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Just thought i would update you on things that have been going on. Kitten season for 2008-2009 is about to begin. We hardly had a break this year with a few older kittens still arriving at the cattery.
As Lynn mentioned in her last entry, we have been getting more and more cats surrendered due to rental rules. It is quite hard to see some people who are upset at having to surrender their precious pets. BUT then you get the others who surrender their cats due to silly reasons like "too old"," it stratches the carpet". How you can have a cat for 12 years and then just give it up is beyond me. I am yet to understand or cope with the idea that some people think of pets as so easily replaceable.
On a happier note Jake has been rehomed. I'm sure he will be missed by all the volunteers and staff in the cattery. I hope his owner is ready for Jake to want his breakfast, milk and cheese. Jake certainly let you know what he wanted. It is fantastic to see Jake get a new home again and thank you to Emma for loving him.
Lynn has started a Facebook site and we need as many members as we can get. So join now and meet some familar faces.
We had another case of being unable to contact the owners of a microchipped cat. The person didn't think to update her details and her cat remains unclaimed. Gypsy is now up for adoption and is a lovely girl but it is sad to think that they may be wondering what happened to her. Then again maybe they just don't care.
A lot of our adults have gone home in the last weeks and we thank the people who have made them part of their families.
Til next time.
11.7.08
Been a few months since my last entry, kitten season for 2007-2008 is almost over many kittens seen again around the 850. With the cats 1061 for the financial year.
Our Kitten numbers are much the same as last year but we have yet again received more adults cats. Financial hardship,moving to rental "no pets allowed" many different reasons,but what we have seen in the last few months are cats and kittens coming from homes not in 2 or 3 but in 10,15 and the worst of all 40+. The heart ache,stress and sear frustration this has placed on both staff and the volunteers is unbelievable.
Some people are so thankful for our help and the later (40) person seemed to think it was our duty to thank him! People just amaze me sometimes. We did very well in finding homes for most of the groups. Some of the adults from the (40) unfortunately we were not able to handle at all. Too many cats in one household. It is impossible to share the love with them. This person thought he had about 20,well he thought wrong huh !
Just for give you a day in the life of a small shelter a few weeks ago on a Tuesday,within two hours we received 8 cats from the (40),15 cats and kittens from a rental property ( they had been left behind when the owners moved) 3 in a box left on the door step of a produce store in Croydon, 5 kittens left in a bird cage in our shelter carpark and 10 surrendered to the shelter from a family. Gee talk about putting you under pressure. I had a mini melt down, tears,anger,frustration all in one go. Where do we put them? Too many all at once! What the hell are we going to do!
Tears gone a call for help to one of the office staff, all sorted out,everything under control. Take a depth breath. MOVE ON!!!
This is becoming common place in most shelters now. What the heck is going on.
Is it misinformation about desexing,do people not now where to go for help are we not providing the right education or assistance I don't know. Or is a don't give a sh..... attitude towards cats who knows. I hope the later is not the case.
Well as we wind down this kitten season at the shelter out in the burbs the undesexed cats are mating doing best to give us another busy season for 2008-2009. Just can't wait,all I ask is just give us some time to clean the building ready for the babies to come.
On a note we have been sending home many adults from the Cattery it is so nice to see them go home. Not too many kittens means the adults cats have their chance now.
Please pass onto to people that you know have not yet desexed they kittens to do so before the become mums themselves. Remember they can become pregnant from 4 months.
If you have read this thanks for your time pass on our message to as many as you can.
26.4.08
It has been brought to my attention that I have not entered anything onto this blog for sometime.
So lets see what I have to say. More of the Same!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yet again the kitten season has not surprised the staff and volunteers at the shelter
frustration,anger,sad,overwhelmed are just a few words that I can think of, off the top of my head. Other words are ones that don't go down in print very well.
Lots and lots of cats are currently being held at the shelter at the moment. Beautiful,friendly,loving,desexed when they come to us. BUT BUT BUT with no identification. This is the angry part. Did you know only 4% of cats that entry a shelter world wide, yes world wide are reunited with the owner.
BUT 75-80% of dogs are reunited with the owner. Explain that one to me because it frustrates the hell out of me.
Don't our cat owners care where the pets are or to give them a chance don't they know where to look. I don't know the answer.
In shelter pounds in this country your cat can be desexed on entry to a shelter and if it shows itself as being unsocialised and is not wearing identification it can be put to sleep on the day of entry. Now it does not happen at out shelter. Because I know that even my cats put in that situation could come across as being PSTOF.( excuse the French)
What you the public need to DO is microchipped/name tag with mobile of phone/put a registration tag on your cat. If it finds it ways to any Vet Clinic or shelter/pound it will be sent home.
You must, you must identify your cat desexing is just not enough.
Grumps out of the way. Lots of kittens still looking for great homes. Also many cats(48) looking for homes. Talk to your friends spread the word we need you help.
Hope not to be too long and too grumpy between the next entry.
