Safe Haven for Cats is, like many of us, experiencing some of its most difficult financial times ever. It has certainly been a domino effect for us as many people no longer have the money to care for their pets or cannot afford to have them spayed or neutered. On average, we get six cats or kittens abandoned at our shelter or clinic EACH WEEK. Adoptions are down. Donations are down.
We truly try to never turn away anyone. We have recently been helping an elderly pet owner who simply became overwhelmed caring for cats - also reproducing rapidly. We have thus far taken in 20 of her cats, and expect 10 more in the coming days. We have more cats and kittens now than ever before.
Our spay/neuter clinic is usually booked weeks ahead, not only by petowners, but with the cats that we take in who are abandoned or orphaned. That's right - every animal at SHFC receives complete medical attention, spay/neuter, food, bedding, interaction with people and other cats, and the safety of a roof over their head each and every day.
The cost of providing all of these services is tremendous. Our spay/neuter clinic offers low cost (only $75) sterilization to help control the pet population and to ensure that every animal has a home. Thanks to the dedicated vet, staff, and volunteers, those goals are closer just a little bit every day. Our adoption center and our cats are maintained by crews of volunteers donating their time as cleaners, adoption counselors, soecial event personnel, office helpers and spokespeople.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
1. Spread the word about SHFC. Send us your friend requests, share your stories on our Facebook or MySpace page, or tell your friends.
2. Volunteer. If you have time, we have a variety of times we could use some help. You don't have to commit to every day or every week - just when you have some free time.
3. Donate items. Our wish list is located at http://www.safehavenforcats.org/supplies.html#wishlist.
4. Donate to our upcoming fundraiser - WE'RE HAVING AN AUCTION! Details are here: http://www.safehavenforcats.org/auction.html
5. Donate money. There are two easy ways - sponsor a cat (http://www.safehavenforcats.org/sponsor.html) or consider an automatic bank draft (http://www.safehavenforcats.org/donate.html#autodraft) for as little as $5 a month. It's fast, easy, and secure, AND you can change or cancel your donation at any time.
6. ADOPT!!
Please keep us in your thoughts as we continue to protect the cats and kittens through these difficult times.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
From our happy pet families.....
"Lulu is “just a delight” and is adjusting very well. She’s very affectionate and talkative and loves to play with feather toys. Bella, the resident cat, is slowly adjusting to having a newcomer in the household but we believe with a little more time they will come to an understanding and reach a good place."
"We could not be happier with Lily (she looked more like a Lily than a Tambourine to us). She is a wonderful little kitty. We found a vet we liked right near us in Brier Creek (the Animal Hospital). They treat Lily very well and told us she is a healthy cat. She is definitely spoiled; she has more toys than one kitty should have. She sleeps with us every night and likes to wake us up in the morning. One thing she does I have never seen another cat do...she plays fetch! She will bring one of her toys to us and wait for us to throw it.
She is definitely great company to have around. We are so glad that we decided to adopt from SAFE Haven and feel very lucky that we ended up with Lily.”
"Trixie was very shy (hiding under the covers or the couch) and didn't eat much the first two or three weeks after I brought her home. Then she came out of her shell! She's out almost all of the time, has a great appetite, and is very frisky and playful! Her favorite toy is the cat dancer, which she sometimes chases around the condo in the wee hours of the morning. :)
We've formed a wonderful bond, and I'm so glad I adopted her. She's great company and provides endless entertainment.
Thanks so much for the great service you provide!”
"Duffett (a.k.a. Mittens) is doing wonderful. She has adjusted wonderfully to our family and my children love her (she's spoiled rotten). She also has a new best friend (our Maltese). They get along so good and are fun to watch together.”
"Sebeka, now Bella, is doing very well in her new home. She has put on a little weight and is very social. We had a party last weekend and Bella loved meeting and interacting with the guests. She is exactly what we were looking for."
"We could not be happier with Lily (she looked more like a Lily than a Tambourine to us). She is a wonderful little kitty. We found a vet we liked right near us in Brier Creek (the Animal Hospital). They treat Lily very well and told us she is a healthy cat. She is definitely spoiled; she has more toys than one kitty should have. She sleeps with us every night and likes to wake us up in the morning. One thing she does I have never seen another cat do...she plays fetch! She will bring one of her toys to us and wait for us to throw it.
