PFA E-Bulletin, Volume 19 (December 2012)

In this issue:

• Pet Pictures with Santa
• iPad Raffle
• Pet Food Drive
• I'll Be Home for Christmas
• Give a gift with a lasting impact
• Feral feeders needed
• Grace's story
• Mythbuster article: Should cats be allowed to roam?

PET PICTURES WITH SANTA

Make this year's holiday card a keeper! Have your pet's picture taken with Santa at PetSmart on Dec. 15-16 for only $9.95! Sittings are on a first-come, first-served basis from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Best of all, $5 from each photo goes directly to PFA.


iPAD RAFFLE

PFA is having a great holiday raffle this year. For only $5 a ticket (or 5 tickets for $20), you have a chance to win a new 16G iPad! Second prize is a $200 VISA gift card, and third prize is a $100 VISA gift card. Only 1,800 tickets are being printed, so get yours soon! Draw date is Dec. 20, just in time for last-minute gift-giving. If you can sell tickets for us or you're interested in purchasing some, please email us at pfasask@gmail.com.


PET FOOD DRIVE

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. Collection location: Retrovise (1235 Broad Street - Regina) - more locations to be added soon.


I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

What better way to celebrate the holiday season than to open your heart and home to a loving cat or kitten? Each day, from December 1 through December 25, PFA's website will feature a different cat looking for a fur-ever home. Will you make one of our special cats a member of your family this Christmas?


GIVE A GIFT WITH A LASTING IMPACT

Holiday shopping got you stressed? Cat sponsorships make great Christmas gifts! PFA will provide a photo of your sponsored cat, an information pack and a holiday greeting card to give when you gift a sponsorship in someone else's name. You can sponsor a cat or kitten for any amount you wish (funds are collected via PayPal or cheque). Donations greater than $20 are eligible for a tax receipt -- only available in the donor's name. Be sure to provide your mailing address when paying for a sponsorship and PFA will send your card and photo the following business day. Visit our sponsorship page for more information.


FERAL FEEDERS NEEDED

We are looking for volunteers to help feed cats in our feral colonies around the city. If you have an hour or two each week to help make a real difference in homeless cats' lives, this job is for you. For more information, read the job description here.


GRACE'S STORY

Last week, PFA got a call about a seven-year-old female cat who was rescued from the cold, frozen to the ground, debris stuck to her face from a goopy eye infection, starving, and so weak she could barely move. PFA rushed the cat, now named Grace, to a vet clinic. She was given a good prognosis along with fluids, antibiotics, a shave, and most importantly, some TLC that she really needed. Grace is a very calm and affectionate kitty, full of purrs and gratitude to be safe, fed and warm. She is now in a wonderful foster home, where we know she will get the love and care she needs to help her make a full recovery. Grace is the kind of cat that inspires the street work that PFA focuses on, and we are happy we could be there for this sweet girl. For more information on Grace, please contact us at pfasask@gmail.com or visit our website at www.pfasask.com if you wish to donate toward her care.


SHOULD CATS BE ALLOWED TO ROAM?

This is the latest article in a Mythbusters series written by PFA Past President Debbie Sentes. Some people believe that cats should be allowed to roam on their own and that it is cruel to contain a cat indoors or in a yard. Should cats be allowed to roam? For the answer, read the full article here.

LB

In Memory of LB 

August 1996 – December 16, 2012

I can’t believe it was over 16 years that my beautiful LB picked me to be her human. She was so tiny she fit into the palm of my hand. And she was a handful, she kept me on my toes, her name officially was “Little Bugger.” I christened her that when on the way home from the RHS - she sliced my finger open when I stuck it through the hole in the kennel to pet her while I was stopped at the red light on the corner of Albert Street & 9th Avenue North.

Through the years LB stood for a lot of things beside Little Bugger, when I took her into be spayed the vet techs changed it to another B word when she nearly took one of their arms off. She was a feisty girl - when she was young the vet techs wouldn’t handle her if they didn’t have to. She was allergic to one of the vaccines that as a young cat she got yearly so she had to spend the day at the clinic to be monitored and I’d pick her up on my way home from work. I always had to go in the back and transfer her from the cage to her kennel; the vet techs gave her a very wide berth. While she was very happy to see me, I paid for days for taking her in for her shots. I believe she had her last vaccine when she was about 5 years old, it just wasn’t worth stressing her out, and I didn’t like the payback!

She had a love/hate relationship with my dad, one of her favourite past times was annoying him and he would take aim and throw his hat at her every time he saw her up on a counter or the kitchen table (which of course had the best view of the back yard). But he was always checking to make sure she was in the house at night and when he came home from the hospital after he had his first stroke, she was constantly by his side and he really appreciated her company. When he passed on in December of 2006 LB was out of sorts for a long time. I’m 100% certain that they’ve resumed their relationship and his hat goes flying at her often!

She was also known as Little Brat, Little Baby, Little Bit and of course Little Buddy. A truer friend there never was. She knew when I needed her to wrap herself around my neck and purr. I miss that already, I take comfort in knowing she doesn’t hurt anymore and her suffering was brief. Until I see you again, keep an eye on me my baby girl.

Should cats be allowed to roam?

