2542 17th Street, Sarasota, FL 34234 • info@catdepot.org • www.catdepot.org • 941.366.2404 Issue 16

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A Happy Ending For 150 Cats On Adoption Day (see page 3)

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To Life - L’ Chaim Memorializing a loved one can save precious lives. Ask any cat whose destiny has changed because they entered Cat Depot’s doors. Life-saving donations not only honor a loved one, but provide daily care, sterilization, and emergency surgery. We are proud to announce that all ten suites and pods on the adoption floor were purchased and named, thanks to our kind friends who have made saving lives a commitment.

Share Your Talent • Join an Event Committee

Dot CatDot Cat

Dot Cat

Dreams Can Come True

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to live in a kind, peaceful society where children are taught to be more compassionate to each other and learn the value of all living things? Well, it may seem like a dream world, but it is one we can all help to create. Humane education dates back to the late 1800s when George Angell founded the American Humane Education Society and

inspired school children to make a pledge to be kind to animals. Studies suggest that children who are taught humaneness to animals also learn concern and empathy for their fellow human beings. Today, rescue organizations like Cat Depot are taking a more active role in education. Life lessons, when turned into acts of kindness can make an enormous impact in their homes, schools, and interpersonal communication as they become young adults. This past summer, Cat Depot, in its continuous effort to educate and create a humane environment, locally and

nationwide, offered its first Critter Camp experience for children. Second through fifth graders learned about safety, responsibility, compassion, and caring for animals, both large and small. In 2013, Critter Camp will be available for youngsters along with a diverse number of programs for animal lovers of all ages. Help us continue our humane efforts to create a world where people and animals have mutual love and respect for each other and live harmoniously together.

Artist Nancy Colby presents Maria Wirries with a watercolor portrait at the Grand Opening of a pod. Maria’s Manor was a surprise birthday gift from her grandfather!

Campers learn dog safety with Babuska

Zoe and Camper Emma enjoy time together

Nate Benderson Name to be announced Rose Durham Casa de Pablo Donovan’s Den Taza Territory Greg Gregory and Ilene Friedman Maria’s Manor

John Hughes and Family The Hughes’s Playhouse Warren Loranger Where Are You? Pat and Diana Maloney Jack and Lucy’s Place Maloney’s Least Wanted Judy Ragona Suite Monroe

Thank You

Cat Depot Cats

3Donate - your time, your expertise, your love • Become a Volunteer!

What happens when good intentions go awry and hoarding begins? In the case of Caboodle Ranch, a nonprofit organization 100 miles west of Jacksonville, Florida, 700 cats needed homes.

In February 2012, the ASPCA, working with Maddie’s Shelter Medicine, called on Cat Depot’s Emergency Response Team to assist with hundreds of cats who were either hospitalized or in need of daily care. Emergency response veterinarian, Dr. Sarah Kirk, led Cat Depot teams to help with the rescue. These groups included staff vet techs, cat caregivers, adoption counselors, and trained volunteers. During the long months that followed, Dr. Kirk remained an integral part of the care, working weekly at the rescue location with the cats who needed her most. In late July, 150 cats were transported to Sarasota. In preparation for their arrival, Cat Depot set up housing at a local fairgrounds, Robarts Arena. In three days, a small but determined team of volunteers built 13 double door walk-in fence enclosures for the cats, delivered supplies, and prepared for the arrival of the cats. On August 11-12, an adoption event was held in three Florida counties: Pinellas, Duval, and Sarasota. At the two day event in Sarasota, 110 of the 150 cats were adopted! It was a victorious day for the cats, and people traveled from as far away as Texas to take home a new family member. Thanks to the unwavering efforts of the ASPCA, Cat Depot’s Emergency Response Team, hardworking volunteers, and the 110 generous families who opened their hearts, these cats are now experiencing life as it should be - in a loving home. Of the 40 cats who remained . . . all were black. To honor their lives and help them find loving homes, Cat Depot will hold an adoption event, “Jail Break,” on Saturday and Sunday, November 17-18.