28.12.07
Well this year is nearing the end. But another will soon begin with all the same issues,heartbreaks and decisions of this year. It just doesn't seem to get any better.
What will it take for the general public out there to get their acts together and desex the cats that they bring into their homes.
So many excuses- "forgot","didn't think they could get pregnant that young",don't they bleed like dogs, "I don't have a male cat", "it's not my fault they family up the street didn't desex their male cat" on and on it goes I could write a BIG book. One day I just might.
So many cats lost their lives this year. WHAT A TERRIBLE WASTE. I just wish we could replace their lives with some of the two legged variety.
During this year the (DPI) Department of primary Industries will be campaigning for the public to take FULL ownership of the stray that they feed OR send them to the pound/shelter, you may think this is a dramatic thing to do, and so many cats may be put to sleep. BUT we must deal with the MAJOR issue. www.whosforcats.com.au is right.
We as the general public we must take responsibility for what we have created.
Have a look at the site. Act if you know someone that is a semi-cat owner and make them take full ownership. That is desex,microchip and take them into their home.
IT NEEDS TO BE DONE NOW NOW NOW over 300,000 cats are out there fending for themselves and many will die!!!!!!!!!
Now apart from the lecture. At the shelter we currently have 44 adults cats looking for homes, ages range from 8ms to 19years wow!.
Kittens are doing fine as always, but we have around 80 kittens out in foster homes (still need more foster mums).
Spread the word we need to find homes for these adults cats, as we have ABSOLUTELY no space left. Help if you can, we need it.
Thanks for listening last message and lecture for the year.
Everyone have a safe New Years drive very carefully, if you are drinking DON'T' DRIVE. have a sleepover or catch a taxi. We need people like you to help.
Happy New Year !!!! meow for the last time this year. 2008 here we come. :-(
21.12.07 (6.30 pm)
Day home from the shelter been doing some last minute shopping,I must say I think every one else had the same idea the shopping centres are so busy. Lots of good cheer around.
Yesterday at the shelter we had our first "dumping" for the season four beautiful kittens, two Grey girls ,one male Tabby and one Tabby girl all with the best natures. They where found on the Warburton Hwy,Wandin in one of those multi stripe bags you can get from the $2 shops. Makes you wonder that this is all they where worth and what the not so responsible person ( if that is what you call them) thought of them . I do hope this person is on Santa's naughty list. Because by gum they are on mine FOREVER. KARMA will become them one day.
These little treasures are now desexed and waiting for a new and much better home. The staff at the shelter will make sure of that.!!@ !!
I would like to wish everyone a Merry Xmas and the best of the best New Years. If any one is out and about during the holiday period don't forget to drop in a give some of our adults cats a cuddle we have lots. We find this time of year they get forgotten and the little ones go home first. But sometimes cuddles is all they need to keep them going.
Some that stay for a long time get depressed just like we do if no one comes to visit.
Once again have a safe and happy Xmas.
9.11.07
6-30am rotten nights sleep too many cats on the bed along with the other person might as well get up and do something around the house (did a little). Then thought I haven't put any thoughts to my blog for awhile.
Good thing I guess as the cattery has been rolling along smoothly over the past two months.
AND DEN,AND DEN,AND DEN.............KITTENS
So far we have only had a few kittens ready for sale, BUT we currently have 50+ kittens out in our foster homes. HUH
Ages range from 1day to 6weeks all will come back when fat enough
around 850grams. Then Dr Jess will see them desex them,chip them all of the above. Then it is up to us (staff and Volunteers) to find them all new homes :-(
Over the season we will at Animal Aid see around 900 kittens a good number of these kittens will need to be fostered if any one has some spare room or large laundry etc and is able to help. Not only by caring for the kittens but by helping the exiting foster parents share the LOAD.
Please give us a email or phone the shelter. Unfortunately you must live in a responsible distance to the shelter if vet care is need etc.
All ready my head is starting to fuss up and I have already given my apologies to the Volunteers and staff at the shelter for any grumpy words or grumpy faces. Each year during kitten season I'm sure someone will get an ear full,but believe me it is all from kitten season madness and the heart break that comes along with this time of year ,which goes for some 6 months
We have kittens found in wood stacks,a plea from an Rushworth about some 3-4 day old kittens. Maaike my foster parent organiser goes onto a forum on a regular basis ( animal one of course). Talking away when a young lady sends out a call "can some one help I have baby kittens. I'm a single mum and don't drive and know one is willing to help". Maaike immediately sends me a message "shall I go and get them" my reply, "not yet lets see what we can do".
Long story short, we suggested ringing the local vets (no luck),ring the shelter in Bendigo ( no luck) HUH.
Next step ask the forum no one in the area, however we do have a contact foster person in Seymour. Sandy to the rescue. Sandy drives up to Rushworth collects the kittens, ALL DOING FINE.
Job well done. You see people can work together!!!!!!!!!!!! and these kittens are in good hands and will survive. THANKYOU SANDY
Well must get ready to go to the shelter today we are training some council pound employees in the RIGHT way to handle animals.
