Today

Today I watched a child at play. I watched him climb and chase a tiny pillow. I watched him scale a nearby fence, run a bit, flop down and take a nap.

Today I watched a child at play. I watched him greet a friend, lock arms and walk away.

Today I watched a tired friend trapped in a chair and held in place by age.

But today I saw the tired friend escape the chair and lift away from age.  For this tired friend had found the child and escaped with him, in thought, to play.

Today, by chance, I watched again and then again, this story to unfold.

Today I watched this kitten-child with crippled paw, but still with life's spirit left intact, become a friend and lift and change the heart of Man.

The power of animals, their generosity and spirit, and their forgiveness is often seen by a child but ignored or whisked away as less important by "we human adults." They possess the plan to move the mountains and the human spirit. We must never take them lightly for if we do a little bit...though important bit, of our spirit leaves us too.

Life has now been explained.....

On the first day God created the dog. God said, "Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. I will give you a life span of twenty years."

The dog said, "That's too long to be barking. Give me ten years and I'll give you back the other ten." So God agreed.

On the second day God created the monkey. God said, "Entertain people, Do monkey tricks, make them laugh. I'll give you a twenty-year life span."

The monkey said, "How boring, monkey tricks for twenty years? I don't think so. Dog gave you back ten, so that's what I'll do too, okay?" And God agreed.

On the third day God created the cow. God said, "You must go  to the Field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer. I will give you a life span of sixty years."

The cow said, "That's kind of tough life you want me to live for sixty years. Let me have twenty and I'll give back the other forty." And God agreed again.

On the fourth day God created man. God said, "Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. I'll give you twenty years."

Man said, "What? Only twenty years! Tell you what, I'll take my twenty, and the forty the cow gave back and the ten the monkey gave back and the ten the dog gave back, that makes eighty, okay?"

"Okay," said God, "You've got a deal."

So that is why the first twenty years we eat, sleep, play, and enjoy ourselves; for the next forty years we slave in the sun to support our family; for the next ten years we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren; and for the last ten years we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.

Life has now been explained to you.

No wonder squirrels go crazy in the Fall!

I've lost my bone, my license,

my favorite toy, my bowl.

my water dish, my leash, and,

I think... my master!

 But never lose you sense of humor

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Hello again, friends!

            As summer approaches an end and fall signals her arrival, we being our fifth year since becoming an organization in August, 2001. Looking back to our original months of organization, I reflect on how far we have grown, the increased networking with other animal welfare groups, the growing support of community members and advisors, the ever-increasing exposure, as well as the countless successful adoptions of animals that truly had no other option. We have made a difference and strive to continue doing so through our work and dedication to our mission.

            Of course, the recent disaster of Hurricane Katrina has been paramount on our minds. It is so very touching to read the many stories of individuals involved in rescue efforts of the countless abandoned pets. When first watching news coverage of the disaster, it struck me immediately how often I would see people holding their little dogs or cats, waiting to be picked up by a rescue team. It was heartbreaking that many refused to leave their homes because their pets were unable to be rescued, risking, or in some cases giving up, their own lives because their animals were with them…how universal, the love of a furry friend and the impact they have on our lives. Second Chance donated money to Noah’s Wish, a charity dedicated solely to rescuing animals in disaster situations. I urge you to visit their web site at http://www.noahswish.org. This group is truly amazing!

            On another note, our fall season of fundraising is upon us. We held our first annual Pedals for Pets bike-a-thon on Sunday, September 25th, in Mansfield, PA. What a great time the cyclists and walkers had, and it resulted in our biggest fundraising profit ever! This will become an annual event, so if you would like to spend an hour or two on a gorgeous fall day next year either walking or biking a designated local trail, keep it in mind!

            We also appeared at the Wellsboro Homecoming Harvest Weekend on Saturday, October 1st and will be at the Holy Child Church 33rd Annual Christmas Craft & Gift Fair in Mansfield on November 5th. At these events we set up a booth and sell homemade biscuits, animal-related crafts, provide humane education materials, feature our book of current adoptable animals, and network with as many individuals interested in animal welfare as possible.

            Have a color-filled fall, and hope to see some of you at one of the festivals or fairs! On behalf of our furry friends, we thank you for your continuing support.

