READY, SET, GO!

I think we’re ready.  We’ve been doing this for 6 years so we should know what we’re doing, but I always get nervous anyway.  Did we remember to order Porta-Potties? Check. Are we all set for the petting zoo?  Check.  Is everything sparkling clean at the sanctuary?  Check and double-check!  I’m obsessing, of course, about our upcoming signature fundraiser, Paws For A Cause.  We’re on the final countdown now. The event is in 4 days and our event chair person, Pam Walker, is finalizing the last details.  Every volunteer will have a job to do when the gates open at noon this Saturday, November 5^th.  As the day approaches, we’re holding our collective breaths, crossing our fingers, and hoping that we are able to raise enough money to see us through another year at HSAPL.

We’re very proud of this event.  It has evolved over the years to encompass many of the things that we ,as an organization, feel are important.  For example, our love for all animals is evident in the entertainment we've chosen:  A petting zoo, a dog obedience demonstration, and a horse demonstration.  The local wildlife organization even brings an assortment of their rehabilitated birds for a sort of show-and-tell exhibit.  We also manage to sneak in some educational information about feline issues during our tours of the sanctuary.  And, naturally, we have volunteers on hand to help those who want to adopt a cat.

                         LIZ AND LORI MANNING THE ADOPTION BOOTH

One of my favorite exhibits is the Christmas tree.  The small tree is decorated with photos of all the cats that reside at our sanctuary.  Guests are invited to make a donation in honor of one of these cats.  In the past, I’ve watched children studying the tree with care, wanting to make sure they give their dollar in honor of just the right kitty.

Some of the events of the day are just plain fun.  Children work on arts and crafts or play in the bounce house.  Their parents peruse the silent auction which seems to get bigger and better every year.  And the live music provides an upbeat background to the day’s activities.  It seems that once people come, they’re hooked.  We see many of the same faces year after year.

                                            PETTING ZOO

This year we are especially in need of a successful event.  All non-profit organizations are finding that donations are down and HSAPL is feeling the pinch as well.  Our biggest support for the event usually comes through sponsorships.  We’ve been fortunate over the years to have a number of generous sponsors whose donations have helped cover operational costs throughout the year.  And every dollar given to the Christmas tree, every auction bid, each donation, no matter how small, helps cover the cost of things such as supplies, food, or the cost to spay or neuter a cat. 

Paws For A Cause gives us all the opportunity to share the joy that animals bring to us.  And, I suppose that I should stop obsessing and trust that everything will go smoothly.  It always does and our friends haven’t let us down yet.  I hope to see you there!

Charlee's Tale

“The more things change, the more they stay the same.”  We’ve all heard this old saying.    It seems to be especially true when it comes to HSAPL.  Every cat is unique and we often find ourselves challenged in finding a solution which best meets the special needs of some of the cats and kittens who come to us.  There is never a one-size-fits-all answer—the solutions change with the needs of each cat.  The one consistency in the ever-changing scenario is that someone in the organization always steps forward and offers a solution.

 Recently, that someone was one of our volunteers, Shareen.  And the kitten in need of special help was Charlee.  When Charlee first came to us, no one suspected that she would have any special needs at all.  Named after Charlie Chaplin because of her little black “moustache,” Charlee was inquisitive, playful, and beautiful.  Everyone felt sure she’d quickly find a permanent home.  Shareen offered to foster her and when Charlee was old enough, she was taken to Savannah Animal Hospital to be spayed.  And there an unexpected problem was discovered by Dr. Reis.

 Charlee had a hole in her heart. Unable to undergo the spay surgery, she was taken back to Shareen’s. The decision was made to wait a bit and allow the kitten to grow before any further action was taken.  Several days later, Charlee suffered an alarming episode in which she was unable to catch her breath.  She was rushed back to Savannah Animal Hospital where she was stabilized and kept for close observation.  It wasn’t long before the clinic staff fell in love with Charlee, and Elysia, one of the vet technicians, began calling every heart specialist she could find, asking for help.  Dr. Daubs stepped forward and offered to operate to repair the hole, free of charge.  An appointment was made and Charlee was prepared for surgery.  However, as Dr. Daubs began the procedure, he discovered that the hole was located between the chambers of the heart—a much more difficult surgery than a routine repair, and one which Dr. Daubs could not perform.  A subsequent eco-gram confirmed a diagnosis of VSD--Ventricular Septal Defect.  Although there are highly specialized surgeons who could perform this type of corrective surgery, the cost would be in the ballpark of $30,000.  For this reason it is not generally recommended.  Once again, Charlee was sent home.

 Now, the question arose, What should be done with dear Charlee?  Her lifespan is uncertain.  She could live three months, three years, or even longer.  But nobody knows.  She isn’t a candidate for HSAPL’s regular adoption program, yet she thrives in a home with people and other cats.  Anyone who cared for Charlee would have to be prepared to make sudden emergency trips to the vet and to face the very real possibility that Charlee might not be around to enjoy a normal lifespan.  Who would want to take in a cat with such an uncertain future?  Shareen and her husband, Tom, immediately volunteered.  Charlee could stay with them indefinitely.

