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SECOND GLANCES
Winter, 2008 Issue 20
POSTED: The Cat's Resolutions
I, the feline extraordinaire, do hereby proclaim my resolutions for 2008:
1. I will purr.
2. I will groom myself.
3. I will place myself in very conspicuous places when I wish to make my presence known.
4. I will warm your lap and even allow your hand to caress me if I deem it acceptable at the time.
5. I will purr again.
6. I will ignore the dog unless he's asleep. Pouncing or swatting will only be used to retain his alertness and to maintain order.
7. My claws will only be used for scratching, grasping, climbing, defending, and awakening others.
8. I will allow others to accept my nobility.
FOUND: THE DOG'S RESOLUTIONS
I, thy loyal dog, doth hereby pledge these resolutions for 2008:
1. I will only sniff the flowers. I will not lay in them or dig them up while searching for the bone I buried.
2. I will be discreet when sniffing company.
3. Going totally against my ancestral instincts, I will only roll in herbs to disguise my scent.
4. I will not suddenly bark unannounced when you drift off into a nap.
5. I will recognize that the couch will be off limits to me when you are home.
6. I will not hump special guests.
7. I will always look in the other direction when you are eating so my saddened eyes do not tempt your sharing your plentiful food supply. This resolution is void if your resolution is to lose some of those extra pounds. I will then assist your diet by removing foods from your presence.
8. I will always obey human verbal instructions, hand signals, whistles, horns, clickers, beepers, scent ID's, electromagnetic energy fields, and Frisbee flight paths when other dogs, cats, birds, chipmunks, leaves, or other humans enter the premises
9. I will not frighten the mailman, meter reader, or garbage collector. I will smile without showing my teeth.
10. I will not eat the cats' food before they eat it or after they throw it up.
11 The Litter Box is not a cookie jar.
12 I will not play tug-of-war with your underwear when you're on the toilet.
13. I won't suddenly stand straight up when I'm under the coffee table, kitchen chair or any outstretched legs.
14 I must shake the rainwater out of my fur before entering the house.
15. I will not come in from outside and immediately drag my butt.
16. I will not sit in the middle of the living room and lick my crotch.
17. I will recognize that the cat is not a 'squeaky toy' so when I play with him and he makes that noise, it's usually not a good thing.
18. Just kidding. I'm your best friend. I do what best friends are supposed to do. Why change? Besides... I can't read a calendar!
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Dear friends,
Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries hopes that you and your loved ones have celebrated a happy, healthy and safe holiday season. We have had the busiest three months since our inception. It has been a time of progress, increasing support, publicity, and amazing success stories! Second Chance has found homes for a record number of dogs and cats and we feel truly blessed. It seems that we have a guardian angel watching over our hearts and souls as we strive to make a difference in the lives of animals of Tioga County. There have been so many *omens* that seem to be paving the way for us!
Our fundraising activities included our annual Pedal for Pets on Sept. 30th, 2007, in which we raised a record-breaking $4,650!! (We wish to thank WNBT radio for T-shirts for this event, as well as the advertising time they continually give to us.) In October we held our first low-cost rabies clinic at Hampson’s Agway in Mansfield. Dr. Rusty Sampson, DVM, & staff graciously volunteered their time and they vaccinated over 150 animals during the two-hour clinic! In December we appeared at our annual Dickens booth. With our variety of animal-themed crafts and the addition of homemade Greek food this year, we raised over $1000 to assist our animals in need. (SCAS also introduced our first edition of collectible glass Christmas ornaments. They are still available at a reduced price. Please inquire if interested!) Of course, the holiday season would not be complete without our Pet Photos with Santa, which was held on two consecutive Saturdays in December at Hampson’s Agway in Mansfield & Wellsboro, respectively. Our thanks go to Craig & Adrienne Hampson, Annette Schimpf, and their employees who are always so very supportive of our activities.