By Debbie Sentes, Past President, PFA

Every animal’s life has value, and each one is a unique, irreplaceable individual with needs and feelings, just like us! Responsible pet ownership means we should provide our animals with love, kindness, good quality pet food, shelter, sterilizations, vet care and safety. One major way we can keep our pets safe is by keeping them under control in our own yards, and not letting them roam. Cats not kept in check face many dangers such as being injured or killed by cars or other animals, freezing to death in winter, acts of cruelty, getting accidentally locked in sheds and garages, and consuming poisons. Keeping your pet indoors or restricted to your own yard can improve relationships with neighbors who don’t appreciate your animal soiling in their yard or causing other problems. Roaming cats also kill or maim birds and other animals such as squirrels. Additionally, unsterilized cats allowed to roam contribute to the serious pet over-population problem.

The City of Regina has a bylaw in place that stipulates that cats as well as dogs must be licensed and kept under control, and not allowed to roam freely outdoors. If your cat or dog is caught running at large, the fine can be between $100 and $300. Failure to purchase a license could result in an additional fine between $150 and $350. The license fee for an unsterilized cat is $100 per year which is reduced to $20 if the cat has been spayed or neutered or if it is a kitten under six months of age. The cost of a dog license for a non-sterilized dog is $100 a year which is reduced to $25 if your dog is sterilized or if it is a puppy under 6 months of age. Licenses can be purchased at City Hall, the Regina Humane Society or from veterinarians.

Keeping cats indoors is the safest option. If you prefer that your cat gets fresh air and sunshine, a cat run made from wire mesh and wood can be easily made. It should include a partial roof (can also be shingled) and a ledge for your cat to sit on. If your house has a small basement window facing the back yard, the run could be attached to the house and the cat could come in and out as it pleases. Sometimes it can be difficult to get the cat to come back inside, but if you do it before dusk and offer kitty some canned cat food or Temptation treats, there usually isn’t a problem getting them in. If the run is not attached to the house, a small door can be added.

If you would like to tie your cat out on a collar and rope in your back yard in good weather, your yard should be fenced in. Pet shops sell items that ropes can be tied to and stuck in the ground. The rope should never be long enough that the cat can reach a fence, a tree, or get tangled around any patio furniture. Cats can easily hang themselves and it could be a death sentence for the animal. Ensure collars are attached to the rope tightly to ensure the knots don’t come undone. It is also imperative that shade is provided at all times. Within minutes of being in direct sunshine (even if it’s not hot), a cat can start to heat up very quickly. Whatever choice you make, the cat should be supervised and never left out for long periods of time.

Oscar

In Memory of Oscar

October 2012

Oscar (left) was adopted through People for Animals in 2006 with his mom, Pasha (right), when Oscar was a kitten and Pasha a young mom. He had six and a half active, happy years before his untimely death this month.

Should I let my female animal have one litter before having her spayed?

By Debbie Sentes, Past President, People for Animals of Saskatchewan

Tragically, there are people who still believe their cat or dog should be allowed to have one litter before they are spayed. Some think that their pets’ personality will change if the animal is sterilized before reproducing at least once. Others want to teach their children about the “miracle of birth” or worry that their animals will become overweight and inactive.

Spaying or neutering will only reduce or eliminate the behaviors that you don’t want, such as aggression and urine marking. Neutered males are less likely to roam, fight, or mark their territory with urine. Spayed females experience less hormone-related moodiness such as the stress and discomfort that females endure during heat periods. It is best to spay animals before they reach sexual maturity to reap the full health benefits. Spaying your female companion animal before her first heat cycle means she will have one-seventh the risk of developing mammary cancer. Spaying also eliminates female animals’ risk of diseases and cancers of the ovaries and uterus. Neutering also eliminates male animals’ risk of testicular cancer and reduces unwanted behaviors such as biting.

Allowing your animal to reproduce only teaches your children irresponsibility. Every year, millions of animals are killed in animal shelters, most simply because of a lack of good homes. Bringing more animals into a world that is already short of homes means that animals in animal shelters will die.

Cats and dogs become overweight and inactive because their guardians feed them too much and exercise them too little, not because they are sterilized.

Spaying and neutering makes a big difference. Just one unaltered female dog and her offspring can product 67,000 puppies in only six years. In seven years, one female cat and her offspring can produce an incredible 370,000 kittens!

Sterilized animals live longer, happier lives. Clearly, the single most important thing we can do to save cats and dogs from all the suffering and death that their overpopulation causes is to have them spayed or neutered!

Source: PETA

Cleo

In Memory of Cleo

This beautiful picture and poem were sent to us by a loyal supporter who marks the passing of her beloved cat, Cleo, each year with an in memoriam donation to PFA. It is so touching to see the difference Cleo made in her life, how she still holds a special place in her heart, and how other cats are being helped in Cleo's memory.

Cleo, Can You Hear Me?

Cleo, can you hear me,
When I call your name at night?
Cleo, can you feel me,
When I miss you and cry?
Cleo, do you remember,
When I would sit and stroke your fur?
Cleo, I remember,
The last time I heard you purr.
Cleo, do you miss me,
As I miss you every day?
Cleo, can you hear me,
When I call your name at night?