She is definitely great company to have around. We are so glad that we decided to adopt from SAFE Haven and feel very lucky that we ended up with Lily.”
"Trixie was very shy (hiding under the covers or the couch) and didn't eat much the first two or three weeks after I brought her home. Then she came out of her shell! She's out almost all of the time, has a great appetite, and is very frisky and playful! Her favorite toy is the cat dancer, which she sometimes chases around the condo in the wee hours of the morning. :)
We've formed a wonderful bond, and I'm so glad I adopted her. She's great company and provides endless entertainment.
Thanks so much for the great service you provide!”
"Duffett (a.k.a. Mittens) is doing wonderful. She has adjusted wonderfully to our family and my children love her (she's spoiled rotten). She also has a new best friend (our Maltese). They get along so good and are fun to watch together.”
"Sebeka, now Bella, is doing very well in her new home. She has put on a little weight and is very social. We had a party last weekend and Bella loved meeting and interacting with the guests. She is exactly what we were looking for."
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Monday & Hollyhocks
We adopted Monday (top photo) when we came in on Saturday. She is doing great! Here are some pictures (as well as a few we took of Hollyhocks {bottom photo}Thanks again for such a great adoption experience!
Meet Quinn
I just wanted to let you know that my wife Kathy and I celebrated Quinn's 6th anniversary with us today! It was six years ago today that we brought this very special little guy home.Here are a couple of pictures from this weekend. (Don't let the collar and name tag fool you, Quinn is a 100% indoor cat. My wife is just afraid that one of our cats is going to slip out the door one day so she's got name tags for all of them now.) ...
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
A Home for Donatella
Hi, I’m Donatella.
You won’t find a sweeter, more personable – and, if I do say so myself - more beautiful cat here in the adoption center at SAFE Haven.
Even though I’m only 2 years old, I have really bounced around in my short lifetime and am close to losing hope for finding my one and only forever home. So I’m reaching out to you.
I was adopted from SAFE Haven as a bright young thing in March 2008. But somehow something went wrong. In October, I was found in a humane trap and brought to a veterinary clinic where the microchip scan identified me as a SAFE Haven cat.
SAFE Haven once again cloaked me in love. I got another chance at happiness in December 2008. But in February I was back again. Other animals in my new home were chasing me and stressing me out terribly. Which leads me to the special challenge that comes with me.
I always use my litter box here at the shelter but my aim is often too high and I sometimes miss the target. I have a special box with high curved sides but unfortunately that’s not enough. Dribbles trickle into my living area and sometimes down my enclosure. As you might guess, this behavior can be an obstacle.
The SAFE Haven policy is to secure pledges from adopters that we all will be “indoor cats only.” That’s because it’s safest for us and means a much longer lifespan. But after a lot of discussion and careful consideration, the folks here have decided to make an exception in my case in the hopes that I can find my way to a caring, low-stress home where I can be indoor-outdoor.
Mostly indoor --because I want to spend most of my time with you-- but with access to the outside where I can do my business. I’m microchipped but I would need my collar with ID and tags on at all times.
There could be good options out there that would work perfectly for me.
Maybe a home with a pet door that would allow me to come and go to an area (garage or deck) where the litter box could be placed and spills wouldn’t matter.
Maybe a home with a large fenced yard, where I safely move around but wouldn’t bother neighbors and where you could keep an eye on me and let me back in after bathroom duties are done.
I am a charmer and have so much going for me. When you walk by my cage, I’m very chatty and will walk along beside you. All that super-hyper kitten wildness is behind me but I’m still plenty playful.
If you can find it in your heart to open your arms to me, or know someone else who could, please contact SAFE Haven now. I’m so ready to begin my new life.
Sincerely,
Donatella
You won’t find a sweeter, more personable – and, if I do say so myself - more beautiful cat here in the adoption center at SAFE Haven.
