Cape May County Animal Shelter & Adoption Center at PetSmart in Rio Grande, NJ

An Adoption and New Arrivals

2012-02-02T14:31:00.005-05:00

Jade left Wednesday night. It is always so nice to see the senior guys get adopted. She will be living with other cats and will have plenty of company.

Even after the thorough scrubbing of all cages and the entire adoption area a couple of the cats showed eye irritation this week and were brought back to the Shelter. Mo and Laura showed the same weepy eye we keep seeing. Hopefully they will be back shortly. Lotti did not show any eye issue so we left him. Please, for a few days, keep him isolated from the rest and see how he looks.

While Mo and Laura convalesce at the Shelter these four cuties will be at PetSmart. Zazu and Carlos are wonderful littermates who spent the first couple of months in one of our best foster homes. Both are males. They lived with other cats, dogs and kids. They should adjust just fine in any home. These two love each other so much that we are requiring that they go together. Once you see how they interact you will understand why. The below is not a great picture but you will get a glimpse of them at least. Zazu is the medium haired black one and Carlos is the gray guy. They are in the big cage. They are a a tad nervous right now but should be fine in a day or two.

The other two, Candy and Tiggers, are not litter mates but we had them together at the Shelter because we needed the cage space. They are now sharing two cages at the store. They will be just fine if adopted separately. Candy is a black and white female about six months old. She was surrendered by a family who could no longer take care of her. She is soooo friendly and sweet! Tiggers is a white and tabby male about the same age as Candy. She was a Christmas gift given to someone who could not keep her so they brought her to the Shelter. Both of these kittens will adjust to a household with cats, kids and dogs.

Remember we have special adoption rates through the month of February. There is a flyer posted in the adoption room with the rates and you were all emailed a copy of the flyer. Our existing policy stands for these rates...the adoption fee is waved if you adopt a second cat. These rates still apply to the reduced fees. In addition Hartz has donated cats toys to the Shelter. Every cat gets a "Kitty Casters" when they go home. These are in a litter pan on one of the shelves above the cages.

Hartz also donated beautiful large dog bowls to the shelter as well as flea control, dog toys and vitamins!

I spoke with Stacey at PetSmart and they have not set up the new system for sanitizing the food and water bowls. I'll let you know as soon as that is up and running. The system in place for sanitizing the toys and litter pans is working well.

Kitty was picking up a couple more rolls of brown paper and dropping them off on Wednesday. I assume they made it there! Thank you, Kitty!

Seems no one likes to volunteer on Thursdays and Fridays - except Christine S, of course!! Please hurry home, Irene and Toni!! Patty H, we miss you, too!! Below is the days that still need coverage for February:
Feb 9, Thurs, AM Cleaning
Feb 10, Fri, AM Cleaning
Feb 16, Thurs, AM Cleaning
Feb 17, Fri, AM Cleaning
Feb 23, Thurs, AM Cleaning
Feb 24, Fri, AM Cleaning

Reminder: this Saturday the dogs will be at PetSmart from 12:00-3:00pm.

Return of Two Old Friends

2012-01-27T12:58:00.005-05:00

Two old friends were brought bcak to the store which brings us again to full capacity...Johnny and Petunia! To refresh your memory their pictures are below. Petunia is a sweet calico that was initially brought to PetSmart in September. She actually had a home but was sick and we suggested to the applicant that Petunia be picked up when she was well. The applicant had applied for two other cats as well and decided that three was too many. Petunia is a year old now so her adoption fee is $35. Johnny is a black and white male that spent some time with us at PetSmart right up until the holidays. We waited to bring him back due to an eye infection. After two weeks of meds he is doing just fine! He is about three years old.

Remember Ethan who was at PetSmart some time ago?? He was adopted last week from the Shelter!

Thanks to Tony and Larissa the last two time slots in January were covered. Below is the open times for February. As always it all mornings. Once Irene and Toni are back from their respective trips Thursdays and Fridays will not be such a problem. One date below is a Sunday. If you could volunteer for just one of these days it would be a big help!!

Thursday, Feb 2, AM Cleaning
Thursday, Feb 9, AM Cleaning
Friday, Feb 10, AM Cleaning
Thursday, Feb 16, AM Cleaning
Friday, Feb 17, AM Cleaning
Sunday, Feb 19, AM Cleaning
Thursday, Feb, 23, AM Cleaning
Friday, Feb 24, AM Cleaning

Next weekend (Feb 7) is Dog Day Saturday!! Chcek the calendar to see if you are scheduled. The following weekend is the mid-winter adoption event held annually at PetSmart. Dog handlers are needed for both Saturday and Sunday 12-3pm. Let me know if you are available.

On the right under "Shelter In The News" is the press release about Feline Frenzie February. Please feel free to share it!!

Sarah Is Adopted & Jade Arrives!

2012-01-21T10:10:00.005-05:00

Sweet Sarah was adopted this week and left Wednesday night. She will be living with another one of our cats named Dusty who was adopted two weeks ago. She will also have two canine siblings! It is a nice family and Sarah will be happy there!

The second application received for Ricky was not approved. The applicant has a dog that apparently is aggressive toward other animals to the point it requires muzzling when brought to the groomer. I was assured the dog would be carefully watched and kept away from Ricky but that is a chance I am not willing to take. Too many things can happen. So, Ricky again has no holds!

Jade arrived on Thursday. She is an older quiet girl - 10 plus years old. She was living in a car at the airport in Erma along with another cat we have at the Shelter named Oreo. She is a polydachtal that was already spayed when she came in. She will take some time to settle in so please do not drag her out or force her to co-mingle. Let her assimilate on her own terms. For now she will need privacy.

In February we will be offering reduced fees on cat adoptions to make room for the inevitable influx of cats and kittens in Spring. We are calling it February Feline Frenzy! The adoption fees for the month will be posted so everyone is aware of them. The fees increase from $12 for Lincoln's birthday to $14 for Valentine's Day to $22 for Washington's birthday to $29 for leap year.

I have been getting a lot of positive feedback from everyone concerning the cleanliness of the adoption center. Very good to hear!!! Thank you all for your cooperation. This week we began to pick up litter pans and toys, sterilized them at the Shelter and returned them.

Gabbano's application has been approved and he will become the prized possession of a 7 year old girl!

Last night Ruth took a hold on Steel and the application has been forwarded to the Shelter. It will be processed once we receive confirmation that the landlord allows pets.

I have three open dates this week so PLEASE let me know what you can do:
Tuesday, January 24, PM Cleaning
Thursday, January 26, AM Cleaning
Friday, January 27, AM Cleaning

Once Irene and Toni get back from extended vacations we can get the Thursday and Friday mornings covered a lot easier! Until then please let me know if you can help.

Big Cage Gets Filled and Old Friends Get Adopted!!

2012-01-15T13:15:00.009-05:00

Two young sweeties are in the big cage now...Laura and Lotti. They were born under a deck back in August and have been at the Shelter ever since. These siblings are very friendly and don't mind being held! They will love to curl up and snuggle with everyone they meet. Laura is a tiger striped female and Lotti is a black male. We really would prefer they go home together as they are totally bonded to one another. Adopt one and the fee for the second is waived!

Great news!!! Carter was adopted yesterday from the Shelter! The applicant originally put a hold on Ricky at PetSmart. Then she met Carter at the Shelter and fell for him. No worries - Ricky is a love and will get adopted quickly, I'm sure. Keep your fingers crossed - an application was received for Gabbano yesterday. We are still waiting on supporting paperwork and hoping for the best.

Welcome to three new PetSmart volunteers who were trained Friday afternoon...Robin, Irene and Kathy! We are happy to have you!!

OK...the dreaded new procedures...I don't think it will be so dreaded or complicated after all. I think we are just about under control and it should not be difficult. I met with Stacey yesterday and everything will be set up and implemented February 1. A two gallon bucket will be placed in the back room on a shelf along with two dish racks. The evening cleaner and adoption table cleaners will simply fill that bucket with one gallon of water and watchdog NF - a line will indicate on the bucket where that is. You then insert a hose that leads from the disinfectant into an injector on the side of the faucet and turn the water on. The system itself will automatically provide the proper ratio of disinfectant. The bowls will be placed in the bucket to soak for a minimum of ten minutes, rinsed and then left to air dry on the racks provided. (It is important to remember to disconnect the hose from the faucet or you will be rinsing with disinfectant.) The bucket is then emptied right there. If you are not able to pick up the bucket and empty it a store associate or manager will gladly do that for you. Any questions please let me know. I apologize for any inconvenience!! By the way...the new District manager was in the store on Thursday and inspected the adoption center and was very impressed!! Kudos to all of you!

Also, we have changed litter. This new litter does not appear to generate as much dust.

PLEASE...since bowls will be emptied every day it is very important that we not over feed. One half cup per cat in the morning should be plenty. If there is plenty of food left in the evening please do not throw it out - simply transfer it to the new bowl and make sure that bowl goes back to the exact same cage.

Calendar dates still open:
Jan 20, Friday, AM cleaning
Jan 24, Tuesday, PM cleaning (recent cancellation)
Jan 26, Thursday, AM cleaning
Jan 27, Friday, AM cleaning

The next adoption event at PetSmart is the weekend of February 11. Dogs will be at the store on both days. More detail will follow as the date gets closer.

We Are Back In Business!!!

2012-01-08T13:17:00.009-05:00

Happy New Year, Everyone!! We are officially back in business at PetSmart. When you arrive you will see that for the most part we have new arrivals. I know everyone gets attached and hates to see their favorites go but don't worry! They are fine at the Shelter.

Caramel was adopted right after Christmas. We did receive an application for him and Carter together on Christmas Eve. After a week and numerous attempts to contact the applicant - including knocking on her door - we received a second application for Caramel. Caramel was approved and went home where he will be the only pet and will be spoiled rotten. Three days later the original applicant finally called and advised she had seen a missed call on December 28! Well, you know what they say...things happen for a reason!

Two of the cats returning you already know. Remember Ricky?? He is a long haired black mail and is a sweetheart. He came into the Shelter in late July at twelve weeks old. He will be wearing a blue collar because another long haired black male is scheduled to come down this week. Here is Ricky if you don't remember him:

Also returning is Johnny. He left the Wednesday after Christmas and had developed an eye infection. He has been on meds since and hopefully will be back this week. A cage is reserved for him! Feel better soon, Johnny!

Snowball is a black and white female about five years old who came to us in late October. Her owner was evicted and was living in a car with her. She is sweet and loves attention but does not necessarily like being picked up. Then again...how many cats do?? Meet Snowball:

Steel is gorgeous!! He is just over a year old and is gray male. It appears he was shot by an arrow and you can see the scar on his side. You will love him!! Here is Steel:

Sarah is a four year old friendly torti who is a sweetheart. She loves getting attention and will purr away and let you know how pleased she is!! She came into the shelter in late September.
Here is Sarah:

Last but not least is our boy Mo. Mo came into the Shelter in August because of the reason we hear so often..."the baby is allergic." He is only two years old and is a playful little guy. He may appear to be shy at first but he comes around. He still is trying to figure out what he did wrong than landed him in the Shelter! Hi, Mo!

So, there you have it...the new line up for 2012. Please keep the doors between cages closed for now as these guys are all singles. Let them settle in and see who likes what and who. Remember...a stressed out cat often turns into a sick cat. Being forced into a living situation with no control and no ability to find solitude can stress a cat out. They are delicate animals!!

The big cage is empty but not for long. The two slated to go looked like they may have a slight eye infection so we decided to wait on them.

The following dates need to be filled this month - yes, most are the dreaded Thursday and Friday mornings!
Thursday, Jan 12, AM cleaning
Thursday, Jan 19, AM cleaning
Friday, Jan 20, AM cleaning
Monday, Jan 23, PM cleaning
Thursday, Jan 26, AM cleaning
Friday, Jan 27, AM cleaning

Let's hope 2012 is a great year for adoptions!!!!

Kit Goes Home For Chrsitmas

2011-12-21T20:04:00.005-05:00

Kit will be home for Christmas!! Actually she left last Wednesday. Initially her new dad was going to take Franny, too. Not having had pets for a long time and living alone he decided to only adopt Kit and see how things went. No worries! Franny was just happy for Kit and very understanding! She will be in a quiet home which suits her!

After Kit left we brought Monty to PetSmart. Monty at the Shelter was super sweet, friendly and loving. A long haired orange and white male - we thought he would be snatched up in no time. Well, our sweet Monty apparently hated PetSmart and had trouble settling in. After three consecutive days of receiving reports of growling, swatting and even lunging at volunteers we decided to bring him back. He was VERY happy when he was picked up.

So, pretty Mistle Toe has replaced Monty. She is so gorgeous! She is a five year old torti blue point with a bit of a Himalayan face. She was definitely someone's pet. She had been spayed when she arrived - brought in by animal control. She was thin and had a lot of fleas. She feels a lot better and she is ready to go home for Christmas! (In her picture she looks a little angry but believe me, she's not!)

Our Holiday Open House & Pet Photos With Santa was a huge success. If you have not seen it please read the article and the pictures that appeared in The Herald. The link is to the right.

I am not going to bug everyone about the calendar until after Christmas! Special thanks to Larissa for covering Christmas morning!!!

May all of you, your family, pets,
friends and loved ones
have an absolutely wonderful Christmas!!
You are all on Santa's nice list!!

Rusty Long Hair Is Out The Door!!!

2011-12-10T19:32:00.005-05:00

Well, we knew that wouldn't take long and indeed it didn't!! Rusty Longhair left Wednesday night with a very excited new dad. He will have several feline companions in his new home and shall want for nothing!!

Kit and Frannie have been adopted together however will not be picked up until Wednesday night. Rather than put them through the stress of bringing them back to the Shelter only to be moved again in a few days into their new homw we are going to just let them stay at PetSmart.

Two new cats arrived yesterday - Carmel and Carter. Carter is the black one. These two were left along with Rusty Long Hair at the vet office a few weeks ago. They are both very friendly and outgoing!! Both are males, over five years old and came in neutered and ear tipped. They are sharing two cubicles.

The December calendar is one time slot short of being complete. The last open date is the morning cleaning on Friday, December 23. Let me know if you can cover.

Don't forget our Holiday Open House and Pet Photos With Santa tomorrow! It will be fun!

Say Hello To Rusty Long Hair!

2011-12-05T09:17:00.007-05:00

Speckles seems to be suffering from the same eye issue as Ricky so we brought her back to the Shelter. Rusty Long Hair was brought to PetSmart on Saturday to take her place. About three weeks ago Rusty was left over night along with four other long haired cats at the door of Parkway Veterinarians on Route 9 in Court House. All the cats are several years old, spayed/neutered and ear tipped. All are VERY friendly. A couple of them may be over ten years old. We estimate Rusty LH to be about five years old. As you will see he is VERY friendly and sweet!! He will fit in well in a home with other kids, cats and dogs.

Barb A and the crew won another first place prize in the West Cape May Christmas Parade on this past Saturday with the theme "Bow Wow Pow Wow." Below is a picture of the float and one of our participating PetSmart volunteers. Nice job, guys!!!!

Slowly but surely we are getting the December schedule complete. Only two open dates remain - both in the morning: Thursday, December 22 and Friday, December 23. Let me know if you can cover either of them.

Reminder....Holiday Open House and Santa Pet Photos this Saturday, December 11 at the shelter!!! Should be a lot of fun!!!

Let's Get Caught Up!!

2011-11-29T18:10:00.010-05:00

Time for us to get all caught up and back on track!! Thanks for taking care of everything while I was away. Seems as soon as I returned we all got caught up in the Thanksgiving holiday and time has flown by! LOTS going on!!

Stevie and Ray FINALLY were adopted and left Friday afternoon. Yes, they went together. They will be joining a young couple and another cat. They are probably rip racing around that house as I type this and will continue to do so while you are reading this!!! The young man adopting them was so excited when I called him.

Ricky was brought back to the Shelter due to a weepy eye. He will be on meds for a short time and will be fine.

Four cats arrived in the last week that did not receive the proper introductions so I shall do that now. Three of the four will adapt well to most homes. The fourth, Bella, is a scaredy cat and needs to be adopted by someone who will be patient while she learns to relax and trust her surroundings.

Johnny is a sweet young male that showed up in the backyard of one of our volunteers. He was already neutered and even has a small ear tip. We were unable to find where he came from and no one has reported him lost.

Little Bella is a brown tiger about five months old and is sweet but quite shy. She is showing signs of stress so please move slowly with her and for now do not force her out of the cage. She will take time. She came into the shelter as a small kitten in June after being found in someone's shed. If she does not adapt to Petsmart we will bring her back to the Shelter.

Madison is a torti about five months old and came into the Shelter at about the same time as Bella. They are very close to the same age. They lived together in a cage at the Shelter so we put them in the big cage. Although they get along they will be fine if separated.

Frannie is a gray muted tiger that is several years old. She came into the Shelter in August very skinny and sick from lack of nourishment. We put some weight on her and she looks great! She is a sweetie and will make a nice little companion.

So there you have it...Johnny, Bella, Madison and Frannie...welcome! Also, this Saturday dogs will be at the store 12:00-3:00pm.

I hope you all received my email about the Holiday Open House and Pet Photos at the shelter on Sunday, December 11, 12:00-3:00pm. There will be refreshments. Feel free to bring a friend and spread the word. Hopefully many of you will be able to make it. If you did not receive a flyer and would like a copy let me know and I will email it again.

Reminder...if you want to participate in the West Cape May Christmas Parade it is this Saturday, December 3. Email Barb at gbarbis@comcast.net for details.

Special thanks to Patti, Crystal and Linda for attending the pet photos at the Princeton in Avalon on Black Friday along with dogs Jade and Cody. The event went well!! This is a great picture of all of them!!

There is still some mornings in December that need to be filled so please let me know if you are available to cover any of them:
Sunday, December 4, AM Cleaning
Thursday, December 8, AM Cleaning
Friday, December 9, AM Cleaning
Friday, December 16, AM Cleaning
Thursday, December 22, AM Cleaning
Friday, December 23, AM Cleaning
Friday, December 30, AM Cleaning

Great Week!!!

2011-11-11T09:13:00.006-05:00

Such a good week!! Big Ramses went home and so do did pathetic Igloo! Ramses will be the only cat in the house and is going to be spoiled rotten! His new mom first saw him at the Shelter and really liked him but at that time he was sick and could not be adopted. She said she would be back but we did not know her name so could not contact her when he was well. So, when he was ready for adoption he was sent to PetSmart. The applicant's daughter was in the store, saw him and called her mother to tell her about the wonderful cat she thought she should come see and adopt. Lo and behold - it was the same person who originally wanted him!! Now that is a "meant to be" adoption!!! He left Wednesday night.

Igloo left yesterday afternoon. Special thanks to Larissa for making arrangements to send him home mid-afternoon. After knowing how he ended up in the shelter and hearing everyone say the same things - he is sad, drooling, won't eat, won't come out - this ending is even better. His new mom adopted from us last year...an older declawed big fat calico. She met Igloo Wednesday night and loved him. Since she had to work Friday, Saturday and Sunday the poor guy would have been forced to endure yet another week like that. Larissa generously offered to handle things yesterday if the application was approved. It is a quiet household with one person and one other cat. Just what Igloo needs!! I know this will make you all VERY happy!! Most important - it will make Igloo happy!!

So...who took the place of these two big cats? Three cats!! First we have Pumpkin. This is another cat for you all to fall in love with and worry about. She is a big, long haired, beautiful declawed calico that is four and a half years old. This next adoption will be her FOURTH home!! She was first brought to the shelter because she was not getting along with other cats in the house. She was then adopted and brought back to us because she was having accidents outside the litter box. She was again adopted and brought back because the landlord of the adopter said she had to go. So, here we are. She would be best suited as the only cat, only pet actually, in the house. However I will consider other applications if I feel the applicant has the patience and the proper home setting for Pumpkin to deal with stress. Look how pretty she is:

Next we have Rutgers. Ruters is a very friendly tiger striped male. He loves attention and is actually a bit of a lap cat. He is a few years old - two or three. He came into the Shelter neutered and with an ear tip. So, someone cared enough about him to get this done but no one ever came looking for him. He is a super nice guy:

Finally, we have Little Cat. Little Cat is a black and white female and was originally adopted from us as a kitten three years ago along with her litter mate, Fat Cat. Little Cat and Fat Cat were brought back when their owners sold their home and could not take them to their new house. She will do fine in a home with kids, cats and other dogs. She is a sweet cat and just as her name implies she is little!! You would think she is a teenager! Here she is:

So, there you have it...the three new arrivals. Hopefully with this being an adoption event weekend we will see some good applications and send some of these guys home. Dogs are coming this weekend as well!

To honor veterans and to welcome our troops home from Iraq the Shelter has partnered with the Animal Alliance of Cape May County to make their homecoming complete by offering free pet adoptions to military personnel. Details can be found on the right by clicking on "Shelter Supports Military Personnel." Please pass on this information.

Everyone should have received an email detailing how to handle things while I am away. I have no worries! Thank you all for everything!! When I return we shall work on the December schedule...fun!!

Kitty Switch!