New New

In Memory of New New
December 10, 2009

New New was a stray my son, Danny, and I trapped in December 1992. He was so small with the cutest little ears sticking out the side of his little head. They remained on the small side throughout his life.

After a couple weeks living with the under-the-bed dust bunnies, I towed him out to show him the litter box in the basement. It took fifteen minutes to walk down the set of 12 steps for at each step, he shook with fear and pressed against me. That was it – I was hooked. I put a found ad in the local paper and prayed no one would phone. One night, Danny answered a call saying it was a woman calling about the kitten. My heart froze – how much should I offer to pay for my new friend? The caller was from People for Animals who offered to try to find a home for this little guy if need be. Can you imagine my relief?

We had adopted another cat a week before New New came into our lives, and Danny and I hadn’t yet selected a name for the first cat. We started to use the terms “New cat” and “New New cat” to distinguish the two. By the time we agreed upon a name for the first kitty, the name New New had stuck.

New New was always shy. He never showed up when company arrived, instead choosing to hurtle down the stairs in record time. Nor was he a mean cat. He got along well with everybody, and soon became good friends with the dog, even walking under her from time to time. He spent some of the time outdoors, and loved to sit on the deck or in the flowers along the perimeters of the yard.

He was a huge talker. And he asked for food all the time. He had a nasally, two-part meow. He couldn’t take a step without a meow-ow to accompany it. One day, he had me laughing so hard I ached for weeks. He beat me downstairs to the feeding table thinking I may give him a morsel or two. I told him he didn’t need any more food, and that he was fat. “Meow-ow!" he said. “No, you’re fat,” I repeated. “Meow-ow!" he repeated. This went on for so long, I couldn’t continue as I was laughing too hard and in too much pain.

The absolute best thing about New New was his gentleness. He would wait until I was asleep, and then, so carefully and so slowly, so as not to disturb me, and ever so gently, lie down over my neck and purr softly. This never failed to make me happy – never. And, in the mornings, every day for all his life, he would lie on my lap while I did my hair. I would then hold him up over my shoulder and we would rub cheeks for a minute while I told him he was mommy’s little buddy. These were our special times together.

He took me by surprise one day. I had been feeding a large feral stray male named Guest Cat. Guest Cat came by one beautiful spring afternoon when New New and a gentle tortie named Blossoms were sunning on the deck. For some reason, Guest Cat attacked Blossoms. Before I could process what was happening, New New had flown over and took on the big Tom. Guest Cat left with far less fur than he arrived with, and I was picking up chunks of it days later. I was very proud of New New.

New New loved loved loved to be brushed. No matter whom I was brushing or how far away we were, New New would appear demanding his share of the attention. He was so reliable that way.

At 13 years of age, he went missing from a friend’s house in Govan, Saskatchewan. New New and the two dogs were spending the weekend there while I attended a family reunion. This home had a cat door, but New New had never used one before, and showed no indication of understanding its functionality at this time. But he was nowhere to be found. I was terrified. Hundreds of posters and six weeks later, New New walks into the yard from where he went missing. He was about five pounds lighter and his paws were slightly worn, but otherwise, was in great condition. We had a wonderful reunion. He rubbed and purred and rubbed and purred into my face. Now, New New didn’t travel well and on every trip so far, he spent the entire time on the floor of the car, meow-owing from seven to 30 times a minute. This time, however, he sat on my lap the entire trip back to Regina and only meow-owed seven times in total. I took the next day off work so we could spend more time together. I still think I was happier than he was, but how will I ever know? I often wonder if he went on tour or if he landed in the back of pickup truck and went for a ride. Whatever the situation, I was proud and so happy he made it home.

New New developed kidney failure at the age of 16. For the next seven months he was given at-home treatments, and he held on as long as he could. He became very skinny and frail. One lovely fall day in October 2009, he asked to go. Danny and I and New New went to the clinic together. As I held him up close to my shoulder as I had done so many times before, we rubbed faces for the last time, and he peacefully and willingly passed away.

New New, I called you mommy’s little buddy, but you know you were so much more than that. You were my very best feline friend of all time.

Love,
Paulette

Savio

In Memory of Savio
April 12, 2000 - October 27, 2012

Rusty

In Memory of Rusty
October 27, 2009

In early May 2009, an angel came into my life in the form of a sad looking starving tabby cat who we named Rusty. He was so thin petting him was painful. Rusty was quick to show how loving he was in spite of being abandoned to die in a ditch. He gave the best head butts and was first to the door to greet visitors. Rusty loved to give and receive kisses. He was an avid hugger, reaching his little paw up to wrap around your neck or to stroke your face. He would cuddle up beside my head at night and sleep with his face against mine.

My friend, Debbie, a dog person, received her first head butt from Rusty and was surprised at the gentle but insistent nature of the experience. He was the first cat that ever loved her. That was our Rusty, such a love bug! He touched the hearts of all who met him.

Rusty had many ups and downs in the short time he was with me, even a near death experience. But his diabetes and complicating factors proved to be too much for even a super cat. I was with him until he passed over; knowing he was loved and cared for. On October 27th at 3:50 p.m. Rusty was given his wings and went home to the arms of the angels.

Good bye for now Rusty until we meet again.

With Love, Denise, Nicole & Debbie.

