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Holiday 2017ASAP’s newsletter for friends and supporters

Basil, OUTCAT NIPS is a publication offered free of charge three times a year from ASAP P.O. Box 357 Goleta, CA 93116-0357 805 683-3368 info@asapcats.org www.asapcats.org Issue No. 19, November 25, 2017

It’s a wonderful life, made possible by ASAP & you!Hey there, all you festive friends of felines! Can you believe the holiday season is already here?! Well, this old curmudgeonly cat is awfully glad

to have an excuse to wax sentimental, gosh knows I’ve been holding back the floodgates furever! Those ASAP peeps have been creating some jolly ole tear-jerking moments over the

past few months. I mean what did we think ASAP would do when a Hurricane named Harvey blew in and put 1/3 of Houston

underwater? You got it…they leapt into action and welcomed 41 of my feline tribe from Houston…and never once did they think, let alone say, “there’s no room at the shelter!”

For reals dude…those Harvey cats are pretty cool! Check out Samon here—he’s kinda like my brother from another mother, that is, if I were a tough old

blonde tomcat! Samon is hoping for a home for the holidays—so fire up some holiday inspiration with your friends and family and send someone to ASAP for the BEST GIFT ever!! And the fix is in for some jingle-bell-worthy

discounts—December 14-24 you can adopt an adult cat like Samon for just $25 bucks!! What’s that I hear?! KNOCK KNOCK! Who’s there, you say? ASAP kitties delivered to your doorstep, that’s what!! Seriously, for the first time ever, if you want the ultimate holiday surprise for your loved ones, ASAP volunteers, sporting some truly embarrassing holiday apparel, will make special deliveries of pre-adopted cats and kittens. There’s just nothin’ those ASAP peeps won’t do to help my feline pals get a home!

Oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention (quit elbowing me, I’m gonna tell them about the kittens!)…ASAP will have a Santa sleigh full of kittens available for adoption this year. No joke, the kitten-making machine at the North Pole has been working overtime and the kittens just keep on pouring out!

No matter what your holiday traditions are, the bottom line is that we all have so much to be grateful for. There’s nothing more comforting than knowing so many kitties are snoozin’ in warm homes with visions of catnip dancing in their heads!! And we owe it all to YOU: because of your support for ASAP, it is truly a wonderful life for 1,000 cats and kittens this year!

As we move through this holiday season and into 2018, we hope you are nestled in with those you love, both human and feline, and that the collective chorus of ASAP Alumni can be heard purring throughout the land. And for those already planning mischief in the New Year, be sure to mark your calendar for THE BASH on June 9, 2018!! Gotta go now, this old tomcat has another letter to write: “Dear Santa, I’ve been a very good boy…well, ‘good’ is subjective…but definitely good enough for some cat nip, IMHO!” So predictable, I know.

Merry, merry and happy, happy!

Handsome Houston refugee, Samon, awaits a home!

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What If It Were My Family? by Greg Calderon, ASAP Wellness TechWhen I was asked to go to Houston to help rescue cats and dogs from the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, I knew I had to go. When an opportunity to be a part of something bigger than yourself comes up, you don’t hesitate. You just say yes.

The morning I left for Houston, I looked at my own pets and thought about how rough it would be for my little family if something like that happened here in Santa Barbara. To be separated from those you love and all that is familiar is terrible. I imagined what those cats and dogs must be feeling in Houston, dealing with the trauma of loss.

Once in Houston, I had many emotions seeing all the animals who were occupying the massive temporary shelters. I was angry at the hurricane, sad for the animals who might be euthanized because there was no more space, but also happy that so many were safe and alive. You hear the numbers but seeing all of those animals in person is a totally different thing.