Have a good day everyone speak soon. I'm sure the kittens season will bring something for me to vent about.Every year does.
3.10.07
Well kitten season has started with now eight pregnant female cats coming into the cattery as "strays".
Of course there appears to be no owners for these girls.
It is a concern that so early in the season we are seeing this many mums coming in.
With the warm weather if the girls were still out there caring for themselves it would mean they would become pregnant just six weeks after the birth of these current babies.
This would given them another litter early in the new year.
Please if you know of anyone who has an undesexed female cat do your absolute best to convince them to have their cats desexed.
We don't need anymore unwanted babies this year.
We will see nearly 900 kittens this year ( going on last years Nos.)
Imagine how many the big shelters will receive, ( the mind boggles)
not to say how many will be put to slept. Such a waste of life :(
People just don't get it. I would love some of these people to walk in my shoes just one kitten season.
My volunteers and staff will be working hard to tell people to desex their cats.
If anyone is able to be a foster parent even if only one or two babies please give us a call. Lots of parents are never enough.
12.9.07
VAIL - SASHA
Those of you who have been long term friends of the shelter will remember our "Star dog tester" Sasha. She had been with the shelter from 1992 - 2006 then out on foster/retirement since Sept 2006.
Today was a sad day in the Cattery as she was sent to a brighter place.
She was just an amazing cat. She knew when a dog was dangerous by very calmly walking away. She knew when a dog was a friend by giving them and big head butt and a kiss on the face. Or if she had doubts she would stand back from a distance and maybe give a roll on the ground telling the staff "now be in control they should be ok".
Her sense on judgment was just amazing. To this day we still haven't found someone to replace her.
Twelve months ago we retired Sasha and she went to live with Julia and Fred both a similar age to Sasha. The love and cuddles that they have giving her over the past year showed today. It was as if she had been they beloved friend for 15 years not just twelve months.
Thank you both for the love you gave her.
Sasha rest in peace
9.08.07
Just thought I would give you a update on "Driver" The little fella that had been dragged under a car for many kilometers.
Well he has gone home with a lovely man. Gary has given us a minute by minute account of how he is going. It is just wonderful to hear how well he is going, you'd think he would hate any human, but I guess they just know who is good and who is bad.
A week ago we had another fella come into the shelter he had a bad rear leg break. So on Wednesday he had his surgery yesterday to remove the leg. Dr Jo one on our vets has taken him home for a few days for some TLC.
Broken leg and all prior to his op this fella was just the happiest bloke.
Nothing special to look at,Tabby and White ,but he has a great nature, just so easy going.
In a couple of weeks we will be looking for a new home for him.
If any one is able to help, please give us a call. The great thing about this guy, he is easy to identify if he happens to end up in the pound we can ID him REALLY quickly.
It has been a slow week, still lots of cleaning to do before the kittens start coming again.
I will keep you updated with information about "Driver" and our now 3 legged boy.
5.08.07
I have just spent the evening going over the figures for the cattery, that is the numbers of cats and kittens that we have received for the month of July, I was so pleased to say that we have rehomed 46 adult cats and 27 kittens for the month.
Even though we are not full we do have some empty cages and the cats are not staying very long with us.When we have less to choose from its seems to be easier for people to decide on who will go home with them.(less jelly beans to pick from)
Sadly today 7 adults cats where surrender which has filled up some more of the cages. For them this time of year should be lucky .
We find when the kitten season is over ( which is only very brief August-Late October) the big guys have a much better chance of finding a home. So wish them luck.
No one found a new home today, but I'm sure tomorrow will be a better day.
23.07.07
Just when you think things are going great some human has to go a spoil it for everyone.
The team and I have been madly clean the Main Cattery scrubbing brushes and buckets every, enjoying the lack of adult cats.
All thinking how lucky we are to be so empty and no fuss no downers.
BUT we received a call from one of our Maroondah rangers. A cat had been tried (rope around his neck) under the middle of a car ,unknown to the driver. He had been hailed down after he had driven from Chadstone to nearly Ringwood with the young male cat dragging along underneath. The driver was totally unaware of what he had done. He took the young male to the nearest Vet Clinic. After being checked over he was brought to the shelter.
You wouldn't believe apart from having no more claws and a large hole in his shoulder from being dragged along the road.He has faired OK.
"Driver" as we have called him is of cause in a state of shock.And he is on pain killers, time will tell how he goes.
It just amazes me how he made it, after traveling so far under the car.
WHY do people do such things? However we will be sending off the rope to the Boys in Blue and they will be finger printing the under carriage of the car. Lets hope something will be found and this THINGS dare to call them people, will be charged. I know what I would like to do, give them a taste of the same thing but for longer.!!!!
Cheers Lynn 12am time for bed.
21.07.07
What a great couple of weeks we have had in the Cattery so many adults cats have found new homes I thank all their new "slaves" very much for giving them a new loving home.
It has been over a week now since we rehomed the last of our babies,
looks like for season is over the this year.
However now is the time for all those Xmas present kittens to start arriving on th door step.