                                                                                                            Sue Cook, President

Happy Halloween!

Kasey's Kat Kolony

….a continuing diary of a feral cat colony that Second Chance is managing

            The day that Hurricane Ivan’s remains came to Tioga County during the fall of 2004 I discovered a litter of kittens that had been moved to the main feeding area.  Five kittens again, and all pure black.  Each day I noted their progress as they turned into fluffy black puffballs.  But as they grew, their eyes got yucky and their noses ran.  I went up one morning to feed them and a couple of them only had one little slit of an eye open to see.  I knew I had to do something, so the next morning, equipped with the favorite treat of soft canned food, a flashlight, and a cat carrier, I trucked up the road.  They are easier to lure out of their home when it’s dark.  They are curious about the flashlight beam and run out to investigate.   They got a whiff of that canned food and came running as I scooped the first one up.  One down, four to go.  Forty-five minutes later, I had only three in the carrier and it is almost time for work!  I gave up, feeling bad for the other two babies, but knowing that their momma was with them made it a littler easier.  I delivered the three babies to Dr. Kreger’s and vowed to have the other two the next morning.  *

            The next morning arrived and I gave my husband that pleading look, and soon enough we are both walking in the dark to catch kittens.  These other two kittens were crafty, even with only one eye open to see me; they still stayed out of my reach.  I then crawled under the building where they sleep and shooed them out towards the one opening, where my quick husband awaited.  Finally the other two were caught!

            The five little cuties quickly won the hearts of the staff at Dr. Kreger’s.  I went for a visit a few days later and what a transformation!  Their eyes were getting clearer and one was hanging off the cage door to get attention!  They stayed ten days and received antibiotics for their eyes and a digestive tract virus.  I picked up the five beautiful, sweet, fuzzballs that I returned to their ‘home.’  Disheartened that I can*t find them indoor forever homes, I made a promise that I will always take care of them the best that I can. 

In a matter of weeks, the little black babies had another bout with the crusty eyes and sneezes. However, I got another antibiotic and in a matter of days, two of the babies were running out to meet me, curling around my feet in eager anticipation of their treat.  One simply sat there and looked at me, waiting for me to pick him up and give him a pet and a kiss.  However, I didn’t hold him long. I didn’t want his brothers and sisters to get all the medication.  Once again their eyes cleared up and as I walked up the road, the five spunky babies were playing on hay bales chasing each other around.

One morning I reached out and started petting the one kitten*s little body and I heard a rumble.  I scooped him up and held him close and heard the loudest purr coming out of the littlest body!  I cuddled him close, since it was quite breezy and cold this morning.  I soon put him down thinking he had enough and I headed to the other feeding area to put out food.  I thought someone was walking in my footsteps. I turned around and my little buddy was right behind me!  I would love to be able to find this little fellow a home.  He’s very healthy and is starting to get a little belly to him (he’s been wormed) and he loves attention.  I would love to find him a home. 

            Well, my prayers were answered! My sweet little purr baby got a wonderful indoor home.  I brought him home and petted him and he cuddled in my arms purring, almost like he knew something good was going to happen.  His new ‘momma’ came and instantly fell in love with him.  She wrapped him securely in her shawl and headed home to greet his new sister. A week later another black kitten was delivered to a wonderful indoor home.  He even gets to experience the excitement during the summer of a screened in porch!

            Unfortunately, there are no other offers for homes for the black babies.  On December 9, 2004, two more males were caught in the trap and neutered and returned home. 

…..to be continued, with more happenings, in the next issue.

Read the entire diary on our website!

On another note.....

Hoppy is a kitten who is one of a litter of 8 kittens. With the assistance of the nice lady who is caring for them, Second Chance found homes for the other seven kittens. Hoppy is unique because he was born with one of his hind legs totally backwards! Dr. Kreger, a local vet, examined Hoppy and determined that a tendon is the probable cause and surgery would correct the situation. He agreed to perform the surgery and neuter Hoppy for a much reduced cost. We brought Hoppy to the Wellsboro Homecoming Harvest on October 1st and set out a donation can for help with Hoppy's surgery. Our faith in the compassion of Mankind is restored.....enough was raised to cover nearly all of the cost! Thank you, friends, for helping to give Hoppy a normal life! He truly is a real doll!