In the midst of battling these emotions, I looked up and I noticed the people: so many caring individuals, generous of their time, full of hope and faith that they can help these animals. Then I thought about why I was here. I was here to give some of the animals already in the shelters a fighting chance to live, in a new place. That thought made me happy, and I was proud to be a part of the rescue. Traveling can be a very traumatic experience for animals, and my biggest concern was reducing stress and making sure that 140 cats and dogs felt safe. This concern was mutual for everyone involved with Rescue Express. This wasn’t just a job for any of us, this was a means to ending the euthanasia of adoptable animals. After 26 hours, I arrived in Santa Barbara exhausted, but determined to help get every cat off the bus. I had helped bring them so far, it was only fitting that I should help carry them those last few steps into the safety of ASAP.

When Tragedy Hits, ASAP Steps UPOn August 25, Hurricane Harvey hit Texas, dropping 51 inches of rain on Houston. With entire neighborhoods under water, mega-shelters were created for humans and animals alike. Difficult choices were being faced—and cats and dogs without possible owners were at the top of the euthanasia list.

Hurricane Harvey was just one of several natural disasters and tragedies to impact our country this past year, leaving many of us feeling overwhelmed and helpless. When ASAP was offered the opportunity to actually DO something, there was no hesitation from a single employee, volunteer or supporter.

Our little shelter had already had a tough summer with a high population of cats and kittens—but that didn’t stop us from working a little harder, being a little more creative, and welcoming 41 evacuated cats and kittens from Houston.

ASAP’s Wellness Tech, Greg Calderon, flew to Houston to assist with the evacuation—and then spent 26 long, arduous hours driving back to Santa Barbara helping care for 140 cats and dogs on two Rescue Express buses. This incredible journey was a life-changing experience, not only for the animals saved from euthanasia, but also for Greg (see his personal story on page 3)—and a Rescue Express bus driver named Todd (story below)!

Falling in Love on The Rescue ExpressTodd was introduced to Rescue Express after his best friend passed away from cancer and a close friend thought he could use some pet therapy. Through a network of rescue connections, Todd was asked to drive a 40-foot retrofitted

school bus back and forth between California and Texas to help save the lives of shelter animals in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. On the bus drive back to Santa Barbara, every time Todd was helping with the animals in the back of the bus, a little black paw would reach out of a kennel and try to touch him—and this little kitten named Cora ended up melting his heart. The first thing Todd did after the buses arrived at ASAP was text his girlfriend Tory: “What do you think about adopting a baby girl kitten?”

About a week later, Tory and Todd drove back to ASAP from their home in San Diego to pick up Cora—but here’s where the story gets even better! Apparently, a little Houston tabby kitten named Ash had seen Cora’s paw trick with Todd and decided to try his own luck. While Todd and Tory were visiting Cora, Ash kept waving frantically from the next cage over. They were smitten: "We fell in love with him and realized two kittens are better than one!"

Now named Grace and Finnegan, these feline refugees from Houston have become California kitties forever. According to Todd: “Grace is very independent and acts like she has never eaten before. Finnegan is ignorantly blissful and just brings joy to everything. They are both healthy and happy and Tory and I couldn’t be happier either!”

Greg with ASAP Alum, Morbius, who is now part of Greg's own family. On the morning Greg left for Houston, Morbs was ever present in his mind—it is unimaginable to think about what could happen to our beloved animals if a natural disaster struck close to home.

After the long journey from Texas, this weary tabby family is anxious for their carrier door to open to their new world at ASAP!

Exhausted but all smiles, Greg is greeted with cheers and applause after stepping off the Rescue Express bus in the ASAP parking lot—26 hours on the road and 140 cats and dogs saved!

After driving from San Diego to ASAP to collect one precocious kitten, Todd and Tory find themselves taking home TWO Hurricane Harvey feline refugees! ASAP

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Shadrach was a woeful sight when he was picked up by Animal Control this past August. This pitiful cat’s skin was covered in thick, dark crusts, especially on his ears, face and feet. His itching was unbearable and he would scratch nonstop. Plus, no one wanted to touch him—just looking at him made you itch all over! But lucky for Shadrach, our community is blessed with a wonderful veterinary dermatologist named Jean Greek, who also happens to be on the ASAP Board of Directors! ASAP immediately reached out to Dr. Greek for assistance because not only did Shadrach need expert, specialized care, we also knew that his condition was contagious and we couldn’t bring him to the shelter and risk exposing all of the other cats.