One little black and white girl didn't even make it that far,she was left at our front gate. She managed to escape out of the box. Fortunately for her she had tumble the cardboard box she was in almost onto the main road,which run along the front of the shelter property.
Sharon our Boarding Supervisor arrived early on Monday just in time to see our little girl jump out of the box and run off into the tree near the front entrance.
During the day we all keep our eyes open for her but she found us.
When one of the Cattery volunteers was leaving to go home she came running up to her in the middle of the car park meowing her head off looking for cuddles.
She is just a sweetie, but boy was she hungry. She is currently home with one of our foster mums and will be back in just a couple of weeks.
This last week has been very cold almost snowed in Coldstream.
But our felines are keep lovely and warm in the main Cattery.
So even if its cold outside, inside out building it is warm ,so no excuse not to visit.
Hope to see you soon Cheers Lynn
08.07.07
Well holidays are over I have returned back to the shelter this week. I was so happy to NOT see too many familiar faces. Kittens season appears to be over for this year (but I say that very softly).It is now time for the big guys to find a home.
We are currently giving the Cattery a big clean up, changing things around, early spring cleaning.
For us it is the only time we can, during the kitten season things tend to be put on hold.
Not a lot to say tonight,but next year is our 60th ( Whow!!) the shelter will be doing something special.
Makes you think about how many animals that have past though our doors and found new homes. But also about how many didn't make it. :(
Getting late,work tomorrow.
11.06.07
Late in the evening..., Kate has spent the last two days revamping the Cattery website. Hope everyone likes it?
Changes are always good!
Went down to the shelter this arvo to feed the kittens ( yes I know I am on holidays) but living so close makes it easy on the other staff, that live further away. As it was a public holiday they are able to have part of the day off.
Oh my goodness so many adults cats.....Only one empty cage left!!
We are in desperate need of homes. So much to think about yet little can be done.
All we need is the impossible, a mass number of people to come into the Cattery and adopt every cat we have. Yeah right!! - tell her shes dreaming.
We have so many beautiful cats, every colour, not that thats how you should make your choice.
Its the personality that makes the cat. And this may be the right feline for you.
If any of you remember my story about "Boo", the Black male who was found locked in a the bicycle shop in Croydon, for sometime.
He was nothing special to look at and he had the most dispiriting eyes, most people would pass him by, just because he was BLACK. However,he had the most to die for personality.
Please, when you visit our Cattery give every feline you meet, the time of day. You might just get a pleasant response from the that ordinary tabby cat in the corner.
Seacrest out---
5.6.07
Well my holidays have started and I know the Cattery is being run by great staff and the best volunteers you good have.(What a greaser). I will try not to think too much about the felines but it is very hard to wonder how they are all going. Have they got a home? Have many strays come in the door? Are the kittens slowing down? Are the little ones that we have found their new families?
Today Coldstream was VERY thick fog ,which means COLD ,I believe it was 4 degrees at 8-00. Just think what Wednesday will be ,they are predicting frost overnight.
It gets me thinking about all those felines that don't have homes and are out in the cold.
Looking around my lounge room furry bodies everywhere and or course only near the gas log heater. They are so lucky!!!. I must say living in Coldstream is cold but felines do make great hot water bottles at night.
Must clarify- No water, just fur!!
During the winter months the shelter tends to slow down,animals still come in just the same but visitors are fewer which means rehoming is harder for us. So please don't sit at home come down and visit. The cats still look for cuddles and love to have someone to talk too.
25.5.07
It has been nearly a month since I have entered something to my blog. Mainly because it has been a full on month. So happy to say the kitten season is starting to slow down (still have over 30 kittens out on foster) and the big cats are now getting their turn at finding new homes. It is lovely to see them going out the door,off to start a new live with loving caring families.
I am looking forward to a well earned break.
We ( that includes my fabulous volunteers) have all had such a busy time over the pass few months having seen some 800+ kittens pass though our doors. Sadly some did not make it to new homes, having come in very unwell or dumped by the human and left to die. HUH not a lot I can say without getting angry!!!
We have at the shelter over the past 3 months had a discount desexing drive( funny word to use I know)which has proven to be very successful. Originally it was only for 2 months but Dr Jess Hubbard our practice Manager decided to continue for another month. At least with these cats now desexed their will be no babies brought into the world.
BUT I'm sure we will still see another 800+ kittens next year no doubt.
The days are starting to shorten now and a becoming very cold I must say down at Coldstream we tend to go by our name COLD, it can get down to -6 during the winter months and that wind will go right though you. So don't forget to bring all your babies in early, a lot of councils have curfews now and that means your cats must be in from dust to dawn, which can be as early as 5-00pm during the month of June.
Have a great month everyone will keep up my blog during the holidays. Don't forget the cattery still goes on even if the boss is away.
28.4.07
Easter over hope all your chocolate is all gone and the diet is back in gear.
12-08am. Can't sleep other half is snoring too loudly and I am thinking too much about the felines in the shelter. So many and rehoming is very slow.