Even though I’m only 2 years old, I have really bounced around in my short lifetime and am close to losing hope for finding my one and only forever home. So I’m reaching out to you.
I was adopted from SAFE Haven as a bright young thing in March 2008. But somehow something went wrong. In October, I was found in a humane trap and brought to a veterinary clinic where the microchip scan identified me as a SAFE Haven cat.
SAFE Haven once again cloaked me in love. I got another chance at happiness in December 2008. But in February I was back again. Other animals in my new home were chasing me and stressing me out terribly. Which leads me to the special challenge that comes with me.
I always use my litter box here at the shelter but my aim is often too high and I sometimes miss the target. I have a special box with high curved sides but unfortunately that’s not enough. Dribbles trickle into my living area and sometimes down my enclosure. As you might guess, this behavior can be an obstacle.
The SAFE Haven policy is to secure pledges from adopters that we all will be “indoor cats only.” That’s because it’s safest for us and means a much longer lifespan. But after a lot of discussion and careful consideration, the folks here have decided to make an exception in my case in the hopes that I can find my way to a caring, low-stress home where I can be indoor-outdoor.
Mostly indoor --because I want to spend most of my time with you-- but with access to the outside where I can do my business. I’m microchipped but I would need my collar with ID and tags on at all times.
There could be good options out there that would work perfectly for me.
Maybe a home with a pet door that would allow me to come and go to an area (garage or deck) where the litter box could be placed and spills wouldn’t matter.
Maybe a home with a large fenced yard, where I safely move around but wouldn’t bother neighbors and where you could keep an eye on me and let me back in after bathroom duties are done.
I am a charmer and have so much going for me. When you walk by my cage, I’m very chatty and will walk along beside you. All that super-hyper kitten wildness is behind me but I’m still plenty playful.
If you can find it in your heart to open your arms to me, or know someone else who could, please contact SAFE Haven now. I’m so ready to begin my new life.
Sincerely,
Donatella
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Fundraiser - please help!
Our annual live auction is scheduled for October 10, 2009, from 5pm to 9pm at Raleigh Auction and Estate Sales located at 4900-A Craftsman Drive, Raleigh 27609. (Directions can be found here: http://www.raleighauction.com/directions.shtml) We need to make $10,000 from this auction!!!
Therefore, we need to start collecting items NOW!! Below is a list of things that sell well at auctions:
Used car, boat, trailer, motorcycle, or camper ●good quality used furniture such as dining set, bedroom set, sofa, loveseat (leather is prized!), game table, bookcases, end or coffee tables, entertainment centers ●wicker furniture ●Vintage furniture/lamps from the 40’s, 50’s, or 60’s, - retro anything from this period! ●wrought iron items such as patio table/chairs, planters, chaise lounges, architectural items ●solid wood/antique furniture ●glassware, china, figurines, crystal - names that sell very well are Herend, Waterford, Lenox, Limoge, Lladro, Hummel, also Depression glass and art glass ●Revere ware pots & pans, stainless steel, Items from Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, Pier One, etc. ●pewter ●sterling silver anything ●Vintage advertising collectibles such as Coca-Cola, enamel signs ●vintage toys from the 40’s through 80’s such as Radio Flyer red wagons, vintage dolls, vintage trucks (Tonka), wind-up toys, hard rubber or early metal cars and trucks ●radios from the 50’s/60’s ●first edition books ●decorative items such as wall hangings, sconces, silk flower arrangements, pretty decorative dishes, vases, statues, Seth Thomas mantle clocks ●primitive farm tools, pottery, crocks ●sports memorabilia, signed jerseys, NASCAR ● quilts ●vintage doilies, linens and tablecloths ●vintage hats, purses, gloves, scarves, handkerchiefs, or christening gowns ●art - nicely framed prints, oil on canvas, oil on board, watercolors (animal, still life and landscape especially popular) ●hunting scenes, Ducks Unlimited, nice wood frames by themselves ●nice costume jewelry, loose gems ●10-14 k jewelry, rings, pins ●sterling silver bracelets, necklaces
Please save these types of items for another time. Phones ● wedding dresses ● stuffed animals ● clothes, shoes ● mugs ● small household appliances such as coffee makers, toaster ovens, can openers ● baseball cards ● file cabinets and most office furniture ● electronics such as TV’s, boom boxes, CD/DVD players, speakers ● tote bags ● books ● appliances such as washer/dryers (unless less than 2 years old), refrigerators, stoves, microwaves ● exercise equipment ● futons ● rugs ● CDs and DVDs ● Christmas decorations ● dishes ● pots & pans ● bedding & linens.
