Serving Pinellas itty at es County, Florida – since 1994 ... · Part Maine Coon, Delta (left) sports ear tufts & fluffy tail. the reserved one; Cher is the dominant kitten. These

Serving Pinellas County, Florida – since 1994

Winter2013-2014

Introducing SOS’Cat Haven page 4 & 5

20years

1994-2014

Kitty Kat MewsThe Newsletter of Save Our Strays, Inc.

Save Our Strays, Inc.

SOS is a no-kill, non-profit organi-zation dedicated to rehoming abandoned cats and kittens.

SOS

CONTACT US:

PO Box 373 Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785

727 481-5262

727 481-5091

E-mail: [email protected]

On line: www.SaveOurStraysInc.com Like us on Facebook www.Petfinder.com

ADOPTION LOCATIONS:

These PetSmart stores

CountrySide Every Saturday; noon – 4 pm 26277 US 19 North at Enterprise Rd, Clearwater 727 799-3311

Tyrone (Call for dates) Saturday, 10:30 – 2 pm Tyrone Blvd & Park St

St. Petersburg 727 343-7900

Gateway Sunday, 12:30 – 4:30 pm

7777 9th St No. St. Petersburg, 727 577-9935

Board of Directors & Officers

President: Linda Hartnett Secretary: Donna Johnson Treasurer: Robin Berryman Directors: John Hartnett

Liz Thompson

Newsletter Volume 18, Issue 3

Editor: Donna Johnson Photo Editor: Paula Hays

Website Administrator: Fluffy Cazalas A copy of the official registration and financial in-formation may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll-free (800-435-7352) within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state.

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Fashionably black

Black cats are elegant mini panthers. While folklore varies from culture to culture, black cats are said to bring good luck in England and Japan. Tuxedo cats are truly the aristocrats of cat color patterns.. Named after the attire men wear for formal occasions, some tuxies also wear "spats," or white boots..

Twins Bobby Sox and Walter White- foot are identical except for a dot on Walter’s chin.

Super friendly Dottie (left) has a white dot on her throat. Tuxedo girl Chrissie has big eyes.

Part Maine Coon, Delta (left) sports ear tufts & fluffy tail. Sibling Sonny (pictured above) is the reserved one; Cher is the dominant kitten.

These are a few of our wonderful, friendly kittens. We also have a number of adult black cats ready for forever cats. Call 727 481-5262

Front cover: Kittens in SOS foster home – nothing cuter! Photo by Paula Hays

Leanne provided blood for Ansel, a senior cat that needed a transfusion.

Leanne is a trooper. She was dumped at Pinellas County Animal Services in November. The 3-year old Torti had a laceration on her side. The same day that Leanne was transported to Clearwater Animal Clinic for treatment, a blood donor was

North Pinellas County gains new participating

veterinary clinic

Save Our Strays has added another veterinary clinic to our participating program: All Pet Care, 1453 Sunset Point Rd, Clearwater, FL 33755. Phone: 727-442-9111. We appreciate its staff’s efforts in helping our stray felines.

SOS monthly adoptions

Our adoptions from three Pinellas County PetSmart stores, plus, in-home adoptions provided the following monthly totals: July – 24, August - 21, September – 31, October – 15, November – 15.

Best Wishes in 2014 from

SOS Volunteers, Cats & Kittens

Blood Donor:

Leanne needed for another SOS cat named Ansel. Leanne was able provide the needed blood for Ansel. Ansel, 11 year old, was found injured by a good Samaritan that rushed the distressed feline to Pinellas Animal Hospital in Pinellas Park. We transported Ansel to Clearwater Animal Clinic. Blood work showed that Ansel’s red blood count was low and he needed a transfusion. The weakened cat then spent nearly two weeks gaining strength to undergo surgery.

Control unwanted breeding of cats

You can make a difference in preventing unwanted kittens from being born. If you see a feral or stray cat in your neighborhood or where you work, don’t ignore it. Low-cost spay/neuter service is available. Animal Health Care Clinic, 2118 Drew St., Clearwater, FL , (727) 446-5501.

SPOT Spay/Neuter Clinic - 4403 62nd Ave. Pinellas Park, FL. SPOTUSA.org. Call (727) 329-8657 or (727) 329-8658.

Trap, neuter & release (TNR) of feral cats & cat colonies – Call Sue (727) 504 2343.

SOS celebrates 20 years saving abandoned felines

1994 - 2014

Ansel is a good patient after surgery.