The kittens just seem to be here so long.
It is so sad to watch them grow up in cages.
Sunday is my day back at the shelter after two days away it never seems very long at all.
I am always thinking of ways that I can get people into the shelter to see our babies.
If anyone has any ideas drop us a line. I would love to hear them.
Fingers not working to late to be doing this, better go to bed.
cheers Lynn
11.4.07
9-15pm housework done ( sort of)I hope everyone had a safe Easter.
Lots of animals at the shelter over the Easter period.Our boarding section where full the Cattery was chockers great to see some of our cats and kittens returning to be looked after by the boarding staff (and they get to go home).
Even though we were technically closed on the public holidays some visitors came to adopt a kitten and cat, but I'm one not to turn away a good home. So 11 kittens and 4 adults cats found new families. THANKYOU
Like any business day after a few public holidays we have been very busy MORE cats and kittens found homes yesterday and today.
Some of our foster kittens have returned from care and will be ready for adoption.8 today and another 9 Thursday. Still have about 85 yet to return.
Some good news remember all our "Dumpy Bin"box kittens well all of them have new loving homes. the last little fella to go was Freddy and he went home with a friend from the main cattery.
The last few days the weather has been just beautiful it is so nice to see all the cats and catkins sun baking in the enclosure, sometimes you can see up to 12 of them flat out sound asleep soaking up all the good healthy sun.
If you are not in the market for an addition but just need a cat fix drop down grab and cuppa from the Cattery kitchen and hang out with the cats in the enclosure.
Cheers Lynn
3.4.07
Good evening, 9.30pm winding down after another busy day. Thought I would make mention of our foster parents, our saints!!! if it wasn't for these families very many of our kittens would not have a chance. Currently we have over sixty kittens out in homes getting bigger, having cuddles, and lots of love. We are always in need of new foster parents so that we can take the load of our existing families. I must say it is always hard to bring them back most of the carers come back with the little ones ,eyes red with tears but they know that they have to give them up (we can't keep them all, me included)
A lot of work is put into these kittens ,some have problems with not like being handled or just need love and time. Some of our kittens come with a mum.
This can be difficult mainly if the carers cats are not to happy about her being there.
If any one has a spare room, bathroom etc and can give us some help give me a call (9739-0300).
Easter this weekend the shelter will be closed Friday,Saturday and Monday,so this gives us three days when we are unable to rehome cats and kittens. So if anyone is looking we will be open business as usual Sunday and back open on Tuesday.
Safe driving everyone please don't be in a rush to get somewhere. More importantly just get there ,being late is not the end of the world.
Cheers Lynn
27.3.07
Afternoon everyone, been very quiet today, so I thought I would do some blogging. But I am not going to talk about the number of cats we have, but mention some of my FANTASTIC volunteers.
First thankyou to them ,they all know who they are but you don't ,so here we go.
Well, there is Kathy my rock we have been together now for over four years in the early days it was just Kathy and me. Don't know how we did it but the work just got done. And we are both over 50 now.!!!!!!!
In the Main Cattery I have the pleasure of working with Effie, Em(real name Emily),Sarah,Ben,Annette,Marie,Maaika,Nicky,Bruce,Merrin(Thankyou)
,Murry,Maurine,Pauline,Rachel
In the Kittens ( and every where else) Nancy, then we have Lynne, Ria,Sandy,Sue,Maria( and Family), and again Nancy,Christal, And I hope I haven't forgotten anyone please forgive me if I have ,mainly the vols that come in on the days I am not in.
Then there is Jenny Griffin she comes in each Wednesday health permitting grooms and talks cat talk to every cat in the place. Sitting on her little fold up chair inside one of the cages. You will walk in and here voices not knowing where the hell it is coming from and then there she is cooing to one of the timid cats in a cage. Makes me laugh.
But she also makes toys, blankets and lots and lots of stuff to sell at our stalls ,open days etc. Jenny and Nancy don't every sleep they are always making something to give to the kittens and cats to make their live softer.
Thank you both.
It must be pointed out if we did not have all these wonderful people the shelter would not be possible. My heart goes out to them with lots of hugs and kisses.
THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU
BUT WE DO NEED MORE HELP MAINLY ON WEEKENDS
The work is not always pats and cuddles the cages need to be cleaned litters trays washed ( this is not the best job) etc. Then the cuddles happen. And we do get to have them.
Need to do some work now. Cheers
22.3.07
Good afternoon everyone, currently at home not well it is one of my rare occasions that I am home from the shelter on sick leave.( still can't not think about the place).
This year seems to be panning out to be the busiest we have had since moving from Kilsyth in 2000. Stray cats and unwanted (oops my cat had kittens) are coming in the door. If you now of any person with an undesexed cat or catkins please bring to their attention our discount desexing months of March and April for information check out the front page. Lets work really hard to try and have as many cats desexed before the have any unwanted babies.
Brain not in thinking mode today. This is all today.
