from feral kitten to family pet - standish humane...

Fall/Winter2017

P.O. Box 634 | Duxbury, MA 02331 | 781-834-4663 TALL TAILS NEWSLETTERw w w. s t a n d i s h h u m a n e . o r g

From Feral Kitten To Family Pet Our Wonderful New Kitten Socialization Program

Each of the kittens shown on this page was born to a feral mother, and until Standish rescued them, they were doomed to repeat the dismal life of a feral cat. Instead of the life expectancy of 3 years they would have had in a feral colony, they now have loving homes where they are expected to live long and happy lives of 15 to 20 years.

Standish has begun a kitten socialization program and we need your help. Once feral kittens are weaned, there is a time period when they can be socialized so that they are adoptable. We get just weaned litters from barns, feral cat colonies, and other sources. Th en we bring them into the shelter for socialization in a special room just for the kittens.

Many volunteers come to the shelter to play with the kittens. Snuggling the kittens and feeding them by hand allows them to gradually become used to humans. Th ey then begin to seek human aff ection and want to play with humans. Once they are fully socialized, they are placed in carefully selected homes where they live the life of a beloved family member rather than the dangerous and diffi cult life of a feral cat.

We want to thank the wonderful volunteers who worked with the kittens shown here, and we would love to have new volunteers for our socialization program. It is a great way to have fun, feel relaxed, and satisfy your kitten cravings all at the same time. Th e kittens pictured here went from frightened, hissing balls of fl uff hiding from people to adorable, aff ectionate, adoptable kittens who have been placed in loving homes where they and their adopters adore each other.

Please help us continue our kitten socialization program by volunteering and by donating to Standish at standishhumane.org or sending a check to Standish in the enclosed envelope.

Galveston Olivia October Sabrina Louisiana

SHS_FallWinter 2017 Newsletter.indd 1 11/8/17 5:41 PM

Memorials & TributesMessage From The PresidentBecause of our extremely successful spay/neuter program, we have room available to help other areas of the country with their cat overpopulation problems. We can now take in cats and kittens from states with large populations of unwanted cats and from states where many cats have been left homeless due to the disastrous hurricanes aff ecting this country. Standish and other shelters in Massachusetts have experienced a large reduction in the number of cats needing homes in large part due to the spay/neuter programs of our and other local shelters.

Th is situation gives us a wonderful opportunity to save the lives of many unwanted and homeless cats. Recently, we have received a number of these cats from Florida. Th ey have little, if any, hope of fi nding a forever home in Florida. Various animal welfare organizations arrange for these cats to receive veterinary examinations, spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, microchips, feline AIDS and leukemia testing, and worming and fl ea treatments before they leave Florida. When the cats arrive in Massachusetts, they are quarantined at another facility for the period required by state law and then brought to Standish.

Th is has worked out very well for us. Most of the Florida cats are young, and all have been very healthy. Th ey have also proven to be well-socialized cats. Th ey are adopted quickly because of their sweet dispositions.

Th is is just one way our spay/neuter program has made a big diff erence to cats. It has allowed us to help cats that were doomed to euthanasia in shelters or short, dismal lives on the streets. Our spay/neuter team has devoted countless hours to our spay/neuter eff ort for both cats and dogs.

Please consider making a donation to Standish to help homeless cats from other states. Standish pays to bring these cats into the shelter, and our expenses are great. You can ease our burden by donating to Standish at standishhumane.org or by mailing a check to Standish in the enclosed envelope.

Th ank you for all your help.

