In case you are new to our newsletter, this column is often an update on the feral cat colony managed by Second Chance in Middlebury Township.  You may be asking, what exactly is a feral cat?  A feral cat is often the barn cats you see on your neighbor*s farm or they may be the cats in the back alley, scrounging food from the dumpsters.  Most of these cats have been born into the feral cat life, never knowing the loving touch of a human.  Occasionally, a stray cat that was once someone*s pet may migrate into a colony as well.  Since the ferals are not neutered or spayed, the colonies quickly expand, often causing food shortages, sickness and inbreeding in the cats.  This can be prevented by trapping these cats humanely in a box trap and having them spayed or neutered.  Once these cats are sterilized and given their basic immunizations they are returned to their colony.  The success of a colony is dependent on the maintenance performed by a human caregiver.  These cats must be fed and watered daily and provided with shelter.  You may wonder why anyone would want to take the time to care for these cats.   You can*t pet the cats; they often run and hide when you approach them.  Why even bother? 

            Well, let me tell you why.  There is a great reward in taking care of these creatures.  When you first discover the colony, they may be thin and sickly, their eyes wide with fear.  However, once you start feeding and trapping them, the cats start to look healthier.  Their coats start to shine and they may start to put on a little weight.  Yes, they may still run when they see you approach, but often if you sit still long enough their curiosity will get the better of them.  A head may peak out from under some boards or their noses may lead them almost into your reach if you have some tasty treats.  A few may even look like they want to  trust you, approaching you when your back is turned, but not sure if they can completely put their trust in a two-legged creature. These fleeting looks and hesitant steps are all the rewards you will ever need. Knowing that you made their short lives here on this earth a little more bearable, a little more comfortable, is enough to keep you coming back day after day.  I should know because I’ve been doing it for three years!

Kasey.

 

 

This feeding station was lovingly constructed for

feral cats on  St. John Island, US Virgin Islands. Cats enter through the bottom to find food, water, and shelter.

 

 

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Dear friends,

            Well, here we are already, into another summer season! Isn’t it rejuvenating? As I walk my dogs daily through the neighborhood or take them out to Pine Creek in the country to work off some energy, I marvel at the sights, sounds and smells of the season and once again appreciate nature*s cycle of rejuvenation and growth. We as an animal welfare organization have also realized a cycle of renewal and growth as we continue to follow our mission. We have continued to implement our programs and find homes for animals in need.  Yes, the calls of motherless kitten litters and stray dogs have been true to form at this time of the year, and there is always a need for foster parents to help out with these situations, but generally it was a very successful and uplifting spring season.

            We attended the first annual Taste of Tioga County celebration on the Green in Wellsboro in May. At our booth we offered a “Taste of Tioga County” in the form of a great selection of dog biscuits from our cookbook, Good Bites. We sold over 75 packages of original dog biscuits and received many favorable comments from visitors about our work. We wish to thank the following individuals for donating their time and ingredients to bake biscuits for this event: Victoria McCarthy, Robin Emery, Dianne Hawk, Julie Heck, Kris Houser, Nancy Harmon and Marcia Bartlett. We were also present at the Tioga County Children's Health Fair on June10th at the same location. We presented educational information on proper pet care, etc. We even had a 'duck pond' with prizes for the kids!

            In the spring two Mansfield businesses, Night & Day Cafe and Greens and Beans, graciously allowed us to sell paper paw prints to be placed in their windows for $1 apiece and donated their tips, respectively. This assisted us in providing funds for our Coins for Critters and GrandPaws programs. 

            As we look to the months ahead of us, we anticipate more animals in need of nurturing homes, additional need for veterinary assistance, and unforeseen crises involving our furry friends. Of course, our dream is to have a tangible location which we can call our own, where we can bring these animals in for lifetime care if necessary. In the meantime, we are here, with energy, enthusiasm and optimism to do anything we feasibly can to make a difference. We HAVE made a difference and we continue to do so. Our thanks go out to all of you for supporting our cause and having faith in our efforts. You are our backbone, our support system.  God bless each one of you!   

Sue Cook, President

 

 

Pam Burket, one of our board members, congratulates Roberta Knapp for being the winner of our annual gas card raffle. Way to go, Roberta, and thank you!

Spring Memberships

 

Sharon Manikowski

Nellie Everitt

 

Spring Donations

 

Joanne Sayre

Nellie Everitt

Sharon Manikowski

Nancy Harmon

Glenda McCarthy

Desmond Gleason

 

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I am a 5 year old, spayed female mixed breed. My name is Spud. I am up-to-date on my shots, am great around kids, cats and other dogs. I have been very healthy so far! My owner moved away and can no longer take care of me. I have a lot of Rhodesian Ridgeback in me and I would love to be somewhere where I can get some exercise, because I am full of life! P.S. I also like to have someone with me most of the time, because I suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long.

 

 

 

 

 

Picking an older dog, like Spud, has many great advantages.........

 

1. Loyalty, Loyalty, Loyalty! Chances are good that by adopting a senior mutt, you have rescued a wonderful, loving canine from an untimely, unfortunate and unwarranted death. A senior mutt can sense that he or she was saved and will be eternally loyal to his or her new ‘forever’ family.

2.  Ease Of Guardianship. Senior mutts are mellow, relaxed and ready for a new home. They are past the puppy chewing and destruction stage and usually come with basic training. Most senior mutts are happiest sitting at your feet or curled up in their bed next to yours.