According to Dr. Greek, “Despite his terrible skin, he purred up a storm and was very patient with our efforts to help him.” Shadrach was diagnosed with Notoedres—feline scabies, commonly called mange, caused by tiny mites. Although affected cats look terrible, endure unbearable suffering, and can even die without treatment, they respond wonderfully to appropriate care.

Because this type of mite is extremely contagious to other cats and humans, most shelters are leery of treating infected animals. But a little feline mange didn’t scare Dr. Greek! She brought Shadrach home and sequestered him in a guest bathroom. Just 72 hours later, he was nearly a new cat! His scabs were 90% improved, as was his itching and discomfort. Treatment continued and Dr. Greek reported that: “Much to his disgust, Shadrach had to continue his sojourn in the bathroom for an entire month until he was no longer contagious to Midgley, the 23 year old matriarch cat of the house.” When ASAP contacted Dr. Greek about bringing Shadrach back to the shelter and placing him up for adoption, to our great joy and amusement her response was, “I don’t do foster. What do I need to do to adopt him?” Shadrach has truly found his own angel with Dr. Greek—and his forever home!

Above left: Barely able to see through his swollen and crusted eyelids, emaciated and enduring terrible suffering, Shadrach still manages to purr through his initial vet exam—without treatment, it is unlikely he would have survived. Above right: Just 72 hours after his initial treatment, Shadrach already looks like a completely different cat!

The Difference 72 Hours Can Make!Saved from unbearable suffering with expert veterinary care and limitless compassion

Hardly recognizable now, Shadrach has fully filled out and sports bright golden eyes and a gorgeous, glossy tuxedo coat!

Saving OscarKnowledge and love overcome fear and bias

Why is Oscar the luckiest big brown tabby cat ever? Because ASAP doesn't think FIV means the end of the line for cats, and neither does his fantastic adopter, Kate!

When seven-year-old Oscar was discovered on the streets of Carpinteria and diagnosed with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), it could have been his death sentence, since most traditional animal shelters still harbor unfounded fears that FIV+ cats are not safe to be adopted out. But ASAP knows better! In fact, FIV+ cats can have normal, healthy lives with a little extra monitoring and veterinary support to protect their immune system. Although any cat with FIV should be kept indoors to reduce health risks, they can live safely with other cats in a stable household where the cats get along without fear of transmitting FIV.

FIV cannot be transmitted from cats to humans or cats to dogs. Unlike Feline Leukemia (FeLV) which can be spread through casual contact, the primary way FIV is transmitted is through deep bite wounds, which occur mostly when unaltered cats fight and mate. As with all animals, there’s always the possibility of an unexpected cost, but caring for an FIV+ cat is usually no more expensive than caring for any other feline.

Because ASAP has an incredible community of animal champions, we are able to offer a lifeline to cats like Oscar when other shelters can’t. So instead of facing euthanasia, big, sweet, handsome Oscar is now living in a loving home. His new owner, Kate, wanted a full time indoor cat who would be affectionate and social, and also accepting of Gabriel, her blind elderly Cocker Spaniel. Kate was willing to take a chance on an FIV+ cat, trusting ASAP to be there for advice and information. It was a perfect match from the moment they met—and Oscar is “home sweet home” forever!

Healthy and gorgeous, Oscar endures some cuddling from his adoring adopter, Kate, in true begrudging feline-fashion!

I got to know Flossie (nee “Tux”) as a young kitten when she underwent a very complex surgical procedure at AVS* to repair a genetic chest abnormality. I was reeling after the loss of two of my older kitties, and Flossie struck me as an old soul in a baby’s body. Her treatment took a long time and its success was mostly due to her patience, which is something kittens tend to have in short supply! Flossie’s wonderful ASAP foster mom, Tracey, nursed her through her recovery and on her way to a normal life.

