Sept 2011
Helping Rescues Find Forever Homes
Free 4 Al l
Senior cat Santana finds his forever home with senior citizens
From the Editor’s Desk
O
UR SEPTEMBER ISSUE is devoted to the often overlooked population of senior pets. Just like in our human culture where people over the age of 70 tend to become invisible, overlooked and not appreciated for the wealth of knowledge and life experiences they have accumulated, senior pets are often overlooked and passed over in favor of younger animals. While no one can deny that babies of all kinds are adorable and hold the promise of the future, if you ask most new parents or owners of a puppy or kitten, they might tell you there is also a lot of work and sacrifice involved in raising a young one. Senior and older animals have many beautiful qualities to lend to a home. They have more life experience, are usually trained and are grateful for the opportunity to bond. They offer loyalty and unconditional love beyond measure. People may think the downside of adopting a senior is the shorter amount of time you’ll have together, but life holds no guarantees. Death is inevitable and is not the exclusive domain of the old. So if you’re thinking of adopting and you know your lifestyle does not allow for the kinds of demands raising a puppy or kitten entails, think about a adopting a senior. Regardless of age, they will always be your baby. On October 1 from 11-3 Guglhupf Bakery, Patisserie and Café in Durham will be hosting Heart2Home on their patio. We’ll have info about the publication, goodie bags, “love is adoptable” tshirts, and info about volunteering with H2H. Come have a scrumptious lunch and a latte. We’ll see you there, Kim and Pierre
SEPTEMBER’S CONTRIBUTORS SHERRY JOHNSON, a veteran newspaper journalist, has worked for The News & Observer, The Miami Herald and The Wichita Eagle. The proud companion of three rescue cats, she is a board member and adoption counselor at SAFE Haven for Cats. CAIT HAWLEY, a graduate of Elon University, works as a professional writer/editor in Morrisville. She also works part-time as a professional dog walker and pet sitter, and she gladly spends her free time as a volunteer adoption counselor for SAFE Haven for Cats in Raleigh. MELISSA BURRIS is a lifetime animal lover who lives in Greensboro with her three children, two senior dogs, three senior birds, one cat, two horses, and a very patient husband who has learned that dog treats are lurking everywhere. She is director of music at Centenary United Methodist Church in Greensboro and choral director of The Triad Tapestry Children's Chorus. CHANDRA CONWAY is a freelance journalist and volunteer for The Grey Muzzle Organization. Chandra blogs about senior dog health, wellness and lifestyle at Daley's Dog Years (daleysdogyears.com). The blog is named for her Chocolate Lab, Daley, who was the sunshine of her life for nearly 14 years. Chandra is based in Portland, Oregon, where she gets a kick out of watching her recently-adopted Lhasa Apso/terrier blend “run with the big dogs." KERI TELLIHO is a long-time animal lover who resides in Cary with her husband, John. Their menagerie includes Rottweiler mix, Dakota; foster hamster, Mister; and their 19-year-old Red-Eared Slider named Turtle Boy. She currently volunteers as the Medical Coordinator for Best Friend Pet Adoption.
Ollie SEPTEMBER 2011
Page 1
September 2011 Vo l u m e 1 – N u m b e r 7 HE MANY BENEFIT’s of adopting a senior dog. .................................................................................... Page 5
T V G T C R H
OLUNTEER CALL TO ACTION: Join the H2H team and have fun while making a difference ...................... Page 6 REY MUZZLE Organization: Works to create a world where “no old dog dies alone and afraid” .......... Page 14
AILS IN THE KITCHEN: Apple cinnamon treats in time for apple season .......................................... Page 20 AT THERAPY FOR SENIORS: SAFE Haven’s C.A.T.S. program brings joy to senior citizens and cats ... Page 23
AINBOW BRIDGE: Thorn, a senior dog with BFPA lives his last month with a loving foster family ............ Page 25 APPILY EVER AFTER: Senior cat, Santana is adopted by Raleigh senior community, Brighton Gardens .... Page 28
AND Events (Pg 24) | Local Shelters (Pg 25) | Word Puzzle (Pg 26) | Breed Rescue (Pg 27) On the cover: Santana (see page 28).
shelter, foster and rescue groups appear at no cost
Page 5
“
Page 11
Page 14
Curiosity is the basis of education and if you tell me curiosity killed the cat, I say only the cat died nobly. – Arnold Edinborough Heart2Home
”
heart2homemagazine.com Durham, North Carolina 919-246-4105 | email: h2h@heart2homemagazine.com Distribution is 8,000 issues throughout Wake, Orange, Durham and Chatham Counties.
Kim Dupre - Executive Editor Denis Toomey - Managing Editor Heart2Home.NC
Sales
Denis Toomey - Kim Dupre
H2Hmagazine
Contributors
Melissa Burris - Chandra Conway - Susan Graff Cait Hawley - Sherry Johnson - Brian Less - Keri Telliho Heart2Home makes no endorsement or guarantee of any product, service or business found in this publcation and is not responsible for the results of any product or service herein. The publisher reserves the right to deny any advertisement for any reason. The views of the writers are not necessarily those of the Publisher or Heart2Home. The Publisher and Heart2Home do not make any guarantees whatsoever regarding the animals listed in these pages including availability. Readers should inquire of any particular shelter as to the process for adoption and availability of pets.
' 2 0 11 Thanos Publishing and Heart2Home
Page 2
SEPTEMBER 2011
FRANKLIN COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY : 919 990-1045 : www.fchsnc.org
Lexie: My name is Lexie and I am
Radar
is our miracle cat! For unknown reasons, Radar’s previous owner left him at an animal control facility where animals are euthanized. FCHS rescued him, but Radar had become jaundice and critically ill with a condition called liver lipidosis and was not eating. It didnt look like he was going to make it. Radar got weeks of injections, pills, and was force fed while horribly sick. The good news is that Radar completely recovered and he is now a super healthy and playful cat!
a sweet little Pomeranian mix who was just rescued from a shelter, and I am looking for a family to call my own! I am very friendly with other people and dogs, and I am pretty scared of those things called cats! I am a young adult and am up to date on all my shots and have been spayed. If you would like some more information about me, please visit fchsnc.org and fill out an application to adopt. I also come with 30 days of prepaid insurance.
Hannah
Lady Grace
is an older dog who is looking for a special person. She is blind in one eye due to an old injury that was not properly cared for. She loves people, will lay her head on your leg when you are relaxing in your chair, and will follow you wherever you go with her tail constantly wagging. All that, and very little exercise required! She asks only for some belly rubs and a squeaky toy. If you are looking for a loyal dog to be your house companion, consider this special girl who would love to spend her retirement by your side.
is a dainty little kitty with big blue eyes. Her previous owner passed away and family members left her with animal control where she was scheduled to be euthanized. Grace had been neglected and abused – she was underweight, covered in fleas, and the top of her head was covered with pink magic marker. Grace is now safely with FCHS and receiving appropriate care. She will be available for adoption after having time to recover from her previous mistreatment, but you can apply in advance to adopt her.
Shadow is a terrier mix. She’s
Brandy: I am a female tortie born
very sweet and loving. All she wants is to be by your side. She’s very playful, but not in an overwhelmingly hyper way. She can chill out and hang out very easily. She’s very well-behaved. She’s great with cats (though they wouldn’t always agree) and kids. She’s easy in the car and loves to go along. She’s truly an awesome dog who just desperately wants someone to love her and take care of her. For more information on this sweet little girl please email tiger144@embarqmail.com.
June 2008. I have been dewormed, ears cleaned, shots updated including rabies, and have been spayed. I have tested negative for all feline diseases so this means I am ready for you to take me home. I will run to greet you at the door every time you come home. I love to curl up in a sunny window and bird watch as well as play with my toys. I am very gentle and can purr nicely when you rub or brush me. I am used to dogs and other cats and am also gentle around children.
Buster and Mao at the Goathouse Refuge 919 542-6815 www.goathouserefuge.org
Buster
Mao
Change isn’t easy for any cat but especially an older guy like Buster. He’s having a hard time adjusting to refuge life and being around so many other cats. He’s a gentle orange tabby, good with children, and very sweet.
Mao and Ming are brother and sister; they are experienced house cats who would love to be adopted together. They are very sweet and loving kitties. Mao is a handsome guy, playful and friendly, with beautiful grey and white fur.
nine years old
seven years old
SEPTEMBER 2011
Page 3
PAWFECT MATCH : 919 522-1307 : www.pawfectmatch.org
Margo
Gino
is a wonderful girl looking for a new home. Here is her criteria: She wants to be an only dog. She doesn’t want to share her attention. She is very exhuberant and doesn’t want to hurt little children so no kids under the age of 10 please. She loves to run, play ball, and go for long walks so and active family will work best! She loves to please and learn and would love to go to doggie school. If you think you have the right home for Margo please submit your application today!
Arden
is the sweetest puppy on earth despite his rough start. He came to us with some skin issues as well as some malnourishment issues but has now made a full recovery and is ready for his new home. He is great with other dogs and would do best in a home with a fenced yard and at least one other doggie playmate as he is quite active. And, in typical German shepherd fashion, he is a little mouthy so would not be the best fit for a home with younger children.
Kekoa
is a great boy who will make a wonderful addition to someone’s family. He is good with other dogs and likes to play but is not super high energy. He is a little shy when he first meets new people but warms up nicely and then likes to snuggle at night when it’s time for bed and he is a super smart boy. He would do best in a home with adults only or older children.
was a puppy from a litter of 12 that was about to be put down right before Pawfect Match rescued them. They were only one and a half weeks old when they entered their foster parents’ homes. Despite the challenges he faced early on in life, Kekoa is a very resilient dog and has adapted well to his foster family’s home. He does great with the two dogs (one small and one big) that he lives with, and he’s even great with cats! Kekoa is deaf, but he doesn’t let that get him down.
Stan is an awesome, outgoing young
Matilda
is a fun loving pup who is looking for a family. While she is very frisky and enjoys playing with her foster dog siblings, she will always stop for a snuggle. Due to her very playful personality, Matilda would do best in a family with children over eight years old. She is working on her manners and is learning very quickly and is eager to please. Come to a Pawfect Match Adoption Event and meet this sweet, sweet girl who is waiting for her forever home!
man. He’s looking for an active family, no couch potatos for this boy. He loves to play ball, tug of war, wrestlemania, go on long walks (runs would be awesome), and rides in the car. Stan loves to play with other dogs, loves children but is a little too exhuberant for small ones. Stan is very smart and needs a human that is loving, patient, and in charge! In exchange he will give you a lifetime of unconditional LOVE.
CHATHAM ANIMAL RESCUE & EDUCATION : 919 542-5757 : www.chathamanimalrescue.org
Chico
Ted
is an incredibly sweet boy. He’s friendly to all, loves attention and happily soaks up all the loving his foster family sends his way. He’s house trained and crate trained. Once he’s had plenty of running around time, he will settle down nicely inside. This most handsome boy has had basic obedience training and walks nicely on a leash. Chico is friends with the cat in his foster home and likes to give big sloppy kisses to the kitty when he rubs against him.
is the cuddliest teddy bear of a dog ever! To know him is to hug him. Fortunately he just loves hugs. Ted is friendly to all, canine and human alike. Ted will make a great walking or jogging companion. He is great on the leash and enjoys long walks/jogs. Ted has a very playful spirit. He is always looking for a new game to play. His current favorites are tug-of-war and shake, shake, and toss that toy! In short, Ted is a wonderful dog: good natured, loyal, and lovable.