You can start dropping off items now at the auction house. The drop off hours are as follows:
Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9:30am and 4:30pm
Sunday, 9/27, between 1 and 3pm (any stuff)
Saturday, 10/3, between 12 and 2pm (small stuff only)
Sunday, 10/4, between 1 and 3pm (any stuff)
Please let us know if you have any questions or need any additional information. Thank you so much for your help with this important event!
The SAFE Haven Staff
Therefore, we need to start collecting items NOW!! Below is a list of things that sell well at auctions:
Used car, boat, trailer, motorcycle, or camper ●good quality used furniture such as dining set, bedroom set, sofa, loveseat (leather is prized!), game table, bookcases, end or coffee tables, entertainment centers ●wicker furniture ●Vintage furniture/lamps from the 40’s, 50’s, or 60’s, - retro anything from this period! ●wrought iron items such as patio table/chairs, planters, chaise lounges, architectural items ●solid wood/antique furniture ●glassware, china, figurines, crystal - names that sell very well are Herend, Waterford, Lenox, Limoge, Lladro, Hummel, also Depression glass and art glass ●Revere ware pots & pans, stainless steel, Items from Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, Pier One, etc. ●pewter ●sterling silver anything ●Vintage advertising collectibles such as Coca-Cola, enamel signs ●vintage toys from the 40’s through 80’s such as Radio Flyer red wagons, vintage dolls, vintage trucks (Tonka), wind-up toys, hard rubber or early metal cars and trucks ●radios from the 50’s/60’s ●first edition books ●decorative items such as wall hangings, sconces, silk flower arrangements, pretty decorative dishes, vases, statues, Seth Thomas mantle clocks ●primitive farm tools, pottery, crocks ●sports memorabilia, signed jerseys, NASCAR ● quilts ●vintage doilies, linens and tablecloths ●vintage hats, purses, gloves, scarves, handkerchiefs, or christening gowns ●art - nicely framed prints, oil on canvas, oil on board, watercolors (animal, still life and landscape especially popular) ●hunting scenes, Ducks Unlimited, nice wood frames by themselves ●nice costume jewelry, loose gems ●10-14 k jewelry, rings, pins ●sterling silver bracelets, necklaces
Please save these types of items for another time. Phones ● wedding dresses ● stuffed animals ● clothes, shoes ● mugs ● small household appliances such as coffee makers, toaster ovens, can openers ● baseball cards ● file cabinets and most office furniture ● electronics such as TV’s, boom boxes, CD/DVD players, speakers ● tote bags ● books ● appliances such as washer/dryers (unless less than 2 years old), refrigerators, stoves, microwaves ● exercise equipment ● futons ● rugs ● CDs and DVDs ● Christmas decorations ● dishes ● pots & pans ● bedding & linens.
You can start dropping off items now at the auction house. The drop off hours are as follows:
Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9:30am and 4:30pm
Sunday, 9/27, between 1 and 3pm (any stuff)
Saturday, 10/3, between 12 and 2pm (small stuff only)
Sunday, 10/4, between 1 and 3pm (any stuff)
Please let us know if you have any questions or need any additional information. Thank you so much for your help with this important event!
The SAFE Haven Staff
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Please - Popeye needs a loving home
Popeye was hanging out in North Raleigh near two busy streets. He found a place where someone was putting out food for another stray cat and because he was hungry, he took some. Evidentially, the other cats in the area did not think much of that, which was pretty unfair since he was just trying to survive.
The man feeding the strays gradually gained Popeye’s trust and was able to pet him all over his belly. Popeye LOVED this. He hung around because he loved the man, the petting and the food. But the other cats hurt Popeye, we think, and damaged his right eye. The man felt it was time for Popeye to come to SAFE Haven.