King Leo and Belle King Leo was relinquished by his family, as was Belle. But, that’s just the beginning of their commonalities. Both cats are 17 pounds and have easygoing dispositions. These two could easily be Maine Coon cats or Norwegian Forest cats.

King Leo has a lion’s mane, and Belle, well . . . her coat is not quite as bushy as Leo’s, but then, he is a king after all. Both cats came into the adoption center around the same

time, and neither fit into an admittance cage. As a result, they were both placed into two separate offices. But, that didn’t last long. King Leo snuck out every chance he could to visit and sleep beside Belle. And, they were often seen strolling the halls together. You might say it was love at first sight. Only one problem, Belle was adopted. King Leo has been searching the halls ever since. He has not found a replacement for Belle. But, like her, he is hoping to find a home soon.

King Leo awaits his forever castle

Belle and King Leo relaxing together

Happy girls, happy kitten

Paris and Kittens While Cat Depot was preparing for the arrival of 150 cats at Robarts Arena, a woman lost her cat in the immediate vicinity. In an attempt to help her, Cat Depot set out a humane trap. We captured numerous cats, including Paris, a teen (not yet one year old) who was obviously very pregnant. In fact, shortly after her capture, she delivered six beautiful kittens. We are happy to report that sweet Paris and her kittens are all healthy, happy, and waiting to be adopted.

Young Mama, Paris

John Hughes and Family The Hughes’s Playhouse Warren Loranger Where Are You? Pat and Diana Maloney Jack and Lucy’s Place Maloney’s Least Wanted Judy Ragona Suite Monroe

700 Cats - Florida’s Largest Feline Rescue!

4 Visit us on the internet at www.catdepot.org

Hundreds of Little Feet in Cat Depot’s Fleet

A growing number of individuals have registered their feral cat colonies in Cat Depot’s Community Cat Program. Some cats are personal pets, but the majority are free roaming, or what we call community cats.

They live behind stores, in alleyways, near dumpsters, and in the shadows. Sadly, their life span is shorter than an indoor cat, and they struggle every day to find food. They are our community’s cats, and they need our help. The best way to control overpopulation of community cats is to manage cat colonies through spay and neuter efforts. Cat Depot supports these efforts through a full circle program that includes registration of colonies, availability of humane traps, free and no-cost sterilization resources, educational classes on both safe trapping procedures and colony care, a cat

colony hotline for advice, and a food distribution program. Cats in colonies can be monitored for population growth, proper health and sterilization. Newcomers can be pulled for TNR (trap/neuter/return) or, if friendly, placed in an animal shelter for adoption. The goal to help colony caregivers with food every month is challenging. Cat Depot is looking for financial support to feed an enormous number of empty tummies. If you can help, please call Shelley Thayer at 941.366.2404 or email, ShelleyT@catdepot.org.

THE INSIDE SCOOP

Muffin, rescued off the streets, undernourished and dehydrated

“BLACKCAT” The Autobiography of a Feral Cat

We asked author Diana Maloney what compelled her to write this book. “I feel strongly that there are some important messages that aren’t being received, in particular that homeless feral kitties should never be ignored,” she stated. Diana, known for her compassion for downtrodden animals expressed her opinion that black cats and community cats are the “least wanted and most maligned.” By writing this book, she hopes to reach out to readers of all ages. BLACKCAT is a beautiful story, written in short, one page chapters with accompanying photos. Once you read it, you’ll think twice about turning your back on a neighborhood stray. Diana and her husband Pat are generously donating 100% of every sale to Cat Depot’s cats. “We are convinced,” Diana said, “that Cat Depot is absolutely dedicated to their mission to help cats in need.” Available in Cat Depot’s gift store for $9.99 or online at www.catdepot.org., BLACKCAT will save lives. Thank you, Diana and Pat for your compassionate hearts. “BLACKCAT” by Diana Maloney

