Winter 2011 - Hearthside Cats

Hearthside Cats, Inc.
‘Mews and News’
Winter 2011
P.O. Box 282, Geneseo, NY 14454
A Song in His Heart
for the Cats
A very young Susie with Dan Coyle.
Tiny But Tough
Here is yet another story about a
young, helpless kitten that proved
she had spunk. A caring person
found tiny Susie at a local dump.
Alone and scared, no mother cat or
other kittens could be found, and at
only 3 – 4 weeks old there was no
way she could survive on her own.
Hearthside was contacted and we
whisked Susie to the veterinarian for
evaluation and treatment. Upon
placement in foster care, she needed
to be isolated for several weeks to be
fed frequently and minimize exposure
to infection. When kittens are separated from their mothers, they suffer
extreme anxiety and in some cases,
life-threatening medical problems.
But, true to so many cats that have a
bumpy start, Susie was a true fighter
and has grown into a playful tiger kitten. She is still petite and very small
for her age, but hopefully soon will
have a growth spurt and catch up in
size. Then, sweet Susie will be ready
for her forever home.
Dan Coyle at the September benefit
concert.
585-243-0873
Singer and songwriter Dan Coyle
(originally from the Caledonia, NY
area) gave a free concert in
September to benefit Hearthside
Cats. Now based in NYC, Dan was in
the area doing another benefit concert and wanted to offer his unique
Simon-and-Garfunkel-ish music to
Hearthside. At a beautiful setting in
Mt. Morris, Dan entertained a small
but enthusiastic crowd, and a jar was
passed to collect donations for the
cats. He even got to meet one of
Hearthside's youngest beneficiaries,
pictured far left. We thank Dan Coyle
(and his aunt Que Palacz, who
organized the event) for sharing his
talent and support. There is a possibility that Dan will come back to do
another concert for Hearthside… stay
tuned!
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“Littered”
with Paw Points
Gourmet Italian
Dinner…
We continue to collect Fresh Step
“Paw Points” codes and redeem
them for free litter. This is a great
savings for our foster caregivers! If
you use Fresh Step products, please
share the Paw Points codes from
specially-marked boxes and pails.
Be sure to include the printed Paw
Points code from inside the package. The code is unique to each
package and contains letters and
numbers. Thanks for your support!
Don’t Miss Out!
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Treat your sweetie to a
night of gourmet dining
on behalf of the cats!
Hearthside’s annual Gourmet Italian
Dinner is Friday, February 18 at 7:00
p.m. at St. Mary’s Parish Center,
North St., Geneseo. This authentic,
multi-course feast is presented by
Lynn Kennison and her skilled crew
of volunteers. It’s a night of fabulous
food and fun, including a silent wine
auction and door prizes. Seating is
limited, so make reservations early!
Tickets are $30 – order online at
www.HearthsideCats.org, call 585243-0873, or use the form on page 2.
Gourmet Italian Dinner Tickets
Dinner tickets are $32 each for the February 18 event. Use this form,
order online at www.HearthsideCats.org, or call 585-243-0873 to make
reservations. Thank you!
Name _______________________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________
Phone ____________________________
Number of tickets requested _______
Number of vegetarian entrees _______
Total enclosed $___________
Please make check or money order payable to Hearthside Cats, Inc.
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Warm Up the Winter Months with a
Our Veterinary
Partners Are Simply
the Best
Without the passionate support of
our veterinary teams, we simply
couldn’t fulfill our mission. Each
homeless cat that Hearthside
accepts goes directly to one of our
veterinary partners before entering
foster care. That’s where we determine a cat’s health status and
potential ongoing needs. We want to
publicly thank these dedicated professionals who make it possible for
us to carry on our work:
Animal Care Facility of Livonia:
Drs. Peter Hecht, Jessica Litteer,
Maryse Osborn, and Rita Wilson
Caring for Cats: Dr. Betsey Arnold
Genesee Valley Veterinary Hospital:
Drs. Eugene Scherline and Jim
Tompsett
Perry Veterinary Cinic: Dr. Steve
Stoddard
Kitty Kompanion
Bambi is a beautiful grey lady who is
about five years old, very petite with
tiny feet. She’s affectionate, but needs
time to warm up to people. Bambi
would make a wonderful Kitty
Kompanion.
Studies have shown that having a
companion pet offers health benefits
such as decreased blood pressure
and heart rate, and less depression
and loneliness. Especially at this time
of year, having a feline companion
can make cold, dark days seem a little warmer.
Hearthside’s “Kitty Kompanions”
program brightens the lives of seniors, while giving a deserving cat a
loving new home. Through Kitty
Kompanions, we match mature cats
with mature people who would enjoy
having a feline companion, without
some of the worries and expense
that go with pet ownership.
