Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Pepsi Refresh for September

Hi Everyone!

I know!! It's been awhile since an update on the animals has been posted here and well, when it's quiet online you can bet it's busy at the rescue!! For the past several months we've been working diligently to save animals and raise funds to promote our work. One exciting development is our eligibility for a $50,000 Pepsi Refresh grant and, as if that weren't enough, we've partnered with several other amazing organizations to help win money for 10 worthwhile causes!! Please follow the attached link (http://www.tinyurl.com/Animal-AutismAlliance) and vote for the animal and autism causes listed!!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Let's Make Some Magic For Merlin



Merlin is a confident and affectionate little terrier boy! Merlin loves people and is a great greeter, he also enjoys other dogs, but cats... well, cats are a whole lot of fun to chase, corner and bark at. If you have cats at home, for their mental health, we wouldn't recommend him as a good canine companion. Like so many terriers, Merlin is high energy, intelligent and would do best in a home that can keep him occupied and exercised. Unfortunately, that exercise plan will have to be put on hold, as Merlin is undergoing treatment for heartworm.

Merlin was rescued after he was scheduled to be euthanized due to lack of space. He adjusted wonderfully to his foster home, is kennel trained and loves the other animals in foster care (the cats do not love him back). All seemed to be going great for Merlin, until his 4dx test came back heartworm positive. Happily, heart worm is very treatable and Merlin's x-rays and blood tests show that his heart has not suffered any damage yet as a result of his infection- and we plan to keep it that way!

We would be very happy to see Merlin go into a foster-to-adopt situation while he is being treated for heartworm. Since treatment takes place over many months, we would like to see Merlin adjusting to a forever home while he is recovering. We have a heart worm treatment protocol worked out with our veterinarian at Country Care Pet Hospital, and we need Merlin to continue to go see the staff there for treatment, but Catkins covers the cost of treatment! Merlin has been neutered, brought up to date on his vaccines, dewormed and microchipped. He is current on his frontline and is negative for all tick born diseases.

If you can help Merlin by fostering-to-adopt him or contributing to his treatment please contact us today. You can also help all the dogs you know by making sure they are tested for heartworm annually and kept on preventative!

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Teaming up to Stamp out Pet Overpopulation

Both locally and nationally, pet overpopulation is a crisis that has people joining together to save lives. Every year millions of stray and unwanted pets are euthanized across our country because there are so many more animals than there are homes for them. The best chance these lost souls have is to be adopted from a local humane society, animal control facility or rescue group.

In an effort to help publicize the need for animal adoption, the Postal Service unveiled its “Animal Rescue: Adopt a Shelter Pet” sheet of commemorative stamps. The set features photographs of 10 shelter pets adopted through the Animal Welfare Society of New Milford, Connecticut.

To help celebrate the sale of these stamps and the homes animals will find as a result, the Fifield and Butternut and Glidden Post Offices are hosting a supply drive in their lobby for Catkins Animal Rescue, the local rescue group for Price County and the surrounding area. In 2009 Catkins placed nearly 100 pets in new homes. These are animals that were left behind when people moved away or were evicted, animals that ran out of time at other overcrowded facilities, animals that were removed from neglectful situations or strays that concerned citizens wanted to see in good homes. Every animal that comes to Catkins is seen by a veterinarian and gets the necessary medical care before going up for adoption. Animals are sterilized, given age appropriate shots, tested for flea and tick born diseases and treated for any conditions discovered during their veterinary exam. All of this is done by volunteers and with funds and supplies generously donated by the community.

The Post Offices are helping Catkins in its mission to end pet overpopulation by posting a wish list of supplies for the animals in their lobbies. Supplies will be collected through the month of May, and the stamps commemorating the fight against pet overpopulation will be on sale into the summer.

For more information about the adoptable animals available at Catkins please visit: www.catkins.petfinder.com

For more information about the Animal Rescue stamps the impact they are having visit: www.usps.com

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Our Article in the Phillips BEE

Phillips Public Library helping Catkins Animal Rescue
Donations of pet food and supplies being collected for volunteer-run rescue facility in Fifield
Published: Wednesday, January 20, 2010 11:08 PM CST
Cathy Peters THE-BEE



The Phillips Public Library is currently hosting a drive to collect pet food and supplies for the Catkins Animal Rescue facility in Fifield. The collection will continue until Feb. 6, according to Nancy Genisio, who adopted two kittens from the shelter. According to its founder Laura Rycroft, all donations to the non-profit 501(c)(3) animal rescue shelter are tax deductible. Among the items on her “wish list” are any brands of canned and dry dog or cat food, specific brands of food for diabetic cats or sick pets, cat or dog carriers, folding kennels, litter boxes, cat litter, leashes, collars, cat and dog toys and treats, cat beds, scratching posts or climbing trees, blankets, large garbage bags (with drawstrings), rolls of paper towels, bleach and laundry soap.

“We are a small, volunteer-run rescue group that began rescuing cats in the Ashland area several years ago,” she said. “Since starting our cat rescue, we have expanded to rescuing all breeds of dogs as well and, in 2007, moved most of our pets to a facility in Fifield.

Because none of the animals rescued are euthanized, the shelter only accepts them when space is available. Rycroft noted that she and the volunteers who help her are always looking for foster homes for the rescued animals, not only to make more room in the shelter, but as a way to prepare the animals for adoption.

“The pets themselves learn how to interact in a home environment and seem to have a less stressful introduction to a new home than an animal that has been caged,” she said. “The more homes we find for our pets, the more animals we can take in. We cover all the medical and food costs of the pets in foster care but always appreciate any food provided by the foster families.”

Since moving to Price County, Rycroft said, she has found there is no plan to manage the stray cat population. She said most of the animals at Catkins Animal Shelter are a result of this situation.

“We are looking for farm homes for some of our cats, those who would be good mousers and be happy living outdoors,” she said. “We get lots of calls about feral cats that people want humanely trapped. There is no adoption fee for these cats, which we sterilize so they don’t add to the overpopulation problem. If anyone thinks they might like to have a farm cat, please contact us.”

The shelter also accepts owner- surrendered pets when there is enough space and works with many other shelters and animal control facilities. Rycroft noted that the “no-kill” shelter she operates often takes in animals that have “run out of time.”

“While growing up in Chicago, I volunteered to work with feral cats, but after working for the Best Friends Animal Shelter in Utah, decided to focus on animals that could more easily be socialized and become adoptable,” she said. “What makes our animal shelter different from most others is that our cats are not kept in cages, but live in a small indoor/outdoor house which is air conditioned in the summer and heated in the winter.”

Cats that need to be quarantined due to health issues have their own private quarters, Rycroft stated. The rest either “hang out in the house named “Harold’s Hideout,” named for her first rescued kitten, or are allowed to mingle with their foster families’ personal pets, whether they are dogs or cats.

“We find this approach allows us to know our cats best,” she said. “We are able to judge what kind of home they would do best in and if they have any special needs.”

It is important that she have compassion for the people who, for a variety of reasons, are no longer able to care for their animals, Rycroft stated. That is sometimes hard to do when pets have been abandoned or neglected, but she noted, her husband has stated that being compassionate contributes to her success in caring for these animals.

According to one of the people she has helped, Rycroft is “the Mother Theresa of animals” who has a “genuine love and affinity” for them and is “diplomatic when dealing with people.” She is described as “a one-woman task force with a unique combination of compassion, common sense and computer skills.”

Licensed by federal, state and local governments, