all pages-october 2015
Transcription
all pages-october 2015
FREE – TAKE ONE TM OCTOBER 2015 VOL. 17 NO. 8 animal adoption, rescue and education in asheville and surrounding communities CRITTER NOTES 7th Annual Furry Friends Benefit Bash for Sarge’s The 7th Annual Furry Friends Benefit Bash for Sarge’s Animal Rescue will be held on Thursday, October 1 at 6 pm at the Laurel Ridge Country Club in Waynesville. Enjoy music, food, plus a live and silent auction. Tickets are $75 each or 8-seat table sponsorship $650. For info, email FFBB@SargeAnd Friends.org. Autumn Vegan Bake Sale for Full Circle Farms Full Circle Autumn Vegan Bake Sale will be held on Friday, October 2 from 11 am-4 pm in front of the French Broad Food Co-op, 90 Biltmore Ave. in downtown Asheville. For more information, email kaylaw@fcfsanctuary.org. "All Creatures Great and Small" Concert Benefits Asheville Humane On Saturday, October 3 at 7:30 pm the Asheville Choral Society presents "All Creatures Great and Small," a concert featuring music honoring humanity's long-standing love and fascination for animals. For every ticket sold, a $2 donation will be made to Asheville Humane Society. Audience members are encouraged to bring cat and dog food donations. Tickets at ashevillechoralsociety.org. 8th Annual Tails and Trails 5K The 8th Annual Tails and Trails 5K will be held at the Buncombe County Sports Park Track in Candler on Saturday, October 3 beginning at 9:30 am. The race is open to adults, children and dogs of all ages. Check in and late registration begins at 9 am. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 4–12 plus 2 cans of dog food, which will be donated to Asheville Humane Society. Dogs must remain on leashes at all times. 39th Annual ‘Hey Day’ Fall Fest Happening October 10 at WNC Nature Center The 39th annual fall family festival, Hey Day, will be held on Saturday, October 10 at the WNC Nature Center. A fun event for all that includes live entertainment, games and crafts, food, a special scavenger hunt and, of course, animals! Interested in helping with this year's Hey Day? Volunteers are welcome to join the event committee. Email membership@wildwnc.org for more information. ‘Dog Talks’ Continue at Lenoir Rhyne "The Pulse Study and Stress" is the focus of a talk on Friday, October 23 at 7 pm, at Lenoir Rhyne University, 36 Montford Ave. in Asheville. Learn about a dog's pulse rates during different activities and its relation to stress. Call Grace for more information at 545-2948. Tickets $20. Limited seating. More information at www.dogtraininworkshops.blogspot.com. AHS Holds Low-Cost Vaccination Clinic Asheville Humane Society and Buncombe County will hold their monthly low-cost rabies and vaccination clinic on Saturday, October 24 from 2-5 pm at Hall Fletcher School, 60 Ridgelawn Rd. in Asheville. Please note, cash is the only form of payment accepted. For more information call 250-6430. PAGE 2 • CRITTER MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2015 ‘Night of the Living Punkinheads’ Benefit for Full Circle Farm Sanctuary Full Circle Farm Sanctuary’s "Night of the Living Punkinheads" Halloween Benefit will be held on Wednesday, October 28 from 7-10 pm at Sanctuary Brewing Company, 147 1st Ave. East in Hendersonville. The event will feature a Carved Pumpkin Contest, a Vegan Pumpkin Pie Contest and Halloween Costume Contest, great local beer, a Prize Drawing, Silent Auction, prizes, plant-based finger foods and more! Proceeds will benefit Full Circle Farm Sanctuary and its life-saving work on behalf of abused and unwanted farm animals. For more information about participating in the contests, email kaylaw@fcfsanctuary.org ‘Howl-O-Ween Walkathon’ at Carrier Park This October 31, grab your costume and be a hero for homeless pets at Brother Wolf Animal Rescue's first ever ‘Howl-O-Ween Walkathon’ at Carrier Park in Asheville. From 11 am-4 pm, enjoy a family friendly fall festival with food, beer, kids activities, trick-or-treating, costume contests, music, and more. At 1 pm, dress up with your pets in your favorite Halloween costumes for a two mile walk. Sign up and set a fundraising goal for prizes while benefitting animals in need! Register or learn more at www.bwar.org. ‘Tails at Twilight - Taste of Compassion Gala’ for Asheville Humane Society Put your best paw forward by joining fellow animal lovers for ‘Tails at Twilight-Taste of Compassion Gala’ on Saturday, November 7 from 6–9 pm at the Morris Hellenic Cultural Center, 227 Cumberland Avenue in Historic Montford. All proceeds benefit local animals in need. This benefit auction includes unique items, original art, travel packages and one-of-a-kind experiences up for bid. Local businesses, artists and individuals, have generously donated a wide-range of items including custom private parties, destination vacations, hand-crafted jewelry, products and services for beloved pets, gift certificates for restaurants, concerts and the coveted 2016 Outback from Prestige Subaru. All guests will be treated to wine and locally crafted beer, delicious vegetarian hors d’oeuvres and desserts, and live music by the Bruce Lang Band featuring vocalist, Maddy Winer. Supporters also have the opportunity to purchase V.I.P. tickets to access the exclusive V.I.P. lounge where they will be treated to champagne and a custom truffle bar by French Broad Chocolates. Tickets are $75 in advance or $80 at the door. Only 50 V.I.P. tickets will be available at $125. Tickets are on sale now and available online at www.ashevillehumane.org. IN THIS ISSUE OCTOBER 2015 Critter Notes ............................................................... 2 Angus & Phil .............................................................. 3 Point of View ................................................................ 4 Is Your Cat Food Made From Slave Labor? Keep Your Pets Safe on Halloween ........................... 9 Community Cats Program: Keeping Ferals Safe ... 10 Great Reasons to Adopt a “Mutt” ............................ 11 Black Mountain ‘Howl-O-Ween’ Pet Parade ........... 12 Critter Calendar ......................................................... 14 Animal & Nature Stuff to Do and See Critter Kids’ Page ...................................................... 15 Smoke Alarms, Pets & Fire Prevention Week Feral Cats and the Vacuum Effect ........................... 17 Bring Birds To Your Backyard This Fall ................. 23 ON THE COVER With National Feral Cat Day coming up on October 16, we couldn’t think of a better cover than a beautiful feral Tortie, courtesy of Brother Wolf Animal Rescue. To learn more about their Community Cats Program, turn to page 10. Cover photo by Jackie Teeple. OCTOBER IS ADOPT-A-DOG MONTH! Please check your local rescue or shelter for your new best friend! LESLIE E. STEVENS Attorney at Law, PLLC Critter Magazine™ is an animal adoption publication dedicated to improving the quality of life for animals through education, support of spay/ neuter efforts and encouraging responsible pet ownership, as well as helping to find loving homes for animals in need. Although the majority of the animals profiled are dogs and cats, we will feature any animal that is in need of adoption. We publish each month and distribute throughout Asheville, Buncombe, Madison, Haywood, Henderson, Transylvania and Yancey counties. Advertising and editorial deadline is the 15th of the month for the following month’s issue. We welcome letters to the editor, comments and suggestions, as well as informative articles and stories which are relevant to our goals. •Wills & Trusts •Personal Injury •Veterans •Business 19 N. Liberty Street PO Box 18356 Asheville, NC 28814 828-259-9009 sses98@msn.com Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Critter Magazine cannot screen either potential adopters or animals for health or temperament. We urge all parties to act responsibly in these matters. All animals adopted through Critter Magazine must be spayed or neutered prior to adoption. Critter Magazine™ is a publication of Critter Communications, LLC and is also published in Knoxville, TN. Publisher and Editor - Elaine Lite P.O. Box 8052 Asheville, NC 28814 E-mail: crittermagnc@charter.net (828) 255-0516 If you are interested in publishing a Critter Magazine in your area, contact Elaine Lite at crittermagnc@charter.net or call 828-255-0516. Visit us on the web at www.crittermagazine.com All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without prior written consent of publisher prohibited. Come see us in downtown Weaverville for all your pet needs! WeavervillePetPantry.com 1 Merrimon Avenue • Weaverville CRITTER MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2015 • PAGE 3 Point of View Is Your Cat Food Made From Slave Labor? By Jessica Ramos Responsible cat guardians religiously read cat food labels: meat as a first ingredient, corn-free, organic etc. And they’re aware of the invisible monsters in their pet’s bowl. But how many cat guardians are aware of the possible slave labor hidden in their cat’s bowl? Hundreds Enslaved, Beaten or Even Murdered Over Cat Food Nestlé S.A. is in hot water again. (This time it has nothing to do with bottling California’s water during an ongoing drought.) As reported in Bloomberg, Nestlé is accused of adding fish sourced from slave labor in their cat food. Under the Purina umbrella, some of Nestlé’s most popular cat foods include: Fancy Feast, Friskies, Felix, Cat Chow, One, Muse, Pro Plan and Beyond. At least one of those brands — Fancy Feast — allegedly contains fish from a Thailand supplier that uses slave labor, and four consumers are now suing Nestlé over it. The four disenchanted consumers assert that they represent all California buyers who unknowingly purchased Fancy Feast products with alleged ties to slave labor. Nestlé says: “Slave labor has no place in our supply chain,” but they’re working with a local NGO “to identify where and why forced labor and human rights abuses may be taking place.” The four plaintiffs say: They feel “tricked” into supporting such gross human violations. In a statement, Steve Berman, a lawyer representing the plaintiffs, explains: It’s a fact that the thousands of purchasers of its top-selling pet food products would not have bought this brand had they known the truth -– that hundreds of individuals are enslaved, beaten or even murdered in the production of its pet food. Hooked on ‘Sea Slaves’ No one should die over producing food, but it happens every day. According to Free the Slaves, there are an estimated 21 to 36 million slaves all over the world who generate $150 billion each year. The most common forms of contemporary slavery are: labor slavery (78%), sex slavery (26%) and child slavery (22%) While the people producing our pet’s food are a combination of labor and child slaves, The New York Times calls them “sea slaves.” Impoverished men and boys — reports show that there are boys as young as 9-years old — commonly from Myanmar and Cambodia are bought and sold, brokered and smuggled into Thailand; they find themselves hooked in Thailand’s booming fishing industry. The immigrant men and boys often arrive in Thailand without speaking Thai or knowing how to swim. Some are shackled by the neck, resold at different ports and disappear on “ghost ships,” or unregistered ships. Apart from the beatings, life on these vessels is hellish: some have lost fingers in the labor, they sleep in hot, confined spaces, they eat a bowl of rice with some “throwaway fish” once a day, they spend hours in the elements and roaches and rats are common stowaways. While it would be easy to blame Thailand’s government, the United States is just as culpable. The United States is the biggest consumer of this “sea slave” caught fish. The average American cat eats a whopping 30 pounds of fish every year. In case you needed more proof that Americans love their cats — cats here eat double the amount of fish as an American citizen. Take Action! Fancy Feast’s current motto is: The best ingredient is love. The best thing Nestlé can do now is to ensure that slave and child labor aren’t in their products. Please sign and share the petition at http://goo.gl/pyBhC6 urging Nestlé to help end Thailand’s sea slavery. EVERY BEDROOM NEEDS A WORKING SMOKE ALARM. FIRE PREVENTION WEEK OCTOBER 4-10, 2015 firepreventionweek.org PAGE 4 • CRITTER MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2015 People & Pets Acupuncture Dr. Andrea L. Fochios MA, DVM, L.Ac Veterinarian & Chinese Medical Practitioner Cappuccino Machines Coffee & Tea Brewers • Gourmet Coffee Gourmet Tea • Grinders 753 Haywood Rd. Asheville (828) 254-7766 Be kind to ALL animals. chooseveg.com By Appointment Only Visit us at our new office in W. Asheville 16 Harris Ave. Asheville, NC 828-254-2773 • Email: ALFDVM@aol.com www.peopleandpetsacupuncture.com Animal Haven of Asheville P.O. Box 9697 Asheville, NC • 828-299-1635 • www.animalhavenofasheville.org BADGER is a neutered male about 1-year old who is an all-American mix breed, weighing about 30 lbs. He’s full of vim and vigor and loves the attention of his people both affection and playing. Badger is a graduate of the New Leash on Life program and is quite obedient, housebroken, and crate-trained. Please go visit and give him the chance to bowl you over. SHERMAN is an 8-year old, neutered male Boston Terrier mix with a striking brindle coat. He will always make your day a little brighter with his sweet personality and antics. He loves to play with toys and will gladly share them with people and other dogs. Car rides and walks are great too, but at the end of the day there is nothing better than snuggling with his people. He’s currently in the New Leash on Life program learning some fantastic skills. CRUMPET is 9-years old and has a tale of woe. Found as a stray - or we believe "dumped" after years and years of breeding and now too old, this sweetheart English Bulldog has some health issues. She weighed 37 lbs. when found. The men at Craggy Correctional Center are nursing her back to health and she has gained 15 lbs. Despite all this, she has all the love in the world to shower on you. It's bigger, it's better, and it all benefits our animals … the new and improved Animal Haven Thrift and Gift Shop! $5 BAG DAY EVERY WEDNESDAY! • Open Tues - Sat 11 am - 5 pm 65 Lower Grassy Branch Rd. in East Asheville - just off Tunnel Rd. near the VA Hospital. All donations are tax-deductible. They’re already trained, with no personality surprises for you … and they need your love. Won’t you consider adopting a senior pet? CRITTER MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2015 • PAGE 5 14 Forever Friend Lane - Off Brevard Rd. (Rte. 191) & Pond Rd. 828-761-2001 • www.ashevillehumane.org ADOPTION CENTER HOURS: Tues-Sat noon - 6 pm • Closed Sun & Mon Buncombe County Shelter • 16 Forever Friends Lane • 250-6430 SHELTER HOURS: Mon-Sat 9 am-6 pm • Closed Sun DAISY MAE is a sweet 3-year old Black Mouth Cur mix who’s previous owners say is house– and cratetrained, and loves car rides! HOLLY is a 6-month old girl who loves to play and snuggle with her people. Could you be one of her people? DAKOTA is a happy, lovable 6-year old Rottie who adores playing with his tennis balls and enjoys having his belly rubbed. JOIN US FOR ‘HIKING HOUNDS’ VERONICA is a 3-year old sweetie pie looking for a lap to curl up on! Winter is just around the corner ... she’ll keep you warm. Sunday October hiking dates to be announced. New hikers arrive at 9:30 am Please register and confirm dates at ahshikinghounds@yahoo.com. PAGE 6 • CRITTER MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2015 Susan M. Young Open 7 Days a Week Real Estate Broker mon-sat 10-7 sun 11-5 Express Real Estate, LLC Delivery Service Available! 828-273-9108 susan@expressnc.com www.SusanMYoung.com GET FIDO FIT THIS FALL ... I match people with homes they can grow & thrive in! Homes Land Kennels CATS CRADLE Luxury Boarding for Cats Only A cozy room with a window for each cat or household of cats. with the healthiest, most affordable options for your pets! DOWNTOWN NEW CLIENT SPECIAL 109 PATTON AVENUE • (828) 255-7737 WEST ASHEVILLE Stay 2 nights ... get the 3rd night FREE! 1388 PATTON AVENUE • (828) 505-8299 For more information, www.catscradlewnc.com • 828-490-3319 VISIT US ONLINE - PattonAvenuePet.com DON’T BEE LEFT OUT! Advertise in Critter and put your Business to the Rescue! Ad rates are reasonable, ad design is free - and we’d love to work with you! For information, call (828) 255-0516 or e-mail: crittermagnc@charter.net ESSENCIAL DREAMS We Make Good Scents • Fine Lotions & Shampoos • Essential Oils • Soaps • Fine Incense • Teas • Herbs Online or at The Downtown Market 45 S. French Broad Ave. Asheville www.essencialdreams.com 828-648-4883 CRITTER MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2015 • PAGE 7 BLUE RIDGE HUMANE SOCIETY ANIMAL ADOPTION RESCUE CENTER 88 Centipede Lane Hendersonville, NC 28792 828-685-7107 www.blueridgehumane.org HOURS: Tues - Thu 10 am - 6 pm / Fri - Sun 10 am - 5 pm / Closed Mon ALTHEA defines "affectionate." This young calico with beautiful markings wants nothing more than to be close to you. She loves to crawl into your arms and place her "arms" around your neck for a hug, and then rubs noses and purrs. MAX is a 2-year old Shepherd/ Hound mix with an inviting, playful personality. He enjoys going for walks, playing with his doggie friends, and just hanging out. If you are looking for a dog to match your active lifestyle, come check him out! JOHNSTON is a handsome fella who loves people & affection, and will stand up on two feet to get head scratches from you. He lived with another cat in his previous home and could probably co-exist with another cat-friendly feline. SASHA is a Lhaso Apso/Poodle mix who is completely house-trained, and loves being around people. She is an easy-going lap dog who seems to do well with other dogs and kids. This sweetie is looking for a forever home. Is it yours? The Blue Ridge Humane Society is dedicated to reducing the overpopulation of companion animals in Henderson County and to improving their quality of life through adoption, collaboration, and community education. HEY! Yes, I’m talking to you! Know what would be really great? A FOSTER HOME SAVED MY LIFE If someone could foster me for about 2-3 weeks - just until I go to my new home up north. CAAR pays for all my food, shots, flea meds and anything else I might need. We could hang out and have a great time … and you’ll feel really good knowing you helped me until I got to my new home. Well, gotta go chase my ball now, but think about it! HELP US HELP THE ANIMALS! VOLUNTEER FOSTER DONATE Next to Smiley’s Flea Market - 5526 Hendersonville Rd. Fletcher www.charliesangelsanimalrescue.com For more information, call Claire at 693-9331. PAGE 8 • CRITTER MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2015 There was nothing wrong with me. I JUST RAN OUT OF TIME. Foster homes give great dogs time to find homes. If you have room in your heart and your home for a temporary pet, please consider fostering. It costs you only time and love. For a dog who runs out of time, it means the world. CONTACT ANY OF THE SHELTERS OR RESCUE ORGANIZATIONS IN CRITTER MAGAZINE. Keep Your Pets Safe on Halloween When preparing for the evening’s frightfully fun festivities, keep the following precautions in mind and help ensure that everyone in your family - including your pet has a safe Halloween. • Keep your pet in a quiet place, away from trick-ortreaters and other Halloween activities. Dogs and cats are creatures of habit and could become frightened or agitated by the unaccustomed sights and sounds of costumed visitors. In addition, frequently opened doors provide a perfect opportunity for escape, which can go unnoticed during all the commotion. • Cats - black ones in particular - often fall victim to pranksters. Please keep cats safely indoors. • Place live flame decorations like candles and jack-olanterns out of your pet’s reach. • Keep candy away from pets. All those sweets may taste great to critters, but candy, especially chocolate, can be toxic to pets. Candy wrappers can also be harmful if swallowed. • Resist the urge to put your pet in a costume if they are clearly not comfortable. You may think your pet looks adorable dressed as a princess, but some pets don’t like the constraints of costumes. • Don’t let the family dog accompany the kids on their trick-or-treat outing. Children may have a difficult time handling a pet during the festivities, and your dog could get loose, especially if spooked by the strange sights and sounds of trick-or-treaters. • Keep decorations that pets could chew on - like streamers and fake spider webs - and wires and cords from electric decorations out of reach. These items also pose a threat of choking to curious critters. BOONE is about 2-years old and a super handsome and sweet guy. He loves going for walks and does well on a leash. He’s playful and loves exploring the yard and plays well with other dogs. Boone is so loving and likes to be petted and shown affection. He is crate-trained and will make a wonderful active companion. Please contact his foster parent at fosterterry19@yahoo.com today to learn more! BETTY is a beautiful girl who is in foster care. If you would like to learn more about her or to meet Betty, please contact foster mom Katlin at kkurfman_09@hotmail.com. CHARLEMAGNE wants to be king of your Visit heart! Like all kittens and cats for adoption through Brother Wolf, Charlemagne is neutered, up-to-date on vaccinations, microchipped, and comes with a free month of pet insurance and a free checkup with a participating vet. Please contact Krista at feedthekitties@gmail.com for more information about us at 31 Glendale Ave. in Asheville Charlemagne, or cats@bwar.org. www.bwar.org • 505-3440 CRITTER MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2015 • PAGE 9 Community Cats Program: Keeping Feral Cats Safe By Eric Phelps Brother Wolf Animal Rescue’s Community Cats Program is a critical component of Brother Wolf’s ‘No-Kill Asheville’ working plan, which helps to keep animals healthy, happy and in their homes. For community cats, that home is the neighborhood where they live. The Community Cats Program responds to pleas for assistance with colony stabilization (spay/neuter) from folks throughout Buncombe County. Their work includes everything from directing people to resources available in the community to help the cats to full scale trap-neuterreturn (TNR) operations. All spay/neuter surgeries for the cats are done at the Humane Alliance Clinic in West Asheville. The Humane Alliance is an invaluable resource and one that animal lovers are fortunate to have in Western North Carolina. Ongoing support for community cats is available from Brother Wolf and includes a community food bank for low income caregivers, feeding stations to keep food dry in rainy months, and winter shelters to keep the cats safe and warm through the harsh mountain winters. One recent example of a feral cat in need was Nugget. Little Nugget is a feral kitten that showed up at a long established feral cat colony in Asheville several weeks ago. The BW Community Cat Program was dispatched to trap the little fellow. There’s no telling where he came from, but it was obvious he’d had a rough time. He was skin and bones, covered with fleas, and had a broken rear Please Support Our Advertisers! They help make it possible for us to find loving homes ... PAGE 10 • CRITTER MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2015 leg and crushed foot when he was rescued. The BW medical department went to work getting him healthy and, once stabilized, he was sent to Skyland Animal Hospital to get his leg and foot fixed. Little Nugget is doing much better thanks to good medical care, food and love! Thankfully, he’s on the mend and has even thrown off his feral ways - he’s a total love bug now. He's also got the most adorable little splint we’ve ever seen. Brother Wolf is proud of the work we do to help both community cats and the caregivers who love them. Great Reasons to Adopt a ‘Mutt’ Growing up, we called them Heinz 57. Some folks call them All-American Dogs. No matter what your preferred name is for mixed breed dogs, people who have adopted mutts all agree that there are a multitude of benefits. 1. They are unique in personality and appearance. My friend adopted a dog who looks like a cross between a Labrador and a Dachshund. Emerson’s adorable short legs and big, long body make you laugh every time you look at him. He’s all love like a Lab, with all the benefits of a small dog that can be easily picked up. 2. Shelters and rescue organizations have a multitude of mixed breeds available. While shelters and rescues also have many purebreds for adoption, there is never a shortage of mixed breeds waiting for their forever home. To view adoptable dogs near you online, visit Petfinder and Adopt-A-Pet.com. 3. Mutts are more affordable than purebreds. While bringing home a dog of any sort is always the least expensive part of owning a dog, adopting a mixed breed dog is much less expensive than purchasing from a breeder. Adoption fees range from $50 to $200 at most shelters or up to $500 at a rescue organization. A purebred from a reputable breeder can cost well over $1,000. 4. You won’t be supporting puppy mills. While there are many responsible breeders, there are also many puppy mills who come well disguised. Remember that cute toy poodle that made your heart skip a beat in the pet store? If he wasn’t from a shelter or rescue, he most likely came from a puppy mill. Yes, he needs a home. But, purchase him and you are contributing to the perpetuation of dogs suffering in wire cages and never seeing the light of day. 5. You’ll be saving a life. Think how good you feel as a pet parent when you not only bring home the most adorable dog on your street, but he has the most unique personality, you’ve helped take a stance against puppy mills, you’ve saved a few bucks, and you’ve saved a life. Your new forever furry friend has found his forever home and won’t have to spend one more night wondering if he’ll ever have a human who will take him in and love him forever. MADISON COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER 389 Long Branch Road Marshall, NC • 828-649-3190 • www.petango.com/madisoncountync HOURS: Tues. - Fri. 10 am-5 pm • Saturday 10 am-3 pm • Closed Sunday and Monday ARE YOU READY TO BE A PART OF THE NEXT STEP? NOW'S YOUR CHANCE! We are working hard to FURTHER reduce euthanasia rates in Madison County. To that effort, we're developing a foster team to help us continue our mission of reducing the number of animals euthanized each year due to over-crowding. We need: • Short-term foster homes for animals that are awaiting transfer to a rescue group or animals too young to be adopted • Longer term foster care for harder to adopt animals or pregnant animals, neonatal foster parents for bottle feeding puppies and kittens, etc. We will provide food, necessary vaccinations, de-worming treatments, facilitate fundraising for emergency care, and anything else we can do to help support you while you're helping us. Applications for fostering can be picked up or emailed. You will be able to choose what type of foster will work best for you and your home. To pick up an application and for additional information, please call 828-649-3190 or email SGUICE@MADISONCOUNTYNC.GOV. ADOPT YOUR NEXT BEST FRIEND FROM THE SHELTER … PLEASE GIVE THEM A SECOND CHANCE AT LIFE! TO ADOPT, call 828-649-3190 / TO