Although we feel that things are following a positive direction, SCAS is in need of support now more than ever. With the Wellsboro PSPCA closing its doors in less than a year, we are aggressively seeking funding in which to begin building our Dorothy Condict Feline Center in Middlebury Township. (A facility for our dog friends is in the future as well.) We are appealing to local foundations, businesses, and legislators for assistance and plan to extend to the state and national level for funding. Many have asked about the existing SPCA facility. We have been in contact with the PSPCA in Philadelphia regarding the facility and potential program links between SCAS the PSPCA. At this time there are no definite plans. Regardless of any outcomes, SCAS realizes that the needs of our animals are great. The PSPCA site, as it is, falls short of our vision and the visions shared by others from all corners of Tioga County.
The public senses the urgency to an extent, as donations have been coming our way in ever-increasing amounts and folks are contacting us to volunteer. However, much, much more is needed so that we are able to fill the immense void that is certain to exist in a very short time.
*We are open to any suggestions, support, and expertise. Indeed, as one resident who recently approached us at Dickens said, "You've established yourselves as a strong option for Tioga County based in Tioga County. Now all you need is for the people of Tioga County to step forward to lend you their hands, minds and dollars."
Please revisit our website from time to time to catch further updates on our progress and growth. Please join with us... it's exciting, important and time to ensure that the animals of Tioga County get every chance we can give them.
Yours for the animals,
Sue Cook
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Kasey's Kat Kolony |
With the onset of winter comes a decrease in activities at Kasey*s Kat Kolony. Kasey continues to rise early each morning to make sure each and every homeless cat in the colony has fresh water and a day*s supply of food. She continues to try to trap those who are not spayed/neutered so that Dr. Kreger, DVM, can check them for disease and neuter them. The Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) program has resulted so far in getting 31 cats neutered since its inception. Way to go, Kasey! Stay tuned for more in 2008.
Second Chance Sanctuaries' mission is to:
· Provide humane, no-kill sanctuaries for the care and rehabilitation of abandoned and at-risk animals.
· Provide compassionate, animal-friendly environments that respect the dignity and total needs of all animals under our care and protection
· Provide outreach programs and networks for animal adoptions, public respect and appreciation of animals, and awareness of animal needs as well as human responsibilities
Our vision is, through example, advocacy, and outreach, to make a real difference in not only the animals we help but in future treatment and respect for all life, great or small.
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SHARED DREAMS
Last spring we met a lady with a dream and a vision. We met a lady of wit and natural wisdom who loves life, nature, and cats. Indeed, last spring we met a friend. Our newly discovered friend shared her dream, her past and her vision and we shared ours.
Dorothy walked with us to a site not far from her home. Going first past a line of white pine sentinels, a solitary giant willow towered, welcoming us to a place laced with the past, To Second Chance Sanctuaries it would be a future, a place where new dreams would grow. Although the homestead buildings had long disappeared Dorothy retold its history. From stories of the majestic magnolia tree and the now vine-smothered orchards to the blankets of wildflowers just lifting their heads beneath us, we knew she was sharing a place anchored deep within her heart.
Dorothy shared with us her concern for cats*her cats and lost cats. She had on many occasions been the recipient of lost cats and kittens; indeed cats just dropped off, abandoned, and left to fend for themselves. She felt that cages were terrible for cats. They needed space, sunshine, opportunities to be outside, places to explore, and most of all, love.
At that moment in time we linked our visions and our dreams. A Center*a warm, inviting, dynamic place where felines were not housed but compassionately cared for until more permanent homes and families could be found. Multiple rooms, called colonies, would each open to sunshine and enclosed outdoor areas. Each colony, designed as a cat centered abode for 8 to 20 cats, would be equipped with everything from catnip toys to climbing, napping and perching areas. Each would also welcome human visitors and hopefully the friend that would eventually take a colony member home.
Along with each colony, an inviting adoption and education area, a temporary isolation and veterinarian room, and a food preparation and storage area would complete this first facility. High on the priority list would be efficiency and earth/ environment friendly infrastructures and policies. The feline center, later followed by a comparable facility for dogs, would welcome and invite members of our Tioga County community to visit, help, share time with a cat or kitten and even adopt a new member into their own family.
Dorothy Condict offered these ten acres, this parcel of land that had become a foundation block for her own life, to Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries, to become the foundation of their dream as well. On December 7, 2007, the deeding was completed. Dorothy, standing alongside Sue and all others, are ready to bring the dreams to reality. Won*t you join us?