To see Charlee now, you’d never suspect that she has any problems at all.  She’s fearless in her play with the other cats in the household, and quite demanding of lots of attention.  In fact, she lives every moment of every day to the fullest.  Shareen remains optimistic about Charlee’s future, while recognizing the challenges that lie ahead.

Happily, yet another cat has found a home that meets her special needs. And this level of commitment to the cats is something which never changes.

"I'm Ready For My Close-up..."

If you ask anyone involved with animal adoption, they will tell you:  It is harder to find homes for black animals than animals of other colors.  For some reason, potential adopters tend to look past the little black (or black and white) faces of hopeful candidates to cats or dogs of other colors.  In the cat world, this is especially puzzling since black cats are known for their outgoing and amusing personalities.  And, as you can see from the photos below, these cats are anything but homely.  In fact, when I sent out word that I was doing this blog, many of the photos that came back to me were photos of "foster failures"; that is, cats who starteded out as fosters, but won the hearts of their foster families and ended up being adopted by them.

The cats below offer a sampling of the cats that HSAPL has available for adoption.  I hope you'll look closely and that one of them will "speak" to you.  If that happens, please give us a call at 772-463-7386.  We'll make arrangements for you to meet this kitty and decide for yourself whether or not this beautiful feline should become a part of your family.

                                        FARLEY-- Just doing a little work on my triceps

                      TRIGGER--Look into my eyes--you are getting sleepy . . .You will adopt me

                                   EBONY--Yes, it's all natural, and I love to be brushed!

                                        BONNIE--dreaming of food, yummy, yummy food

KING GEORGE--Yes, I am royally handsome and elegant!  I'm feline leukemia positive, but not contagious to humans or dogs.  I just need a home that doesn't have cats.

And, here's our gallery of some of the beautiful cats that have found forever homes:

                       BOOTSIE--I'll just blend in with this tree and no one will know I'm here.

                                                          OLIVE--Aaaah, life is good!

                                                 HOOVER--Horn broken, listen for siren

                                             NELLIE--Whoa, Nellie, this bowl sure is big!

CLEO AND BABIES--Yipes, don't these kids ever get enough?!

DARBY--Please, sir, may I have some more?

                        PANDA--You think I'm gorgeous?  Thank you, but I already knew that.

And there you have it; our gallery of beautiful black and black and white cats.  Gorgeous, loving, and full of personality, these cats are all deserving of permanent homes.  Won't you think about adding one to your family?

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Dawn and Richard B., volunteers for HSAPL, were driving over the busy Roosevelt Bridge during rush-hour traffic. Suddenly, a small black object was hurled onto the bridge from the window of a vehicle two cars in front of them.  With horror, they realized that this object was a small, black kitten.  The car in front of them slammed on its brakes and the occupants, Catherine Russo and Shannon Glover, jumped from their car, as did Dawn and Richard.  Richard directed traffic around them, while Dawn and Catherine gently picked up the terrified kitten and wrapped him in a blanket.

 The kitten was immediately taken to Savanna Animal Hospital where it was determined to be in good shape, despite a couple of scrapes and bruises.  HSAPL alerted a local TV station and the story appeared on the news that evening.  The kitten, appropriately named Roosevelt, was quickly adopted by a loving family.

 Fortunately, this story ended happily.  However, instances of such cruelty to animals are all too common.  HSAPL has offered a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator of the Roosevelt Bridge incident, but the chances are slim that justice will prevail in this case.  Sadly, animal rights are not a priority for many of our lawmakers.

 You may well be asking, "What can be done to prevent animal abuse and neglect?"  Addressing these issues involves persistence and determination. HSAPL and many other rescue organizations are dedicated to protecting the interests of homeless and unwanted animals.  The quick thinking of Roosevelt’s rescuers last week saved the little kitten’s life.  And the follow-up by executive director, Pam Walker, brought media attention to the incident which served to raise public awareness about the problem of animal cruelty.  In addition, the volunteers for HSAPL are always on the look-out for opportunities to gently educate the people they meet.  Sometimes abuse and neglect are the result of ignorance rather than malicious intent.  But sweeping changes need to be made to the laws which currently give offenders little more than a fine and a slap on the wrist.  As voting citizens, we can speak up about our concerns and write our Congressmen, urging their support of tougher legislation to protect animals and punish offenders.  Financial support of rescue organizations is also important. With the struggling economy, HSAPL and others face more challenges than ever before in procuring funding to continue our work.   

The battle against animal cruelty is ongoing. Roosevelt’s happy ending is heartening and his story serves as a reminder that there are many kind people in the community who are helping us to “fight the good fight.”  However, not all stories end happily and each of us bears the burden of taking action to prevent future instances of animal abuse.