2011-11-04T18:28:00.003-04:00

Misty has a sore over her eye that we want the vet to look at so she was brought back to the Shelter. Please do not worry!! She will be fine. The two cages she occupied were cleaned out and spayed down with disinfectant for two days as a precautionary measure.

A black male cat that looks like a little panther arrived today! His name is Ramses. He is two to three years old and is VERY friendly! He is a total love that purrs away when you hold him! He came into the shelter as a stray because he was apparently bothering people in the neighborhood. Wait til you meet him. How could he be a bother?? He is such a nice cat!! He did not pose very well at picture time so the below shot is not great but the cat sure is!

Thank you to everyone who signed up for the remaining shifts this month. Let's keep our fingers crossed that there is no cancellations!!

I will be on vacation and out of the country from Friday, November 11 through Friday, November 18. I will have very little, if any, access to email. Before I leave I will email instructions to everyone detailing what to do in the event you need to cancel or you need to pass on information. Please remember that the Shelter is staffed seven days a week during normal working hours. Also, the Adoption Event takes place while I am away - November 12 & 13. If you can help with dogs either day (12:00-3:00pm) let me know as soon as you can. I want to have everything in place by next Wednesday, November 9.

Happy Tails, Cubby!!!

2011-11-01T19:35:00.003-04:00

Hip Hip Horray!!! Yay for Cubby!! He went home on Sunday and will be living with a dog that was also adopted from the Shelter a while ago. A young girl is going to make Cubby happy and something tells me that he is going to make her even happier! A room had been made all up with everything Cubby needs and was waiting for him to help make it a smooth transition to the new home. Another perfect match!

Big old Igloo will take Cubby's place and will arrive Wednesday afternoon. Igloo's story is a sad one. This nine year old declawed boy was brought into the shelter in September. We were told he was found in a back yard and was a stray cat. Well, that was not entirely true. Actually the owner brought him in because they could no longer take care of him. He was suffering from a skin allergy at the time - most likely due to fleas. The fleas were treated and he is doing well. He is so handsome!! Please let Igloo settle in at his own pace. Cubby vacated two cages so he has room. He may be a tad ornery at first - like a typical declawed cat. He will be fine in a home with other cats, dogs and kids. Look how cute he is:

This weekend dogs will be at the store on Saturday from 12:00-3:00pm. Help is needed for the adoption table for the cats from 2:00-4:00pm. If you are available please let me know ASAP. We do have three volunteers helping with dogs.

The only other time slot for November that needs coverage is Sunday, November 6, in the morning. Please let me know if you can do it.

The weekend of November 12 & 13 is the PetSmart National Adoption Weekend. I would love to have dogs go to PetSmart on both Saturday and Sunday 12:30-3:00pm. Dog walkers, please let me know if you can cover either day.

I know it seems early but please put the following Shelter Christmas events on your calendars:

Volunteer Barb A and her crew will once again be representing the Shelter in the West Cape May Christmas Parade. This year it is on Saturday, December 3. The theme is "Bow Wow, Pow Wow" and the dog walkers are dressing in Native American costumes. Contact Barb at gbarbis@comcast.net if you would like to participate with the float. Line up is on Seashore Road at 4:30pm.

Sunday, December 11, 12:00-3:00pm is the Christmas Party and Open House at the Shelter. Santa Paws will be on hand from 12:00-2:00pm for pet pictures. Light refreshments will be on hand, too! Please stop by and bring a friend - two legged and four legged welcome!!

Mystic Goes Home, Welcome Speckles and Ricky!

2011-10-22T10:24:00.006-04:00

An very happy new family took home Mystic last night! Mystic looked quite content leaving in a carrier sitting atop one of our crocheted blankets. She will be well cared for!

Two new cats are arriving today...Speckles and Ricky. These two are both young - four months old - and although not from the same litter they get along great. They are about the same age - maybe three weeks apart. Speckles is a sweet torti who is very friendly and starts to purr when you just look at her! Ricky is all black and has long hair. He is very handsome! He also is very friendly and purrs as soon as he is picked up. These two really compliment each other. They have been sharing a cage at the Shelter so will continue to do so at PetSmart. Here they are:

We had a bit of difficulty figuring out how to arrange the resident cats so we could then accommodate Ricky and Speckles. After observing kitty interaction for some time it was decided to try Petunia in the big cage with Misty. Please let me know if that is not working. Apparently Misty seems unsettled with Mystic gone and was acting a bit possessive of her apartment and resisting a new roommate.

Below is the open dates for November. All are mornings with the exception of November 5 - which is the Adoption Table AND monthly Dog Day. Let me know if you are available. (If you have been trained to do the cleaning at PetSmart and are interested in doing the adoption table you can be trained on the adoption paperwork at the Shelter seven days a week. Just let me know when you can do it.)

OK...here we go:
Saturday, November 5, Adoption Table, 2-4pm
Sunday, November 6, AM*
Thursday, November 10, AM
Friday, November 11, AM
Sunday, November 13, AM*
Friday, November 18, AM
Sunday, November 20, AM*
Friday, November 25, AM
Sunday, November 27, AM*
(*remember...the store opens at 10am on Sundays so you can get a late start...just arrive by 10:15)

Happy Tails, Coco!!

2011-10-20T18:13:00.003-04:00

Lots of good stuff happening!! Coco went home Wednesday night. Her new family applied to adopt her on Sunday and the dad was absolutely thrilled when he learned the application was approved. She will be living with three kids and mom and dad. She is also the only pet in the house so will get a ton of attention. She left the store with a big cart full of new kitty cat products, a new family and a wonderful future!

Mystic is going home on Friday. We received her application last night and it seems perfect! Her new mom was very excited to hear from me today and can't wait to get Mystic home.

Remember Tony and Toby? Remember Toby was adopted, then the person came back for Tony, then the person brought Toby back??? Well, Toby spent some time with Beau sharing a cage a while back - before Beau went to PetSmart - and they were buddies. A couple came into the Shelter and wanted two cats and liked Toby. When they were told about Beau they decided to meet him at PetSmart. They met Beau last night and it was a go! They loved him. The application has been approved and Beau has been brought back to the Shelter. He and Toby will leave on Saturday.

So, filling Coco's cage is a sweet torti named Kit. Kit is another one of those poor cats left behind in a rental unit when the occupants moved out. Kit was found there in mid-June with a big fat cat we named Kaboodle. Kaboodle was adopted and Kit has patiently been waiting her turn. She is four years old and very sweet and passive. Nothing seems to bother her. The poor girl came in so flea infested it was terrible!! You can still see some bare spots around her rear legs. She must have been so uncomfortable! Perhaps now she is just in a perpetual state of, "Ahhhhh!!!" and just feels so good nothing can get to her! She will do fine with other cats, kids and dogs. This is not the best picture but here she is:

On Saturday two cats will arrive to replace Beau and Mystic. I'll do an update when we know who is going.

Help is still needed this Sunday, October 23, for the adoption table or an evening cleaning. Also, please check out the November schedule and let me know what you can do.

This seems to be the never ending kitten year! If people are interested in kittens we are still getting them. We just took in eight kittens yesterday. In five days they will be tested and available for adoption.

Let's hope the adoptions keep coming!!!

Rex Gets A Home...Cubby Arrives

2011-10-08T11:47:00.005-04:00

Rex went home last night with an absolutely thrilled new mom! He was carried out in a big, brand new luxurious carrier. He will be living with another declawed male cat that was rescued from a Shelter. Life will be good for Rex!

Cubby arrives at PetSmart today. He is one of the most handsome tuxedo cats you will ever meet and his story is so sad. He was left behind in the end of August when his owner was evicted. There he sat for several days all alone wearing a flea collar. He had even been neutered already. Animal control thinks he was there for ten days before someone knew. How sad is that? What a terrible thing to go through! He waited for someone to come home and they never did. We estimate Cubby to be about four years old. He came in with an injured rear leg and although he will occasionally limp the vet said the leg is fine. He is a sweetheart and loves attention! Look at that face!!! He is a big guy so he was given the two cages vacated by Rex.

PetSmart management added a large three ringed binder to the adoption cart. There must be a copy of the vaccination records for every one of our animals that are at the store. When cats arrive we will bring an extra copy of the records all ready with the holes punched so the paperwork can be easily added to the folder. Also, in the binder is a list of the cats and when they arrived and then a column for when they leave. Those who work the adoption table...check out that sheet and make sure to put the date next to the cat when it leaves.

Six rolls of brown paper were dropped off at the store last week so we should be fine for quite a while. One was placed in the cage room and five went to the manager's office.

Remember Lady, the orange and white cat, that was at PetSmart for a while? She was adopted this week from the Shelter. A woman came in looking specifically for an inside cat to be a mouser that would also be a nice pet. We showed her Lady and she loved her! We checked up on her after her first night and she was doing great! She was napping on the couch next to her new mom, had used her litter box like a good cat and had settled right in!

Still four openings this month - all mornings. Let me know if you can cover any of them:
Tuesday, October 11, AM
Thursday, October 13, AM
Friday, October 14, AM
Sunday, October 23, AM

Enjoy this fabulous weekend!!!

Busy Week!!

2011-09-30T16:55:00.005-04:00

What a week!! Just as we suspected the new guys did not last long! Kodiak had two holds by Sunday afternoon. The first hold was a great home and the applicant anxious so we picked him up, brought him back to the shelter and he went home on Tuesday. His new mom is so excited. The second hold was also approved and that applicant came to the shelter and adopted an older male cat named Heathcliff. (Always take the second hold!!)

One of our volunteers met Othello who worked his magic and home he went!! Othello left on Wednesday night. He will be an easy one to keep track of - thank you, Shannon!!

We received an application on Milo last Saturday from a great family who already have several cats. They do not live here year round so they can not pick him up until next weekend. Milo was brought back to the shelter to await his pick up and journey home.

So, this opened three cages. The new cats arrived yesterday. Coco is a lovely young female that was totally socialized to kids, other cats and dogs in one of our premiere foster homes. She is about six months old and VERY friendly. She and her siblings were brought into the Shelter at the end of May.

Rex is a big old nice male cat about nine years old. He was neutered already when he came in at the end of August. He has one of the older "V" notches in his ear indicating he was part of a managed cat colony. We were very surprised to learn he had also been declawed. Due to his size and to increase his comfort he has two cages!

Beau is an orange and white male tiger that is eight months old. He is an energetic guy who likes to explore and run around like a typical youngster!

Like the last group, these guys should settle right in. Rex and Beau have single cages and Coco has two.

October still has some holes in the schedule. Please let me know if you can cover any of these:
Tuesday, October 11, AM Cleaning
Thursday, October 13, AM Cleaning
Friday, October 14, AM Cleaning
Sunday, October 16, AM Cleaning
Sunday, October 16, Adoption Table
Friday, October 21, AM Cleaning
Sunday, October 23, AM Cleaning

Just a reminder...dogs are brought to the store the first Saturday of each month - let customers know should they ask about dogs available for adoption.

New Arrivals!!

2011-09-24T14:02:00.006-04:00

Gemini, Leo and Gabbano have settled in at the Shelter. Please do not worry about them - they are in the best of hands! Once they all get a clean bill of heath they can return to PetSmart or hopefully quickly get adopted from the Shelter.

Three cats were brought to the store on Friday - Miro, Mystic and Petunia.

Petunia is a tiny little calico that is very sweet. She loves to be held and purrs away. She is about seven months old and is a delicate little thing. She came into the Shelter as a stray.

One day in June of this year an animal attendant at the Shelter discovered a very thin, flea infested cat hiding in the rear of the building near the dog kennels. We brought him inside, named him Miro and started putting some meat on his bones! After spending some time in sick bay he gained strength and went up for adoption. We have no idea how Miro ended up back there but he has been so thankful ever since! He is a sweet cat and loves attention. We estimate him to be four to five years old. He is a buff colored medium haired guy.

Finally...there is the lovely Mystic! Despite a lot of tough times and a series of bad turns in her life Mystic remains a sweet, gentle cat. She first came to the Shelter in October of 2006. In August of 2007 she was finally adopted and went to live in a home with two other cats and a dog. Life was good for a long time but it didn’t last. In July of 2011 her loving family lost their home and had to give her up along with their two other cats and a dog. What a tragic thing to happen! After five years Mystic found herself right back at the Shelter. The other two cats have since been adopted. Mystic is a pretty torti with a very distinct blaze going right down her nose. She will walk out of the cage and right into your arms.

For now all three cats have their own living quarters. We know Mystic likes other cats as at the Shelter she lived with her two housemates while awaiting adoption. However, as you all well know, new environments present a source of stress to cats so let her settle in by herself initially. Be patient with the other two as well and if it seems they have settled in and will work then they can be introduced to our community living.

The October schedule is shaping up but still has some holes in it. Below are the dates that need to be covered. Please take a look and let me know if there is anything you can cover.
Tuesday, October 4, AM cleaning
Tuesday, October 11, AM cleaning
Sunday, October 16, AM cleaning
Sunday, October 16, Adoption Table
Friday, October 21, AM cleaning
Sunday, October 23, AM cleaning
Friday, October 28, AM cleaning
Sunday, October 30, AM cleaning

Let's hope now that school has been back in session for a few weeks that everyone is settled into their routine and adoptions go on the rise!!

Lots of Cats Going Back & Forth!!

2011-09-13T20:08:00.004-04:00

Our chubby girl Della was adopted right after being brought back to the Shelter. She will be the only pet in the house and will will have a wonderful life! Little Aries lasted about 24 hours at PetSmart! She went home on Saturday and will be a little sister to an older cat. Her new parents are so happy to have her!!

Unfortunately the last two litters of kittens we have brought to the store and put together in the big cage have gotten sick and needed to be brought back to the Shelter. Poor little guys are now in our sick bay. Hopefully they will be back in a few weeks. However...some real characters were brought today to take their place.

Kodiak is so handsome!! His is an all white male with blue eyes and is just as friendly as he is handsome. He is about three years old. Often times white cats with blue eyes are deaf - but not this one! Just wait til you see how cool he is!

Kodiak's bunk mate is Othello. He is about a year old and is very friendly, too. He came into the shelter after someone saw that he was injured. It appeared he had a run in with another animal and had a wound on his neck. He was nursed back to health and is as good as can be now. He loves Kodiak and is excited to join him in the big cage! The two look great together!

And then there is poor Misty. She is a petite little sweetheart that someone left behind in a hotel room in Wildwood. She even came in with a little collar on. She is a couple years old and is a nice girl. She was given her own space on the lower level. This picture is a little deceiving. Misty is not short haired...more like medium haired.

These three should have very little trouble settling in however, as always, do not force them to socialize. Watch them all for a few days and see how they are doing - especially Misty.

The adoption event went very well! Thanks to everyone who helped out. It was nice to get the dogs there! Dog handlers, please let me know if you are available for the first Saturday of the month for the rest of the year...October 6, November 3 and December 1.

Remember Toby and Tony were adopted together? Well, Tony was brought back which broke our hearts. During the adoption event Animal Outreach helped us by showcasing our kittens for the weekend and Tony was adopted on Saturday! Thank you, AO!!

I never did introduce Aries, Gemini and Leo. They were a litter brought in as strays at eight weeks old in mid-June. Nice bunch!! We suspect they spent some time inside a house and were given to animal control once they could eat on their own.

There is a couple of open spots on this month's calendar. Please let me know if you are available to cover. I would prefer to have the adoption table open on the below Wednesday night but will be happy with a cleaning as well.

Wednesday, September 21, Adoption Table or PM Cleaning
Friday, September 23, AM Cleaning
Sunday, September 25, AM Cleaning

Now that summer is over and school is back in session let's hope adoptions pick up!!

Finally An Adoption!!!!!

2011-08-23T18:49:00.007-04:00

Toby was adopted today!! Yay! Hopefully this breaks our dry spell. He will be living with a dog and two women and will have a nice life. The application was received on Sunday and the new mom was very anxious so we arranged pick up today at the Shelter.

You will see big changes at the store when you go in next. I know it is sad and a tad upsetting when we bring cats back to the Shelter but it simply had to be done. We have so many young altered kittens and we need the space at the Shelter. I am hoping the ones that arrived today will move quickly. Please do not worry about the guys we brought back – they will be fine!!!

Piper and Shiloh came back to the Shelter and are in a cage together. Siam came back also as well as Domino. Both Siam and Domino seem to do better here anyway.

Get ready for this….SIX kittens arrived today. By kittens I mean under six months old. All have been altered (of course!!) and microchipped and are ready to go.

In the big cage is a litter of three named Suzy, Sahara and Saboo. They came from a hoarder type situation and were relinquished to the Shelter in June. As a matter of fact their plight will actually be part of the A&E television series Hoarders in a few months. Initially they were very sick and they remained in our quarantine for quite a while. They were finally old enough and well enough to be altered in the beginning of this month. Sahara is the calico, Suzy is the black and white one with more black, Saboo is the other black and white and is a male. All three love each other!! They are all good with other cats, dogs and kids.

On the top row we now have litter mates Stevie and Ray. These two are the same age as the other three. They were brought into the Shelter by a woman who had not altered an older cat that had subsequently had kittens and she could not care for them. We did see that mom was finally spayed!! These two are gray tigers that look a lot alike!! Stevie is the one who has white reaching higher up between his eyes and also has more white on his chest. These two are very friendly and will do fine with other cats, dogs and kids.

Jasper is a Siamese mix lynx point and is sooooo cute!! He is the same age as the others and came in as a stray. He is another friendly guy who will get along with everything and everybody!!

All the new kits were wormed today, nails trimmed and ears cleaned and treated. If you see stuff in or around the ears it is the medicine doing it’s job!

Della has two cages on the bottom row and Gabbana has two cages on the top row. Jasper and Tony have their own cages on the bottom row. Steve and Ray are sharing two cages on the bottom row. Jasper and Tony initially did not get along so please keep the door shut for a few days. If they appear to be okay we can eventually open the door. If not, both are small enough to remain in a cage alone. PLEASE give it a few days. Placing a cat with another one and no escape can cause stress which inevitably will lead to illness. Do not rush introduction and communal living!!

REMINDER: The disinfectant bottle was filled with glass cleaner. Please ask the manager for help when refilling the bottles.

Volunteers are needed at the store for dogs on Saturday, September 3, 12-3p, for the regular monthly visit. Please let me know if you are available.

The annual PetSmart Fall Adoption weekend is Saturday and Sunday, September 10 & 11, 12-4pm. Volunteers are needed to help with dogs on both days 12-3pm. Please let me know if you can help.

Now that summer is winding down let’s hope adoptions start to kick in again!!

Below are the dates that still need coverage in September. Please let me know what you can do.

Sunday, September 4, AM cleaning

Friday, September 9, AM cleaning

Thursday, September, 15, AM cleaning

Friday, September 16, AM cleaning

Wednesday, September 21, Adoption Table

Friday, September 23, AM cleaning

Sunday, September 25, AM cleaning

Thursday, September 29, AM cleaning

Friday, September 30, AM cleaning.

Jack is adopted!!

2011-07-28T19:41:00.005-04:00

Jack went home last night! His new parents were in the store and fell for Jack after reading his story and seeing he was an older homeless cat. He will be living with a couple of other cats and will have a great life from here on out.

At the shelter we did receive emails that Gabbano and Toby were sneezing and that Della's eyes were weepy. Staff went down to the store and gave some meds to Gabbano and Toby. Della's eye is a chronic condition and although she had dirty ears it was not mites. If you clean her eyes please use warm water only. Wipes being used specifically stated on the directions not to be used for eyes. Please carefully read the directions on any products you buy!! Also, please take a minute or two to read the notebook and note observations made in the last few days prior to your shift to see what has previously been reported and addressed.

Two new arrivals were dropped off at the store today...Domino and Siam. Both are very friendly!! Domino is a black and white long legged male who is gonna have a lot of fun playing outside his cage. He is about a year and half old. He came into the shelter as a stray. Siam is a black female that was surrendered to the shelter when the owner's landlord told him she could no longer stay. She is two years old. Both cats will do fine in a home with kids, dogs and other cats.
Siam & Domino:

The August schedule looks great but still has a few openings. Please let me know if you are available to cover any of the below dates:
Sunday, August 7, AM cleaning
Friday, August 12, AM cleaning
Sunday, August 14, Adoption Table
Sunday, August 21, AM cleaning

The 7th Birthday Party at the Shelter was a great success!! Thanks to all who attended! We received very good press coverage as a result. Please see the link to the right Shelter In The News for one of the many stories that appeared in the local paper and pictures of a couple of our PetSmart volunteers!!

The Adoptions Became A Tad Difficult to Keep Up With!

2011-07-14T19:30:00.006-04:00

Wow!! Cats were flying out the door lately!! It all got a bit ahead of me. I'm not complaining though!!

Clancy laft last week - on Wednesday night. He was adopted specifically for a young girl who is VERY happy! Rizzo replaced Clancy on Saturday. I never had an opportunity to introduce Rizzo because he left Monday night!! Last night Sweetie went home which left poor Oreo all alone. Not for long though!! Oreo's application was approved today. The applicant adopted one of the dogs from Louisiana we helped to place last summer. It is a nice family!! That's four in seven days!! Wow!!

