Me and my dogs in Halifax, Nova Scotia: It was all good news today - we gave away $5,000!

Me and my dogs in Halifax, Nova Scotia: It was all good news today - we gave away $5,000!

Me and my dogs in Halifax, Nova Scotia: I've been watching television

Me and my dogs in Halifax, Nova Scotia: I've been watching television

This is a good question - why is the Homeward Bound City Pound not accountable to the public for their business? If it is a contract paid by taxpayer dollars, we should be allowed to know how many animals they take in, how many are euthanized, and how cats without critical injuries are somehow miraculously appearing at the Pound, when the HRM Animal Control contract is clear about only accepting cats with critical injuries. When I recently made an inquiry about the adoptable kittens at HBCP and asked HRM to tell me why these kittens were lucky enough to make it to the pound, they told me I would have to submit a FOIPOP request to gain access to that information. See the email chain below:

From: Andrea MacDonald [Macdonaa@halifax.ca]
To: Sonya
Cc: Jackie Barkhouse
Sent: Thu 07/10/2010 9:51 AM
Subject: Re: FW: Petfinder.com Pet Inquiry: Autumn PFId

Ms. Higgins,

Further to your request regarding this situation, you are required to submit a FOIPOP request.

The following is the URL that will assist you with your request: http://www.halifax.ca/Police/FOIPOPrequest.html

Andrea

>>> Sonya 10/6/2010 8:30 pm >>>
Interesting.

I had emailed the pound when I saw a picture of a cute adoptable kitten on their website, wondering how the kitten ended up in their care.

HRM By-Law states that the ONLY cats to be picked up are either critically injured or already deceased.

So if this kitten and her littermates were not critically injured, how and why were they picked up by Animal Services? What did the citizen in question have to do to convince Animal Services to pick up these cats? Why is it a different answer for all the other residents of HRM who ask Animal Services to come pick up other stray/injured cats?

I really want to know the specifics on this case. Who do I have to ask?
Would I need to submit an ATIP or FOIPOP request to get the truth on this situation?

Sonya Higgins
Cat rescuer extraordinaire
469-MEOW

From: Adoption Homeward Bound City Pound [mailto:adoptions@citypound.ca]
Sent: October-06-10 5:55 PM
To: Sonya
Subject: Re: Petfinder.com Pet Inquiry: Autumn PFId

Hello,

Autumn and her siblings did not have any critical injuries when they came in. They were an Animal Services case through Halifax Regional Police that we took in. We do not accept any amimals apart from what Animal Services brings us.

Thank you

----- Original Message -----

From: Sonya
To: adoptions@citypound.ca
Sent: Saturday, October 02, 2010 1:24 PM
Subject: Petfinder.com Pet Inquiry: Autumn PFId

What type of critical injury did this kitten have? How and why did it end up at the Home ward Bound City Pound? Do you accept cats apart from what HRM mandates?

Sonya Higgins
Chairman/Director, "Healing Animal SCARS - Sonya's Cat & Animal Rescue Society"

ChipIn to spay feral mother cats in Eastern Passage

Update On One Of Our Adoptees

One of our adopters, has sent an email report of Alex's progress. He is the brother to Sam & Robin. He's doing so well in his new home. Isn't it nice to see how great Alex looks with his new sister?

She writes:


Hi Sonya,

Well, Odin (Alex) and Maya are getting along great!  He's very cuddly and loves to get into mischief.  I think they've learned the definition of "tag team".  I can hear them right now playing with the new tunnel I just bought for them.  I only get worried when I DON'T hear them because that's what I  figure they're planning something truly evil.  HA!

Any how, hope you like the photos I'm sending along. 

Take care!

Alex's Furr-ever Parents

It's always good to get updated reports of how our adoptees are doing. I'm so proud for him.

Prevent A Litter - Fix Your Critter!

Sonya Higgins
Chairman/Director, "Sonya's Cat & Animal Rescue Society"
Phone: 469-MEOW (469-6369)Email:  katsonya@accesswave.ca
Pet Finder Web Address:http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/NS28.html

Update On Lefty & Other Rescues

Feb 22 @ 10 p.m.
I think Lefty just purred! I was feeding Lefty wet food from a spoon. For the first time, he stood up in his bed and ate voraciously from the spoon, and then licked the dish clean. All the while he allowed me to rub his face and chin, and at the end he even licked my fingers, gently and calmly. A few tears welled up in my eyes, let me tell you!

One of our supporters, Andrea, has now trapped 3 new feral kittens, & they're now in foster care with her. We'll soon have them spayed, & neutered, then they'll go up for adoption.

Andrea writes:
4 beautiful kittens & their mum, so worried about them. Came home and they were in the garbage before I could feed them, just cold and hungry. I call the little grey one with the pink nose that yells at me Sam.
Prevent A Litter - Fix Your Critter!

