GYPSY (NALLA )
A photo of Nalla when she was first transferred. Nalla, now Gypsy, loving life in her new home. She's been started on her hw treatment and doing great.

PEARL

Just wanted to send you a photo from last weekends State 4-h dog show down in West Bend.

Pearl and Nicole had a rough time at the state show last year. But registration is months ahead of the show and we just crossed our fingers she would calm down and do "ok". That didn't happen but the judge in her obedience class allowed her and our daughter to stay in the class-and commended Nicole for even trying, then sticking it out with grace and patience not seen in many adults, let alone teenagers. Nicole had bloody blisters by the end of the class. Pearl just wanted (very loudly) to go play with every other dog in the building!

This year we still were not sure but signed her up again anyway. Our county show is small and most of the dogs she practices with so it was not a real test of Pearl's patience. She did go bonkers trying to play with the new dogs-which puts many dogs and people off.

We went down Friday night with the thought of scratching Pearl in our heads. Nicole was showing her JRT also in other classes. We had a few tricks up our sleeves and some essential oils from one of the vendors to try. Not sure if it was those or Pearl finally "got it". The entire show was in one building/room this year and different counties also had their club areas in the same room. I'd guess over 200 dogs and 400 people were present. We did not want Pearl to create a scene or disturb the other classes that were in progress. I walked in first, Nicole and Pearl followed by one of the other dog kids from our county strong enough to help Nicole if Pearl got to hyper.

To our amazement Pearl walked in with Nicole healing like an old pro. She got a little jittery but kept it under control with little work from Nicole. They went thru the entire building with no issues so Nicole decided to stay in their class. Pearl healed well, didn't "sit" as required when stopping but did "stand for exam" (hard for her) and long sit/down with no issues. Pearl and Nicole got 6th out of 9 dogs in the class!!! The class was "experienced handler with inexperienced dog". And Pearl was calm and most of all, quiet. It was obvious most of the dogs in the class were older/more mature, ie: easier to train no matter what.

While I was hiding behind a couple watching the class they asked if that dog/handler combo where the ones from year where the handler had bloody hands by the end of the class last year......yup. Same combo. They said they really admired her for sticking it out last year and were very amazed at the change this year. They too agreed with me not sitting didn't matter...Nicole looked like she was going to pass out when she walked out of the ring with relief/amazement at Pearl.

Attached is a picture taken yesterday of Pearl, Suzie (JRT) and Nicole just before leaving the show yesterday. Nicole is entering her senior year of high school and is hoping to get Pearl off leash before she graduates 4-h in 2 years. Before this weekend we had our doubts but now .....there is a good chance. Pearl does do off leash well at home or any environment she is familiar with. Its just her attention span out in public where she just can't do it. There are to many people, dogs, things... to see if she can play with.

We do know with labs this is very much to be expected but I think her being SOOOOO over the top friendly was the reason she was given up. Her over enthusiasm for everything really gets her into pickles and you don't want to take it away---just channel it the right way. Maybe we are finally getting there. Her patience/attention span in public has been her own worst enemy.

She is doll in the house, still loves her tennis balls and is the biggest snuggler there is. We have been working on her politely dropping the ball in your lap-with the hope of taking her to nursing homes to play ball with residents. Everyone gets a kick out of her ball playing/catching abilities. Pearl and Nicole also play a weird type soccer together. She has tried our patience but is always loved. She has such a quirky personality and is my barn buddy doing chores. She is only allowed to mess with the bantam roosters that chase people and will keep them away from me on cue.

We had to put down our Springer/Sharpei mix (Annie) this spring when her hip issues got too much to handle with pain meds. Pearl and Suzie went thru a period were Suzie hated her. Pearl only had Suzie to play with and Suzie had enough. We are sort of thinking about getting Pearl a playmate to take the pressure off Suzie. We just have not got really to that point as a family yet to "replace" Annie. We just try to keep Pearl busy so she has less to pester Suzie.

CABELLA

Cabella is doing so great! I kept her name the same, she seemed to like it. She is the perfect addition to my home while my husband is away at Army Basic Training, hopefully he'll receive the photos I sent soon. She is very sweet, curious and loves to play! I am so happy with my choice to adopt her! 

