Porter Goes Home, Three Boys Arrive!

Porter left Wednesday night and will be living with a young man and his parents along with a canine brother.  The young man is excited about adopting Porter and bought him a big cat tree to help with the transition to the house.

George was brought back to the Shelter.  He was vomiting a lot which concerned the PetSmart management.  Jerry, who was dumped outside along with George, also vomits often.  Poor guys are a tad anxious with nervous stomachs.  Maybe due to their last home. 

We did note that there were treats in the cat cages with a red color. George had red tinge in his vomit and PetSmart employees thought is was blood - it was not.   Please do not give the cats any treats with food dye.  PetSmart brand called Authority is good, healthier treats. Please stick with them.  It is a GREAT rule of them to avoid pet food with colors.

Three boys are arriving tomorrow - Saturday.  They are Otis, Baby Boy, and Sir Tiger.

Otis and Baby Boy are two brothers that were left behind reportedly when their owners moved to Georgia. They are about four years old.  Ideally they should be adopted together - however it is not totally necessary. They are nice young men and will acclimate to a home with cats, kids and dogs. Otis is the bigger of the two and has an ear tip.

Otis

Baby Boy

Sir Tiger is about a year and half old.  He was abandoned in a carrier at Beacon Animal Rescue in Upper Township.  Unbeknownst to the person who dumped him Sir Tiger was microchipped.  Animal Control went to his home and advised them their cat was at the Shelter.  We received a call from the owner and Sir Tiger was properly surrendered to us.  He is a typical teenage boy - a little rough and loves to play!!  He does rough up other cats so may be best as an only cat in the house. Keep an eye on him when you let the cats out.   He would be suited for a house with a dog though!

Sir Tiger

If you are available to cover Monday, January 30, for the evening cleaning at PetSmart please call the Shelter at 465-8923 and leave a message for Leslie.

Preston Heads Home, Brownie Recovering, Two New Arrivals

Preston went home last Wednesday afternoon.  He will be living with another cat - one that is twelve years old.  In addition he will live with an elderly woman who lives alone however is visited daily by her granddaughter.  The granddaughter - an older teenager - is very excited about helping her grandmother take care of Preston.  Three generations showed up at the store to pick him up!

Brownie has an approved application but is still at the Shelter.  She was on antibiotics for upper respiratory and that has cleared up.  The approved adopter is planning to pick her up from the Shelter on Friday.  She lives in Gloucester County so needs to plan the trip.

Two new guys were brought to the store last week, Peach and George.

Peach is a male about six months old.  (Yes - I agree...Peach is a female name!  Don't blame me!! I am told the name stuck since he is peach colored. )  He came in along with a litter in September.  He did spend a little bit of time in a foster home.  He may be a little timid but will settle in.

Peach

We were sad to see George come back.  He was adopted from the Shelter two years ago along with his litter mate Jerry.  At the time of their adoption they were going on two years at the Shelter.  We were so happy to see them get a home.  Well, the adopter put them outside because "they were destroying the house."  A neighbor called animal control and had them picked up and brought back to us.  I did speak with the adopter who stated she could no longer care for George and Jerry.

George

Below are a couple dates in January and several dates in February that need coverage.  I am still looking for a regular Wednesday morning volunteer.  Let me know if you are available to cover any of these dates. As you can see they are color coded!  Red is Mornings, Green is Evenings, Blue is Adoption Table.

JANUARY 
Wednesday, January 25 AM Cleaning
Sunday, January 29, AM Cleaning,
Sunday, January 29, Adoption Table
Monday, January 30, PM Cleaning

FEBRUARY
Wednesdays in February, AM Cleaning: 1, 8, 15, 22
Sunday, February 12, AM Cleaning
Friday, February 17, PM Cleaning
Monday, February 13, PM Cleaning
Sunday, February 26, AM Cleaning
Monday, February 27, PM Cleaning 
Adoption Table: Saturdays: 4, 11, 18, 25 (Waiting to hear from Judy M)
Adoption Table: Sundays: 5, 12, 19, 26

Adoptions and Coverage Needed

Calvin left on Wednesday night to go and live with a big family - mom, dad, and four kids.  No other pets are in the house so he will receive a lot of attention!

Brownie has been adopted but has not gone home yet.  She was brought to the Shelter on Thursday morning.  She was sneezing for a couple of days and when the adopter arrived at the store Wednesday night she was concerned.  Since the adoption was taking place at night we could not provide her with antibiotics.  She lives in West Deptford and had driven down to pick up Brownie.  So, she is coming back on Monday to pick her up along with the remainder of the meds that she had started on Thursday.

REMINDER:  If you observe any sign of illness or anything you feel other volunteers and staff need to know about do not just write it in the notebook.  Remember - staff do not read that book every day.  You need to email your observations to both the shelter and to me so we can address whatever it is you have observed.  Volunteers had noted in the book that Brownie was sneezing however we were unaware of it.  Email the two addresses below:
animal.shelter@cmcsheriff.net
daviesdunhour@comcast.net

Cages are cleaned and ready for new cats that will arrive in a day or two.  I'll introduce them once a decision has been made.