Pepper, on the road to recovery, came in with pneumonia and a collapsed lung

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Beautiful Babs

The rescued kittens, Sunshine, Pippa, Pepper and Merlin

Storm Sewer Survivors

Beginning in March 2011, a local student began feeding two cats who had taken up residence in a local storm sewer system. Growing concern over their welfare escalated when the female cat gave birth to four kittens. In April, Cat Depot volunteers joined forces and captured Sunshine, one of the four-week-old kittens. Two months later, severe weather and extensive flooding made it imperative to relocate all of the family members. A rescue volunteer climbed through sewage and fire ants to reach the remainder of the family who had moved further into the drain. The kittens were captured, but the frightened parents fled. The following day, both parents, obviously searching for their young, were observed peering into the window of a local business. A very moving reunion occurred later that afternoon when both parents were trapped and reunited with their kittens in a foster home. It took four long months, Cat Depot’s medical intervention, and many dedicated volunteers to give this story about Sunshine, Pippa, Pepper, Merlin, Misty (the mother), and Storm (the father) a happy ending. The entire family is available for adoption and waiting for you at Cat Depot.

Kiki Occasionally, a special someone comes into our shelter and asks to adopt one of our cats who is most deserving of a home. One that comes to mind is Kiki, a three-year-old polydactyl (extra toes) with way too much seniority. Kiki came to Cat Depot from a “hoarding” household. Barely a year old, she arrived filthy, full of fleas, and with four young kittens in tow. Growing up with lots of cats and very few humans, she was shy, but sweet. Kiki just returned from a successful foster home program that appears to have helped her socialization skills. Kiki now appreciates a loving home environment and looks forward to a forever family of her own. Please have a heart and visit Kiki in Donovan’s Den.

Babs Is Beautiful

Much like the movie, Home Alone, Babs suddenly found herself abandoned. Upon arrival at Cat Depot, she was frightened and confused. Volunteers and staff worked to brighten her mood, but it did little to restore her confidence. After a weekend retreat with Dr. Sherry Zenor, Babs blossomed and became curious and full of life. To further her socialization skills, Babs entered our foster rotation program. She greeted her caregiver daily by purring loudly and loved playing with a feather toy. Babs also liked being stroked under her chin and would lick her foster mother’s hand. She basked in the sun during the day and according to her foster mom, Babs was gentle, sweet and a pleasure to have in her home. With her newly gained confidence, Babs is now ready for a happy ending all her own.

Kiki is looking for love

6 Special Group Activities Available • Call Us at 941-366-2404

Newsletter Contributors Articles: Linda Slavin, Shelley Thayer Photography: Molly Azpell, Linda Brannon, Kathy Johnson, Jim Liddell, Jan Munsell, Lynn Rasys Layout & Design: Fran Topp Proofreader: Meighan Monroe

SIMON SEZ: SIMON SEZ:

We save lives 365 days a year. Cat Depot depends solely on donations and memberships. Please support our lifesaving efforts by giving generously today.

Handsome Buddy, fully recovered

Buddy recovers from his ordeal

Many Thanks From “Buddy” There are many heroes in my story, many kind-hearted neighbors who became my guardian angels until I was admitted to Cat Depot. My journey to date has taught me what love and compassion can achieve when people come together for a cause greater than themselves. In this case, the cause was me. I have several names, Buddy and Twinkle-toes to name a few, and I am a handsome,

laid-back grey and white silver tabby. What makes me special is that I am known as a Hemingway cat because I have eight front toes. What makes me really unique is that I have eight back toes as well! My story began after two of my beloved humans passed on. They had no living relatives so their house and belongings became the property of the state. Everything was moved out, including me! At first, I was angry with them because they did not provide for me. They had no living will, no agreement or money left with a neighbor to take me in or even feed me. What were they thinking? I thought they loved me! Being a domesticated, indoor cat, I had no idea how to hunt. Doesn’t all food come in a can? Small critters eluded me and sneered at my inability to feed myself. With my additional digits, you’d think I’d be king of the jungle. But over time, even my shadow began shrinking.