We moved Shiloh and Piper into the big cage so they could stretch out and hopefully become more social. Poor cats have been at PetSmart a long time.

Two adult cats were brought to the store today. Both are solid gray and both are really friendly. Hopefully they will move quickly and get homes!!

Jack is a twelve year old declawed male. His owner apparently moved and simply left him behind outside. A kind neighbor noticed he was getting beat up daily by her outside cats and had trouble getting to the food. She took him inside for a few days but could not keep him. This old guy needs to spend his golden years in a loving home not fending for himself outside with no claws!!

Hear is Jack:

Della was found living under a trailer with a male cat that appeared to be the same age. Both are approximately eight years old, were altered and appeared to have been well taken care of. The male cat was adopted but we still have Della. She is...well...a big girl! She is a fatty and very lovey!! She also is a talker. This is Della:

I spoke with Stacey, the head manager of PetSmart today. She has been advised by her higher ups that some new procedures are going to be initiated. It really does not appear to be anything that will effect most of the volunteers. It is a new system of documenting when cats arrive, when they leave and proof of vaccinations. It may be something the adoption table workers will need to be aware of. I was told this is happening because of incidents which have occurred in other stores involving other Shelters. Stacey assured me she sang our praises to her district manager. I assured Stacey that she can expect our full cooperation as we are all aware how important this partnership is to the Shelter. More details will follow in a week or so.

Don't forget our big birthday party tomorrow at the Shelter!! It begins a week of reduced adoptions fees, microchipping and nail clipping. Spread the word!! Channel 40, the Atlantic City Press and The Herald will be on hand to cover the party. Publicity always results in increased traffic at the Shelter and increased adoptions and donations!! We hope to share birthday cake with a lot of you guys tomorrow. The staff does not interact with the PetSmart volunteers in person very often and we love to show our appreciation when we can and give you all much deserved hugs!!!

Two Adoptions This Week!

2011-07-03T14:13:00.004-04:00

Jeffrey left Wednesday night. He is going to have a wonderful life!! His new parents are great "cat" people and are very excited to add Jeffrey to the crew. They originally liked Marmalade but were just as happy to adopt Jeffrey and were thankful Marm went to a good home. Yes, the orange cats are very popular! Let's hope Sweetie and Oreo get some attention now!

Tammy left on Friday. She left in style - in a large, soft, cat carrier with a very nice couple and their daughter. Seems they had trouble telling her apart from Toby and Tony but finally got it right. The boys are going to miss her but they know it's for the best!!

You will love Clancy, the white and orange male that arrived on Saturday. He is young - about five or six months old - and is so friendly. He'll walk right out of the cage and into your arms. He will be sharing quarters with the Tony and Toby so I'm sure they will all have a lot of fun!! Meet Clancy:

We have a couple of openings for this month - all in the morning. Let me know if you are available to cover any of them:
Sunday, July 10
Thursday, July 21
Sunday, July 24

It is working out well bringing dogs to the store the first Saturday of the month! I need one more person to help on Saturday, August 6. At this point two volunteers will be there so one dog can go - but it would be better exposure for the dogs to have two there.

Remember the Shelter birthday party on Friday, July 15, 1:00-3:00pm. We will have cake and light refreshments. I hope a lot of you can stop in. We rarely all get to see each other so it is nice to get together once in a while and chat with kindred spirits!! The party kicks off a week of free microchipping and nail clipping and our adoptions fees will be reduced by fifty percent. We should be getting some good press prior to the event.

Have a Safe and Fun July 4th!!!!

Are You Ready for FIVE Youngsters??!!

2011-06-23T20:15:00.006-04:00

Marmalade left last night. As predicted he did not last long at all!! He will be living with another cat and an old dog. His new mom is THRILLED! Marmalade is gonna have a nice life!!

Marmalade's two litter mates were brought to the store today and joined their third mate, Oreo, in the big cage. Jeffrey is the orange male and Sweetie is the black and white female. These two are super friendly purring machines just like Oreo and Marmalade! I suspect the three are gonna LOVE that big cage. Here they are:

In addition we brought down a litter of three named Tammy, Tony and Toby. This litter is all grey tigers and tabbies and are gorgeous!! We were told they were "stray" and were brought in by animal control. Um...yea, right....they were in wonderful condition and totally socialized and appeared to have been living in a house!! They are just a few months old. All three will be sharing the top row of cages. Good luck telling these guys apart!! I don't have a picture of Toby but here is the other two...

Tammy:

Tony:

So how are we able to fit all these new guys? Well, after much deliberation we decided it would be best if Ethan and Lady came back to the Shelter. Both did so much better there than they have been doing at PetSmart. The environment at the store does not agree with every cat. I'll keep everyone posted on how they are doing.

Hopefully all of you received the flyer about the birthday festivities and happenings at the Shelter beginning Friday, July 15. We are excited about it!! Please spread the word!!

Duncan & Blackout go home - FINALLY!!!

2011-06-18T14:53:00.004-04:00

Yes, it is true!! Duncan and Blackout went home last night! They will be joining three other cats in a large home where they will run free and create havoc! Their new mom is a frequent visitor to PetSmart and saw them week after week still in the big cage. Recently two of her cats passed away so she decided she had the room after all. (She adopted the big Maine Coon cat named Huey last year.) Duncan and Blackout happily walked into her carriers and off they went!

The two young cats that arrived today are so sweet and nice!! They came from the same home but do not have to be adopted together. They will adapt to any home quite easily - with or without one another. Their owner had several unaltered adult cats and - surprise, surprise - then had litters of kittens! We have been working with them to have the adults spayed and neutered and have the younger cats and kittens adopted. All the cats from their home were well taken care of and very well socialized. These two both love to be held and are purring machines!! They will walk right out of the cage and into your arms!! Both are about six months old.

Marmalade is orange and white and Oreo is black and white (I know, I know - not very original name!!) Here they are:

Kittens, kittens, have we got kittens!!! If anyone is asking please send them to the Shelter.

An adoption application has been approved for Lolli and she will be picked up tomorrow (Sunday).

Two new volunteers trained this week (thanks, Joe!!) and they will be helping out in the mornings. Welcome, Toni and Sarah! We are always happy to have more help!

I am so happy with how adoptions have been going at PetSmart! This program is so important and really helps to get our cats out of the shelter and into loving homes. I can not thank you all enough for your commitment to this program and your compassion for our kitties!!!

Ginger & Priscilla Go Home!

2011-06-01T18:26:00.007-04:00

Ginger went home with a very happy little girl on Saturday! She will be living with two other kids, two adults and two dogs. Sounds like a nice family for Ginger!!

It sure didn't take Priscilla long - exactly one week from arriving at the store to leaving for home! She left Tuesday night and will be living with two feline roommates. Her new mom is very excited!! If you go to the Shelter facebook page you will see a picture of Priscilla all sprawled out just loving her new home! It is so nice to see these long term residents get to go home - especially during kitten season.

Two new cats arrived today. Both are friendly and will settle in with no problem. Lolli is about nine months old and came in as a stray in late April of this year. She is a sweetheart!! She is a gray, black and brown tiger with beautiful markings. She will be fine with kids, dogs and other cats. Here's lovely little Lolli!

Gabbanna arrived today as well. I call him Gabe - it's easier. He is three years old. He is white, black and brown with some tiger striping. (Sorry...I do not have a picture right now!) He is also very friendly and loves attentions. He lived with another cat named Dolce (get it?) who is at the Shelter. The two did not really get along very well so it is not necessary to adopt them out together. The two have been bounced around for years. Initially they were adopted from a Shelter in Delaware. That owner had them about a year and gave them to her mother. Mom had them about two years where they were inside/outside cats. She then moved and could not take them with her. Hopefully the third time is indeed a charm! (Side note...you should see Gabe's old housemate Dolce...he is a BIG handsome fellow...weighing in at 21 pounds! He can't even fit in the little cages!)

This weekend we will have dogs at the store from 12:30-3:00pm. If you are on the schedule to help with the dogs please be at the store no later that 12:15pm. We also will have the adoption table covered from 12:00-2:00pm as well as from 2:00-4:00pm to help with both cats and dogs.

The June schedule WAS complete until a little earlier today. Thursday, June 9, PM cleaning still needs to be covered. July looks great but still has some openings. If you are interested in a permanent spot for July and August every other Sunday is available.

As you will see PetSmart changed the cage cards - they are bigger now and easier to see.

New Arrival - Long Time Shelter Resident

2011-05-24T18:59:00.008-04:00

Ok, everyone, we have a project. Our new arrival at PetSmart is Priscilla. She is a little chubby - weighing in at fourteen pounds. She has been at the Shelter since April 5, 2010. Yep, that's right, over a year. Ruth was adopted quickly and hopefully Priscilla will be, too. She is about three years old and is missing her top K9 teeth. This makes her always look like she has a little Elvis-like lip curl! She is not crazy about being picked up - but how many cats really are?? She will make a nice companion and will sit with you and enjoy brushing and petting. She would do fine in a home with dogs and other cats. We will consider a home with young children based on a review of the application and on meeting the children.

Priscilla:

Can someone tell me if the properly marked bottles for the disinfectant have arrived yet from the PetSmart management?

Have a safe and fun Memorial Day weekend!!!

It Only Took One Day For Ruth!!

2011-05-21T10:19:00.005-04:00

Most of you did not even have a chance to meet Ruth - that's how quickly she was adopted from PetSmart. On Monday, May 15, we sadly marked Ruth's one year anniversary of arriving at the Shelter. On Tuesday she went to PetSmart. On Wednesday we received the perfect application for her and last night she went home! She will be the only pet in the household and her new mom already loves her! So, this is her welcome blog entry AND her goodbye blog entry! Happy tails, Ruth!

Another GREAT Week!!!

2011-05-14T13:35:00.006-04:00

Pathetic Puffy left on Wednesday night. YAY!! She will be living with another cat and a dog. Her family saw her last week and fell in love with her immediately. They recently had a cat that passed away and she strongly resembled Puffy. Mom and Dad both understand feline behavior and are very sensitive to Puffy's nervousness and fear. Dad quietly held Puffy the night she left until she calmed down. They have a big bedroom where Puffy will spend time alone until she has acclimated to her new home. This is a good fit!

Here is some more good news.... Trooper and OC left last night together!! They will be the only pets in the house. They will be living with a toddler which could take some getting used to. Their new family told me, "They were the only ones that looked back at us through the glass!" Looks like they knew how to work it!! Both were nervous and growly when they left last night so the Shelter checked on them today to see how their first night went. Both ate and both used the litter box. OC is a tad more nervous than Trooper. We did reiterate that with time and patience they will settle in and be fine. For now they will be separated from the toddler until they feel more comfortable.

An application for Isabel has been approved and she is scheduled to leave today. She will be the only pet in the house and will have a couple of kids to play with!

Which leads me to our new arrivals.... First, there is Piper and Shiloh - another case that will break your hearts. These two are littermates that came to the Shelter in late November of last year when their owner passed way. Both are friendly and will sit with you and enjoy being petted. Unfortunately there was not a family member available to take them. Both are 2-3 years old. They were accustomed to a quiet home. Although the bios say no small children we would consider an applicant with kids if they appear to understand the history behind these two and understand cats in general. We also would prefer they are adopted together because they have always been together. If adopted together the fee for one will be waived. Piper is the torti and Shiloh is the tabby.

The last new arrival is Ethan - a handsome and friendly young male. He came into the Shelter as a stray and is 2-3 years old. He is a brown and black tabby and has a big tom cat head and a flat nose! He looks like a little lion!

Please look at the schedule and note that in July a schedule change begins. Joanne has been doing Sundays since 2006 and asked for some time off - well deserved, I must say, since she works at her real job Monday through Saturday! She will do Monday nights for July and August and then will do every other Sunday and every other Monday starting in September. If you are only available on weekends here is an opportunity to pick up a regular spot. Please let me know if you are interested. Otherwise it will be filled monthly.

The June schedule looks great. There are only two openings - both in the morning: Thursday, June 9 and Friday, June 17. Remember, starting in June dogs will be at the store the first Saturday of each month from 12:30 to 3:00. If you signed up make sure you remember and check the schedule for your name.

Let's hope this momentum continues!!!

Three More Go Home!

2011-05-06T14:01:00.008-04:00

And they continue to go home!! Great week! Calypso and Butters went home Wednesday night. Calypso's family arrived first and and when the carrier was prepared Butters went and jumped into it! Guess he was a tad anxious knowing his turn was next! When his new family arrived he went right into the proper carrier. Calypso will be the only pet in the house. Butters will have both a canine and feline sibling.

Puffy has a pending application which so far looks good. We are still waiting for some information. Poor Puffy seems sad. She was always a finicky eater here at the Shelter and apparently that is continuing and she is not eating. Purina Cat Chow was her favorite here so a small bag was brought down to the store to see if she would eat it. Please note in the book if she is eating and "eliminating." Hopefully she will get to leave soon.

Two new girls arrived today...Isabelle and Ginger. Ginger is a blue cream pretty girl that has been at the Shelter since October of last year. She was a poor old mangy looking thing - skin and bones and losing hair. The staff gave her a lot of TLC and she is looking good! She would do fine in a home with other cats, dogs and kids.

Isabelle is gray tiger/torbi who was found in a managed cat colony in one of our shore communities. She was already spayed and we suspect was dumped there by someone thinking the colony caretaker would see she was okay. She is young - a little under a year. She is an outgoing little girl and will adapt to any environment.

As always - please monitor the new guys and see how they fit in before pushing them to socialize. Here they are:

On Thursday the blankets from the hamper were brought to the Shelter, washed and returned. The room looks great!! Everyone does such a good job keeping it clean - and I know it is not an easy task in those cramped quarters! Again, thank you all for your commitment to this program. I just can not say enough how much this means to the Shelter.

I'm not going to bug you guys about the June calendar because it is still early May! Wouldn't hurt to take a peek though! :-)

Happy Mother's Day to all my moms!!!

Yes, we have kittens! Spread the word! ^..^

"Flurry" of Activity Results In FOUR Adoptions!

2011-05-01T18:40:00.006-04:00

What a great week for the PetSmart cats! Cheech and Versace left on Friday night. They were adopted by a couple who adopted from us in the past and sadly their cat passed away after a little more than a year. It is so great that these two get to stay together! Flurry left Saturday afternoon and so did Bonnie. Bonnie was also adopted to a repeat offender!! Her new family had adopted from us in November of last year.

Below is the line up of new arrivals. Blackout and Duncan were moved into the big cage. The first two, OC and Trooper, were surrendered at the end of January as a child in the home had developed an allergy. Trooper is the tiger with the white snout and pink nose. He is three years old. OC is the gray tabby and is five years old. He loves to be babied and will sit with you and enjoying a good petting session. Both will be fine in a home with kids and other cats.

Can you pick out Puffy?? Yep, the long haired cutie! She too was surrendered due to allergies in the home. She is four years old and will be fine with kids. She lived in a home as the only animal so we are not sure how she will do with other cats or with dogs. Please keep this in mind when letting the guys out to play. She may get stressed out. Also, Puffy was an indoor/outdoor cat.

The orange and white one is Lady. She came into the Shelter as a stray along with a tiny kitten. The kitten is in foster and doing fine. She is another one which we need to watch initially and see how she reacts when with the rest of the gang.

All in all...a good group!!!

New blankets were made to accompany the cats when they go home. If you work the adoption table and send the guys packing don't forget they get a blanket as a Going Home present. The blankets are made by Larissa's friend who lives in Pennsylvania. They are located in one of the cabinets under the cages.

The May schedule is just about complete. I still have not acquired a regular for every other Thursday morning or for Friday mornings. Anne (aka Mom) is picking up the Fridays this month - THANK YOU!! I still need coverage for Thursday, May 12 and Thursday, May 26.

Next weekend the Shelter will have a table and dogs at the Cape May County Earth Day Fair at the County Park 10a-4p.

Thanks to everyone who assisted with the adoption event this weekend. It sure was busy!!

The Boys Are Back In Town!!

2011-04-11T19:35:00.004-04:00

Boy, did we have a busy weekend!! Violet left on Saturday. She will be living with another cat that was adopted from Animal Outreach last weekend. So happy for her!!

Reeses and Twix did not stay long!! They went home on Sunday. It is so nice they were adopted together. Their new mom recently lost her cat of 20 years and was ready to adopt. Can you just imagine these two rip-racing around a house?!! They are going to be a handful!

The boys - Duncan and Blackout - are back!! I am sure you remember them from a few months back. These two initially came into the Shelter last year at the end of November. Tenants moved out of an apartment in Wildwood and left them behind. We think they are about two years old. They are so friendly and absolutely love each other. They have been caged together since they came in. This is a pair we really do not want to break up! Their adoption fee is $35 each BUT if adopted together the second fee will be waived! Please do what you can to see they go together! Duncan is the cat to the left below - he has more white on his muzzle. Blackout is to the right and has more black on his nose.

I have a lot of people committed to the adoption event at the end of the month. As it gets closer I will e-mail a schedule out to those volunteering. We will also start having dogs at the store on the first Saturday of the month beginning in June.

I think we may have bought the wrong size brown paper this last time around. Please be patient with it and I promise the next round will be easier to handle!

The April schedule looks great - knock on wood!! I still need the morning of Friday, April 22 covered (Good Friday). Oh, and it's not too early to look ahead to May :-)

Spring Has Sprung!

2011-04-03T12:02:00.005-04:00

It has been a long time since the last post and I apologize for that!! Just to reiterate the information sent out in the last e-mail....

The adoption table on Friday evenings will now be 4:00-6:00pm.

I am very happy to announce that starting Saturday, June 2 we will have Shelter dogs at the store on the first Saturday of each month from 12:00-3:00pm. This will be a great addition to our in-store adoption program - PetSmart and PetSmart Charities, Inc will be very happy!!

Little Midget went home last Wednesday night and will be joining several older cats as well as a couple of dogs. She was adopted by a woman who had adopted from the Shelter before. Her new mom is part of a small non-profit rescue group and we can rest assured that Midget will have a nice life!

Two young females arrived on Saturday named Twix (calico) and Reeses (torbi). They are six months old. They were spayed just last Thursday. They came in to the Shelter with two other litter mates which we still have. They were born in a home to someone who had not altered her cats and things became out of control. The younger ones were brought to us to put up for adoption. Reeses and Twix have been socialized from birth and had been living with nine other cats. Once they get beyond the stress associated with adjusting to their new environment they should be fine. We wanted to keep them together initially to make the transition easier for them. They do not need to be adopted together - however if someone is interested in adopting two cats make sure to let them know these two girls are litter mates. Here is Reeses and Twix.

In the event you saw Bobbi Sue as the featured cat in the newspaper a week or so back here is her story... She was adopted from the Shelter along with a beautiful calico named Pumpkin. Both cats are declawed. The adopting parents were advised Bobbi Sue is not fond of other cats but they really wanted two cats and could only take declaws. We were repeatedly assured that each cat would have it's own space and things would be just fine. Since Bobbi Sue had been with us so long I decided it was worth a try. Well, the two cats did not get along and they opted to bring poor Bobbi Sue back. Thankfully a client of one of the veterinarians we use was interested in adopting an older declawed cat and Bobbi Sue left on Friday. I sure hope this time it's for good!

I realize it appears that our adoptions from PetSmart are significantly less that years past. I believe this is because we now have two other organizations at the store every weekend - Animal OutReach and the Animal Alliance of Cape May County. Please do not fret over this though! The cats with Animal OutReach are our cats and we work closely with the AACMC to increase adoptions and decrease the number of adoptable cats entering the Shelter. Many of the cats with AACMC would be in the Shelter if not for the commitment and dedication of AACMC volunteers. In other words - all these cats are basically ours anyway!!

Kittens... If anyone is interested in adopting a kitten please let them know that we presently have about a dozen kittens in foster homes that are still nursing. We should have them available for foster pending adoption in approximately five to six weeks. Please tell them to call the Shelter and we can explain he process.

I received a GREAT response for the next PetSmart Adoption Event. Thanks everyone!!

Below is the dates that still need to be filled in April. As always it is the dreaded Thursday and Friday mornings! I would love to find a regular for these time slots!! Believe me - I am trying!

Friday, April 8, AM cleaning
Thursday, April 14, AM cleaning
Friday, April 22, AM cleaning (Good Friday)
Friday, April 29, AM cleaning

Tara and squirrely go home - Flurry is back!

2011-03-05T10:50:00.006-05:00

OK...so I must apologize for not keeping up lately - it has been difficult with all the activity!

Flurry is all better and came back to take Squirrely's place who left last weekend. Squirrely will be living with two dogs and a cat. Tara went home Wednesday night. She will be living in Atlantic City with an older woman who recently lost her cat to illness. She is very excited to have Tara. She will be the only pet and will be lavished with attention!

Below is sweet little Midget who arrived yesterday. Her owners were living with family and had to move out and subsequently Midget arrived at the Shelter. She is older - at least 10 - and her adoption fee is only $8.00. You can tell by the holiday paper in the background that she has been with us for some time now. She lived with a dog and another cat so will be fine with other animals. Because she is older it is even more important to watch for signs of stress with the move from the Shelter to PetSmart. Initially allow her to have her own space until we know she has adjusted.