As Dorothy, Sue, and SCAS passionately quote, “It’s for the animals….the animals of Tioga County!”
A Night of Music!
When: Saturday, March 1st, 8:00--???
Where: Penn Wells hotel Dining Room in Wellsboro, PA
What: Mountain Home Jazz Fest
Price: $12 at door, $10 in advance
Who: Charles Kefover Trio & Ed Clute's Dixie 5 + 1
Why: To raise money for Second Chance! Wow!!!
Mountain Home magazine and Indigo Wireless are sponsoring this night of enjoyable jazz music, with all proceeds benefiting Second Chance. PLEASE spread the word, and come out of the winter doldrums to enjoy the evening. Go early for some dinner, and make it a night! Watch for ticket locations and read more in the February issue of Mountain Home, coming soon. Hope to see you there!
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With growth comes need. SCAS needs you more than ever before! Our immediate needs are:
· Dog and Cat foster homes desperately! (The SPCA is sending people our way to provide homes!)
· Assistance in grant writing
· Assistance with search for funding/grants/endowments
· Guidance in energy-efficient technologies and building construction
· Person(s) to transport aluminum cans to recycling center in Elmira/Williamsport
· Vehicle to borrow to transport loads of cans to recycling center every 2 months or so
This SCAS issue of Second Glances is sponsored by "Hands In Harmony."
Treat your equine, canine or yourself to a therapy session in 2008!
Once you see the difference you'll return throughout the year.
CANS FOR CRITTERS ALUMINUM CAN RECYCLING
Bring
your used aluminum cans, bagged in large plastic bags,
to the two current locations!
(Please, aluminum cans only.)
Vargeson's Foodmart in Elkland
RHINO Linings of Wellsboro (Across from George's Restaurant)
All proceeds go to help the animals.
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These homeless friends are each looking for a family to begin again in 2008.
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A HOME
and SOMEONE
to CARE and PROTECT
and SHARE and LOVE is all we asked for...and we received them in 2007! THANK YOU, SCAS!
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An 'All Paws Salute' to these friends who
have given their hands and hearts during the fall of 2007!
Wendy Reber—Artisan’s Shoppe
Kasey Cox--From My Shelf Books
Charlotte Lappla Elementary Kids
"Aunt Georgia" Leach & Victoria McCarthy
Lynn Mader, Esq.
William Coolidge, Jr., Esq.
WNBT Radio
Hampson's Agway
Vargeson's Food Mart
RHINO Linings of Wellsboro
Tracy Timmons of Mountain View Kennels
Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries Board
Sue Cook President
Flossie Comstock Vice President
David Burket, Treasurer
Pam Burket, Secretary
Violette McLitus
Ron Comstock
James Howe
Caprice McCarthy
Fall Memberships
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George Bodine Earl & Vanessa Danley Nancy Bowser Linda Hess Ann Austin Zelda Antoine Mary Robinson-Slabey
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Georgia Leach Sean & Laurie Garner Kristie Cooper Laurence & Marian Miller Anona Parulas Calvin & Dorothy Mosher Monica Christofili-King
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William & Patricia Knighton Miriam Dunham Eric Cook Robert Blair Evelyn Parsons Dr. Preston & Patricia Erway
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Fall Donations
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Wellsboro Agway Miriam Dunham Linda Hess Evelyn Parsons Calvin & Dorothy Mosher George Bodine Ralph & Jo Wostenholme Laurence & Marian Miller Donald VanOrder Georgia Leach Mary Robinson-Slabey Mrs. Easton Maureen Forrest Earl & Vanessa Danley Nancy Brooks
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Desmond Gleason Linda Lane Sally Flack Sue Cook Nancy Bowser Penny Starks Nancy Harmon Terry Bryant Kathleen Hindman Mitchell Creek Crafters Sean & Laurie Gardner Jane & Joseph Graff Ronald & Barbara Weller
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Monica Christofili-King Eric Cook Dr. Preston & Patricia Erway William & Patricia Knighton Joyce Howland George & Genevieve Jutzi Mary Moyer John & Mary Kentch Jacqueline Knaus Betty Silvaney Donald Smith Dianne Hawk Deborah Jones
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Happy New Year!