Sonya Higgins
Chairman/Director, "Sonya's Cat & Animal Rescue Society"
Phone: 469-MEOW (469-6369)Email:  katsonya@accesswave.ca
Pet Finder Web Address:http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/NS28.html

Reminder of Party Lite Fundraiser

Dear Healing Animal SCARS Supporters,

This is just a quick reminder that there are only 5 days left in our Partylite Fundraising Campaign.  I know I can count on your support so to make things easy you can shop via email (send your order to Jennifer at thewilliamsclan07@yahoo.ca and please include a contact number), via the phone (Call in your order to Jennifer at 902-406-0551) or online via   www.partylite.biz/JenniferJWilliams (Look me up as your hostess before shopping to have it count towards the campaign). Please remember all of the proceeds from this Campaign go back to Healing Animal SCARS so I do hope you have fun decorating your homes with all the fantastic Partylite products available.

Once again, thank you for your continued support! 

Sincerely,

Prevent A Litter - Fix Your Critter! Sonya Higgins Chairman/Director, "Sonya's Cat & Animal Rescue Society"
Email: katsonya@accesswave.caPet Finder Web Address:http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/NS28.html 469-MEOW (469-6369)

Adoptables Updated

Hi All.
I thought I'd update the list of adoptable kitties, who are looking for their furr-ever homes, besides Lefty our featured pet. All of our adoptees are spayed/neutered & up to date on routine shots.
***************************************
Jeannie ( Domestic Short Hair-black and white, Tuxedo)
Jeannie's story goes back to 2006. She's lived with Gloria, who passed away from cancer, after which Jeannie found a home with a wonderful human, Jim. In June 2009, he passed away & there was no one left who could keep Jeannie in their family.
She came into our program as part of our Spay and Neuter day event. She'd had a litter of kitts back in summer 2006, and all three of them were rescued here. After she was spayed, she was a joy to watch, as she seemed to relive her kitten hood.
She was spoiled in her home & became Very affectionate, demanding to hop on a lap, or interrupt while on the computer. She still would love to be the only cat in a home, so she can monopolize all of the affection. Ideally, we'd prefer her to be in a home without children._________________________________________
Bailie  (Domestic Short Hair, Calico [Mix])
Bailie comes from the new feral colony at the Young Street Superstore. She was suffering from frostbite on her tail, paws, nose & ears, which has since completely healed.
Being feral, she was at first a little shy & scared. She likes to play chase games with our dog & other cats here. Ideally, we'd prefer a home that has an other pet, to keep her company. She gets startled & tries to run away, when I reach for her. But once I have her in my arms, she purrs, becoming very affectionate. She still hides a little, but is easily coaxed out with a toy, or laser light.
We promised Bailey that she would never be hungry or cold again. She needs to find a human that will understand her & take the time she needs to overcome the harshness of the beginning of her life.________________________________________

Eliza (Calico, Torbie)

Eliza was another victim of abandonment. She spent months in the cold with her kittens. She's now in a foster home, enjoying her own room with her son, Puck.

She loves to cuddle, & is very gentle. She's still a little fearful, naturally, of humans, having endured being chased, yelled at, and who knows what else she's been through. Sometimes, when she's approached, she hisses, in protest, but has never bitten or scratched.__________________________________________

 Puck (Domestic Short Hair-black)

Puck lives with his mom in a temporary foster home. He's about five or six months old. He's shy, but lets you pick him up, and love him, even rub his belly. He wants to be loved, and play but is shy & nervous.

Puck is neutered & up to date on his routine shots. He needs someone to invest time in him, building trust & bonding with him, which will make him an even more affectionate boy, than he already is.

___________________________________________

For more information on any of these beautiful babies please contact me.
Prevent A Litter - Fix Your Critter! Sonya Higgins Chairman/Director, "Sonya's Cat & Animal Rescue Society"
Email: katsonya@accesswave.caPet Finder Web Address:http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/NS28.html 469-MEOW (469-6369)

New BLog Entry - Can Ferals Be Tamed

Good Day Folks:
A few mornings ago, I spent a bit of time reading the FACEBOOK group page. I came across a topic on the discussion board, that I think bears special note, & is worth repeating.  For those considering adopting a feral cat and question whether it's a good choice, the question was asked whether or not  feral cat can be tamed. My belief is that every feral cat can be tamed to some degree.  I have rescued 249+ cats since May 2006, mostly feral. Kittens are easier to tame, but there are no guarantees, as I have had 6 - 8 week old kittens (such as Ickory) grow into adults while waiting for a patient adopters to give them a chance. Oreo, a tough male feral who had an injured paw is now the king of his home, with another shy kitty to keep him and his human keepers company. I have a female feral in my home who still won't let me pat her, after 2 years, but Luba-lou loves to eat from my hand and rubs stuff near me.
Here are a few stories from other feral cat parents.
 