–Julie Salamone

Florida Cats Now In Loving Massachusetts Homes

Standish Humane SocietyBoard of DirectorsJulianne Salamone – President Lynn Allain – Vice President Joyce Keyes – Clerk Kathleen Bergeron – TreasurerJanet CallaghanJen Case-Pouliot Klaire Perkins Kelly RagonaJim SheehanMelinda Tarsi

Shelter DirectorJulia Fratalia

Tall Tails NewsletterLynn AllainKlaire Perkins Marilyn PhillipsHeather Cipullo

short, dismal lives on the streets. Our spay/neuter team has devoted countless

Please consider making a donation to Standish to help homeless cats fromother states. Standish pays to bring these cats into the shelter, and our expenses are great. You can ease our burden by donating to Standish atstandishhumane.org or by mailing a check to Standish in the enclosed


Please consider making a donation to Standish to help homeless cats from

expenses are great. You can ease our burden by donating to Standish at standishhumane.org or by mailing a check to Standish in the enclosed


Please consider making a donation to Standish to help homeless cats from

expenses are great. You can ease our burden by donating to Standish atstandishhumane.org or by mailing a check to Standish in the enclosed


Please consider making a donation to Standish to help homeless cats fromother states. Standish pays to bring these cats into the shelter, and our expenses are great. You can ease our burden by donating to Standish atstandishhumane.org or by mailing a check to Standish in the enclosed

Standish Humane Society has more than 3,800 “likes” for our Facebook page! Join us on Facebook.

Squeaky Bacon Bubbles

2 | Standish Humane Society

FALL/WINTER 2017 Tall Tails


Memorials & Tributes

Memorials to PeopleStandish Humane Society is very grateful for the many donations made in loving memory of the following people:

Pam Adornato, East BridgewaterGordon Blanchard, NorwellPaula Chase, North AndoverMark Chiros, WeymouthMiller Ferguson, NewtonJillian Gilbert, AttleboroMatthew Paul Hickey, HinghamGeorge G.L. Jansson, PlymouthLaura Johndrow, KingstonPat Kelly, PlymouthSusie Leonardi, Marshfi eldKathy Morse, PembrokeFrancis J. O’Brien, BourneAllen O’Donnell, PembrokeLiz Ounanian, NeedhamRobert G. Powers, DuxburyJune L. Puddister, Bar Harbor, ME,

formerly of WeymouthKarolina Soroko, DorchesterCliff ord Th ibodeau, BraintreeGus and Daisey Verdi, Hampton, NHJohn White, AttleboroSandra Young, East Bridgewater

Other Memorials & TributesBarbara Ayotte — in memory of PhoenixKathleen Bates — in memory of CaponeJane Bradley — in memory of SpencerKelly Brennan — in memory of Lux

(Kames)Cathy Browning — in honor of Charlotte

and BentleyLois Burgess — in memory of RockyMarilyn Cioffi — in honor of Hoss,

Angel and HideyDavid Clinton — in memory of KenobieMary Curley--in memory of DustyLaura Davis — in honor of PradaMelinda Damon — in memory of

Bella’s Chinchilla

Pat and Bob Dillon — in memory of Cuddles and Buddy

Christine Dorchak and Carey Th eil — in honor of Iris Feldman of Watertown

Diane Elz — in memory of BluJoanne Estes — in memory of Max

and SunnyLynn Farnham — in memory of Baby BoyIris Feldman — in honor of Jeanne Chin

of BurlingtonBetty Fisher — in honor ot Taz and TuukkaRon and Janet Frankenfi eld — in memory

of Lizzie and BellaMarie Glynn — in memory of “T” catsElizabeth Hills — in memory of FredNorma Infusino — in memory of Herman

and AntoinetteMeghan Kelly — in memory of ArabelleJean Kennett — in memory of Biddy BrownElaine and John Kuhn — in memory of ZuluMary and Mark LeBlanc — in honor of

Sammy and JinxieMr and Mrs Robert LaFleur — in memory

of India’s adoptionPat Leighfi eld — in memory of Antoinette,

Herman and WellingtonDavid and Marjorie Lowry — in memory

of DustyVirginia Lydon — in honor of Lord

Buffi ngtonKathleen MacWilliams — in honor of

SawyerPaul and Robin Martell — in honor of

Neo, Duff y, Puff y, Soda and PhoebeMargaret McGinnis — in memory of

Caesar and Kitty SnowKristine McKee — in memory of Posey,

Morgan and ClydeDonna, Mike, and Tom Minarik — in

honor of CleoJane Morrill — in memory of A.J.Richard and Susan Mulhern — in memory