FOSTER, call 828-768-3050. TO RESCUE, email sguice@madisoncountync.gov. Our shelter is very small, so time is critical. CRITTER MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2015 • PAGE 11 A Howlin' Good Time at the Black Mountain Pet Parade It’s back! The annual Black Mountain ‘Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade and Costume Contest’ will take place on Saturday, October 31. Since the festivities are actually on Halloween, it promises to be a very special event. This year will mark the 13th anniversary for the parade and contest, which has become a town tradition and a favorite of both locals and visitors. The event begins at 3 pm with a parade starting at the new Town Square, located at the corner of Montreat Rd. and State St. All are welcome to take part in the parade and the route will take participants on a short walk that will loop around Cherry St. Crowds line the streets to watch all the pets and people in their colorful and creative costumes. The parade will be followed by the costume contest which will finish in time to get trick-or-treaters on their way for any planned evening activities. Kim Weeks, owner of Bone-A-Fide Pet Boutique in Black Mountain, is one of the sponsors of the event, along with other small business owners in town. The businesses donate gift certificates as prizes for the winners of the competition. There are two categories: pets only and pets & people. There are three winners in each category with the two, firstplace winners competing for a grand cash prize. It's not always a dogs world here - past winners have included a goat in a superman outfit and a cat dressed as a black widow spider. Entry fees for the costume contest are $5 for pets only and $8 for pets & people with a portion of fees donated to local animal rescue organizations. Registration for the contest will be from 1-2:30 pm under the tent at Town Square. This is a new location for the event, which will be a beautiful setting for everyone. For more information, call Bone-A-Fide Pet Boutique at 828-669-0706, or stop in at the shop located at 118A Cherry St. in downtown Black Mountain. “Quality Care with Compassion” ONE HOSPITAL PROVIDING COMPREHENSIVE EMERGENCY AND SPECIALTY CARE OPEN 24/7 (including holidays) • Board Certified Surgeon & Internist • Continuous Monitoring by Doctors and Staff • Now Offering Acupuncture 828-665-4399 www.reachvet.com Conveniently located off I-40, I-26 and I-240 near the WNC Farmer's Market. 677 Brevard Road, Asheville PAGE 12 • CRITTER MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2015 General Family Dentistry Kevin Fox, DDS, PA Mark Armistead, DMD Don Burbank, DDS Barbara Ford, DDS (Focus on Snoring & Sleep Apnea Dental Devices) Providing gentle dental care for the entire family and proudly supporting all of our community animal shelters & rescue organizations … Rescued and Loved! How we can help save lives ... Spay/Neuter Adopt a homeless pet Foster an animal waiting for adoption Donate Volunteer Be a Voice for Animals Adopt a pet from any local shelter or rescue organization and receive a complimentary doctor exam and bitewing x-rays at your next dental appointment. *Offer valid thru December 31, 2015. Please present adoption contract at time of appointment. 2 Iris St. (behind Biltmore Village) • 828-252-2791 962 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC • (828) 682-9510 Hours: Mon, Tues, Thu, Fri noon-5 pm / Sat - noon-4 pm Closed Wed and Sun ALFREDO This big boy entered the shelter as a stray but he seems to be very affectionate towards people. We have not seen him with other dogs to determine his ability to get along with fellow canines. He "appears" to be housebroken, but of course, we can’t make any guarantees. Alfredo's favorite hobby is playing in a the shelter dog pond. If anyone is interested in an adorable water dog, then he’s your guy! Follow us on facebook! E-mail: ychs@ccvn.com www.petfinder.com/shelters/NC08.html NOEL is an adorable female gray tabby who is on a mission - to find a new loving home in time to cuddle for winter. Can you help? WOOKIE is a sweet and affectionate guy who’s a little shy at first, but is really just a lovable teddy bear! Fureverfriends@att.net • 828-398-4943 www.petfinder.com/shelters/NC271.html Adoptions held at Petco on Brevard Rd. every Saturday and Sunday, 10-5. Cats and kittens are also available for adoption weekdays at Petco. CRITTER MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2015 • PAGE 13 The Critter Calendar is a listing of animal/nature related happenings in and around Asheville, as well as other interesting tidbits we discover in far-off places. Please send your event information by the 15th of each month for publication the following month to: Critter Magazine, P.O. Box 8052, Asheville, NC 28814 or e-mail: crittermagnc@charter.net. All area codes are 828 unless otherwise noted. ONGOING A Pet Loss Support Group meets the first Wed. of each month at 6 pm at Jefferson House, 21 Edwin Pl. next to the Unitarian Congregation. Love offering accepted. For info, 254-6001. The “Outward Hounds Hiking Club” meets each Wed., Thur. and Sun. at 10 am at Brother Wolf Adoption Center, 31 Glendale Ave., Asheville. Volunteers are paired up with a BWAR dog for walks on local trails. E-mail volunteer@bwar.org for info. Patton Ave. Pet Co. hosts a 'Small Dog Play Party' at their Dog Park each Sat. at 1 pm; 'Puppy Play Party' Sun. at 1 pm; and 'Pit Bull (and Pit mix) Play Party' on Sun. at 3 pm. Furever Friends Animal Rescue adoptions every Sat. & Sun. 10 am-5 pm at Petco on Brevard Rd. in Asheville. Call 398-4943. Catman2 in Cullowhee is open every day from 9-5 for adoptions. For information, call 293-0892. Mary Paws holds cat adoptions daily by appointment at their shelter near Leicester. Appointment and directions, call 622-3248. Transylvania Animal Alliance Group (T.A.A.G.) adoption day 11 am-4 pm at PetSmart on Airport Rd. More adoptable pets at www.taag.petfinder.com. 966-3166. Every Sat. Brother Wolf Cat & Kitten Adoptions are held every Wed. from 6 to 8 pm and every Sat. from noon to 4 pm at PetSmart on Bleachery Blvd., Asheville. E-mail catadoptions@bwar.org for info. A Pet Loss Support Group meets the third Wednesday of each month from 6-7 pm at Kimball Counseling, 258 N. Main Street, Ste. A, Waynesville. For adults grieving or anticipating the loss of a pet. Love offering accepted. Registration required. Call Susan Kimball, LCSW, at 226-7366 for info and to register. Sarge’s Pet Adoption Day - Foster Pet Adoption at Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation’s adoption center. Every Sat. 256B Industrial Park Drive in Waynesville. 10 am-3 pm. 246-9050. ‘Clumbers in Need’ holds pet adoptions the 3rd Sat. of the month at Pet Supermarket on Tunnel Road in Asheville. Call Kim Smith McLendon at 230-2499 to confirm. THURSDAY - OCTOBER 1 The 7th Annual Furry Friends Benefit Bash for Sarge’s tonight at 6 pm.