---

Christina writes:
BatCat has been with me a year and finally began to let me pet him this summer and fall, on his own terms (i.e. he approaches me, not the other way around)... He pretty much hid for the first few months we lived together. That being said, now he spends a lot of time hanging out near me, eats treats from my hand and often just sits in a room with me... He also likes to rub is face on furniture near me, get up on my bed and sleep by my feet... He meows for a scoop of food or a treat and politely waits for me to hand it to him even though I leave the bag of food open by his dish... He wouldn't dare overstep hahaha... He's awesome and I wouldn't trade him... He totally deserves a good life and now he has one thanks to you and me!
Lauri wrote:
I as well have two feral cats living in our home with our other 12 regular cats. They do just fine. We have had them almost two years. We trapped them from a big colony when they were about 3-4 months old. While one of them was easier to tame, the other one just NOW lets us pet her on her head from time to time. Ferals make great pets, you should have to know that you most likely will never be able to pet them or hold them, just love them from a distance, as they will love you from a distance as well. If you are lucky enough to be able to pet your feral cat then that is just such a huge bonus. But they all deserve love, all of them.
Janice's story:
FERALS CAN BE TAMED .. Two of my five cats are ferals, (adopted from Sonya) They progressed at different rates, and have such different personalities. It's been very rewarding to see my ferals become comfortable in my home, to see them learning to trust me. They had no problem integrating with the other cats.
Flare, unknown age, hid out for months. He's still skittish, and contact is on his terms, he may race off when I approach, but a minute later he's snuggling up to me on the couch. he's the first one on the bed at nite, and insisting on his rubbing. The other younger feral is now my shadow, begging to be on my lap EVEN in the bathroom.. but she will not sleep on the bed nite time. They play like kittens, I think the five of them have a night time bowling league .. the noise they make racing about!
I'm certain they enjoy their comfortable life inside, and don't miss all the hazards they faced outside. A sudden movement or cough can send the ferals scurrying off ...  reminds me that they may never overcome the need to be constantly alert.
It's been more rewarding for me to open my home to the ferals, I look back on the progress they've made, the first couple of months I thought there was no hope of ever touching Flare, now he insists on his Loving...
Rosie's Katts:
I've had Monkey since she was four months old. I'd trapped her along with two brothers & a sister. Even at nine years old, she is still developing. As she's more exposed to people, she gets more used to people being around. Several moves have also helped her come out of herself. She's been extremely helpful with the foster kitts I've worked with this past year, & even now, as Jenni begins her life as a house feral, Monkey has for the most part been tolerant. She's taken this past year in stride, with all the foster kitts coming & going. She's ever curious, is definitely the Queen of her domain. She loves crinkled up newspaper, as it's a favourite sleeping place. Boxes make wonderful dens. I've seen times when a new cat house would come in the door, & every time, she'll abandoned the new digs for a box, any day. She eats from my hand & is extremely affectionate, actually giving kisses to us. She loves to share my cheese with me and is a wonderful companion. I don't think I'd describe her as tame, though, as when she gets scared, she hides, from even me, & won't come to me when called, until the danger is passed. Monkey & her brother Timmy progressed at very different rates, though they were siblings. Timmy was much more afraid, & while he was ok with just me, additional chaos wasn't his thing.
Jenni too, even at this early stage, after three & a half months, is making great strides in her rehab as a house pet. She now prefers to be out with the rest of the pets here. She loves a piece of string, or favourite cat nip treat, often rolling around on her back with the toy in her hands, sliding along the floor on her back. She takes treats from my hand, as she does an entire meal, straight from my hand. Yesterday, for the first time, while out in the house, she's allowed me to scratch her cheek, when I gave her her meal. She's now eating at the same mealtime as the rest of the house, allowing me to approach, without hissing, with her portion. She's curious, though it will take her a while to trust. No one knows what happened to her out there, but I can tell you, humans are not her favourite people. It's my hope that someone will want to adopt her, allowing her the time she needs to develop & she'll find her furr-ever home.

---

So, there you have it. In the testimonies of feral parents, the verdict is clear. Ferals make awesome companions, can learn to trust, can become affectionate, & just like domestic cats, have Very different personalities. Please consider giving a feral a home. While, it's true, that establishing a bond with your feral, make take time, the bond that can happen is so rewarding, why wouldn't you adopt one. They need someone to love & understand them. It's easy to love the cute & cuddly, & we need that. But it's so incredibly rewarding to bond with a cat that most consider unlovable, & unadoptable. They will surprise you, & even exceed your expectations.

If only I had space and time, I am sure I could eventually tame most feral cats. I have changed my rescue more towards TNR these days, to save a greater number of kittens from being born.

For more information on our adoptable ferals, or to volunteer call me, Sonya.

Prevent A Litter - Fix Your Critter!

Sonya Higgins
Chairman/Director, "Sonya's Cat & Animal Rescue Society"
Phone: 469-MEOW (469-6369)Email:  katsonya@accesswave.ca
Pet Finder Web Address:http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/NS28.html

Update on Halifax Shopping Center

Back on the 13th of February, I mentioned I'd be at the Halifax Shopping Centre with a display at the Q104 Kommunity Booth.


I'm so pleased to announce that we made $833.50. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated in support of Healing Animal Scars - Sonya's Cat and Animal Rescue. I also want to thank Andrea, Tracey, Darlene, Christine and Marilyn helping.

Prevent A Litter - Fix Your Critter!