Earlier this week I received an e-mail that Violet was intimidating Flurry and appeared to be scaring her. If you ever observe behavior like this please do what you can to ensure it does not continue. If need be put the aggressive cat alone in a cage and close him/her off from the others and note your observations in the book. This is a very stressful situation for a cat to be left in.

Six rolls of brown paper were brought to the store yesterday. One was still left over from the last batch. Five were placed in the manager's office so there should be two presently in the adoption room.

As most of you are aware volunteers from Animal OutReach show case cats from our Shelter on weekends at PetSmart. Initially the volunteers were transporting the cats to and from the Shelter each weekend day. Shelter staff now are bringing the cats to the store early Saturday afternoon and picking them up late Sunday. The large stainless steel cage is wheeled into the adoption room overnight Saturday. Needless to say this is added work for the volunteer cleaning Sunday morning - thanks guys! I have advised staff that they are to empty the cage of all articles and clean it Sunday afternoon when the cats are picked up.

Kitten season has begun. This sounds like fun when you first hear it but in actuality it is a nightmare for shelters. Yesterday afternoon the first, of what will surely be many, kittens arrived - three kittens not even a week old were brought to us from a gentleman who found them under a bush on his property. Fortunately overnight he was able to trap the momma and now the kits will be nursed. PLEASE tell anyone who will listen to spay/neuter their cats!!! Tell them...if you are feeding outside cats you must take the next steps...TRAP, NEUTER, RETURN. There is a multitude of both low cost AND no cost alternatives for people throughout this county. Have them call the Shelter for help and for information. Last year in the month of May alone we took in 167 cats and kittens.

As you may have read in the paper this week 22 of the 58 dogs seized from Goshen Road were signed over to the various shelters where they are temporarily housed. Our Shelter has four of the twenty-two. I am happy to say that three of the four are already adopted!! There is another hearing scheduled for March 11. Let's hope the remaining dogs are signed over at that time!

The following days still need coverage this month...
Friday, March 11, AM
Monday, March 14, PM
Thursday, March 17, AM
Friday, March 18, AM
Friday, March 25, AM
Thursday, March 31, PM

Good Bye, Marilyn!!! Yay!

2011-02-21T15:03:00.006-05:00

Yes, it has finally happened! Marilyn went home Wednesday night and she was ready! She went into her carrier, did a little sniffing around and then laid down right in it. She will be living with a cat adopted from us a few years ago from PetSmart named Tabs. Some of you may remember her.

Randal went home Wednesday night as well. He will be living in a household with four other cats. A vet check of this applicant revealed he knows the secret of feline longevity! He has owned quite a few cats that all lived beyond age 15.

Flurry has been sneezing up a storm so she was taken back to the Shelter and put on meds until her cold clears up. Don't worry - she'll be back.

Having two cats go home and one go back to the Shelter allowed for the arrival of the three guys below. Cheech and Versace are so cute!! They are buff colored males with silky smooth fur. They will adapt to a home with kids, cats and dogs. They were relinquished to the Shelter when their owner went into a nursing home and could no longer take care of them. Cheech is wearing a leopard skin collar and Versace is wearing a dark blue collar. Versace is the playful outgoing one and Cheech is the laid back guy. Of course I would LOVE for these guys to go home together! The adoption fee is waived on one if that happens!

Calypso was added to the group as well. She is a beauty and very friendly. She went to PetSmart for the weekend and had such fun playing with Squirrely we decided to give her Flurry's cage. She would adapt to any household as well.

Here's pictures of Cheech, Versace and Calypso:

The March schedule looks great. Below is a list of days that still need to be covered:
Thursday, March 3, AM

Friday, March 11, AM

Monday, March 14, PM

Thursday, March 17, AM

Friday, March 18, AM

Friday, March 25, AM

Thursday, March 31, AM

I would like to set up a regular schedule for dogs to go to the store once a month - maybe the first Saturday of each month. This schedule would be posted in the store and added to the on line calendar. Please let me know if you are interested in helping with this and if so what your availability is for March, April, May and June.

Old Man Winter Feels the Warmth!!

2011-02-10T08:39:00.003-05:00

I am starting to have trouble keeping up with blog posts with so many cats coming and going! Of course that is a good thing!! Let's hope it continues!

Winter went home last night! Now that was fast - but didn't I predict it would be?? He will be living with two other cats and a dog. His new family was thrilled when their application was approved.

A nice big male black cat named Randel was brought to the store on Tuesday. He is three years old and was abandoned in a house by his previous owner. He weighs thirteen pounds and loves to snuggle!! You will see a small patch of hair missing on his back. Do not worry!! This was caused by a topical worming medication that was used on him and the hair will be back. Here's Big Randel...

This weekend is the annual Second Chance For Love adoption event at PetSmart. The adoption table will be open from 1:00-4:00pm on both Saturday and Sunday. The weather forecast is good so hopefully people will be out and about. We will have several dogs at the store from 1:00-3:00pm on both days. Volunteers handling the dogs: please be at the store by 12:45pm and plan to be there until the dogs are picked up at 3:00pm. Dogs must always be monitored and can only be handled by volunteers who come to the Shelter and walk dogs on a regular basis.

I still do not have takers for the morning cleaning next Thursday, February 17. Please let me know if you are available.

I have not heard otherwise so everyone must have located the new cleaning agent. Please...if you haven't - let me know!!

Less than a week for Baxter!

2011-02-04T13:10:00.005-05:00

Oh, that Baxter!! Sure didn't take him long to get adopted - less than a week! His new mom had been at the Shelter looking for a cat for her son and then went to PetSmart where she met Baxter. He'll be going home tonight and will live with a dog and a nice little family.

Two boys joined our collection of girls today. They are pictured below - Butters and Winter. Winter is a big old white cat and is so cool! He is laid back and will be fine with kids, dogs and other cats. He is somewhere around 5-6 years old. Butters is young, lively and friendly and will make a great addition to any home as well. He was found on Butter Road in Upper Township. I don't think these two are going to last very long!

Hopefully the misunderstanding concerning the cleaning products has been cleared up. Remember...do not hesitate to contact me or talk to the store manager if you are unsure about the location of any thing you need.

We are all set for the adoption event for next weekend. I will e-mail instructions to those involved at the end of next week. Looks like we will be able to have a couple dogs at the store on both days! Great!

Good news...we received pictures at the Shelter from the woman who adopted Meow and Stefania. In the picture they are sitting side by side in their beds. They look so content and comfy!! It is always so nice to see our guys in their homes looking happy!!!

I still need someone for the morning cleaning on Thursday, February 17.

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Basil Goes Home - Flurry Joins Her Littermates

2011-01-29T14:47:00.005-05:00

Basil went home Wednesday night with a happy family and a cart full of new kitty cat supplies!! He is going to have a nice life!

Nike was brought back to the Shelter because he appears to have some type of allergy. It looks like he is getting hot spots or itchy areas which he then scratches and little scabs are forming at the site of the irritation. You know he is in good hands with us at the Shelter.

Two new cats arrived on Friday - Baxter, the orange tom and Flurry, the pretty tiger with white. Flurry is litter mates with Blackout and Duncan and was left behind just as they were. She has beautiful markings and is VERY friendly! Baxter is about two years old. He showed up at a TNR colony and was so friendly the caretaker brought him to the Shelter where we discovered he was already neutered. He is a nice guy. Their pictures are below:

George and Jerry arrived safely at ROAR in Connecticut. Thanks, Paige!!

I am very happy to announce that on Friday at the Shelter three new volunteers were trained in the paperwork for the adoption table - Kathleen, Lydia and Joe. They will be working with each other and seasoned volunteers in the next few weeks. Thanks, guys!! If anyone else is interested in learning the paperwork please let me know and I will arrange your training at the Shelter. As I always say...it is not rocket science but it is a tad tedious. We can go over it at the Shelter without interuption.

Dog Walkers & Handlers...I am short on help for the Adoption Event in February. I have three volunteers for dogs for Sunday, February 13 but only one for Saturday, February 12. If you can help on Saturday please let me know.

The February schedule looks great. Below are the only openings that still need to be filled:
Friday, February 11, AM Cleaning

Thursday, February 17, AM Cleaning

Friday, February 18, AM Cleaning

Friday, February 25, AM Cleaning

Update on the dogs seized by the SPCA... The accused still has not signed the dogs over to the various Shelters. SPCA officials and the County Prosecutor's Office are doing everything they can to move this process along. I will keep everyone posted.

Topeka Heads Home! Three New Arrivals!

2011-01-22T15:31:00.006-05:00

Topeka left on Wednesday night. Her new family had settlement on a new home last weekend and are thrilled to have Topeka coming with them! They were very excited to pick her up!

George and Jerry are going to Connecticut to the Ridgefield Operation For Animal Rescue (ROAR) where they will go up for adoption. (Please click on ROAR under links to the right for more information on this organization.) We have had amazing success with this small Shelter since they starting working with us last summer. On Friday, January 28, Paige will be transporting George and Jerry along with four kittens that are presently in foster up to this wonderful little shelter. I did receive two applications for George and Jerry however neither worked out.

Three new cats arrived yesterday. Two brothers, Blackout and Duncan, are now sharing the big cage. They are wonderful! They are a couple of years old and were left behind - along with a third cat named Flurry - when their owner moved out. Flurry is just getting over an upper respiratory infection and is in sick bay. You will probably meet her soon! You can tell them apart by the amount of black on their little noses. In the pictures below Blackout is on the left and Duncan is on the right.

The third new arrival, Violet, is a sweetheart! She is under a year old and has been growing up at the Shelter - we have had her since August. She is very friendly and sweet! Here she is:

All three of these guys will do fine in homes with dogs, kids and other cats.

Three new volunteers trained this week! Welcome to Peggy, Lydia and Joe! Thanks to Ruthann and Larissa for doing the training!

Still one opening in January...Friday, the 28th, in the morning. Let me know if you are available to cover it. Please look ahead to February, too.

If you need to call me please call my house phone first and then my cell. If the cell ringer is turned off I won't hear it. I will send those two numbers to all of you in an e-mail.

Topeka Is Not In Kansas Anymore!!

2011-01-10T19:34:00.004-05:00

Topeka arrived yesterday! She was scheduled to be at PetSmart on Saturday but the snow canceled her trip so she arrived Sunday instead. She is a nice gray and white female about a year and half old. We've heard her story before...someone moved out of an apartment and simply left her behind. She is named after the street where she was living in Wildwood Crest - Topeka Avenue. She will do well with other cats, kids and dogs! Here she is...

Attention those who work the adoption table: we have changed the language on the hold agreement. Often times applicants feel a "hold" implies that we will no longer accept applications and that the adoption application is a mere formality. Please take a minute and read the new form. You will see a spot has been added for the applicant to initial indicating they understand the Shelter reserves the right to decide what home best suits the needs of the cat and that the deposit does not guarantee the adoption. Hopefully this will eliminate some confusion and keep everyone happy!

I still don't have any takers for two mornings this month... Thursday, January 20 and Friday,January 28. Let me know....

Looking ahead to February...I will need someone to fill the adoption table on Wednesday the 2nd.

2011 Starts With A Bang!!

2011-01-06T08:01:00.005-05:00

Let's hope the first five days of 2011 are an indication of how the entire year is going to go!

On Saturday, New Year's Day, Meow and Stefania went home together! Some of you may remember the woman who adopted them. She was approved to adopt Jinx and Cali and had even already paid the adoption fee. The day before she was to pick them up she learned her sister was very sick and she needed to care for her. In the mean time she asked that we keep Jinx and Cali up for adoption and even use her money should we find a home for them. Well, we did and off the two went. On Saturday, she came to PetSmart and fell for Meow and Stefania. Since only six weeks ago she had been approved to adopt two cats there was no reason to make her wait! She went home - made some arrangements, talked to her resident cat and came back and picked up the girls!

Lucy's new mom submitted her application on Sunday and was approved a few days later. Her heart went out to Lucy after reading her bio. Lucy went home last night to a very excited mom and dad. She will be the only cat - no kids either - and will be spoiled rotten!!

Two new cats arrived on Tuesday - Basil and Nike. They both will be fine in a household with dogs, other cats and children. Both are members of large litters and, unfortunately, are quickly growing up at the Shelter. Basil is the last of a group we called "The Spices." We suspect he was continually overlooked because he is plain looking while the rest of his litter had striking physical characteristics. He is a young tiger striped male with a very pleasant personality. He is a nice, friendly cat who will make a great pet.

Nike is one of a litter of four - three black cats and one tiger. He also is friendly and outgoing and will adapt to a household with everything. As you can see from the picture below he has a slim, delicate face and just may be mistaken for a female.

Five rolls of paper were given to the manager on New Year's Day. Please let me know when you take the last roll so I can arrange to pick up more before the only pieces left are all tightly curled and totally annoying!!!

Only two open dates left this month:
January 20, Thursday, AM Cleaning

January 28, Friday, AM Cleaning

Attention Dog Walkers...the next adoption event at PetSmart is Saturday and Sunday, February 12 and 13. I would like to have dogs at the store from 1-3pm on both days. Let me know if you are available to help that weekend.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

Welcome Lucy & Bonnie!!

2010-12-29T20:00:00.006-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! As most of you already know - Dot did leave on schedule and was home for the holidays!

I decided to let the remaining six cats stretch their paws and legs for a few days and had planned to bring new cats to the store on Sunday, December 26. Well, a little bit of snow put a wrench in that plan!! The two new girls arrived today.

Lucy is a full bred Persian who was dumped at the Shelter along with another female Persian we named Ethel. Both of these poor cats are seniors and were found one morning at the front door left in a dirty carrier. So sad! Both were full of mats and suffered from an upper respiratory infection. Ethel found a room at Barb A's Convalescent Center For Aging Felines. Lucy was adopted from the Shelter only to be brought back twenty-four hours later as someone in the house "was allergic to her." Poor Lucy was returned in an old hamper taped shut with duct taped. She is so pretty and so nice and has been subjected to so much indignity. We estimate her to be approximately eleven years old. Please make sure that any applicant understands that Lucy requires routine grooming. She likes other cats and kids. We are not sure how she would do with dogs. Look at her pretty face!!

Bonnie is a nice little girl who came into the Shelter in August as a stray with her brother Clyde. Poor Bonnie has been left behind in prison while Clyde is on the outside living the life! He was adopted a few weeks ago. She is just over a year old and will adapt well in a house with cats, kids and dogs. Meet Bonnie:

Special thanks to the PetSmart managers for taking care of our cats during the storm and allowing the volunteers to stay at home rather than risk their lives in the snow.

The below dates are still open in January - the dreaded every other Thursday morning and every Friday but the first one of the month. New Year's Eve is covered!

Thursday, January 6, AM

Friday, January 14, AM

Thursday, January 20, AM

Friday, January 21, AM

Friday, January 28, AM

Adoptions Continue to Soar!

2010-12-22T08:51:00.009-05:00

Adoptions have been going so well - knock on wood!!! Sabrina left on Monday. She will be living with another of our old friends, Gray - now known as Liberty. She was adopted by the family of one of the PetSmart managers.

Gable left on Sunday. He was adopted by the same couple who adopted Ronnie and Charlie a few months ago. Hmmm...these adoptions may validate the old saying that cats are like potato chips...can't have just one!

I have approved an application for handsome Prince Albert and he will be home for Christmas!! He will be picked up by his new mom tonight. Albert shall be living in beautiful Cape May with another older cat and a ton of love!

I have also approved an application for Dot - however at this time I have yet to confirm the pick up time. I am hoping she, too, can go home tomorrow night. She will be living with two other cats and an old dog.

The two boys who arrived yesterday are fabulous! Meet George and Jerry. Just like the Seinfeld characters they are named after they are fast friends - and brothers, too. These two lovable, friendly guys were left behind when someone moved out of their apartment. They will do fine with other cats, dogs and children. Although it is not mandatory they go home together it would be ideal. Please introduce them as a tandem and make sure anyone interested in either one is made aware of their story. Jerry is the one with the white chin.

There is still a few openings in January. Below is the list. Let me know if you can cover any of the dates:

Thursday, January 6, AM

Monday, January 10, PM

Friday, January 14, AM

Thursday, January 20, AM

Friday, January 21, AM

Friday, January 28, AM

As many of you are already aware the Shelter did assist the State SPCA with the seizure of dogs from Goshen Road in Cape May Court House on Saturday. At this time we have thirteen dogs of various breeds and sizes. They are all so nice and so happy and grateful to be with us!! Unfortunately these dogs - along with the others placed throughout the State - will not be available for adoption until mandated court proceedings are completed. I will keep you all posted as this situation develops.

We had a great turnout at the Shelter for Santa Claws and the open house. We missed all those who were unable to make it this year. Next year will be even better! Special thanks to Simone for making the arrangements, Tony for being Santa Claws, Alan for being the great photographer, Kathleen for manning the printer! Also, thanks to the staff and volunteers for working so hard to have the shelter looking so good and for being such gracious hosts and hostesses!

Have a wonderful Christmas with your families!! Thanks again for everything you do for the Shelter and for the animals of Cape May County. The PetSmart program is vital to the Shelter and I am thankful to have such great support from all of you!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!!

Brandi Goes Home!

2010-12-15T08:18:00.003-05:00

Brandi went home Monday night. She will be living with a retired couple who are absolutely thrilled to have her! Brandi's new mom said, "We are so excited! It's like we're bringing a new baby home!" Her husband was driving around with a cat carrier in the car just waiting to be told he could pick Brandi up from the store!

The latest addition will arrive this afternoon and I think she will fit right in! Dot is all black and is about five months old. She came into the Shelter very young as a stray in late September along with two litter mates. One of her siblings has been adopted and the other is in sick room with an eye infection. Once she is healthy she too will come to PetSmart. Dot is a happy little girl and gets along with kids and cats and would probably be fine with dogs. It should be no time before we can open the door and let her hang out with the others! Here is little Dot:

Sabrina has a hold and hopefully will be meeting her new mom tonight. The applicant saw her on Petfinder.com and faxed an application to the Shelter. She has yet to actually meet Sabrina and will do that tonight. Hopefully the "interview" will go well and she will be going home!

A new volunteer is training tonight! Welcome, Marisol!! We always love getting more help!

Larissa's friend made beautiful quilted and crocheted blankets to send home with the cats when they get adopted. They are not to be used for the cages but are part of the adoption packet. They are in one of the cabinets so if you work the adoption table please make sure each new adopter gets one along with a kitty cat!

Welcome Prince Albert!

2010-12-05T17:44:00.006-05:00

It seems that due to the holiday Rhett did not get a proper send off! He left the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. Two teenage girls were VERY excited to adopt him. Here's his goodbye shot:

Fern left Friday night. Sabrina tried to go with her! When she could not get into the carrier she chose to sit on top of it. Fern's mom got a tad teary eyed, feeling bad leaving her behind. Then Fern's new dad proceeded to fall in love with Gabel! They just may be calling the Shelter tomorrow to adopt another one!

This will make you happy...Mayhem went home from the Shelter this week! Oh, and remember Zeus and Apollo from way back?? They were adopted together - finally - from the Shelter.

A wonderful tom cat arrived on Saturday named Albert. He is adorable! Albert is about two years old and will be good with cats, dogs and kids. He showed up in the yard of one of our volunteers, Larissa. She fostered Albert as the Shelter has so many cats and was trying to place him in a home for us. After a good prospect fell apart it was decided that he should go to PetSmart for prime exposure. OMG!! You guys are going to love him! He has a big old tom cat head and chubby cheeks and white whiskers!

Welcome to our newest volunteer, Olivia!! She was clutch when she jumped in last Thursday texting me at 10:30pm the night before to say she could cover! Thanks, Olivia!!!

Only one date left open on this month's calendar - Friday, December 17, in the morning. If you are available let me know.

Remember. Holiday Open House and Santa Claws next Sunday, December 12, 12-3pm. Please stop in and bring a friend! Santa pics will be 12-2pm.

Doogie, Doug and an old friend go home!

2010-11-21T18:28:00.006-05:00

Doogie went home Wednesday night. He went right into the carrier without any trouble as if anxious to get on with his new life. His new dad bought him a bed and some other stuff and off they went!

Doug went home Friday night. He and our friend Cassie were adopted together. They will be living with two little girls - ages 5 and 6 - who are thrilled to have them! For those who don't remember Cassie she was at PetSmart at the very beginning of September and didn't seem to like it so we brought her back to the Shelter. She was the sweet little gray cat found in Wildwood stuck under a house. She was wearing a collar at the time but no one claimed her even after a canvas of the neighborhood. Here she is:

Fern and Sabrina arrived today. Fern is about a year and half old and is very sweet. She loves to be held and petted. She likes other cats and would also do great with kids. She is a cutie and very soft! She is a tiger cat with a lot of white!

Sabrina is a torti between two and three years old. She is also a sweetheart and will do fine with other cats and with kids. She is missing a toe on her back left paw which may be a little sensitive. I know some of you guys trim nails so please be careful with her.