(See Critter Notes, p. 2.) FRIDAY - OCTOBER 2 Full Circle Autumn Vegan Bake Sale from 11 am-4 pm in front of the French Broad Food Co-op. (See Critter Notes, p. 2.) SATURDAY - OCTOBER 3 Asheville Humane Society Volunteer Orientation & Tour will be held from 11:30 am-1 pm. Volunteers 10-years old and up are welcome. For info, email volunteer@ashevillehumane.org. (Held again Tues. 10/13, 6-7:30 pm.) The Elisha Mitchell Audubon Society bird walk. First Sat. 9 am at the Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary on Merrimon Ave. in Asheville. The 8th Annual Tails and Trails 5K at Buncombe County Sports Park Track in Candler. (See Critter Notes, p. 2.) PAGE 14 • CRITTER MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2015 Asheville Choral Society "All Creatures Great and Small" Concert at 7:30 pm. (See Critter Notes, p. 2.) SUNDAY - OCTOBER 4 The Asheville Vegan Society will hold their monthly vegan potluck at 5:30 pm at the Friends Meeting House, 227 Edgewood Rd. in Asheville. Please bring a generous amount of vegan food or drink to share as well as your own plate, cup or glass and utensils. $2/ person suggested donation. The annual Bark in the Park event will be held today from 1-5 pm at Mark Watson Park near downtown Sylva. Sponsored by the Western Carolina Dog Fanciers Association and Jackson County Parks & Recreation. For info and directions, call 828-293-3053 THURSDAY - OCTOBER 8 Brother Wolf Animal Rescue will host an adoption at Pour Taproom, 800 Haywood Rd. in Asheville from 6-8 pm. FRIDAY - OCTOBER 9 Asheville Outlets Community Days will feature pets for adoption from Brother Wolf today through Sunday from 11 am-3 pm. The outlet is located at 800 Brevard Rd. in Asheville. SATURDAY - OCTOBER 10 A Guided Bird Walk will be held the second Sat. of each month at Jackson Park in Hendersonville, from 9-11 am. Co-sponsored by ECO and Henderson County Bird Club. For more, 692-0385. The 39th annual Hey Day Festival at the WNC Nature Center. (See Critter Notes, p. 2.) SATURDAY - OCTOBER 17 Greyhound Friends of NC hold a ‘Meet & Greet’ the 3rd Sat. of each month at PetSmart in Arden. Noon-2:30 pm. For info, call 692-4986. Brother Wolf Animal Rescue will have pets for adoption at Second Gear, 444 Haywood Rd, Asheville from 11am-2pm. SATURDAY - OCTOBER 24 Meet pets for adoption from Brother Wolf Animal Rescue from noon-3 pm. at Overstock Outlet Superstore, 511 N. Leicester Hwy., in Leicester. Asheville Humane Society and Buncombe County are holding their monthly low-cost shot clinic from 2-5 pm at Hall Fletcher School. (See Critter Notes, p. 2.) WEDNESDAY - OCTOBER 28 Full Circle Farm Sanctuary’s "Night of the Living Punkinheads" Halloween Benefit. (See Critter Notes, p. 2.) SATURDAY - OCTOBER 31 A Low-Cost Shot Clinic with James Boatwright, DVM will be held the last Saturday of each month at Tractor Supply, Old Brevard Rd., Asheville. 9 am - noon. For info, call 553-5792. Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade and Costume Contest in Black Mountain. (See Critter Notes, p. 2.) Howl-O-Ween Walkathon at Carrier Park in Asheville. (See Critter Notes, p. 2.) Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Test Yours Every Month! Fire Prevention Week - October 4-10, 2015 In case of fire or other emergency, it’s important to get out of your home - quickly. Don’t stop to look for your pets. Leave that to your parents and the professionals. Tell how many pets you have and where they are in your home. But what if you’re not home when there’s an emergency? You can still let emergency workers know who’s inside. Fill in the form above. Then color the rest if it using bright, eye-catching colors. Laminate the form or cover it in clear contact paper. Then place it in a window or on an outside door at home. If you don’t have a pet, color and give this form to a neighbor. Reprinted with permission from Humane Society Youth, publishers of KIND News, 67 Norwich Essex Turnpike, East Haddam, CT 06423-1736, © 2015, www.humanesociety.org/youth. ASHEVILLE PET SUPPLY “WNC’s Holistic Pet Center” Featuring: Solid Gold, Wysong & Wellness · Holistic, hypo-allergenic premium foods · Healthy nutritional treats · Herbal and homeopathic remedies and supplements 1451 Merrimon Ave. Asheville (828) 252-2054 CRITTER MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2015 • PAGE 15 Saving Haywood County’s Adoptable Pets PO Box 854 Waynesville, NC 28786 ph: 828-246-9050 E-mail: info@sargeandfriends.org www.sargeandfriends.org MINDY & SUGAR are a bonded pair of older kitties who really need to be adopted together. They have a delightful, friendly manner and will be a joy for their new family. CLARK is a handsome Maltese/Plott Hound mix who has a blue coat with faint brindle markings and pale gold eyes. He is very striking, as well as being a sweet, loving dog. STACEY is a young fellow, still playful and frisky, but not the wild child some kittens are. He has a sweet personality and loves to be petted. JOANIE is young Australian/ Shepherd mix who is a wall flower. She keeps getting overlooked. She is sweet and affectionate, and will do well with quiet, gentle people who will give her lots of love and TLC. ADOPTIONS at our Adoption Center - 256B Industrial Park Dr. EVERY SATURDAY • 10 am-3 pm HENDERSON COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES 828 Stoney Mountain Rd. Hendersonville, NC 28791 • (828) 697-4723 http://ww2.hendersoncountync.org/animals/index.html LORD GRANTHAM is quite a handsome 1½-year old, male Pit mix who can’t wait to find his new forever loving home. KITTIES, KITTIES ... AND MORE KITTIES! There is never a shortage of these little ones ... stop by the shelter and see the sweet babes we are caring for until they find their new homes. Hours: Mon. - Fri. 10 am-4:30 pm PAGE 16 • CRITTER MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2015 DUKE is a handsome 1½-year old male, Dachshund mix. This adorable guy will certainly make a fabulous companion! Sat. 10 am-2 pm Catch and kill doesn’t work, yet it continues. Feral cats live outdoors. Feral cats have been living in close proximity to humans for over 10,000 years. Feral cats choose to reside in locations for two reasons: one, there is a food source - intended or not and two, there is shelter. Feral cats are members of the domestic cat species, but are not socialized to humans and are therefore unadoptable. Feral cats lead healthy, natural lives on their own, content in their outdoor home. Removing animals from an area creates a vacuum. Catching and killing feral cats is animal control’s traditional approach for feral cats. Catch and kill attempts may temporarily reduce the number of feral cats in a given area, but two things happen: intact survivors continue to breed, and other cats move in to the now-available territory. This is a phenomenon known as the vacuum effect, and it is documented