Sonya Higgins
Chairman/Director, "Sonya's Cat & Animal Rescue Society"

Email:  katsonya@accesswave.ca

Pet Finder Web Address:
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/NS28.html 469-MEOW (469-6369)

Healing Animal SCARS is ready to launch Operation Cat-snip.

Here is specific info on Operation Cat-snip:

Operation Cat-Snip, a Pet Over-Population Control Program, is designed to provide financial assistance to cat owners for spay/neuter surgeries in order to help reduce pet overpopulation.

Cat owners will pay a portion of the cost of surgery and associated medical procedures, with the remaining portion being subsidized by the Healing Animal S.C.A.R.S Pet Over-Population Control fund. 

This is a voluntary program with a strict set of rules for acceptance. Sonya Higgins, as the director of Healing Animal S.C.A.R.S., holds complete control over who is accepted to the program, and may at anytime disqualify an applicant from the program.    

Why are we offering this service?  Spaying and neutering is the best way to help control the pet over population problem in HRM.  A female cat could produce 3 litters of 4-8 kittens each year; and a male cat can impregnate as many females as he can meet. In the past 4 years, Healing Animal SCARS mostly focused on rescuing feral cats and kittens born in the wild, as there are few other resources for feral cats. We do not wish to discriminate against tame cats, and recognize the need for ALL cats to be surgically altered to prevent reproduction. So we are now offering pet owners who would otherwise not be able to afford the full cost of having their cat spayed or neutered, the opportunity to have this valuable service subsidized by Healing Animal SCARS, to make it more affordable.

Spaying and neutering is also the only way to protect your pet from deadly reproductive cancers like ovarian, uterine, mammary and testicular cancer.  It will also eliminate the "Tom Cat" smell of an adult male. "Fixed" cats are also less likely to roam and get in fights, meaning they live much longer, happier lives.

How Does it Work?People can apply to receive a certificate for a set cost, outlined below, which entitles their pet to be spayed or neutered. Healing Animal SCARS will subsidize the remaining cost of the veterinary bill.  When an animal is having surgery, normally the owner must pay for additional health services, such as viral testing for Feline Leukemia and FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus = cat AIDS), vaccinations against disease, Pre-anesthetic blood work and IV Fluids.

Due to the nature of the Pet Over-Population Control Program these procedures are optional for you at the time of surgery because an additional fee does apply. 

More information is given on these options below: 

Vaccines Many of the most dangerous diseases that cats get are easily prevented by vaccination.  These include feline viral rhinotracheitis, calici virus, panleukeopenia, leukemia virus and rabies.  Panleukopenia, commonly known as distemper, is a widespread and deadly disease.  Healing Animal SCARS advocates strongly that all cats be given this vital vaccine, FVRCP for upper respiratory illnesses, to ensure public health of cats in HRM.  We have seen first hand what distemper does to young kittens, and never want to encounter such a deadly disease again.  It is simple to prevent with a vaccine.
It is recommended that ALL cats receive a minimum of two Upper Respiratory (formally called FVRCP) + LEUKEMIA vaccinations given 3 weeks apart, with a rabies vaccine given along with the second shot.  These would be followed by yearly vaccinations for Leukemia, and vaccinations for FVRCP + Rabies every 3 years.

It is best for your cat to have the first vaccine and veterinary exam done three weeks prior to surgery. 

This will help your cat have some protection against diseases before being hospitalized with other cats. It will also allow the doctor to be able to discuss any potential health problems with you prior to surgery day.

If you choose to pay for this at our participating vet 3 weeks prior to redeeming the certificate for spay or neuter, we will include a second booster vaccine at the time of surgery, without additional cost to you. This should serve as incentive for responsible owners to provide their cat with 2 sets of vaccines for the price of one, so the cat is fully protected.  Healing Animal SCARS would subsidize the cost of the second vaccines. 

WHAT ABOUT VIRAL TESTING?
Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus are two serious viruses that cats and kittens can contract from their mothers, or from other cats they come in contact with. These viruses can lay dormant for years before eventually becoming evident and causing deadly disease. It is important to screen all cats for these viruses so that we can limit the exposure of positive cats to negative cats, and help limit the spread of disease. We screen for these diseases by taking a small blood sample and testing for both diseases, called a combo test. Results are available within 15 - 20 minutes of taking the blood sample. We feel it would be very important to know if your cat is already infected with one of these viruses, as it may affect your surgery plans and you would then be able to educate yourself about the disease and symptoms to watch out for. 

WHAT ABOUT BLOOD WORK AND IV FLUIDS?

Advances in anesthesia and surgery have made routine pet surgery relatively safe with few complications.  Nevertheless, complications can arise. 

Pre-anesthetic blood work can help pick up pre-existing conditions that a physical examination cannot. This could alter anesthetic protocols and avoid potentially deadly drug reactions. 