Hunger drove me to beg, and I quickly befriended neighbors. I thought it was my sweet, docile personality rather than my diminishing size that finally got their attention. My guardian angels were very kind, fed me well, and watched out for my welfare, but none could afford to take me in. One day, a hungry old buzzard swooped down on me. I ran for cover but, not before he bit me. One of my neighbors witnessed the attack, and in response, they brought me to Cat Depot. Their veterinarian recognized my need for emergency services. I later awoke wearing a silly contraption that prevented me from removing my sutures. While I was in rehab, all of my guardian angels visited me or called Cat Depot to keep updated on my recovery. Their love made me feel special and helped me to heal.

I finally found a forever home of my own, me and all of my 32 toes! But, should you see a cat struggling to survive, lend a hand. You could save the life of a good buddy just like me.

We Care

7Help Save Lives • Please Donate

Working Together to Make a Difference Grants Approved in 2012 Cat Depot’s Grant Committee is comprised of hardworking volunteers who are learning what it takes to get grants approved for needed operating costs, equipment, and supplies. We are grateful for their support.

36 Hour Giving Partner Challenge ($60,000)The most funding ever raised during one event helped with greatly needed daily care.

ASPCA ($28,000)A climate controlled rescue trailer to transport animals, and an animal tag machine.

The Edward E. & Lillian H. Bishop Foundation ($5,000)Development funds for a new website design.

Best Friends Animal Society ($1,450)Humane traps and adoption support for black cats.

Gulf Coast Community Foundation ($3,197)Humane traps, safety collars, spay and neuter packs, and Critter Camp Scholarships.

The Mary E. Parker Foundation ($5,000) Support for humane Trap/Neuter/Return Program.

PetSmart Charities ($5,000)Animal Cruelty Grant to aid rescued cats.

Awards Received in 2012 Cat Depot is grateful to donors, members, and volunteers who make our lifesaving work possible. These awards honor you. Frank G. Berlin, Sr. 2012 Small Business Awards - NonProfit of the Year Cat Depot was one of three finalists.

Interactive Media Award, International Media Council, Inc.Bayshore Solutions received an award for Cat Depot’s website design. Chase Community Giving Nominated by JP Morgan Chase Bank for the Best Nonprofit, 2012. Awarded $10,000.

Nestle Purina The Friskies Campaign One of 25 organizations selected in the U.S. to receive 5,000 cans of food and compete for 5,000 additional cans.

Sarasota Magazine – Volunteer of the Year Robert Burns won this prestigious award for his contributions to Cat Depot.

Volunteer of the Year, Robert Burns

Incoming Cats! There’s a whole lot of love and a thorough veterinary exam for every cat who enters Cat Depot. For many, the initial physical is the start of a wellness transformation. Routine tests for disease are conducted as well as checks for heart and dental disease and other potential ailments. Diabetes, arthritis, upper respiratory infection, and skin allergies are commonly detected. Cat Depot’s medical team goes beyond the routine exam. They provide laboratory results for every cat in an effort to track contagious diseases that can be transferred to humans. This includes intestinal parasites, and is one of the many procedures that Cat Depot provides. For some cats, it is the beginning of a pain-free existence, and for every cat, it is a fresh start before they depart to their forever home.

Ear mite exam & treatment $36

Microchip $30

Spay/neuter $175

Feline leukemia/FIV/ Heartworm blood test $48

Distemper combo vaccine $18 per booster

Rabies vaccine $18

Deworming & fecal test $30

Physical exam $50

Flea treatment $20

Lifetime of love and companionship: PRICELESS

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Save the DateSaturday, Feb. 9, 2013

Laurel Oak Country Club

Forget MeNot Gala

Join Us In Celebrating

Cat Depot’s 10th Anniversary!

It’s All About Cats...

1Ten Year Anniversary

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Jail Break!! Adoption Event, Saturday and Sunday, November 17-18, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Who would have thought . . . the rescue of one cat would lead to the adoption of thousands

Raffle Drawings Refreshments Ask the Vet (available to answer questions)

Our cats are breaking out! Bail set at: • $10 black adult cats & kittens • $75 adult cats • $100 kittens

Let the dog out

Shredded the toilet paper

Furball on the carpet