A biopsy report later showed that Ansel had cancer. He was euthanized in December. Leanne, at least, gave Ansel a fighting chance. Our Torti girl’s story was featured in a local paper. As a result, Leanne now has a forever home with a retired woman in Pinellas Park.

Declawed cats

While Save Our Strays does not advocate the removal of a cat’s claws; some adopters choose to have the surgery performed. Sometimes these declawed cats are no longer wanted, often abandoned, and become SOS cats again. Although most of these declawed cats are older, they are wonderful companion pets. If a declawed feline is a requirement, consider one of the following:

Mr. Smokey, gray long- haired male, Age – 10 yrs. Cinnaman, orange & white male, 12-yr-old lap cat. Ebony, black female, sleek short hair, Age – 14 yrs. Margaret, orange & white female, Age – 12 years. These cats are looking for love again. Call 727 481-5262. -3-

Our Cat Haven needs

Scoopable clay litter Paper towels Litter box scoopers Plastic garbage bags Dry adult cat food Odoban Odor Eliminator

Other wishes

Grant writers Adoption counselor volunteers Additional foster homes PetSmart gift cards Postage stamps Training (pee) pads Catnip toys Canned kitten & adult cat food Humane traps for feral cats

Please bring items to our PetSmart space

Fleas be gone By CATherine Hamel

Fleas are the worst – just ask any cat. Controlling an infestation can be a living hell. Treating felines with Advantage, Revolution or another liquid application can be terribly expensive and while killing the fleas, the eggs – up to 50 laid a day from simply one flea – survive. These eggs can be deposited anywhere within your home. A totally safe, alternative solution to killing fleas and their eggs is now at hand: Diatomaceous Earth. This pest control product is naturally derived from finely milled silica shells created of primordial microscopic freshwater plants called diatoms. The compound is lethal to only one living species: those insects with an exoskeleton, such as fleas and ants. One of our volunteers, Clare Creager, gently fluffs the fur of her cat, Walter with a product containing Diatomaceous Earth when fleas appear. Within a brief 10-15 minutes, Claire combs or brushes his fur, removing the dead fleas and remainder of the powder. Along with powdering Walter, Claire shakes this powder over the floors, pet bedding and anywhere else the flea eggs may be. A day or so later, these powdered areas are vacuumed up along with destroyed flea eggs or larvae. This routine is one that can be safely carried out until the fleas are totally decimated, with a dollar cost being much lower than that of any prescribed flea control solution. The ingredient Diatomaceous Earth is sold by itself yet can be found blended into other pet products, such as a dry cat bath.You can purchase Diatomaceous Earth in many locations locally, but make certain that the kind you buy is Food Grade as there is a toxic version used to clean pools. Check with your veterinarian first.-4-

Suzie, an 8-year old brown Tabby, relaxes on a canvas lounger perhaps gazing at the artwork on every wall. In our adoption room, intent adopters sit on a sofa and comfortably observe our felines’ behavior deciding on the purrfect kitty for their family. SOS’ Cat Haven is not your typical animal facility. It is a cheery, colorful haven for a limited number of our cats where they receive loving care and socialization.

As Save Our Strays, Inc. celebrates its 20th year of operation in 2014, we have ventured to provide extended care to adult cats that we rescue and to the many SOS cats that are returned each year. Our Cat Haven offers these cats a transition home from the shelter where they were abandoned to another loving home. Our permanent foster program places older, hard-to-adopt felines with caregivers on an ongoing basis. Kittens will not be housed at the Cat Haven; they will continue to be cared for in foster homes throughout the county. Our volunteers have worked hard to transform our empty space into rooms, install plumbing for laundry capabilities and to create custom enclosures for the felines. Additional coated metal enclosures can be built as needed. SOS Cat Haven opened its doors for our first felines in December.

Our 10-ft by 5-ft coated metal enclosures are furnished with cat condos and beds, scratching boards and toys that offer the cats a pleasant environment.

Save Our Strays Cat Haven rocks ! Our wonderful volunteers and donors have made the completion of our Cat Haven in Pinellas Park a reality. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the following for providing their time and tireless efforts: John & Sharon Stansbury for painting walls and doors. And for building custom cat trees. Hal & Liz Thompson for painting and coordinating design. Robin Berryman for design input and ordering supplies. Pete Diez for assisting contractor with build out. Donna Johnson for coordinating purchases and donations. We are extremely grateful for the donations provided by the following: Eric Petty – washer, LeAnn Dixon – dryer, Mel Rue & Ronn Jackson - refrigerator, countertop, oak cabinet; and furniture, Corrine Clover – cabinets; Nancy & Cliff Patterson – laundry sink; Carole Soule – table, lamp and other items; Mari French – cat bed, scratching board and other items, Donna Johnson – chairs, Allena Wilke – cat beds and cleaning needs. In addition, artwork has been generously donated by Linda Brielmaier, Eunice Fisher, Tracy Riodan, Sylvia Morey. We extend a round of applause to our contractor Dean Gruenloh for his design and build out expertise.

