PFA E-Bulletin, Volume 32 (March 2014)
/THANKS TO CHAMPION PETFOODS -- PFA PLATINUM SPONSORS!
As a registered charity, PFA depends on volunteers and independent fundraising activities. Sponsorship partners help us to improve the lives of Regina’s homeless cats. Thank you to Champion Petfoods for their Platinum Sponsorship -- a donation of high quality cat food valued at more than $18,000! Their generous donation clearly demonstrates their commitment to supporting companion animals in need, such as the cats and kittens in PFA’s care. We’re thrilled to welcome Champion Petfoods into the PFA family!
THANKS TO METRO PET MARKET -- PFA SILVER SPONSORS!
Thank you to PFA’s new Silver Sponsor, Metro Pet Market! Their ongoing support for Regina's abandoned cats and dogs have made Metro an invaluable ally in our pet rescue community. We love them to bits and are excited to welcome them into the PFA family!
THANKS TO PFA BRONZE SPONSORS!
Thanks to Karla Piel of Remax Joyce Tourney Realty and Flux CrossFit for signing on as Bronze level corporate partners with PFA! We encourage volunteers who are also local business owners to consider a PFA corporate sponsorship. More information, including sponsorship levels, is available on our website. Contact us at pfasask@gmail.com for more information on how your business can make a difference in our community.
WEDDING FAVOUR PROGRAM
People for Animals has made it easier for happy couples who wish to include Regina’s abandoned kitties in their wedding celebrations! In lieu of traditional wedding favours, couples can make a donation to PFA. PFA provides wedding place cards to inform guests of the thoughtful gesture and issues a tax receipt to the newlyweds in the amount of the donation. Suggested donation amounts are on our website: http://www.pfasask.com/2014/03/wedding-favours.html
PFA IN THE NEWS
PFA is featured on the University of Regina Journalism School’s website. Thank you to Sandra Klarer, who provided an interview and ride-along opportunity to the student journalist. http://www.jschool.ca/index.php/news/local/1078-city-is-crazy-with-cats
2014 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – APRIL 5
The 2014 PFA Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday, April 5 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the United Way of Regina (1440 Scarth St.) You must have already purchased a 2014 membership in order to vote at the AGM. Materials will be posted to the PFA website in advance. More info to come soon!
CALL FOR INTEREST – SECRETARY, BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Are you organized? Good at taking notes? Interested in learning about non-profit governance? Like hanging out with super cool cat people? If so, serving as Secretary on the PFA 2014-15 Board of Directors could be for you! Review the job description and email us your qualifications at pfasask@gmail.com. http://www.pfasask.com/2012/06/secretary.html
FURRY FRIDAY
The generous folks at Imagination Ink have created Furry Friday - a billboard ad outside of their offices that features cats available for adoption. Every second Friday, they’ll feature at PFA cat. You can see the billboard in front of Imagination Ink at 1801 E. Turvey Road or on their Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/ImaginationInk
CALL FOR INTEREST – VOLUNTEER CO-ORDINATOR
Do you love people (almost as much as you love cats)? Are you good at matching people’s skills and interests with available opportunities? PFA is seeking a volunteer to fill the role of Volunteer Co-ordinator. In this role, you’ll be responsible for duties related to PFA’s volunteer base, including assisting the board with volunteer recruitment, placement and retention, distributing and collecting signed code of ethics agreements. Review the volunteer profile and email us at pfasask@gmail.com.
http://www.pfasask.com/2013/10/volunteer-coordinator.html
NEW CENTRAL DROP-OFF LOCATION FOR DONATIONS
Animal rescue can be an expensive endeavor and People for Animals is funded solely through donations and sponsorships. Fortunately, many generous and compassionate people want to help PFA in its mission to rescue and care for Regina’s abandoned kitties. In addition to financial donations, PFA accepts the gifts-in-kind listed on our website. If you have something to donate, drop-offs can be made at 167 Bothwell Crescent day or night. Be sure to leave your items in the backyard, clear of the driveway. If you require a receipt, write your name, phone number and mailing address on a note inside a plastic lunch bag attached to your donation. We’ll contact you if we require more information. Rest assured that your donation will be put to good use by PFA!
http://www.pfasask.com/2012/03/wishlist-for-gifts-in-kind.html
CALL FOR INTEREST – CO-CHAIR, FUNDRAISING AND MEMBERSHIP
PFA is seeking a co-chair for our Fundraising and Membership Committee. Ideal candidates should be enthusiastic about co-ordinating fundraising and membership efforts for the organization. Even if you don’t consider yourself a superstar fundraiser, the knowledge and practice you’ll gain in this role will convince you otherwise. Review the volunteer profile and email us at pfasask@gmail.com. http://www.pfasask.com/2012/06/officer-fundraising.html
UPCOMING ADOPTION EVENTS
Thanks to our kind friends at the Northgate Mall and Imagination Ink, PFA will be having regular adoption events at the Northgate Mall. Our first one will be Friday, April 4. We also have another adoption event scheduled for Pet Valu on Friday, April 11. Check the PFA Facebook page or Twitter handle for exact times.
Wedding Favours
/We suggest the following donation amounts based on the number of guests at your wedding:
- 50 guests or less: a minimum donation of $25
- 50 to 100 guests: a minimum donation of $50
- 100 or more guests: a minimum donation of $100
PFA will issue a tax receipt to the newlyweds in the amount of the donation. Email us at pfasask@gmail.com to make arrangements. Thank you so much for your generosity!
Thank you to Imagination Ink for designing and printing the cards.
2014 Annual General Meeting - April 5
/held on Saturday, April 5, 2014, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., location to be
determined.
You must have a 2014 membership to vote at the AGM. The deadline for
purchasing a membership in order to participate in the AGM is February
20, 2014 (45 days before the meeting, as per PFA bylaws amended at the
2013 AGM). For info on how to renew or purchase a membership, visit here.
Any proposed bylaw amendments or nominations for the board of
directors must be sent to pfasask@gmail.com by February 20, 2014.
