becomes easier and easier.

So...what is going on?  Bunny was brought back to the Shelter to see the vet for a sore on her front paw.  She is doing just fine and will be on meds a few more days.

Tiger went home last weekend and will be living with a older dog and older cat.  He is going to have a nice Thanksgiving with his new family!!  They are thrilled to have him.

We did get an application for Glory right before I left for vacation.  Unfortunately it did not work out.  Hopefully her day will come soon!!

Three new cats arrived on Tuesday afternoon..Snowball, Gus and Tinkerbell.  All are easy going and will acclimate to a home with other cats, kids and dogs. Snowball is a black and white male going on three years old.  He was adopted as a kitten from one of the area veterinarian offices in October 2010.  Unfortunately now the owner had to move and the new landlord will not allow Snowball to live in the new place.  Gus is an orange and white male about five months old that came into the Shelter as a stray.  He is playful and loving - but may appear shy at first.  Tinkerbell is a pretty blue cream calico over a year old.  She is another victim of the old "I'm moving and can't take the cat with me."  So sad.  Please keep an eye on the new guys and once they seem comfortable let them out to play together! They're a good lot!!

Gus

Tinkerbell

Snowball

Barb Allison is again organizing Shelter participation in the West Cape May Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 1.  The theme this year is "Harley Hounds."  Please contact Barb at gbarbis@comcast.net if you would like to participate.


The Shelter's annual Christmas Open House and Santa Paws Pet Pictures is Sunday, December 16, 12:30pm - 2:30pm.  Hopefully many of you can stop in!  Refreshments will be provided!  Please tell your friends and family to stop in as well.  Tel people that if they are bring a pet for a picture with Santa Paws they should bring their own camera.  If you they do not have they can borrow ours and we'll email the picture.  I'll also email all of you a flyer that you can print out and distribute.  Feel free to send it to anyone you think may be interested.

I am gearing up for the 2013 calendar.  If you have a regular day and time and can no longer make that commitment please contact me ASAP.  If I do not hear from you I will continue to schedule you as I have been.  Sadly we are saying goodbye to two wonderful regular volunteers - Paige and Toni.  Thank you both for all you have done for the Shelter, particularly the PetSmart program.  Believe me when I say you will be missed. Should anything change you are always welcome back!!!!

Saturday, December 1 dogs will be again making an appearance at PetSmart!

Below is the open dates for December.  Please let me know if you can cover any of them. 

Wednesday, December 12, AM
Wednesday, December 19, AM
Friday, December 21, AM
Wednesday, December 26, aM
Saturday, December 29, PM (Adoption Table)
Saturday, December 29, AM

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

No Surprise There!!

Kahn was adopted in a matter of days!!  Can anybody be surprised??  Zander went home this past week as well.  As you will remember he initially came to PetSmart with his brothers but they all got the sniffles and had to go back to the Shelter.  We are pleased to report that all three have been adopted!

The two boys that arrived this week are fabulous!!  Both will do well in homes with other cats, dogs and kids.  Both are under a year old and have a $70 adoption fee. Danny likes to play rough - make sure potential adopters are aware of that!  He does play biting!  Collin is so handsome! They are both small enough to be comfortable in one cage as they settle in.  Here they are:

Danny

Collin

As of now the October schedule is complete...hope it stays that way !!!  Look to November and see if you can cover any of the open time slots.

The last three day adoption event of this year is Friday, Saturday and Sunday,  November 2,3,4.  We'll have dogs at the store on all three days.

Today Joyce and I attended the Blessing of the Animals in Stone Harbor with one cat and one dog from the Shelter to represent all of our animals.  It was fun to see all the pets...mostly dogs...cats are not too crazy about things like this!  Elvis did great!!  The ceremony was particularly touching.  Special thanks to Joyce for helping with the logistics!

Judy & Elvis  Joyce & Lacey

Luscious Leaves and Handsome Kahn Arrives!

Pretty little Luscious went home on Saturday with a very excited new mom!  We knew she would not last long.  Her new mom is young and ready to spoil her!