 For information on donating, adopting or volunteering with HSAPL, please call 772-463-7386.

Dixie-Boy's Tale

Just looking at Dixie Boy, you wouldn’t suspect that this little one-eyed gray tiger cat possesses a lion-sized share of courage and optimism. Born on a dusty lot next to U.S. Highway #1, Dixie Boy and several other cats formed a small family group that lived outdoors. As fate would have it, three different individuals noticed the cats and started feeding them. The three caretakers were unaware of one another until they bumped into each other one day and decided to coordinate their efforts to care for the cats.

One of their first priorities was getting the cats spayed and neutered so that the family of four didn’t turn into a family of twenty-five, fifty, or more. Jean D., one of the caretakers, knew about HSAPL and contacted volunteers Sande and Peggy. HSAPL sent out a volunteer to help capture the cats in humane traps, and, one by one, they were spayed and neutered.

As time went by, Dixie-Boy developed an eye problem and was taken to a local veterinarian. The vet determined that the eye needed to be removed. Not only was Dixie-Boy going to lose an eye, but during his medical examination a FeLv/FIV test revealed that he had tested positive for the virus. Cats with this diagnosis can lead healthy lives for many years, but due to fear of spreading the disease to other cats, they are frequently euthanized. Jean D. looked for another alternative. Again, she turned to HSAPL.

Dixie-Boy now makes his home in a comfortable area at HSAPL’s sanctuary in Palm City. He shares the large enclosure with other cats that have tested positive for the virus. The loss of an eye hasn’t slowed him down, and after a second surgery to correct an inverted eyelid on his remaining eye, he has adjusted well. His sunny nature has made him a favorite of the volunteers who feed and play with the cats daily. In fact, he’s earned the affectionate nickname of Jack (as in the playing card, a one-eyed Jack) by volunteer Gloria. One of Dixie-boy’s siblings, Pretty Girl, has joined him at the sanctuary, and Jean D. is working on capturing the third, and last, kitten from the lot to join the other two. The fourth cat from the lot has found a permanent home with a loving family.

Life for Dixie-Boy has taken a turn for the better, thanks to the efforts of HSAPL, Jean D., and the dedicated caretakers of the little feline family in the dusty lot. Although the sanctuary is at full capacity and cannot take in anymore cats, the organization welcomes inquiries regarding assistance in spaying or neutering cats. For more information about this program, please call 772-463-9207.

Movin' On up!

Although they don’t know it yet, the cats at Caring Fields are about to become residents of a very posh neighborhood!  Over the years the little houses that have been built on the open fields of the sanctuary have been a big hit.  The houses serve as feeding stations and also provide shelter for the cats who wander in and out at will.  In the interest of providing as many comfy retreats as possible, our intrepid sanctuary committee has come up with exciting plans for an entire village for the kitties!

After extensive research, brainstorming sessions, and hoofing it all over town, the committee recently unveiled plans for prefabricated cottages to provide the basis of the new village. These nifty cottages come in a variety of colors and sizes, they are delivered pre-wired for electricity, are hurricane resistant to winds of up to 125 mph, and they are amazingly simple to install!  Oh, and they are the cutest little houses you’ve ever seen. High ceilings with ceiling fans, airy windows, French doors, front porches, shutters, and window boxes will give the houses a charming old-world look.  Plans feature a horse-shoe shaped array of cottages, with solar lamps spaced between the buildings. Pathways with stepping stones donated by supporters will connect the buildings. The centerpiece of the village will be a gazebo with seating for visitors to spend time relaxing and visiting with the cats.

Much of the research and ground work has been accomplished thanks to an all-out effort by committee members Barbara Mueller and Andrea Strine.  The duo has made friends all over town as they have sought out discounted supplies, solicited donated building materials and purchased everything needed for the first two houses.

                             Andrea Strine, Pam Walker, and Barbara Mueller outside one of the cottages

Excitement ran high last week when these first two prototypes were delivered to Caring Fields.  Carol Smith sponsored a lovely blue cottage through her donation, and Jan Brush is the proud sponsor of an elegant steel grey one.  There is still work to be done on both houses, but the sanctuary committee anticipates a ribbon-cutting ceremony in a month or so.

In the meantime, the cats have given a definite “paws up” to the houses, staking their claim to various primo spots on the porches.  And, in true cat fashion, they have also left paw prints on all the windows as they have tried to peek in and check out their new digs. The cottages will remain closed until the floors and inner walls can be finished, despite the attempts of the cats to speed up the grand opening.

                                              Cira, peeking into one of the cottages.  "I want in!!!"

Hands Across the Nation

Don’t you love the idea of people metaphorically joining hands across the nation to help animals?  Through a recent experience I learned that this really does happen.  And I realized an encouraging truth:  The rescue efforts we make at HSAPL are, in fact, one small part of a larger movement that is going on around us; a movement in which individual organizations network to find options for homeless animals everywhere.  My education began on an ill-fated trip to Arkansas a few weeks ago….