Please see the PFA bylaws for more information.
We will send more information as it is available, and the meeting
materials will be posted online in advance and displayed on a screen at the meeting.
We hope to see you there!

PFA E-Bulletin, Volume 31, January 2014
/PFA exists because of volunteers and donors like you who selflessly
give your time, talents and funds to rescuing homeless cats, and we
want to recognize you. Join us from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday,
February 15 for a volunteer appreciation event at Cathedral
Neighbourhood Centre, 2900 13th Avenue. Please RSVP to
pfasask@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you there!
HONORARY MEMBERSHIP NOMINATIONS DUE JANUARY 31
PFA is committed to recognizing individuals who’ve made a significant
voluntary contribution to animal welfare. We have a category of
membership reserved for recognizing such distinguished volunteers.
Honorary PFA memberships are granted at the discretion of the Board of
Directors based on a set of nominating criteria. (Note: Honorary
memberships are non-voting memberships.) If you want to nominate
someone for an honorary membership, review the eligibility, criteria
and nomination process here:
http://www.pfasask.com/2013/
Honorary Membership Nomination Form by January 31:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/
Honorary memberships for 2014 will be awarded at the volunteer
appreciation event on Saturday, February 15.
CALL FOR INTEREST – PET RESCUE FOSTER HOME LIAISON
People for Animals is seeking a volunteer to fill the role of Foster
Home Liaison. In this integral role, you’ll support PFA’s rescue
operations by taking photos of cats for adoption ads and providing
adoption support to PFA’s network of foster homes around Regina.
You’ll provide vaccinations, basic first aid and vet care (ear-mite
treatment and de-worming) to cats in PFA’s care. The ideal candidate
should have knowledge of cat illnesses and symptoms of illness. As
well, they should have their own vehicle and access to email. Review
the volunteer profile and email us at pfasask@gmail.com.
http://www.pfasask.com/2012/
PFA IN THE NEWS
People for Animals was featured on Global TV News on January 14. Watch
the clip here: http://globalnews.ca/news/
CTV Morning Live also featured PFA on their show on January 9.
PHOTO SHOOTS TO BENEFIT PFA
Melira Photography and Design is offering photo shoots with pets for
$60, with a part of the proceeds going to PFA. The mini session (30
minutes) takes place at a location in Regina arranged by the client.
The cost includes 10 edited photos and any candids. Visit
meliradesigns.com for more information or contact Alicia to book your
photo shoot at melira@ymail.com. Offer valid until April 1.
UPCOMING ADOPTION EVENTS
Find your soul mate this Valentine’s Day! Pet Valu Grasslands and
PetSmart are each hosting sweetheart adoption fairs from February 14
to 16. Check out these common feline purrsonalities and let us play
matchmaker! http://www.aspca.org/adopt/
INSTAGRAM AND TWITTER: BRB!
People for Animals will be taking a short break from Instagram and
Twitter from February 5 to 26. During our brief absence, you can
continue to get the latest on PFA on our Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/
Misty
/Misty made our house a home. He was a wonderful character who loved watching his cat video, posing for photos and keeping strangers at bay. He was very picky as to who he would cuddle with. My son and his friends still recount the times Misty chased them and gave them the evil eye. We were so blessed to have him for almost 19 years.
Snickle
/My beloved cat Snickle was with us for over 16 years. It is difficult to put into words how much she meant to me and how big of a place she holds in my heart. We adopted her from PFA in Regina back in 1997. We didn't have a carrier so she rode home zipped into my coat with me. She was so cuddly and gentle and she loved nothing more than a good rub behind the ears. She was loved by so many people and known for her large and in charge personality. She was with us through some dark times, but curling up with her and petting her soft fur always made things seem better. She had a long and happy cat life. I am going to miss my best furry friend so very much.
- Carly Almas
PFA E-Bulletin, Volume 30 (December 2013)
/SEASON’S GREETINGS FROM PEOPLE FOR ANIMALS
Season’s greetings and best wishes for the new year from People for Animals. Thank you to our volunteers and supporters for everything you do. Because of your time and financial contributions, hundreds of cats and kittens found their furever homes in 2013 and hundreds more were provided with food, shelter and veterinary care. Together, we’re making a difference in our community. Here’s to many more happy endings in 2014!
FERAL CAT LIZZIE SURVIVES ANIMAL CRUELTY
PFA volunteers spotted Lizzie, a feral cat hanging around a PFA feeding station, during one of the most brutal cold spells of the year in Regina. Lizzie appeared to be injured, with a wire sticking out of her body. Thanks to the persistence of PFA volunteers over the course of two weeks, Lizzie was trapped and taken to the Northgate Animal Hospital, where Dr. Bath performed life-saving surgery. Lizzie is recovering at the home of one of PFA’s most experienced senior feral team members. Thanks to everyone who’s kindly offered to provide a permanent home for Lizzie post-recovery. Currently, the goal in Lizzie’s recovery plan is to return her to her home, which is the colony where she was trapped where she has bonds with the other cats that are members of that colony. PFA currently has 130 cats in foster care, all looking for permanent homes. If you’re interested in adopting a cat or kitten, contact us at pfasask@gmail.com.
PFA IN THE NEWS
PFA and Lizzie, a recent victim of animal cruelty, were featured on CTV news on December 18 and 19. Watch the clip here: http://regina.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=263627. CTV Morning Live will feature PFA on their show in the new year. Keep checking Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/peopleforanimals) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/pfasask) for dates and times.
CALENDAR FUNDRAISER A GREAT SUCCESS
Thank you to everyone who purchased a People for Animals of Saskatchewan 2014 calendar featuring feral and foster cats! A group of students in Business 304 - Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Regina created this calendar for a class project, with help from La Vida Design. We’re not sure what the students received as a final grade, but PFA gives them an A! Thanks to their hard work, PFA received a donation of close to $1,500!