Leona had Sabrina and Fern out for a short time today when they first arrived - and after putting all the other guys away. The two walked around and did a little hissing and grumbling which is to be expected. As always give them time to settle in before forcing them to share quarters with the other cats. Let's see how they do first. Here they are:

Hold on Rhett!!! I'll keep you posted!! Hopefully he gets to go home for Thanksgiving!!!

The following dates are still open in December:
Thursday, Dec 9, AM cleaning

Friday, Dec 17, AM cleaning

Thursday, Dec 23, AM cleaning

Saturday, Dec 25 - only one cleaning - not sure what time

Special thanks to Anne and Leona for teaming up and volunteering to clean on Thanksgiving Day.

Mark you calendars: Sunday, December 12, 12-3pm is the volunteer and staff Christmas get together at the Shelter. This year Santa will be at the party to pose for pictures with pets from 12-2pm!! The public is invited to come get their pet's pictures taken as well! The pictures are free and donations are welcome. There will be plenty of food on hand as well! It should be a lot of fun! I hope to see many of you!

Jinx & Cali Were Short Timers!!

2010-11-13T13:42:00.006-05:00

Most of you did not even get a chance to meet Jinx and Cali and they are already gone! Yes, they went home together just last night. A family had come into the Shelter and met them last weekend but did not complete an application. Well, they came into the Shelter yesterday and completed the application and were easily approved. They have two little dogs and three other cats - obviously animal people!! Jinx was a tad stressed last night when they were picked up so we checked on them today. They are doing fine!

This is surprising...Tigger has settled in wonderfully and they are loving him! He adapted immediately. JoJo is the one who is taking a little more time and is a tad stressed. And, initially they did not want Tigger! (Since we all were so fond of Tigger and Jinx and Cali were such short-timers I have decided to allow Tigger to continue to be the featured cat!!)

Two girls have moved into the big cage. Although they were bunking together at the Shelter they did not come in together. Please do not hesitate to take applications for them separately. Although at first you may think they will be difficult to tell apart they are not at all.

Stefania is a gray tiger that came to us as a stray in February. She is two years old. She is a love! She is the one with the sleek body and thin face.

Meow is also a gray tiger that is two years old. She is the pudgier of the two and has a round face. She was surrendered to the Shelter in March when her owner was moving and could not take her. She is a nice kitty and very loving.

Stefania is the first picture and Meow is the one below it.

The December schedule looks great already! Please take a look and let me know if you can fill any of the remaining spots.

Hooray for Tigger!!!!

2010-11-11T19:01:00.009-05:00

Yes, it is true!! Tigger has finally gone home! A family went to PetSmart and saw JoJo and Tigger in the cage together and initially chose JoJo. They came to the Shelter to complete an adoption application and decided to take Tigger as well. The boys will be living with an Old English bulldog and two boys - ages 7 & 9 - as well as mom and dad. Tigger came from a family of kids and dogs so should do fine. JoJo is so nice and easy going so he will be fine, too. They went home Wednesday night.

Sky and Mayhem are having trouble shaking an upper respiratory infection so we brought them back to the Shelter. I promise they will be back when they get better - hopefully they will get adopted before that, though!

Rhett and Gable took over the top row of cages Wednesday afternoon. These two came from a group of seven cats that were all trapped at one location where it appeared they were all inside/outside cats. Apparently the tenant in a rental property left them all behind when he moved out. The new tenant notified animal control and the cats were brought to the Shelter. Both are males about 6-8 months old and are very friendly and should do well in any situation. Rhett recently represented our Shelter cats at a visit to the Crest Haven Nursing & Rehab Center and did really well. Rhett is the brown tiger striped guy and Gable is black and white. Here they are:

Jinx and Cali took over the big cage today. These two are litter mates and are five years old. Their owners were moving and could not take them. Jinx is the black cat and Cali is, of course, the calico. They love each other! It seems bad luck is following them. A very nice woman came in and was adopting both of them. The day before she was to pick them up she learned her sister was very ill and needed her. She was really sad but could not go through with the adoption. She has promised to come back and get them as soon as she can but does not want to deter anyone else from choosing them as she is not sure when she will be able to actually bring them home. She paid the adoption fee but asked they continue to be available. If we find the right people we can waive the adoption fee. This is a pair that ideally will go home together. Please remember to tell their entire story to anyone who shows interest in one or both of these guys.

This weekend is another adoption event at PetSmart. We will have dogs at the adoption table on Saturday and Sunday from 1-3pm. In addition we will have our regular adoption table hours on Friday from 6-8pm, Saturday and Sunday from 2-4pm. Animal OutReach will also have volunteers at the store with Shelter cats on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

Adoptions have been going so well (knock on wood)and let's hope it continues!

Please look ahead to December and let me know if you can fill in on any of the open dates.

Sixty Goes Home & Sky Comes Back

2010-11-04T17:49:00.003-04:00

Sixty went home last night. We all knew he wouldn't last long! He will be living with another cat and a Golden Retriever. Poor Mayhem will have to live without him.

Sky came back today. She is doing great! She is bunking with Mayhem and Doug on the top floor. Marilyn and Brandi are sharing cages on the bottom floor. The woman who put a hold on Marilyn picked two other cats at the Shelter and canceled the hold on Marilyn. We were so excited as she chose two five year old cats that were surrendered together. Unfortunately due to an illness in the family she had to withdraw the application completely.

Here's some GREAT news....Sheba was adopted from the Shelter!

I have received e-mails about Doug sneezing. I cleaned this morning and kept an eye on him and he wasn't sneezing. Let me know if you see it again. Also, just a reminder... When you observe something you think needs medical attention e-mail the shelter at animalshelter@cmcsheriff.net and Cc me. Put Attn: PetSmart Medical in the subject line. Each morning and throughout the day the e-mail is checked at the Shelter and your message will be forwarded to the medical staff. In the event the e-mail is not being checked due to a holiday or sick day I will be aware of that and will see that the message gets where it needs to be. Please do not text me or only e-mail me. Also, between the hours of 8a-4pm you can call the Shelter as well.

Doogie, a long haired black male cat, arrived today. He is a nice cat and gets along with other cats, dogs and kids. He is on the lower level in a cage by himself. I think he will settle in just fine and after a day or two we can open the door and he can hang with Marilyn and Brandi. The guys seem so comfortable and happy when three share four cages with one cage being the "bathroom!"

I have two openings left this month and both are Thursday mornings...November 11 and November 18. Also, let me know if you are available to help with dogs for the adoption event at PetSmart on Saturday and Sunday, November 13 & 14.

I will be doing the schedule for 2011 that includes the regulars. Please let me know if you want to change anything.

Good Week!!!

2010-10-23T12:11:00.005-04:00

We had a good week! Poncho went home Wednesday night and will be living with a nice family and a weimaraner. His new dad brought the dog into the Shelter to see how he would do with cats. The dog reacted very well to the cats and we are sure he will be respectful of Poncho and they will get along quite well.

Chuck and Annabelle went home last night. When Ruthann got the carrier ready for Chuck poor Tigger jumped in and didn't want to get out! I guess he has been enjoying his time with Chuck and wanted to go home with him. Chuck's family was pretty sad leaving Tigger after watching that. We need to get Tigger a home!!

Annabelle's new family is thrilled! They remarked several times on how soft and beautiful she is. She will be living with a very nice family.

Sheba is not doing so well at PetSmart. Some cats just don't do well in the "fish bowl" atmosphere or the communal living. She is exhibiting some signs of stress. She is becoming increasingly resistant to having her back touched and got a tad hissy yesterday. She will be fine with the staff at the Shelter.

Below is the trio arriving over the weekend. Jojo is a gray male and is a few years old. Not much seems to faze him! He does well with dogs, other cats and kids. He will be Tigger's new roommate. Marilyn is a sweet little calico about a year and a half old. She is another one who is pleasant and will be fine with other cats, dogs and kids. Brandi is special!! Look at her little black and white face and pink nose! She is so cute!! She is also about a year and half old. She may be a tad scared when she first arrives but I guarantee you will have her purring away if you hold her and talk to her. Although her profile recommends a home with older children please assure potential adopters that this is always a case by case basis. Some children do better than others with animals. Also, since she is a tad nervous adopters with a dog may not be a good fit. She is fine with other cats.

For now the three youngsters will continue to share the lower level. Mayhem and Sixty will continue to share their two cages. Leave the door shut between Brandi and Marilyn and give them a chance to settle in.

Next Saturday we will have cats and dogs at The Waggin Tail pet store on Route 9 in Erma for the inaugural (and hopefully annual) Howls and Growls Halloween Event from 12-3pm. Please spread the word! Our dogs and cats will be in costume! (Special thanks to Barb A for organizing this event.)

Every couple of months I need to remind everyone of a few logistical things. I hesitate to ever criticize as you are all volunteers and I would be lost without you!! The PetSmart program is very important to the Shelter cats. Let me first thank all of you for everything you do and for your continued commitment. Now...a couple of logistical reminders....

Food bowls need only to be filled half way.

Litter boxes need only to be filled about an inch to an inch and half from the bottom.

Empty the water jug before you leave.

One blanket per cage is PLENTY!

If you have time cut a few sheets of brown paper for the next volunteer if you see there isn't any left.

The November schedule looks good! Below is the dates & shifts that still need coverage:

Thursday, November 4, AM

Sunday, November 7, AM

Monday, November 8, PM

Thursday, November 11, AM

Friday, November 19, AM

Sunday, November 21, Adoption Table

Sunday, November 28, Adoption Table

Monday, November 29, PM

Let's hope we have a good weekend!!!

Welcome, Sixty and Mayhem!

2010-10-16T12:07:00.006-04:00

Clementine knew her time had finally arrived!! Like a perfect lady she allowed herself to be placed in a carrier for the journey home. Her new mom had a cart full of welcome gifts including a new bed. So happy for her!!

Doug fit in well with all the youngsters so now all four share the lower level. Chuck and Tigger are together in the big cage and are wearing each other out! Sheba is on the top floor with two cages.

Sixty and Mayhem are the new arrivals and will be sharing quarters at PetSmart. They were surrendered to the Shelter together when their owners moved and could not take them along. Sixty is white with patches of color and is so friendly! He is 7 months old. He is like a wiggle worm that you can do anything with! He loves to be held and loves attention. Mayhem is really not as her name implies - actually the opposite. She is quiet and gentle and watches over Sixty like a mom. She is a year old and has brown and black stripes. Ideally we would love to see these two adopted together however it is NOT a must. If anyone shows interest in one or the other we need to make sure they are aware of their shared history and using the skills of a master salesman we need to encourage them to take both!!

Here they are in separate pictures as well as together.

On Friday I dismantled the big cage and took the pieces into the back store room and scrubbed them down with hot water and lemon quat. Boy do I wish the cages and inserts were not made of that textured material! It is so hard to keep it clean.

We have really been doing well since summer ended and hopefully it will continue through the weekend - knock on wood!

Happy National Feral Cat Day ^..^ !!!!!

Oh My Darling, Clementine!!!

2010-10-14T17:13:00.006-04:00

Clementine is going home tomorrow night!! Yippee!! She is going to a very nice young family who can not wait to get her! She will live with three kids, mom and dad and a dog. I had a long conversation with her new mom and she totally understands that Clementine will need an adjustment period in her new home.

Cody went home last night. It sure didn't take him long! He left the store with a new family and a cart full of new kitty cat supplies!

Doug arrived at the store today. He is a male gray tiger - about five months old. He is one of a litter of six. Three have been adopted. He is super friendly and couldn't wait to explore his new surroundings at PetSmart. He actually seemed happy to be there! Doug's two brothers are still at the Shelter so let people know if they like him you know where to get them another!

Look ahead to November and let me know if you are available to fill in any of the empty days. There will be another adoption event at the store Friday through Sunday, November 12-14. As always I am hoping to have enough volunteers to be able to brings dogs to the store on Saturday and Sunday from 12:30-3:00pm.

Skippy and Streetz...YAY!!!!

2010-10-05T08:54:00.006-04:00

Yes, it's true!! Skippy AND Streetz went home this weekend! Streetz went home Friday night and Skippy went home on Saturday. What a great weekend! Skippy will be living with four other cats and a dog. His new family totally understands how important it is to slowly introduce him to the new environment. Their reign in the big cage is finally over!! (Kudos and special thanks to Ruthann for "closing the deal!")

Regal went home yesterday. He was brought to the Shelter in the morning where his new family picked him up in the afternoon. Tigger was having such a good time with him all morning rolling around and wrestling! I hope Tigger gets to go soon.

Three new guys are coming today. All three are young, friendly and energetic. I suspect Sky is gonna have a ball with these new friends!

Annabelle is a cream colored female about a year old. She is a total love bug! She is so friendly and just loves attention. She will be put in the cage next to Sky and after a day or two we can open the door between the cages. I think Sky will be happy to again have company. Here she is:

Poncho and Cody are both males and although they are not litter mates they have been sharing a
cage at the shelter. They will be put in the other two empty cages with the door open. They both came into the Shelter when they were about seven weeks old and that was in mid-June. They are about five months old now. Cody is orange and white and starts to purr as soon as you look at him! Poor guy was found in a trash can. Poncho is gray and white and is a friendly little guy! Both have no problem being picked up and held and love attention. Beware when you first set them free as they are gonna love to run about! Meet Poncho & Cody:

Please....another reminder....do not put soiled litter pans in the cabinets beneath the cages. There was four in there yesterday. It is so important that the room be kept clean and not have an unpleasant odor. I know it is difficult to clean the pans in the area in the back room. Ugh. So, at minimum spray the pans down with the lemon quat and wipe them clean.

The store was totally out of paper towels on Monday. Hopefully more will have arrived today. Look in the back room or ask the manager if they have arrived. For now there is a box of disposables hand wipes to use which should easily carry us over until the paper towels arrive.

Only two openings left on the October schedule: Monday, October 11 in the evening and Thursday, October 14 in the morning. Let me know if you are available.

This was such a good week!! Boots, Streetz, Skippy and Regal all leaving is awesome! Let's hope it continues at this rate! We still have MANY kittens at the Shelter so please tell people interested that we got 'em!! Thanks again for all your help!!

Boots and Moon Go Home

2010-10-01T09:38:00.005-04:00

Boots and Moon went home on Wednesday night. No, they did not go together. Actually an applicant came to meet Skippy and decided on Moon. Poor Skippy! But, after learning the hold was pulled on Skippy ANOTHER applicant called the Shelter and will be in tonight to meet him. Keep your fingers crossed. This new applicant is a regular at PetSmart and has seen Skippy there for a long time. Ruthann, let's see you close the deal tonight!!

The family who adopted Boots was considering Tigger as well. Unfortunately when they were introduced to Tigger he...um...shall we say...acted up a tad. There was a little scratching and some acting out so they decided to just take Boots.

Chuck was brought to the store yesterday. He is a big handsome orange and white cat with a lot of attitude!! He is really cool. Chuck is a few years old - maybe three. He has a lot of energy so will enjoy play time out of a cage. Check out Chuck below....

We will cap the number of cats at PetSmart at eight. It seems to get too cramped when we exceed that number. Right now we have four males and four females. I'm going to try to keep it a good mix like that.

Saucers is being picked up this weekend from the Shelter. Remember sweet little Lady, the gray tabby? She has been adopted from the Shelter and will live in a quiet home as the only cat. It is a perfect fit for her.

October is national Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog month. We will be having a couple of special events to increase awareness of the plight of shelter animals. On Saturday, October 8, 11a-1p, we will be at the Stone Harbor Post Office with dogs and cats. On Saturday, October 16, Sandy Paws Mobile Grooming will spend the day at the Shelter pampering our dogs and instructing visitors on the importance of grooming pets. On Saturday, October 30, 12-3pm, we will be at the Wagging Tail in Erma for a Halloween Adoption Event. Volunteers are needed to help Barb A with the event at the Wagging Tail so if you are interested please let me know. In order for dogs to go Barb will need help.

The October schedule has a few holes that are listed below. Thursday and Friday mornings are tough to fill!! Let me know if you can cover any of the below dates:

Friday, Oct 8, AM

Monday, Oct 11, PM

Thursday, Oct 14, AM

Friday, Oct 15, AM

Friday, Oct 22, AM

Thurs, Oct 28, AM

Friday, Oct 29, AM

Two New Arrivals

2010-09-24T21:03:00.005-04:00

Sweet little Saucers was brought back to the Shelter on Wednesday. One of her eyes was looking sore, was slightly closed, runny and irritated. She was not congested and showed no signs of upper respiratory problems. She is doing fine and will be back soon. Maybe she was scratched or got something in it.

Sheba arrived on Wednesday afternoon. She is a beautiful soft gray kitty with gold eyes. She came into the Shelter as a stray but was already spayed. She is a couple of years old. She is a pleasant cat and was friendly from the start and adapted well at the Shelter. Hopefully she will do the same at PetSmart.

Regal is a lovebug!!! He is the kinda cat that walks right out the door and into your arms when you open the cage! He is a black and white male and is a few years old. He is so handsome and so friendly! You guys are gonna love him!

You will see that changes were made to the profile posted for Boots and Tigger. It is made clear on the new profile that the two cats do not have to be adopted together. Although you should encourage a potential adopter to take both please do not discourage someone if they are only interested in one.

The September schedule WAS complete...I said WAS! Coverage is needed for the morning cleaning on Tuesday, September 28 and for the evening cleaning on Thursday, September 30. Please let me know ASAP if you are available on either day.

Please look ahead to October and let me know your availability.

Casper Finally Gets To Go Home!

2010-09-08T09:31:00.003-04:00

Casper left on Saturday and his new family is delighted to have him! They arrived thirty minutes early to pick him up. Streetz was moved into the big cage with Skippy.

This weekend is the fall adoption event at PetSmart (Sept 10, 11, 12). Kittens will be brought to the store Friday afternoon and picked up Sunday afternoon. If you are scheduled for morning cleanings keep this in mind and allot some extra time. Kittens can be messy!

I have volunteers for Saturday to help with dogs from 1-3pm. I'm looking for people to do the same hours on Sunday. If you are also available on Saturday please let me know. The more volunteers there are the more dogs we can bring.

Six rolls of paper were brought to the store last week. Five were given to the manager, Stacey, and one was put in the adoption room. Whoever takes the last roll let me know so the supply can be replenished.

We all survived another summer! Let's hope kitten season is over, too!

Below is the dates still open this month:
Sept 16, Thursday, AM

Sept 17, Friday, AM

Sept, 22, Wed, PM or Adoption Table

Sept 29, PM or Adoption Table

Two New Arrivals

2010-08-31T19:19:00.003-04:00

Two cats were brought to PetSmart today to replace the cages vacated by Ronnie and Charlie. Both are petite females that are really friendly.

Cassie is a beautiful shade of gray and is under a year old. In June she was found under a house in Wildwood crying for food. She was really thin and so hungry. She was wearing a collar so the person who found her knocked on all the doors in the surrounding area but no one knew where she belonged.

Saucers is a few years old and is awesome!! She is so friendly and can be quite vocal. She will reach out to you through the cage for love and attention!

Both Cassie and Saucers should settle in without a problem however give it a few days before you open the doors to their cages. Remember, they have been living solo for months and cats need to take their time when dealing with changes in their environment.

Here they are:

Bobbie Sue seems to be having a little trouble with her back legs and we fear it may be due to lack of movement and being cramped in the cage. She really has put on weight at PetSmart. She is back at the Shelter and at night we let her loose in the lobby so she can get those legs moving and get some exercise.

Calendar update: Thursday, September 2, has been filled. Please look at the previous post and let me know if you can cover any of the remaining days.

Keep your paws crossed that Hurricane Earl does not cause any damage along the east coast as it travels this way.

Some Old Friends Go Home!

2010-08-27T18:34:00.004-04:00

Wow! The last entry I did was July 31! How did that happen?? I do have good news... Charlie and Ronnie were brought to the Shelter this week and were picked up by their new parents. Their foster parents are THRILLED to see them going home together.

The below litter mates arrived at the store Wednesday afternoon. Sky is a female brown tabby and Moon is her brother. They are really nice! Of course if they go to the same home the adoption fee for both is $70. It is not a MUST that they go together but it sure would be nice!

The fall adoption weekend at PetSmart is Friday - Sunday, September 10-12. I am hoping to have dogs at the store on Saturday and Sunday so let me know if you are available so we can make that happen.

There is still some openings on the September schedule. Here they are:

Thursday, AM, September 2

Thursday, AM, September 16

Friday, AM, September 17

Wednesday, PM or Adoption Table, September 22

Wednesday, PM or Adoption Table, September 29

Thursday, AM, September 30

Here's some more good news.... Remember Anya and Willow? They were adopted together two weeks ago! And remember poor Belle who left only to be brought back two days later? She was adopted along with her brother, Beau, and they are very happy in their new home!! Oh...and Fendi and Gucci?? Remember them?? They too were adopted together! I need to remember to let you all know when the guys you met and took care of get adopted from the Shelter. I can't believe I haven't shared all this sooner!!

Please let me know if you can cover any of the above dates. Thanks for your help!!