Hearthside waives the adoption
fee and provides basic pet supplies,
and in some cases helps with veterinary expenses, if that is a barrier to
someone who would benefit from
having a cat. If needed, one of our
Hearthside volunteers is available to
answer ongoing questions. And in
the event the adopter can no longer
care for the cat, Hearthside will take
the kitty back. This is especially
important for people who may
encounter a long hospitalization or a
stay in an extended care facility.
Pets provide unconditional love
and joy to people of all ages! If you
know a senior citizen who would like
to adopt a cat through the Kitty
Kompanions program, just give us a
call at 243-0873.
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Special Program for
Special Cats
Sponsoring a Hearthside cat is the
next best thing to actually adopting a
kitty. We have a number of cats who,
for various reasons, may never go to
a new home. They are in our
“Special Needs” Program due to
chronic medical or behavior issues
that make adoption difficult. The
ongoing expenses of these cats are
covered by Special Needs sponsorships. For a donation in any amount,
you receive a framed photo and
biography of “your” cat. For gifts of
$80 or more, we include address
labels imprinted with the kitty’s picture. Our hope is that these cats can
eventually go to a new home, but if
not, they will remain with us forever.
That’s part of our philosophy...”once
a Hearthside cat, always a
Hearthside cat”.
Visit www.HearthsideCats.org
and click on “sponsor a cat” to see
who needs your help!
Adoption Corner!
To the right are several deserving
cats that are waiting adoption. All
have been wormed and tested
negative for Feleuk/FIV, are
spayed or neutered, and current
on vaccinations.
Sophie is a beautiful old female
calico with extra toes who is nearly
four years old. Known affectionately by her foster caregiver as a
bowling ball with legs, Sophie will
make sure you keep her food bowl
full by poking you when it is empty!
Two-year-old Bob is an outgoing
boy with gorgeous markings. But
because he was orphaned so
young, he shows affection by
gnawing on your fingers. Bob
would do best in an adult-only
home.
Bob
Sophie
playful and should do well in a home
where he can get lots of affection.
Please consider giving a forever
home to one of these or any of our
adoptable cats!
Dexter is also two and is still a
little shy and slow to warm up to
new people. However, he is very
Visit www.HearthsideCats.org
for more stories and photos.
Dexter
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Health Corner
Are you Ready
for a Kitten?
There’s no question that kittens are
endearing creatures, and there is
never of shortage of those needing a
home. Many people are tempted to
adopt a kitten out of sheer cuteness,
but before you considering taking
home a young feline companion,
think about the commitment you’ll be
making…for the next fifteen to twenty
years.
Bringing home a new kitten is
exciting, but it also is a big transition
for you and the kitty. Kittens need a
consistent routine of love and attention to grow into well-adjusted adults.
Are you ready to devote the time
and effort to properly care for a
kitten? Does your lifestyle and travel
routine accommodate the needs of a
kitten? And although adorable they
are also mischievous, so you need
to kitten-proof your home and spend
time to teach some rules and provide quality playtime. Cleaning and
grooming (brushing, nail clipping)
are also part of kitten care. Your
chore list will also include vacuuming
hair and cleaning the litter box. All of
these tasks take time, effort… and
patience!
The cost of raising a kitten is a
consideration, too. The bare essentials include good quality food, litter
box and litter, spaying or neutering,
vaccinations, and annual vet visits.
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Additional costs include emergency
vet care, toys and ongoing supplies.
The financial commitment is important, so if you are not prepared to
invest or cannot afford the many
costs over the long haul, you should
think again.
These suggestions are not
meant to discourage would-be
adopters, but to help them understand the reality of the commitment
for many years to come. If you or
someone you know is intent on
adopting a kitten, consider the
responsibilities of meeting the kitty’s
physical, nutritional, and emotional
needs. Plan ahead to make the transition to her new home much easier
for both of you. Then if you’re ready,
jump in with all four paws!
Fellowship for Cats donations received as of
11/27/10 …thank you!
Marilyn Silverberg – in memory of Whiskers & in honor of
Squeaky & Midnight
James Wilder
Margaret Weidner – in memory of my five beautiful cats whom
I miss
Carol L. George-Williams – in memory of Brutus & Sam
Blacktail
Carol Browne – in memory of Blackheath, Bentley & Soho
Anonymous – in memory of Budy
Ruth A. Lea – in honor of Tootsie
Rosemary Michel
Anonymous – in memory of Summertime
Norma Rumfelt – in memory of Kristy, Roxy & Misty
Sharon Reynolds – in memory of Pokey
Randy & Susan White
Ann M. Hawkins – in memory of Pepper & in honor of the
commitment of the Hearthside family!