 Let me know if you would like anything else.....thanks!

 

 

MAX (JERRY)
We have changed the dog's name from Jerry to his new name Max.
He has adjusted to the new name very good. He is a very wonderful dog and We don't know how someone could leave him. We love him and so does our family.

MS. KITTY (MARY ANN)

Mary Ann (now known as Ms. Kitty) was one of a group of cats found abandoned and named after the Gilligan’s Island clan. She is a beautiful 11-month-old calico with energy to burn. Richard and Loretta adopted Ms. Kitty and I spoke with Loretta for an update. She says that Ms. Kitty is a beautiful cat who adapted right away and made herself comfortable in her new home. Ms. Kitty cuddles with either Richard or Loretta at bed time, but eventually moves to the end of the bed for the rest of the night. She has a lot of life. She plays hard and sleeps hard. Ms. Kitty had one accident when she first got to her new home, but was pointed in the right direction of the litter box and hasn’t had an accident since. Ms. Kitty was sleeping on the couch as I spoke to Loretta. I think Ms. Kitty has found herself a very good home (with the help of our shelter and Richard and Loretta).

JOSIE (JOSEPHINE)
Got a message that Josie's owner (Sue) contacted the shelter to say Josie is doing good. (Josie was the 2-month-old Hound/Shepherd mix adopted the beginning of July.) Josie had to have her dew claws removed. As with most puppies, Josie is a handful, but she is loved.

 

SASHA AND KITTERS (BABY BLUE)

As I was initially looking to adopt a Siamese - Sasha was the one I was interested in.

(I have kept that name as she seemed to recognize it and respond to it very well). With our introduction - she seemed to have a gentle personality that went along with that very Beautiful face. She appeared friendly and comfortable around me. Not much on being held, but I was completely confident that we would be able to bond just fine. I was also aware of Baby Blue - and told they were half- sisters, or from the same home if nothing else - and that the HSBC was hoping to place them together. Baby Blue was extremely scared of pretty much anything that moved, and subsequently hid atop the kitchen cabinets in the office there. My first thought was only that I wouldn't even want a cat that was in hiding all the time. I mean - What's the point? But after spending a considerable amount of time with both of them that day - BBlue did come down, and allowed me to hold her and seemed somewhat OK with me. And she Was a pretty kitty! So. . . out of concern for BB's welfare (and maybe a little guilt at the thought of separating them) - I chose to adopt them both. After the papers were signed, and kitties secured in their carriers, with their voices raised in concern - we buckled them up in the car and off I went - back to Minnesota. The girls were raising such a ruckus that all I could think was that this was going to be a Very Long drive home! ha ha ha Two miles down the road - All was quiet! That is - until I would look at them and ask them how they were doing?!? They would tell me plenty! Two more miles - all was quiet again! And so on it went . . . (kinda funny actually)

Now ~ The ridiculous story I Must Confess………………… (because I can laugh about it Now !)

Once we arrived at home – each was brought in and released. I live in a roomy 1 bedroom apartment with a nice private closet for their litter boxes. Sasha made herself right at home lounging on the bed. Baby Blue was nowhere to be found. And I DO mean NO Where. After literally tearing the apartment apart for over an hour – searching Over & Over in Every conceivable hiding spot – and even illogical ones – I began to panic……… I mean seriously – this apartment is Only SO Big – where could she be?!? I began to question whether I had inadvertently left the patio door open for even the briefest moment and she had escaped. I didn’t remember doing it – but it was the only answer in my mind.

Well – this is Great – How do I explain to the HSBC that I had Baby Blue home for 20 minutes and then LOST Her ?!? I felt like such a horrible care-taker !!! And so began several hours of a frantic search for her. Beginning with making fliers to post in the area (thank goodness for that picture on your web site!) – talking to local businesses – even calling the sheriff’s department with a heads-up in the event the lost kitty showed up somewhere. I called and had to leave a message with the local Vet – in case someone brought in an abandoned kitty. I scoured the neighborhood blocks on foot – looked in trees – though I knew that IF she were out there somewhere – she would be scared to death and in some obscure hiding spot.