WINNERS OF THE SIGNED ROUGHRIDERS FOOTBALL AND IPAD
Congratulations to Leanne Ecklund, winner of the autographed Saskatchewan Roughriders football! Congratulations also to Gord Meyer, winner of the iPad, and to Shayla Leier, Diane Phillips and Sean Bosman, who each won a $100 Visa gift card. Thank you to everyone who generously supported this draw. We raised approximately $8,000 to help pay for food, shelter and veterinary care for homeless cats and kittens.
FLUX RENEWS CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP
Flux CrossFit has once again signed on as a bronze corporate sponsor for another year. Corporate sponsorships are one of the ways PFA raises much needed funds to provide food, shelter and veterinary care for homeless cats and kittens in Regina. If you’re a business owner and interested in sponsorship, check out the difference levels and benefits of PFA sponsorships: http://www.pfasask.com/2012/10/corporate-sponsorship.html or email us at pfasask@gmail.com for more information. Thanks again, Flux! We look forward to another wonderful year of partnership!
A VERY SUCCESSFUL IN GOOD TASTE FUNDRAISER!
Thank you to everyone who supported PFA through our Christmas fundraiser with In Good Taste! We raised over $1,000 to help pay for veterinary care for rescued cats and kittens.
FIND US ON INSTAGRAM!
People for Animals is now on Instagram! Follow us @pfasask to see pictures of PFA cats available for adoption, feral cats being feral cats and adoption updates. PFA uses Instagram together with Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/peopleforanimals) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/pfasask) to provide you with the latest information and news about your favourite animal rescue group!
HELP HOMELESS CATS DURING THIS COLD WINTER
One of the most common questions we get asked is “How can I help cats in Regina survive the brutally cold winter?” PFA is always looking for volunteers to feed feral cats. The commitment is one hour one day per week. We also need volunteers to shovel snow away from feeding stations throughout the winter to provide a clear path for feral cats to access their food, water and shelter. If you’re interested in joining the feral team, check out the volunteer job description: http://www.pfasask.com/2012/06/feral-cat-feeder.html. We also accept monetary and cat food donations - funds go toward food and veterinary care, including sterilization, for Regina’s feral cats. Donate via PayPal (under the "Donate" tab on our website at www.pfasask.com) or email us at pfasask@gmail.com to volunteer.
PFA E-Bulletin, Volume 29 (October 2013)
/FERAL CAT FOOD DRIVE ON UNTIL OCTOBER 31
PFA is holding a cat food drive throughout the month of October. Help us replenish our supply of food for cats in our care. The feral team alone uses up to 500 lbs of cat food each month. With winter around the corner, feral cats will need more nutrition to boost their immune systems and keep energy levels high enough to stay warm. Our wish list includes high-quality dry cat and kitten food, canned cat and kitten food and kitten formula. We request high-quality food because the lower-quality foods (e.g. no-name brand) contain corn, fillers and other by-products that have a negative impact on cats' long-term health. The following donations are also appreciated: clumping litter, cat toys, Canadian Tire money (used to help purchase needed items) and gift cards to local stores where pet supplied can be purchased. Drop off your donations at Pet Valu (Grasslands) at 4662 Gordon Road or 167 Bothwell Crescent in Regina. For more information about National Feral Cat Day, visit http://nationalferalcatday.org.
CALENDAR FUNDRAISER BEGINS NOVEMBER 1
People for Animals of Saskatchewan 2014 calendars featuring feral and foster cats will be on sale November 1 to 30 - just in time for the holiday season! A group of students in Business 304 - Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Regina created this calendar for a class project. The students are wholly responsible for creating, marketing and selling the calendar, and PFA is happy to assist with this meaningful project. You’ll be able to buy the calendar online only (the students are graded on their website and online sales) at http://calendars4acause.webs.com/. The calendars are priced at $20 each.
IN GOOD TASTE FUNDRAISER BEGINS NOVEMBER 1
Back by popular demand is the In Good Taste fundraiser in support of PFA! Now is the time to give some thought to the holiday season and stock up on all your favourite dessert bars, appetizers and main courses. If your family didn’t get enough cabbage rolls and perogies at Thanksgiving, IGT has you covered! This fundraiser will run from November 1 to 20, with items ready for pickup on December 3. Items are shipped frozen to preserve freshness. Check out the product list at http://www.ingoodtastefoods.ca/products.html. You can find the price list on PFA’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/peopleforanimals.
PFA IN THE NEWS
PFA’s feral team was recently in the news! CJME did a news story to highlight National Feral Cat Day on October 16 and featured PFA’s work to provide Regina's street cats with a fighting chance at healthy and full lives: http://cjme.com/story/photos-regina-volunteers-feed-40-colonies-semi-feral-cats/139006. PFA is always looking for feral feeders and volunteers to shovel snow in the winter. If you can help, email us at pfasask@gmail.com.
NEW FUNDRAISING PARTNER ANNOUNCED
PFA is thrilled to partner with ResQthreads - an online clothing company based in New York City dedicated to helping animal rescues raise much needed funds for their work. Ten dollars from each items purchase from ResQthreads goes to animal rescues. You can direct $10 from your purchase to PFA! Just select People for Animals of Saskatchewan from the drop-down list for Rescue Beneficiary. This is a great way to support PFA - and look stylish while doing it! ResQthreads has graciously provided a promo code for 25% off any item on their site when you select People for Animals of Saskatchewan as your Rescue Beneficiary. The promo code is PEOPLEFORANIMALS and is valid until November 30. ResQthreads has wonderful gift ideas for every animal lover on your holiday gift list. Happy shopping! http://resqthreads.com/
EMPLOYEE VOLUNTEER GRANTS
Many organizations offer employee volunteer grants to recognize employee community involvement. We encourage all PFA volunteers to look into employee volunteer grants at their workplace. It requires little effort compared to other fundraising efforts and can provide PFA with much needed funds. Thanks to SaskGaming (on behalf of Rachel Molnar) for its support through its employee volunteer program!