Jozy
has the softest black and white fur. She is not very large, weighing in at less than 10 pounds. Jozy is a sweet girl who enjoys a good brushing and will climb up on your lap and purr and purr when she wants some attention. She doesn’t need a lot of space and is content to lounge on a chair near wherever you happen to be. Jozy is a special cat with special needs. She will need a special adopter; one who is patient and caring and who is willing to give Jozy the time she needs to adapt. Page 4
SEPTEMBER 2011
Pumpkin
is never far away. Whether sleeping on your feet or helping with computer tasks, Pumpkin is always engaged and social. She is also a water hog! Loves to swat water drops cascading down the shower curtain, lives to catch you at the sink to lap at the stream! Pumpkin is a playful cat and needs toys that allow her to interact with you. “Punky Poo” is a curious little clown who has to be in the “know” about everything! She and my boy cats run up and down the stairs, sounding like thunderbolts.
The Many Benefits of Adopting a Senior Dog by Melissa Burris IX-POUND SADIE is our third, adopted, senior dog. Of all the dogs in shelters and rescue groups, seniors are often the hardest to place. Many never find new, permanent homes. This is heartbreaking, because the truth about adopting a senior is much different than you might think.
S
These are the three myths I hear most often about senior dogs, paired with the truths I have experienced:
MYTH #1:
A senior dog won’t bond with a new family. Younger dogs do that more readily.
TRUTH:
Nothing has been further from the truth for me or anyone I’ve known who has adopted a senior dog. Three senior dogs are part of our family; one, a stray, two, a victim of serious neglect and three, a surrender due to the owner’s misfortune and they all bonded with us quickly. Elliott, a neglected 10-plus-year-old who was also blind and deaf, took the longest, but it was only a couple of weeks before he was integrated into our family. He had to learn not only to trust again but to figure out the lay of the land in our home. He quickly figured everything out and realized we were always thrilled for him to be around us. He was SO easy and sweet and needed only his food, some meds and a lot of soft, safe places to curl up and sleep. Sadie was the quickest to cement herself to my side. Having had both a loving owner and great foster care after her surrender, she clearly expected to adore and be adored. It took her all of three hours (my daughter claims it wasn’t even that long) to decide that
I was the new light of her life. We’ve been inseparable ever since. Her enthusiastic displays of loyalty and devotion are remarked upon everywhere we go, and with her tiny size and perfect manners, she does go nearly everywhere. Such experiences are not unique. Most adoptable dogs are willing to attach, but often, the older they are, the stronger their longing to bond, especially if they were once cherished members of another family, as so many of them were.
“Where did you get such a cute puppy?” “Sadie came from a rescue group. But she’s not a puppy. She is sixteen.” “Sixteen? YEARS? She doesn’t look it. Did you really want a dog that old?”
MYTH #2:
An old dog will be set in its ways. It won’t be trainable like a puppy and won’t adapt to new situations.
TRUTH:
An older dog may require a little time on your part. He may need to change a few habits if they don’t suit you and your lifestyle, but rarely do we expect a new puppy to housetrain and know basic obedience in a week. In my opinion, older dogs have a huge advantage in this realm. I first became interested in seniors when I realized, after training younger dogs and raising three children, how much easier it would be to bypass the puppy stage altogether. Our two current dogs, ages 12-ish and 16 are perfectly housebroken and were from the beginning. They know how to sit, mostly stay, and walk on a leash with good manners. They know NOT to beg at the table. They know lots of cute tricks and are probably waiting to show us more when we’ve figured out how to ask for them. In general, older dogs are every bit as loving and still quite interested in learning. They are often calmer and more able to focus, they already understand cause and effect, and they almost always want to do whatever will get them your praise and attention or one of those tiny treats you carry around in SEPTEMBER 2011
your pocket. And let’s face it – if there’s a choice between mischief and a nap, an older dog will almost always choose the nap.
MYTH #3:
An older dog must have serious problems or it would not be up for adoption.
TRUTH:
How sad this myth is for the thousands of loving seniors sitting in lonely cages instead of on laps. Older dogs who aren’t adoptable because of behavioral issues aren’t up for adoption. Those unfortunate animals are typically weeded out early on. Dogs with difficulties, most often either serious health conditions or temperament issues, due to neglect or abuse, usually become permanent “sanctuary dogs” who will never leave the adoption center. Some will live only with foster families who are equipped to deal with their special needs and some will be euthanized. Most seniors do not fit into this category. Many are surrendered due to an owner’s death, relocation or the financial hardship so many face in this economy. Others arrive as strays wandering with no collar or microchip. Some are abandoned or turned in because of health or aging issues. Often senior dogs will need a bit more health care, perhaps a tooth extraction, a more suitable diet, or a regular continued ... see SENIOR on page 26 Page 5
H2H Volunteers A Call to Action DO YOU LOVE ANIMALS, have a couple of hours you can share and want to have a lot of fun while doing something worthwhile for homeless animals in the Triangle? THE FIRST ISSUE OF HEART2HOME was published in March, 2011. This is our 7th issue in which we are working to make a difference in the rescue community. I wanted to let you, our readers know a little more about us and who we are, the wheels and cogs of H2H if you will. H2H IS PUBLISHED by a staff of one full time person and one part time person working diligently throughout each and every month. We are collectively responsible for both the online and print presence of H2H. We distribute 8,000 issues in 4 counties to 400 locations throughout the Triangle. We work and we dream and we imagine. We attend events, talk to shelters, meet a lot of pets and hit the streets to sell the ads that help to support H2H. Then we lay it all out and distribute it all over again. We are a for profit magazine, but since the beginning, we have been a no profit, completely volunteer and partially out of pocket publication. This has not caused us to waiver in the commitment we feel toward this project and the rescue community. WE HAVE SO MANY DREAMS for the publication, the website and the community. Fabulous ideas, community building ideas, all around fun ideas, but we need your help to see them realized. I AM ASKING any of you who have thought of volunteering in some capacity to make a difference in an animal’s life to consider volunteering with Heart2Home. Even a few hours a month will make a difference. ALL VOLUNTEERS RECEIVE an H2H “love is adoptable” t-shirt and 10 percent off at Wellville Massage & Healing Arts in Durham. Plus, you’ll be part of a team who intends to have a lot of fun in the upcoming season. Our offices are located in the Monkey Bottom Collaborative in Durham which doubles as an artist’s studio and a gallery/event space. They have lots of fun events there and Heart2Home intends to as well. WE ARE CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR ASSISTANCE WITH editing distribution creative (website, online, photography) ad sales outreach/networking event staff fundraising event planning marketing and pr We’d love to hear from you if you’re interested. kim@heart2homemagazine.com
SEPTEMBER
Page 6 2011
WAKE COUNTY ANIMAL CENTER : 919 212-7387 : www.wakegov.com/pets
Shelby:
Tinkerbell:
I’m a precious little tan and white beagle mix female around 10 months old and about 40 lbs. I’m nearly full grown at this size, but may fill out just a little bit. My family couldn’t keep me and didn’t leave much information about my history. I am currently in a wonderful foster home where I have learned how great I am with dogs AND cats! I am a very shy girl around people, as it is very obvious my previous owners didn’t pay much attention to me or my sisters. But I am slowly coming out of my shell.
Hi folks, my name is Tinkerbell! I’m a super-cute black and white short-hair female, about a year old. I was surrendered to WCAC in June 2011 with several of my friends because our owners had too many cats to take proper care of. I’m a very friendly and affectionate girl who will give all I’ve got to try and get your attention. I really love people and I want to be around them as much as possible, whether it’s playing, snuggling or just hanging out.
Marci is a loyal, obedient dog who
Snickers: Well hello, daaaahling.
just wants to do what’s right. With a few gentle words of encouragement along with a handful of treats, she is house trained, knows how to sit, stay and come, and never jumps on the furniture. She is cautious in new situations but quickly feels comfortable after a hug of reassurance. She is great with other dogs, and she enjoys hiking and swimming. In short, she’s a special little girl. Her adoption fee is $95 including her spay surgery, vaccinations, microchip and more.
I am pleased to make your acquaintance. I saw you looking at me from afar, so I thought I would tell you a bit about myself. I am currently in foster care with my mother and siblings, so, you will have to come meet me, but I am so worth it. There is one little thing you should know about me and my siblings. Our mom is FIV positive. We recently tested negative, which is purrr-fect. You will need to retest me at six months old just to make sure I’m still negative.
Trouble: My name is Trouble! I’m a
Missy:
Hey you! Yes you! Look down here! Right here in the middle. Hi!!! I’m Missy, and I’m a cute little Teddy Bear Hamster. I’m easy to handle, and will happily wander through your hands and play in my house if you give me neat stuff to play with. And did I mention I am a TV star? It’s true. I went on TV as the Pet of the Week on My Carolina Today. You should go check out my video on their website because I am TOO adorable for words. Don’t you want to meet me?
very playful and beautiful Tuxedo girl. I lived with my three siblings, another foster kitten, and two dogs. All the other kittens have gotten adopted, so now it is just me and the dogs. I really like “my” dogs! If you have a cat-friendly dog, I’m pretty sure I could learn to get along with it like I do with my own. I am litter trained, and love to play. When I was really little, I used to nuzzle my foster mom’s face and giver her sweet kisses while putting my little feet on her cheeks.
SECOND CHANCE PET ADOPTIONS : 919 851 8404 : www.secondchancenc.org
Zhu-Zhu:
Martin:
My name is Zhu-Zhu and just like my name implies I love to play. I am very zoomy and entertaining. I love to follow my people around the house and see what they are up to. I would probably prefer to be an only kitty since I seem to want all of your attention but I might be OK with another cat who will let me be the boss. I love to play hide-and-seek with your feet from under the bed. Don’t be fooled by spurts of energy because I love to snuggle up and take naps too.
I am a Lab mix, but mostly Lab. I have lots of Lab traits. I am friendly with both people and dogs. I like to play and be goofy and I love WATER! My foster parents say that the number one thing that I need in my forever family is someone who will commit to exercising me twice a day. I go for a run in the morning (my foster dad will ride his bike and I run beside him) and a walk in the evening. You can also play fetch with me too for fun and exercise.
Oz the Great: After losing
Ra: Being the only boy in the family, I
my kitty mommy to a tornado in April, I didn’t know what to make of my new foster home and foster mommy. It took me a while to finally come around – who could blame me after such a rough start? I’m a very sweet, quiet, contemplative kitty. I take in all that’s around me. I enjoy playing with my siblings, but I really enjoy my pom-pom balls. If my siblings try to take them, I growl at them, but if “mommy” takes it, I just look at her like “are you going to throw it?”
take my role as man of the litter seriously. (By seriously, I mean with lots of fun!) I think I’m bigger than I am, so I’m fearless about almost everything. I’ve got to investigate anything I hear or see, as I’m still getting used to household sounds. I love to talk and tell you about my day. I love to pounce on my sister’s and mommy’s tails. I love having a window to look out, and I’ll watch you when you get home! Won’t you pick me and one of my sisters to join you furrrever? SEPTEMBER 2011
Page 7
ALL BREED ANIMAL RESCUE OF THE CAROLINAS : allbreedanimalrescue.com
AC Slater is a 12-lb, five-yearold Chihuahua/terrier mix. We do not know anything about his past or how he ended up in a shelter but we do know he is one super cool, little dog. He loves to be held and will even lay quietly as you rock him like a baby. He insists on sleeping under the covers and if you happen to be napping without covers, he will politely ask to crawl into your shirt. A.C. Slater loves to play with other dogs and has adjusted well to life with cats.
Polly
came to the rescue from a local shelter where she was picked up as a stray. Weighing in at four and a half lbs, she is a two-three-year-old Yorki mix who is sweet as pie. She loves being a lap dog and is warming up to the other dogs in her foster home too. Unfortunately Polly has Grade III and IV Luxating Patellas that will require surgical correction. Stay tuned to our website and FaceBook for updates on her progress.