14.3.07
4-30 pm Wednesday afternoon everyone is in bed. After having a wonderful day of running around the Cattery, helping us eat our lunch then soaking up the sunshine, they are all now very tried.
If you haven't been to our Cattery the adults cats and the catkins(4-6ms) get to run around the inside of the building. And then go out into the enclosure.
You can sometimes find 15 cats lying around sound asleep taking in all the fresh air and sun.
We currently have some 48 catkins and cats looking for homes, so it can be a bit hectic at the moment. You have to watch where you are walking as the young catkins run around having a wonderful time.
The weather in Coldstream is starting to get cold at night time so we have had to put on the heaters a couple of nights. They are so lucky,air con in summer and heater in winter.
If you are able to attend one of our fundraising events check out the fundraising page. We have a Gala ball in November, dogs day out next month and the big Trivia night in July.
Hope to see you at one of the events.
Time to go home :) but, have to attend to the catkins in the Vet Clinic and must give my returned foster kittens (Daisy- because she looks like a frisson cow) a cuddle ,she is missing her mum (me) and the mob at home.
cheers for now Lynn
7.3.07
Good morning, very fresh morning in the valley today it is the first time for several months that I have put the heater on at home in the morning. Before we know it, it will be winter time again, lets hope it will bring lots of rain.
Lots of cats and kittens have found new homes over the past few weeks. Thanks you to their new owners. I hope they are all doing well. We recently received from Bairnsdale pound 12 young catkins ( 16-20 weeks) half of them have already gone home. Over the next few months we will see the young adults come though the shelter. Some lost, some surrendered and unfortunately some injured or deceased because they have been hit by cars. .PLEASE do not let your young catkins out until they at least 6 months ( preferably not at all). On Sunday a nice young couple came into the shelter with a young 5month old tabby and white female she had a very bad injury her spine had been broken and she was in great pain.I had to call in Dr Jess to help this young girl but it was not to be for this little girl. Unfortunately she was not desexed and no identification on her and I am able to tell her owners she is no longer with us. Please Identify your animals either with microchip or tags.
Take good care of your babies.
Cheers for now.
20.2.07
Morning everyone 7-00am getting ready to go of to work at the shelter, beautiful cool morning such a refreshing smell in the air ,the past few days have been very taxing for everyone,all the young lives that have been lost on the roads due to driving too fast. Hots days I think the heat goes to your head and we sometimes don't think straight and drinking component doubles the effect.
Well for us in the cattery we had a great weekend 6 cats in the main cattery found new slaves to look after them. Two couple of slaves adopted both a kitten and an adult . And the adults were in the senior time of life 9+. Thank you to these lovely people, they will all have great homes.
Looking forward to a cooler day today(I hope). And I'm sure so will the cats.
Had a scary moment yesterday a very large brown snake creeped past the cattery enclosure. Be careful around these guys they do get very hot ,thirsty and cranky in the hot weather, do not try to pook with sticks etc. spray with a hose his tail ( from a big distance) generally they will move on. But do watch where they go.
Have a good day .
17.2.07
Good afternoon everyone,
As i sit and read what my mum (Lynn) has written after i see her burst into tears from peoples stupidity with animals.
It makes me think just how can anybody do such as thing, do they ever stop to wonder, how would i like it, if somebody taped me into a box and dumped me on the local tip?.. i think not!!
Luckily, I have sold quite a few cats & kittens today, thank god there are people out there that do care and want to help.
We still have so many older cats in need of homes, sometimes it seems that they are here forever. That's what upsets most staff and volunteers, that know these cats best and also know they have beautiful natures etc. but still NO homes!
Kitten season is in it's peak, so therefore again the older cats are not even given a chance.
I can't stress enough how much we would love these lovely matured cats to get homes, that they truly deserve. Some of the cats have been through so much, you couldn't even start to imagine and to be in a welfare center where the fight for attention between the other 30 + cats, well.. what can i say?
A Saturday, is usually a good rehoming day however it could be~so MUCH BETTER!
Have a good weekend everyone.
Regards,
Kate
11.2.07
What can I say "thankyou" to the people who so kindly left kittens and adults cats out were people can find them. There are 3 that I can THANK!!!!!!!!!:(
It all started Friday 9.2.07. Jodie received from a very upset person a box of felines 4 kittens and 2 adults they had been neatly taped into a beer box and very gently place into a dumpmaster bin. I'm sure that they had every chance of finding a home that way!!!!!!! :(.
Monday (today) yet again I must thank 2 people,firstly the person that kindly place 7 kittens and 2 adults on the nearest rubbish collection heep in Healsville. Thanks to someone noticing a cat carry box that they thought they could give to a friend these felines where found. Secondly thanks again to the person that neatly left 4 kittens in a box in the bush in Powelltown ( past Warburton). Fortunetly they were also found with lots of food and water NOT.
It never ceases to amaze me how some people can be so uncaring. No wonder I can't sleep at night. But I'm sure the person who drank all the beer before they placed the kittens and the adults cats in the dumpermaster had a good night sleep.(Drunk from the sorrow of what they did). Sorry to print my anger but we just need to vent.