CALL FOR INTEREST – VOLUNTEER CO-ORDINATOR
Do you love people (almost as much as you love cats)? Are you good at matching people’s skills and interests with available opportunities? PFA is seeking a volunteer to fill the role of Volunteer Co-ordinator. In this role, you’ll be responsible for duties related to PFA’s volunteer base, including assisting the board with volunteer recruitment, placement and retention, distributing and collecting signed code of ethics agreements and assisting in planning the annual volunteer appreciation event in February. Review the volunteer profile and email us at pfasask@gmail.com. http://www.pfasask.com/2013/10/volunteer-coordinator.html
SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS JERSEY WINNER
Congratulations to Lori Nuttall, winner of the Saskatchewan Roughriders jersey autographed by running back Kory Sheets! Thank you to everyone who generously donated to this draw. We raised approximately $700 to help pay for veterinary care for rescued cats and kittens.
THANKSGIVING FUNDRAISER WITH MILA’S CATERING A GREAT SUCCESS!
Thank you to everyone who supported PFA through our Thanksgiving fundraiser with Mila’s Home Cooked Catering! We raised over $1,000 to help pay for veterinary care for rescued cats and kittens.
CALL FOR INTEREST – FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
PFA is seeking a number of volunteers to participate on the Fundraising and Membership Committee. Individuals in this role will attend and support routine fundraisers, research and initiate new fundraising opportunities, explore incentives from local businesses for PFA volunteers and members, and maintain a current membership list. Review the volunteer profile and email us at pfasask@gmail.com. http://www.pfasask.com/2012/06/fundraising-committee-member.html?wwparam=1383103936
GREEN IS THE COLOUR!
There’s one game left in the regular season for the Saskatchewan Roughriders and PFA needs your help. We’re looking for volunteers to work the Western Pizza booth at Mosaic Stadium on Saturday, November 2. Be a part of the game day action, while giving back to the community! Email us at pfasask@gmail.com if you can help.
Baldrick
/Baldrick was my adventurer and snuggle buddy. He was a shameless flirt and threw himself at anyone who came to visit. He was a prolific murderer of mice and birds. He tucked my son into bed each night. He was the best at spooning and had the most insistent, irritating meow. He was a great friend and a wonderful cat. He is loved and missed.
- Aleigh Khaladkar
Maintaining feral cat colonies benefits Regina, says PFA
/To commemorate National Feral Cat Day on October 16, People for Animals of Saskatchewan (PFA) urges Regina residents to become involved in its efforts to manage the city’s feral cat population through responsible feral cat colony management.
“Regina, like many communities across Canada, has a cat overpopulation crisis. Family pets are abandoned on Regina streets and left to fend for themselves, and cats that survive the harsh conditions continue to breed, creating an even more bleak situation for themselves and their offspring. The resulting kittens grow into feral cats and are unable to adjust to life with people indoors,” says Silver Cherry, president of PFA.
PFA works to manage Regina’s feral cat population humanely through Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR), a program that involves safely trapping cats, sterilizing them, tattooing them for identification and then returning them to their colonies. The colonies are maintained by PFA volunteers who observe the cats daily and provide shelter, food and water. Kittens born to feral cats are rescued, socialized in foster homes, sterilized, and adopted into loving homes.
“Most animal shelters euthanize feral cats that are trapped because they are unadoptable. A successful TNR program will result in feral cat populations stabilizing and decreasing over time. Catch-and-kill creates a vacuum effect, where two things happen -- intact survivors continue to breed and new cats move into the now-available territory,” says Cherry.
Maintaining healthy feral cat colonies benefits the community by lowering intake for animal rescue shelters, lowering shelter euthanasia rates, reducing the incidence of homeless cats roaming in search of food and shelter, and reducing the incidence of nuisance behaviours such as spraying, fighting and mating.
Members of the public can help by hosting backyard feral cat colonies, donating food and shelter supplies, donating funds to the TNR program, participating in cat shelter-building bees, volunteering as feral cat feeders or to shovel snow for the feeders in the winter, and educating others about the value of feral cat colonies and TNR.
Throughout the month of October, PFA is holding a cat food drive for Regina’s feral cats. Soft and dry food donations can be dropped off at 167 Bothwell Crescent. Pet Valu at 4662 Gordon Road in the Grasslands Shopping Centre is also collecting donations on behalf of PFA throughout October.
PFA is dedicated to rescuing homeless cats and kittens, and maintaining 40 feral cat colonies around Regina. The group works to humanely reduce the number of cats on Regina streets through fostering and adopting tame cats. As well, PFA traps feral cats to sterilize them and then releases them back into their colonies to live out the rest of their lives. The rescue is volunteer-based and operates solely through fundraising and donations from the community. For more information or to volunteer, visit www.pfasask.com. PFA is a member of the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies and the Alley Cat Allies Feral Friends Network.
Privacy Policy
/Regina Cat Rescue's (RCR) Privacy Policy Is designed to comply with the federal Personal Information and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) in ensuring the privacy of personal information. This policy applies to all RCR volunteers, members and adopters. The components of the policy are:
Collection and use of personal information:
To make a donation, adopt a pet, become a volunteer and/or member, RCR collects personal information, which is necessary to process the transaction, identify you and/or facilitate your involvement with RCR.
This personal information is maintained by officers and board members of RCR. Access to this information is limited to those volunteers of RCR who have a need to know the information for a legitimate business purpose.
In any request by RCR for information, you will be asked to indicate if you do not want RCR to contact you for the purposes of providing information to you about its activities, current animal issues and care, and other topics that RCR thinks would be of interest to you.