Jenny:
Found as a stray, a local shelter told ABARC what a sweet girl I was and they came to get me. I do not hear or see very well but I still have lots of love to give. I like to follow my foster mom around the house and lay beside of her chair. When I nudge her hand she pets me and I love it! I get along with all of the other dogs at my house and am very quiet. I would love to be your sweet girl.
Maya:
I am pure bred Pekingese with a beautiful black and tan coat, and a svelt 12 lbs at my adult weight. I had a tiny blind eyeball in my left eye but they sewed it shut and I am doing great. I am just a very happy young lady. I am only about a year old so still act like puppy. I love everyone and everything. I am about 90 percent housebroken, crate trained and learning everyday.
Jack
came from a breeder/hoarder/neglect situation with 70 other Aussies. He is about eight months old and blind in his left eye. Don't let this scare you, blind dogs live normal lives; most of the time people can't even tell. He has had a rough life but is incredibly sweet. Jack is submissive and will crawl on his belly to you for attention. He has really blossomed in his foster home and is now walking better on lead and loves to get attention. Page 8
SEPTEMBER 2011
THE GOATHOUSE REFUGE : 919 542-6815 : www.goathouserefuge.org
Buster:
Indy: What a handsome and distin-
Poor Buster is bummed. He’s a nine-year-old house cat whose first owner died. Buster went to live with her daughter, but then she had medical issues so she was unable to take care of him. Change isn’t easy for any cat but especially an older guy like Buster. He’s having a hard time adjusting to refuge life and being around so many other cats. He’s a gentle orange tabby, good with children, and very sweet. Please give Buster a forever home where he can curl up on the sofa and forget all his worries.
quished grey gentleman! Indy had a home of his own for many years, and then came to the refuge in 2011 when his family could no longer care for him. He’s settling into his new situation, getting along with the other cats, and starting to relax. Indy is a little bit shy at first, but after you make friends with him, he loves belly rubs! He’d love a second chance at having a forever home. DOB 6/99
Mao
Ming:
and Ming are brother and sister; they are experienced house cats who would love to be adopted together. They are seven years old, and very sweet and loving kitties. Mao is a handsome guy, playful and friendly, with beautiful grey and white fur. Both of them are affectionate and easy-going cats who get along great with kids and love people. They really deserve a second chance at a forever home. DOB 2004.
Princess is one of the sweetest cats
It’s not easy to be a sevenyear-old house cat who is uprooted from your home. But at least Ming and Mao have each other; this brother and sister have been together since they were kittens. They came to the Refuge when their family could no longer care for them. Ming is a cuddly and talkative girl with a cute meow and beautiful grey and white fur. They are both affectionate and easy-going cats who get along great with kids and love attention from people. They long to be house and family cats again.
Baby
is a curious, affectionate kitty who came to the Refuge in 2009 from a kill shelter in South Carolina. She is friendly and loves people; she likes to hang out in the Studio building with the volunteers and visitors, and when she spots a vacant lap, she jumps right on! Once Baby takes a liking to you, she’ll follow you around, hoping for some attention and petting. She’s ready to meet and go home with her human best friend! She’s an older kitty who still has many years of love to give. DOB 2003.
at the Refuge. She’s a gentle girl who does not have a mean bone in her body and loves other cats just as much as she loves people. She’s a lovely tuxedo cat with unique facial markings; you can’t help but smile when you look at her. Princess has allergies and requires a special diet. Other than that, she’s a healthy and affectionate girl who would love to come curl up happily in your home and provide you with unconditional kitty love. Approx DOB 2006.
SNOWFLAKE ANIMAL RESCUE: 919 990-2478 : www.snowflakerescue.org
Pilate
Zumba loves to zoom around the
is a sweet little girl who is looking for a new home. She came into Snowflake via a delivery truck. She and her brother Zumba were discovered among a shipment of plants! Pilate is sweet and playful and would be a wonderful addition to any family.
house and is an active boy! He is a sweet, funny little guy who was rescued from the back of a truck and is looking for a forever home. He loves people, other cats and attention.
Nutmeg
loves people. He thinks people are the greatest! He loves to sit on laps and to give kisses. The only thing he loves as much as people is his buddy Casey. There must be a home out there looking for two big orange babies!
SEPTEMBER 2011
Casey is full of personality! He loves to explore and always wants to be where the people are. He’s not much of a lap cat but loves to be by your side. He leaves the the lapsitting to his buddy, Nutmeg. These two boys are so sweet together and love each other dearly. They are always together and we would love them to find a forever home together.
Page 9
INDEPENDENT ANIMAL RESCUE : www.animalrescue.net
Paris
Minnetonka is a sassy girl!
was initially rescued from a hoarding situation, malnourished and trying to feed her kittens. She gets very excited to see us and will run to the door to greet us, plop down for a belly rub, and roll around on the ground. Paris is not a lap cat, but you'd be hard pressed to find a more affectionate kitty companion. She enjoys the company of other cats and gentle dogs, but she would also be happy as the queen of her household. This kitty just wants to be loved.
Madeline
She has beautiful green eyes lined in black, and adorably fluffy black and white fur. She is still not sure about being picked up, but loves to roll all over the ground in front of you in order to get attention. She has the sweetest little meow to tell you that she would like some petting (which she wants often!). She also loves to bound like a bunny when chasing the laser pointer, and wrestle with her brother Rory, from whom she is inseparable.
Kiki
was found on a very wet morning trying to rescue her only kitten from a roadside ditch. She has found a home, and now she is looking for one of her own. This beautiful kitty is a pure joy to share a home with: calm, friendly, and well-mannered. While she's not much of a lap-sitter, Madelaine likes to be petted and played with. She would really appreciate a home with another cat, a friendly dog, or children to play with.
is a beautifully marked tortie tabby with white feet, chest and belly, and luminous green eyes. She was rescued as a kitten, along with her mother and siblings, after their owner moved away and left them behind. She and her mother have been together in foster care for two years, and would love to find their new home together. They are both sweet cats, very well-behaved and playful. And they’re both beautiful!
Collie is a lovely small, round tuxedo
Celena
is a young, charcoal grey beauty with very expressive eyes. She is shy with strangers, but to us she is pure PURR! It seems her hard early life taught her to relish the happy moments in life. And does she ever relish life! She loves to toss and bunny-kick her puffy ball, she stretches luxuriously when brushed, and she eats with gusto. She’s not around kids, dogs, or other cats, and we think she'd rather not bother. She is undemanding, but she really wants a loving home.
girl. As a kitten living on her own, she lost her eye due to an infection. But you’d never know it to watch her. She is entertaining, social, and wants to play, play, play. Her favorite activities are burrowing through a pile of tissue paper, and pouncing on your hand moving under the tissue paper. Collie would enjoy being an only cat, and will be a really interesting companion for someone able to appreciate her complex personality.
BEST FRIEND PET ADOPTION : 919 661-1722 : www.bfpa.org
Belle
Cooper
is a 10-year-old English coonhound. She is one of the sweetest dogs we’ve ever encountered. Belle is a very pretty and loving dog. She is very laid back and enjoys being around people. She is great with other dogs and cats. Like a typical Hound, Belle likes to sniff around. Belle is very considerate and gentle. She likes to play in water and going for walks. This sweet dog deserves a great home. If you seek a dog that is mellow, low-key, and loves to accompany you on walks, Belle is the one.
Page 10
loves to be around people and — if allowed — would be an 85-pound lap dog. He is a seven-year-old golden retriever with good energy and he loves to go on walks and play fetch. When he gets excited, he will spin around and around which just makes you laugh. Cooper will make a wonderful companion for any dog lover. Cooper loves to curl up and snuggle! He is currently in a home with another dog and they enjoy each others company.
Jada is a nine-year-old boxer/hound
Ariel: I am also known as as Pretty
mix. She is a sweet girl who wants nothing more than to please. She is extremely smart and loving. She enjoys belly rubs and snuggling on the couch. Jada also enjoys relaxing in the sunshine in the fenced backyard, running laps along the fence line, and playing with the other dogs in her foster home. We know Jada to be a very well mannered girl and think she is just about as perfect as a dog can be. Please consider giving this gorgeous dog a home she deserves.
Blue Eyes. My foster family says I have beautiful markings on my face. Perhaps Phantom of the Opera comes to mind? I came to live with my new foster family when a kind man took me in after my family moved and left me behind. It took me a few days to warm up to the other kitties, but we get along just fine now. There’s also two big goofy well behaved dogs that are kitty friendly too.
SEPTEMBER 2011
HEAVEN AND EARTH ANIMAL RESCUE TEAM (HEART) : www.HEARTpetrescue.org
Elvis Grady
Raina
is a senior Yorkshire terrier from a commercial breeding facility. He has a gentle personality with which he quietly and slowly takes over the house! His is a gentle soul in search of an older home. He suffers from Iris atrophy, so he squints when in bright light. He will benefit from wearing sunglasses when out in the bright lights of day to feel more comfortable! His foster mom is in love with him and knows he will find a great home soon!
is a beautiful miniature Schnauzer! She’s about six years old. Raina has had some challenges trusting humans and is doing very well! She’s still got some work to do and would do best in an adult home. The more she participates in normal household activities, walks, car rides, and adventures, the more she will build up her confidence! She’s a sweet dog!
Albus
Pokey Dottie is an adorable
is a young Maltese that had a rough start in life. He’s in a great foster home now and just needs a bit more encouragement and help to grow into a fantastic and well socialized dog! He’s looking for a patient, dog loving, older home! He walks fairly well on a leash, is housebroken, and is learning to trust people more every day!
Short y Blue
is a silly little Dachshund with one of the most beautiful coats you’ll ever see! He is brindle and when the sun hits him just right his fur glows! He has an easy going personality, lets pretty much everything wash over him, and absolutely loves offering people the opportunity to meet him!
Papillion! She has a winning personality and encourages everyone to get to know her! She can be relentless in her play, but also settles down nicely for a nap! She’s an active little girl who would enjoy a home with other dogs and lots of adventures!
Finley
is a young Yorkshire Terrier mix. He is full of himself and full of energy to boot! He is having a ball playing with his much larger foster brother and is doing his best to encourage his small shy foster brother to join in the fun! Finley is looking for an active home that will include him in lots of fun activities!
It is a myth that dogs are color blind. They can actually see in color, just not as vividly as humans. What a dog sees is akin to our muted vision at dusk. SEPTEMBER 2011
Page 11
SAFE HAVEN FOR CATS : 919 872-7233 : www.safehavenforcats.org
Frittata: Frisky as a fiesta. My
Ror y:
My coat is something to see, a mixture of lovely traditional markings. I'm a torti-tabby that could have stepped out of an impressionist painting. The dilute mackerel swirls along my sides are muted and soft. I also have a great personality to share. I love to explore and relish my time outside the cage making the rounds and saying "hi" to felines and humans alike. Come meet me soon and I'll show you!
thoughtful expression means I'm contemplating what my new person or family will be like. I know I'm going to fit in fine. After all, I'm a smart and perky young adult torti with a coat that's as fine a mixture as the ingredients of the dish I'm named for.
Abbey: Terrific torti-tabby, gor-
Wiley: Gallant gray greeter. I'm
geous amber eyes. I'm a social, energetic, playful cat who's the perfect age -still plenty of kitten cuteness and friskiness but not quite as wide-open as some of the younger ones. I get along well with other cats and would be a perfect companion to add to your home.
social, active and attractive. I love to play with other cats, toys and stuffed animals. But it's people I really love. When you visit the Jungle Room, I'll be the first at the door and will be right at your heels when you are ready to leave. I don't want these visits to end!
