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Shelter News from Shorty the Cat's Point of View
Shorty's Holiday Greetings
Hi!"Shorty, did you hear that awful screeching noise? I'm wondering where it's coming from."
I didn't hear anything, but I'll help you look.
"SHHHHHHH! Maybe if we're quiet, we can find out what's making all of that noise. It was awful sounding and it went on for quite awhile."
Okay I'll stop what I was doing and tip toe around to see if I can detect anything, but honestly I didn't hear a thing.
"That's funny I don't hear it now either, but let's take a look around anyway."
Well we checked and it's quiet now, so I better get back to what I was doing.
"Shorty, by the way what were you doing?"
It's a surprise for the Holiday Open House. I know you've arranged for Sue Rowe and Company to be there, to entertain our friends with holiday instrumentals, and I got to thinking something was missing... a singer, that's where I come in. So pull up a chair and get comfy, I've got my songbook ready and I'll croon you a little tune.
"UGH, that's the noise I heard! My ears!"
What noise, I don't hear anything?
"Shorty, I think Sue was planning on the music being strictly instrumental."
Well that can be changed, I'll talk to Sue next time she comes in, but what does that have to do with that noise?
"Shorty, I don't know how to put it delicately, but I think you're going to need a lot more practice before going public."
And just what do you think I was doing.... Practicing of course! I know I need a little work, but I'll have it purrrrfected in time for the Open House.
"And what year will that be?"
HUMPH, very funny. Now let me get back to where I was.
"Shorty, I think you ought to practice in the back stockroom."
Back stockroom? Are you insinuating that my singing is bad?
"Uhhhhhh... no not at all Shorty, but I think you ought to keep your practice under wraps, as sort of a surprise. You certanly surprised me, and I know when you belt out those first few notes, Sue and everyone in the room will be surprised too!"
That's exactly what I was thinking too, keep it a total surprise.
"But Shorty how are you going to entertain and play Santa too? You've always played Santa for the puppies and kittens. No one can do justice to the Santa costume like you do."
I've got that all worked out, I have asked Tiny to do the honors this year. I don't want anything to keep me from entertaining all our friends.
"Shorty it is just not going to be the same without you playing Santa."
Sure it will just get a look at this picture of Tiny that Vicki Tryjefaczka took when he tried the Santa suit on.
"Well I must admit he does look good... not as good as you, mind you, but he does make a good stand in. It looks like you have all the bases covered (drats) well then I think you better remind all our friends to bring their earmuffs."
Earmuffs? Are we going to be entertaining everyone outside in the new gazebo?
"Uhhh you could sort of say that. And even if we do it inside you know it takes awhile for your ears to get warm after you have been out in the cold."
That makes sense. This is one time I hope there won't be too many goodies to eat, because it would be too tempting, and how would I sing with my mouth full?
"There's hope yet!"
What did you mean by that?
"Uhhhh nothing Shorty, just go in back and practice, and remember to shut the door behind you, we want to keep this as a surprise."
Well I'd love to stay and talk awhile but gotta run, it's time for my practice...YOWWWWWWW, YOWWWWWWW, YOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
"Shorty!"
Love, Shorty
P.S.
Before I go, I want to say as the spokescat for all the animals at TLC, May your holidays bring you as much happiness as you have given the animals at the Shelter with your generosity and caring.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
You Help Make Happy Endings Possible
Due to your caring and generosity, happy endings as in the following letter have been made possible, thanks to YOU!Dear TLC Animal Shelter,
I want to take the time to thank you for our new family member. As my daughter and I were looking at the pets you had for adoption a man walked in with a beautiful, petite, German Shepherd female. I wanted to pet her because she looked so afraid. I talked with the man bringing her in and was told that she had been living with an 82 year old woman who could no longer care for her. The dog's name I learned was Lucky, she was very shy and gentle. I wanted to adopt her right then and there, but I knew I couldn't do that, I had a cat and a husband at home to explain things to.
I hurried home and told my husband about the pretty and gentle dog, and how she was already housebroken, knew some basic obedience commands, and did a few tricks. I could tell he was thinking this over carefully, since we had always had a one pet rule in the house. Our 14 year old daughter added that she could be her birthday present and added that she would pay for the shots and medical care (which she has done). After hearing how wonderful the dog was my husband said "Let's go get her!" Even our vet said when he first met Lucky (now called Sable) "Looks like you got a winner here!"
Sable is so gentle with the kids and always greets me with her doggy smile and wagging tail. Our cat has even accepted her and plays with Sable's wagging tail. My daughter asked me after only 4 days with Sable, what would I do if someone offered us a million dollars for our dog. I promptly told her I would say NO THANK YOU! She is worth much more than a million dollars to me.