Bad Break For Belle

2010-07-31T07:28:00.004-04:00

Sadly, Belle was brought back to the shelter in less than forty-eight hours. I am so sad for her. She went home Wednesday night. Thursday night the couple who adopted her tried to bring her back to the store. By this time the cages had been filled and the store manager told them to call us in the morning. In the meantime she left me a phone message and I immediately called the people. It seems Belle hid under the bed initially which I tried to assure them was totally to be expected. She later told me that Belle also urinated on their bed and they immediately decided they would not keep her. Poor old Belle.

Patch went home Wednesday night also. His family seems very nice and very excited to get him. He was a surprise for one of the kids.

On Thursday Tigger and Boots arrived. They are just over a year old. If adopted together their fee is $35. Tigger is a brown and gray tabby and Boots is an orange tiger. Their story is one we have heard too often lately... Their owners were evicted and had many animals and could not keep all of them when they moved out. They relinquished four cats and a nine year old Rottwieller to the Shelter. Among the cats was Boots and Tigger, a kitten, and a nine-year old full bred male Maine Coon cat named Huey. He is beautiful! The kitten and the Rottie have been adopted. Huey is at the Shelter. I would really like to see these two leave together however they can be adopted apart as well. Both are very friendly.

At the Shelter we have decided to offer microchipping to Cape May County residents on a regular basis. Please read the press release under Shelter In The News to the right.

Kittens from the Shelter will again be brought to PetSmart over this weekend by volunteers from Animal Outreach. This program has been a huge help to us! Special thanks to Anne!!

No takers for tomorrow morning yet... Don't forget...you can sleep in a bit as the store does not open until 10am. I do not have a taker for Thursday morning either....

Lots Going On!!

2010-07-27T18:12:00.003-04:00

Finally it looks like the heat has broken and people are leaving their homes and adopting our kitties!! Let's hope it continues! Alice and Cindy left on Sunday. It is great that they get to go together! Leona reports that their new dad is wonderful and very nice.

Belle and Patch will be going home Wednesday night. Belle will be splitting her time between Cape May Court House and Lancaster along with two other feline siblings. Patch will be living with a couple of kids but no other animals. Both are great homes!

Clementine is fine so expect her back very soon.

Tomorrow two kittens, Ronnie and Charlie, will be arriving. These two boys have been raised in one of our many foster homes and are fun and sweet and nice! You know the deal - they go together and the adoption fee is a total of $70. Both are black and white - Charlie is the one with the white chin. They are just a few months old. Here they are:

On Thursday, after Belle and Patch have gone, we will bring down two adult cats and probably Clementine. Dora was brought back to the Shelter on Sunday. She was involved in a bit of a cat fight and a volunteer was bitten and scratched by her as she attempted to break them up. By law she must now be quarantined for ten days. She is fine and is none the worse for wear. Don't worry about her! (The volunteer will be okay, too!)

The August schedule looks great. There is only two openings - both are mornings: Sunday, August 1 and Thursday, August 5. Let me know if you are available to cover either day.

Stay cool!

Cindy and Alice Arrive

2010-07-15T21:01:00.003-04:00

Anya and Willow came back but had to return to the Shelter. They are having a difficult time shaking an upper respiratory infection. Looks like they will be spending some more time in sick bay. Poor little guys!

Alice and Cindy are the new kittens that arrived Wednesday. They are part of a litter of four girls named Marcia, Cindy, Jan and Alice. Get it?? The Brady Bunch! Jan and Marcia have been adopted and these two are still left. Alice is smokey gray and Cindy is a tiger. They are about three and half months old and are typical kittens. They love each other and they love to play. Should they get adopted together the fee is $70.

Skippy was limping around on three legs so we brought him back to the Shelter and he saw the vet today. No worries!! He is fine. The vet feels he has a patella that actually shifts out of place from time to time. He feels this is most likely something Skippy was born with and should not stop him from having a wonderful little kitty cat life. Once at the Shelter he was putting weight on all four legs. He will be back by the weekend.

Has the heat slowed down our adoptions or what?? We did get an application on Patch but it will not work out. The hold has been pulled. This weekend volunteers from Animal Outreach will have kittens from the Shelter at the store on both Saturday and Sunday. They have been a big help. Through their efforts two of our kittens were adopted July 4th weekend. Hopefully more will be adopted this week.

The August schedule is just about complete. Coverage is only needed on two days and both are mornings: Sunday, August 1 and Thursday, August 5. Let me know if you can cover.

Meet the last of the Brady Bunch:

The Old Guy Gets A Home!

2010-07-08T19:29:00.005-04:00

Well, well, well...guess who went home yesterday...our old buddy Archie!! And guess who took him home...one of our very own PetSmart volunteers who also happens to be my mom! Here is a picture of him in his introduction cage. It is quite large and he is very comfy in it. This way he can be slowly introduced into his new home and to his new sister. Mom LOVES him!

Anya and Willow came back today. As promised here is finally a photo. Anya is the lighter colored of the two. They are just about four months old.

Until the end of the month if someone adopts a cat or kitten from the Shelter - this includes our PetSmart kitties - the Animal Alliance of Cape May County will pay the adoption fee for a second cat. Please keep this in mind for Anya and Willow as well as the rest of the guys. Also, if anyone inquires about kittens please send them to the Shelter!

The updated July and August schedule has been posted in the cage room. I do have one opening in July...it is Friday morning, July 30. Please let me know if you can cover it. Also please look ahead to August.

There is a new notebook in the adoption table when the present one is filled. More hold agreements, adoption applications and volunteer applications were placed in the folders. For those of you who send cats home...another form has been added to each packet that requires a signature - I know, I know.... It is a liability waiver. Please make sure to get that signed when adoptions are finalized.

The shelter is participating at the Whale of a Day Family Street Festival on Clubhouse Drive in Town Bank this Saturday, July 10. This event is sponsored by the organization Historic Townbank, Inc and will feature many vendors, food and family fun. Shelter volunteers will have a table at the Festival along with a dog and a litter of kittens. The animals will arrive in the morning at around 10:30 and the length of their stay will depend upon the heat. If you are in the area stop by and say hi to Barb and Larissa.

Also, next weekend on Saturday, July 17 Paw Pals is having their annual yard sale from 8am-3pm at 915 Towerview Road in Erma. Paw Pals is an organization formed by Shelter volunteer Barb Allison. Each year she gives a portion of the proceeds from this sale to the Shelter and to the Farm Sanctuary. Last year they purchased the furniture that is in our new pet introduction room at the Shelter. If you have any items to add to the sale or if you can help Barb that day shoot me an e-mail for her phone number.

I hope you and all your furry friends are staying cool in this heat!! Thanks for all your help!

New Arrivals....

2010-06-24T20:17:00.003-04:00

Both Fendi and Gucci seem to have an allergy to something we are using at PetSmart - maybe the litter. Both were doing well at the Shelter and after arriving at PetSmart they appeared to have eye irritations and sneezing. We brought both back to the Shelter and it is clearing up.

Poor old man Archie. We brought him back today to see our vet who comes in every Thursday. We did a geriatric blood work up and will know more when that comes back. The vet feels he is an old cat - 14 or 15 - and suffering from aging and arthritis. He is comfortable with us so please do not worry. We know he is special!

So, we had a lot of open cages to fill. Clementine arrived and is a very pretty young calico. She is good with other cats, dogs and kids. She loves to be brushed and is affectionate. Belle is a black and white female and is really really friendly! Her last owner surrendered her to the Shelter along with another cat because they could no longer care for them. Belle is eight years old and is de-clawed.

Two kittens came also...sisters named Anya and Willow. I'll add their pictures tomorrow. They are young - three months old. Anya is a tiger cat and playful but a tad aloof. Willow is a blue cream torti and is the more affectionate of the two. Of course they are sharing a cage.

Representatives from the Shelter are at two events this weekend... The Woodbine Chamber of Commerce Family Festival on Saturday and the Jaws Youth Fund Fitness Festival in Stone Harbor on Sunday.

Only three time slots still open in July. Please look ahead and if you can cover any of them let me know:

Monday, July 12, PM

Monday, July 19, PM

Saturday, July 10, AM

Little Peter Went Home!

2010-06-18T16:12:00.007-04:00

Little Peter went home today! His new family also adopted a female kitten that is about the same age. A very happy little girl left the Shelter with Peter and his girlfriend.

One of the last arrivals, Gucci (orange tabby), developed an irritation in one of her eyes. We suspect she may be allergic to the litter we use there as this condition did not appear here at the Shelter. We brought her back and will see if it clears up.

Streetz arrived today. She is about a year and a half old. She was brought to us in September because the owner was pregnant and did not want her any longer. She is very nice and fine with other cats. Right now she is petrified and was panting when she arrived at the store. Remember she has spent about half of her life here in a cage so this change is pretty traumatic. She is in the Open Your Heart and Home program so her adoption fee is $10.

I had a cancellation for Saturday, June 26 in the morning. Let me know if you can cover it.

I was mistaken on the last blog entry - tomorrow volunteers will be at Skimmer Weekend in Sea Isle City along with Cora, the dog, and a litter of kittens.

Animal Outreach will be helping us by bringing our kittens to PetSmart every other weekend all summer beginning tomorrow. Thanks, AO!!

We had some great news here at the Shelter... Almost two years ago a previous manager put us on the waiting list for a cat sanctuary located in Flemingon, NJ called Tabby's Place. Well, they called and it was our turn! We drove five adult cats up there today! Check them out at www.tabbysplace.org

We got some great coverage in the Atlantic City Press yesterday. I put the link to the article on the right under Shelter In the News.

The July schedule is just about complete. Please check it out and let me know if you can cover any of the open dates.

Diana Goes Home, Patch comes Back!

2010-06-12T09:10:00.004-04:00

Yes, our boy Patch is back. You may remember him from a short while back. He is very very sweet and will walk out of the cage and hug you! In case you don't remember him or never met him here he is:

Diana left last night. When Ruth arrived to open the adoption table the family was waiting! She is going to have a good life now. If you remember...she was found under a house in Rio Grande and was skin and bones. She had a severely injured front paw and spent quite a bit of time in sick bay when she first arrived.

Peter is doing well! Someone did come in to meet him at the Shelter after first seeing him at PetSmart. Maybe he is allergic to the litter or it just makes him sick. We'll continue to watch him for a few more days.

Vick & Vito Go Home Together!

2010-06-10T20:59:00.003-04:00

Vick and Vito went home last night together! A family of five met them on Sunday and the two gray boys became dad's birthday present. Everyone in the house is excited! They are going to get a lot of attention and be a part of a great family.

Cute little Peter has been sick so we brought him back to the Shelter today. Poor guy has been vomiting for a few days now. He has two sisters at the Shelter so we will let him hang out with them and maybe bring them all to the store when he feels better.

We looked at Archie today as we have had reports of a lump on his neck which may be itching him and possibly ear issues. His ears were a little waxy but fine. The little lump is nothing to worry about. Archie is an old man and requires a little extra TLC. He suffers from arthritis and possibly has some old healed fractures. He is a good boy that just needs to go home where he can live out his golden years in comfort.

Two sisters arrived today - Fendi and Gucci. Fendi is a calico and Gucci is an orange tiger. Gucci is a BIG girl! Both cats are about a year and a half old and are very friendly. They were brought to the Shelter together and reportedly strays. Upon arrival they had already been spayed and had obviously been well cared for. We suspect they were abandoned. Based on the fact that we did not have to pay for the spay surgery we can offer both cats IF TAKEN TOGETHER for the price of one - $35. Needless to say they are sharing two cages. Here they are...

I took one of the little cubbies into the back room and scrubbed it today. A wire brush and hot water made that nasty purple colored stain come right off! I plan to get in there and do them all very soon.

Just a reminder...when you feel that a cat has an issue requiring medical attention please contact the Shelter either by phone or e-mail. The e-mail address is animalshelter@cmcsheriff.net. Do not just e-mail me. The medical staff will get your e-mail first thing in the morning and can plan on going to the store. Put something like "PetSmart - Attn Medical" in the subject and Cc me as well. The phone is answered Monday through Saturday from 8am-4pm and on Sunday 9am-4pm.

Thanks to Joyce, Ron and Charlotte we will have an informational table at the Skimmer Weekend Festival in Sea Isle City this Saturday from 9a-4pm. If you are in the area stop by and say hi.

The June schedule is complete! Thanks to those who jumped in on the last few. Please look ahead to July and let me know what you can do.

Roxanne Goes Home!!

2010-06-03T08:02:00.002-04:00

Yes, it's true! Our Foxy Roxie finally went home last night. Her new owner is so excited! She came into the Shelter on Wednesday and completed the application. She picked up Roxanne last night after shopping for TONS of new cat accessories. I just double checked and Roxanne was first introduced on January 1. Wow!!

George went home last night also and will be joining Karen and Cheyenne who are doing really well in their new home.

In the next couple of days new cats will be brought to the store. I'll let everyone know when that happens.

Please look at the June schedule - there is still several open dates.

New Arrivals: Identical Twins and Lady Di

2010-05-29T17:16:00.005-04:00

Poor Patch is sneezy so we brought him back to the Shelter til he gets better. We did some re-arranging and three very nice kitties arrived on Thursday.

Diana is really really really friendly! She came in as a stray and had an injured foot so spent quite a lot of time in our sick room. She is black and white and has gained some weight since joining us. I think you are going to love her.

Vick and Vito are two gray males who are identical. Because they are impossible to tell apart we put collars on them. They came in when their owner was no longer able to take care of them. Both are really friendly. Since they came in neutered and medically tested and we did not incur that cost should someone adopt them together the fee is $35. Should they be adopted separately each one will be $35.

Here's Diana and the two boys:

Five rolls of brown paper were dropped off at the store this week. Four were placed in the manager's officer and one in the adoption center. Let me know when you ask for a new roll so I will have an idea when I need to get more.

The following dates are still open in June:

June 9, Wednesday, PM or Adoption Table

June 10, Thursday, AM

June 18, Friday, AM

June 22, Thursday, AM

June 24, Thursday, AM

June 29, Thursday, AM

Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!!!

Karen & Cheyenne Go Home Together

2010-05-23T14:59:00.005-04:00

It was a good week! A woman who adopted a little dog from the Shelter saw Cheyenne at PetSmart and applied to adopt her. When she went to pick her up Friday night she also met Karen and decided to take her as well. What a lucky lot!! When Karen's mom saw she was not crazy about getting into a cardboard carrier she went all the way home for a larger dog carrier and came back with it. When she left she told George that she just may be back for him, too! Wow!

Two good natured males arrived today. There is Casper who is three years old. For the most part he is white with the exception of his tail which is black and a couple of smaller dark spots. Casper was dumped at a feral cat colony - eartipped and all. He is affectionate and likes to be held. Patch is a four year old with a nice calm temperament. He will jump right into your arms! He is white with gray patches. Both of these guys are good with other cats. Here they are:

I am so happy that we brought Heiress to PetSmart! She had been at the Shelter for so long! Well, at PetSmart she was seen by a woman who has adopted from us in the past and she immediately called the Shelter and her application was approved right then and there. She was picked up from the Shelter on Monday.

Liam's new dad brought pictures to PetSmart on Wednesday showing him hanging out with his new buddy, Skinny. He is doing great!!

Just a word of caution...PLEASE when you work the adoption table do not assure someone that their application will be approved. Simply tell them that it will be reviewed and someone from the Shelter will be contacting them. Also, if they need to provide paperwork tell them that the quicker they provide the Shelter with the paperwork the quicker the application will be processed. Just because the applicant indicates they own their home this does not necessarily mean they actually do.

The June schedule is shaping up well but there is still some openings. Please look at it and let me know if there is anything you can do.

If you know anyone interested in adopting a kitten please let them know that we have many!! In a few weeks we will be bringing them to PetSmart on weekends.

Special thanks to Ruthann for adding Friday as another night the adoption table is open. It is working out well!!

Good luck, Tipper!!

2010-05-12T20:08:00.003-04:00

Little Tipper was adopted and went home over the weekend. She will be living with a sixteen year old girl who is so thrilled to have her! Tipper is a great Shelter success story. She is thankful for a good Samaritan, a kind foster home and a new loving family!

Liam's adoption application has been approved and he is going home tonight (Wednesday). He will be living with one of those hairless cats named Skinny. His new dad is so incredibly excited about bringing Liam home. Being such a friendly outgoing guy I'm sure Skinny will like him!

Two new cats arrived today. Heiress is a big old calico...and I mean big! She is going to require two cages. She was left behind when her owner moved and has been in the Shelter for months. She is a sweetheart.

Bobby Sue is a tiger cat with no tail. She came to us a stray but must have been someone's pet at some time because she is also de-clawed. She is not going to want to jump in with everyone during play time. Bobby Sue is not crazy about other felines nor dogs. She will need to go into a home that has no other pets.

Spyder has been "acting out" lately with the other kitties - growling, swatting, etc. Tomorrow (Thursday) we're going to bring him back to the Shelter as communal living seems to be stressing him out. If everything goes as planned Liam will be picked up and two more cats will arrive before the weekend. I'll keep you posted on that.

Kittens, kittens, kittens!!! Yes, we have kittens! Should anyone ask please let them know that we have approximately thirty kittens in foster homes between the ages of three and six weeks. The older ones will be brought back to the Shelter very soon, given a first round of shots and available for foster pending adoption. If anyone is interested tell them to call the Shelter.

We did have a little run of upper respiratory infection at the store but it has been addressed and appears to be over. Zeus and Apollo are doing well and are in a big cage together at the Shelter.

There is still three remaining dates in May that need to be filled...two Friday mornings (May 14 & 28) and a Monday evening (May 31). Please let me know if you can cover any of the three.

Good Bye Gus - Hello Liam!

2010-04-29T17:57:00.005-04:00

It didn't take Gus long to get adopted! He was not crazy about being stuffed into a carrier but he will be just fine. His new family is wonderful and he will be have the best of everything.

The person interested in Spider then Cheyenne has changed her mind. There is no application pending for either cat. This is another example of why we should never discourage a second application.

Liam arrived today. He is a nice cat!! He is friendly and good with other cats and kids. He will love being able to run around. He is one of those soft buff colored guys that people really like. His belly does not tolerate wet food so please make sure any potential adopters are made aware of this fact. He's really cute! This picture says it all....

We are all set for this weekend's adoption event. Dogs will be at the store on Saturday and Sunday from 12:00-3:00. Please spread the word. The forecast is beautiful so hopefully a lot of people will be out and about.

Also, the Shelter will be at the Cape May Post Office on Washington Street tomorrow 11:30am-1:30pm for the unveiling of the stamp Animal Rescue: Adopt A Shelter Pet. Animal OutReach, Animal Alliance of Cape May County and Beacon Animal Rescue will be there as well. There will be both dogs and cats available for adoption from all the organizations. WCZT 98.7 The Coast will be broadcasting live from the event. If you can not stop by at least tune in! You can read all about this nationwide campaign by clicking on Stamps To The Rescue under Links to the right.

There is three openings left on the PetSmart schedule for May:
Friday, May 15, AM

Friday, May 28, AM

Monday, May 31, PM

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not leave soiled litter pans in the cage room, in a cabinet or in the adoption room. There is a sink in the back room where they can be rinsed out. If you do not know where it is please ask a store manager or associate to help you. Disease control and odor control are very important!!!!

Adios Don Juan!!

2010-04-21T20:19:00.002-04:00

No, I am not the least bit surprised that Don Juan arrived on Friday and went home on Sunday! His new family had two carts full of stuff for him when they came to pick him up! He is gonna be totally pampered.

Little Tipper arrived at PetSmart today. She is very special! Tipper is about six months old but looks younger. She was brought into the Shelter in mid-January by a man who found her lying by the side of the rode in the pouring rain. She had a wound on her lower back and her back legs appeared to be paralyzed. The vet recommended "physical therapy" which was accomplished by holding her up and allowing her to very gently put weight on the back legs as well as fully extend them. Well, she pulled through like a champ!! After a month or so she went into foster where she continued to get her therapy and also got to hang out with the resident big cats. She had a ball! (Thank you, Jenny!! You did good!!) Please keep an extra eye on Tipper when she is playing. We also recommend that due to her injury she not go into a house with small children. She is precious....

The May schedule has some openings. Please let me know if you can fill any of the below dates:
Sunday, AM, May 2

Thursday, AM, May 13

Friday, AM, May 14

Monday, PM, May 24

Thursday, AM, May 27

Friday, AM, May 28

Monday, PM, May 31

Don't forget the adoption event the weekend of April 30. I plan to have dogs at the store on Saturday and Sunday from 12:30-3:00. If you can help please let me know.

Little Guys & Booger Go Home!

2010-04-16T17:43:00.005-04:00

Dimitri and Skipper left on Wednesday night. They are going to a perfect home! Their new mom is a groomer who also has experience with special needs animals. She came to the Shelter on Thursday and told us that they did great their first night.

The whole family came to the store Wednesday night to pick up Booger! They were all so excited to take him home. New dad is a crazy cat man! I love Booger's little round face!

Wait til you see the three that came today! I don't think they're going to remain homeless very long. Cheyenne looks like a pure bred Russian Blue. She is beautiful! She has plush gray fur, beautiful green eyes and a little smile that will make YOU smile! Don Juan will amaze you! He is so handsome - you will not be able to believe he came in as a stray. You can't miss the Siamese in him. It is amazing that no one is missing him! Gus is one cool tom cat! He is friendly and nice and loves attention.