A Poem about Cats

And God asked the feline spirit
Are you ready to come home?
Oh, yes, quite so, replied the precious soul
And, as a cat, you know I am most able
To decide anything for myself.

Are you coming then? asked God.
Soon, replied the whiskered angel
But I must come slowly
For my human friends are troubled
For you see, they need me, quite certainly.
But don't they understand? asked God
That you'll never leave them?
That your souls are intertwined. For all eternity?
That nothing is created or destroyed?
It just is....forever and ever and ever.
Eventually they will understand,
Replied the glorious cat
For I will whisper into their hearts
That I am always with them
I just am....forever and ever and ever.

Author Unknown

Corporate Sponsorship

As a registered charity, People for Animals is reliant upon volunteers and independent fundraising activities. It is with the support of sponsorship partners that we are able to fulfill our mandate to realize a better environment for the feline populations we monitor and control, and for the communities in which they live.

Our corporate sponsorship recognition levels are below. Please contact us at pfasask@gmail.com for more information on how your business can make a difference. If you require the PFA logo for signage, send your request to pfasask@gmail.com

Thank you to our Platinum Sponsor:

At Champion Petfoods, our mission is clear and strong: We make Biologically Appropriate Dog and Cat foods from Fresh Regional Ingredients in our own local kitchens.


With shared passion to support those cats and dogs who need us most, we thank People for Animals for their work in our communities, and we are pleased for the opportunity to support them with on-going ACANA and ORIJEN food donations.

Thank you to our Silver Sponsor:

Metro Pet Market is the premiere pet lifestyle store, providing only the freshest, most nutritious wholesome foods available while providing natural solutions. Continuing its commitment to responsible pet acquisition and ownership, Metro Pet Market is a proud corporate sponsor of People for Animals. Every pet deserves a forever home, and every pet deserves to be a Metro pet.

Thank you to our Bronze Sponsors:

Karla Piel of Remax Joyce Tourney Realty
"Every breathing Being deserves a warm, friendly place to call home. I am a very proud sponsor of People For Animals and will sponsor the adoption of one furry friend for every house that I sell. It is my passion to make sure that I can help these lifetime friends find forever homes."

Welcome to Flux CrossFit, The School of Human Movement. Through education and expert coaching, our school cultivates a unique understanding and demonstration of physical culture. Our focus at Flux is movement, athleticism, and quality of life. We concentrate on making real, honest gains in physical health.

_________________________________________________________

 

Platinum Level Sponsorship

Corporate donors contributing a minimum of $10,000 are eligible to receive:

1. A charitable tax receipt
2. A logo, listing, and link on our Sponsors web page for one year from the date of listing
3. A feature story on the People for Animals blog about the sponsorship, which is also promoted on the PFA Facebook and Twitter pages
4. A featured promotion on the People for Animals website
5. An acknowledgement of sponsorship on signage displayed at PFA events
6. An acknowledgement of sponsorship on all printed PFA materials for one year from the date of sponsorship
7. A feature story about the sponsorship in the PFA annual newsletter
8. An honourary lifetime membership in PFA.

Gold Level Sponsorship

Corporate donors contributing a minimum of $5,000 are eligible to receive:

1. A charitable tax receipt
2. A logo, listing, and link on our Sponsors web page for one year from the date of listing
3. A feature story on the People for Animals blog about the sponsorship, which is also promoted on the PFA Facebook and Twitter pages
4. A featured promotion on the PFA website
5. An acknowledgement of sponsorship on signage displayed at PFA events.

 

Silver Level Sponsorship

Corporate donors contributing a minimum of $2,500 are eligible to receive:

1. A charitable tax receipt
2. A logo, listing, and link on our Sponsors web page for one year from the date of listing.
3. A feature story on the PFA blog about the sponsorship, which is also promoted on the PFA Facebook and Twitter pages.

Bronze Level Sponsorship

Corporate donors contributing a minimum of $500 are eligible to receive:

1. A charitable tax receipt
2. A logo, listing and link on our Sponsors web page for one year from the date of listing

PFA E-Bulletin Volume 18 (October 2012)

In this issue:

• Please help - PFA stretched beyond capacity!
• Donate to PFA via your workplace United Way campaign
• Winter supplies for feral cats needed
• Foster homes in short supply
• Can't adopt or foster? Sponsor a PFA cat or kitten!
• Request for in-kind donations
• Upcoming events: Magic Cauldron: Hallowe'en Holistic/Psychic Fair, Hallowe'en Pet Pictures, Stir Fry Night
• Volunteers for final two Riders games needed
• Injured kitten Monty gets a second chance
• PFA foster cat featured in award-winning book

PLEASE HELP! PFA STRETCHED BEYOND CAPACITY

With around 140 cats in foster care (almost 50 of them in three of our foster homes!), we are struggling to provide food and veterinary care for them. About 30 foster kittens will need to be sterilized in the next few months if they are not adopted, a huge expenditure. Our feral cat Trap/Neuter/Release program is also in full swing right now to prevent the births of more homeless kittens. We have a long waiting list of cats on the cold streets that we are unable to take in because there is no room in our foster homes. And we have had to turn away numerous requests for help from members of the public. PFA is stretched beyond capacity, and we desperately need your help in the areas of financial contributions, new foster homes, and fundraising volunteers. If you can help us with a donation of any size, please visit http://www.pfasask.com/2012/03/make-donation-to-pfa.html or email us at pfasask@gmail.com if you are able to serve as a foster home or volunteer to help us at fundraising events. We and our many foster and feral cats and kittens thank you.


