Shorty's Shelter News
Shelter Life from Shorty the Cat's Point of View

God Bless the U.S.A.!
Hi!
"Shorty, I hope you have your article done for the newsletter. We have to get it to the printer pronto!"
I really don't feel up to it after all that has been going on in this country. I am really feeling down in the dumps.
"I know what you mean, Shorty, we are all feeling that way. But I know people enjoy reading your column, and I think a little laughter would be good for all of us. Look, here comes Sam to cheer you up."
SLUUURRRRRPPPP!!!
Good Grief dog lips! If I wanted to take a bath I would have hopped in the tub! Just proves my point, 'Dogs drool and cats rule'.
"Ahem, that's not exactly what you were saying the other day, Shorty, as you watched TV and saw how hard those Search & Rescue dogs were working."
Okay I admit, I have to give credit where credit is due. I know those rescue workers put in long arduous days and nights, and I saw those faithful dogs working right along side them. I felt guilty laying on my comfortable bed, when I saw pictures on TV and in the newspapers of totally exhausted rescuers and their canine pals, curled up side by side, on the bare concrete trying to catch a couple of hours sleep before continuing their search efforts. This showed the wonderful bond that exists between man and animal, and how well we can work together. I was sure proud of those canine and human heros, risking their lives for others. I had wished I could have been there to help, but my people friends said I might have created a distraction to the dogs, and that my job at the shelter was very important too.
"That's right, Shorty, the best thing we can do right now is keep the shelter going for all the abused and unwanted animals that need help, while we show our patriotism. Do you realize even animal shelters exist because of this great country?"
Well I want to show my patriotism, and run out to get another American flag. I just got word that they have just gotten in more flags at the store, and I want to buy one before they are sold out. My people friends have displayed a large American flag in front of the shelter, but I would like one inside the shelter too. Last time I went to buy one they were sold out within the hour. This time neither rain nor snow nor even the hummmmmm of the can opener is going to hold me back from getting my American flag. So gotta run!
"Ok Shorty but before you go, you better tell our friends about things that are coming up."
Thanks for reminding me, I have to let everyone know that we are having a meeting of all the volunteers involved in the visiting pets program, Saturday October 27th at 9:30 am, at the Shelter. Anyone interested in becoming involved in this program is welcome to attend, and speak to Phyliss Klingensmith the Program Director. If you plan to attend please call the Shelter at 708-301-1594, so we have an idea how many people will be attending, as space is limited. If you will be attending all you need to bring is pen and paper if you wish, and a box of Crispy Creams.
"Shorty, that's terrible, you can't ask the guests to bring food."
But I don't want the same thing to happen like last time. Phyliss thought Dennis was bringing the Crispy Creams, and Dennis thought Sandi was bringing the Crispy Creams etc. etc. etc., and it ended up that nobody brought the Crispy Creams!
"Shorty, if everyone brings Crispy Creams who is going to eat more than one or two?"
Hmmmm, well I guess I would have to force myself, I sure wouldn't want them to go to waste.
"Oh Shorty, what are we going to do with you? There is never a dull day at the shelter with you around!"

Love, Shorty
P.S.
Bless all my people friends and God Bless the U.S.A.

T.L.C. Hit with a One Two Punch: Donations Down/Costs Up
T.L.C.'s financial situation is very precarious at the moment. The shelter's first hit came when contributions began dropping last year and continued the downward trend throughout this year. We hoped that this was just a temporary setback, due to the adversity of the stock market and business layoffs, which we are sure caused the decrease in contributions. We had hoped a financial rebound was imminent, to bring things back around for the Shelter financially, as donations would once again be at the level they had been previously. T.L.C. is in a financial crisis it has not felt in years.
This year alone there has been a dramatic decline in donations... donations the Shelter heavily relies upon, which has caused a tremendous hardship for T.L.C.. Even so, we have done our very best for the animals, cutting corners wherever feasible, while still providing the highest caliber of care for the animals.
The second blow came with steadily rising prices on all the goods and services that we deem necessary to keep the Shelter running. These rising costs have made the Shelter's financial situation go from bad to worse.
One bright note, the Shelter's cupboards are well stocked with dry cat food and dry dog food, thanks to people who have dropped food off, and the generosity of area stores that have been donating broken bags of food. so feeding the animals is not the problem, we are well stocked! (As one volunteer quipped, "too bad we can't turn all that food into money!")
But it takes a great deal more than pet food to run the shelter. We need money! Money to purchase vaccines, antibiotics, and other medications needed for the animals, and money to meet the monthly expenses incurred to keep the shelter running. We are also extremely concerned that the Bertha Fund has been depleted, (you can read more about this fund in this issue of Paw Prints) and lastly, we are worried about how bad this winters heating bills will be.
As you and I know, the Shelter cannot continue running in the red or something has got to give! We do not want to curtail or be forced to stop taking animals in that need our help, because we cannot afford to care for them. The Shelter needs a financial boost to help get through these tough times, so we can continue to help these animals, but in order to do that we need your help. These are just a few of the things your donations can do:

$20.00 provides *care for one cat for a day
$25.00 provides *care for one dog for a day
$50.00 can pay for one tray of dog or cat vaccine
$75.00 can pay for a weeks worth of electricity, that not only provides light for the Shelter but also is needed for the Shelter's well which provides all the water for the Shelter
$100.00 can pay for heating the shelter for one week when we are in the dead of winter

We realize this is a very bad time to ask for financial aid, but we cannot help these homeless animals without your assistance. Whatever the amount is that you can afford to donate, we will make each and every dollar you contribute work hard towards helping the animals at the shelter, and meeting their needs.