Cr ystal:
Best office assistant ever. I enjoy a privilege reserved for only a few cats at the adoption center. I get to spend time outside my cage to explore and do a few “laps� around the area. I love exercise. I also love ducking into a cardboard carton, batting toys and using the tracker ball. I also just like to sit at your feet and keep you company. I'm a striking polydactyl who has spent time with a foster mom who describes me as "happy, energetic, friendly." Let's meet soon. I bet we could form a wonderful lifetime bond.
Mozelle: Storm survivor. I'm a very lucky cat. I showed up in Wilson after the storms with my kitten in tow and we were rescued from the damage. My kitten already has a home; now I'm ready for mine! I'm kind and gentle and would be so thankful for s secure, loving home. I bet that you just might be the one to provide it. Let's see today.
Cats were brought to the shores of America by colonists to protect their granaries and as pets. As the colonists moved inland, the cats entailed. Page 12
SEPTEMBER 2011
ORANGE COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES : 919 942-7387 : www.co.orange.c.us/animalservices
Barkley:
Carlton:
This sweet boxer mix is around two years old and absolutely gorgeous. This unique boy may first catch your eye for his looks, but it will be his personality that wins you over in the long run. Barkley is social and outgoing, with a great balance of manners and playfulness. His gentle, yet happy-golucky personality is sure to keep you in a good mood whenever he’s around!
This gorgeous tabby and white boy is around two years old and absolutely adorable. This big boy is gentle and quiet, with a love for taking it easy. Carlton loves to lounge, nap, cuddle and people watch. He isn’t demanding and won’t beg for attention, but will gladly saunter down to meet a visitor for some nice ear rubs when asked. Overall, this mellow boy will make an excellent addition to a low key home that appreciates the simple things in life.
Stan:
Simon:
If you want an all-around balanced kitten, Stan is the man for you! This four-month-old baby is social, playful, loving and easy going in every way. He loves other cats and will spend all day wrestling with his buddies if you let him. He also loves toys and any other exciting adventure you bring his way. He doesn’t mind being held and will gladly sit in your lap and cuddle if that’s more your style! You won’t find a more adaptable baby than Stan!
Calvin: If you have a little extra room in your life for a sweet, deserving boy, look no further. Calvin is a fourmonth-old black and white kitty who has a huge heart and a lot of love to give to a lucky new family. Calvin is shy at first and not so sure about hands, but intrigued by them and aware that they eventually bring great things. He likes to be petted, especially if he can take his time coming to you, and your mere presence sends him into the loudest purring frenzy that’s adorable!
This three-year-old lab mix is sweet and playful and ready to find a new place to call home! Simon is an enthusiastic boy who loves visitors, new adventures, long walks outside and pretty much anything else that you can offer him. This boy loves life and always greets you with a happy-go-lucky attitude and an appreciation for your time. His big expressionistic eyes make him look almost like a deer, which just adds to his beauty and charm. And he’s already housetrained!
Stevie:
If you want a sweet, well behaved boy with a fun personality and a gentle disposition, then Stevie is the one! This five-year-old shepherd mix is as easy as they come. He is great with other dogs, completely housetrained, appreciative and gentle, and loves simple company and fresh air. This boy isn’t the type to be all over you, but instead simply enjoys spending time near you– especially if a long walk outside is involved. He’s funny too! He’s vocal and will talk to you as long as you let him! A full addition to almost any home.
SEPTEMBER 2011
Page 13
Saving Greys Older dogs contribute positively to our quality of life and have much to teach us about patience, respect, responsibility, loyalty and unconditional love.
by Chandra Conway
REY MUZZLE operates on a model of fundraising and with a goal, according to its founder Julie Dudley, that “we give the money back out that same year in grants.” The move to North Carolina helped inspire Dudley to, as she says, “take a chance on a dream” that gradually took shape when she volunteered for OldDog Haven in Washington state. Dudley helped the regional senior dog In 2008, Julie Dudley made a big move. Dudley, her hus- rescue with fundraising, and she and Barry fostered more than a dozen senband, Barry, and their three ior dogs. The couple also provided senior dogs piled into a 21hospice care for two dogs who were too ill to be adopted. foot motor home and drove Dudley knew that the need was great from Washington state to all over the country. “OldDog Haven is North Carolina. The crossprobably the largest senior-specific rescountry move from the cue in the country; and even in their area, the need far outdistances the resSeattle area to the Wake cue openings available,” she says. Forest area kicked off a life “Most states don’t even have one senchange that, for Dudley, has ior-specific rescue!” been a dream come true. At the time, Dudley was working for Microsoft as a program manager. That same year Dudley “Barry and I talked about what we founded The Grey Muzzle could do that made sense for us,” she Organization, a local nonprofit says. With her business background, Dudley felt like she could be of most organization that provides use helping nonprofit groups with funding and resources organizational development, managenationally to nonprofit shelment and fundraising. The list of nonprofit organizations ters, groups and sanctuaries Grey Muzzle supports includes that rescue and assist homeMuttville in San Francisco, St. Louis less or at-risk senior dogs. Senior Dog Project and Last Hope Animal Rescue on Long Island. Since its founding, Grey Locally, the SPCA of Wake County has Muzzle has helped change benefited from Grey Muzzle’s grants to community programs that help the lives of more than 500 low-income and homebound people senior dogs with grants to keep their senior pets when they 29 nonprofits in 17 states, might otherwise lose them. totaling $160,000. SPCA of Wake County Humane Educator Vanessa Budnick explains that it is all too common for senior pets of senior people to end up in shelters. “Their primary caretaker is no longer physically or financially capable of the pet’s care,” she says. “… or family members are unwilling or unable to assume care of the senior pet.”
Page 14
G
Since March 2009, the Grey Muzzle Organization SPCA of Wake County President Julie Dudley and her has partnered with local dog, Maxwell, who passed away nonprofit organization earlier this year at the age of 15. Resources for Seniors on Bella Luce Photography the AniMeals program, which delivers pet food and supplies to senior and homebound individuals. Grey Muzzle has provided funding to AniMeals as well as the Pet Food Pantry, which opened in 2008. “Around that time shelters, including ours, began to see an increase in people relinquishing pets due to financial circumstances,” says Budnick. “The Pet Food Pantry began so that these families could stay together during their temporary financial setback.” Budnick states that the Pet Food Pantry and AniMeals serve a total of 287 local senior dogs and helps support the human/animal bond. “The relationship between homebound seniors and their pets is often the primary relationship for both. This close bond can result in already vulnerable senior people depriving themselves of food, medication, and other necessities in order to provide care for their beloved companion animal, [or sometimes] depriving the pet of basic needs.” When these behaviors occur Budnick explains that often the solution offered is to remove the pet from the household. The staff at the SPCA of Wake County, however, has seen firsthand that sometimes the best way to help animals in need is to help the people who love them. Budnick passed along an AniMeals volunteer’s recent experience in the Raleigh area: “I was delivering a month’s supply of small dog food to a 12year-old dog and her wheelchair-bound senior owner, Catherine. At first I was saddened when I looked around the modest apart-
GreyMuzzle Aids Senior Dogs Across the Country ment, empty of all but the bare essentials. But then her Maltese, Sadie, jumped up in her lap, excited because she recognized the bag of food. Catherine looked at Sadie and laughed at the little dog’s excitement. Her small apartment wasn’t sad or empty; it was full of love and joy all because of the affection shared with her dog. When I dropped off that bag of food, I gave them both the only thing they were really missing.” Budnick expresses that the SPCA of Wake County is enormously grateful to Grey Muzzle for its support on behalf of senior dogs. “Both organizations want a world where senior pets are able to enjoy their twilight years with the family that they’ve had for their entire life. The support has helped make this a reality for many senior dogs and their families in Wake County.” Groups with 501(c)(3) status as a nonprofit organization and an existing or proposed program to help at-risk senior dogs may submit a letter of inquiry to Grey Muzzle during a specific period each year. Grey Muzzle board members consider the letters and then invite selected groups to submit a detailed grant application and be interviewed. Grants are awarded in categories such as “Adoptable Dogs Medical Care,” “Hospice and Long-Term Foster Care” and “Seniors for Seniors” adoption programs. Grey Muzzle also has granted more than $6,000 in orthopedic beds donations to animal welfare organizations, especially shelters, for senior dogs. N RURAL RUTHERFORD COUNTY in North Carolina, Community Pet Center has worked with the Sheriff’s Department and Animal Control for the past 14 years. Community Pet Center Executive Director Lynne Faltraco states that the rescue sees senior dogs admitted to Animal Control every week. “Many are turned in because their owners can’t feed or provide veterinary care for them while others are removed by law enforcement when animal cruelty occurs.” Faltraco explains that Grey Muzzle’s support of her organization’s Senior Pets Project has helped with several goals, including placing senior dogs in temporary foster homes and taking care of senior dogs “who have their own set of challenging and unique veterinary problems.” Faltraco recalls Peaches, a 12-year-old brown and black shorthaired Chihuahua whose elderly owner had to move to a care facility because of failing health and Alzheimer’s disease. “[The owner had] three older Chihuahuas; and his family was able to place two of them, but not Peaches,” says Faltraco. “Peaches is very sweet, quiet, house-trained, and easy to get along with. She just wanted someone to cuddle with.” The staff at Community Pet Center took Peaches to a local veterinary clinic for a much-needed complete check-up and then began including her in its Adopt-A-Thons. “A lot of people were looking at her, but no one stepped up to adopt,” says Faltraco. “The family agreed to keep her while we continued to try to find her a home. Six months later, the family became frustrated; and rather than stressing Peaches more, we took her into our Foster Program.” Peaches was in foster care for nearly three months before a Community Pet Center volunteer recommended a potential match, a friend whose elderly mother was looking for another dog to provide companionship to her Chihuahua. “Our volunteer scooped her up, and off they went to do a home visit,” says Faltraco. “Two hours later, we had photos of Peaches and Louie, the woman’s other Chihuahua, sleeping on a big fluffy pillow in her den! Peaches is extremely happy. Her new owner simply adores her, and so does Louie!” Often what homeless or at-risk senior dogs need is simply time to find the right fit for the next chapter in their lives. Dudley says that in her own foster experience, it is not unusual for senior dogs to need four
I
SPCA of Wake County Community Outreach Coordinator Darci VanderSlik manages the shelter’s Pet Food Pantry and AniMeals program that serves 287 local senior dogs with help from GreyMuzzle funding. Eightyear-old Hillary, a basset hound/Lab blend is currently available for adoption. photo by Vanessa Budnick
to six months of temporary loving care before they find their permanent home. According to Dudley, “It’s important to get more of the many active rescues and shelters building their own programs for senior dogs, to help meet the need right where it exists.” Because the unfair reality is that time is often what senior dogs do not have when they find themselves at shelters. This is why empowering local level rescue efforts is key to Grey Muzzle’s vision of “a world where no old dog dies alone and afraid.” Chandra Conway is a freelance journalist and volunteer for The Grey Muzzle Organization in Portland, Oregon. She blogs about tips, tales and tools for senior dog life at daleysdogyears.com
learn more
www.greymuzzle.org
Why are senior dogs abandoned? SENIOR DOGS ARE ABANDONED FOR MANY REASONS: The family moves, the owner cannot or will not provide needed medical care, or they are seen as not “fun” anymore. Once homeless, senior dogs often find it particularly hard to survive in large shelters and their health can deteriorate rapidly. Older dogs stiffen and become sore from lying on the cement floors in shelters. They often need dental work or other medical care, which may be too expensive for shelters to provide. This discourages adopters, who often walk past older dogs on their way to the puppies.