Cheyenne does have a bit of an issue but it is easily handled. She can only eat Science Diet Adult Light dry food. We brought down a marked container. After trial and error we found she tolerates this food - and only this food - without having "issues." She is allowed to come out and play with everyone but otherwise keep her alone in a cage. We don't want her having access to the other food.

Tomorrow 10:30AM - 3:30PM staff, volunteers, dogs and cats will be at the annual Cape May County Earth Day Fair at the Cape May County Park. Coming to the park is Willy the black lab and Elvis the English Pointer. Both are good boys, good with kids and would be great family dogs. They will be joined by the feline boys Archie (the orange and white guy) and Liam (the buff colored one). Both these cats are friendly and outgoing! If you know anyone interested in adding a family pet please send them to the park!

Don't forget about the adoption event at PetSmart in two weeks - Friday, April 30 - Sunday, May 2. Let me know if you can help out. Click on "Shelter in the News" to the right for the County press release detailing the event.

Wally Settles In and the Gods Arrive!

2010-03-31T08:49:00.004-04:00

Yay!! Wally is settled into his new home and doing just fine!! He is living with a new sister named Buttercup (a calico also adopted from us a couple of years ago) and is doing very well. Wally definitely took the long way home!

Two little cuties arrived at the end of last week...Zeus and Apollo. These two boys are litter mates and we hope they get adopted together. You can tell them apart by their feet - Apollo is a polydachtal and has big white feet with extra toes. (You can clearly see that in the picture below). Both are very sweet and playful and just LOVE each other!

Lady has a very sore chin so we brought her back to the shelter on Tuesday. It appears to be a case of feline acne that requires some medical attention so she will stay at the shelter until it clears up. Don't worry...she is just fine with us! Our cats in sick bay get the BEST care!!

There is still two mornings in April that need to be filled...both are Thursdays...April 22 and April 29. Let me know if you are available.

The Spring adoption event at PetSmart this year is Friday through Sunday, April 30 - May 2. I am hoping to extend the hours of the adoption table on Saturday and Sunday and also to be able to bring dogs to the store on both days. Please let me know if you are available to help.

The Shelter is also participating again in the annual Cape May County Earth Day Fair held at the County Park on Saturday, April 17. Volunteers are needed to man the table and to bring dogs to the event. Please let me know if you can do either.

On Friday, April 30 the shelter staff will be at the Cape May City Post Office from 11:30am to 1:30pm with several other animal advocacy groups from Cape May County to participate in the unveiling of a special stamp created by the Unites States Postal Service to bring awareness to the plight of shelter animals. For more information on this national campaign go to www.stampstotherescue.com. If you are available to help that day please let me know.

Have a wonderful holiday!! I hope the Easter bunny is good to all of you!!

It's Back & Forth For Spider and Wally

2010-03-23T19:53:00.003-04:00

Three cats went home this weekend and two already came back. As I said in the title...this week has been back and forth for poor Spider and Wally. Wally was adopted on Saturday and went home. He was going to live with another de-clawed cat who had been adopted from us two years ago. Well, Wally's new roommate wanted nothing to do with him and made it clear! Poor Wally was back at PetSmart before the adoption table even closed on Saturday.

Spider went home on Sunday and came back to PetSmart today. He was going to live with another cat adopted from us a few years ago also. This time it was Spider who was not crazy about living with the other cat. Each day he appeared to get more and more upset when faced with his new roommate. Also, there was a Jack Russel who came over often to visit and Spider did not like him either. So...Spider came back today.

BUT...it looks like Wally will be going where Spider just came from. Initially the couple was interested in Wally but when they came to put a hold on him he was gone. They decided on Spider. They feel Wally was meant to be with them all along. Let's hope this true!!! They plan to pick up Big Wally tomorrow night.

During all this drama Shaina made a very quiet, uneventful exit - thank God! She left on Sunday and will be the only cat in the household. Her new dad seems to understand her personality and it looks like a good match. (Unfortunately I don't have a picture of the big girl so can not feature her to the right! I decided to just leave our girl Peaches for another week or so!)

You guys are gonna love our newest arrival - Booger! He is so cute and so friendly and fun! He is less than a year old and as the name implies - he's a little booger!! He was surrendered to the Shelter so came to us with that name. We decided to keep it (much to the dismay of some of the staff) because it seems to fit...you'll see!! Meet Booger:

Below is the dates still open in April. You know the drill...let me know if you can cover any of the openings:

April 1, Thursday, AM

April 4, Sunday, AM

April 11, Sunday, PM or Adoption Table

April 12, Monday, PM

April 22, Thursday, AM

April 25, Sunday, PM or Adoption Table

April 29, Thursday, AM

A new stock of the smaller clear litter pans was brought to the store today.

The next adoption event at PetSmart is Friday through Sunday, April 30-May 2 so please mark your calendars. As always I am hoping to be able to extend the hours on the adoption table and bring dogs to the store.

Three Adoptions This Week!

2010-03-18T19:08:00.004-04:00

Wonderful week!!! Gemma was adopted along with a cat at the Shelter named Oscar. Their new family is going away so the two will not be picked up until April 3. Gemma went back to the Shelter until then. Rascal went home on Tuesday. He will be joining two other cats and a dog so will have plenty of company. (I still am amazed it took so long for him to find a home.) Peaches went home Wednesday night. She will be the only cat so it appears her reign of terror has ended! There is going to be a lot less swatting and hissing going on now when everyone comes out to play!

Big Wally never got a proper introduction as I was away when he arrived at PetSmart. He is a good boy! He and his brother Lance were brought to the Shelter a few days before Christmas. Wally is about five years old. He was no problem at all to his family. A new baby was born into his family and she was allergic to cats so Wally and Lance had to go. Lance was adopted about a month ago and the new family already had one cat and did not want three. At the Shelter we all love Big Wally!! Wally is de-clawed.

Three new cats arrived today - all are VERY nice, of course! Karen is a black female lap cat. She is approximately five years old. She came into the Shelter in August a beat up little thing - barely weighing five pounds. She is healthy as a horse now and weighs in at over thirteen pounds! We are proud of how well she has done.

Nicky is wonderful! He is a tiger cat with a lot of white on him and is about four years old. He is super friendly. He went to Crest Memorial Elementary School with Shelter employees for career day and did really well. The new surroundings and all the students did not bother him at all. He will settle in quickly.

Spider is a year old and is another nice, playful guy. He was brought to the Shelter because his owner was sick and could no longer keep him. He has always been an indoor cat. He may be a little shy at first but will be fine. Please give him a little time to settle in.

Here they are...Karen, Nicky and Spider:

Everything went well while I was away! Thank you for being such a great reliable group!

Please look to the right and read the new article under "Shelter In The News." At the end of the article Cape May County Sheriff Gary Schaffer talks about the shelter.

Stay tuned for some Spring events where the Shelter will be participating!

Look at the April calendar and let me know if you are available to cover any of the open dates.

Quiet Weekend

2010-02-28T17:06:00.004-05:00

Very quiet weekend. We did have a new arrival that I had not yet told you about that is going to be going home with one of our volunteers. Unfortunately I do not have a picture. Opal, a white long-haired declawed female, will be going home with Ruth either tomorrow or Tuesday. She came into the shelter very matted and with a terrible wound on her neck. She was so pathetic! Her arrival at PetSmart has caused quite a stir among both the volunteers and the customers. Ruth fell for her!!! I can guarantee that this sweet cat will be pampered and happy from now on!

PetSmart Charities, Inc announced that effective today (February 28) all adoption centers must now feed Pro Plan food and use Tidy Cat litter. The managers at the store are aware of this. I filled both bins with the new products and taped exactly what we are to use on the wall above them. Pro Plan will also be providing litter pans and food and water bowls that we must use. When they arrive at the store the manager will place them in the adoption room. Whoever sees them first - please let me know! I am not sure what they look like and the manager does not know either. I hope (fingers crossed) that the bowls fit in the metal rings and the litter pans are suitable.

We are adding another schedued adoption table on Friday evenings 6:00-8:00pm that Ruth will handle. Thank you, Ruth!! This should be a big help!

As I mentioned a week or so ago I am going away from Wednesday, March 3 through Tuesday, March 9. If you have an issue or need to cancel please e-mail animalshelter@cmcsheriff.net and put "Attn: PetSmart Volunteer" in the subject. Remember, you can call the Shelter Monday through Saturday 8:00am - 4:00pm and on Sundays 9:00am - 4:00pm at 465-8923 or call PetSmart at 886-7356 and ask for a manager. If you are doing the adoption table the weekend of March 6 fax applications as you normally would. The Shelter Assistant Manager, Leslie, will be reviewing and approving applications. We won't miss a beat!!

The Shelter is now on Facebook! Please encourage anyone you know to become a fan of the Cape May County Animal Shelter & Adoption Center.

Two openings are left in March:
Friday, March 12, AM

Sunday, March 14, Adoption Table

Don't be afraid to look ahead to April :-)

Good Week!!

2010-02-22T07:35:00.004-05:00

Two of our buddies went home in the last few days...Nigella and Jordan. Nigella's new mom first met her last Monday and then came back to the store on Wednesday and completed an application. She was so anxious to take her home that I made arrangements for her to leave Thursday morning. Fortunately Leona was there cleaning and off Nigella went!

Jordan went home on Sunday. She will be living with a very nice couple in Rio Grande. Jordan was a little nervous when she first met her new parents in the adoption room but after a short time she warmed up. Between being afraid of the family dog and then being brought back to the Shelter can you blame her for being nervous?!!! Good luck, Jordan!

Gemma arrived on Friday. She is beautiful! She is a a couple of years old. She had a litter of kittens last Spring that we placed through a local veterinarian's office. A family with five kids that adopted one of her kittens decided to adopt her as well. The kitten did just fine but Gemma did not fit in. The house was too rambunctious and noisy and she was nervous so they brought her back to us. Please keep this in mind when interviewing potential adopters. She needs to be in a quieter home without small children. Here she is:

Thanks to everyone for your help at the Adoption Event on February 12-14. Two dogs were at the store on each day which always draws a crowd!

There is one opening still lingering for this month:
Friday, February 26, AM

The March calendar looks good - only four openings. They are listed below:
Friday, March 12, AM

Sunday, March 14, Adoption Table

Friday, March 19, AM

Sunday, March 28, Adoption Table

I will be going away from Wednesday, March 3 through Tuesday, March 9 and will be e-mailing everyone instructions on who to contact concerning PetSmart.

Is It REALLY Over????

2010-02-11T14:03:00.002-05:00

I sure hope so!!! The forecast for the weekend is good so we shall be able to participate in the adoption event this weekend. Please double check the schedule so you know when to be there. I have the adoption table covered all weekend. Volunteers will be available for dogs on Sunday and I hope to have staff bring a dog - maybe two - on Saturday.

I have one opening left in February...Friday, the 26th, in the morning. Please look ahead to March. There are a few evenings open, some adoption days and a couple of mornings.

Thank you for your help throughout the storm. I have my cable back so my home phone works now! Yippee!! Let's hope we've seen the last of snow this winter - fingers crossed!!!

Three More Out the Door!

2010-02-01T20:42:00.004-05:00

Yep!! That's right...THREE cats went home this week! Sandy didn't stay very long. His new parents had put an application on a cat at the Shelter but were the second hold. They were approved to adopt and when the one adoption fell through they decided on Sandy. He left on Wednesday.

Emma and Geisha left on Sunday and will be neighbors. Emma was adopted by a woman who felt she and the cat had a lot in common - they both needed a little company. Her new mom bought a really nice new soft carrier and Emma walked right into it. She left with her little white bed and a blankie, too. I called today to see how Emma's first night went and was told she did okay - she used the litter box and ate and drank - but is hiding. I reminded her new mom to get some wet food and entice Emma out with it. That will do the trick!

Geisha will be living next door to Emma with four other cats. When she first was introduced to her new family she was nervous but then sat down and seemed to accept them. They have adopted from us before and are old hands at introducing cats to their household. She is going to be just fine!

From now on we will purchase the brown paper and PetSmart will reimburse us. I bought four rolls yesterday. Please let me know when you open the last of the four rolls and I will replenish the supply. I also brought more litter pans down yesterday. Also...do NOT remove any litter or food from the shelves. Find a manager and have them do it for you.

Three new cats came today. Jordan is a young black female, about two and half years old. She is declawed. She was a happy cat until her owners brought a dog home. Even though Jordan was there first she was the one who had to go. Keep in mind she can not go to a home with dogs. Also, one of her eyes looks a tad peculiar so do not be concerned when you see it.

Lady is a pretty gray tiger cat. She is a calm girl but can get scared so probably should not go into a home with small children. She came to us when someone walked into the Shelter carrying her and said they found her and she was a stray cat. Hmmm, really??? She is so friendly....someone must be missing a nice cat!

Skippy is a black and white male. He is the shy one of the new bunch. He is good with other cats so should enjoy the company. He has a little white stripe right down the middle of his nose. He needs a little space initially so do not push him if he wants to hang back for a little while.

Here they are.....

The February schedule is just about complete. There is still two open Friday mornings (Feb 12 & 26) and one Sunday Adoption Table (Feb 28). Also, I still need help 12-2pm Saturday, Feb 13 for the adoption table. I have two dog walkers lined up for Sunday, Feb 14 but I do not have any for Saturday, Feb 13.

Quick Exit For Joey!

2010-01-29T07:24:00.006-05:00

Joey went home Wednesday night. He is going to be living with a couple of old friends of ours - Penn and JellyBean. Many of you may remember them. His new family is so nice! They saw Joey over the weekend and came to the Shelter and completed an application on Monday.

Joey came into the Shelter with two other cats - Zoey and Sandy. Their owner was having health issues and could not keep them. Zoey was adopted from the Shelter. The last man standing is Sandy. He was brought to PetSmart yesterday. Sandy is a couple of years old. He is very friendly and is good with everything and everybody - other cats, dogs and kids are not a problem for Sandy. As you can see in the below picture he is VERY handsome!

I am getting word that there seems to be inconsistent information being given to volunteers pertaining to taking supplies (litter and food) from the shelves and replacing the brown paper to line the cages. I am doing the adoption table on Sunday. I promise that I will get all the correct answers by Monday and pass it on to everyone.

Our regular Tuesday morning volunteer, Kitty, will be taking a few months off beginning February 23. I am happy to say she will be returning as soon as she can but we are definitely going to miss her. Many of you know her from her days working at Abri Animal Hospital. She is a big asset to this program. So, if anyone wants to step in and take over her spot for a while please let me know. Kitty was scheduled Tuesdays with the exception of the second one of the month.

I have not heard from any of the dog handler volunteers about the Second Chance For Love Adoption Weekend. I also need more help with the adoption table that weekend. Here is what I need:
Fri, February 12, Adoption Table 2-4
Sat, February 13, Adoption Table 12-2, Dog handlers 12:30-3:30
Sun, February 14, Adoption Table 12-3, Dog handlers 12:30-2:30

In addition to the above weekend coverage is needed for the following dates in February:
Fri, February 19, AM
Tue, February 23, AM
Fri, February 26, AM
Sun, February 28, Adoption Table

If you can help with the adoption weekend or cover any of the openings please let me know.

Good Bye Izzy Man!!!!

2010-01-21T17:54:00.006-05:00

Yay for Izzy!! He was picked up last night and is finally in a forever home! I can't believe I do not have a picture of him. For his bon voyage picture I used one my favorite old pics...this is how I imagine him tonight anyway!

Joey took Izzy's place. He is a cool guy...all white with a smudge of gray on the top of his head. He is very friendly and good with kids, other cats and dogs. He was brought in along with two house mates because their owner was having heath issues. I think he will settle in quickly. Meet Joey...

I will be planning the adoption event for Friday - Sunday, February 12-14 in the next couple of weeks. I am hoping to get at least two dog handlers for Saturday and Sunday in addition to a volunteer for the adoption table. I put the hours of the event on the calendar. As soon as you know you can commit please send me an e-mail. I know it is a holiday weekend so I fear many of you have plans but I hope not all of you do!

The following dates are still open in February - not including the adoption weekend:
Sunday, Feb 7, Adoption Table

Friday, Feb 12, AM cleaning

Friday, Feb 26, AM cleaning

Sunday, Feb 28, Adoption Table

As you are aware Spring brings kitten season. At the Shelter we are preparing early for the inevitable influx of many many kittens. If you are interested in fostering kittens for the Shelter please let me know.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE encourage people to spay and neuter their cats. While at PetSmart we encounter many people and we need to get this word out!! If anyone needs information on low cost spay/neuter please send them to the link on the right of this page: Animal Alliance of Cape May County. Commit the phone number to memory...it's easy...465-NEUT...short for neuter! Every Thursday they have a spay/neuter clinic right next to the Shelter at the end of Moore Road in the Crest Haven complex. They make it easy for people to do the responsible thing!!

Good Bye to Nora and Oriella

2010-01-10T21:54:00.003-05:00

It was a good week! Nora went home on Wednesday night. Although she will not be the only cat at her new place she will be living with a mom who understands she needs her space! Don't worry...she will only have one feline roomate.

Hooray for Oriella! She went home today and happily jumped into the carrier with her new dad. She is going to be living right down the street from me with a wonderful couple and a host of feline companionship. She is gonna like her new family!

Sweet little Apple arrived today. She is very friendly - good with kids, dogs and other cats. She is playful and outgoing. She is a brown and black tiger. She came into the Shelter with her brother and a litter of kittens. Her brother - Jack - already was adopted. Here she is....

The February schedule is shaping up. Please look ahead and let me know what you can do. There will be the annual PetSmart adoption event held Valentine's weekend called Second Chance For Love. As usual I'd like to extend the adoption table hours to 12-4:00 on Saturday and 12-3:00 on Sunday, bring down additional cats for the weekend and have dogs at the store both days. Keep this in mind as you do your February schedule! More on that as it gets closer....

Happy New Year!!!!

2010-01-01T15:47:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year!!! Both Gray and FurBall can proclaim, "We're home again in 2010!" Both were surrendered to the Shelter for the same reason, though from different locations - their owners were losing their homes. Gray was adopted by a PetSmart manager's brother and is doing really well! She is loving and playful and having a ball. FurBall came and went so quickly that some of you did not even get a chance to meet him. He arrived on the 23rd and left on the 26th. When the time came to leave he did not even need to be put in a carrier - he jumped in on his own as if to say, "Come on!! I need to get home!"

The holidays were so hectic that I never properly introduced Roxanne and Peaches. Peaches is a blue cream torti and is very friendly and playful. Roxanne is one of the Shelter favorites - she is a female tiger and is very sweet. In case you have not met them yet here is their pictures.

Emma replaced Furball. She is a big old nice calico. She is approximately twelve years and is declawed. One day she wondered into Cabanas, a restaurant in Cape May, and no one there knew where she came from. She is very sweet. Someone must be missing her!!! Maybe being at PetSmart will help her be reunited with her owner.

Oliver was scheduled to go home Wednesday night but his new family had car trouble. He is being picked up on Saturday. A gentleman went to PetSmart and called the Shelter thinking Geisha belonged to him. After comparing notes we realized she was not his cat. I thought he was going to adopt her but I guess he decided not to.

Just in case someone asks...we have six declawed cats presently up for adoption at the Shelter. Two males just came in together right before Christmas. A new baby in the household is allergic so they had to go. If you know anyone who prefers to have a cat that is declawed please tell them to come down to the Shelter and meet these guys.

The January schedule looks great! Only two openings - both in the morning...and both on Fridays...January 8 and January 22. If you can cover either one let me know.

We have a new regular...starting today Ruthann will be doing Friday evenings. Thanks, Ruthann! It is a big help when someone takes a regular spot!

Thank you all so much for all your help throughout 2009!! As you know the adoptions at PetSmart account for 30% of all the feline adoptions from the Shelter. Each and every one of you made this a successful endeavor for yet another year. I am always amazed by your commitment to this program which is evident when I send out e-mails asking for help. You are a wonderful compassionate group and I am so grateful to have all of you!!

Have a Happy and Healthy 2010!

A Couple of Lucky Girls Get Christmas Gifts!

2009-12-17T20:27:00.004-05:00

Silky has gone home for the holidays!! She was a surprise Christmas gift for a young girl from her mom and dad. The lucky girl met her furry little gift at PetSmart Wednesday night and the two clicked immediately! Silky then happily allowed herself to be packaged up and carried out. What a wonderful gift for both of them!

Josie is going to be a surprise Christmas gift for another lucky little girl. She was brought back to the Shelter as Dad wants to pick her up Christmas Eve. Lucy has an approved application and will also be brought back to the Shelter. She will be picked up in a week or so. Her new mom is having some work done on her home and will pick up Lucy as soon as she can. Lucy is going to be joining another cat named Jack that was adopted from the Shelter a couple of years ago. We love repeat customers!

Gray has an approved application and will be going home on Saturday. It sure did not take her long!

The hold on Nora fell through. Guess it just was not meant to be!