Jane Pfromer – in memory of my beautiful 18-year-old
Hearthside Cat kitty, Pumpkin
Martha Garland – in memory of Piper & in honor of Misty
Karen Pitti
Richard Heye
Richard N. Bloomer – in memory of Miss Phoebe
John Mills
Jeanette Capotorto – in memory of Bud, Wheezer & Jessica
C. Kathy Stewart
Dianna Schneider
Bonnie White – in memory of Tippy & Jason
Kathryn Reali
Mary P. Lester – in honor of Angel & Oliver
Joanne Wegman – in memory of Buster
Nancy Ingraham – in honor of Bennie & The Jet
Marion J. Weber
Joy Snyder – in honor of Bennie & The Jet
Anonymous
Kevin & Cheryl Gray – in honor of Dr. Gene Scherline
William & Margaret Graham – in memory of Pupper
Mary C. Connell
Jean Hamilton – in honor of Smokey & Hope
Shirley Lindell – in memory of Fred & Orphan Annie
Karen Storne & Pete Radosta – in memory of Jackson Kitty
Carolyn Scott
Michael J. Buckley – in honor of Rev. Emmett Hoffman &
Soaring Eagle
Marilyn Berthold – in honor of Sami
Barbara Tange – in memory of Howard Boyd
Anonymous – in memory of Cricket
Pete & Judy Thompson – in memory of Cricket
Bob & Kate Kreger – in memory of Cricket
Karen Duffy & her “Kritters” – in honor of Paul, who takes
care of us all, in sickness & health
Anonymous
Alice Timothy – in memory of Barbie
James & Arlene Somerville
Jack & Nancy Baldwin – in honor of Lily, Sweetie & Luna
Paula M. Henry – in memory of Gomez & Wildcat & in honor
of Henry Henry
Martha Scala – in memory of Ninja
Mr. & Mrs. Chris F. Nilsen
Ardele Murphy – in memory of my sister, Nathleleen Vaughan
May Tilipko
Loretta Vosburg
Roxanne Supulski – in memory of Nancy Magee
Paul & Claire Allen – in honor of Scout & Hobo
Larry & Marge Boehme – in memory of Sadie Mae & Buster
Samuel A. Hanger
Madelyn S. Harmon
Nancy Freeland – in memory of Nate Freeland
Mary G. Wilkinson – in memory of Jean Tom & in honor of
Mewsette
Anonymous
Connie English
Dick & Carol Roth – in honor of all cats & kittens!
Marsha Ameismeier – in memory of Benjamin
Karen E. Kenney – in memory of Salty & Izzy
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Banfield – in memory of Buttons
Mary D. Sturm
Floyd & Beverly Embling – in memory of Bandit & in honor of
K.C. Kitty
Theo Greenman
Louise & George Miller – in honor of Rojo, Spot & B.W.
Ellen Smith
Ron & Faith Bailey – in honor of Lucky
Colleen Caito – in honor of the tiger cat you took and are
caring for
Connie & Don Collins – in memory of Carney
Chris & Tony Pritchett – in memory of Bruce & in honor of
Mindy-Lou
Dolly Jonasse – in memory of John Mott, who loved the cat
who sat on his lap
Caroline Ringland
Beverly J. Hart – in memory of my kitty cats
Laurie Hausler – in memory of Shadow & Tigger & in honor of
Miscio & Glory
Joe & Jean Lentner
Other support as of 11/27/10…every little bit
helps the cats!
Geraldine Pearson – bless you for your efforts!
Peter M. Matzke
Alyson Kluth
Linda Brandes
Caroline Ringland
Linda LaGeorge
Lynn & Wes Kennison
Cyndi Moalekamp
Carol Kelly
Wendy Page
Thelma Gillette
Sandra Farron
Mary & Greg Fitch
Carla Larson
Star Touring & Riding
West Wise, Honeoye
Jeanette Kramarz
Marsha Ameismeier
Mary Stadtmiller
Jennifer Hecht
Metalico Rochester, Inc.
James P. Wilder
Ward’s Natural Science
Barb Myers
Julie Wing
Rae Usinger – in memory of Rosemary Walker
Linda J. Parkhurst
Delores Swanson – in memory of Mildred Seagle
Paul & Claire Allen – in loving memory of Hobo
Kristie Hanna
Felicia Webster
Stacey Lee
Lynn & Wes Kennison
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Riding to Support the Cats
Wishing
Everyone a
Healthy and
Prosperous
New Year!
In the fall, members of the Star
Touring & Riding group held a
fundraising event which supported three local organizations,
including Hearthside Cats. We
thank these bike enthusiasts for
their generosity! Star Touring &
Riding representative, Sharon
Decker (right) presents a check
for $752 to Hearthside president,
Victoria Raschi, while Edward
(middle) oversees the transaction.
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from Hearthside Cats
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Affordable Gifts for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day or Anytime! Here are some affordable and whimsical items for the holidays. All purchases
directly support the care of cats in foster homes. Use the order form below
or visit the “shopping” section at www.HearthsideCats.org.