After several hours of searching and no kitty to be found – I gave up for the night. I had done all I could until morning – and I would begin again with posting even more fliers. Exhausted and Very upset – I decided to try and relax – and watch a movie from my collection. I opened the drawer to the armoire in the living room – and was scared half outta my wits by this gray ball of fluff in the drawer! “WHAT ?!?!? How the heck did you Ever get in there?!?” was all I could exclaim. I pulled her out and hugged her and slightly scolded her for making mom worry so !!!! “Kids” !! And so – I called the Sheriff back – said the kitty was found (though I did not tell them where – they would have thought I was even more nuts!) haha  And here ended out initial drama ! ha ha

Unknown to me – the bottom was not sealed off and there was room enough behind the drawers to simply crawl up into them. It became a favorite spot for the first couple weeks – for both of them - until I decided, I just had to close it off. Sorry girls – there are plenty of other spots to hide out. . . And I don’t think they were too happy about it either!

More issues began the second night at home . . . I noticed a couple of small scabby spots on Sasha’s neck and shoulder. By the next day – they were getting bigger. By Monday morning, she had 3 sections she had licked away the fur completely. I called the vet and took her in – getting her into the carrier was a horrible ordeal for her (two men were here at the time fixing something in the bathroom – did she have issues with men?) Once out of the apartment, she calmed down and was very quiet and completely at ease at the vet’s office.

They diagnosed the issues as hot spots. She had an antibiotic for 10 days – along with a salve – which she would lick off. I stopped with the salve after 2 weeks, out of concern for her tummy. The spots healed on their own. But more continue to develop. Then heal. It is hard to tell what the Initial cause was – nor the fact that it continues: I have new carpet – new flooring – she has a new home – new food – and the added trauma of the medicines. It was obvious she then no longer trusted me – as I’m the one with the oral medicine and salve. (although I Always approached with a gentle voice, reassurance, and felt I tried to be non-threatening)

Several weeks have passed now and she is finally trusting me again – is no longer hiding out – but continues to lick away her fur in spots. (I am concerned about all this) I know I need to get her in again for a thorough check up and possibly vaccines – but I worry about the trauma of the vet visit. I have decided to leave the carrier out and visible, in order for her to get used to it. Baby Blue (“Kitters”) – on the other hand – is Thriving! After the first few days of hiding under the bed – she finally decided (with some coaxing) that it was alright to come out.

We have long play time sessions chasing feathers and a light laser once or twice a day and she will sit in my lap sometimes. (Sasha is Finally playing as well !) They both allow me to clip their claws (they’re So good!) and I do have a scratching thingy for them – which they Really Love! They have their own chair (as well as other places) to sleep. They enjoy getting brushed, and treat time every day, along with assorted toys available at all times, And their favorite: a “Sock Buddy” filled with cat nip. They sometimes even nap with it.

I will say that it has been a huge surprise to see their personalities here with me. What I had truly expected did not end up that way. Had I just taken Sasha, I would have felt cheated with having to deal with one nervous, un-cuddley kitty. Baby Blue (Kitters) is the one that would have been left behind – and she has turned out to be the best treat of all ! Baby Blue (Kitters) is truly a much better companion than Sasha will probably ever be (as she does Not like to be held at All !) Kitters is waiting for me at the door after work, and tends to follow me around. She has even become more social with outside people visiting. Sasha IS Finally coming around and more visible and interacting with me, but hides when people are here. I’m hoping with time we will figure out what is causing her hot spots and she will truly relax.

Sasha does enjoy a nice scratching and tummy rub – but on her terms. And how can I not love that beautiful face. She IS such a gorgeous cat ! (my photos do Not do her justice) She is definitely unique – and I will do what I can to make her life comfortable & Happy. Either way – different breeds – different personalities, but we are All in this together - and a family now - for the long haul . . .

Thanks much to Brenda for helping me get fixed up with the girls.

p.s. to Brenda . . . . A note of interest > If you recall - Baby Blue was the one that preferred to retreat and hideout in her special cave style sleeper. In fact – you sent her home with me in that, as we thought it would help her transition better. Well. . . once she stepped foot into my apartment – she Never has set foot in that thing again ! I can’t believe it !