Sweet little calico Geisha was brought to PetSmart this week. She is under a year old. She is a little nervous and shy but nice. Please give her a little extra TLC and let her settle in at her own pace. Here she is:

Anybody have time Christmas Eve to to do the evening cleaning?? I know everyone has alot going on but if you can stop in and check on the guys that night please let me know ASAP. The store closes at 6pm. My mom is doing Christmas morning - that's one of my gifts!!

Here is the remaining openings in January:
January 8, Friday, AM

January 14, Thursday, AM

January 15, Friday, AM

January 22, Friday, AM

January 28, Thursday, AM

January 31, Sunday, Adoption Table

January 29, Friday, AM

Please remember that PetSmart has some schedule changes due to the holidays. Here they are:
Christmas Eve: 7a-6p
Christmas: closed
New Year's Eve: 9a-6p
New Year's Day: 9a-6p

It was nice to see so many of you on Sunday for our little holiday gathering. It was a nice time and a good turn out.

New cages arrived at the Shelter and were installed this week. They look so nice!!! The isolation/sick area was upgraded as well as the area for housing new arrivals. Please stop in and see us at the Shelter and check out the new stuff. We are all VERY excited about it!! Yep, feels like Christmas!!!

Look At All These New Arrivals!

2009-12-09T19:14:00.003-05:00

Three leave and five arrive! Lonnie and Emily left on Saturday. Both were very well behaved when packed up to go. Heart left on Sunday. She will be the only pet in the house so should be spoiled and happy.

On Sunday three youngsters arrived. Bentley is a black male and was from a litter of ten! He is small for his age. As a kitten he was alot more friendly than his litter mates and domesticated easily. Silky is a really nice gray striped tabby. She loves other cats so will really enjoy the romping time at PetSmart. Oliver came into the Shelter marked as a "feral" cat by animal control. He is anything but feral! He is sweet and playful.

A warm welcome back goes out to Rascal!! Remember him??? He did some time in sick bay at the Shelter but is back and better than ever! Gray came with him. She is a big dilute calico. She came into the Shelter in July along with four other housemates. Their owner was being evicted. One was immediately adopted, two were over ten years old and the owner came back for them. Gray has been with her last housemate, Puddy, ever since. Puddy was adopted and Gray is the last one remaining of the group. Let's hope she gets to go home very soon! She is a nice old girl but may need some time to settle in. Be patient with her.

Lucy was in with the three new guys (Bentley, Silky and Oliver) and not having a very good time. She is now sharing space with Rascal and seems happy. Please leave her there.

Izzy appears to be doing well with Oriella in the big cage. Poor Izzy!! When will he get to go home! Nora is continuing to express dislike of her fellow felines. Keep her by herself!

I have received a great response for the holiday get together this Sunday. Ya got one more day to RSVP!

Here's Oliver, Silky and Bentley:

...and here's Gray and our old friend Rascal:

Please look ahead to January and let me know what dates you can do.

New Homes For the Holidays!

2009-12-04T19:24:00.003-05:00

Good week!! Coconut and Harlequin went home Wednesday night. Harlequin will be the only pet in the house which is just the way she likes it! Her new dad was getting alot of attention from her when he arrived to pick her up. Coconut was packed up in a pretty blue carrier and carted away - he had an appointment with the groomer the very next day! Two wonderful homes!!

Emily is scheduled to be picked up tomorrow and so is Lonnie. Lonnie's new mom came to the Shelter and completed the application today. He will be the only pet in the house and she is very excited to get him. She has grandchildren that visit often so Lonnie is guaranteed to have some fun!

Lucy and Nora were dropped off yesterday at PetSmart. Lucy is orange and white and is a great cat. She likes it all - dogs, kids, other cats, people - everything. She is about two years old. She was adopted from us over a year ago and was returned. Her story is one that is all too familiar - her owners were moving and couldn't take her with them. She hates being in a cage. She is very sweet and very friendly.

A couple of months ago Nora and a male cat - her brother maybe - were left in a box in the foyer of the spay/neuter clinic which is next door to the Shelter. The male cat (we named him Nick) was adopted several weeks ago. Although she was left with Nick she appears to be stressed around the other cats. This could be because she is not familiar with them. Watch her carefully with the others and do not force her into an uncomfortable situation. Let her mingle at her own pace. She may be just fine once she settles in.

Here's Lucy and Nora:

Thanks to Joyce, Joan, Ruth, Fran and Lauren for helping to make the Princeton fundraiser this weekend a success. Because we had so much help four Shelter dogs got to spend a few hours out and about. Below is a picture of Joan with Anchor. He was very well behaved! He is a young Treeing Walker Coonhound and is a great dog! He is presently in a foster home and is proving he is crate trained and house trained. If you know anyone interested in a hound dog please let me know.

Lauren did a GREAT job working the crowd! After the dogs and owners posed with Santa Lauren gave them a bag of ribbon-tied dog treats and asked for a donation for the Shelter. Who could say no to that face?!!! She is pictured below in action....

There must have been close to one hundred dogs at the Sandy Paws 5K & 1 Mile Pooch Walk in Stone Harbor! It was alot of fun! Pictured below is one of the dogs entered in the Best Dressed Competition. Check out BatDog!

Don't forget - Barb and company will be in the West Cape May Christmas parade tomorrow night with a float representing the Shelter. Anchor will be representing the Shelter dogs. Contact Barb if you want to participate.

On Sunday, December 13, 1:00-3:00PM come to the Shelter for a little holiday get together. Light lunch and refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP if you plan to attend. Family members and friends are invited, too! Throughout the year the Shelter staff and volunteers work hard for the animals of Cape May County. It's nice to get together and spend some time with people who share a common bond. I hope to see all of you there.

House and Wilson - together forever!!

2009-11-23T20:16:00.004-05:00

It was great week!! Grace went home on Saturday. An entire entourage came to pick her up! Grace's new dad bought out PetSmart to prepare for her homecoming! This is a wonderful way for Grace's story to end.

House and Wilson left TOGETHER on Sunday! I am sure everyone is as happy as I am about this! The two big boys were a tad difficult to load into the carriers but did great once they got home. It seems their first night home Wilson slept in bed with his new mom and House spent the night in his new cat bed. When I called today to check on them I was told that as we spoke Wilson was sitting on mom's lap and House was at her feet. It seems this is a perfect home for the guys!

Three cats arrived today - two females, Josee and Emily - and one male, Coconut. Coconut was brought into the Shelter by animal control. Someone found kittens and suspected Coconut, who had been hanging around, was the mother. Um, no, it seems Coconut was not anyone's mom OR dad - he was a neutered male! He is a beautiful, sweet, long haired all white cat. You will love him!

Emily is a brown and black tabby and is very friendly. She is a sweetheart. Josee is a little younger than Emily and is also friendly. The below pictures are a tad deceiving - the two are not difficult to tell apart. Both respond quickly to attention and should settle in easily. For now leave all three in separate cages so they can acclimate to the new surroundings with as little stress as possible.

Here they are: Coconut, Emily and Josee.

I had a special request from two devoted volunteers - put Heart and Oriella in the big cage together as sometimes this helps the shy cats come around and they show better. Please leave the two in there and lets' see how it goes. (Always have to do what my mother says! LOL!)

The dog pictured below is a chow mix that was adopted from the Shelter about two months ago. His family is soooo thankful they took him home. It seems that Buddy brought a medical emergency to the attention of the family! At the request of the family I am not going to reveal alot of details. Suffice it to say that as a result of Buddy's canine communication this story had a happy ending! See what a difference a Shelter dog can make!!! Meet Buddy the Hero....

I have a good list of volunteers helping in Avalon at the Princeton Bar with the Santa pictures and Veteran's Plaza. Looks like dogs will be at the Princeton and cats will be at the Plaza! I will e-mail all of you directly with the logistics.

There is three openings in December - all in the morning. They are Tuesday December 1, Sunday December 6 and Friday December 18. Please let me know if you are available. I will be working on the 2010 schedule right after Thanksgiving. Feel free to e-mail any requests for January.

Have a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!!
(Leona, thank you for covering so the rest of us can stay home!)

Ralphie and Confetti Go Home

2009-11-12T20:05:00.004-05:00

Didn't take long at all for Confetti to go home!! She arrived on a Monday and went home the following Wednesday. Her new family brought all the necessary paperwork straight to the Shelter so she was an easy application to approve!

After Confetti left Lonnie arrived. He is so cute! He has longer hair, is that pretty gray color and is so soft. Lonnie has come a long way. Initially he was very shy. Now he is just a tad skittish but loves to be held and will purr away once he feels comfortable. Although many of you have already met Lonnie I am including his picture below.

Ralphie left last night. He will be the only pet in the house and although his new mom has had a dog in the past Ralphie is her first cat. (Um...let's see if she comes back for a second! You know what they say - cats are like Lay's potato chips - ya can't have just one!)

I hope this weather does not ruin our adoption weekend. Volunteers will be at the store on Friday 2-4pm, Saturday 12-4pm and Sunday 12-4pm. Dogs and Shelter staff will be on hand both Saturday and Sunday. Please spread the word. Five cats will be brought to the store on Friday that will spend the weekend. In addition Harlequin is coming to fill the cage vacated by Ralphie. Harlequin is a beauty! Like Lonnie she has longer hair. She has a very sweet little face. Please give her time to settle in.

Here's Lonnie and Harlequin.

Below is a picture of one of our resident dogs, Rocky, who went into foster care yesterday (Wednesday). Do you think he likes it??? It did not take him long to settle into the comforts of a real home. (Thank you, Traci, for giving him this break!) Rocky is about five years old and is a mixed breed. He has been in the Shelter for many months. In his foster home he is living with five other dogs, two cats and two parrots. He just may make an appearance with his foster mom this weekend at PetSmart. If anyone is wondering how Rocky will do once he gets home just take a look at this picture...it is indeed worth a thousand words! If you know someone looking for a dog tell them about Rocky and let's arrange a meeting!

One of our Shelter volunteers, Fran, made the Press of Atlantic City this week. She and her husband are making and selling stained glass cats and dogs at a coffee shop in West Cape May and the proceeds will benefit the Shelter. Please click on the link Shelter in the News to the right to read all about it. Thank you, Fran!!

Oh, yea, that's right, the calendar.... It looks great!! There is still some open slots - both AM & PM - in December.

Stay high and dry and outta Ida's way!!

Hope It's Over!!!

2009-11-02T20:51:00.004-05:00

OMG!! I thought this latest dry spell would NEVER end! Thankfully it has! Randall left on Saturday following a little bit of drama. An application was taken on Jana over a week ago and had been approved. The applicant was telephoned four times by the Shelter to arrange for Jana to go home. A second application came in for Jana that was subsequently approved. Not wanting to stop an adoption one last message was left for the first applicant. That message again went unanswered. So, the second applicant made arrangements for pick up. Come Saturday applicant number one came to PetSmart thinking she was still in the running for Jana. After being advised that her application was approved BUT that Jana was no longer available she chose Randall. So, off he went!

Jana went home on Sunday. Her new mom had adopted another cat from the Shelter about nine months ago.

Two new girls were brought to PetSmart today - Grace and Confetti. Confetti is a young torti with really pretty markings. She is a friendly girl and is going to love running around and playing while she waits to get adopted.

Grace is an older female who is solid gray and is also de-clawed. She was so pathetic when she arrived at the Shelter a few months back. In a driving rain storm she was found simply sitting on the side of the road. A Good Samaritan saw her and stopped. It appeared that Grace had been hit by a car and she suffered from injuries that were a few days old. Oh, she was a mess! We rushed her to the vet and she remained in our "sick bay" for a long time. Each day her breathing got better, her infection began to clear and her "road rash" healed. She had an injury to the left side of her face that gave her a concave look. We wanted to give her a chance and we are so glad we did! I loved to walk into the sick bay and have her immediately get up and come to the front of the cage with such appreciation in her eyes! She is very sweet and will be forever grateful when she gets a home!

Here's Grace and Confetti....

PetSmart has added another adoption event weekend to their calendar. (See The Shelter in the News under "Links" to the right for a copy of the press release.) This event is called the National Holiday Adoption Weekend. It is Friday - Sunday, November 13-15. Volunteers are needed to work the adoption table Friday, 2-4pm. On Saturday and Sunday additional volunteers are needed to work the adoption table from 12-4 on each day. Dogs will be brought to the store based on the numbers of volunteers available to help. On Saturday the dogs will be there from 12:30-4:00. On Sunday they will be there 12:30-3:00. In addition to the dogs we will bring more cats to the store for the weekend. Please let me know if you can help.

Unfortunately Devil Dog Training had to cancel the dog training session scheduled for Wednesday, November 4. As soon as it is rescheduled I will let the dog walkers know.

Barb A and her gang will once again represent the Shelter in the annual West Cape May Christmas Parade. This year the theme is "All Dogs Go To Heaven." The parade is on Saturday, December 5. Parade line up is at 4:00pm. I will send out more details about this as it gets closer. Please bring your dog and join Barb!!

OK...the calendar...two openings remain this month...Tuesday, November 10 in the morning and Friday, November 20 in the evening. Please look ahead to December as well. I will fill in the calendar for 2010 with the regulars by the end of the month. If you need to make any changes and have a regular recurring time slot please let me know ASAP.

Penny Goes Back Home!

2009-10-06T19:36:00.004-04:00

Gladys went home Wednesday night. Penny and Alice went home on Saturday. Alice's new mom was so excited to be approved!!

Penny has quite a story. It seems that eight years ago she was given away when her owner died. That person kept her for about two years and then gave her to someone else. That woman brought her to the Shelter after eight years and said she could no longer care for her. Penny went to PetSmart. A friend of the original owner recognized Penny immediately and even remembered her name. She contacted the daughter of the original owner who lives in Mount Laurel and told her that her mother's cat was at a PetSmart in Rio Grande. The daughter was amazed and called the Shelter. In the meantime I called the pending hold taken on Penny and they could not have been happier to be turned down given the reason why. They adopted a kitten from Animal Outreach. Penny truly went home!

The new guys, House, Wilson and Randal, arrived Sunday.... House and Wilson are male litter mates that were brought to the Shelter due to allergies. They are big and soft and nice. We have kept them together since they arrived and hopefully will get to stay together in their next home. They are in the big cage. Wilson is the white and black guy and House is the gray and white tabby. They are a few years old. They settled right in.

Randall is a gray and black tabby that came to the Shelter as a stray and is also a couple of years old. He is really nice and friendly and very vocal. At the Shelter he talked all day long! He is a little scared right now at PetSmart and is sharing cages with Ralph (who seems to sorely miss Alice). I think he will settle in quickly but please give him time.

Last Saturday volunteers Janet and Fran brought Marty, the shepherd mix below and Boots, a young male cat, to Saint Mary's Episcopal Church in Stone Harbor for the annual blessing of the animals. They represented all the Shelter dogs and cats who were blessed by proxy. It was a nice little service. Thanks to Janet and Fran!!

Attention dog walkers....please let me know if you can attend the training scheduled at the Shelter on Sunday, October 25, 1:00-3:00pm. Devil Dog Trainer, Donna Lawson, has alot of experience and has been coming to the Shelter and working with our dogs. She looks forward to working with volunteers and staff.

PetSmart Charities has added another three day adoption event - Friday through Sunday, November 13-15. Please keep it in mind as in a few weeks I will need to know who is available. I'd love to get at least two dogs per day there as well as additional cats.

OK, please forgive me but I need to say this....GO EASY ON THE LITTER. There is no need to fill the pans more than 1/2 - 3/4 inch from the bottom. Remember, we go in twice a day, every day. Also, the litter is a mess to begin with. Let's not give them mountains of it to throw about.

I am going to see about giving the cages a really good cleaning in the near future. We need to get a vacuum in there and get some of the smaller particles out of those hard to reach spots.

October schedule is done! (fingers crossed!!!)

Sorry For Falling Behind!

2009-09-21T08:43:00.008-04:00

PetSmart adoptions are out of control!!!! I keep putting off doing the updates until cats definitely go and the new ones arrive. Then, next thing I know ANOTHER cat gets to go so I decide to wait and see who we are sending and then ANOTHER cat gets adopted and I wait again.......get the picture!!! I am going to try to catch up right now...

OK, so, Ivana had a hold when she first arrived but the applicant changed her mind. No worries though...she got another hold over the weekend and is going home as I type this. Her cage is clean and ready for a new arrival.

Millie came and went so fast! Here is a picture for those of you who did not get a chance to meet her.... She is a snuggly, sweet dilute calico. It is no wonder she got adopted so quickly.

Bart and Sprinkles went home during the adoption event. Freddy and Johnny went home together and are probably wreaking havoc at this very moment.

Gladys, Penny, Alice and Ralph arrived most recently. I can't even remember who came when! Ralph and Alice are very affectionate and love playing together. Of course we would love to have them go home together. An application was taken for just Alice over the weekend but it has not been approved yet.

Gladys is a nice old girl with tabby markings and a funny meow. She can be shy at first but she will settle in fine. Poor old Penny!! She is an older cat - twelve years old. A woman came into the Shelter with her and said she could no longer keep her. She had Penny since she was nine years old so actually was her second owner. Penny also has some issues with her hearing. Not deaf - but has difficulty hearing. She is long haired and very pretty and sweet. She is also declawed. I'm hoping she gets adopted quickly.

Check it out!!! The October schedule is complete with the exception of one day...Saturday, October 10, in the morning. Let me know if you can cover it. Don't be afraid to look ahead to November! :-)

Special thanks to the group who handled the Adoption Event the weekend of September 12. A couple of the dogs got to spend some time out of the Shelter thanks to the volunteers.

I'll try to keep up a little better - but let's hope the cats keep getting adopted so quickly that I can't!!!

One of the little locks is missing. Anybody have any idea where it may be?? Is this an intentional act ;-) (Just kidding!!)

Here's Penny and Gladys.....

Siam Is One Happy Cat!!!

2009-09-07T19:18:00.003-04:00

What a weekend... Siam went to his forever home on Saturday as scheduled! OMG!! How exciting! Leona said he jumped into his carrier and was ready to go. I am sure he was! Penny left on Saturday also and was carried away by a very excited family. Bart already got a hold! The application is at the Shelter and I will be reviewing it tomorrow.

Two females arrived at the store on Sunday. Sprinkles is very pretty and loving with beautiful colors and markings. She likes people but ain't all that crazy about other cats! Please keep this in mind and give her some space. She is an amusing cat. At the Shelter she has been very vocal - having full fledged conversations with me!

Heart is a cute little black and white cat. She got her name from a marking on her paw that looks like a heart. She is very sweet.

A new volunteer trained today...welcome Frances!! Thank you, Joanne, for doing the training!

The adoption event scheduled for this weekend is falling into place. If you would like to help at any time during the three day event please check the calendar and let me know what hours you can do. I will send out an e-mail to all involved Wednesday evening.

The October schedule looks great!!!! You guys are awesome! There is only three openings at this point...please let me know if you can cover any of the dates.

It is my understanding that when we need to replenish litter and/or food we are to let the manager know and he/she will remove the item from the shelf for us and then be given the UPC code. I do not know that this has changed. Has anything else been happening?? If so, please let me know. There is several assistant managers which can result in confusion. I can place a call to the store manager and verify the procedure if necessary.

The two new girls.....

Summer Ends With A Bang!!

2009-09-03T18:03:00.005-04:00

Yes, things have picked up!! We are ending the summer with many successful adoptions. Big Graham left last Sunday. He is going to be so happy being able to stretch those legs out and be free! Ben and Jerry left last night. I am so happy they went together.

You are going to really like the four cats that arrived today. Two littermates, Freddie and Johnny, are in the big cage. They are really great! They are full of personality and are alot of fun. Hopefully they will go the way of Ben and Jerry and get to go home together. Unfortunately I don't have a picture of them. One is black and one is a gray tabby. They are eight months old. Bart is a big old nice lap cat. He has a funny eye but is just fine. Mia is a gray female and is very friendly and loving. She is beautiful. Mia and Bart should stay in their own cages until they get settled in.

We are getting ready for the adoption event being held next weekend. Please check the calendar and let me know what you can do. The more volunteers we have the more dogs we can bring. Please be specific about the hours you can be there. Also, only those volunteers who come to the Shelter and walk dogs can handle the dogs at the event. Below is the hours I would like the adoption table to be open:

Friday, September 11, 12-3pm.

Saturday, September 12, 12-4pm

Sunday, September 13, 12-4pm

Bart & Mia.....

Have a safe and fun Labor Day weekend!!!!

Hooray for Big Stedman!!

2009-08-26T22:31:00.003-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here's our Rascal:

Say Good Bye To The Dry Spell!!

2009-08-20T22:01:00.005-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

Toto Goes To The Emerald City!

2009-08-03T21:21:00.004-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fae Gets To Finally Go Home!

2009-07-26T19:13:00.005-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

Hooray For Jess!! Good Bye Miss P!!

2009-07-09T22:11:00.005-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meet Siam, Myrna and Oliver.....

Hector Moves to Barb's Assisted Living

2009-07-01T15:33:00.006-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Fourth of July!!!

Slow Lately!

2009-06-18T07:53:00.003-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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