Having an IV catheter in place and IV fluids running before, during and after surgery is an added safety method for anesthesia.  This allows the doctors and technicians to monitor and maintain blood pressure, provides instant access to veins for administering medication (especially important during emergency procedures) and allows for easier/safer anesthetic inductions and recoveries.
It is strongly recommended that any pet undergoing surgery have both blood work and IV fluids.  However, because of the nature of the Pet Over-Population Control Program, these procedures are optional for you at the time of surgery because an additional fee does apply. 

Cost Of the Certificate

Certificate Pricing

Male:                                 $103
Female mature spay:          $135
Female immature spay       $119 (under six months old)

**Please note that if your cat has an UNDIAGNOSED health condition, there may be an additional cost, which would be discussed with you prior to going ahead with treatment or surgery.  For example, if your male cat is cryptorchid - meaning his testicles haven't both descended - the neuter surgery would cost $165 instead of $103.

Additional fees will apply if you opt to provide your cat with any of the additional recommended services. Please contact Healing Animal SCARS for more information on pricing. 

We promote and offer high-quality veterinary services and do not recommend that people pick a vet based solely on lowest cost.

PLEASE NOTE:  We cannot offer subsidized care for SICK OR INJURED ANIMALS.  If your cat should arrive in a condition that is unfit for surgery, you will unfortunately be turned away ( a refund will be offered) and it would be up to the owner to seek veterinary services. 

THIS PROGRAM DOES NOT PROVIDE ANY VET SERVICES OTHER THAN SPAY/NEUTER   and the previously mentioned services. 

We have opted to provide this program to help with spaying and neutering to reduce the pet population. We value and respect all fees that veterinarians must charge for their services. We have developed this program to assist people who require assistance. Those who can afford regular cost veterinary services are encouraged not to apply for the program, as we need to reserve space for those who are truly in need. 

 If you do not feel that the prices we are able to offer through our subsidy are affordable enough, we invite you to check the Yellow Pages for any vets in your area and check the cost of these quality services. Once you see the average cost of having your cat fully vet checked and spayed or neutered, we are confident that you will recognize the value of our service. 

This is a pilot project and we regret that not all applicants can be approved for the subsidized service.  Successful applicants will be notified and a certificate can be purchased. 

Then, once approved, Healing Animal SCARS would book an appointment for your cat at our participating vet hospital and arrange to meet you at the pre-arranged time. 

To apply now please email me for an application. In the near future, we intend to have a new website explaining more about the process and an online application. 


Sonya Higgins
Chairman/Director, "Sonya's Cat & Animal Rescue Society"katsonya@accesswave.ca
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/NS28.html 469-MEOW (469-6369)

PartyLite Fundraiser Feb. 8 - 28, 2010

Dear Healing Animal SCARS supporters,

We need your help to raise funds, to help those in need. I am running an awesome fundraiser during the month of February and I hope you can find it in your hearts to once again support us.

I will be having a big PartyLite Fundraising Campaign with all the proceeds going back into the SCARS program. SCARS will be receiving 25% of all the sales. The fundraiser starts on Monday February 8th and all orders need to be in by Friday February 26th. All YOU need to do is SHOP!!!!!

To support me with this fundraiser please go online to www.partylite.biz/JenniferJWilliams where you can view the most recent PartyLite catalogue. Now you can shop one of three ways:
-Online at the website above by selecting Host Sonya Higgins and then shopping.
-Over the phone by calling our consultant Jennifer Williams at 902-406-0551 directly and let her know what you want.
-Over the internet by sending an email to our consultant Jennifer at thewilliamsclan07@yahoo.ca

You can pay for your order either by Credit Card, Cash or Cheque. Once the order is placed the products can either be picked up at the consultants address, or arrangements can be made with your consultant at the time the order is placed to have it shipped direct to you. Don`t worry if you live outside of the Halifax area as there is no extra shipping charge to have the items you ordered sent directly to you. (Please note: If you want the order shipped direct to you the online method is no longer an option...Please order through email or by phone).

Our Consultant Jennifer Williams and her family have recently adopted two of our Shearwater kittens, and would now like to help raise funds to help many more animals in need.

If you have any questions about anything to do with this fundraiser please contact Jennifer directly. I hope I can count on your support and all the current and future animals thank you.

Enjoy decorating your homes and adding some beautiful fragrances to your life.

Yours Sincerely,
Sonya

For Online shopping:...

(1) Go to www.partylite.biz/JenniferJWilliams
(2) Select SHOP
(3) Look up Sonya as your hostess by clicking the end of this link.....Can't make it to the Show? If you were invited to one of my Shows and wish to order, look up your host>>
(4) Enter Sonya Higgins and select her from the list that comes up
(5) Begin shopping under SHOP BY CATALOGUE.....Everything you buy will be credited to the SCARS Fundraising Campaign
(6) Your order will be shipped to your consultant and arrangements will need to be made for pick-up

For Phone or Email Shopping:
(1) Go to http://www.partylite.biz/JenniferJWilliamsJWilliams
(2) Select SHOP
(3) SHOP BY CATALOGUE
(4) Phone or Email your consultant what you want to order and how you want to pay for it...Everything you buy will be credited to the SCARS Fundraising Campaign
(5) Your order can be directly shipped to you (please provide a full civic shipping address) or available for pick up (please make arrangements with your consultant)

Jennifer

New Programs Fundraisers, & Adoptables

Hi All!