So therefore, I have finally washed it up, and will ship it/re-donate it to you (HSBC) for use with another needy critter.

 

Thanks again So Much to everyone !

 

 

 

 

 

DASH AND TURBO (FLUFF)

Fluff and dash are doing great.  Dash and fluff like the string of the scratch post more than the post.  

 

 

ANGUS AND POUFFY (APRIL)

 

PEACHES, TEDDY BEAR, WAFFLES, SCARLET (NOEL)
Hello! This is Jenni Miroslaw. Myself and my 3 boys, Jacob (9), Colton (7)
and Brayden (6) adopted 4 cats from you. We adopted Peaches and Teddy Bear
on Nov.1 and then Waffles and Noel (now Scarlet) the end of December.

I wanted to drop you a line and let you know how well the cats are doing.
They have all acclimated to living together and the boys give them so much
love each and every day. Plus our 3 dogs also love them. They have all
become such good friends.

Peaches has claimed her spot each night with Colton in his top bunk.
Scarlet is Jacob's BBF and sleeps with him. Finally, Waffles and Bear camp
out on my bed taking turns snuggling.

Thank you again for giving us that opportunity to invite these amazing cats
into our family. They brighten our days and give us happiness. Here are 2
pictures of the cats chilling on my bed with Brayden. As I come across more
pictures I will send them to you.

Have a wonderful night.

TAZ (BOBB KAT)

Sorry it's taking me longer to get back to you about Bob Kat, now known as Taz cause he's the Tazmanian Devil!! ;).   My husband and I just had our first baby boy, Christian John, "CJ" on 7/31 and we're still adjusting to our lil blessing ;). 

Thanks for checking up on kitty, funny you ask because ever since we got him home he has been unusually obsessed with jumping up on the counters or trying to take our food from us, looking for human food!  Something we've never seen a baby kitten do, we were wondering if he was fed from the counters there or even fed human food scraps?  

We do not not ever have given him any human treats so we find this behavior very curious and unfortunate for taz, it's a naughty behavior! 

Otherwise, he us great! We love playing with him, snuggling, and watching him grow from kitten to older kittens, he's doubled in size and is very very curious about his new home, almost too curious for his own good!  He has definitely found a sweet spot in our hearts and can't imagine his crazy presence not here.  

I will send some pics and a video shortly! 

Thanks so much for reaching out to us! 

Chris, Sara, CJ, and Taz ;)

 

AMELIA (DOLLY)

Sorry it's taken so long for me to reply to your request.

Amelia, previously 'Dolly' when she was cared for at the Humane Society, is doing just great. Following her major surgery just prior to her joining me, she now has the drain tubes, stitches and staples out and everything has healed beautifully.  We continue to learn about each other's habits, likes and dislikes.  Amelia is doing well with crate training.  She loves to run around through the woods, especially in the morning with the cooler temperatures and dew on the grass.  Amelia is definitely the hunter which her breed would indicate.  So far she has caught a mouse and two frogs.  I cannot forget the images of her with a mouse tail hanging out of her mouth nor the two frog legs dangling down!  She also enjoys walking and swimming in the water - no matter how much green algae might be floating on it.

Those who have met Amelia are very impressed with how pretty and well behaved she is.  Recently she met several of her 'cousins' including a young black lab whom she played and shared her toys with for a week stay.  They were even treated to puppy ice cream while he was here.

She comes to work with me typically one day per week.  Please feel free to stop by the Siren Village Hall to see her if you're in the area.  She greets most everyone with a tail wag and she loves Ann and Vicky who spoil her with much love and attention.

Attached are some photos.  She's a wonderful companion and I'm so thankful to have her with me!