of SashaBetsey Neal — in honor of Boots, Oliver

and PumpkinBobbie O’Reilly — in memory of Gypsy,

Luna, Chi and DaisyOpterra PMS Club — in honor of Barbara

Ayotte’s promotion

Phil and Laura Pennacchio — in memory of Katie

Klaire Perkins — in memory of ArabelleMarilyn Phillips — in honor of Elaine

Richardson’s years as a board memberMarilyn Phillips — in memory of SadieJudith Pratt — in honor of SmokeyLeslie Prescott — in memory of MitziMr and Mrs Charles Prince — in memory

of Jeanette Pfl aumerWendy Reynolds — in honor of ScarlettHarold Robinson — in memory of JosephJackie Ruprecht — in honor of Chris and

Kelly LeBlancTh eresa and James Saccone — in memory

of SashaJulie Salamone — in memory of BaconPatricia Smiley — in memory of BarneySuzanne Smith — in memory of Loki CatLaurie and Robert Solomon — in memory

of Reggie, Clancy and OllieJane Swiszcz — in memory of Golden BoySusan Temple — in memory of LilyClaire Tong — in memory of BaronJanet White — in memory of Router

Jane Swiszcz — in memory of Golden BoySusan Temple — in memory of LilyClaire Tong — in memory of BaronJanet White — in memory of RouterClaire Tong — in memory of Baron

Susie Leonardi, Marshfi eldKathy Morse, PembrokeFrancis J. O’Brien, BourneAllen O’Donnell, Pembroke

June L. Puddister, Bar Harbor, ME,

Karolina Soroko, DorchesterCliff ord Th ibodeau, BraintreeGus and Daisey Verdi, Hampton, NHJohn White, AttleboroSandra Young, East Bridgewater

Other Memorials & TributesBarbara Ayotte — in memory of PhoenixKathleen Bates — in memory of CaponeJane Bradley — in memory of Spencer


Buffi ngtonKathleen MacWilliams — in honor of

SawyerPaul and Robin Martell — in honor of

Neo, Duff y, Puff y, Soda and PhoebeMargaret McGinnis — in memory of

Caesar and Kitty SnowKristine McKee — in memory of Posey,

Jane Morrill — in memory of A.J.Richard and Susan Mulhern — in memory

Laura Davis — in honor of PradaMelinda Damon — in memory of


Betsey Neal — in honor of Boots, Oliver

Bobbie O’Reilly — in memory of Gypsy, Luna, Chi and Daisy

Opterra PMS Club — in honor of Barbara Ayotte’s promotion

Kathleen Bates — in memory of CaponeJane Bradley — in memory of SpencerKelly Brennan — in memory of Lux

(Kames)Cathy Browning — in honor of Charlotte

and BentleyLois Burgess — in memory of RockyMarilyn Cioffi — in honor of Hoss,

Angel and HideyDavid Clinton — in memory of KenobieMary Curley--in memory of DustyLaura Davis — in honor of PradaMelinda Damon — in memory of


Paul and Robin Martell — in honor of Neo, Duff y, Puff y, Soda and Phoebe

Margaret McGinnis — in memory of Caesar and Kitty Snow

Kristine McKee — in memory of Posey, Morgan and Clyde

Donna, Mike, and Tom Minarik — in honor of Cleo


of SashaBetsey Neal — in honor of Boots, Oliver

and PumpkinBobbie O’Reilly — in memory of Gypsy,

Luna, Chi and DaisyOpterra PMS Club — in honor of Barbara


Pat Kelly, PlymouthSusie Leonardi, Marshfi eldKathy Morse, PembrokeFrancis J. O’Brien, BourneAllen O’Donnell, PembrokeLiz Ounanian, NeedhamRobert G. Powers, DuxburyJune L. Puddister, Bar Harbor, ME,

Karolina Soroko, DorchesterCliff ord Th ibodeau, BraintreeGus and Daisey Verdi, Hampton, NHJohn White, AttleboroSandra Young, East Bridgewater