Our Welcome Lobby features an inviting area where

T-shirts, catnip pillows and other cat-related items are available for sale. Great gift ideas abound.

Our Adoption Play Room gives adopters a sunny and

cheerful space to interact with cats to determine their fun personality.

Adoption hours are initially by appointment. We hope to be open for adoptions on a regular basis after the first of the year. For updated information call 727 481-5262. SOS adoptions at three PetSmart stores in Pinellas County each weekend are ongoing.

Our laundry section offers our volunteers plenty of

room and a pleasant working environment. Our felines at the Cat Haven are cared for seven days a week by dedicated volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a part of our volunteer team, call Carol at 727 347-1719 for details about filling out our volunteer application. Your support of SOS’ Cat Haven is vital to its success. We hope to offer sponsorship opportunities in the near future whereas a donor can sponsor a cat, a housing unit or one of our rooms.

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Latest contributors Thanks! Effective through December 15, 2013

Best in Show Membership ($1000 & above donation)

Grace Clark

Blue Ribbon Membership ($100 - $999 donation)

Frank Ahern Animal Hospital of Pinellas Point Maureen Ballinger Deborah Bradbeer Carol Cerney Annina Donaldson Duke Energy Nancy Kline Michele Lamontia Naomi Malone David & Andrea Manson Jini Matesi Kyle McNeer, Ivone Meltzer Sue & Joe Reina Linda Rogers Leslie Rowe Sandy Schrotenboer Pat & Richard Smith Marilyn Speeler Diana Ward Betty & John Zandi

Paws Membership

Jacquelyn Baylies Barbara Beall James & Loretta Beakey Sarah Bergstrand Sharon & Scott Bridges Diana Cambron Susan & Robert Colbeck Anita Deal Doug & Nancy Doll Deborah Greenwood Goodsearch Raymond Hanke Evelyn Harley Ray & Marge Hill Daniel Hood Lisa Konrath Michael Mahon Fran McDermott Edith Mills Lee Mowinski Richard Newman Evelyn Perna Nancy Price Jean Purdy Anita Rallo M Hudson Reed - 6-

Grace Roth Natalie Rowland Judith Sallows Patti Hillhouse Schriver JoAnn & Holly Smith Sophia Snyder Carol Soule Theresa & Orlan Thomas Karen Watson Joann Whitteaker Patricia Wilbur Irene Winn Judith Votaw Ruthe Yow Rebecca Zack

In Honor of Pets

From SOS cat Hailey Jim & Wendy Rexroad

In Memory of Pets

From

Alley, Portia, Anita Rallo Tobe & Vinnie

Bear & Apollo Nancy Kline

In Memory of People

From Winnie Reuter Diana Ward

What’s in your will? When creating or updating your will, remember to include provisions for the care of your pet after you have passed away. Give consideration to include our no-kill, non-profit 501 (C) (3) organiza-tion. Save Our Strays has no paid employees; therefore, your donation directly benefits our daily operations by providing vital veterinary care and food for our stray felines

We’ve got mail !

From feline lovers that recently adopted an adult cat from SOS.

“Thank you for Rachel. My Mother enjoys her immensely. She is amazed how well behaved and smart she is. My Mother likes that Rachel sleeps with her and keeps her company.” Dr. A-H. “While I was sitting in my chair and watching TV, Dusty decided to jump into my lap. You should see the grin on my face! Dusty is now a lap cat! Our love affair has begun. Thank you, Save Our Strays.” Eunice F. “I was in a terrible car accident not long ago, and Mickey is helping me heal. He has brought so much joy to my husband and me; we love him dearly. He's so smart and affectionate and likes to play a lot. He is also very beautiful. He was the perfect match for us!” Sandra S.

Free pet food available through

Pet Food Stamps Program

The nation’s only non-profit Pet Food Stamps program provides free pet food to qualifying pet owners. If you own a pet, are receiving food stamps or are in a low-income bracket, visit PetFoodStamps.org to sign up to receive free monthly home delivery of your pet food.