The Arkansas adventure was a birthday celebration for my mother.  However, the trip did not go according to plan at all.  As a matter of fact, our timing couldn’t have been worse!  Tornadoes, hail storms and floods hit the Midwest shortly after we arrived.  We pulled up to our vacation cabin in the deep woods, just as the sky prepared to let loose with another round of rain and wind.  As I stepped from the car I was greeted by a friendly dog who trotted over to say hi.  The sweet boxer mix wagged his stumpy tail and offered his head to be petted.  At first I assumed he belonged to the cleaning woman who was preparing the cabin for our arrival.  However, upon closer examination I could see this dog was not well fed.  His ribs were clearly outlined and his fur seemed stretched too tightly over his hips.  The cleaning lady told me that the dog had been dumped the week before and had been surviving ever since on the crumbs provided by tourists staying in the cabin.  I did what anyone reading this post would have done:  I blinked back tears and determined to rescue this dog.

            Jasper with one of his new family members

And so began the effort to find a home for Jasper, as he came to be called.  My first plan was to take him to a local no-kill rescue organization and see if they could place him.  “Local” turned out to be two hours away at the Good Shepherd Humane Society in Eureka Springs.  This organization is the only humane animal organization which exists in that part of the state.  It not only takes in the usual number of abandoned animals, but due to its location in the heart of puppy mill country, it has been slammed by an inordinate number of dogs dumped by the puppy mills as a result of the recent economic downturn.

It isn’t surprising that Good Shepherd didn’t have room for Jasper.  What did surprise me was the enthusiastic helpfulness shown by Diane, a rescue coordinator who works with the shelter, and Marcie, one of the technicians there.  I had never met either of these women, but I felt a kinship right away.  Both of them got to work helping me figure out what could be done with Jasper.  Arrangements were made for Marcie to foster him until transportation could be set up for his onward journey to Florida.  Since the shelters in Arkansas were overloaded that seemed to be the best alternative.  Back in Florida, friends at HSAPL were already sending the word out that Jasper needed a home.

Within a few days a perfect home had been found for Jasper in Jensen Beach.  As plans progressed, complete strangers opened their hearts and their homes to aid in the process of getting Jasper out of Arkansas and down to his new family.  A week after I flew home, Jasper made the journey to Florida by car; driven by a young man who decided to combine a vacation with transporting a needy dog to a new home.  This was networking at its finest!

Jasper is now happily settled with his new family, adored by three doting boys and two doting parents.  The teamwork required in coordinating his journey was truly an example of people reaching “across the nation” to help an animal in need.  What a wonderful reminder that those of us involved in rescue work are part of a grand brotherhood dedicated to saving lives—feline, canine, and more.

Fuzzy, Four-footed, Bundles of Joy

Spring has sprung and, as happens each year at this time, we’ve got kittens!  Lots and lots of kittens.  And every single one of them tugs at your heartstrings and makes you want to kiss the tops of their fuzzy little heads and take them home with you.

As you can imagine, our foster parents are working overtime.  This year we seem to have quite a number of kittens whose feline moms aren’t interested in nursing them.  That means bottle feeding lots of hungry mouths is needed every couple of hours.  It’s exhausting for the foster moms, but you won’t hear them complaining.  Their goal is to get these little ones strong and healthy in time for our Kitten Shower on May 22^nd.

The Kitten Shower has to be my favorite HSAPL event.  For the third year in a row our education center at the sanctuary will be transformed, with chairperson Cindy’s magical decorative touch, into a festive party scene that would make any baby shower hostess proud. Cindy’s co-chair, Liz, will ensure that no organizational detail has been overlooked, and the committee will no doubt whip up some of their secret-recipe punch for the occasion.  Cages filled with kittens will line the walls as foster parents proudly stand by, ready to give details to potential adopters. Kittens will find “forever, homes,”  cake will be served, a raffle will raise a bit of money for the cats, and guests will enjoy tours of the facility.  It’s an afternoon filled with laughter and fun.

Of course the centerpiece of the entire event will be the kittens.  Just in case you’ve forgotten how adorable kittens are, take a look at a few that have come to us over the years:

And now for the details so that you can join us for this party!

WHEN:  Sunday, May 22^nd, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

WHERE: Hobe Sound Animal Protection League, Palm City

COST:     Admission is free, but guests are asked to bring shower gifts of supplies for the cats or a monetary donation.

RSVP:     For more info and to reserve a spot, call Sande at 772-463-9207 

Snip, Snip, Snip!

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we were so successful we could put ourselves out of business?  Strange as it sounds, that is our ultimate goal; to reduce the number of homeless and unwanted cats to the point where, well, there aren’t any unwanted cats!  One way to accomplish this goal is through adoptions; and we had 179 of them last year.  Another way, which offers a long-term solution to the problem, is through our spay/neuter program, known as Operation Catsnip.