worldwide. While some animal control agencies support Trap-NeuterReturn programs, many have been catching and killing cats for decades in a misguided attempt to reduce the number of feral cats in a given area. Many animal control offices continue to practice catch and kill even though the number of outdoor cats does not decrease, proving the futility of these practices. This endless, cruel cycle is not supported by the public and is a gross misuse of tax dollars. The vacuum effect is just one reason catch and kill is so ineffective. Trap-Neuter-Return (T-N-R) does work. This program involves humanely trapping, spaying or neutering, vaccinating, and returning cats to their outdoor homes. There are no more kittens; the population stabilizes. And the returned neutered cats’ lives are improved. Behaviors and stresses associated with pregnancy and mating, such as yowling or fighting, stop. Not only does Trap-Neuter-Return make good sense, it is also a responsible, humane method of care for outdoor cats. You can make a difference and save lives. Together, we can stand up and take action to stop the current animal control policies that don’t address the needs of the cats or our communities. If you live in a community that does not support T-N-R, and would like to learn more or find tools to help educate others in your area, go to alleycat.org. Join our movement to protect cats. alleycat.org For a detailed article about the Vacuum Effect, visit www.alleycat.org/VacuumEffectScience CRITTER MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2015 • PAGE 17 A Final Act of Caring... Pet Cremations of Western Carolina A Shuler Family Service When it’s time to say goodbye ... we treat your beloved pet with the same care, dignity and respect we provide for our own. • Pet Service Counselor on call 24/7 • Pick-up and transport available • Choice of urns, markers, memorials or pet caskets For more information, call 828-693-5220 or email Nancie@Shuler-ForestLawn.com. Funeral Director Ken Brain with his adorable “grand-dog” Elly. www.shulerfuneralhome.com Greyhound Friends of North Carolina Dedicated to placing retired racers in loving homes CHANGING THE WORLD … ONE GREYHOUND AT A TIME! www.greyhoundfriends.com PAYOFF was returned due to HUNTER is one of two Siamese cats who are brothers and have been together since they were kittens. However at this point they are not getting along. They are fighting a lot and Hunter seems to be getting the worst of it, so his caregiver is seeking a good home for him where he can relax a bit. Hunter is a 1½-year old neutered male, pure-bred Siamese who lost his tail in an accident – but is in great health and good spirits. He is loving and soft, a bit timid but playful and might do well as an only cat or in a home where he can get the attention he needs. If you are interested in meeting this handsome, sweet boy, call David at 843-795-0123 or email dwflander@gmail.com. PAGE 18 • CRITTER MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2015 his owners relocating. He is a very sweet and well-behaved grey who is smart, observant and very quick to pick up on routines. He enjoys a brisk 30- minute walk every day and is very keen on wild animals but doesn’t give chase. Payoff would make a great companion, especially for someone who works from home at least part of the time. ADOPT A RETIRED RACING GREYHOUND! Greyhounds are calm, easy-going, sweet, loving, intelligent, clean, good with kids and other dogs … and some even like cats! Most are between 2-5 years old when they retire and have a life expectancy of 12-14 years. All Greyhounds are spayed/neutered, teeth cleaned, vaccinated, heartworm tested,de-wormed and groomed. A one-time adoption donation covers all these expenses. Meet our Greyhounds and learn more. For information, (828) 692-4986 or (828) 230-2917. E-mail: sherryc@morrisbb.net. Providing a Home Away From Home & Caring, Quality Grooming Since 2000. www.ashevillekennels.com Proudly serving the people & pets of our community for over 40 years! David Vigee, DVM Robert Scott, DVM Two Convenient Locations: 1275 Sweeten Creek Rd. (828) 274-0646 50 New Leicester Hwy. (828) 253-0451 ashevillevetassociates.com Overnight Boarding 270 Depot St. Full Service Grooming 828-350-0333 Do-It-Yourself Dog Wash thesoapydog.com Bring in Your Pet for a Free Treat! • Natural Pet Foods & Organic Fresh-Baked Treats • Large Selection of Products and Toys Made in the USA • Gifts for Pets & Pet Lovers • Natural . Monday-Saturday 11-6 • Sunday noon-5 118-A Cherry St. Black Mountain 828.669.0706 www.boneafidepetboutique.com • Full-Time Licensed Funeral Directors on staff • Our staff is available to assist you with your needs 24/7 • Your pet remains in our personal care, and is not sent out of state • We invite you to visit and compare our facilities We are proud to partner with 828-665-4303 www.bestfriendspetcemetery.com LUCAS is a handsome 7-year old boy who can’t wait to find his new person. If you’d like to meet this wonderful guy, contact Asheville Humane Society at 828-761-2001 This ad kindly sponsored by Simon’s Cat Sitting. www.simonscatsitting.com CRITTER MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2015 • PAGE 19 COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP FOR PETS Ben Gillum will have Spay/Neuter vouchers for sale. Your Asheville Real Estate Connection Saturday, November 3, 10, 17 86 Asheland Ave. Asheville, NC 28801 828-989-2815 • www.bengillum.com Hendersonville PETCO - Noon-3 pm Saturday, November 24 Hendersonville Tractor Supply - 10 am-1 pm For more information, call 828-693-5172 or email cpforpetsinc@aol.com. Looking for a new dog house? Call Rocket's daddy today! HOPE FOR HORSES P.O. Box 1449 Leicester, NC 28748 (828) 683-0160 ‘ EQUINE REHABILITATION AND ADOPTION’ GYPSY (L) is a 22-year old Arabian mare who is 13 HH. This girl is adoptable as a companion only due to arthritis in her knee. For more information or to meet this wonderful lady, email hopeforhorses@aol.com. VIPER (R) is a 17-year old Mustang mare who is 15 HH. She is very sociable with other horses and would make a great companion horse since she is not ridable due to arthritis in her right hip. She is initially shy with people, but warms up nicely. To meet this lovely girl, contact crydawn1978@yahoo.com. www.hopeforhorses.org Serving Asheville and Surrounding Areas Petsitting with love 404-402-8804 … since 1972 www.purrsngrrrs.com LEA RENARD PAGE 20 • CRITTER MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2015 9 LIVES • $9 PER CAT In honor of a cat’s 9 lives, Community Partnership for Pets is offering to spay or neuter and rabies vaccinate any cat you can get your hands on - pet, stray or feral - for a mere $9 each! *Henderson County Residents only* Call 693-5172 or email CPforPetsInc@aol.com CATMAN-2 CAT SHELTER & SANCTUARY - Harold Sims - Feline Friend P.O. Box 2344 Cullowhee, NC 28723 828-293-0892 