Well, there's a lot of wonderful new programs and fundraisers happening now. I will post individual blogs on each of the new fundraising campaigns here, but here is a list of new things happening till now.

Operation Cat-Snip:
We have launched "Operation Cat Snip" - A Pet Over-Population Control Program, and are now accepting applications for the program. HRM has far too many homeless cats. Every case started with a human being who did not spay or neuter their pet cat. If the cat has kittens outside, they grow up feral (wild) and continue to breed until there is a colony of cats trying to survive in horrible conditions. Spaying and neutering could prevent this cycle. We are offering a subsidized spay/neuter program for low-income citizens of HRM an opportunity to "fix" their cat through "Operation Cat Snip"


PartyLite Fundraising Campaign:
One of our adopters, has started a wonderful fundraising campaign for the month of February, 2010. Jennifer Williams is a PartyLite consultant, and is raising funds through the purchase of PartyLite products. 25% of all proceeds will be donated to Healing Animal SCARS - Sonya's Cat and Animal Rescue Society.


Dance and Auction:
On March 27 there will be a dance & silent auction, to raise more funds for our cat rescue. Daisy M DJ is holding a dance at the Fleet Club @ 7:30. The cost is a mere $5.00 a ticket, which also gives you a chance for a door prize. Drinks are cheap, music will be great. So, come out and have a good time for the cause!


Lefty Needs A Caring, Understanding Furr-ever Home
We rescued Lefty, a domestic which short hair boy on January 13th, from the Superstore colony that has been established. He is unfortunately, & obviously not part of the family of feral cats in that colony. He's not been accepted into that colony, suffering from bite wounds on all four of his limbs and feet, from the other cats. At the vet, the staff commented that "it's like he just stuck out his legs & let them gnaw on them."  He also has a broken tooth, and fractured tail.


Lefty was brought to the vet on January 14th, treated for wounds, tested negative for Feline Leukemia & FIV. We've made a makeshift large kennel for him to stretch his legs a little, and so the litter box wouldn't crowd him. He was formerly tame, and now is a depressed little man, who we know there's no way we can return him to his miserable life on the streets. In fact, the vet told us that Lefty wouldn't have lived long, if he hadn't been rescued. 


Lefty desparately needs a dedicated owner, someone who is willing to take the time Lefty needs in order to trust humans again. He allows me to scratch his chin now, even drooling in my hand. He's up to date on his vaccinations, and is neutered. Please consider adopting this lovely, shy boy. For a picture of him, go to http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=15652947


As always, check out our FACEBOOK page for more information on our group,
Healing Animal SCARS - Sonya's Cat and Animal Rescue Society
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=10562570893


Sonya Higgins
Chairman/Director
"Healing Animal SCARS - Sonya's Cat & Animal REscue Society"
katsonya@accesswave.ca
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/NS28.html
469-MEOW (6369)

Halifax Shopping Center

WE will be at the Halifax Shopping Center all day tomorrow, Saturday, February 13th. There will be 2 adorable kittens on display, to teach people about rescue and TNR. We will also be featuring "Hearts Fur Pets" in honour of Valentine's Day, where you can buy a heart and write your pet's name on it, to post on our Wall of Love. We will also be selling cat treats, chocolate bars, T-shirts, calendars, pins, magnets, scratching post and other goodies!
Please drop by the Q104 Kommunity booth to see our display and make a donation!
Call Sonya at 469-MEOW for more info

Superstore cats

I got an email from Lori Martin on Monday morning about a cat and kittens sighted at the Superstore on Young Street. For those who don't know this wonderful woman, Lori maintains an email distribution list of unknown numbers and she sends out animal rescue messages to keep our commmunity informed. She is also rescuing a colony of cats herself in Hubley.

I have been trying to rescue these cats for three days so far, with the help of Pamela from ca-r-ma and a new volunteer, Tracey. So far we have rescued 3 adult cats and one kitten. We are still trying to catch the mother cat and 2nd kitten. We are requesting donations to help with the vet care, so please email katsonya@accesswave.ca if you can help.

Check out our Facebook group for more info on Healing Animal SCARS

Homer is missing and what I've been up to on Facebook

It's hard to keep track of the days sometimes, and I find myself relying on technology to figure out when I did something. For example, when did I last talk to Mom? Oh I'll just check the call display on the home cordless phone set. Or what is the phone # for the lady who called about kittens right after I got out of the shower and didn't have a pen handy to write it down? Again, I refer to call display history on the home phone. I look on my cell phone to track call history, review emails to see when who said what, and when I need to see when I recently did something, I look at my Facebook posts on my profile. So that's what I am going to do here, to help me chronicle the activities of the past few days.

Wed. Dec 9th
Euthanized Snowflake due to ongoing urinary issues.
Step-grandfather Doug had a second heart attack today. His wife Shirley was admitted to a home yesterday due to Alzheimers.