Special Thanks

Anita Deal Roll of Stamps Ken & Mary Wanner 20 bags of Hills food Mathew Clark Two laptop computers

Yard sale contributors: Linda Briel-maier, Barbara Law, Trish Laczko, Connie Plate, Bonnie Sherrill, Carole Soule, Irene Winn & more

Volunteer Spotlight

Sharon & John Stansbury

When Sharon Dean was a little girl in Akron, Ohio, she had a pet cemetery in the family garden where she buried all of the field mice that her cat would bring home. Sharon’s compassion for animals will always be a part of her spirit. When John moved to Florida in 1978, he relocated with his Siamese cat; he has been collecting pets ever since. The couple has fostered numerous felines for SOS. They find the kittens quite entertaining. Sharon transports the kittens to PetSmart at Countryside to be adopted and has been successful in placing several adult cats with families looking for an older cat. Siblings Lennie and Trixie are resident cats. When Save Our Strays was seek- ing volunteers to help complete

Sharon & John have been together for over 13 years and finally married two years ago in Las Vegas on 11/11/11 our Cat Haven, John and Sharon spent many hours painting our new rooms. John also custom- made the Haven’s cat condos; Sharon assisted with the carpeted upholstery. Sharon worked as a professional seamstress before she retired. The talented lady created every-

thing from sails for boats to draperies to clothes for manne-quins at JoAnne Fabrics. Sharon also owned and operated Baypointe Country Club in Seminole where she served as chef and banquet coordinator. John has taken care of his customers as a handyman for 35 years and is a professional painter. Sharon has a son Robert that lives in Clearwater and installs bill-boards, and a daughter, Annie, an Ohio resident that works for NASA, plus two grandchildren. All are animal lovers.

Sharon and John maintain a good sense of humor and keep each laughing. When the couple first shared a home, for example, John had a kitty with no tail named Tygrr. He said it was a Cabbit (part rabbit).

The pair is a real asset to SOS. They are always ready to help when needed. Sharon always makes one laugh with her feline tales.

Return envelopes provided courtesy of Clearwater Animal Clinic, 1639 S. Missouri Ave Clearwater FL, 727-584-1151

Please support Save Our Strays, Inc. P.O. Box 373, IRB, FL 33785; I’d like to Join /Volunteer

Name:__________________________________________________________________________________ Address:_________________________________________________City:___________________________ State/Zip:______________________________________ E-mail address:____________________________ Home Ph:________________ Work Ph:_________________ Cell Ph:______________________

I would like to contribute to operation of Cat Haven cost of veterinary expenses for ailing cats I want to support Save Our Strays, Inc; enclosed is my gift of:

$10 $25 $50 $100 $250 $500 $1,000 (Corporate/Best of Show) $______ Other

Interested in volunteering? What would you like to do? Transport cats, volunteer as an adoption counselor at PetSmart on an occasional Saturday or Sunday, foster a cat or kittens, volunteer at promotional events, assist with grant writing. Call 727 545-1116 to learn more. ________________________________________________________________________________________

Have you ever fostered a cat before? _____ Can you foster a Save Our Strays kitten or cat now? _____ Please phone: 727 481-5262 As a foster home caregiver, a home visit is required prior to fostering for Save Our Strays, Inc. Please understand that fostering requires a commitment to seeing the process through to adoption which means you could foster a cat for, perhaps, an indefinite time. You need be able to transport the cat to a participating veterinarian and to a PetSmart store for adoption. We adopt from PetSmart stores in the Countryside area, Gateway Mall and from the Tyrone Blvd. store on weekends. See page 2 for times. (Rev. March 2013) -7-

Save Our Strays Inc. P.O. Box 373 Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785

Adopt a friendly Phone: 727 481-5262 home-fostered cat 727 481-5091 from Save Our Strays www.saveourstraysinc.com

When you adopt an SOS cat,you receive a happy, healthy,

completely vetted feline:

Spayed/neuteredTested for feline diseases

Current on vaccines Microchipped

Save Our Straysis a NO KILL

cat-rescue organization

Unconditional love comes wrapped in fur

Dandy Lion & Tiger Lou Vincent, a green-eyed Maine Coon craves attention are playful brothers

Copper-eyed Shelly plays in water Paisley is a stunning Patch Tabby

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St. Petersburg, FL PERMIT NO. 4033












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Documents

Serving Pinellas itty at es County, Florida – since 1994 ... · Part Maine Coon, Delta (left) sports ear tufts & fluffy tail. the reserved one; Cher is the dominant kitten. These