Other Memorials & Tributes

Kathleen Bates — in memory of CaponeJane Bradley — in memory of Spencer

Mary Curley--in memory of DustyLaura Davis — in honor of PradaMelinda Damon — in memory of Laura Davis — in honor of PradaMelinda Damon — in memory of Melinda Damon — in memory of



Paul and Robin Martell — in honor of Neo, Duff y, Puff y, Soda and Phoebe

Margaret McGinnis — in memory of Caesar and Kitty Snow

Kristine McKee — in memory of Posey,


Betsey Neal — in honor of Boots, Oliver and Pumpkin


Opterra PMS Club — in honor of Barbara Ayotte’s promotion

Jane Swiszcz — in memory of Golden BoySusan Temple — in memory of LilyClaire Tong — in memory of BaronJanet White — in memory of RouterClaire Tong — in memory of Baron

Betsey Neal — in honor of Boots, Oliver



Bubbles


Standish Humane Society | 3


Pets Getting Better and Better With Age: ADOPTING A SENIOR PETBecause indoor cats can live from 15 to 20 plus years and dogs can live from 7 to 16 years, depending on the breed, it is important to consider the pet’s age when adopting. Older adults will benefit from adopting older pets. At Standish we require back-up guardians to sign the adoption papers if the primary adopter’s expected life span does not exceed the expected life span of the cat. Although kittens and puppies are adorable and are adopted first, senior pets languish in shelters when they could greatly enrich the lives of human companions.

There are a number of factors, besides the age of the adopter, that should be considered when adopting an older pet. Dogs and cats surrendered from loving homes find it particularly difficult to adjust to shelter life after they reach a certain age, but they can easily be incorporated into another loving home. Senior dogs have manners that puppies and young dogs do not. They are usually housebroken and often have basic obedience skills. Senior cats have been well socialized, they are litter trained by their mother cats from kittenhood, and many have been trained to use a scratching post instead of the arm of a sofa.

Sable

Tiramisu

You know your senior dog will not double or triple in size after a few months, and you will know whether or not the cat is playful, calm, vocal, or quiet before you bring the cat home. People often enjoy older pets that do not require the energy necessary to properly care for a boisterous puppy or a kitten with boundless curiosity that can get the kitten into trouble. It is very relaxing to have a pet sitting in your lap or at your feet just enjoying your company. Adopters of older pets often find that the level of attention and devotion they receive from their pets shows that the pets somehow have deep gratitude to the humans rescuing them, and senior dogs and cats can very quickly form deep bonds with their new owners.

At Standish we know first hand what wonderful pets senior dogs and cats can be. One of our staff members, who has a home devoted to the needs of her cats, was looking at photos belonging to a Standish volunteer who rescues dogs. One of the photos caught our staff member’s eye. She asked to see the photo again and was told that the dog was 13 years old and needed rehoming due to a tragic change in the owner’s circumstances.

For our staff member, it was love at first sight, no matter how old the dog was. She knew she had to meet the dog, and that is how Sable came into her life. Sable’s cat siblings accepted her, because she was calm and nonthreatening. When the staff member arrives at home after working her shift at Standish, she is greeted every time by Sable and Anthony, Sable’s cat brother. Both are looking out the window when she drives up. When she takes Sable on walks, she often gets asked why she would adopt such an elderly dog. Her answer is always the same. She says, “The quality of our time together outweighs the fear of time. I have loved her since the day we met and will love her till the day our journey together ends.”

Standish adopters have given homes to some wonderful older cats. Tiramisu, a very old Siamese, was adopted into a family with an affinity for the breed to live out her golden years as a beloved family member. Alexander and Shalimar were also older cats who needed a home together. They found a home and are full of life and love.

Please consider adopting an older cat or dog if you are looking for a best friend. These mature pets are very affectionate, loving companions who have only gotten better with time.

Older cats are more expensive for Standish to house, because they usually take much longer than younger cats to be adopted. To help us pay for the daily needs of our senior cats, please consider making a donation at standishhumane.org or by mailing a check in the enclosed envelope.

Shalimar Alexander




Forever Homes

CoDough, renamed Jarvis, is doing amazingly well in his new forever home. He follows his human everywhere, and he is “the best.”