Thursday, Dec. 10th 9:44am door blew open during storm overnight and now Homer is missing
Called Animal Control to see if his dead body was reported or picked up - no info
Called vet to report missing cat - no info
Set traps in my yard - 3 traps, for Homer, Karma and Jack the bad guy. Jack is the big scary tabby feral cat who hurt Kramer this summer/fall, andhe sprays on my property and feeds here often.

Friday, Dec 11th
Caught Jack around 1pm, too late to have him neutered today, so he is in my shed in a cage for now and he will be TNR'ed on Tuesday.

Went to Fisherman's Cove and installed a winter shelter to keep the 3 Cove cats warm this winter. We jacked up the empty tuna containers that they hide beneath, and installed the large Rubbermaid and Styrofoam cooler lined with straw. Once the tuna containers were let back down into place, the cats can still crawl under and it blocks the snow and wind to prevent the shelter from blowing away.
While installing the shelter, I had to crawl under the tuna bin to shovel away gravel, so we could push the shelter underneath. I was moving away old garbage that had blown in there, and discovered an old carcass of a deceased cat. It was absolutely hollow, nothing but skin and bones left. Poor thing must have crawled in there last year, maybe froze to death or just laid down there to die of his injuries or infections. It makes me sad to know that the living cats have still had to crawl in there, as it is the only place to stay dry, beside their dead comrade or family member. I removed the deceased cat's body and brought it to the vet for humane disposal. At least now the living cats at the Cove won't have to admire thier dead buddy....

Went to the colony on Howard Avenue and took 2 kittens (about 4 - 5 weeks old) from a feral mother cat, and delivered the babies to Inge at Pick of the Litter Society

Back to check traps, no sign of Homer

Emails:

Flea products that kill

Hello pet lovers,
NEVER purchase over-the-counter flea treatments on your cat or dog, (such as Hartz brand) unless you want it to possibly die a horrible death due to poisoning. See the You Tube video below for more information. Only purchase veterinary prescribed medications such as Advantage, Revolution or Program and follow the dosing instructions very carefully

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_uqBjvy7YI

Sonya Higgins

Hazardous toys and risk of obstructions

My mother had to bring one of the cats she adopted from me, Glow, to the vet for emergency surgery today. Mom noticed the cat wasn't herself and it appeared (in a multi-cat household, it's hard to keep track of everyone) that Glow had not eaten or used the litter box in a day or so.

She paid over $1,000 for the poor sick kitty to have an Xray, subcutaneous fluids and surgery to remove the items the cat had swallowed. At least a foot and a half of thin yellow ribbon and several elastic bands were extricated from the cats twisted and mangles intestines and bowels.

Please do an inventory of your pet cat or dogs toys and throw away any of the following dangerous articles that may cause an obstruction or perforation:

• ribbon or string - anything less than an inch wide can be ingested, so use long thick strips of fleece to attach dangling toys or mice
• tinfoil balls - because they can chew off bits that will harm the intestines
• styrofoam packing chips
• elastic bands ( some cats like Fefe tend to steal hair elastics as well and then eat them)
• twist ties (use plastic bread tags to keep bags closed)
• do not use tinsel on your Xmas tree
• small toys with foil, jingle bells, the eyes on fuzzy mice, many small things that can come off a toy will go down a cat's throat easily enough, but it will not pass in the stool
• sewing needles and thread - make sure these are put away in drawers the cat cannot reach
• plastic bags of any sort - some cats will chew and swallow parts of shopping bags, then may not be able to vomit or poop it out

How to find a lost cat

I hope you find your lost kitty! If you want to borrow a humane trap, please call me at 469-6369 to make an appointment for a lesson on how to properly use the trap and sign a waiver form and give a deposit. I am attaching files so you can make your own lost cat flyers to put up in the area. You should also check out these websites for tips:

www.missingpetregistry.com

http://www.metro.spcans.ca/lostFound.html

http://petdetective.ca/

http://www.catsinthebag.org/

http://www.halifax.ca/AnimalControl/index.html

On posters, Minimize description and put PLEASE CHECK: Sheds/garages, Basement windows/skirting/crawlspaces, Vacant homes/apts/offices, Unused Vehicles for sale or not, Dumpsters open AND closed, Drainpipes under driveways. Focus on sensory-impaired and elderly folks' places

Consider sharing this email with a list of other animal lovers who may assist you in finding your pet.

I strongly encourage you to post ads online on sites such as Kijiji, Facebook, and our local community site here http://www.easternpassage.ca/news.php

http://geocities.com/helpfindsabina/

http://www.petfinder.com/classifieds/classifieds.html

http://www.flealess.org/lostpets/novascotia.html
http://www.flealess.org/lostpets/lost.found.pets.html
http://www.maritimeanimalrescue.com/lost.shtml


Check with other rescue organizations to see if your cat was found, you can find some here:

http://www.maritimeanimalrescue.com/contacts.shtml
http://atlanticcanadarescue.ca/links.html
http://www.petfinder.com/awo/index.cgi?location=B3G+1B1&keyword=


Good luck in your search and let me know if I can help

Sonya Higgins
Cat rescuer extraordinaire
469-MEOW
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/NS28.html
katsonya@accesswave.ca
469-MEOW (469-6369)

How to donate and what we need

Hello from the kitties at Healing Animal SCARS,

We always need financial donations to pay the vet bills. Every cat costs a minimum of $300 and with the time dedicated to actual hands-on animal care, we have little time to spend on fundraising events. You can donate by PayPal on our Petfinder website ( see link in this post)

Below is a list of items we could use, as well as cash on our account at the Eastern Passage Village Veterinary Hospital - call 902-465-1213 to donate by credit card

Our vet bill is already over $500 and we have 9 new kittens to be treated and spayed or neutered, so cash is vital to our success!