Coverage is needed for the below dates.  Please let me know if you available:
Sunday, January 15, AM Cleaning
Monday, January 16, PM Cleaning
Tuesday, January 17, PM Cleaning
Wednesday, January 18, AM Cleaning
Sunday, January 22, Adoption Table
Wednesday, January 25, AM Cleaning
Sunday, January 29, AM Cleaning
Monday, January 30, PM Cleaning

Introducing the Cats at PetSmart!

This group is very nice!!  You guys are going to like each and every one of them!

First you got little Calvin.  A Good Samaritan who often works with the Shelter doing TNR in North Wildwood came upon a home where cats were being permitted to continue to breed.  Calvin originally came in as part of a TNR project. We met him and well, he was just too nice to not keep and put up for adoption!  He is young...about four months.  This lively little boy will do well in an active home.

Calvin

Then you got beautiful Brownie.  She is a beautiful, long haired chocolate brown cat - Godiva would be a better name however that was already taken.  We think she is about ten years old.  She came into the Shelter this month already spayed.  Nothing seems to faze her!  She is very friendly and loves attention.  We think she is deaf.  She will acclimate to just about any environment.

Brownie

Then there is littermates Poe and Ani...the little guys that love to run about when you let them out! They came in together as strays along with their mom and other kittens in early October.  They are about five months old.  Of course if they go together there is only one adoption fee!  They may be a little spooky when they first go home but will acclimate quickly.

Ani

Poe

 

 

 

And two other littermates...Preston and Porter...are occupying the big cage.  These two boys are also kittens from a TNR project.  They were both so sick when they came into the Shelter in late August.  After two months or so in our sick bay they are ready to be home!  They are always a treat getting back into the big cage!!  They are a resilient pair and will adapt to any household. 

Porter (left) and Preston (right)

And then pretty Gracie.  Gracie is a polydachtal and seems sad.  She was transferred from us to Parkway Veterinary Hospital six years ago as a kitten and adopted from there.  Sadly her owners are now ill and can no longer take care of her.  Good news though!!  Her application was approved today!  The applicant saw her in PetSmart and will meet her tomorrow with Judy M at the adoption table.  If all goes well Gracie will go home and join three dogs - all boxers.  The applicant is active with a boxer rescue so knows the importance of going slow with new pets.

Gracie

Last but not least is Sweet Pea.  Sweet Pea was adopted from us two years ago as a kitten along with another kitten.  She was returned to us because the owner said she was urinating outside the box.  There was two children in the home - ages 4 and 6.  When we come up against this situation we err on the side of caution and try to put the cat in the mellowest home possible - adults only, no dogs, maybe another cat.  She did get along fine with the cat she lived with in her prior home.  We do say on her cage card no other cats however you will see her interact well with them.  A quiet home with another cat MAY work. We are just trying to keep her anxiety level in a home as low as possible. She definitely should not go to a home with dogs or kids.

Sweet Pea

So that is the crew that is bringing in the New Year!!  They really are a good bunch!!

The 2017 schedule is complete.  We are in need of a regular on Sunday mornings until Deb and Warren return in April, a regular for Wednesday mornings and help with the Sunday Adoption table. Please look at your schedules and let me know if you are available to help with any of those days.

A few reminders as we head into the new year....  Please go light on the litter and the food.  Petsmart writes off whatever we use. Remember, we go in twice a day.  Using this pine litter is so much better than clay BUT it is expensive.  It would be terrible - dirty, dusty and difficult to clean - if Petsmart management had us go back to it.  

A heartfelt thank you from all the Shelter staff and all the cats you helped throughout 2016!!  Your dedication never fails to amaze us - especially those of you have been on the schedule since Petsmart opened in 2006!!  We wish each and every one of you the beast of health and happiness in 2017!! 

Eight New Arrivals!

Busy, busy week at PetSmart and at the Shelter!  As you are aware by now we did some cleaning at PetSmart this week and then brought down a whole bunch of new feline friends!!  When the numbers get as low as they did we take advantage of the empty cages to purge the adoption center. 

Chutney left from the Shelter after receiving two applications.  The first applicant was very nice - however during the interview and application process we learned she had declawed her cat when she could not control his scratching up of the furniture.  Her veterinarian had told her that her only option was to declaw him so she did.  Sadly, as long as the vets not only condone declawing but suggest it we have in uphill better when we deny applications based on the possibility it could happen. Fortunately this was an easy one as the application was withdrawn and the second applicant was a good one!

Below is an introduction to the new arrivals......

Doloris a is a two year old female and will make a sweet little indoor house cat!  She will make someone very happy!

Doloris

Kip will make a wonderful companion!  He is a lap cat that wants to be with his human all the time!  He'll be a constant cuddling companion!  He is older - ten to twelve years - so qualifies for our Senior For Senior Adoption Program.  Although he came into the Shelter with another one he actually would prefer to not live with other cats.

Kip

Fefe can be a tad moody and fickle but is also sweet and quiet.  Like Kip she also came into the Shelter with another cat however is not all that fond of feline company.  She is eight years and also qualifies for the Senior For Senior Adoption Program.