DONATE TO PFA VIA 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.

While there are a number of charities supported by the United Way, donors are also given the option to direct their donation to a charity of their choice. If you would like to support PFA through the United Way campaign in your workplace, all you need to do is designate your donation to People for Animals and list our charitable registration number: #899625990RR0001. Thank you for your support!


WINTER SUPPLIES FOR FERAL CATS NEEDED
We are gearing up for the cold weather to make sure that our many feral cats can make it through the winter. We've already had one feral cat shelter-making bee, and will be having another one soon. If you're interested in helping to construct the shelters, email us at pfasask@gmail.com. We are also looking for donations of heated water bowls and 50' extension cords so that the outdoor cats will have fresh water all winter. If you purchase these items, please retain the receipt so we may write you a tax receipt for a gift-in-kind.


FOSTER HOMES IN SHORT SUPPLY

We are rescuing more cats and kittens than we can find foster homes for! Do you have a spare room and some love to give? PFA will provide food, litter, veterinary care and other help if you're willing to open up your home to give temporary shelter to  stray cats or kittens. For more information of what being a Foster Home involves, read the Volunteer Job Description.


SPONSOR A PFA CAT OR KITTEN
 

Are you unable to adopt or foster a cat or kitten, but still want to help our rescued pets? Sponsoring a PFA cat or kitten is a great way to make a difference. Your sponsorship will be acknowledged on the rescued cat's web page, and you will be notified when your sponsored cat is adopted. You may sponsor the adoption fee of the cat or kitten in order to help them be adopted by a wonderful fur-ever home. Sponsorship donations may also be used to help pay for medical care, spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, food, litter and any other expenses that may occur while the cat is in foster care. Donations of $20 or more will receive tax receipts. Please take a look through our Cat-A-Logue  to choose an animal to sponsor and then email us at pfasask@gmail.com to make it official.






REQUEST FOR IN-KIND DONATIONS

We have more cats and kittens in our care right now than ever before, and we are in serious need of wet and dry food as well as cat litter. If possible, we would appreciate mid-to-high-quality food, as the lower-quality foods (e.g. no-name brand) contain corn, fillers, and other by-products that have a negative impact on our foster and feral cats' long-term health. Please remember that we issue tax receipts for gifts-in-kind as long as you bring us the receipts for the food you've purchased and donated. We also appreciate donations of loose change, recyclable bottles and cans, Canadian Tire money, and cash donations.


UPCOMING EVENTS

Just as we're busy rescuing cats and kittens off the street, we're also busy with some much-needed fundraising activities. We are participating in the Magic Cauldron: Hallowe'en Holistic/Psychic Fair at Executive Royal Hotel Regina (formerly West Harvest Inn at 4025 Albert Street) on Oct. 27 (entry fee is a donation to PFA); and the Hallowe'en Pet Pictures event at PetValu on Oct. 27 (all proceeds donated to PFA and Bright Eyes Dog Rescue.) We are also holding a Stir Fry Night at Mongolie Grill on November 8 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Contact us at pfasask@gmail.com to purchase or help sell tickets. Please come out and support us!


VOLUNTEERS FOR RIDERS GAMES CONCESSION NEEDED
There are two home games left in the season (Oct. 20 and 27), and PFA needs your help for us to score some touchdowns! Fundraising touchdowns, that is. PFA has had the exceptional opportunity to volunteer at the Western Pizza concessions at Riders home games. We need 20 volunteers for each game, so if you can help us in the final quarter, it would be much appreciated. Just click here for the job description and email us at pfasask@gmail.com.


INJURED KITTEN MONTY GETS A SECOND CHANCE

Four-month-old stray tabby kitten Monty was hit by a car and left lying in the gutter all night, in pain. Fortunately, he was picked up by a passerby who called PFA. Monty's leg was broken and his pelvis fractured, requiring surgery. Just weeks later, the sweet little guy is walking around as though nothing happened and cuddling everyone he can find. Read Monty's story on our blog.

We were happy to help Monty with his second chance at life, but we need some financial help with his vet bills. If you can contribute to the cost of Monty's surgery and recovery, contact us at pfasask@gmail.com for more information.


PFA FOSTER CAT FEATURED IN AWARD-WINNING BOOK
A story written by PFA volunteer Denise Burant about Rusty, a PFA foster cat who touched her life, was published in the book, Angels: Winged Whispers – True Stories from Angel Experts Around the World, edited by Sophie Fairchild (Soul Wings Press). The book has recently been recognized in the USA with a Bronze Medal Award in the Living Now Book Awards, in the category of Metaphysical Books. Congratulations to Denise on becoming an award-winning author! You can purchase the book on Amazon here.

Cheque or Cash

You can mail your cheque to:

People for Animals of Saskatchewan Inc.
PO Box 33066
Cathedral Postal Outlet
Regina, Saskatchewan S4T 7X2

We also gladly accept cash donations at our events, or you may arrange for a volunteer to pick up the donation by emailing pfasask@gmail.com.