Fortunately for HSAPL, Dr. Ries, of Savanna Animal Hospital, shares our interest in reducing feline overpopulation through sterilization. For the past two and a half years, she has performed discounted spay and neuter services for us every Wednesday at her clinic in Jensen Beach.  The process begins each Monday, when volunteers Sande and Peggy, begin assembling the surgery roster for that week.  Up to 20 cats can be sterilized on a clinic day, but the balance of neutering the males (a relatively quick and non-invasive process) must be balanced with the number of females (a more invasive and complicated procedure).  Cats from St. Lucie, Martin, and sometimes even Palm Beach Counties, are added to the list.  Many of the cats come in through the voucher program.  Owners needing low-cost spay and neuter services purchase a voucher for $35 which entitles them to the basic surgery and, for cats over four months in age, a rabies vaccination.    Other cats, known as free-roaming, are brought in by their caretakers to be examined, vaccinated and sterilized.

Wednesday morning, bright and early, technician Lisa joins volunteers Barbara and Sande (taking photo) at Savanna Animal Hospital. Cars pull into the parking lot, dropping off an assortment of carriers and humane traps filled with cats.  The waiting room resounds with the melody of meowing kitties as each cat is assigned a number and a surgery slot. One by one the cats are taken into surgery and by 1:00 p.m. all the surgeries have been completed.  The cats, groggy but awake, head home to recuperate completely.

When asked why she enjoys this aspect of volunteer work, Barbara expressed satisfaction in knowing that she is helping to tackle the overpopulation problem by being part of the process in which cats are sterilized, “never to reproduce again!”  Sande shared that sentiment and added that she enjoys helping people through the voucher program who “care about the problem but lack the resources and/or expertise to anything about it.”  She told of a couple who own a farm and care for 20 free-roaming adult cats and 13 kittens on their property.  One by one, they managed to trap all of the cats and bring them to the clinic to be sterilized. Numerous trips were involved over a period of several months; but the couple can now rest assured that their colony of cats won’t continue to reproduce. 

Through cooperative efforts and a great deal of patience, HSAPL is slowly making progress in the battle to reduce feline overpopulation.  Over the past two years 2,000 sterilization surgeries have been performed through Operation Catsnip.  When one considers that each mother cat produces an average of 4 kittens, the number of births grows exponentially and the sterilization of 2,000 represents the prevention of hundreds of thousands of unwanted feline births. There is still much to be done; but with the help of our volunteers and donors, we are chipping away at the problem, one snip at a time.

To donate to Operation Catsnip or find out more about the program, please call Sande at 772-463-9207.  

Party On For A Cause!

This week's post is a collaborative writing effort.  Many thanks to Laurie Osborn for her contribution to this article.  It runs a bit longer than usual, but we didn't want to leave out a single important detail about our upcoming event!

When I was a little girl I always imagined that the world of grown-ups was filled with parties and balls that were magical and perfect in every way.  Fueled by fairy tales and Disney movies, I would prance around the house wrapped in my mother’s flowing nightgown and a plastic crown pretending I was a princess at the ball.  Of course I never gave a single thought to how these parties were planned or who did the organizing or how it all came to be so magical in the first place.

As an adult, I have learned a number of things about throwing  parties.  First of all, most grown-ups don’t want to get dressed up in ball gowns and crowns.  They prefer to be comfortable and usually somewhat casual.  Second, planning a successful party, especially when it’s a fundraiser, requires a committee of dedicated, creative individuals who devote months to planning before the event takes place.

For the third year in a row, HSAPL is getting ready for an event that is truly magical. Party in Paradise, held at the private island home of a board member, is HSAPL’s second largest annual fundraiser and it is expected to draw a crowd of more than 200 enthusiastic cat-loving supporters.

So what makes Party in Paradise so magical? Picture this: It’s late in the afternoon on an idyllic south Florida spring day. As the sun begins to set and the air takes on a pink, misty hue, party guests arrive on Manatee Island, a private island Shangri-La on the St. Lucie River. Signature tropical drinks await guests as they alight from the golf cart that whisked them over an arched wooden bridge from the real world into the magical world of paradise.

In paradise, the beach is covered in soft white sand; palm trees sway gently in the cool breeze blowing in off the water. Live music sets a festive tone.  Glorious flowering plants flank pathways and terraces leading up to the unique, Balinese-inspired house. Guests indulge at a delicious buffet catered by “Taste” of Hobe Sound and tropical drinks along with beer and wine flow freely from the open bars. Lovely people mix and mingle. The simple words “Tell me about your cat” have the power to transform strangers into friends in paradise.   As the sun sets over the water, guests kick off their flip flops and dance the night away on the beach.

This year, the planning committee has taken Party in Paradise to a new level. At the meetings, I sit in awe as a group of experienced hostesses share ideas and hammer out plans to make this year’s event better than ever. Creative ideas fly around the table, some discarded, others embraced, as the party begins to take shape.  Checkbooks come out as committee members offer to underwrite various aspects of the event.  Since the purpose of the party is to raise money for the cats of HSAPL, underwriting ensures a profit without compromising quality for the party-goers.