If you opt not to be contacted by RCR, your opt-out will be recorded, and any new uses of your personal information will require your further consent.
Disclosure of personal information:
For animal-specific information, RCR may share your personal information with registered veterinarians who require that information to care for the animal.
Membership lists may be distributed as required under Saskatchewan Non-Profit Corporation Act requirements.
RCR will not share information with other third-parties without your consent unless compelled to do so by law, under a court order, or by government authority.
RCR may aggregate information for statistical purposes, but if aggregated, this information will be de-identified so as not to contain any information that would identify you or be used to contact you.
Accessing your information or making an inquiry or complaint:
You can request that your information be reviewed and/or updated by you, subject to proper identification. A request can be made by contacting RCR’s President at info@reginacatrescue.com.
If you have a complaint or inquiry about our policy or regarding the handling of your personal information by RCR, RCR's President is authorized to investigate your complaint or address your inquiry.
PFA E-Bulletin, Volume 28 (September 2013)
/In honour of National Feral Cat Day on October 16, PFA is holding a cat food drive throughout the month on October. Help us replenish our supply of food for feral and foster cats in our care! Our wish list includes high-quality dry cat and kitten food, canned cat and kitten food and kitten formula. We request high-quality food because the lower-quality foods (e.g. no-name brand) contain corn, fillers and other by-products that have a negative impact on cats' long-term health. The following donations are also appreciated: clumping litter, cat toys, Canadian Tire money (used to help purchase needed items) and gift cards to local stores where pet supplied can be purchased. Drop off your donations at 167 Bothwell Crescent in Regina. For more information about National Feral Cat Day, visit http://nationalferalcatday.org.
ENTER TO WIN AN AUTOGRAPHED SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS JERSEY
Donate to People for Animals and you’ll be entered to win a Saskatchewan Roughriders jersey autographed by running back Kory Sheets! The jersey’s a men’s size M and valued at $230. Donate online or email pfasask@gmail.com to arrange a cash or cheque donation. Arranging a monthly donation via PayPal will also qualify for the draw. (Please note that mailed donations are not guaranteed delivery in time to be entered into this draw.) The draw is open to Saskatchewan residents only. Donate by 11:59 p.m., Friday, October 11 for your chance to win! The draw will be made before the game on Saturday, October 12.
BOCADOS FUNDRAISER A GREAT SUCCESS!
Thank you to everyone who came out to our sold-out Bocados fundraiser on September 25! Because of you, we’ll be able to spay/neuter about 20 cats and kittens this fall! In particular, thank you to the many businesses and individuals who donated items to our silent auction, including Metro Pet Market, Theresa Libke at Mecca Massage, Curves Regina, Karla Piel of RE/MAX Joyce Tourney Realty and Fondant Creations! The 50/50 prize was claimed at the event, in the amount of $225.
HELP PFA THROUGH THE UNITED WAY
During the fall months, many organizations launch fundraising campaigns in support of the United Way, which raises for money for a number of local charities. Consider directing your United Way donation to PFA. Indicate on your United Way pledge for that you’d like to direct your donation to People for Animals of Saskatchewan Inc. Our charitable registration number is #899625990RR0001. Thanks for your support!
GO RIDERS GO!
There are three home games left in the regular season for the Saskatchewan Roughriders and PFA needs your help. We’re looking for volunteers to work the Western Pizza booth at Mosaic Stadium on the following game days: October 12, October 19 and November 12. Be a part of the game day action, while giving back to the community! Email us at pfasask@gmail.com to let us know which day interests you.
BINGO VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
PFA is in danger of losing its spot on the bingo roster due to lack of volunteers. Bingos worked by PFA volunteers are essential fundraisers that make a major dent in our large vet bills. We always need more bingo volunteers! Volunteering at bingos is a fun way to meet some new people and help the animals in our care with just a few hours of commitment. If you can help, please email pfasask@gmail.com. The next bingo is on Tuesday, October 1.
CALENDAR FUNDRAISER IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
A group of students in Business 304 - Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Regina is creating a calendar for PFA for a class project. The 2014 calendar will feature feral and foster cats in PFA’s care. The students are wholly responsible for creating, marketing and selling the calendar, and PFA is happy to assist with this meaningful project. You’ll be able to buy the calendar online only from November 1 to 30 (the students are graded on their website and online sales). We don’t have a price yet for the calendars, but estimate them to be around $20 each. We’ll provide the link to where you can buy the calendars in our October e-bulletin.
VOLUNTEERS BUILD 60 FERAL CAT SHELTERS
Thank you to volunteers with the feral cat team who spent the last gorgeous Sunday of September building winter shelters for feral cats. Eleven volunteers built 60 shelters with donated materials. Regina's feral kitties will have a chance at surviving the harsh prairie winter thanks to their efforts. If you're interested in volunteering with the feral cat team, read the volunteer description: http://www.pfasask.com/2012/06/feral-cat-feeder.html
PFA E-Bulletin, Volume 27 (August 2013)
/On August 1, People for Animals joined the Alley Cat Allies Feral Friends Network, becoming an ally in the largest network for cat support in the world. Membership provides PFA with the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and other organizations dedicated to protecting cats. PFA also have access to a multitude of online resources available to members. Although Alley Cat Allies is based in the United States, the internet and phone provide opportunities for us to seek advice and share knowledge with Alley Cat Allies staff. We look forward to networking with other Canadian members of the Feral Friends Network and becoming better at what we do. Alley Cat Allies will list us publicly as a member on September 1. Visit Alley Cat Allies: http://www.alleycat.org/
PAUL MCCARTNEY CONCERT TICKET RAFFLE WINNERS
Congratulations to Rod Braddock and Denise Stauch-Altieri (ticket number 0514) on winning two tickets to see Paul McCartney in concert! Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets for PFA's raffle. We raised $2,500 to help pay our many vet bills. You’ve made a huge difference in the lives of the foster and feral cats and kittens in our care, and we really appreciate your generosity!