We suspect our new arrival will not last long either!  His name is Kahn and he is a handsome Siamese Snowshoe mix.  Wait til you see him!!  he is the definition of a handsome tom cat.  Kahn is an older distinguished gentleman - maybe around eight years old.  He does have a slight heart murmur - however the vet is not concerned about it.  Kahn is a social guy and loves attention however this will not be immediately apparent. He will start out a bit shy.  At the Shelter he is playful and enjoys stretching his legs.  He does like to play rough and we think he is man's cat!!  For now leave Kahn alone in his own cage and let him settle in.  He does like other cats, however remember this is a new environment for him.

Handsome Kahn

Some volunteers take laundry home and some do not.  If you do a cleaning and see that the hamper is full you may email me and CC the Shelter. We can pick it up and wash it at the Shelter. OR, Toni can bring it along with the litter pans on a Thursday.  Please do not automatically change the blankets each day.  If the blanket is still clean it can remain.  This will cut down on laundry.  Of course if it is soiled please replace it! To remove hair you can take a very slightly damp paper towel and wipe the hair down.

I have been receiving emails that some of you are experiencing difficulty accessing the volunteer calendar.  I am as well.  I am not sure why and I am hoping it is a Yahoo glitch that will soon be rectified. Fortunately I was finally able to access it but is has been hit-or-miss. October looks wonderful!!  The below dates still need coverage.  Please let me know if you are available to cover any.

Sunday, October 13, AM cleaning
Monday, October 15, PM cleaning
Friday, October 19, AM cleaning 
Saturday, October 20, AM cleaning

Playing Catch Up!!

OK, time for me to officially say good bye to Bailey and to introduce Abby.  Time got the best of me once again!

Bailey did not last long - which was no surprise.  He was adopted by a couple who had also adopted a dog from us last year.  The dog they adopted was a few years old and had lived with other dogs and two cats.  Bailey climbed right up into the lap of his prospective new dad and immediately won him over! His mom and dad were so happy to learn that Bailey was the same age as their dog as they were looking for an older cat to join their family.

Sweet little Abby took Bailey's place.  She is a young female that came into the Shelter in May.  When she arrived she was wearing a green flea collar so obviously belonged to someone.  The person who found her had seen her in the yard and began to feed her when she noticed a wound on her neck.  She was brought to the Shelter by animal control and spent some time in our sick bay getting well.  She is good as new and a happy girl!  Abby is very playful and would do fine in a home with dogs, kids and other cats.  She always had a great time playing with the other cats when we set her free in our main cat room!

Playful Abby

Buddy is being picked up tomorrow (Saturday). He will be living with a house full of people and a dog so will not be lacking for attention and affection!

Wait til you see the beauty arriving after Buddy leaves!  Her name is Luscious - which says it all!  She is a longhaired dilute blue cream torti about three and half months old.  She is so soft and luscious!!  She came to the Shelter in mid-July with four others in her litter.  She is definitely fine with other cats and kids but we are not sure about dogs.  If introduced properly she should be fine.  Please give her a little time to settle in an as always approach her slowly until she seems comfortable in her new surroundings.

Luscious

Please take a look at the September calendar and see if you can cover any of the below available dates:
Sunday, September 9, AM Cleaning
Thursday, September 13, PM Cleaning
Friday, September 14, AM Cleaning
Sunday, September 16, AM Cleaning
Monday, September 17, PM Cleaning 
Friday, September 21, AM Cleaning
Friday, September 28, AM Cleaning 
Wednesday, September 26, PM Adoption Table
(I am waiting on an answer for Friday evenings from Elizabeth!!)

Saturday, September 1 is Dog Day at PetSmart!!  Two dogs will be spending the day with our resident cats!

HAVE A FUN AND SAFE HOLIDAY WEEKEND!!!

Seven New Furry Faces!!

Sadly, the Z brothers got sick at PetSmart and had to go back to the Shelter.  What a shame!  We are trying to figure out what it is at the store that causes the young cats' eyes to become so inflamed!  Maybe it is that scented litter.  We simply do not know.

Belle had a bit of a hissy fit and bit one of the volunteers.  She has been brought back to the Shelter for a mandatory quarantine time of ten days.  Do not worry about her - she is fine!!

Sentra went home as scheduled.  Her new family is very excited!!