Tax receipts are issued for donations of $25 or more. To receive a tax receipt for gifts-in-kind, store receipts must be submitted to PFA with the donation.

People for Animals' Charitable Registration number is #8996 2599 ORR 0001.

Donate via 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.

While there are a number of charities supported by the United Way, donors are also given the option to direct their donation to a charity of their choice.

If you would like to support People for Animals through the United Way campaign in your workplace, all you need to do is designate your donation to People for Animals of Saskatchewan Inc. and list our charitable registration number: #8996 2599 0RR 0001.

Thank you for your support!

Make a Bequest in Your Will

Making a charitable bequest in your will to People for Animals of Saskatchewan Inc. is a wonderful and positive way to leave a legacy that will improve the lives of abandoned cats and kittens on Regina's streets.

Charitable will bequests allow you to make a significant charitable gift that may not always be possible to make during your lifetime. There are many benefits of creating a charitable will bequest, including:

• Reduced Taxes for Your Estate – A charitable gift is an effective way to reduce taxes for your estate. People for Animals will issue an official tax receipt for the full value of the will bequest when it is received. This receipt can then be used to reduce the tax payable on your final return.
• Flexible and Revocable – A charitable gift may be made for any amount, no matter how old you are. As well, a will bequest gift is revocable at any time, should your financial situation change.
• Help Abandoned Cats and Kittens in Regina – Your charitable bequest will make a lasting difference to abandoned cats and kittens on our streets.
• Leave a Lasting Legacy – Your charitable gift will be a lasting legacy for you, your family or anyone you wish to honour.

A will bequest can be as simple as a sentence or two naming People for Animals of Saskatchewan Inc. in your will or adding a codicil to your existing will.

There are different kinds of bequests and for each, you must use very specific language to indicate the precise direction of your assets, and to successfully carry out your final wishes.

Please see your professional adviser (financial analyst, lawyer, or planned giving officer) to make arrangements for your bequest to People for Animals of Saskatchewan Inc.

People for Animals' Charitable Registration number is #8996 2599 ORR 0001. 

Donate in Memory of a Loved One

Celebrate and remember a loved one or friend by making a special gift in their memory. This is a wonderful and positive way to commemorate their life, and help People for Animals improve the lives of abandoned cats and kittens in Regina.

You may make a secure donation online via PayPal. On the second screen, click "How May We Direct Your Donation?" to include the name of the person you are honouring. Please also email us at pfasask@gmail.com so we can be sure to notify the family of your donation. 

You may also donate by cheque. Please include the name of the person you are honouring and mail to:

People for Animals of Saskatchewan Inc.
PO Box 33066
Cathedral Postal Outlet
Regina, Saskatchewan  S4T 7X2

Tax receipts are issued for donations of $25 or more.

People for Animals' Charitable Registration number is #8996 2599 ORR 0001.

Is your cat peeing outside the litter box?

By Amy Schneider
(Adapted from: http://www.catsofaustralia.com/cat-spraying-urine.htm)

If you’ve ever seen a cat stand with its rear end facing a vertical surface and vibrate its tail, it’s probably spraying. And if you’ve ever smelled the result – cat urine – you’ll never mistake it… it’s very strong, and very difficult to remove.

Cat spraying, or marking, is a natural part of cat behaviour. Mainly un-neutered
(unfixed) male cats spray, though all cats, even females, could take on this habit.
Spraying is not connected to urinating, and so it normally has nothing to do with litter
box use. In other words, spraying is completely different from peeing. Cats spray to
mark territory with the pheromones in their urine, not because they need to use the
washroom. They may do this for three main reasons.

It’s important to know that nearly all un-neutered male cats will spray as part of their natural behaviour. Female cats in heat may also spray. In both cases, unsterilized cats are acting out their natural territorial behaviour, or are trying to attract the opposite sex.

Cats that are not sterilized have more of the hormones that lead them to this habit. In addition, any cat, sterilized or not, may spray if it is experiencing stress, such as if it is living in crowded conditions with other cats. Other sources of stress may also cause your cat to start spraying. It’s important to discover if the cause could be stress and to try to eliminate it. Common causes of stress for cats include any major chances to its home or daily routine, such as the addition of other pets to the house, the arrival of a baby, a new roommate, or even a new arrangement of your furniture. Finally, another cause of spraying is physical – if you can’t figure out any changes to your cats life that could be causing it stress, you should take him/her to the vet to make sure that a painful urinary tract disease isn’t causing the problem.

What can we do to avoid spraying in the first place? Knowing that spraying usually
occurs in unsterilized cats, the obvious solution is for us to have our cats spayed or
neutered at an early age. Doing so will likely prevent them from ever establishing this behaviour. Even if they have already begun spraying, studies show that most will stop after being sterilized. So, in addition to keeping the population of cats down,
sterilization has the added benefit of reducing this nasty behaviour.