This formerly “feral” cat was soon given all the medical care he needed and a warm, dry, safe place to stay. A place with loads of food and plenty of daily petting. He is such a happy cat today, as he sits in a sunny window in our new adoption center. Thanks to your steadfast support we were able to completely turn his life around.
Popeye needs the love, caring, and support of his own family and his own home. Is there any cat more deserving?
More about SAFE Haven for Cats
· We moved 51 cats into our new adoption center on June 26.
· Since then we have adopted 30 cats and kittens from the new space.
· We are getting plenty of publicity due to our location right on Durant Road.
· We passed our license requirements with flying colors.
· We saved thousands of dollars on the project with donated goods and services.
· Most of all, the cats are very relaxed and happy with our big sunny windows.
· Look for Open Houses at the new space during July and August.
· Next up - The SAFE Care Clinic is expanding!
· We are going to construct another surgery room and hire a second veterinary technician.
· With this investment we will be able to double the number of sterilizations performed from 1,500 to 3,000 per year. Just imagine how many lives this will save.
· Since then we have adopted 30 cats and kittens from the new space.
· We are getting plenty of publicity due to our location right on Durant Road.
· We passed our license requirements with flying colors.
· We saved thousands of dollars on the project with donated goods and services.
· Most of all, the cats are very relaxed and happy with our big sunny windows.
· Look for Open Houses at the new space during July and August.
· Next up - The SAFE Care Clinic is expanding!
· We are going to construct another surgery room and hire a second veterinary technician.
· With this investment we will be able to double the number of sterilizations performed from 1,500 to 3,000 per year. Just imagine how many lives this will save.
A Home for Havana
My fiance Guillaume and I adopted Havana from your shelter a week ago, and we just wanted to let you know that we love our little Havana to pieces! She is such a joy to have in our lives, and we feel very fortunate to have found her! She was a little shy at first in her new home, but is now the runner of the house and has to know everything that is going on! If we don't know where she is, we can always find her in her favorite spot, on "her" dining room chair tucked nicely under the table (where she can hide and see all). She loves to play and she can jump really high in the air to chase her bird feathers. She sleeps with us at night, although she's barely big enough to jump on our bed (it takes her a few tries, but she eventually succeeds and commences to purring!). She is most definitely a lap kitty, and loves to be wherever we are. We've had several friends come over to meet her, and she's very comfortable and out-going.
Thank you so much for your assistance and kindness in helping us adopt Havana. We're very happy we chose Safe Haven, and we feel very lucky to have our little Havana!
Thank you so much for your assistance and kindness in helping us adopt Havana. We're very happy we chose Safe Haven, and we feel very lucky to have our little Havana!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
This week's wish list
Hello everyone!
First the good news. Four of our cats got their forever homes this week - Sebeka, Duffett, Teresita, and Trixie! That's wonderful news.
Now for the not-so-bad news. We have five cats abandoned on our doorstep this week, so we scrunched a few cages together to make room for these beautiful animals. Thankfully with the adoptions we freed up some space, but it's making our waiting list even longer. That's never good news.
How can you help? Of course, stop by to adopt, but there are other things we need, too. Please pass the word around that spaying/neutering is the ONLY way to go. This makes sure every animal has a safe and loving home.
And, we are in need of some basic supplies this week. Bleach is always needed, as are paper towels. But this week with the additional roomies, we need jars of baby food - veal or turkey only please, nothing mixed in (like macaroni or veggies). We also need a special cat food that all of our cats love, and i helps them to adapt to their new environment. It is called Fancy Feast Elegant Medleys. The two "flavors" we use are turkey florentine and yellowfin tuna florentine. Both are NOT the shredded or chunky variety.
Once again, thank you for all of your help!
First the good news. Four of our cats got their forever homes this week - Sebeka, Duffett, Teresita, and Trixie! That's wonderful news.
Now for the not-so-bad news. We have five cats abandoned on our doorstep this week, so we scrunched a few cages together to make room for these beautiful animals. Thankfully with the adoptions we freed up some space, but it's making our waiting list even longer. That's never good news.