Animal Rescue Wish List

-Cat Litter – clumping or non-clumping, wood pellets or other types

-Canned/wet Food – any type will do for feeding outdoor cats or colonies, but our rescued cats and kittens are only fed Veterinary prescribed diets

-Kitten food – Royal Canin Baby Cat 34 dry kibble and cans of Medi-cal Development or Medi-cal Development dry food

-Adult Cat Food – Medi-cal Preventive dry or wet food, and other vet diets, such as food for cats with crystals or Urinary Tract Infections (i.e.: Medi-cal Urinary S/O or Hills Prescription Diet c/d)

-Cat Treats (preferably Medi-treats from the vet or Greenies)

-Whiskas Cats Milk-Kitten Replacement Milk – or dry milk powder formula, available to purchase at vet clinics

-Kitten Nursing bottles, baby blankets, onesies (baby outfits for injured cats to wear to cover wounds), baby wipes for cleaning paws and kittens bums

-Cat Toys

-Bleach and other cleaning supplies, such as Mr Clean magic erasers, Lysol wipes, Laundry Detergent, Dish Detergent, Garbage Bags-Spray Bottles

-Latex Gloves

-Facial Tissue boxes, Paper Towel

-Blankets, Towels-Pet Carriers, Humane traps, wire Pet/dog crates, plastic Vari-kennels

-Stainless Steel Bowls

-Stainless Steel Litter Pans

-Newspaper

-Canadian Tire Money & Gift Cards to various stores, grocery or department stores

-Recyclables (refundable bottles only, such as juice, pop or alcohol bottles – no milk containers accepted)

-Puppy Pads

-Electric Heating Pads

-Large Shoe Boxes

-Pet Beds

-Plastic Shower Curtains

-Hand Sanitizer

-Plastic Storage Containers

-Pillows & Pillow Cases

-Digital Food Scale

-Cat litter pans, either small trays or large hooded-type litter boxes

Thank you on behalf of the kitties at Healing Animal SCARS,


Sonya Higgins
Chairman/Director, “Sonya’s Cat & Animal Rescue Society”
katsonya@accesswave.ca
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/NS28.html

469-MEOW (469-6369)

converted ferals make Great pets

I got an email today from Angela, who had fostered our "hard to place" feral cat Ruffian for a while before finding him a purr-manent home with her in-laws. I asked her permission to share it, as a testimonial that feral cats, even those who are hard to tame, make wonderful pets.

Everyone who met Ruffian recognized that he was a fabulous cat, but he was a difficult cat to adopt out. Ruffian had a history of fighting with other pets, escaping and running away for 6 months, and multiple other issues than deterred most adopters from considering taking him home. Ruffian was with us for months at a time, then in winters he would be shuffled off to a new foster home. He was even adopted a few times, but it turned out to be a bad match in each case, so he came back to our rescue time and again. When he was transferred to yet another foster home (with Angela), he won their hearts! They introduced him to Wilma and Ed, who decided to take him home. They understood that he would be shy and hide at first, and it took him a while to come out and show his true colours. Now I think Ruffian finally understands that he is home.

Here is Angela's email:

2 weeks ago Ruffian got outside by accident! Wilma was going out the patio doors and he bolted past her. We all knew it would happen eventually, Wilma obviously needs more time and room to get out than most people. (*she uses a wheelchair) Anyway, she was sick over it all. Ed got home and called for him, walked around, and went to the neighbours' houses to let them know their cat was out.

Later on in the late afternoon Ed went out on the patio and called him and he came right up to him, he must have been just around the house/under the patio! He came right inside and right to his food dish. Guess he didn't want to miss supper time.

Since then he has gotten out twice more (he has a taste for it now) but he stays mostly just on the patio and sometimes wanders down to the pavement in front of the garage and lays on it in the sun. He comes back into the house without any problems, so everyone is pretty happy about that! :)
They figured he has it too good there, so he wasn't going too far, just went for a little exploring adventure. haha :) Seems to have that out of his system now!

He is Wilma's little snuggler. He hops up on her and lays in her lap. They really couldn't be happier with him. When we come over he comes right up to us and jumps up on the couch or wherever we are looking for some pats.
He really has done a total 180. He's just a happy lovey cat now. No one would ever guess he used to live outside and be scared of people. Ruffian is a true example of how feral cats can become loving pet cats.

Angela