Bandit loves the cat tower her new forever family bought her. She also has a dog sibling she loves.

Morris,adopted with Cherokee, loves to lounge on the sofa.

Creamsicle, very much a lap kitty, has a treasure trove of toys in her forever home.

Fidget ,who now answers to Ellis, is shown with his new best friend, Ruby the dog. They immediately became fast friends and are always lounging or playing together.

Shayla, now named Banshee, loves her big brothers. Her mom reports that Banshee has no fear of the dogs and “is in charge in this home.”

Cherokee, adopted with Morris, is very happy and carefree.

Holmes House




PLANET SUBARU Will Again “SHARE THE LOVE” with StandishSubaru of America is getting ready to “Share the Love” in its annual campaign to assist worthy charities. Subaru of America donates millions of dollars to selected charities when new cars are sold or leased at the end of the year. Several national charities are chosen to receive funds from the program, and local Subaru dealers choose local charities to be recipients.

Planet Subaru, a Hanover Subaru dealership that has been a long-time supporter of Standish, has once again selected us to be one of the local charities to benefit from “Share the Love.” We are honored to be chosen again, and we want to thank Planet Subaru for their enormous support. We have received almost $150,000 from the “Share the Love” program since 2014. This funding has been a tremendous help to us. Because of “Share the Love,” Standish has been able to initiate new programs that have brought great benefit to the animals we serve. One such program, which has been very successful, assists pet owners who, due to temporary unforeseen circumstances, need a helping hand with the expenses for medical care and food for their pets. Without such assistance, the pet owners would have no choice but to surrender or euthanize their pets because of a temporary crisis.

Frequently, the Standish parking lot looks like a branch of a Subaru dealership, because it is filled with Subarus owned by volunteers and staff. These Subaru owners sing the praises of the Planet Subaru sales team and service department.

If you are planning on buying or leasing a new Subaru in the near future, please visit Planet Subaru from November 16, 2017 to January 2, 2018 to get your new Subaru. When you do, please make sure to designate Standish Humane Society as your preferred “Share the Love” charity. If you choose Standish, we will receive a nice donation as a result of your purchase.

Standish Programs In Need Of DonationsReduced Cost Spay/Neuter Program This is one of our most successful and critical programs. A $75 donation to this program to spay a feral female cat on the Spay Waggin’ can prevent the birth of several hundred unwanted kittens in the wild over a seven-year period. Donations in any amount are welcome.

The Elvis Feral Fund This program provides financial assistance to community cat caregivers. A big part of this program is the requirement that caregivers participate in a trap, spay/neuter, and release program, which is designed to ultimately eliminate the community cat colony.

Cat Sponsor Fund The cat sponsorship program provides monthly support for our resident cats. By donating at least $15 a month, you can become a sponsor of a particular resident, and you will receive periodic photos and updates on your sponsored kitty.

Donations can be made by check or by online donation through our website at standishhumane.org.You may visit our Amazon Wish List to donate items Standish specifically needs. Also, go to Standish Humane Society on Facebook to see pictures and helpful articles and check for any urgent donation appeals.

Valentino, now called Willy, greets his mom and dad when they come home from work with loud purring and a happy dance on his toes.

Simon loves his big brother, and Simon is doing fine in his forever home.

Riley, now Toby, shown on his two year adoption anniversary, is a much loved boy. He is a sweet, loving, funny guy.

More Forever Homes




Special Cats with Special Needs

Standish frequently has cats with special needs that we take into our shelter unaware that they have any medical problems until our veterinarian examines them. Some have short-term issues that can be corrected with medical treatment. Others have chronic illnesses that require treatment for the rest of their lives.

This fall we have had two special needs cats with wonderful personalities, a zest for life, a special affection for people, and, unfortunately, expensive, chronic medical issues. The first is Lulu, who has found a loving forever home, and the second is Phoebe.

Although Lulu came to Standish malnourished and underweight, we thought she would thrive with our loving care. Due to her especially sweet, gentle personality and love for people, we knew she had known human kindness at one time.