The Grey Muzzle Organization believes: Older dogs contribute positively to our quality of life and have much to teach us about patience, respect, responsibility, loyalty and unconditional love. Senior dogs deserves to live out their golden years, months, weeks or even days in a place of love, security and peace. Dogs are not a disposable commodity; rather, they depend on us to care for them through all stages of their lives.
continued ... see GreyMuzzle on page 26
Page 15
Page 16
SEPTEMBER 2011
CHATHAM CO ANIMAL SHELTER : 919 542-7203
Valencia:
Mona:
Breed: DSH Sex: female
Breed: German Shepherd Sex: Female
Hello, my name is Valencia and I am looking for a forever home to call my own. I am currently at the Chatham County Animal Shelter waiting to meet my new humans! If you are looking for a kitten to spend your days with, please come to meet me!
Hello, my name is Mona and I am looking for a forever home to call my own. I am currently at the Chatham County Animal Shelter waiting to meet my new humans! If you are looking for a new pooch to spend your days with, please come to meet me!
Collin:
Starla: Hello, my name is Starla
Hello, my name is Collin and I am looking for a forever home to call my own. I am currently at the Chatham County Animal Shelter waiting to meet my new humans! If you are looking for a new pooch to spend your days with, please come to meet me!
and I am looking for a forever home to call our own. We are currently at the Chatham County Animal Shelter waiting to meet my new humans! If you are looking for a kitten to spend your days with, please come to meet us!
Breed: Boxer Mix Sex: Male
Spencer:
Breed: DSH Mix Sex: Female
Toby:
Hello, my name is Spencer and I am looking for a forever home to call my own. I am currently at the Chatham County Animal Shelter waiting to meet my new humans! If you are looking for a kitten to spend your days with, please come to meet me!
Hello, my name is Toby and I am looking for a forever home to call my own. I am currently at the Chatham County Animal Shelter waiting to meet my new humans! If you are looking for a new pooch to spend your days with, please come to meet me!
Breed: DSH Sex: Male
Breed: Shepherd Mix Sex: Female
SEPTEMBER 2011
Page 17
SPCA OF WAKE COUNTY : 919 772-2326 : www.spcawake.org
Annelise: My name is Annelise
Drake:
Hi, I’m Drake! I’m a silly kitten who loves to play! I think wrestling with my kitten friends and swatting around a catnip mouse or two are the best activities ever. It would be great to go home with another kitten from the SPCA or I would enjoy spending time with your current feline. I would also love for my future home to have several scratching posts and plenty of toys to keep my active mind occupied. After a full day of fun, I think curling up next to you would be so nice. (ten months old)
and I am here to find my forever family! Could it be with you? I’m a very curious and independent lady that loves to play and figure out how all the fun toys work. I tend to perch myself up high so I can watch all the happenings here at the SPCA. I am fine with the other cats here but a princess like myself tends to spend a lot of time grooming rather than socializing with other felines. I’m not too sure about dogs and may do best in a home without canines. (four years old)
Napper:
Ruby:
Hey! Where’s the party? I’m the social director of my foster group – always eager to see new things and jump into whatever is happening. I was a bit shy a few weeks ago when I came to the SPCA but the nice people here made me comfortable right away. I guess it would be silly to stay here at the adoption center when I could be entertaining a family out in the world somewhere, so give me a try and let’s see if you want to make me your new little guy. (four months old)
I’m looking for that special person who’s going to keep me forever and ever! I’m the perfect match for someone who just wants a companion to be there at the end of every day so we can discuss how our days were. When it’s time for bed I would love to curl up on a nice fluffy cushion just for me and dream about what the next day will bring. Don’t overlook me just because I’m a little older, sometimes the dogs with the most experience make the best companions. (American Staffordshire terrier mix, eight years old)
Aurora: My name is Aurora and if you’re in the market for a new family member, you should consider me. I’m one of the sweetest dogs you’ll ever meet. I adore being around people and if you spend time with me, you’ll be hooked. If you’re looking for a loyal friend, I would like nothing more than to do all sorts of activities together. Exercise is key to keeping me happy and healthy, so make sure you have time to take me on walks around the neighborhood and the park. (American Staffordshire terrier mix; one year old)
Page 18
SEPTEMBER 2011
Sarah:
Are you looking for a sweet puppy to love? Well, say hello to me, Sarah. I can be a little shy when I first meet new people, but with a little extra time and affection I should come around very quickly. I enjoy the company of other dogs, so if you have another canine in the home that would be so much fun! I’m one smart pup, so I hope you’ll keep my toy box stocked full of interesting dog toys – Kongs are a good way to keep me entertained! (Hound mix; ten months old)
ANIMAL PROTECTION SOCIETY OF DURHAM : 919 560-0640 : www.apsofdurham.org
Bonnie
Arnold
is a lovely Bloodhound mix who’s three to four years old. She’s a gentle, affectionate, very social girl who always does her best to please. She has a playful side (she likes toys), and is very food-motivated and attentive. Since Bonnie seems quite uncomfortable around other dogs, she would love to find a kind, calm home where she could be the only dog.
is a smaller-size, very cute Beagle who’s about two years old. He was a rather worried little guy when he first arrived, but he has perked up very quickly (food treats are a big help with confidence-building!). He does well with other dogs. Arnold is looking for a calm, kind, Beagle-loving home.
Sasha is a lovely Hound mix who
Pandora:
In Greek mythology, Pandora was endowed with many talents and much beauty. She also had the gift of curiosity. Her name means “all-giving.” Even though I am not Greek and not very old, all the other attributes about Pandora are, also, true about me. Beautiful, curious, and all-giving. I will certainly give you my all. In addition, I am very talkative, but, I close my eyes and am very quiet when you rub my head. I’m not sure if Pandora did that. Don’t forget, I’m a female torte, my number is A366285.
is one-and-a-half to two-years old. Though she can be a little anxious and unfocused in new situations, she warms up quickly with kind handling and petting, and (especially!) food treats. She likes to chase a ball, and seems to get along with other dogs. Sasha is looking for a home where she’ll have gentle, positive training, lots of love and attention, and a consistent routine.
Sparky
is a short haired gray and white male with a solid, muscular body and a wide, noble face. Use both hands to pick him up! Sparky is a gentleman and will patiently wait for you to maneuver his big body out of his cage and into your arms. He’s a lap sitter, so pull up a chair, get comfortable, and stay a while. Keep an eye on the clock – your time together will fly by. And, you may want to budget some time to talk about taking Sparky home! Sparky’s ID number is A367066.
Miles
is a brown short haired tabby. Like most adolescents, he’s playful and energetic. Miles enjoys socializing with visitors and will greet you with enthusiasm, rubbing his soft face against yours. When you pick him up, be prepared; this inquisitive boy might climb onto your shoulder for a better view of the cat room. When it’s time to close his cage, Miles will hold out a paw as if to say, “Hey, don’t shut that door just yet!” Miles is still growing into his big paws and tail. Perhaps he could grow up in the wide open spaces of your home?
SEPTEMBER 2011
Page 19
Tails in the Kitchen MARLEY’S CAT TALES : www.marleyscattales.org
Apple Cinnamon Treats
Jasper:
Y DOGS LIKE TABLE SCRAPS as much as the next dog. But their tastes in “people food” vary. I remember when I discovered that one of our dogs, Snickers, liked fresh vegetables. I was cutting up a salad and slice of cucumber fell onto the floor. Snickers, my trusty culinary assistant, swooped in and to my surprise and ate the cucumber! So I gave him another slice. Snickers ate it happily and then sat waiting for more. Next I gave Snickers a chunk of a baby carrot. He sniffed it and happily ate it! After a while, I gave Snickers a cherry tomato. This fruit confused him. At first he batted it around like a ball. But after playing a while, he put the round globe into his mouth and bit down to carry it. To by Susan his surprise, a liquid squirt out and he enjoyed it. To this day, any time I give Graff Snickers a cherry tomato, he plays with it first then he eats it! Snickers is not just partial to vegetables. One day I was eating an apple and Snickers sat in front of me and stuck his tongue in and out. It is his way of communicating he wants some of what I’m eating. So I cut him a slice and he happily ate it and waited for more. I decided to research whether raw, cut-up fruits and vegetables are safe for doggy consumption. According to the experts, dogs can safely eat apples. But it is best to cut the apple away from the core and take out the seeds to prevent any problems. Since apple season begins in September, I decided to make this month’s recipe an apple recipe. This recipe comes from the website, all-natural-dog-treat.com. I did tweak this recipe a bit. The original recipe calls for double the ingredients. But, after I made it according to the original recipe, it made more than I could use. Also, if you use natural applesauce vs. chopped apples, you may need to add another 1/4 cup of flour. I like to use whole wheat flour vs. white flour.
I am a male, 2 year old ragdoll/Maine coon mix. I’m a sweet boy. I like dogs and tolerate cats. I need a quiet, mellow home to flourish in. I love peace and quiet and can help you with cleaning - my foster mom says I am an artist with a roll of papertowels and can make confetti - whatever that means. I am a sweet boy who loves to be brushed and petted.
M
ats on Dog Tre m a n in C le ) App og-treat.com ural-d (from all-nat
Hoodie:
I am a 1 year old, orange and white male. I was found wandering around an apartment complex trying to get inside the apartments and following people to their cars. Thankfully, I was rescued and I’m getting all the love I deserve. I’m very laid back and get along with other cats in my foster home. I can’t wait to have a forever home of my very own!
Miso:
I am a ten-month old, orange female, petite in size. I was rescued from a shelter. I am snuggly and super playful! I’m a little ball of energy and have a cute and quirky personality. When I’m done playing I like to make biscuits on you and fall asleep beside you. I Would love to go to a home with other animals so I have playmates when you are not home.
Ladybug: I am a one-year-old, female, red heeler/cattle dog mix. I weigh 33 lbs. I was found wandering around an apartment complex trying to get inside the apartments and following people to their cars. Thankfully, I was rescued and I’m getting all the love I deserve. I’m very laid back and get along with other cats in my foster home. I can’t wait to have a forever home of my very own!
table oil 1/4 cup vege ce au ur es flo l appl 2 1/2 cups 1/2 c. natura apple) red milk de w po d p pe cu 1/4 (or chop g on eg am 1 large 1/2 tsp cinn ley 1/2 tbl pars water ingredients. g ne all of the 1/2 cup cold bi om C s. ee shapes usin en 350 degr cut into fun t d ov ou e an ab th s s es at Prehe ned. Yield red thickn ugh to desi or until brow es ut in m 5 Roll out do -2 . rs. Bake 20 aped treats cookie cutte medium sh to l al sm 24 - 36
: Ingredients
Susan Graff is the owner of Whole Lotta Love Dog Walking and Pet Services www.awholelotoflovedogwalking.com
Page 20
SEPTEMBER 2011
Scrappy:
I am a six-year-old, male cream Persian. I am extremely loving and have a very cute meow! I would love to be the only kitty in the house. How can you resist my face?
ALLEY CATS AND ANGELS : 919 303-3500 : www.alleycatsandangels.org
Zenith
Chessie is a beautiful lady with
is a lovely brown tabby girl with an incredibly sweet disposition. She grew up with Chessie and Rambo, and she likes to love on them and groom them. She is also very affectionate with people: Zenith loves to join her foster mom on the couch for some quality time so she can cuddle and get lots of attention. But when she is ready to get up and explore, Zenith heads straight for the window, where she just loves to sit and watch what’s going on out in the world.
brown tabby markings and some orange mixed in. She just loves attention from her foster mom and will take every opportunity to get it — Chessie especially likes hopping up in her mom’s lap on the couch or sleeping in bed with her. Chessie grew up with two other cats (Rambo and Zenith) and is very loving with them too, often grooming both of them. She and Zenith especially like to sit and look out the window to see what’s going on in the world.