WANTED -- HOME FOR FERAL SHELTER AND FEEDING STATION
People for Animals was recently asked to remove a feral shelter and feeding station from a property in the neighbourhood of 11 block Rae/Retallack. Feral cats are virtually impossible to relocate, and we’re looking for a kind property owner in the same neighbourhood who wouldn’t mind housing a shelter and feeding station. No work is required by the property owner, as all food, water and shelter are provided by PFA volunteers. We’ll even have volunteers shovel snow away from the feeding station in the winter! If you live in the neighbourhood of 11 block Rae/Retallack and can provide a safe haven for feral cats, email us at pfasask@gmail.com. (If you’re a renter, PFA will need to speak directly with the property owner.) Neighbourhoods greatly benefit from properly maintained feral cat colonies, as opposed to feral cats left to rummage for food and territory. Visit http://www.pfasask.com/2012/03/benefits-of-maintaining-feral-colonies.html for more information on feral cat colonies.
CALL FOR INTEREST – PET RESCUE EVENTS CO-ORDINATOR
People for Animals is seeking a volunteer to fill the role of Pet Rescue Events Co-ordinator. We’d like to have more adoption events and require someone to co-ordinate the details for each event. This could be an adoption event at one of our satellite adoption centres, such as PetSmart, or at a local retailer, such as Metro Pet Market or Retrovise pop-up shop. (A previous adoption event at Retrovise resulted in seven PFA adoptions!) The ideal candidate should be organized and be an effective communicator to carry out the liaising duties with foster homes, adoption partners and the public. Review the volunteer profile and email us at pfasask@gmail.com. http://www.pfasask.com/2013/04/pet-rescue-events-coordinator.html
GOT EMPTY BOTTLES? WE’LL TAKE ‘EM!
Looking for some place to quickly drop off your empties? People for Animals will gladly take your empty bottles and cans! (And we’ll pretend to not notice the number of wine bottles!) We have a faithful volunteer who collects empties on behalf of PFA, takes them to Sarcan and turns over the cash to be used toward vet care and food for Regina’s homeless cats and kittens. Drop your empty bottles and cans off at 2041 Athol Street day or night (please drop cans and plastic bottles over the gate down on the north side of the house, and glass bottles on the front porch) and rest assured that the funds will be put to good use by PFA.
BINGO VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Bingos are essential fundraisers that provide much needed income for People for Animals to continue to rescue and care for Regina’s homeless cats and kittens. We have a small core of dedicated bingo volunteers, but we always need more. Volunteering at bingos is a fun way to meet new people and help the animals in our care with just a few hours of commitment. If you can spare an afternoon or evening to work a bingo shift, email pfasask@gmail.com.
BOCADOS FUNDRAISER – SEPTEMBER 25
Come out on Wednesday, September 25 (4:30 to 9 p.m.) for a tasty meal for a great cause! For $20, you get salad (mixed greens or Caesar), an entrée (Chicken Mushroom Alfredo; Spinach, Mushroom and Artichoke Penne; Flat Iron Steak with sides; or Grilled Chicken Breast with sides) and a drink. There will be a 50/50 draw and silent auction. Email pfasask@gmail.com to buy tickets, or to arrange to sell some.
FIND US ON FACEBOOK
People for Animals has a lively community on Facebook. We post information daily and interact directly with supporters and volunteers. It’s where you’ll find the latest information and news about your favourite animal rescue group! The page is staffed by three volunteers who work together to create a single voice for PFA on social media. If you’re on Facebook, you can find us at https://www.facebook.com/peopleforanimals.
TINY TABBY KITTENS CONTINUE TO RECOVER
Two weeks ago, PFA volunteers rescued two little tabby kittens who were hypothermic and extremely dehydrated from diarrhea.They were rushed to a vet clinic and treated. By the next morning, they had perked up, and were eating and grooming themselves and settling into their foster home. (See the first story here: http://blog.pfasask.com/2013/08/tiny-tabbies-rescued-just-in-time.html) After two weeks of constant care given by their foster mom, Lenus and Sirona are well on their way to making a full recovery. The siblings are beginning to play with each other and show interest in exploring the room they are recovering in. Within a week or two, these little ones will have their illness behind them and will be typical kittens playing and exploring all of their foster home. We are so happy that this was one of PFA's many success stories due to the dedication of our wonderful foster homes. Thank you to everyone who gives of their time to help little ones like these. (For recent photos, visit http://blog.pfasask.com/)
PFA E-Bulletin, Volume 26 (July 2013)
/Between January 1 and July 15, 190 cats and kittens have been adopted into forever homes through People for Animals! In all of 2012, a total of 255 cats and kittens were adopted through PFA. Thank you to our Pet Rescue team and fosters homes for the time and hard work you put into intake, fostering and adopting. We’re thrilled with the number of adoptions to-date in 2013! The more cats we help find forever homes, the more hungry and homeless cats we can help off of Regina’s streets. If you’re looking for a furry feline to complete your family, check out our cat-a-logue for cats and kittens available for adoption: http://catalogue.pfasask.com/
PAUL MCCARTNEY CONCERT TICKET RAFFLE
Last call for our Paul McCartney concert ticket raffle! Rock legend Paul McCartney is coming to Regina to play a concert on Wednesday, August 14 at Mosaic Stadium. For only $5 a ticket (or three for $10), you have a chance to win a pair of tickets to the show! The seats are in section A2, row 28, seats 26 and 27. Draw date is August 12. If you're interested in purchasing tickets, email us at pfasask@gmail.com. Good luck!