People say that things happen by coincidence, but with the blessings I already have with Sable, I think this was a happy "God-Incidence" because even if we didn't know it at the time, we were meant for Sable and Sable was meant for us. Blessings to you, TLC, and all your staff for the wonderful work you do for all God's creatures.
Christine Leal
You are cordially invited to T.L.C. Animal Shelter's Holiday Open House for the animalsWhen: Saturday, December 7, 2002
Time: 1:00 pm until 3:30 pm
Where: at the T.L.C. Animal Shelter, 13016 W. 151st Street, Lockport
Attire: Santa hat optional!
In hopes that all of you will be there
Here's your chance to play Santa for the animals! No, you don't have to dress up like him, but if you would like to fill their stockings with food, toys, treats, or make a monetary donation it would be greatly appreciated...
Refreshments will be served
Live holiday music will be performed by Susan Rowe and Company
Order Now for Holiday Giving
Volume III in the TLC cookbook series is hot off the press with delicious recipes sure to please your human pals and animal pals too, 400 recipes in all! (Yes there is even a section devoted to cooking for your pets!) We want to thank Sandi O'Brien for the many hours she spent compiling the cookbook and to everyone who contributed recipes to make this cookbook possible. Volume III sells for $10.00 and would make a great stocking stuffer (you may pick it up at the shelter or for $3.00 extra we can ship it to you). Or better yet order all three volumes for $30.00 for the cooking enthusiast on your gift list! (Please add an additional $2.00 per book to cover shipping).
Bertha Fund...Saving Lives
Bertha was just a plain brown dog with a heart of gold. She came to TLC a stray, apparently having suffered many hardships but we had hoped we could give her a good future. We named her, we gave her lots of love, and we provided her with excellent medical care, but sadly none of that could save her. Bertha died from a severe case of heartworm, perhaps that might have been the reason she was abandoned, we will never know. But Bertha's death was not in vain, in memory of this wonderful dog, the "Bertha Fund" was established, so other animals could be saved... and your donations to the fund are helping to do just that. To date since we started the Bertha Fund 117 special cases have been handled thanks to your generosity.
Christmas Returns
Sandi O'Brien wanted to share this sad tale with you. Some food for thought... having a pet means adding a new member to the family. A serious decision, not to be treated lightly, a commitment of time, money and most importantly love, not something to be gotten then cast aside when a person gets tired of it.
Santa comes quietly long before dawn
While shops are still busy and lights are still on
While dinners are cooking and kitchens are warm
And children count presents they'll open by morn.
He slips past the trees in windows aglow
Through the gate to the backyard
As icy winds blow
To find the pup he brought last year
Chained up in the snow
And, kneeling, he whispers,
"Are you ready to go?"
There are too many stops like this one tonight
Before the beginning of his regular flight
He leaves not a note or footprint in sight
Just an unbuckled collar
On a cold Christmas night....
[Author unknown]
For Animals Like Kiki Things are Looking Up!
In the picture Vicki Tryjefaczka took of Kiki, he appears to be winking, but in reality Kiki only has one eye. Having one eye did not deter him from proudly perching himself on top a ledge 7 1/2 feet off the ground to get a better look at things around the shelter! He sure doesn't seem handicapped to me! He is just as playful, mischievous and loving as any other cat, and having just one eye, makes him all the more UNIQUE!We have had several unique animals brought to TLC this past year. Thanks to YOU, animals like Kiki have a chance to find a loving home... their individual uniqueness a missing eye, three legs, missing ears, have nothing to do with what is most important a heart full of love to give someone special!
TLC VIP's Bring Happiness to Others
The TLC VIP program passed its first milestone this year having celebrated its first anniversary. VIP members that have been with the program for this past year were awarded their one year pins at the last meeting. We cannot say enough about this great group of folks and their canine buddies who have devoted so much of their time to making other people happy. They all deserve a big round of applause!If you are interested in becoming a TLC VIP please contact us at the shelter to learn more about the program. What does it take to become a TLC VIP? At least 2 hours per month (more if you would like) to spend visiting a senior center or a residence for those with physical disabilities, a love of people, and one of the most important things COMMITMENT! VIP membership is both enjoyable and rewarding as you can see by the smile on Jennifer Ward's face (pictured right). Jennifer enjoys bringing her Great Dane Diamond to visit residents at a senior care center (Diamond is also a bonafide TLC VIP member). It appears by the smile on the staff member's face that they enjoy these visits too!