OK...here's the new guys...some of you have already met a few of them:

First is Bailey, is a large buff colored male about five years old.   He was dumped on the front yard belonging to one of our staff along with three other cats - all in the same carrier.  Who would do such a thing???  He was even already neutered.  He is a sweetheart!! 

Bailey

Then we got the kittens...Buddy and Rob.  They are litter mates and are about four months old. They have been living together in a bird cage in the lobby of the Shelter so are accustomed to a lot of activity.  They can be somewhat shy at first so let them settle in.

Buddy

Rob

George and Jerry have been growing up at the Shelter.  They came in July of last year as eight week old kittens and have been living together ever since.  George, the tiger,  is affectionate and outgoing. Jerry, the black cat, is shy and afraid.  We must do all we can to see that George is not adopted and Jerry left behind!  If they are adopted together the fee is merely $35! They are in the big cage...the magical big cage that gets our pairs adopted TOGETHER!

George

Jerry

Mitch is a handsome old tomcat!!  He has a big round face and beefy jowls! He is about three years old. He came to the Shelter in May after animal control received a complaint of cats fighting in trash cans.  Um...we do not think Mitch would find with anyone!  He is a love bug!! Look at that face!!!

Mitch

Glory is a beautiful gray female just over a year old. She is very friendly and loves attention! Isn't she pretty?

Glory

Let all the new guys settle in before opening doors, sharing cages and having them all play at once. Watch for signs from those who are ready and those that wish to be have some space.

REMINDER....although litter pans are brought to the Shelter for sanitizing this does not mean you do not need to rinse them out.  Please take them into the back, rinse them out and spray them down with the Mad Dog disinfectant.  Not only is this unsanitary but soiled pans left in the cabinet will make the room smell.  A bad smell is a major turn off to potential adopters!!  If you have any questions about this procedure please call me at the Shelter.

It appears that often times the clean bowls are being shoved toward the back of the cabinet. The cabinets are very deep so it is easy to miss the bowls. 

Let's hope the Seven bring us good luck for adoptions!!!

Another Great Week!!

Wow!!  It is a tad difficult to keep up with the adoptions this week.  Armando left last Wednesday night and will be living with two Jack Russells and a wonderful family.  A few days after the adoption Armando's new owner felt bad not taking Archie as well.  Initially he was going to come back for Archie but after learning that he had a wonderful application pending he decided to let Archie go to the other home.  He will be leaving tomorrow night.  Archie will also be living with dogs, as well as another cat.

OK...get ready for this...Starburst and Skittles are going home tomorrow night, too!  They will be living with a young family and be the only pets.  There are two children in the house - a one year old and a six year old.  Mom and Dad are in the Coast Guard and moved here from Georgia.  Both have grown up with cats. It was refreshing to hear that they wanted older guys and not kittens.  They totally understand that Skittles is a little nervous and has her own personality.  They realize Starburst will more than likely settle in quickly where Skittles will need time.

And one more...Sentra is leaving on Saturday! She will also be living with two dogs!  All of our cats seem to be going to homes with dogs! Another cat is in the house as well. 

Poor Robby.  After bending over backwards to accommodate a young family interested in him he was brought back in less than 24 hours. There was a dog in the house and Robby was petrified.  More than likely he would have been fine if he had a slow introduction to the new house, the dog, a toddler and mom and dad. It is always a shame when people do not listen and fail to slowly introduce a new pet to the home.  Don't worry...Robby is fine and back with us at the Shelter.  He would have been brought back here from PetSmart anyway for a slight eye infection.  He is a good boy and will be just fine!!

The three Zs arrived at the store on Saturday.  All three are boys and were born on April 22.  They lived in a house with other cats, dogs and kids and wow, can you tell!!  They settled right in at PetSmart and are totally unaffected by the activity around them.  They do not need to be adopted together. However, as always, adopt two cats and the fee is waived on the second adoption.

Zander

Zeke

Ziggy

 

 

 

I hope I haven't forgot anybody!!  With Skittles & Starburst, Archie and Sentra all leaving this week be prepared for more new furry faces!!

There is two openings in the calendar this month listed below.  Please let me know if you can cover:

Saturday, August 11, AM Cleaning

Sunday, August 26, AM Cleaning

A stack of brown paper was brought to the store today, more cat carriers and a stack of clean litter pans.  Also, I was told one of the openings under the cages needs to be covered.  Staci, the general manager was advised of this and said it will be rectified.  Let me know when that happens.