CALL FOR INTEREST – PET RESCUE EVENTS CO-ORDINATOR
PFA is seeking a volunteer to fill the roles of Pet Rescue Events Co-ordinator. We’d like to have more adoption events and require someone to co-ordinate the details for each event. The ideal candidate should be organized and be an effective communicator to carry out the liaising duties with foster homes, adoption partners and the public. Review the volunteer profile and email us at pfasask@gmail.com./www.pfasask.com/asask.com/2013/04/pet-rescue-events-coordinator.html
SAVE THE DATE – BOCADOS FUNDRAISER – SEPTEMBER 25
Mark your calendar! We’re planning our next fundraiser at Bocados for Wednesday, September 25. There will be a silent auction and 50/50 draw. Check our website in the coming weeks for more information about tickets.
CALL FOR INTEREST – CO-CHAIR, COMMUNICATIONS AND EDUCATION
PFA is seeking a co-chair for our Communications and Education Committee. Ideal candidates should work in the marketing or communications fields, or have a strong business writing background. Your first tasks will include writing a series of feature articles and co-authoring internal strategies. Creative thinking is required, since PFA doesn’t have a communications or print budget. Review the volunteer profile and email us at pfasask@gmail.com. /www.pfasask.com/asask.com/2012/06/communications-committee-member.html
2013 MEMBERSHIPS STILL AVAILABLE
People for Animals is a membership-based non-profit, which means you can make a real difference in cats' and kittens' lives by purchasing an annual membership for $25 (or renewing if you have one already.) Memberships are available year round. More information about memberships is available on our website: /www.pfasask.com/asask.com/2012/03/join-or-renew.html.
WE GOT THAT RIDER PRIDE!
Our Saskatchewan Roughriders are now 5-0! Want to be a part of the game day excitement in Regina? PFA needs volunteers to work the Western Pizza booth at Mosaic Stadium on game days throughout the Riders season. It’s a great way to give back to the community while cheering on the green and white! Check out the Rider schedule for home games and email us at pfasask@gmail.com to let us know which days interest you.
A HAPPY FAMILY REUNION
Three years ago, PFA rescued a tiny cat family that included a little tortie mama cat, Sophie, who was barely more than a kitten herself, along with her beautiful kittens, one of which had already died due to negligent conditions.
The family was placed in foster care and the kittens found homes, and the mama was spayed and also went on to a home of her own.
Sadly, things recently changed for Sophie's family and she had to return to PFA care. Her foster mom was happy to accept her back, and had a great idea! Thanks to her quick thinking and a kind adoptive family, our sweet Sophie was reunited with her kitten, Phoebe, three years later in a wonderful adoptive home!
Check out the photo on our website: http://blog.pfasask.com/2013/07/a-happy-family-reunion.html. You can see the family resemblance! We’re very happy things worked out for mama and daughter in the end!
PFA E-Bulletin, Volume 25 (June 2013)
/Effective June 1, PFA has written policy to allow for cats to be sterilized at the age of 12 weeks, provided they meet weight and health requirements in veterinary examinations. The policy indicates that no cat will leave PFA’s care unsterilized and no kitten under the age of 12 weeks will leave PFA’s care. Visit www.pfasask.com/2013/06/pediatric-spaying-and-neutering.html to learn more about pediatric sterilization.
FOSTER HOMES NEEDED
Recently, PFA has been experiencing a high volume of requests for assistance. We’re an entirely volunteer-run organization and we don’t have a shelter. We rely on a network of caring citizens to foster stray kittens and cats in their homes until they can be adopted. Our foster homes are currently at capacity and we’re unable to take on more rescues until some of the cats in PFA’s care are adopted or more foster homes sign on with PFA. If you have room in your heart and home to foster a cat or kitten, check out the foster home responsibilities here /www.pfasask.com/asask.com/2012/06/foster-care-provider-foster-home.html and email us at pfasask@gmail.com. All veterinary care, cat food and litter are provided by PFA. Each foster home space that becomes available represents one more cat or kitten we can save!
PAUL MCCARTNEY CONCERT TICKET RAFFLE
Ticket sales are swift for our Paul McCartney concert ticket raffle! Sir Paul is coming to Regina to play a concert on Wednesday, August 14 at Mosaic Stadium. For only $5 a ticket (or three for $10), you have a chance to win a pair of tickets to the show! The seats are in section A2, row 28, seats 26 and 27. Draw date is August 12. If you're interested in purchasing tickets, email us at pfasask@gmail.com or visit us at the Normanview liquor store between 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 6 and 27. Good luck!
WANTED -- FERAL CAT FEEDERS
We’re always on the hunt for dedicated volunteers who can feed cats on our feral cat routes. The commitment is once per week for one to two hours. The kitties rely on people like you to bring them food and fresh water. For more on the volunteer opportunity, visit http://www.pfasask.com/2012/06/feral-cat-feeder.html and email us at pfasask@gmail.com.
NEW TNR BROCHURE AVAILABLE
Curious about trap-neuter-release? PFA has a new brochure to explain our approach to controlling the feral cat population in Regina. Thank you Melira Photography & Design for the wonderful design work on this brochure! The Feral Cat team will use the brochure to educate residents along feral feeding routes. (Visit the link below to download the brochure. Click Trap-Neuter-Release on the Communications page. Once you land on the Dropbox page, click Download>Direct Download.)
/www.pfasask.com/asask.com/2012/05/pfa-communications.html
EMPLOYEE VOLUNTEER GRANTS
Many organizations offer employee volunteer grants to recognize employee community involvement. We encourage all PFA volunteers to look into employee volunteer grants at their workplace. It requires little effort compared to other fundraising efforts and can provide PFA with much needed funds. Thanks to Farm Credit Canada (on behalf of Kim Belhumeur) for another grant through their employee volunteer program! These funds ensure that we can continue to make a difference in our community!