3. No Huge Lifestyle Change You don't need to worry about puppy proofing your house and constant training. (“No! Drop it! Not yours!") And older dogs let you get a good night's sleep!

4. Stress Reliever Life today can be very hectic. Studies have shown that animal guardianship can decrease blood pressure levels and reduce stress. Senior mutts enjoy leisurely walks, which will encourage you to exercise for even a few minutes on your busiest days.

5. WYSIWYG (“What you see is what you get.”) Senior mutts are full grown and their personalities are completely developed. When you meet with your senior dog, you will know what kind of wonderful, loving canine he or she is and will always be.

6. Doggie Wisdom Senior canines have learned many of life's lessons. They know, for example, that shoes are for walking and bones are for chewing.

7. Calm, Cool & Collected Most senior dogs do not demand the time and attention that a younger dog does and are satisfied with casual walks and cuddling. Many senior mutts snooze the day away inside while you are busy at work and are waiting calmly at the door for you when you return home.

 

 

............on the other hand, kittens have 9 lives ready for you to mold!

 

Three Little Kittens Looking For Homes

 

            Pouncing forward is the all orange leader called Punkin, or Punky.  Pouncing on his tail is his brother, Squeaker, or Squeaks.  He gets his name from these cute little noises he makes when they are playing. He is Punky's partner in crime. The lighter colored kitten in the background is Baby Girl. She always favors staying a little bit in the background when near her rough and tumble brothers.

            Ready to choose? 

 

 

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                                           Year of the Dog 

 

            According to Chinese Astrology, 2006 is the Year of the Dog. What does this

mean for each of us? A year filled with happenings that reflect the inner personality of

our favorite canine!

            Individuals born in the Year of the Dog (i.e. 1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970,

1982, 1994, 2006) are well known for their honesty, loyalty, reliability, compassion and

excellent listening abilities. They often rise to the top as leaders given their natural tendency to take charge and their commitment to seeing projects completed to perfection. They are not drawn to wealth and status, but instead focus on the well-being of family and friends. Out of all the zodiac signs, Dog People focus on understanding and achieving their life's purpose.

            Dog People should take care to watch their tendencies to be stubborn, sharp of                                                               tonue and sometimes over-whelming. Additionally, they should try to worry less when faced with fears or even potential romance. Overall, Dog People are the friends we are grateful to have in our lives!                                                                                                                       For Dog People, 2006 is the year in which they will smoothly bypass roablocks in their personal or professional lives. For the rest of us, 2006 will also reflect the influence of the Dog. We will see a growing social awareness and interest in empowering society's underdogs. Individuals will transform their inherent sense of justice into action as they demonstrate their generosity throughout their communities.

            Famous people born in the Year of the Dog include Albert Einstein, Benjamin Franklin, George Gershwin, Elvis Presley, Sophia Loren, Bridgette Bardot, Michael Jackson, Bill Clinton, Jennifer Lopez and George W. Bush.

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAT TRIVIA

 

 

 

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Welcome Summer!

 

            Summer is here, which makes it time to once again remind pet owners of some seasonal responsibilities. In our area, cat and dog owners need to restrict the activities of their pets to protect summer's wild birds and animals. Housecats, of course, are responsible for the destruction of thousands upon thousands of young wild songbirds each year. Young birds in a nest within climbing distance of a cat are very easy prey, as are the inexperienced flyers that end up on the ground or on low shrubbery branches. In our town neighborhood a young songbird that ends up out of the nest and on the ground, giving out its cries for parental help, will survive only minutes because of the large num- bers of free-roaming housecats. We don’t like to think that our pet (even after finishing off its generous plateful of ‘stew’) would be the killer of a helpless young bird or wild animal, but of course we all know it’s the predator’s instinct that all cats possess.

            Dog owners also need to remember that summer is a time when free-roaming dogs cause much damage to the populations of young fawns, rabbits, grouse and woodcock. Keeping your dog indoors or restrained during the spring and summer months is not only a good idea for the protection of vulnerable young wildlife, but it can also protect our pet from harm. Many free-roaming dogs become victims of protective mother bears, coyotes or even deer.

            Now is a good time to remember that dogs, or any of our pets, are also very vulnerable to the extreme heat of summer. It’s almost better always better to leave your pet at home during the summer months, but if you must take it with you in a car, remember that the heat inside a car reaches dangerous levels very quickly, even with the windows partly open. If you are a pet owner who has a pet that travels with you, when getting a new vehicle, consider one with a sun- roof. An open sunroof can make very short stays in your car safer for your pet. I have also seen folks leave their car running with the AC on when leaving their pets for coffee or lunch breaks. While this probably works okay, I wouldn’t be able to enjoy my food for fear the car may quit running. Whether traveling or not, our pets must always have a generous supply of fresh, cool water to drink. We always pack a ‘doggie bag’ with several bottles of water to be taken along in the car, or on hiking and picnicking trips. Dogs that are kept at home and outside need to have protection from the sun and summer heat as well. A sturdy doghouse, back porch, garage, etc. will do, and remember the threat to them from sudden lightening,                                                                                                              wind or hail storms. Keeping your dog chained to the large shade tree in the back yard may not be such a good idea, given the severity of recent lightning and                                                                                                               windstorms.      

Have a safe, healthy and happy summer!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This issue of Second Glances was generously sponsored by Dr. David W. Fox in Wellsboro. Thank you, friend!