Great Week!!!

Fabulous weekend at PetSmart! OK...so where do we begin???  Gladys left on Saturday.  When her new family came to pick her up they also decided to adopt Gabby, a 12 year old lab mix who was at the store with volunteers.  Both of these senior pets are going to have a wonderful life!  They will be the only pets in the home.

Below is a picture of Gabby with her new mom. In addition the other dog that went to PetSmart this weekend, Stretch, a basset hound mix, was also adopted and went home from the Shelter today! 

Gladys' new mom and canine sister

Here is BIG news....Daisy went home today!!  Yay!  Her new mom put a hold on her Sunday and she was so happy to be able to pick her up today.  Daisy cheerfully got into the carrier and seemed more than ready to go home. AND...Daisy just may get a new brother or sister, too.  Even after being warned that Daisy can be a tad annoyed with other cats they still think they may adopt a kitten as well.  Maybe Daisy will behave herself in a home.  There would be room to get away from a younger sibling...or for him/her to get away from Daisy! For now Daisy will be the only pet.

Honey is leaving on Sunday!  She also will be the only pet in the house. After being at the mercy of her evil sister, Lily, while here at the Shelter this is a well deserved break for her!

Two precious kittens arrived at PetSmart today!  You guys are going to love them! Both are about three months old. Archie and Armando - along with their calico sister who has since been adopted – were found down a long road that ran along a stretch of woods abandoned in a box . A good Samaritan was walking her dog and came upon them.  They had obviously been domesticated and living in a house.  They were so clean and very friendly!  She carried the box for almost half a mile and sure they were delivered safely to the Shelter. We cringe to think what would have happened to them had they not been found!  They do not need to be adopted together however it would be wonderful if they were.  Two brothers from the same litter will be fast friends forever and anyone who adopts them need never worry about leaving them when they go out. AND...as always…adopt one and the adoption fee is waived on the other! 

Archie & Armando

We have three new volunteers helping us at PetSmart!  Two of the three, Diane and Kayla,  are a grandmother, granddaughter team who will be covering every Tuesday.  The third,Marianna, has committed to every other Thursday night for a while.  Welcome, newbies, and thank you so much for your help!  You are joining a great group of people! Please do not hesitate to ask questions!

Due to a cancellation someone is needed to cover the morning cleaning on Sunday, July 29.  let me know if you can do it.

 

The August schedule is really shaping up.  Below is a list of the dates that still need to be covered.  Please let me know if you available to do any of them:

Friday, August 10, PM cleaning

Saturday, August 11, AM cleaning

Sunday, August 12, AM cleaning

Friday, August 24, PM cleaning

Sunday, August 26, AM cleaning

So, there ya have it!  Good week all around! Let's hope the adoptions continue!

Catch Up Time!

First,  I would like to thank everyone for their patience while I was out.  Things went smoothly!  Hopefully this entry will get us all caught up.

Stallone went home and will be the only pet in the house.  He left PetSmart with a cart load full of new items to make his new life complete!

Neither Skittles and Starburst, nor Leigh and Sentra, received a proper introduction.  Skittles and Starburst came into the Shelter together in October of last year as strays.  At that time we estimated them to be three months old. They are just about a year old now.  The adoption fee is $10 for these guys because they have been with us so long and also to encourage someone to adopt them together.  Starburst is a friendly orange male and Skittles is the female gray tabby.  Skittles is a nervous girl.  These two love each other so we really need them to go home together.  Orange males are so popular.  We want to avoid sending the friendly guy home while his scared sister continues to sit in a cage.  If adopted together the total adoption fee will only be $10 since the Animal Alliance of CMC pays the fee for the second adoption. (We did have a hold on them but the landlord did not approve the adoption.)

Leigh and Sentra arrived at PetSmart together however it is okay to send them to different homes. Leigh, the black female, came into the Shelter in early August of last year. She is just over a year old.  Sentra, the calico, came into the Shelter two weeks after Leigh.  She also is just over a year old.  As you can see,  soon they will have been in the Shelter for an entire year.  At one point during their stay with us they were put into the same cage to create room. They will be fine if separated.