If your cat is already sterilized and continues or begins to spray, there are a few things you can do rather than send him/her packing. There are other products for sale that may dissuade your cat from this behaviour, such as mechanical devices that spray,
release a “friendly smell,” or give them a small shock if they go to the area they have been spraying. In rare cases, if the cause is stress and your doctor feels it necessary, he/she may prescribe anti anxiety pills for your cat. In addition to trying to figure out the cause of the spraying and dealing with it, you will also need to sort out a way to remove the terrible odour of the sprayed urine. There are products for sale that can remove this smell, but you can also try detergents that contain enzymes, and a solution of 1:1 vinegar and water.

Once again, the best method of prevention is to get your cat neutered or sterilized
before he/she reaches maturity. It is never too late to have your cat sterilized, though, so even if the problem has begun, take your cat in for this procedure immediately. If sterilizing does not stop the spraying, or if your cat is spraying even though it has already been sterilized, consider if the cause may be behavioural (stress) or physical. If it’s behavioural, try to remove the stress from your cat’s life. If it may be physical, take your cat to a vet for a check up, and explain the problem. There are several solutions to this problem, and no cat should ever be “evicted” because of it. Everyone deserves a second chance!

Responsible Pet Ownership

By Debbie Sentes, Past President, People for Animals of Saskatchewan

So You Want to Adopt a Pet?

Every animal’s life has value, and each one is a unique, irreplaceable individual with needs and feelings, just like us! Responsible pet ownership means that we provide our pet with love, kindness, good quality pet food, shelter, sterilization and vet care - they will thank you by giving you many years of love and enjoyment in return! If you’re like most of us, falling in love with an animal is easy, and sharing your home with a four-legged friend can be one of life’s greatest joys. But the decision to adopt a pet is a serious one; owning an animal requires a huge commitment of both time and money. Animals such as cats and dogs can live 12 to 20 years, and veterinary costs can add up very quickly if your animal becomes ill.

It is absolutely essential to have your pet spayed (female) or neutered (male), to prevent unwanted litters and for the health and well-being of the animal. In Regina, the cost to sterilize a cat ranges from approximately $150 to more than $200, depending on the sex of the animal. Regina Humane Society offers a Low-Income Spay/Neuter Program, which offers subsidized sterilization for low-income households. It is also extremely important that cats and dogs receive their vaccinations – an additional cost one must consider in the equation.

Free-Roaming Cats Face Dangers Outdoors

Cats are social animals that crave human companionship, so your animal deserves to live indoors with you and your family. The City of Regina has a bylaw in place that stipulates cats must be kept under control and are not allowed to roam freely outdoors (just like dogs). Keeping your cat under control is the only way to keep it safe from dangers such as freezing to death in winter, being injured or killed by cars, other animals or acts of cruelty by humans. It also improves relationships with neighbours who do not appreciate your cat soiling in their yards or causing other problems. You can allow your cat access to fresh air and sunshine during the summer months by building an affordable wire mesh and wood cat run, provided that it has shade and the cat is only allowed in the run for short periods of time while under your supervision.

Why Spay/Neuter?

Pet overpopulation is a crisis in North America. It is estimated that several million cats are killed in shelters across Canada every year, and in the United States the numbers are even higher – a staggering four million are euthanized (that’s one every eight seconds) because there are simply not enough homes for them all. A primary cause of unwanted companion animals is the failure of humans to sterilize their pets. When people allow their unsterilized animals to wander and mate, the resulting offspring may face a life of misery on the street. Kittens born outside will become feral (wild) if they are not handled when they are very young, and can start reproducing at five or six months of age (that is, if they are able to find food, shelter, and avoid being hit by cars). Some unwanted kittens and puppies may end up in unkind, irresponsible homes. And of course many will end up at the already overcrowded Humane Society, where staff members who love pets have the heart-wrenching job of euthanizing cats, kittens, dogs and other animals, most of whom are affectionate, young and healthy.

A fertile female cat will produce an average of three litters of four to six kittens per year. There are approximately 10,000 babies born in the U.S. each day – and 70,000 puppies and kittens!! No wonder there are not enough homes to go around! In 2011, statistics provided by the Regina Humane Society show that 76% of the animals euthanized at the shelter were cats. Approximately 1,900 cats came into the shelter that year, and more than 1,400 of those had to be killed.

Spaying and neutering helps animals live longer, healthier lives by eliminating or reducing many health problems. Spayed females will avoid uterine and ovarian cancer; neutered males cannot get testicular cancer and have less chance of prostate cancer. Sterilized animals are far less likely to roam in search of mates, getting into fights or lost in the process. They therefore have a greatly reduced chance of coming into contact with fatal diseases such as feline leukemia or FIV (feline AIDS), which are spread through the exchange of bodily fluids.

Spayed and neutered animals become more affectionate companions and the procedure will eliminate or reduce many behavior and temperament problems. For instance, neutered cats are far less likely to spray and mark territory by urinating indoors, and neutering dogs reduces socially inappropriate mounting. Spaying female dogs and cats eliminates the heat cycle which can invoke constant howling. Sterilized animals are also less likely to bite their guardians and other people, as it reduces aggressiveness.

If you are going to have a pet, PLEASE spay or neuter!

Adoption Fair Today!

Don't forget about our monthly adoption fair at Pet Valu in Harbour Landing, where some of the sweetest kittens ever will be looking for homes!