Now part of our family, Flossie takes "cat-ing" very seriously and has an incredible work ethic. Neither my husband nor I have ever caught Flossie in a deep sleep—if we’re awake, she’s awake. She has an endless appetite for ‘fetch’ and I pity the moth that dare enter our home. Currently she has an (older) love interest, Maxwell, and…let’s just say they keep each other’s ears very clean. It’s been such a delight to watch Flossie grow and thrive, particularly knowing how unlikely she was ever to reach this point without ASAP’s support and the generosity of many donors who gave critical funds for her surgery. Flossie doesn’t exactly sit still long enough to get a non-blurry picture of her, but we tried!

Love, Nora, Colin, Flossie, Maxwell, and Mr. Pants *Note: Dr. Nora Badal is a veterinarian at Advanced Veterinary Specialists (AVS)—her mother, Linda Badal, is on the ASAP Board

Flossie, sporting spectacular whiskers, has wrestled the object of her affection into submission! But Maxwell doesn't look unhappy with the attention.

An Update on Tux: A Happy Ending, Against All Odds

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Knock! Knock! Who’s there?! ASAP Kitties Delivered to Your DoorstepThis holiday season, when you hear a knock on your door, it could herald the special home delivery of your new cat or kittens! For the first time ever, ASAP will be offering holiday deliveries to adopters during this joyous season.

ASAP volunteers, in full festive regalia (rumors abound that Big Dog Sol will be sporting some reindeer antlers), will be making home deliveries in the spirit of the season. All adoptions must meet our required criteria and be finalized at the ASAP shelter in advance of the deliveries. Of course, you won’t want to miss out on our special holiday adoption specials December 14-24: $25/adult cat and 2 kittens for $75!

Go festive feline shopping at ASAP and surprise your loved ones with a home delivery!! For more information, please contact: info@asapcats.org

Holiday SPONSOR-A-CATASAP's Sponsor-a-Cat program is another special gift that benefits ASAP's cats! Sponsor a cat for yourself or as a gift, and we'll send a certificate with a photo of your sponsored cat. Please send us your sponsorship by December 13 in order to receive a certificate by December 23.

Worrying about what to do for your holiday shopping this year? Fret not! The ASAP lobby store has something for everyone!

Human friends and family? ü Basil swag! We have tote bags, and hats, and socks, and wine glasses, and pint glasses, and more! All featuring ASAP's lovable mascot, Basil. Oh my!

Far-off friends and acquaintances? ü Send them a cat-themed Dear Santa holiday card!

Feline friends and family? ü A box will do just fine. Ok, maybe you can fill it with some catnip toys and treats.

Consider a gift to ASAP. ü Our 1,000 cats and kittens each year depend on friends and family, like you. You can help us save these precious felines and send them to their forever homes, for this holiday season and many years to come.

Barely able to contain their excitement, ASAP volunteers, Lisa and Pam, have a "dress rehearsal" for the upcoming holiday deliveries of adopted cats and kittens.

Dear Santa, Just A Box Will Do

A Feral Friendship: Kailani & Lulu by Lee HellerThis is the story of two lonely feral queens who found friendship in foster care, and ultimately, a life together, on their own terms.

When Kailani came to me as a young feral nursing mom from Santa Maria, she showed signs of wanting some human contact. I worked with this little brown tabby queen while she raised her kittens, building trust, hoping that she might end up being adoptable as a companion cat.

Enter Lulu, a beautiful feral Abby-tabby queen who was caught with a litter of kittens at Norman’s Nursery in Carpinteria. I set up Lulu in my foster garage, in a pen right next to Kailani's. It was immediately apparent that these two mama cats enjoyed each other's company. So bonded was Kailani to Lulu that even when she had free run of the garage, she chose to sleep right next to Lulu’s pen. I held out hope that Lulu, watching how Kailani enjoyed human affection and contact, might decide to become more trusting of people, although that never happened and she remained feral through and through.