Lets hope tomorrow will bring in families that will adopt some on these kittens and cats.
Cheers Lynn
4/4/07
What a busy day I had today at the Cattery so happy to say we rehomed 3 adults cats, Carly,Macy and Sherrie. Sherrie and Carly are going to be living together with a guy and his dog. Rehomed 4 kittens one kitten in particular is going home to live with a great young guy (Chris) nice to meet a bloke who LOVES cats, must say he and his Mum had a great relationship. This little Charcoal kittens is going to be spoilt rotten. Got very hot towards to end of the day not looking forward to Monday, another stinker. If you are a working person make sure there is plenty of water out for your babies. P.s I must say it was nice to rehome cats and kittens to men ,you see there and some softies out there not all men hate cats!! :) :)
2/2/07
Good morning everyone,7.56am checking our small website and so excited to say 1024 individual people have had a look. I hope you all have liked what you see. However if anyone has any suggestions for the site we will try to go with it but we are just learning ( me that is) all about this stuff.Uploading,graphics etc etc. Home day today time to spend time with the two young foster kittens we have Belle DMH grey she came down from Gippsland and Daisy DSH black and white. We named her Daisy because she looks like a fresion cow. It is great to see them running around with the big cats in the house, but if one of the big guys gets a bit ruff Meg our dachiX (keg) to her friends because she is a barrel. What she will do is rush in and protect the babies. She just loves having the babies at home especially the tiny tiny ones. Meg would have made a great foster mum.
A couple of weeks ago we became the permanent carers of two bequested cats
Seamus and Jemima. These to cats owner Joy recently passed away. Joy had adopted both of the guys from our old Kilsyth shelter ten years ago.Loving her babies so much Joy left in her will provision for them to be cared for by us until they also pass on. The bequest program works that we will find homes for them on a foster basis but medical costs are covered by the shelter. In Joys will she left funds for this also. My ask is if any one has room at home for two very healthy tabby and white oldies give me a ring at the shelter. time to do some house work until next time
Cheers Lynn
30.1.07
The first month of the year is nearly over, time just goes to fast these days. Many kittens have gone home and the kitten portable currently looks like a Collingwood change room black and white everywhere. Its a pity that the coloured kittens tend to go home first. Not too many foster kittens to come back but we will see the next round of babies coming though the shelter over the next couple of weeks. Some people just don't realise that the mother cat can become pregnant just 6 weeks after the birth of the first litter and she can have up to 3 litters over the season.However this little break allows some of the adults cats find a home. Speaking of adult cats we have rehomed a small number over the last week.(Charlie and his mum keirra,honey,Macy,Milly,Molly,Snowie and Blackie,Sabrina and our beautiful young boy Billy who was featured on the adoption page).Nice to see some empty cages.Don't forget that anyone looking for pet supplies,the shelter has or can get for you most things that the major stores have and we will guarantee that it will be cheaper. Hope to see some of you even if only to cuddle a cat.
If anyone is keen to help at the shelter we have our volunteer morning on 11th Feb ( sun) at 10-30 am. The Cattery is in need to lots of help during the week. 9-00 to 11-00am. It does mean housecleaning so the cattery looks its best for the customers.(cuddles can happen when its finished if you like)
Cheers for now Lynn
16.1.07
6.00pm
Being a long hot day ( for all of us) over 40C. Our cats at this shelter are so lucky they have Evap cooling in the main cattery and the kittens and pound room have freezer systems.
Just think of the mum cats and there kittens in this heat!!
Turned the system of in the main cattery as the yarra valley does get a nice breeze at night time.
We are full to the top of the cages over 40 adults cats looking for homes. I hope the drought breaks and we see many people coming in to adopte.
Many kittens have gone home recently but there are more yet to find homes. Still some 65+ out on foster waiting to get bigger.
One of the young kittens which I brought down from Bainsdale on tuesday, last week was rehomed today, his new mum and family will be moving soon to live in Paynesville.Talk about a round trip.He was a lovely ginger and white male.
I must say they had some lovely kittens up there last week, most unusual colours.All looking for homes also.
Going home now to tend to my foster kittens and two legged family ( and the 4 leggs also)
Cheers Lynn
9.1.07
9.15pm Peter and I spent the day travelling to Bairnsdale to collect some adult cat and older kittens. Long day starting out at 6-30am and arriving back at the shelter around
4-30pm.Poor Di, who is my new helper, in the afternoons during the week had to run the Cattery her self. What a busy day she had ,two mum cats with kittens,sold 2 adults cats and sold many kittens all own her own. She had not had time to feed any on the animals. So I grabed some of the office staff to lend a hand. Marketing gru Deb,feed the kittens, Jo our shelter Manager and Don one of our new Trustees and volunter, feed the adults. Whilst they did that I went a picked the kittens that had been in for surgery,attended to the cats in our ISO room in the Vet Clinic, then on my return I put everyone to bed, as the hired help had no idea who was who.Some people just have their limitations.