Featured kittens include:

• Hank: http://pets.pfasask.com/2012/07/people-for-animals-is-local-street.html
• Ziva, Zeke and Zara:
•  http://pets.pfasask.com/2012/07/zara.html
• http://pets.pfasask.com/2012/07/zeke.html
• http://pets.pfasask.com/2012/07/ziva.html
• Baxter: http://pets.pfasask.com/2012/07/baxter.html
• Alvin: http://pets.pfasask.com/2012/07/alvin.html
• Owen, Emmet, Finnegan, Jackson and Keira: http://pets.pfasask.com/2012/07/owen-emmet-jackson-keira-and-finnegan.html
• and more...

Hope to see you there! 

-Alanna

PFA E-Bulletin, Volume 17 (August 2012)

In this issue:

• New PFA Website and URL
• PFA on Pinterest
• Volunteer Job Descriptions
• Grant Application Volunteer Needed
• Foster Homes in Short Supply
• Feral Team Garage Sale - Sat., Aug. 25, 2012
• Kitten Adoption Fair at Pet Valu - Sat., Aug. 25, 2012
• New Fundraising Committee Co-chairs
• Farewell to Two Long-Serving Volunteers
• Five-Millionth Adoption from PetSmart
• Surprise Rescue Saved Alexandra's Life

NEW WEBSITE

PFA has some snazzy new web digs! Check out www.pfasask.com for a fresh look and updated features. NOTE: Our old URL (www.people4animals.ca) is currently forwarding visitors to the new site, but please update your bookmarks to the new URL at www.pfasask.com. Our blog is now integrated into the website, so it is easier to find. Thank you to Elan Morgan of Ninjamatics (www.ninjamatics.com) for doing such a beautiful job on the new web design!


PFA ON PINTEREST

If you're a fan of the photo bulletin board site Pinterest, you can find PFA and photos of our many adoptable cats and kittens there. Follow us at pinterest.com/pfasask


VOLUNTEER JOB DESCRIPTIONS

Thought about volunteering for PFA but weren't sure what was involved? We want to make it easy for you to help us and Regina's stray cats, so we've created Job Descriptions for our various volunteer positions, which range from working the fundraising concession stand at Riders Games to feeding feral cats to serving on one of our committees. Browse the job descriptions here: http://www.pfasask.com/2012/06/volunteer-job-descriptions.html and get in touch with us once something piques your interest.


GRANT APPLICATION VOLUNTEER NEEDED

Do you have experience applying for grants or other funding? PFA is looking for new sources of revenue to help us achieve our goals, and there are many businesses that offer grants to non-profits. However, we need some help to make our applications as successful as possible. If you are a good writer and are looking to contribute to PFA in a very meaningful way, please contact us at pfasask@gmail.com.


FOSTER HOMES IN SHORT SUPPLY

We are rescuing more cats and kittens than we can find foster homes for! Do you have a spare room and some love to give? PFA will provide food, litter, veterinary care and other help if you're willing to open up your home to give temporary shelter to  stray cats or kittens. For more information of what being a Foster Home involves, read the Volunteer Job Description here: http://www.pfasask.com/2012/06/foster-care-provider-foster-home.html


FERAL CAT TEAM GARAGE SALE - SAT., AUG. 25

Looking for something to do this Saturday? Check out our garage sale and pick up some great deals in support of our many feral cats. Location is 167 Bothwell Cres. and the sale runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Bring a friend!

KITTEN ADOPTION FAIR AT PET VALU - SAT., AUG. 25

After you check out the garage sale, swing by Pet Valu to meet some of our adorable and very adoptable kittens. Pet Valu is located at 4662 Gordon Rd. and the fair runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.


NEW FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS

A big welcome to the new co-chairs of PFA's Fundraising Committee, Brianne Hoffman and Daylene Sliz. Brianne and Daylene are already hard at work coming up with new ideas to help us pay our vet bills and support the ever-growing list of cats and kittens in our care. If you would like to pitch in on the fundraising committee or volunteer at events, please check out the Volunteer Job Descriptions on our website and drop us a line.


FAREWELL TO TWO LONG-SERVING VOLUNTEERS

Two long-serving PFA volunteers are leaving the city, and we're going to miss their contributions greatly. Sarah Pump has had countless foster cats and kittens come through her home over the years. She also served on our board of directors and was instrumental in helping us grow as an organization. Wilfred Burton has served as a feral cat feeder, and he also volunteered for PFA at every Riders game, without fail. Thank you to Sarah and Wilfred for your dedication to our feral and foster cats and to PFA itself. We will miss you, but we know that you will find ways to help the homeless cats and kittens in your new cities. Best wishes to you both!

FIVE MILLIONTH ADOPTION FROM PETSMART

This summer, PetSmart announced its five millionth pet adoption! PetSmart works with animal rescue organizations like PFA to promote adoption instead of selling pets in its stores. Many of our foster cats have found fur-ever homes after spending just a few days at the PetSmart Adoption Centre in Regina. We're pleased to partner with them to ensure that our rescued cats have long, happy lives in loving homes. Congratulations, PetSmart!


SURPRISE RESCUE SAVED ALEXANDRA'S LIFE

Read about how a caring citizen stumbled across a pregnant and malnourished cat and saved her life with the help of PFA: http://blog.pfasask.com/2012/08/surprise-rescue-saved-alexandras-life.html

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