BENDER AND LEELA (BENNIE AND FRANNIE)

Sorry -- been on vacation and am now catching up on emails. No bother at all!  We love love love our cats!  We renamed them Bender and Leela (fans of Futurama will understand). More when I have a nights sleep in my own bed :)

GOLDIE (GOLDIE LOCKS)

Before I write an update on Goldie, I’d like to give you a brief reminder of who she was before getting adopted. Goldie was a 3-month-old Retriever/Lab/German Shepherd mix that was brought to us as a stray. Either this little girl was abused in her short life or never socialized as she came to the shelter EXTREMELY shy and scared. If you put a leash on her, she would just lay down and cower. We couldn’t let her loose in the play yard for fear that we wouldn’t be able to catch her again to bring her in. You basically had to corner her in her kennel to give her any attention. What Goldie had going for her was her young age and good looks. She wasn’t vicious and we didn’t worry about her becoming aggressive; she was just so scared.

Goldie got adopted by a nice couple. I talked to Troy and he shared how Goldie was doing in her new home. She’s doing better every day, but still very shy. She comes up to them backwards, as if she wants to be pet – but only her back and behind. She does not like her head and neck being pet, but they are still working on that. She will shy away from your hand. Goldie never got used to being on the leash and, like us at the shelter, Troy was worried that she’s run off and never be found if not on the leash (and they live on 200 acres). Well, one day Troy and his family prayed about the situation and soon after, Goldie got off her leash. She didn’t run. She seemed more at ease and stayed close to the other dogs. It’s as if the leash was part of the problem the whole time. Goldie has two friends: a 14-year-old black lab that doesn’t pay too much attention to her but has put her in her place; and an overweight beagle that Goldie loves to torment. Goldie is herself around the other dogs and loves to follow them around. Troy takes his other two dogs on his 4-wheeler because one is too old and one is too fat to run beside it. Not Goldie! She runs beside the 4-wheeler to follow her friends wherever they go. Now that Goldie does not wear a leash, she’s become more at home and stays in the yard with the other dogs. She didn’t bark at the shelter, nor did she bark at her new home (at first). Now she is a watch dog as well as a puppy. Goldie does the normal puppy things – like chews. She’s doing pretty good with being house-trained. Accidents seem to happen when she hasn’t been taken out early in the morning. Troy and his family are very happy with Goldie and I told him to give us updates because it can only get better from here. Goldie is a lucky girl to have found such a loving home and I couldn’t be happier for her!

 

BELLA

The first words I heard when calling the person who adopted Bella was: “You can’t have her back!” Mary is Bella’s new owner and she is very happy. She said that Bella has a routine at her house and that she is very well behaved. She basically has two spots in the house that she knows is hers and that’s where she goes. Mary said she thinks Bella has a little Siamese in her because of her unusual meow. She did not really cuddle for the first couple weeks, but is getting better. Bella can sleep on the bed with Mary at night time and has a blanket that she lays on within reach of Mary. Little by little, Bella is letting Mary hold her more. She’s starting to like it. Bella loves company and she loves her tennis ball. She grabs it with her claw and drags it around the house with her . . . until it finally gets lost under furniture. Mary mentioned at least 3 times during our conversation that we could not have Bells back. Bella is an only child and loving life getting unconditional attention.

 

FRIDA (AZALEA)

Hi Brenda, Just to let you know that Frida is doing well.  She is getting along fine.  She lets me pick her up and love her up.  She is a smart little cookie.  She sure learned quickly that she could get treats.  I love her.  Thanks!

MATRIX (LEAF)

I am happy to report that we have observed quite a bit of improvement in Matrix (we changed it to Matrix from Leaf) over the time that we have had him in our home.  He was so very very shy when we first got him.  In fact, I believe that he needed to be sedated the first bath he was given at your facility and now he has been given a bath every other week and has been groomed a couple of times without any sedation.  He still does not like to be picked up, but once he is picked  up, he snuggles in to be quite comfortable.  His favorite member of our family is Morton, our other Shitzu.  He loves to be with Morton and this truly has been the key to his progress.  He is not quite potty trained, but is making progress here. We just need to be diligent and he is fine.  Nora (the 12 year old), is Matrix's next favorite.  She is the one who feeds, baths and grooms him.  We know that Matrix is a bit more work, but we are happy to have him.  He is developing a personality that keeps us laughing.  I don't know if he will ever be comfortable being picked up, but we know that we will give him the time and patience to find out. I will try to send you a picture along with this email.

Thanks for asking.  It is nice to share about his progress.