Char lotte
Izzie
is heartwarming, easy going, loving and fun. This gorgeous female marble torbie (who is just over a year old) is affectionate, grateful, happy, playful, versatile, likes toys, getting brushed, scratched and petted. She is great on her own and happy to play solo or snooze. Very easy care, gentle and quick learner. She would be happiest in a monogamous relationship, as she loves her people so much she gets a little jealous around other cats.
Zoya
is a beautiful female tuxedo cat with so much to give. Alley Cats and Angels found her when she was pregnant, and Zoya took great care of all her kittens. Now they’ve all found forever homes, and Zoya is looking for hers. At just six pounds, Zoya’s a petite girl who enjoys finding hiding places — but she always comes out for dinner! Zoya can be shy at first, but she warms up quickly if she gets attention. Great with kids and other cats, Zoya loves belly rubs and catnip toys.
(also known as Princess Izzabella Vandergooten) is a gorgeous, green-eyed tortie diva with a unique, sweet meow. She’s extremely loving towards people and loves to snuggle at night. She also loves having another kitty around – so she has someone to bop! Just shy of eight years old, Izzie still has energy for rough housing, and she’s not one to cuddle up with her fellow cats. She would much rather spend time with people, especially when they let her share some delicious human food as a treat!
Kupe
is a dashing, handsome fellow with silky smooth black fur. He loves people and wants nothing more than to sit in your lap and rub his face on your hand. Kupe purrs almost non-stop and has a charming, almost broken-sounding meow – it’s very distinctive! Kupe’s other distinguishing feature is his missing right front leg, which was amputated after a bad injury. However, he is in great health and has no trouble running around, going up stairs, or jumping up on the sofa to lie down in your lap.
SEPTEMBER 2011
Page 21
CAT ANGELS PET ADOPTIONS : 919 463-9586: www.catangelsnc.org
Joey: I have five brothers and sis-
Channing: I have five broth-
ters. Three of them look JUST like me – and – we love each other! We are always elbowing each other out of the way to come get petted by each person who comes in our room. And, we have a builtin group of friends in our room who we play with all the time. I’m told I’m something called a “monkey”. Not sure what that means, but I like to race up and down the cat trees in our room and be on the very top! I am very lovable and get along quite well with the other kittens.
ers and sisters. We love each other! We are always elbowing each other out of the way to come get petted by each person who comes in our room. And, we have a built-in group of friends in our room who we play with all the time. I’m always the first one to catch the laser pointer red dot and the last one to go to sleep at night. I’m something called, “high energy”. Not sure what that is, but, if you want someone to keep you company and make you laugh, I’m your boy!
Rachel Zoe: Yes, I'm named
Claire:
I have five brothers and sisters. We love each other! We are always elbowing each other out of the way to come get petted by each person who comes in our room. And, we have a built-in group of friends in our room who we play with all the time. I’m the best toy mousie catcher, batterarounder ever! I’m told I should play baseball – because I have fast hands and would make a fine shortstop. Not sure what all those things are – but, let me tell you – no mousie is getting by ME!
after that other Rachel Zoe, the fashion designer. You may not have ever heard of the other Rachel Zoe before, but I’m sure you would love to get to know me. I'm as fashionable as she is, but - I'm beautiful without any couture. I am really sweet to people, and can't wait to find my own home where I can develop my sense of style. I was also the mother of three little babies – Justice, Liberty and Freedom. I'm SO glad they are weaned now. I'm just now getting my figure back.
Turbo: Nice to meet you! I'm told I'm very well-named, since I zoom and play like I'm "turbo-charged". Not sure what that means, but – I zoom and play and zoom and play all day long, until I'm tuckered out. Then – I take a cat-nap (I do know what that means). Then I wake up all ready to do it all over again! My siblings and I were born at Cat Angels. My mama, Vanessa, was rescued and gave birth to the five of us a few days later. She looked like a furry bowling-ball, she was so big.
Page 22
SEPTEMBER 2011
Austin:
I wasn't named after the city in Texas, nor that Austin Powers character, but I was named after a much-loved Australian shepherd who belonged to a friend of ours. That dog taught his person what it means to be loved by someone with paws, and he returned that love back to that dog double. I was rescued from a hot engine block – but during that "rescue" – I had a little disagreement with the "rescuer" and got sent to kitty jail! Can you believe it?? Well, I got out on "good behavior" and came to this nice place.
SAFE Haven’s C.A.T.S. Program:
Seniors Find Comfort in Visiting Felines by Sherry Johnson OTHING IS AS soothing as a rumbling purr or as comforting as a cat “nesting” in the folds of a blanket next to you. But sadly many senior citizens, because of necessary changes in their living environments as they age, have had to let go of these pleasures that meant so much to them in earlier years. Karen Raines, in conjunction with SAFE Haven for Cats, a non-profit, no-kill shelter in North Raleigh, is out to change that one senior living facility at a time. Raines, a lifelong cat owner, skilled public speaker and author of a book of poetry about animals, has founded C.A.T.S., Cat Advocacy Traveling Show, a program designed to give those living in a variety of senior housing alternatives a chance to learn about and develop relationships with their visiting felines. Raines, formerly employed in a nursing home, was the official “cat advocate.” Over the course of her nine years there, she became responsible for the care of nine resident cats and for coordinating cat therapy sessions. Since February 2011, she and Paul Stafford, cat caretaker at SAFE Haven, visit one Raleigh area facility monthly and make occasional visits to other area facilities. The purpose of the C.A.T.S. program is two-fold: to reacquaint seniors with the joys of feline companionship and to give rescue cats from SAFE Haven a chance to interact with new people in new settings. “Our belief is that having the experience as a therapy cat increases the potential for adoptions as the feline becomes more confident and accustomed to socializing. It helps them become more comfortable with being handled and increases their comfort level with people they don’t know well.” The SAFE Haven cats and kittens chosen for the visits are outgoing, lovable and open to people and new experiences. Like all cats available for adoption at SAFE Haven, they have been spayed or neutered and are up-todate on vaccinations and medications. Elder care populations that interact with companion animals are able to benefit from documented emotional, psychological and physical benefits such as lowered blood pressure and elevated mood, Raines said. Through presentations given by Raines and Stafford, the residents who attend learn about cats, their benefits to society, cat care and safety, the importance of population control, and about SAFE Haven’s mission, scope and practices. “For me, this is huge,” Stafford said of his
N
A SAFE Haven therapy cat makes his role with the C.A.T.S. program. “It makes my month to see them [the seniors] with the cats. Visiting therapy dog programs have been around for years, but there was no organized visiting therapy cat program in the Triangle. And, for those scores of residents who are lifelong cat-lovers, a dog is simply no substitute.” In fact, some residents, including Claire, the woman who inspired Raines to begin the C.A.T.S. program, literally ache for the cat they were forced to leave to the care of a loved one or give up to a shelter upon entering a senior care facility. By bringing cats to cuddle and interact with, this program provides a service that fills that void as nothing else could. As a result of her condition, Claire can’t join the group that assembles for the C.A.T.S. program. We bring the visiting cat to her room after the group visit. At the sight of the cat stroller in her doorway, Claire’s pleasure is evident. “Ooooohhhh, you’ve brought the kitties!!!” she exclaims. And, in the universal baby-talk voice of a doting mother, coos, “Come see mama!!” She reaches for the cat who’s already begun burrowing in the sheets to make a nest atop her knees. Her face is the image of animated bliss and she asks for all the details of her newest feline friend. Pictures of her beloved Sugar, an all-white longhaired beauty, and Rosebud, an orange tabby, face her on the windowsill. Still more are taped to her mini-fridge. On the team’s first visit, she told Raines that Sugar just a few days before had been SEPTEMBER 2011
euthanized. Her son, who had cared for her cats since her move into the senior facility more than five years ago, had recently learned that Sugar had cancer. Despite feeling that her son had made the most merciful decision, given the cat’s age, she still, understandably, mourned her loss. “This helps, at least I know I can hold a kitty when you come. Sugar wouldn’t want me to be sad.” During a recent visit, Jim, a resident of a Raleigh elder care facility, watched, bemused, in his wheelchair as Zorro, a gregarious gray and white cat (a senior rounds. himself at nine years old) attempted, unsuccessfully, to climb onto his lap. Zorro had nail caps to keep him from accidently scratching, but they were also a barrier to getting closer to Joe. One of the C.A.T.S. team gave Zorro an assist onto Jim’s lap. As Zorro settled in and began purring, Jim smiled broadly. His fellow residents, knowing his deep love for cats remarked he would be talking of nothing else for weeks. “Most cats would be instinctively shy or defensive in such situations,” Raines said, “but SAFE Haven cats quickly acclimate to their surroundings and are receptive to the residents’ advances and interest, returning their affections on a seemingly instinctual level that, to some, suggests there is a divine power at work whose calm, comforting influence guides them to project those same qualities to the residents, as if they intuit that that is their purpose for being there. Just as, indeed, it is. The cats seem to know instinctively how to appropriately interact with the seniors. Each time, without fail, the C.A.T.S. team has witnessed them snuggle up to, tenderly kiss, and rub against each guest in turn as they’ve been carried from one to the next. Zorro has since been adopted into his forever home. One of the selling points for the family, in addition to his stellar personality and striking good looks, was Zorro’s experience as a therapy cat. That, they confided to SAFE Haven staff, was a prime reason for choosing him. Page 23
Pet Events PAWS4EVER : 919 304-2300 : www.paws4ever.org
Holly Springs Dog Day in the Park Saturday, September 24 : 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Julep
is a sweet six-year-old cat searching for a home of her own. She has the most gorgeous green eyes, and beautiful coloration. Her fur is almost rusttoned, half tabby half tortie, and she loves to be brushed! She also has an adorable beauty mark on her nose. She was dropped off in the night-box at Orange County Animal Control severely over-weight, and we've been working very hard in getting some of the extra pounds off!
Day of fun for the whole family, including your canine companions at Womble Park in Holly Springs. Contact: www.hollyspringsnc.us
Auction for the Cats Saturday, October 1 : 5:00 - 9:00 pm Auction benefits SAFE Haven for Cats. Admission is free and all attending are registered to win an Amazon Kindle. At Raleigh Auction and Estate Sales, 4900-A Craftsman Dr in Raleigh. For more info and to donate, visit: safehavenforcats.org/auction.html
Goathouse Benefit Saturday, October 1 : 11:00 am Siglinda Scarpa hosts a kiln opening, reception and live auction with local honey wine and fresh baked fruit pies to benefit the Goathouse Refuge. A preview is at 11:00 am with reception starting at 1:00 pm. $10 donation requested - 680 Alton Road in Pittsboro.
16th Annual SPCA Fur Ball Sunday, October 2 Fur Ball tickets are available online for $125 per person. The “unstuffy” black-tie event includes live and silent auctions, heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine, live music and will be held at the Park Alumni Center at NC State. Contact: 919 533 2082 or spcawake.org
Heart2Home at Guglhupf Sunday, October 2 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Eugene:
I was found wandering the streets and a nice human took me to the vet and discovered that was from p4e. Thank goodness for microchips! I am a very out going cat of about ten years of age. I don't always get along other kitties but the humans don't mind. Because of my age my adoption fee is 10 percent off. Please come and visit me and I will steal your heart and possible some kittie treats as well!
Guglhupf Patisserie hosts a Heart2Home awareness event at 2706 Chapel Hill-Durham Blvd in Durham. There will be goodie bags, t-shirts for sale and information about Heart2Home and volunteer opportinities.
Wendy: After being a good loyal kitty for seven years Wendy was dumped at the county shelter because her owners got a dog that didn't like cats. When we transferred her to our facility she was covered in fleas and had a horrible flea allergy. Her beautiful coat is starting to grow out and her skin is feeling much better. She tends to sit by herself in a soft cubby hole away from everyone. She is a tiny girl that will always look like a kitten.