As  Party in Paradise approaches and RSVPs start to roll in, I become aware of the fact that the real magic behind Party in Paradise is about much more than a great party in an idyllic island setting. It’s about the incredible generosity exhibited by volunteers and supporters of HSAPL. Not only does this year’s Party in Paradise promise to be one of those magical parties I dreamed of as a girl, it is  another fine example of people working together to make the world a better place for our feline friends.  And that, to me, is  nothing less than magic.

Party in Paradise will be held on March 27^th, 2011 from 5 – 9 p.m. on Manatee Island in Sewall’s Point. Tickets are $125 per person or $1000 for a group of 10. To purchase tickets, please visit our website at www.hsapl.org.  For more information, please call Peggy Hart at 772-221-8250.  Everyone is welcome.

---

 

Saying Goodbye

I’ve been procrastinating, I’ll admit it.  I know this blog needs to be written, but the task is one that is carried out with a heavy heart.  Much of our work at HSAPL is happy and uplifting.  We are dedicated to saving lives, after all.  However, the sad reality is that not every life can be saved.  Dealing with loss is also a part of our experience.  Sometimes the cats that come to us are beyond our help.  The best we can do is to offer them a soft bed and loving care to ease their journey out of this world.  Sometimes their lives have been shortened by previous hardships and they slip away without warning, their still bodies discovered by a volunteer or our executive director, while making the rounds at the end of day.

Whatever the circumstances, every loss is felt deeply, and every life mourned.  Just a few weeks ago I was out at Caring Fields when Pam Walker, our executive director, approached me.  Her usual smile seemed strained and her blue eyes looked a bit red. “We lost one today,” she whispered, her voice catching as she fought back tears.  Forest, a campground favorite, had succumbed to illness, despite having been to the vet the day before.   Sometimes there just isn’t anything to be done but that doesn’t make it any easier to say goodbye.

Every time a cat crosses “the rainbow bridge” a tribute is written and an email sent out.  Often Allison, one of our volunteers, will share an anecdote and a photo with readers, and stories trickle in about that particular cat.  A memorial plaque has recently been created in which each of the deceased cats is honored with a listing.  There is really no way to erase the sadness, but we try to comfort one another and celebrate the specialness of each lost cat.

There are many poems written about death, but I particularly like the following:

A POEM FOR THE GRIEVING...

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die...

-Anonymous

Feeding Frenzy

If you happen to be out at HSAPL’s feline sanctuary at 8:30 on a Friday morning, you may think the Cat Whisperer has dropped by for a visit—two Cat Whisperers, actually.  Brenda and Gloria, both volunteers, never fail to attract a crowd of about a dozen cats when they step into the campground to begin their morning feeding.  With ears perked and tails waving happily in anticipation, the crowd of cats follows the ladies in a friendly feeding frenzy to oversee the preparation of their breakfast.

Gloria is a 2-year veteran of the drill and comes twice a week, devoting anywhere from 3-8 hours at a time to the care and feeding of her “babies”.  Brenda joined her about 8 months ago on Fridays and sometimes shows up on Tuesdays as well.  Both ladies are filled with energy and enthusiasm, despite the cold mornings or hot, sticky afternoons outdoors that are part of Florida’s unpredictable weather.

Although their work is accompanied by much laughter, “conversations” with the cats, and even singing, both women are actually doing serious socializing during the time they spend at the sanctuary.  When asked why she chose this area of volunteer work, Gloria responded, “I truly feel that I make a difference with the 150 cats that we have and most [of them] will probably never know another home.  My favorite part is, of course, socializing the babies and watching the ferals become sweetie-pies.”  Brenda expressed similar feelings, “The progress the cats are making is [happening] right before our very eyes.  You can see them trying to figure out how to trust us!  . . .Many of them were pets at one time, and since they don’t currently have a forever home, our human contact . . .is making them trust and love people again!”

Such dedication to HSAPL’s mission of helping cats in need is what has enabled the organization to succeed.  Cats who came to us as frightened, skinny orphans, now join the throng of happy kitties who follow the ladies around, seeking breakfast and perhaps a little scratch under the chin.  Carry on, ladies!  We are fortunate to have such cat whisperers as part of our team!

To learn more about volunteer opportunities with HSAPL, please call 772-463-7386

Teamwork: My education continues

“Please, sir, May I have some more?”  Oliver Twist may have been seeking a different type of sustenance in that oft-quoted passage from the Dickens novel, but there was a time when I echoed his plea.  The sustenance I was after wasn’t another serving of gruel; it was precious funding to keep HSAPL on track and moving forward in our work to rescue and find homes for our own orphans; the four-legged, feline kind.