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Pedal for Pets a Huge Success!!!!

On Saturday, September 25th, Second Chance held our first annual Pedal for Pets Walk & Bike-a-thon. Mother Nature looked upon us kindly by providing us with a cool, comfortable day in which to ride a bike or walk the wonderful bike trail in Mansfield, PA. Participants attracted sponsors who pledged monetary amounts for their efforts. In conjunction with this we held a bake sale of people and doggie goodies in front of Hurley's Super Market in Mansfield. This fundraiser was the most productive fundraiser EVER and we wish to thank all of you who supported us in this endeavor in any way! We want to give a heartfelt acknowledgement also to Wellsboro radio station WNBT for providing T-shirts as prizes as well as Hurley's Super Market for donating beverages and table space at their business site. This will surely be an annual event every fall, so if you are so inclined, please plan on joining us next September at a local bike trail, or make plans to sponsor an energetic rider/walker!

Candles & Calendars for Critters

We are running an ongoing fundraising effort by selling candles & calendars. The Home & Garden Party candles come in a variety of pleasing scents such as: creamy vanilla, peaches & cream, apple pie, kiwi pear, orange blossom, fresh linen, and many more. The cost is $6. The 2006 calendars are full-color wall size and are printed on heavy, glossy paper stock. The cost is a very affordable $9. Each calendar is full of facts and many photos of the chosen theme. Some are whimsical, some are truly touching. The choices of calendar themes are:  Barns, Birds & Blooms, Cabin Fever, Retirees, Cardinals, Country, Country Churches, 'Cow'lendar, Hummingbirds, Kittens, Lighthouses, Horses, Old Iron, Pathways, Pigs, Puppies and Waterfalls. We have all of the animal-related theme calendars in stock and available immediately, but plan to send an order each month as needed through mid-December. What a neat, inexpensive gift for someone(s) for the holidays!

Please call (570) 724-7919 for more info or to place an order!

Thoughts to Ponder.....

If your dog is fat, you aren’t getting enough exercise...Unknown

A cat does not want the world to love her……only those she has chosen to love... Helen Thompson

A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself..... Josh Billings

Cats can work out mathematically the exact place to sit that will cause the most inconvenience.  Pam Brown

The reason a dog has so many friends is because he wags his tail instead of his tongue...Unknown

Thank you, Stewart Opticians, for sponsoring this issue of Second Glances!

        
     Fat Cotton      and         Little Cotton

 Two sweet deaf cats in need of a loving home.

October 16, 2005 is National Feral Cat Day.  You are probably wondering, "What is that?  I don’t see that printed on my calendar as a celebrated holiday!”  Well, it should be!

            Feral cats are wild cats that live outside, usually with no human contact.  You may often see feral cats on farms, in allies or abandoned buildings.  They are often thin due to the lack of food and their colonies are overpopulated. Many people believed the only way to control these colonies was to kill the cats; however, it has been discovered that the most effective way to decrease the population is to neuter or spay the cats.  In addition to ending the cycle of kittens entering the colony, it also stops the tomcats from fighting and spraying.

            Of course, these feral cats cannot be simply picked up and taken to the vet; they must be humanly trapped by using a box trap.  Once these animals are neutered or spayed they are ear tipped for identification purposes and released back to their "home.” A feral cat colony cannot be successful without two things: a constant attempt to neuter/spay all animals and daily watering and feeding.

            You can show your support in many ways this 16th day of October.  One way to show your support is by simply raising awareness.  Tell your neighbors or friends that there is a solution to the feral cats that are roaming in their back lawns.  Encourage them to research ways to help the cats or perhaps even start their own feral cat colony.  You can also donate money or food to organizations that support a feral cat colony or to individuals who maintain a colony.  If you are unable to donate money, time is also a very valuable commodity.  You can offer to help trap cats, transport them to the vets or relieve the primary caregiver from their feeding duties.

            These cats may not be able to show you the gratitude that your house cat does, but just knowing that you helped these cats and kittens is all the thanks you will ever need.

Remember to mark October 16, 2005 on your calendar as National Feral Cat Day!