CALL FOR INTEREST – CO-CHAIR, COMMUNICATIONS AND EDUCATION
PFA is seeking a co-chair for our Communications and Education Committee. Ideal candidates should work in the marketing or communications fields, or have a strong business writing background. Your first tasks will include writing a series of feature articles and co-authoring internal strategies. Creative thinking is required, since PFA doesn’t have a communications or print budget. Review the volunteer profile and email us at pfasask@gmail.com. /www.pfasask.com/asask.com/2012/06/communications-committee-member.html
CALL FOR INTEREST – CO-CHAIR, FUNDRAISING AND MEMBERSHIP
PFA is seeking a co-chair for our Fundraising and Membership Committee. Ideal candidates should be enthusiastic about co-ordinating fundraising and membership efforts for the organization. Even if you don’t consider yourself a superstar fundraiser, the knowledge and practice you’ll gain in this role will convince you otherwise. Review the volunteer profile and email us at pfasask@gmail.com. /www.pfasask.com/asask.com/2012/06/officer-fundraising.html
GO RIDERS GO!
The regular season for the Saskatchewan Roughriders begins this week, with the first home game of the regular season taking place on Friday, July 5! PFA is looking for volunteers to work the Western Pizza booth at Mosaic Stadium on game days throughout the Saskatchewan Roughriders season. It’s a great way to give back to the community while being a part of the action on game day! Check out the Rider schedule for home games and email us at pfasask@gmail.com to let us know which days interest you.
HOT WEATHER REMINDER
Summer’s finally arrived in Regina! Sunny days and warm weather are great for humans -- but not so much for our little furry friends. Cats and dogs don’t tolerate heat any better than we do. Always make sure your pet has access to plenty of drinking water. And never leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle. You might think they enjoy car rides, but they'd much rather bond with you in the cool comfort of home. Heat exhaustion symptoms to watch for in cats and dogs include rapid pulse and breathing, bright red gums and tongue, lethargy, stumbling or weakness, drooling, hot paws and vomiting. If you suspect an animal's overheating inside a parked car, call 911 or the Regina Humane Society Protection Services at 306-777-7700.
Pediatric spaying and neutering
/People for Animals encourages pet parents to spay (female) or neuter (male) their cats and kittens sooner than later. Generally, kittens are sterilized at the age of six months. After much research and discussion, PFA introduced a policy on June 1, 2013 that ensures no kitten will leave PFA’s care before the age of 12 weeks and no cat or kitten will leave PFA’s care unsterilized. Working together with partners in the community, PFA now sterilizes kittens at the age of 12 weeks, provided they meet weight and health requirements in veterinary examinations. Kittens that don’t meet the requirements won’t be sterilized until the vet gives them the green light.
Sterilizing kittens at this early age, called pediatric sterilization, remains uncommon in Saskatchewan, but it shouldn’t be. Cats, just like humans, are all different and some reach sexual maturity faster than others. Spaying or neutering kittens before they’re sexually mature is safe and practical. It’s the most effective means for PFA to ensure there are no accidents and that all cats in PFA’s care are sterilized.
Pediatric sterilization also prevents unwanted behaviours that often develop as maturity sets in, such as spraying, aggression, anxiety and the desire to roam. It also prevents the risk of pregnancy at such a tender age, which can be life-threatening for kittens so young and small.
An additional benefit to people adopting from PFA is that they’ll never need to worry about the cost or time required to spay or neuter their cats! Bringing a pet into the family is a big commitment filled with many responsibilities. With PFA handling sterilization and recovery, there’s one less thing for new pet parents to do!
As a result of this move to practise pediatric sterilization, PFA has increased adoption fees for cats and kittens between the ages of 12 weeks and five years to $100, which is a bargain for a lifetime of love. (Cats over the age of five years will remain at $50.) In addition to the increase in adoption fees, this change also requires longer stays for kittens in PFA foster homes. Ideally, this longer stay now will prevent mature, unsterilized cats from being returned to PFA’s care later. (If you’re willing to foster kittens, please contact us at pfasask@gmail.com.)
As a non-profit completely volunteer-run organization, PFA needs to explore all possible avenues to reduce suffering and overpopulation among homeless cats. The ability to sterilize kittens at the age of 12 weeks is yet another tool in our arsenal to help us with our objectives.
We’re always accepting donations and sponsorships for spays and neuters. If you’d like to help us with our mission to sterilize all felines in PFA’s care before they head out the door, please click the "Donate" tab on our website for more information on how you can support us.
PFA E-Bulletin, Volume 24 (May 2013)
/PAUL MCCARTNEY CONCERT TICKET RAFFLE
Paul McCartney is coming to Regina to play a concert on Wednesday, August 14 at Mosaic Stadium. For only $5 a ticket (or three for $10), you have a chance to win a pair of tickets to the show! The seats are in section A2, row 28, seats 26 and 27. Draw date is August 12. If you can sell tickets for us or you're interested in purchasing some, email us at pfasask@gmail.com.
WANTED -- FERAL CAT FEEDERS
We’re looking for dedicated volunteers who can feed cats on our feral cat routes. The commitment is once per week for one to two hours. The kitties rely on people like you to bring them food and fresh water. For more on the volunteer opportunity, visit http://www.pfasask.com/2012/06/feral-cat-feeder.html and email us at pfasask@gmail.com.
SPONSOR A FIX FOR FATHER’S DAY
Shopping for a Father’s Day gift got you stressed? Appeal to dad’s softer side and sponsor one of PFA’s male cats for him. Father’s Day is June 16 and we have many male kittens waiting to be neutered. For donations of $50 or more, PFA will send you a Father’s Day card and photo of the cat you sponsored to give dear ol’ dad. You’ll also receive a tax receipt at a later date (only available in the donor’s name). Visit our sponsorship page for more information. The cats eligible for this promotion will be posted on PFA’s blog on June 1.
FERAL CAT TEAM GARAGE SALE – JUNE 7-9
PFA’s Feral Cat Team is in full TNR mode, and needs your support. Check out our garage sale and pick up some great deals in support of our many feral cats. The location is 167 Bothwell Cres. and the sale runs from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday. Bring a friend!