However, I am learning that soliciting funds isn’t so much a plea as a partnership with people who want to help.  Once a potential donor learns where the needs lie, it is often just a matter of matching that donor with the particular area that has meaning for him.  Some donors are excited about making an impact through funding spay and neuter services; others get satisfaction from knowing that their dollars are helping provide medical help for the cats.  And yet others see the organization as a whole and support the general fund so that money can be used where needed.  The common thread with each of these people is generosity and the sincere desire to make a difference in the lives of these cats.

As my education in fundraising continues, I am constantly learning about the variety of ways people can give.  I used to think that only rich people could donate to charities, but I couldn’t have been more mistaken!  I recently attended a seminar in which I learned that one of the easiest ways to give is by making arrangements to leave something to an organization after the person passes on.  It costs the donor nothing during his lifetime, but will accomplish so much down the road.  I’m working on plans to create a “Legacy Honor Society” in which anyone who makes such a bequest is invited to an annual tea or cocktail party.  Why not have some fun while we’re helping the cats?!

My days of embarrassment and reluctance to fundraise are behind me.  I am humbled by the generosity that people of all ages show to HSAPL.  From the children who sell lemonade to make money for the cats to the individuals who bring in food and supplies, kindness is everywhere.  Of course I still dream about that million-dollar gift coming in someday, and I know that it will.  But I now understand that it isn’t the one big donation that keeps an organization afloat, it’s the ongoing support.  Whether it’s $5.00 or $500,000, a kitten or cat’s life is made better by every single gift.

To learn more about donating, adopting, or volunteering, please call Pam Walker at 772-463-7386

Foster care: Loving 'em and letting 'em leave

“I could never foster cats.  I would fall in love with them and end up keeping them all!”  I have heard this sentiment expressed over and over again when talking to people about volunteering as foster parents for HSAPL.  And, I have to admit, I empathize.  Several of my family cats started out as foster cats, but never quite made it out of my household.

Fostering involves nurturing a cat, helping the cat to become well-adjusted and healthy, and then stepping back and letting it go when a permanent home is found.  This can be tough emotionally, and that’s what makes fostering one of the most selfless and kind jobs that a volunteer can undertake.  It means putting the overall well-being of the cats ahead of one’s own emotions.

I spoke with Liz, the coordinator for the HSAPL foster program, and foster parent extraordinaire.  Liz has been fostering cats for twelve years and has found homes for over 120 cats.  She began fostering when she worked for a humane society in Michigan and saw cats being euthanized because there were no foster homes to provide temporary housing for them.

When asked about her most memorable foster experience, Liz recounted the story of a 12-year-old Russian Blue cat, Frazier, who came to her with a severe respiratory illness.  Liz nursed Frazier back to health and after four months he was adopted by a lovely, older couple.  The couple corresponded with Liz for the next three years at which point the husband contracted cancer.  Throughout his ordeal, Frazier spent many hours by the man’s side.  After the man passed on, the wife confided to Liz that her husband had derived much comfort from the cat’s presence.  Shortly thereafter, Frazier passed on of kidney failure.  One likes to imagine that Frazier felt his mission on earth had been accomplished and he was ready to move on.

 Liz gives this advice to the aspiring foster parent: “Fostering,” she says, “is a total commitment to getting the kitten or cat ready for its forever home.  You must realize that your home is only a halfway house and try not to get too attached.  Fostering can be a joyful experience and the rewards will outweigh the difficulty of parting.”

Liz is currently fostering this engaging little kitten, Cheddar.  You can learn more about Cheddar and other cats that are currently available for adoption by checking online at: http://petfinder.com or by calling HSAPL at 772-463-7386.

Shelly, my beautiful Siamese-mix cat, almost didn’t make it past the first week of life.   Shelly’s mother lives outdoors as a free-roaming (feral) cat and when the time came to deliver (soon-to-become) Shelly and her siblings, the mother found an abandoned pontoon boat, precariously balanced on some rafters, in an old boathouse. Finding a hole in one of the pontoons, she climbed inside and gave birth to her kittens.  However, when the kittens were only a few days old, something shifted between the boat and the rafters and the pontoon’s hole was blocked.  The mother cat found herself trapped on the outside with no way to reach her hungry babies inside the pontoon.

For several days the kittens mewed helplessly, starving and shivering through the cold January nights.  Fortunately, the mother was part of a colony managed by a caretaker, “G.”.  On one of his rounds, he heard the kittens inside the pontoon, but attempts to access them proved unsuccessful.  He called Hobe Sound Animal Protection League for help.

“P.,” a volunteer for HSAPL, took the call. The gravity of the situation was quickly apparent and it was clear that something had to be done, quickly.

P. grabbed a jacket and a flashlight and hurried to meet G. at the boat.  The situation looked grim; accessing the kittens seemed impossible.  Finally, after searching the dark recesses of the boat house, G. found a pair of rusty metal cutters.  He was able to cut a small hole in the pontoon, just large enough for P to slide in her slender arm and feel around for the kittens.  One, two, three kittens emerged, weak and dehydrated, but hanging on to life by a thread.

