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Shelter News from Shorty the Cat's Point of View (the cat about town)
We Wish you a Mewwwy Christmas
Hi!
We wish you a Mewwwy Christmas, We wish you a Mewwwy Christmas, We wish you a Mewwwy Christmas, and a Happy New Year! Ugh! I keep telling the kittens merry not meeewy Christmas, and I still hear a couple of them singing off key! I just hope they'll be ready for the shelter's Holiday Open House.
On a good note though, we have the tree and the decorations up and if I must say so myself, the shelter looks fantastic, all trimmed up for the Open House and Santa's visit. I have only one major concern which is how will we manage to keep the decorations up through the holidays. While I was putting them up, the kittens attempted to swing from the garland and climb the Christmas tree! Not to mention, the puppies tried to pull off the candy canes and dog biscuits I decorated the tree with. Then Rambo thought he was being helpful when he heard me mention that the tree was in need of water, and I stopped him just in time, as he started to lift his leg! Whew! It's a tough job being top cat at the Shelter and keeping things in order!
Shorty you don't have it that hard, besides you get all the good jobs.
Sam, what do you mean I get all the good jobs?
Shorty did you forget about the last issue of the newsletter, when you briefly mentioned you had to watch the paint dry. What kind of a job is that? Anyone could have done that.
It really was hard! I had planned on helping our people friends paint. The walls, ceilings and skylights needed to be done so the shelter would look great for the holidays, besides, with all the daily scrubbing that's done, the paint was nearly worn through in spots. With so much work to be done, I picked up a paint brush and decided to pitch in. But the weird thing was, as soon as I picked up the brush, my people friends seemed to panic, and in unison, hollered "Shorty stop!" I wondered what could be wrong, maybe they wanted me to use a different color. It turned out they needed me for a very important job, sit and watch the paint dry.
You call that work?
It sure was! I had to make sure people coming and going didn't brush up against the wet paint.
Now how hard was that to do?
Very hard! I couldn't make my usual trips to the office for snacks, or the kitchen for cat food and no catnapping!
Shorty how did you manage?
It was hard but somebody had to do it. Like I said my jobs aren't easy, try watching the puppies and kittens for an afternoon. I even overextended myself, offering to taste test the bakery for all of the bake sales we hold, to make sure everything tastes purrrrrfect. Of course nobody's taken me up on it yet, but I'm ready to do it when needed.
Slurrrrrpppp! I can help you out with that one Shorty
Ugh Sam, stop drooling already.
Sorry, but the mere thought of food, overcame me, I couldn't help myself.
I know, just another case of "dogs drool, cats rule". But getting back to how hard I work, who's the one that has to squeeze into that Santa suit every year? Our people friends don't say a word if you gain a pound or two, but if I do, and can't fit into that suit they say I have to go on a diet! I just shudder when I hear that word, and to make matters worse they'll want me to exercise too! UHG! No more sitting at the desk eating my treats, instead I'll have to walk all the way to the kitchen to get them!
Oh Shorty you do have it hard!
CRASH!!
Oh no Shorty, the tree is down, the kittens are swinging from the garland and the puppies are rolling the plastic ornaments around like soccer balls! What will our people friends say when they see this mess?
I should have known I couldn't take my eyes off of them for a minute.
jing jing jing jing jing jing jing
What's that noise Shorty?
Sounds like Santa's sleigh to me! But it can't be, he'd be a couple of weeks early!
I bet it's Santa's elves checking off the naughty and nice list.
Uhoh, it sure looks like we were the ones that were naughty, standing smack dab in the middle of this mess, while the real culprits are now fast asleep! We better clean this mess up fast, so Santa doesn't think we did it!
Whew, all done, everything's back in place. I don't know about you Shorty, but I could use a nap.
Me too, but before settling down for my nice winter's nap I want to tell our friends Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! Zzzz ZzzzZzzz
Love,
Shorty
PS
I hope after Santa sees how good I've been, he remembers that I have the biggest Christmas stocking! Being Top Cat does have its advantages!
With Tidings of Comfort and Joy
This is a time we can sit back and reflect on the number of animals that have been helped by TLC, and thanks to you. You have helped bring the joy of having a wonderful animal companion to numerous families, and you have brought joy to a multitude of animals that have had to endured abandonment, abuse and neglect. You have given them new beginnings and we would like to share them with you, this is but a drop in the bucket of the happy endings you have helped make possible!