Books
The Comfort of Cats – Pamela
Wallin shares her unique bond with
one particular feline, with beautiful
photography of Anne Bayin. $5 each
+ $1 S&H.
The Dog Rules – William Thomas
humorously chronicles the relationship between humans and dogs,
with hilarious illustrations by Peter
Cook. $5 each + $1 S&H.
“Hooked on a Feline: Basic Cat
Care from a Different Purr-spective” – Written by Taunee (a cat),
and translated and illustrated by
local author Barbara MugnoloWilliams... a humorous, no-nonsense
approach to cat care! Portion of purchase is donated to Hearthside by
the generous authors. Paperback;
$11.95 + $2 S&H per book.
ALMOST GONE! “Home Is Where
the Hearth Is” Cookbook – 90 main
dish recipes in a durable binder with
beautiful original artwork. $20 each;
two for $35; three for $50 + $1.50
S&H per cookbook.
Other Great Items
Hearthside Cats Bookmarks –
oversized (2.25" x 7"), original whimsical artwork, laminated for durability.
Choose from four designs: “Napping”,
“Kittens”, “House” and “Yarn”. $2
each + $.50 total S&H for 1-4 bookmarks, or $1 total S&H for 5 or more.
Item
Cat Angel Pin – pewter with 24K
gold-plated wings. 7/8" x 7/8". $8
each + $.50 S&H.
Hearthside Cats Tee Shirt – 100%
grey cotton with black logo. Small,
medium, large or extra-large. $15 +
$1.50 S&H.
Cat Notecards – set of 10 w/matching envelopes. Specifiy which design
you would like: “Cat by Window” or
“Cat with Pawprints”. $5 per set + $1
S&H.
Qty.
Price ea. + S&H
Total
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Total enclosed
$_______________
Name _________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________
Phone _________________________________________________________
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We Get Letters...
Nearly a month ago my one true
love, Velma, an American long hair
cat, died in my arms. That was the
worst moment in my long life. When I
found Velma in a shelter, she was all
black with white fur tufts behind her
ears...and Velma was a big cat even
then. I am very serious about Velma
being my one true love...that love
was very mutual. In order to honor
Velma’s memory... I have put
Hearthside Cats on my list of payees
[from my credit union]. So each
month you will receive a check.
When I die I will be cremated and at
that time, Velma and I will be united
again...I hope that my small offerings
will help.
Sincerely,
James Wilder
The Cats’ Wish List
In addition to wishing for a forever
home, our foster cats (and people
who care for them) need everyday
items. Some groups and families
have made a project out of collecting supplies for Hearthside…it’s
fun and the cats directly benefit. If
you have items to donate please
forward to P.O. Box 282, Geneseo,
NY 14454 or call 585-243-0873 to
make pick-up arrangements.
Here are our most common
needs:
- Purina “Naturals” dry cat food
- Friskies canned cat food
- Cardboard scratching pads
- Cat litter (all types)
- Cat toys
- Liquid dish soap
- First class stamps (for letters and
postcards)
Think Spring... Think “Walk for Cats”!
This year’s “Walk for Cats” event will be on Sunday, May 1 at Highland Park
in Geneseo. This one-mile walkathon is a wonderful family outing that doesn’t
tie up the whole day. And it makes an easy and fun community service project
for schools and groups. Please mark your calendar to join us this year, if you
can. We’re looking for walkers, sponsors and volunteers. Registration starts at
1:30 and the walk begins at 2:00, followed by pizza and prizes, and we’re
wrapped up by 3:30. See the enclosed pledge form for details or visit
www.HearthsideCats.org.
Hearthside Cats, Inc.
P.O. Box 282
Geneseo, New York 14454
Reuse and Redeem!
Several times a year our volunteers
load up a van with aluminum to take
to a recycler and redeem for cash.
This is a great way to dispose of pet
food cans and similar containers. You
can help too! Simply drop off bags of
clean aluminum cans (no tin please)
to one of our collection points:
5577 West Lake Rd., Conesus or
5083 Lima Rd., Geneseo.
If you can safely flatten the cans,
please do so, but if not our volunteers
are willing and able. You may leave
the bags in front the garage at either
location. Thanks for helping to reuse
and redeem on behalf of the cats!
We’ve heard from cat lovers all
over the country through our website. It’s jam-packed with photos,
stories, events, and shopping and
donation functions. See it live at
www.HearthsideCats.org.
Hearthside does not sell, rent or loan its mailing or e-mail list to other individuals, businesses or groups. Hearthside is an all-volunteer
organization, with all income going directly to
care for homeless cats.
Non Profit
U.S. Postage
PAID
Geneseo, NY
Permit No. 34