The Woofstock Experience Sunday, October 2 : 2:00 - 5:00 pm Free canine event with demonstrations, pet related vendors, music & K9 fun at Durham Central Park, 501 Foster Street. Contact: durhamdogpark@durhamnc.gov, www.thewoofstockexperience.wordpress.com
Down by the Tracks Sunday, October 9 : 3:00 - 7:00 pm The Shops at Seaboard Station present music and more to raise money for the SPCA of Wake County. Live music by The Stray Dogs, free beer, food vendors, photo booth for you and your dog, a silent auction, and more. Contact: spcawake.org or facebook.com/downbythetracks
Red Cross First Aid for Pets Class Saturday, October 15 : 1:00 - 5:00 pm Emergencing training presented by the American Red Cross including CPR, life-saving first aid and how to stock a pet first aid kit. The event is hosted by Lucky Dogs Daycare at 1408 Christian Ave in Durham. Registration is $35 or $52 for a couple. All proceeds go to the Red Cross. Contact: Connie Crysler at 919 309-4476 or ccrysler@bellsouth.net
The Cherry Bomb Ball October 16 & 21 The Doggie Fun Show at Raleigh’s Phydeaux on October 16 features several contests, door prizes, refreshments and more ($5 advance to register pets in a category. The Cherry Bomb Ball at King’s Barcade on October 16 will bring the winners together for a Best in Show competition. ($10 advance / $12 day of show). More info: animalrescue.net, phydeauxpets.com or kingsbarcade.com
Loco:
Me and my brother Lance are glad to be with the nice humans here at p4e after living through our previous life. We were in a home with what they call hoarders, way too many animals and way too much junk!! Like my brother Lance said, it's great to be in a room with just kitties and not stuff everywhere, that it makes it hard to get around, even for nimble cats like us. I am a big boy like my brother, but I have a gentle way and a very loving nature.
Paws for Life 5K-9 Road Race and One Mile Dog Walk Sunday, October 22 : 10:00 am Paws for Life 5K Road Race and One Mile Dog Walk : Event benefits the Franklin County Humane Society. The starting point is at the Wake Forest College Birth Place on Main Street (450 N. Main Street, Wake Forest). More info: www.fchsnc.org
Page 24
SEPTEMBER 2011
Lance:
Me and my brother Loco are glad to be here at p4e after being in not such a nice place. We were victims of living with a hoarder. We lived with so many animals and junk everywhere, it was hard to get around the place. Now here at p4e we are living it up, with just other kitties in a room all to our selves. As you can see I am quite the catch. How can you go wrong with my long long legs and even longer body and tail! We are one of a kind kitties that is for sure.
adopt: triangle guide
Rainbow Bridgex VERY ANIMAL RESCUE knows the feeling of worry that comes with taking in an older dog. Is he going to get adopted? Is he going to get sick in our care? Will he be ours until he passes? Despite these questions, every person involved in rescue knows that older dogs deserve the same care, quality of life, and chance at adoption as any other dog. One such dog came to Best Friend Pet Adoption in January 2011. A victim of the economy and a broken marriage, Thorn was about to be dumped into in animal shelter where he undoubtedly would have been euthanized because of his age (eight years) and his past history of seizures. As a direct result of a family member’s plea to BFPA, we brought in Thorn and his canine buddy, Beau, who faced a similar end. Thorn was a sluggish and obese mess when he landed as a foster in our home. Over the next few months we worked to get his weight down and, under veterinary care, weaned him off his epilepsy meds which were discovered to be unnecessarily overdosing him. As the pounds melted away and the medicinal fog lifted, Thorn’s true personality came to light. He changed into a devastatingly handsome Husky/Shepherd mix. He was sweet, loving, loyal, and wanted nothing more than to please us. He loved a good belly rub and would place his paw on your arm whenever you tried to stop petting him. He would dance in circles whenever he heard the jingle of his leash or the car keys. In veterinary terms he was considered a senior, but he could have passed for a dog of three or four with his energy and enthusiasm for chasing squirrels. Who knows how rough his life was before he came to BFPA, but he knew what he had now was perfect. What we did not know is that Thorn had a malignant tumor on his spleen which had probably been there for months, perhaps years. The cancer had spread to his lungs and was in the final stages leaving him with hours, days at best. When the vet told me this, I couldn’t believe it. He was fine, playing with our dog just hours before, and I had taken him in because he had a developed a runny nose, cough, and a slightly elevated respiratory rate which I assumed to be a simple cold. I never imagined I’d have to make the decision to put him down, but there it was, staring us in the face with big brown eyes pleading to just bring him home. Despite our sad story, don’t pass by an older dog just because of his age. We only had five months with Thorn, but they were the happiest, most love-filled months he may have ever had—a story that probably rings true for most adult rescue dogs—and five months he never would have had if BFPA hadn’t stepped in. Any dog can get sick, and any dog can get cancer regardless of age. When you make the decision to bring home an older dog, you are more often than not getting one who is already fully trained, housebroken, and is looking to love you unconditionally. Won’t you let him live out his final days surrounded by your love?
E
Thorn
Submitted by Keri Telliho, medical coordinator and canine foster mom at Best Friend Pet Adoption in Cary
DURHAM COUNTY
ORANGE COUNTY
Animal Protection Society of Durham
Orange County Animal Services
Durham : 919 560 0640 www.apsofdurham.org
Chapel Hill : 919 942 7387 www.co.orange.nc.us/animalservices
Independent Animal Rescue
Paws4Ever
Durham : 919 403 2221 www.animalrescue.net
Mebane : 919 304 2300 www.paws4ever.org
WAKE COUNTY
CHATHAM COUNTY
All Breed Animal Rescue of the Carolinas
Best Buddies Companion Rescue
Cary: www.allbreedrescue.org
Alley Cats and Angels Apex : 919 303 3500 www.alleycatsandangels.org
Best Friend Pet Adoption Cary : 919 661 1722 www.bfpa.org
Cat Angels Pet Adoptions Cary : 919 463 9586 www.catangelsnc.org
Pittsboro : 919 882 0001 www.bbcra.org
Chatham Animal Rescue & Education Pittsboro : 919 542 5757 www.chathamanimalrescue.org
Chatham County Animal Shelter Pittsboro : 919 542 7203 www.chathamnc.org
The Goathouse Cat Refuge
Feral Cat Friends
Pittsboro : 919 542 6815 www.goathouserefuge.org
Garner : 919 802 3948 www.feralcatfriends.org
FRANKLIN COUNTY
Hobbes House Feline Rescue
Franklin County Humane Society
Wake Forest : 919 562 0697 www.hobbeshouse.org
919 990 1045 www.fchsnc.org
Marley’s Cat Tales
HEART
Cary : www.marleyscattales.org
Youngsville www.heartpetrescue.org
New Leash on Life Dog Rescue Wake Forest : 919 788 3633 www.anewleashonlifedogrescue.org
SPCA of Franklin County 919 556 0954 www.spcafc.org
Paw Prints Animal Rescue Garner : 919 772 9107 www.pawprintsrescue.org
SPAY/NEUTER SERVICES
Pawfect Match Rescue
Animal Kind/The $20 Fix
Holly Springs : 919 522 1307 www.pawfectmatch.org
Raleigh : 919 870 1660 www.animalkind.org/fix.html
SAFE Haven for Cats
SAFE Care Feline Spay/Neuter Clinic
Raleigh : 919 872 7233 www.safehavenforcats.org
Raleigh : 919 872 1128
Saving Grace Animals for Adoption Wake Forest: www.savinggracenc.org
Operation Catnip
Second Chance Pet Adoptions
Raleigh www.operationcatnip.org
Raleigh : 919 851 8404 www.secondchancenc.org
Pet Overpopulation Patrol
Snowflake Animal Rescue
919 942 2250 www.pop-nc.org
Raleigh : 919 990 2478 www.snowflakerescue.org
Saving Lives
SPCA of Wake County
SPCA Wake County 919 772 0211
Raleigh : 919 772 2326 www.spcawake.org
2 Paws Up Raleigh : www.2pawsup.org
SNAP Raleigh : 919 783 7627 www.snap-nc.org
Wake County Animal Control Shelter Raleigh : 919 212 7387 www.wakegov.com/pets/shelter
SEPTEMBER 2011
SNIF Franklin County : 919 990 1047
Page 25
GREYMUZZLE
BED FUND: Grants that provide funding for orthopedic beds to be used by senior dogs at animal welfare organizations, especially shelters.
continued from page 15
How does Grey Muzzle help homeless and at-risk senior dogs? ADOPTABLE DOGS MEDICAL CARE: Grants that provide medical care and allow rescues to move at-risk senior dogs, such as those in shelters, to a safe foster home environment. HOSPICE AND LONG-TERM FOSTER CARE: Grants that help a rescue GreyMuzzle’s Senior Pets or sanctuary provide a loving final home for dogs with medical condi- Project found a new home for 12-year-old Peaches tions that make them unadoptable. where she shares her
EDUCATION: The Grey Muzzle article, “Caring For Your Senior Dog,” (www.greymuzzle.org/caring) was developed with Grey Muzzle’s Advisory Board to promote good care of older dogs. Grey Muzzle is also developing materials to promote senior dog adoption.
How you can help
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS TO KEEP DOGS WITH OWNERS: Grants new home with another that provide funding for programs run by a nonprofit organization, Chihuahua, Louie. Photo courtesy Community Pet Center Grants and other financial funding are protypically a shelter, to provide food and medical care for senior pets of vided through the generosity of public low-income owners. donations. Grey Muzzle depends on volunteers across the country to SENIORS FOR SENIORS PROGRAMS: Grants that provide funding for help with fundraising efforts. To find out more about how you can programs run by a rescue or shelter that assist senior citizens in help or for details on applying for a Grey Muzzle grant, visit adopting senior dogs. www.greymuzzle.org or email info@greymuzzle.org. Julie Dudley, SENIOR THERAPY DOGS: Grants that provide funding to assist organi- president of The Grey Muzzle Organization, can be reached at 919zations in training the senior dogs in their care to become therapy dogs. 529-0309 or julie@greymuzzle.org
SENIOR DOGS continued from page 5
medication. It usually takes just a little understanding and patience on the part of the owner. The golden years change every living being and eventually we all want a few less stairs and few more potty breaks. Regardless of age, dogs who end up in shelters and rescue groups are generally observed carefully by employees or volunteers who work to learn each dog’s temperament, quirks, and needs. By doing so, they can match that animal with the right person or family, so that it goes to a home where it will fit in and be cherished for the rest of its life. They learn how they react to different types of people, sudden movements and loud noises, other dogs, cats, and when possible to children. They learn if the dog is housebroken and walks well on a leash, or if it is terrified of thunderstorms and growls if you approach while it is eating. Rescue groups go even further because they have the advantage of interacting with the dog on a daily basis in a home setting. They often apply a little skilled training or problem-solving to resolve minor issues before they have a chance to become bigger problems. People often say it’s to difficult to think of getting attached to an
Page 26
older dog, knowing they will have to grieve its loss well before they would with a younger pup. No one is EVER ready to lose a wonderful dog, regardless of age. There are puppy related illnesses that sadly take lives like Parvo, diarrhea or pet store/puppy mill related diseases. Purebreds suffer from afflictions, such as hip displaysia or heart murmurs, that are common to their breeds or caused by inbreeding. Dogs of any age can die for a variety of reasons, some preventable and some not. Older dogs at the shelter may, in fact, be among the heartiest – after all, they lived long enough to be old. Age alone is not an indicator of health or lack of it. A vet is the only one who can assess the physical condition of the dog you are considering. Elliott died after only two years. He passed in my arms, and it was difficult to lose him. He had so many health issues that the vet gave him only six months when we got him. We were so happy to have him for two years and watch him accomplish so much in that time. My darling Sadie will certainly die too soon – way before I am ready. She is in perfect health but is around the human equivalent of having her birthday announced by Willard Scott. I often wonder that if I had not been looking specifically for a dog over ten years old, the minimum age I put into the search criteria on
Petfinder.com, I would have missed out on the best little dog I have ever met anywhere, of any age, paws down. She is my angel, my little senior, and together we are making an even bigger bucket list than I did with my dear Elliott. I recently took Sadie kayaking for the first time and discovered that she loves to ride in my bike basket on the beach. She loves watching the waves and feeling the wind blowing her ears back. Maybe it makes her feel like a puppy again? If you are looking to adopt, consider a senior dog. Make her
SEPTEMBER 2011
feel like a puppy again, even if that simply means snuggling in your arms or taking a nap on a blanket in the sunshine. Older dogs have so much love to give. One is waiting for you to find him. I guarantee it will be wonderful for you both. Melissa Burris is from Greensboro and is mom to three kids, two senior dogs, two senior birds, one cat, two horses, and wife to a very patient husband who has learned that dog treats are hidden everywhere.