PRESTON IZZY came to us with his brother Zoey, who has been adopted. Izzy is probably about 3-4 years old and is a funny, cute dude. He gets along well with other cats and dogs. is an adorable Abyssinian/Tabby mix. He is 4-years old and front-foot declawed. Preston is a cuddlebug when he warms up to you. His back legs are a little weak due to a spinal cord injury as a kitten, so he kind of hops around a bit but it does not affect his quality of life or hinder him from being a loving kitty. Preston gets anxious when things are not calm and easy which can affect his litter box habits. After he adjusts, he is fine. He is an awesome, beautiful and gentle soul - someone please give him a chance. Due to his anxiety, he would do best in a quiet home where he can be one of only a few cats or the only one. SWEETIE PIE lives up to his name. He is the most loving & affectionate cat in the shelter. With a chubby belly, tabby spots, and great disposition, he is guaranteed to melt your heart. Sweetie Pie does not get along with dogs or chickens! CATMAN-2 operates the largest cats-only, no-kill shelter in WNC. All cats are tested for feline leukemia, have all vaccinations, and if old enough, are spayed or neutered. Adoption fees are $80. Some cats are de-clawed, some are pure breed. You will surely find the cat of your dreams. To schedule a visit, call Harold at (828) 293-0892. Or view the cats online at www.catman2.org. Remember, each adoption will open a space for another rescued or abandoned cat. Subarus-R-Us, Inc. “What we do is Subaru!” Our goal is to build long-term relationships of quality and trust with our customers. With over 25 years of Subaru service experience, we are your all-wheel drive headquarters and complete automotive service center for vehicles of all make and models. SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDE: • All scheduled maintenance with quality OEM parts • 2wd and 4wd Alignments • Tire repair and replacement • A/C Service and Repair • Brake Repair • NC State Inspections • Electrical System Diagnosis • Engine and Transmission Repair and Replacement BRING THIS AD FOR A 10% DISCOUNT ON YOUR NEXT OIL CHANGE! Open Monday-Friday / 8 am-5:30 pm / Early Bird/Night Owl Drop off available 372 Buckeye Access Rd. • Swannanoa • (828) 298-4883 CRITTER MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2015 • PAGE 21 Please open your heart and home to one of our loving Clumber Spaniels! Clumbers in Need have several dogs available for adoption. Call us for more information or to meet one of these very special canines. CLUMBERS IN NEED (828) 230-2499 www.clumbersinneed.com clumbersinneed@yahoo.com Transylvania Animal Alliance Group Spay/Neuter financial assistance is available for low-income families in Transylvania County. Call 828-966-3166. Boxer, Butts and Other Mutts, Inc. Changing the lives of dogs one at a time. WESLEY (L) is a 30-pound terrier mix who loves life and has one really amazing personality. He loves, loves, loves to play with a tennis ball. He also does well with other dogs ... and he’s absolutely ADORABLE! BEAR is a sweet, loving, intelligent kitten with soulful eyes and a gentle heart. He is wonderful with other cats and even young children. Come visit him and his kitty pals today! SEE MORE OF OUR WONDERFUL PETS! www.petfinder.com/shelters/NC391.html ADOPTION DAYS are held at Petsmart in Arden Saturdays - 11 am - 4 pm PAGE 22 • CRITTER MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2015 ISIS (R) is a 3-year old Husky mix that loves other dogs and kids. With one blue eye and one brown, she’s beautiful, likes to play ball and would make a great addition to some lucky family. Email: boxerbuttsandothermutts@yahoo.com 828-243-4148 • www.boxerbuttsandothermutts.org Bring Birds to Your Backyard this Fall What’s the secret to attracting birds to your backyard this autumn? Turn your yard into a National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat®. Fall is a great time for bird-watching, with many birds looking for an inviting place to stop over during their winter migration or even stay for the season. Here are five helpful tips that are sure to have all the neighborhood birds “tweeting” about your yard this season: 1. Provide running water. Birds require water year-round. The sound of running water in a birdbath or pond will be heard by birds from some distance, draw them in for a drink, and possibly a quick dip as well. 2. Clean out birdhouses. Make necessary repairs to birdhouses in preparation for species that roost during fall and winter. In many areas, bluebirds, chickadees, nuthatches and winter wrens may take up nightly residence in birdhouses to keep warm and safe. 3. Create brush piles. Save your fall clippings of branches and twigs. Then, pile them in a corner of the yard to create cover for birds that prefer habitat on the ground — such as dark-eyed juncos, tree sparrows and white-throated sparrows. 4. Increase the number of feeders. In the cooler days of fall, birds increase their food consumption and will continue to do so as the temperature drops. 5. Plant evergreens. Planted near feeders and birdbaths, evergreens are perfect for providing cover for birds after deciduous trees lose their leaves. When you certify your yard by providing birds with the food, water and shelter they need, they’ll thank you by frequenting your yard year-round. For more information about getting certified by the NWF, visit www.nwf.org/certifiedwildlifehabitat. MaryPaws Adoptions P.O. Box 941 Leicester, NC 28748 • 828-622-3248 • marypaws.com • find us on Facebook at marypaws! ADOPTIONS HELD AT OUR SHELTER BY APPOINTMENT. COME SEE ALL OF OUR WONDERFUL CATS! CALL FOR INFORMATION. LIAM is a very beautiful and unusually marked 3-month old Siamese, with gray points, a striped tail and barely visible peach markings. He’s a rare beauty, and a quiet boy with a sweet, loving personality. GEORGIA is a striking 2-year old tuxedo with a swirly black and white belly. She is friendly and calm, beautiful and sweet. RUMMY is a bright orange and white, 8-month old boy with a friendly, peppy personality. He likes to chirp to get your attention and is most affectionate. SASHA is a terrific 7-month old cat who loves everyone, is outgoing and friendly. She has a gorgeous face and a long, fluffy, expressive tail. MARYPAWS Animal Adoptions is a rescue organization dedicated to helping unwanted felines find loving and permanent homes. Through our adoption program, we have helped hundreds of abandoned cats and kittens avoid homelessness. Please help us by spaying/neutering your pets, making a donation if you can, or by offering one of our adoptable animals a place in your heart and your home. If you’re looking for a pair of felines, call us! We have many siblings who are available and ready to be adopted together. CRITTER MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2015 • PAGE 23