I must say that if any one that reads my blog and lives in the Bairnsdale area. The pound up there have the most beautiful group of kittens,fluffy ones,torties, gingers,greys every colour.
Give them a call if you are looking for a new friend.
Been a long day having brought back 6 adults and 6 kittens somewhere between the age of 15-17weeks all just gorgeous have put them in the main cattery just to big for the small cages in the kittens portable. But they will have lots of fun running around the enclosure with the big cats.
Time to sign out starting to make to many typing mistakes.
cheers
Lynn
4.1.07
Sorry haven't written any blog for the past few days,been very busy. Lots of foster kittens returning after the Xmas,New Years break. Now all these little one have to be desexed and new homes found.
Please to say we have rehomed some of our adults cats this week.
Iris,Lucy,Sam,Possum,Angle,Mia,and a little girl we had not even named yet pretty Medium haired tortie.
This just makes room for more!!!
However not too many adults have come in this week.
Hope everyone had a happy new years night. Not too many promises ( which will only be broken )
Couples of days off to refresh and find the brain.
speak to you all soon
Lynn
29 .12.06 pm
I was redoing the litter trays for my cats at home when I noticed an article in the Herald Sun,one of last weeks.
The article which I quote:-
NOT ENOUGH LOVE FOR CATS
By Pat Carden who is the president of the Humane Society for Animal Welfare Inc.
Kerry Uytendaal(" Cull those cats and dogs",December 17) correctly highlights the shameful problem of pet overpopulation.
The simple truth is that the supply of cats and dogs ( cats particularly) is far greater than demand, and those "surplus: animals present a welfare problem that we must confront.
Welfare shelters are charged with the care and protection of animals,yet society imposes on them the odious burden of dealing with those that are abandoned.
In the year to June 30, 53,000 cats were received by Victorian shelters and of these 36,000 were euthanased.
It is encouraging that four councils have already mandated desexing (licensed breeders excepted).
One council,however,has not chosen this route,but prohibits feeding stray cats as a method of population control. That is, it sanctions starvation!
Why is there such reluctance to deal compassionately with the problem?
Prevention by pro-actively reducing fertility is just plain common sense. End of quote
I can't agree more. Society needs to be more responsible,desexing is a MUST. Your young puppy and kittens CAN be desexed well before the age of six months. Some private Vet Clinic will not do this early desexing, however they forget to tell the owners that they must keep their kittens locked up.This kittens can become pregnant at the age of just 4 months.
In response to the Council the prohibits feeding strays fooy to them. I encourage you the reader to feed.
But I also encourage you to also TRAP, when they have been trapped,then take the unloved strays to the nearest shelter.
We must reduce the population. Sad as it maybe for the outcome of the unwanted cats life has to be better than starving on the streets,no food,no safe home,no drugs for their illnesses.
At the shelters day after day we are given the sickening task of putting animals to slept. Some for health reasons,some because we are unable to handle them because they are wild.Some because they just have too many.Society never has to deal with this part.Going to the shelter some days just makes you sick to the stomach.But because we care we still turn up the next day and the next etc etc etc . Society needs to be kicked in the butt. As Derrin would say Shame Shame Shame
I can tell you a true story that one of my foster parents told me just prior to Christmas.
Naomi rang very upset,"I need someone to vent with" Good ear as I have I listened.
Lynn I am so angry I was driving up my street ( in the Yarra Valley area)and there was dead kittens on the road. I know the owner and I have had a horrible verbal talk with her.
Naomi then told me what she said. She asked the lady if the kittens were hers "yes" she said "they are just rubbish,you keep" Naomi could not refrain from holding back what she thought, she then touch the lady with some of the blood from one of the kittens that she found. This being Naomi's way of feeling for the life's lost. The rest of the story is history now, but this just shows you what some people think of cats and their role in life!!!
Again we must educate people Desex,Desex,Desex we do not need more cats and kittens brought into the world only seconds/days later to be put to slept, what a waste!
I would love to hear how you think,our comment board is available to any one who would like to vent like Naomi did.
Cheers Lynn
29.12.06
Morning everyone,I hope you are looking forward to the New Year. Be safe on the roads and don't drink and drive. We have sent home a few kittens this week making room for the foster kittens that are due to return.
I heard from a customer during the week that she went to the RSPCA to look for a kitten and they only had 10 for sale and that there was a queue out the door waiting to be able to have a look WELL I must say I think I have all the kittens if you know any one that might be looking to adopt send them my way.
Not to much has come in thank goodness as we are full to the top of the cage doors.
Lets hope that 2007 will e a good year. By th way can anyone tell what Chinese year it is next I hope it is a lucky one.
Cheers Lynn
26.12.06
Merry Christmas guys,
I hope everybody had a great Christmas and I am happy to say that we had no cats or kittens coming in during the Christmas period this year!(that is Christmas eve and Christmas Day) it is a start... However there still is the after Christmas that we sometimes have to worry about... Well I hope everybody has a safe new year and until next time have a great day and don't eat too much choccys etc. =)