guide to B r e e d R e s c u e Airedale Terrier
Great Dane
nc-airedalerescue.com airedalerescuegroup.com
magdrl.org greatdanerescue.org
Alaskan Malamute
Great Pyrenees
malamuterescue.org
carolinapyrrescue.com
American Pit Bull
Greyhound
fugeesrescue.org carebullies.org secondchancepitbullrescue.webs.com thepositivepitbull.org
trianglegreyhound.org greyhoundfriends.com
Bassett Hound barcse.org cbhr.com bassetcare.org
Beagle tribeagles.org
Border Collie cbcr.org
Boston Terrier btrnc.org
Boykin Spaniel boykinrescue.org
pet or pet-friendly service
ACCOUNTING SERVICES Networth Bookkeeping Services . . . . . 919 249 6200 216 E Chatham St Ste 102 - Cary www.networthbookkeeping.com ACUPUNCTURE-PETS Pet Sound Animal Hospital . . Cary 919 851 4114 305 Ashville Ave Suite C www.petsoundah.com ART / SPECIALTY SHOPS
Italian Greyhound
Womancraft Handcrafted Gifts . . . . . 919 929 8362 1800 E Franklin St - Chapel Hill www.womancraftgifts.com
tigresq.tripod.com
Labrador Retriever
ARTISTS
labrescuenc.org labrescuenc.org savealabnc.com
Mastiff sosmastiffrescue.org
Old English Sheepdog
Poodle
Boxer blueridgeboxerrescue.com cbr.homestead.com
Pug www.midatlanticpugrescue.org pugrescuenc.org
Rottweiler
Collie Dachshund
arrfnc.com ncrottierescue.net ssrr.org
almosthomerescue.org
Samoyed
Dalmatian
petfinder.com/shelters/NC364.html
dalpals.org
Schnauzer
Doberman
ncschnauzers.org
doberman-rescue.com
Sheltie
English Springer Spaniel
triangleshelties.com
springerrescue.org
Siberian Husky
German Shepherd
southernsiberian.com
southeastgsdrescue.org gsdrescue.org southeastgsdrescue.org
Siamese Cat
German Shorthaired Pointer
maessr.org
segsprescue.org
Yorkshire Terrier
Golden Retriever
yorkie-rescue.org ncyorkierescue.org
collierescue.net
goldenrescuenc.org
siameserescue.org
Springer Spaniel
Goldens Realty . . . . . . . . Durham 919 606 8751 ken@goldensrealty.com www.goldensrealty.com SCREENPRINTING Aardvark Screenprinting . . . . . . . . . . 919 829 9058 1019 E Whitaker Mill Rd - Raleigh www.aardvarkscreenprinting.net SPAY/NEUTER SERVICE
Barnes Supply . . . . . . . . .Durham 919 266 2750 774 Ninth St www.barnessupplydurham.com Phydeaux . . . . . . . . . . Chapel Hill 919 833 9216 400 A-1 S Elliott Rd www.phydeauxpets.com Phydeaux . . . . . . . . . . . . Raleigh 919 960 3606 10 W Franklin St www.phydeauxpets.com Sunny Acres Pet Resort . . Durham 919 383 4238 5908 US 70 www.sunnyacrespetresort.com
The Stock Exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . 919 403 9977 6120 Farrington Rd - Chapel Hill www.chapelhillstockexchange.com Cat Angels Thrift Store . . . . Cary 2466 SW Cary Parkway www.facebook.com/catangelsthriftstore DAYCARE-DOGS Lucky Dogs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 919 301 4476 1408 Christian Ave - Durham www.luckydogsnc.com
petfinder.com/shelters/NC438.html
Christine Danko / Go Realty . . . . . 619 697 7213 christine@gorealty.biz www.christinedanko.com
Weinstein Fine Art Studio . . . . . . 919 402 0160 www.weinsteinart.com
CONSIGNMENT / THRIFT
rescueminpins.com
REAL ESTATE
SNAP-NC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 919 783 7627 www.snap-nc.org
Sunny Acres Pet Resort . . Durham 919 383 4238 5908 US 70 www.sunnyacrespetresort.com
Pinscher (Mini)
MASSAGE Wellville Healing Arts . . . . . . Durham 919 730 4542 www.wellvillenc.com
Art by Ingrid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 919 349 4909 www.artsytwins.com Copperlight Art . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 919 597 0259 www.copperlightart.com
BOARDING
coesr.org
carolinapoodlerescue.org centralcarolinapoodleclub.org
Chihuahua
Heart2Home Advertisers
SUPPLIES/PET FOOD
TRAINING Good Dog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 919 260 7564 www.gooddognc.com VETERINARIAN - MOBILE Heal Pet Laser Therapy . . . . . . . . 919 904 HEAL www.healpetlaser.com
FENCING Dog Guard Out Of Sight Fencing . . 919 781 1213 www.dogguardnc.com . . . . . . . . . . . . 800 490 9193 Sean McCarthy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 919 302 3442 GROCERS Whole Food Market . . . . . Chapel Hill 919 968 1983 81 S Elliott Rd www.wholefoodsmarket.com GROOMING
Paws At Your Doorstep . . . . . . . . 919 247 2670 www.pawsatyourdoorstep.com VETERINARIAN
Animal Hospital at Brier Creek . . . 919 544 2226 10500 Little Brier Creek Ln - Raleigh www.ah-bc.com
Cat Clinic of Cary . . . . . . . . . . . . 919 481 4259 2464 SW Cary Pkwy - Cary www.catclinicofcary.com
Lucky Dogs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 919 301 4476 1408 Christian Ave - Durham www.luckydogsnc.com Sunny Acres Pet Resort . . Durham 919 383 4238 5908 US 70 www.sunnyacrespetresort.com
Animal Hospital at Brier Creek . . . 919 544 2226 10500 Little Brier Creek Ln - Raleigh www.ah-bc.com
HEALING Companion Chi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 919 244 1264 www.companionchi.com LOSS/GRIEVING Animals Connect Us animalsconnectus@yahoo.com www.animalsconnectus.com Life In Motion Counseling . Durham 919 649 2109 www.lifeinmotiontherapy.com SEPTEMBER 2011
Pet Sound Animal Hospital . . Cary 919 851 4114 305 Ashville Ave Suite C www.petsoundah.com Southpoint Animal Hospital Durham 919 226 0043 5601 Fayetteville Rd. www.southpointpets.com WALKING/ PET SITTING A Whole Lotta Love . . . . Durham 919 491 3567 www.awholelottalovedogwalking.com WORKING CATS Alley Cats and Angels info@alleycatsandangels.org Barn/Garden Cats www.alleycatsandangels.org Page 27
Happily Ever After: Cat of the Senior Center
M
ANY OLDER CATS are less interested in climbing the curtains and more interested in a warm lap to sleep in. With their established personalities, mature felines are ideal companions for anyone with a more laidback lifestyle. However, for a senior cat, adoption prospects are often slim. While adorable, energetic kittens sometimes steal the show, many cats that are 10 years and older can be overlooked. Santana was one such cat. This handsome tabby gentleman is around 10 years old, declawed and came to be at SAFE Haven for Cats, located in Raleigh in the arms of a Good Samaritan. SAFE Haven Associate Director Sherri Orner was introduced to Santana when a woman walked in with him wrapped in a towel, only his head sticking out. Santana was found trapped in the brand new addition of her home. Feeling sorry for the homeless animal, she brought him to a place where she knew he’d be protected. As the original no-kill shelter in the Triangle, Santana, renamed Remi, waits patiently for one of his new SAFE Haven for Cats’ mis- at Brighton Gardens to offer him a treat. sion is to maintain a nonprofit environment for stray, abandoned, charm, Santana couldn’t seem to find the feral and endangered (S.A.F.E.) cats and kit- right people to love. In early August, the shelter was contacted tens. Orner knew right away that this bundle of tabby cat was destined for a spot with her. by Emily Abbott of Brighton Gardens in “When I unwrapped the towel, I could not Raleigh, an assisted living community in the believe what I saw,” Orner said when she first area. “We are seeking an affectionate, attenbegan to evaluate Santana. The striped boy tion-seeking, yet calm cat to be a part of our was skin and bones, and potentially very ill. neighborhood,” she wrote. As the reminisAt SAFE Haven, every cat and kitten is a cence coordinator of the community’s treasure, no matter their age or ailment. The Memory Care neighborhood, Abbott was veterinary team tested him for everything, interested in an easy-going feline who would completed blood work and found absolutely be comfortable and friendly around the eldnothing. He was perfectly healthy; Santana erly. Because of the nature of the residents, was only suffering from the lack of a warm the community was also seeking a cat that was previously declawed. bed, wholesome food and love. SAFE Haven knew just the cat. Within 24 The staff and volunteers ensured that he was as happy and healthy as could be and hours, Abbott had met with Santana and the provided him with toys, treats and attention. team at the shelter. Like all adopters, Abbott However, the one thing Santana really want- was welcomed to the shelter by multiple furry ed, and needed, was a proper forever home. faces and she met with Santana one-on-one Despite his good looks and his endless in SAFE Haven’s playroom. Many head-
Page 28
SEPTEMBER 2011
by Cait Hawley
bonks and loving chinscratches later, Santana was on his way to a new life. Abbott received all of his medical records, as well as useful information on helping Santana adjust. Many cats, whether young or old, take some time to figure out foreign surroundings, and Santana was no exception. When he reached Brighton Gardens, Santana, renamed Remi, began nervously checking out his new pad. On day one, he spent most of his time hiding behind the couch in the community living room, unsure of what to expect. After a weekend of getting used to the new setting, he made his way into the middle of the couch instead of behind it. In no time, he was eager for attention from Abbott, began eating well, and even discovered his new litter box without trouble. His first interaction with a resident of the Memory Care neighborhood went swimmingly. The resident was nervous at first, but Remi’s charisma helped to ease the tension. He was calm and sweet; a perfect addition to the family. As friends he continues to get used to his new home, Remi will meet other residents and begin to form a bond with the people in the community. He’s already become well-versed at accepting cat treats from residents who are all too willing to give them. As for Emily Abbott, when she brought Remi home, she saved two feline lives. For every cat that is adopted from SAFE Haven, space is made for another homeless pet to have a chance at a wonderful life. From an emaciated kitty trapped in a construction site to a king relaxing in luxury with the residents of Brighton Gardens, Remi got the happy ending he deserves. Through SAFE Haven’s commitment, and a little bit of luck, Remi was given another chance. As an older guy, his forever home will allow him to enjoy his golden years, and his nine lives, in a quiet, peaceful and loving environment. A senior cat in a senior community – what more could a good-looking tabby ask for?