When the veterinarian examined her, we discovered that she had kidney damage, most likely from the lack of water and nutrition she suffered while she was a stray.

Lulu needed to have subcutaneous fluids injected twice a week to help maintain her kidney function. Giving the fluids is easy, but paying for them is an ongoing expense very few adopters want to assume. When Lulu found the perfect forever home, Standish agreed to pay for the costs of Lulu’s kidney treatments for the rest of her life.

Another special needs cat at the shelter who is still looking for a forever home is Phoebe, a beautiful all white cat, who was brought to us by a family member when the owner moved to a nursing home. Phoebe was discovered to have diabetes when she was examined by our vet. She needs insulin twice a day and frequent tests of her blood glucose levels. Phoebe was obviously a much loved cat who craves attention from people. Many people who see her want to give her a home--until they find out that she has diabetes. We are currently paying for Phoebe’s insulin and blood tests, and these costs are mounting. We have decided that for Phoebe to be adoptable, we must pay the medical expenses for her diabetes even after she is adopted.

Phoebe, Lulu and cats like them deserve a chance just as much as perfectly healthy cats do. Please help us pay for the medical needs of Lulu, Phoebe, and other special needs cats by donating at standishhumane.org or by mailing a check in the enclosed envelope.

How Much of a Bargain is a STANDISH KITTEN Adoption Fee?The adoption fee for a Standish kitten is $165. While this might sound like a reasonable fee, it is not. It is a huge bargain. People often wonder why they should adopt from a reputable animal shelter when “free” kittens are available through social media, newspaper advertisements, and even in boxes at the mall or in front of grocery stores.

If the adopter of a “free” kitten provides the kitten with the equivalent medical care, vaccines, and treatments that Standish kittens routinely get, the “free” kitten really costs between $405 and $685. These figures are based on the estimated costs shown on the Petfinder website, which are comparable to the costs charged by South Shore veterinary practices.

Phoebe

LuLu

Out of Pocket Cost of a “FREE” KittenVet Exam $50-100Spaying or neutering $150-300Feline leukemia and feline AIDS test $30-50Rabies vaccination $15-25Distemper vaccinations $40-60

Microchip $50Deworming $20-50Flea treatment $50Total $405-$685

Because our adoption fee is nowhere near the cost of getting a healthy kitten ready for adoption, we must depend on our supporters to help us cover our costs. Please consider making a donation for this purpose by going to standishhumane.org to donate or by sending a check in the enclosed envelope.




Visit Petfinder.com to view pictures and videos of Standish’s adoptable cats!

P.O. Box 634

Duxbury, MA 02331

YOUR CAR TELLS THE WORLD HOW

YOU FEEL ABOUT PETS

Purchase the Massachusetts Animal Friendly license plate and help support spay/neuter programs throughout the state.The Plate’s initial cost is $40, $28 of which will be used to support sterilization programs. On renewal, the entire $40 will go to those programs.

• Easy to order • Tax deductibleGo to www.mass.gov/rmv

to purchase your Animal Friendly License plate!

This Newsletter was printed by Smith Print / Webster One Source

in Hanson, MA with the environment in mind.

FPO

GIVING DAY Holiday FundraiserGetting ready for the holiday season? So is the Standish Humane Society! We are excited to announce that we will be participating in Giving Tuesday (#GivingTuesday on social media), an international day of generosity that falls on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving Day. This year Standish will take part in the global movement to support nonprofit organizations with our Standish supporters. On November 28, 2017, we will launch a one-day giving campaign to benefit the animals of Standish and the community members who rely on our important pet health programs. Every donation counts and helps us continue promoting adoptions, healthcare, and education in our community. No donation is too small; on #GivingTuesday, we remind ourselves that each act of kindness helps improve the world around us!

Stay tuned to our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages for more information as we count down to our first Giving Tuesday! We will have information on how you can support our organization, and how you can spread the word that you

#StandWithStandish!

While the #GivingTuesday movement is largely based online, you can still take part offline as well; just call us at 781-834-4663 to find out how you can help Standish continue delivering critical animal welfare services to the South Shore area.


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