How can you help? Of course, stop by to adopt, but there are other things we need, too. Please pass the word around that spaying/neutering is the ONLY way to go. This makes sure every animal has a safe and loving home.
And, we are in need of some basic supplies this week. Bleach is always needed, as are paper towels. But this week with the additional roomies, we need jars of baby food - veal or turkey only please, nothing mixed in (like macaroni or veggies). We also need a special cat food that all of our cats love, and i helps them to adapt to their new environment. It is called Fancy Feast Elegant Medleys. The two "flavors" we use are turkey florentine and yellowfin tuna florentine. Both are NOT the shredded or chunky variety.
Once again, thank you for all of your help!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
From our friends, part five
Just writing back to let you know that Sateen and Othello are now Gracie and Oliver. They're still in love, and have adjusted nicely. They keep each other entertained, and spend a lot of time sitting in the window sills together. It took them a while to get playful, but once they did it hasn't let up. They sleep with me every night, except for about an hour between 3 and 4 when they gallop around the house and wrestle and hiss.
They're well loved and well cared for, and your organization did us a favor by matching them up with our family. We couldn't imagine not having them now.
They're well loved and well cared for, and your organization did us a favor by matching them up with our family. We couldn't imagine not having them now.
From our friends, part four
Sorry for the delay - life has been a bit crazy as I suspect it is for everyone. We have renamed Rex as Gizmo. He is so goofy and when you view the picture you will see why. The kids love him and he has really adapted well but he is getting quite fat!! He loves to eat so I have to watch that. He has been a great addition to the family and we are very pleased with him. Thank you for your patience and help the day we adopted him!
From our friends, part three
Our sweet little kitten, Aztec, is doing great! We renamed him Marmalade. Sometimes he even gets called Marmalade Montgomery. I don't know where the Montgomery came from, but it seemed to fit! We love him to death. He is so cute and playful. He gets into a little mischief sometimes, but he responds very well to correction. All I have to do is make a sound like a water bottle spraying, and he straightens right up! He loves to be held and petted. He will curl up in our laps and lay there for a long time. We couldn't be more pleased! He is a real treasure! I've attached a couple of photos of him. Thanks for letting him come to live with us!
From our friends, part two
Hershey was renamed Duncan. He's become a wonderful part of our family. He and Jesse (the young dog we adopted about 6 mo ago) have become good friends. They bully each other at different times. He's a very active young man, loves to chase, run, catch, retreive and of course EAT. Both he and Jesse are good antidotes for a someone who works way too much. He demands play time, and it's very ACTIVE playtime. I hope I can attach a couple of pics....He has a favorite sleeping place is one that was previously cat tested, and if that's not enough, he imposes on the pup's special spot, 'just because.' they play, get mean with each other, but are good friends....we're delighted that he adopted us..... (my last beloved cat was black, wasn't looking for another black but he adopted us)...
From our friends, part one
Hi Safe Haven for Cats,
I just wanted to write a quick note to tell you how great Taffeta, now known as Daphne, is doing. It took her a few days to get adjusted to the house, smells, sounds, and my other cat, Drusilla, but she is now is fitting in just fine.
She and Drusilla have been becoming the best of friends, even sleeping next to each other on the couch, and all in a little over a week.
Daphne loves sleeping on the cat condo and especially loves to look out the windows at the birds and squirrels. I'm so glad I could give her a great home!
Thank you for all of your help and expertise in choosing Daphne (Taffeta) as the perfect fit for our house.
I just wanted to write a quick note to tell you how great Taffeta, now known as Daphne, is doing. It took her a few days to get adjusted to the house, smells, sounds, and my other cat, Drusilla, but she is now is fitting in just fine.
She and Drusilla have been becoming the best of friends, even sleeping next to each other on the couch, and all in a little over a week.
Daphne loves sleeping on the cat condo and especially loves to look out the windows at the birds and squirrels. I'm so glad I could give her a great home!
Thank you for all of your help and expertise in choosing Daphne (Taffeta) as the perfect fit for our house.
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