It’s a good day when a feral queen is finished raising her kittens, spayed, vaccinated, and ready to be returned to her original location. Even better, the manager of Norman’s Nursery was eager to have Lulu back. On the day of her release, I watched as Lulu headed through the greenhouse plants, happy she had freedom and safety, and people who cared about her even if she didn’t interact with them. But there was still a big decision to be made: what to do with Kailani? Norman’s Nursery was willing to take Kailani too, but could she have a different life as a social, companion cat?

After consulting with ASAP’s Feline Behavior Director, Barb Ceriale, we decided that Kailani had already made her choice, and she chose Lulu. So I set Kailani up in a relocation pen at Norman’s Nursery and the staff reported seeing Lulu sleeping on top of the pen. All seemed wonderful.

Then the nursery called and told me I needed to take Kailani and Lulu for a few days because they had to spray the greenhouses with pesticides. Lulu was easy to trap, but tragically, Kailani panicked from the noise made by workers and bolted past me out of her pen, refusing to come at my call. I spent a sleepless night worrying that she would either run away because she'd only been at the nursery for eight days, or would stay in the greenhouse and be poisoned by the pesticides.

Twenty-four hours later I was back at the greenhouse to release Lulu, hoping against hope that Kailani was OK, calling her name as I walked down the greenhouse row. Freed from the carrier, Lulu ran off into the plants and started meowing. Then I heard it—a meow calling back—and I spotted a pair of brown tabby legs running amongst the plants towards Lulu.

I went back to the nursery the next day to check on them—and there they were, Lulu and Kailani, eating side by side, forever friends, on their own terms.

Choosing feline affection over human, Kailani and Lulu spend their days at Norman's Nursery. Inseparable friends and true companions, they are never far from each other's side.

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P.O. Box 357Goleta, CA 93116-0357

(805) 683-3368 info@asapcats.orgwww.asapcats.org

ASAP - Animal Shelter Assistance Program5473 Overpass Road, Santa Barbara, CA ▪ Monday–Saturday 10:00am–4:45pm ▪ Open Until 7pm Wednesdays and 12pm–3pm Sundays

ASAP is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization ▪ Federal Tax ID: 77-0283500

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Holiday Gratitude – It Takes a Village!Every volunteer, foster, employee, supporter and donor is part of an extremely complex network of saving feline lives at ASAP. We all contribute, whether it’s cleaning litter pans, keeping records, fostering, caring for sick cats, counseling adopters or donating critical funds. Each decision we make, each cat and kitten we save, is also part of this interconnected web. Bug and Puff are two little felines that are now part of a GREAT BIG story!

Tiny Bug was found abandoned on the side of the road when she was just a few days old. Rescued by two good Samaritans, this precious little tortoiseshell kitten was just inches from the crushing tires of cars speeding by. She was lovingly raised by her foster mama, Jill, but fell victim to Tarzan Syndrome, a common behavior problem seen in single orphaned

kittens. According to Jill, Bug had two settings, “OFF" and "Tasmanian Devil with Teeth!”

Enter Puff, a feline refugee from Hurricane Harvey in Houston, who arrived at ASAP and was immediately sent out on an urgent mission: To teach Bug some manners! Just a few days later, Puff’s Charm School for Baby Dragons was already seeing success—Jill reported that Bug could be “cuddled for a few minutes before biting into your hand like it was a baby back rib.”

Bug and Puff’s story has the happiest ending of all—this unlikely dynamic duo was recently adopted together and will continue their journey side by side. Just think how different their lives would have been if not for dedicated volunteers, fosters, and donors like YOU! Our hearts are full of gratitude at ASAP, and we wish everyone a warm and wonderful holiday season!

At Puff's Charm School for Baby Dragons, there is no shortage of "box time outs"—but that's a fake sad face on Bug because we all know she loves it in there!

Less than a week old, itty bitty Bug was saved from the side of a busy road when she was spotted by the driver of a car speeding by!