Whispers' happy endingMy name is Whispers and I have been adopted into a wonderful family. I have an adopted brother named Shadow, who I can play and roughhouse with. I have my own window seat where I can sit and watch the birds. My Mom and Dad love me very much and take great care of me. Thanks for being there to help me get such a happy home. Whispers, Shadow, Debbie and Barry
Bodhi's happy ending
At the beginning of December my husband and I suffered the loss of our five year old Beagle, and we were devastated. We had previously decided to get another dog, and as hard as it was, we decided someone to hug might help us heal. My husband had wanted a Great Pyranees for years, and done hours and hours of research, so you could imagine our surprise to see a beautiful Pyranees on your website. As soon as we saw Bodhi's picture on TLC's website, we knew he was going home with us. From the moment we met Bodhi, we have been inseparable, as if he was always a part of our family. He loves each of us and is so tolerant of our daughter, and he is even starting to win over our kitties. We just want to thank you for taking such good care of Bodhi until we were able to find him.
Sincerely, Brook, Brian, Elaysa and Bodhi
Payton's happy endingWe came in to look for a second dog for our family and a companion for our poodle Fozzie. We knew we were looking for a female dog and also one that had a sweet personality, which was the most important thing on the list. Well, we certainly found it in little Payton! She was polite and mellow when she needed to be, but then we also got to see the puppy playfulness come out too! The shelter staff was very helpful, and they let us have all the time and space we needed to get to know Payton. We spent a lot of time with her in the shelter's yard, and then started falling for her. The shelter staff let us bring Fozzie too, so that we could get his opinion too. They happily ran around together, suddenly Payton gave Fozzie a few licks on the face, and so the deal was sealed! l've attached a picture of Payton with her new boy, with a look of absolute adoration in her pretty eyes! She will have a great life, and be very well loved for years to come.
Family wished to remain anonymous
Still waiting for their happy ending..like so many other animals awaiting adoption at TLC. The kittens pictured were found under a shed, flea ridden and emaciated. But they have been treated and are now ready for adoption, thanks to you for providing them with a safe haven where they will be well cared for until that happens.
Golden Opportunities Books now Available!
Stop in and get yours today!
There are oodles of coupon saving certificates for area restaurants and businesses!
These make great stocking stuffers, and something people can really use! The books sell for $25.00 and with all the great savings coupons, the book pays for itself in just a couple of uses! While you enjoy terrific savings, you'll be helping the animals since TLC earns $7.00 on each book sold!
Birds in Winter
If you feed the birds in winter, please consider putting a heated bird bath out for them too. Many birds die in winter because they are unable to find a source for water which is essential.
Protect Your Pet from Winter's Woes
Like you, dogs and cats cannot withstand winter's bitter cold and numbing wetness. Keep your pet happy and healthy during winter:
Don't leave your pet outdoors when the temperatures drop sharply. Shorthaired, very young or old dogs and cats should NEVER be left outside. No matter what the temperature, wind chill can threaten a pets life. We do not condone keeping a dog outside in a doghouse. But for those that do keep outside dogs there are some rules to follow: an outdoor dog must be protected by a dry, draft free dog house, large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to help hold in the dog's body heat. The floor must be raised off the ground and covered with cedar shavings. The house should face away from the wind and have a doorway covered with burlap or a rug. Outdoor dogs also need more food to help keep them warm, and routinely check the dog's water dish to make sure the water is fresh and not frozen. Don't forget hazards such as chemicals to melt snow and ice which can burn the pads of pets feet. Be careful with antifreeze, it's sweet taste is deadly to pets and children.
You are Cordially Invited to attend TLC's Holiday Open House
When: Saturday December 11th
Time: 1:30 pm until 3:30 pm
Where: At TLC located at 13016 W 151st St. Homer Glen illinois
The Shelter is a twinkle with holiday cheer,
Hoping that all of you will come and visit us here.
The animals have hung their stockings with care,
Hoping Santa's Elves will put goodies in there!
There will be live holiday music and refreshments for your enjoyment
Your Complete Christmas shop
Can be found on-line at www.tlcanimalshelter.org. You are sure to find something for everyone on your holiday gift list. While you're at it, don't forget to check out TLC's Ebay site too!
Cosmic Candlelight Bowl
FUN! FUN! FUN!
Get your tickets NOW for TLC's third annual "Cosmic Candlelight Bowl" to be held February 12th, 2005 at the Strike and Spare II bowling alley in Lockport, all for $25.00 per person! We are not sure we will be able to get another newsletter out prior to the event as a reminder, and we don't want you to miss out on all the fun since this event's a total sell out! With it being so close to Valentine's Day, this might be the perfect way to celebrate with your sweetheart with dinner, bowling and lots of fun! For further information you may stop by or call the shelter at 708-301-1594. Special thanks to Park's Graphics for donating the printing of the tickets.