Our newest arrival is Honey.  Honey is about a year and half and is very nice.  She and two other cats were left behind when their owner could no longer care for them.  One of the cats she came in with has been adopted.  The other cat, her sister Lilly, is here at the Shelter.  Honey and Lilly were sharing a cage but Lilly was so mean to Honey!!  She was always swatting her, growling at her and beating her up!!  What a horrible sister!  You could not even pay attention to Honey without evil Lilly intervening.  Lilly is all lovey dovey with people but is so mean to other cats!  Honey must be sooooo happy to be away from her!

Happy Honey

This weekend we will be bringing kittens to PetSmart on Saturday and Sunday.  Staff will stay with the kittens on both days and bring them back at the end of the day.  We have many, many, many kittens.  In addition this Saturday we will be bringing dogs to PetSmart.  We were originally scheduled to be at Smeltzer's - however he had to cancel so we are bringing the kittens and dogs to PetSmart.

Two reminders: 1) Bowls are to be placed in the container on top of the cart in the back room.  The manager named Amanda is washing them for us.  This will not be done daily - however there should be ample bowls there to cover a few days at a time. After washing Amanda will put the bowls on the second shelf to air dry.
2) Please use the measuring cup and only put 1/2 cup of food in the bowls - once in the morning and once at night. It is very difficult to monitor if a cat is eating or not when the amount of food being placed in the bowls is not consistent.

There is one opening in the schedule this month: Tuesday, July 31, Evening Cleaning.  Please let me know if you are available.  Also, look ahead to August and let me know what you can do.

Hooray for Francesca!! Finally!!!

Yes it is true!!  Francesca finally got to go home!! She is living with another cat and a little dog. For the most part she is being cared for by a very happy nine year old girl.  All her things are in the little girl's room until Francesca feels comfortable enough to have run of the house. I did speak to the mom who adopted her and she said Francesca was a little afraid at first and hid but was getting more comfortable with each day.  They have another cat who is an indoor/outdoor and since Francesca's arrival he is more outdoor than indoor! I assured the mom that with time and patience both cats will settle in with each other.

Trooper is arriving tomorrow. He is a big handsome orange and white tom cat about seven years old.  He is very friendly and loves to be brushed and groomed!  Trooper was part of a group of cats being cared for in Upper Township by a wonderful caretaker.  Unfortunately, like others have experienced lately, she lost her home and had to leave it.  All the cats were taken to the Shelter. For the most part they all lived outside but she spend a lot of time with them.  It is evident when you meet him that he spent a lot of time with human companionship. Trooper's adoption fee is $10.

Big Handsome Trooper

Finally...some official word on the dreaded cleaning of the bowls!!!!  I spoke with the store general manager, Stacey.  Stacey told me that Amanda (another store manager) will personally be washing the bowls.  Pull the food bowls in the morning ONLY and place them in the square tub that is on the cart with three shelves.  When the bowls are washed they will be placed on the small dish rack on the second tier of the cart.  PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not put soiled bowls in a cabinet.  No one knows they are there!!! Toni is bringing litter pans to the Shelter every Thursday morning that are then put through our sanitizer.

A new volunteer started with us and will be doing every other Friday evening cleaning. Welcome, Elizabeth!!  We love new volunteers!

The following regular spots are available if you are a person who prefers routine:
Every other Tuesday evening starting July17.
Every other Friday morning starting July 6.

Please look ahead to July and let me know what you can cover.

For the month of June all cat adoption fees are reduced by 50%. At this point all the cats at PetSmart still have $10 adoption fees marked on their cage cards.  The Shelter will honor those prices as marked.  Trooper's actual adoption fee is $20 but for the month of June it is $10.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: I am having surgery next week and will be out of work for an undetermined amount of time.  I am hoping to be available by computer and telephone within a week.  Starting on June 20 and until I send out an email stating otherwise please contact the Shelter if you need to cancel a day or need to relay any information about the cats or any information from PetSmart management.  Remember, the Shelter is open seven days a week until 4:00pm.  Someone answers the phone Monday through Saturday beginning at 8:30am and on Sundays at 9:00am. If it is an emergency and the Shelter is closed please call the store at 886-7356 and advise the manger that you are unable to make it.