FeFe

Preston and Porter are six month old siblings and are a great pair of fun loving youngsters!  These two will double your fun!  If someone is looking to adopt a pair tell them to look no further!

Preston and Porter

Ava and Charlie Bear are five month old litter mates that were fostered in a home along with other cats, kids and dogs.  They may seem shy at first but will warm up in no time!

Ava and Charlie Bear

Sesame was another guy that arrived last week however he has already gone!  This five month old little girl was shy and afraid when we first met her but she slowly got over her fear.  She was a little afraid when preparing to leave the store on Saturday, however after being calmed down by her new mom she settled in and off they went!

Sesame

It is that time of year again!  Black Furr-iday Sale starts this week!  See the below flyer for all the details. 

Please look ahead to December and let me know what you can do.  Barb A, Lisa and Sarah and Toni...let me know if you can continue the days you have been doing.

Chester Gets Another Chance!

Chester left last Wednesday and will be splitting his time between Glenside, PA and Sea Isle City along with a human sibling, mom and dad, and two canine siblings.  This home will be the last!

Little old Dixie was brought to PetSmart this week.  She arrived at the Shelter in late August of this year.  She was seen wandering about a neighborhood and a Good Samaritan picked her up.  She is about twelve years old and was spayed at intake.  She is a delicate little girl and looks younger than she is. We were hoping someone missed her but never received a call.  This senior girl could sure use a break!

Dixie

The schedule looks great for the next week with the exception of Wednesday morning.  Let me know if you are available to cover it.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Introducing the Magnificent Seven!

Well, every once in a while this happens.  As you know we had to take all the cats out of the Adoption Center in order to sanitize the entire area due to ringworm on one of the cats.  Since they all socialize together it is safer to proceed this way.  All the cats are doing well and will be fine.  We did have two adoptions before the cleaning - Penny and Gabriel.

Gabriel went home with a woman for three days and sadly she brought him back.  She said he was too easily excited and was too much for her.  We do know he likes to play rough and does his share of love biting.  This ten year old tom cat is no old man!  He has been transferred to Animal Outreach.  One of their volunteers was at the Shelter when Gabriel was brought back and after meeting him immediately wanted him for their adoption center in West Cape May.

Penny is joining a full house - a seven year old Shepherd mix, a four year Australian Cattle Dog, two human toddlers (ages 2 and 3) and mom and dad.  As you will recall Penny has done some bouncing around over the years.  Hopefully this is the home she has been waiting for!

Velcro, Simon and Marge are litter mates that were together in a foster home. The two girls, Marge and Velcro, look identical.  The boy, Simon, is orange and so far is the friendliest of the three. They are four months old and came into the Shelter as strays in late July.  Initially they were somewhat feral but thanks to the watchful eye and handling in their foster home they have really come around. Potential adopters need to know that they were a tad nervous at first so will need a slow introduction to a new home - especially with kids and dogs.  They will get afraid all over again in a new or loud and busy environment.

Velcro, Simon, Marge

Chester came into the Shelter as a stray in mid-August.  He was already neutered however not micro chipped. He showed up at a managed outside cat colony looking for food.  He is quiet and well mannered and will acclimate to almost any home.  He is eight years old so qualifies for our Senior For Senior Adoption Program. 

Chester

Hibic is a doll! This five year old male came into the Shelter in mid-April after being hit by a car.  He sustained a severe concussion, a fractured pelvis, and appeared to lose his sight as a result of the trauma.  After months in our iso unit under the care of the best staff EVER he is fully recovered!  He enjoys the company of other cats so he is sharing the big cage with Chutney.

Hibic

Chutney came into the Shelter in March of this year from a managed cat colony.  He was so nice and personable that it seemed best to not return him to the colony.  He is a happy little guy that loves other cats.  He is about a year and half old.

Chutney

Last but not least is Coco.  This pretty young calico was adopted over a year ago with another cat.  The adopter brought both cats back claiming they did not use the litter box.  We have not seen that behavior in either cat at the Shelter.  Often times calicos want to be the only cat - maybe that is what really happened.  OR maybe the boxes were not kept clean enough for them.  We recommend that Coco be the only cat and the quieter the household the better. She is about a year and half old.

Coco

And there you have it...the Magnificent Seven!  As always, please watch the cats for signs of stress and do not force any to socialize too quickly.

We continue to struggle to fill the adoption table on Sunday afternoons.  If you would like to be trained in how to do adoptions and are available periodically please let me know.  It is not necessary to sign up for every week.  Whatever you can do is fine! Judy M usually covers Saturdays with the exception of one Sunday.

We are also looking for someone to do Wednesday mornings as a regular - every other or periodically is fine.  Starting Sunday, November 6, Deb and Warren again head for warmer climates so Sunday mornings will need to be covered until these two snowbirds return in the spring.  Remember - the store opens at 10:00am on Sundays so you can sleep in and then go.

Thank you all for everything you do for this program.  It is so important to the Shelter!!