*To provide one days care for an animal includes not only expenditures for food, but also heat, electricity, supplies and paid employees, that see that the animal's needs are met.

On behalf of all the animals at T.L.C., we thank you!!

What a Pretty Web She Weaves
Sandi O'Brien our webmistress has done a beautiful job with the Shelter's website. If you haven't had the chance to go there yet, you must make a point of it. We are easy to find at www.tlcanimalshelter.org
Sandi faithfully updates the site every Friday with photos of all the animals for adoption that week. This is also a chance for you to see the animals your contributions are helping. So gather the family and make it a Friday night ritual, and who knows you might even "add a little love in your life", like the pup pictured!

Where Are You?
Moving? Please let us know your new address, so we can keep Paw Prints and Shorty's Shelter News coming your way. When we get mail returned, with "moved" written on it, there is not much else we can do but to remove your name from our mailing list. Hope you would miss us as much as we would miss you! Don't let that happen, drop us a line with your new address or jot it down when sending your donation for our furry friends.

Visiting Pets Program
Kathy Kanak and Levi Jean (her devoted shelty companion) have enjoyed making weekly visits to Shady Oaks (a residence for folks with muscular distrophy.) All Kathy has to do is bring out Levi's T.L.C. doggie bandana and Levi knows its time to go, with her tail wagging a mile a minute!
Kathy told us something that happened during one of those visits, that touched us all. A couple of years ago the residents and staff at Shady Oaks had gone on a trip by bus, and were involved in a traffic accident, with several of the people sustaining injuries. Unfortunately the trauma of having been in the accident had left one young man afraid to leave the safety of his room. No matter how hard the staff tried he would not leave his room for anything, so Kathy and Levi Jean would visit the young man in his room, something he looked forward to...
One of the staff members had a bright idea to make the young man leave his confines. She announced to him that Kathy and Levi were there for their weekly visit, but she told Kathy to only allow him to see Levi from the hall and do not enter his room. The young man loved seeing Levi, and did not want to miss seeing his furry new friend but... that would mean he would have to leave the security of his room. He slowly ventured to the door and stuck his head out. Then Kathy moved a little closer so he could pet Levi, and then asked the young man if he would like to take her for a walk. He just beamed, his answer was yes! Even though he was in a wheelchair he held Levi's leash and they went for a walk down the hall. The staff members stood there in disbelief, this was a major feat!
Needless to say, this made Kathy's day, and even more enthusiastic in the visiting pets program. You too can receive the same great satisfaction that Kathy Kanak and Levi Jean do by becoming a member of the visiting pets program. If you would like more information please contact the shelter at 708-301-1594, we would love to have you. Only requirements are your time and a big heart.

Enter Our Contest to Name Our Group
We have been pondering the name of our "visiting pet group". There have been several names suggested, but none have quite hit the right chord. So we thought we would see if any of you could suggest the purrrfect name for the group.
Well, what kind of contest would it be if we didn't have a prize? There will be one winner, and that lucky person will get a large Stone Critter statue of a dog and cat.
All entries must be in by October 15th, and the winner will be announced in the winter 2002 issue of Paw Prints.


Caring Friends
We would like to thank these special friends of the shelter for the monies they raised in various ways to help provide care for the animals.
The students at Walsh School raised $484.83 with various activities. It is nice to know that young folks are that concerned about the welfare of homeless animals and want to help provide care for them.
And how sweet it is that the staff at Lockport Animal Hospital raised $84.28 selling lollipops!
The Student Council members at Orland Jr. High also had a sweet deal to help the animals. They also had a lollipop sale for the benefit of the animals raising $100.00 for the animals at the shelter.
We want to send all these caring people a great big thanks, for going out of their way to help the animals!

Tail Waggin Ending
We had wanted a dog for awhile, but we gave serious debate on whether or not to put our cats through possible turmoil. We decided our cats being even tempered that they could get to accept a canine companion "in their home". We decided to look at T.L.C. first, because we had heard good things about them. We have never gotten an animal from the shelter before, so we thought that we would give it a try.
We needed to find the "perfect" dog that would not only get along with our two cats, but would also get along with our three-year old son. We didn't want a puppy. The idea of house training, puppy chewing, and potty training with a child seemed a bit overwhelming to us.
We are confident that we have found that "perfect" dog for our family. When we were on our way home with our new addition, one particular name out of many spoken, made his head turn and his ears perk. That name is Buck. When we first asked to see Buck at the shelter they told us that Buck had been in an accident. He had scrapes, wounds, and his front leg had to be put back into socket. When the volunteer brought Buck out to meet us, his tail was between his legs and he didn't want to walk. He was literally scared to death. We were also informed that when the rescuer found Buck on the road, Buck rested his chin on his shoulder. After hearing that, and spending time with him, we knew that Buck had a wonderful disposition.
It's been over 4 weeks since we've brought Buck into our home. He's had practice at wagging his tail and now it goes so fast, it's a wonder that it stays on him. We can now say with confidence that he has completed our family. The cats have accepted him and our three-year old son and Buck are best of friends. Buck has healed nicely and is now at 100%. He is a very playful dog that loves chasing a tennis ball. He is also a very fast runner. We know without a doubt that Buck really appreciates that he was adopted. He is very protective and when he looks at you it's like his eyes are saying "thanks, I owe you one." He then proceeds to give wet, sloppy kisses on your face. We would like to thank all the people involved in Buck's rescue and also to everyone at T.L.C.

Les, Dianne, and Lester Sander

P.S.: Buck thanks everyone too!!!!!!!!


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