The kittens were whisked to the vet and subsequently taken to nurturing foster homes where they all recovered.  Eventually each one found a permanent home.  Shelly came to live with my family.   Frightened and shy at first, she came to trust us over time and these days she pretty much rules the roost. She is now a large, healthy cat who will never have to be afraid or hungry again.

Shelly’s experience is one of the hundreds of success stories in which HSAPL’s efforts have provided a happy resolution to what would have otherwise been a very sad tale .  I am grateful each day to HSAPL and the people who dedicate themselves to making sure that cats like Shelly all have stories with happy endings.

Please share your comments and stories of how your cats came into your lives.  Every cat is special and every story, unique!

Commitment--"Just Two Hours a Week!"

Almost five years have passed since I became involved with Hobe Sound Animal Protection League. I remember the wonder and excitement I experienced that beautiful spring day when one of the volunteers, “L,” took me out to Caring Fields Animal Sanctuary for a tour. Caring Fields is a pastoral, 23-acre property in Palm City that is home to ERAF, an equine rescue group, and to HSAPL, a no-kill feline rescue and adoption organization with facilities like none I had ever seen. While I expected to see a typically depressing “shelter” for cats, “L” had brought me to a virtual feline paradise right in my own community.

In this amazing setting, more than 100 cats live and roam freely on acres of grassy land that is subtly and strategically fenced to create a natural, protected environment for the cats. The property is dotted with colorful, well-crafted “houses” that serve as shelter for the cats and feeding stations where volunteers prepare meals for the cats twice each day.  L. led me into one of the houses, trailed by a welcoming committee of friendly cats. I looked up to see several furry faces peering down at me from the platforms and cozy nooks that have been cleverly placed at varying heights inside the feeding station. Cats were everywhere; big cats, little cats, shy cats and outgoing cats. A pair of black and white cats rubbed up against our legs and multiple pairs of green and yellow eyes watched expectantly as we prepared their afternoon meal. It was obvious to me that these cats were well cared for and living a comfortable life. There was plenty of room to romp in the sun or nap under a tree. As “L” and I made our way through this tranquil refuge, she chatted about how much she loves coming out to feed the cats, all 100+ of them, every week during her volunteer shift.

“How long does it take to feed all these cats?” I asked.

“Oh, a couple of hours, I guess.  But it’s so peaceful out here, just me and the cats.  It’s quiet and you can hear the wind. I look forward to coming out.”

 By the end of our tour, I was hooked. I knew I had to be part of this organization which provided such a unique, safe haven for homeless cats. Right then and there I signed up as a volunteer for a weekly feeding shift.  My decision to volunteer with HSAPL turned out to be life-changing, but of course I didn’t know it at the time.  Silly me, I thought I’d be coming out once a week to feed some cats. Period. Funny thing about volunteer work . . . the passion kind of sneaks up on you.

Week after week, I went to Caring Fields to feed the cats. It felt good to help, really good.  And there were others helping; wonderful women who shared my love of cats and my commitment to making a difference. To this day, some of these ladies remain among my closest friends.  Before long, our team of determined volunteers started coming up with ideas to help the cats.  Some of us organized a weekly adoption booth at Petsmart.  The more homes we found, the more cats we could take in, and the more lives we could save!  Other volunteers started a network of foster families whose job it was to take in shy cats to teach them to trust people to prepare them for adoption. Our organization flourished and grew. Generous donors stepped forward with financial support and the volunteers worked together to launch the very first "Paws for a Cause" fundraiser to help cover expenses at the sanctuary. Miraculously, there always seemed to be enough to keep us going. Over time, more volunteers joined us -- men, women and teens, who shared our vision and love for cats. Before long, we were publishing a quarterly newsletter, launching an expanded website and reaching out to the local community by providing low-cost and no-cost spay/neuter services. What started as a little bit of volunteer work had taken on a life of its own.   

Fast forward to the present. HSAPL is now celebrating its Tenth Year Anniversary. Caring Fields has expanded and is now home to 150 cats. We have spayed and neutered more than 1800 cats since our spay/neuter program launched in 2009 and our financial needs are met through the generous gifts of sponsors and donors and proceeds from the three large scale fundraising events we organize each year. More than 50 active volunteers now give their time, talent, money and passion to help the cats. What started as a few caring individuals coming together to help cats is now a full blown charitable organization complete with a board of directors, committees and budgets. These days, I spend much of my time on the computer and on the phone for HSAPL. I seldom have time to go out to the sanctuary to feed the cats. Although I love what I’m doing, it’s easy to forget what brought me to the organization in the first place. But any time I need a reminder I just head out to Caring Fields and walk out into the campgrounds.  The welcoming committee of cats is still there, the wind still rustles through the trees, and the peace and quiet washes over me like it did that first day. I smile as I experience the magic of the sanctuary which never fails to hook me all over again.

Appointments to tour the HSAPL sanctuary at Caring Fields in Palm City, FL, may be arranged by calling: 772-463-7386.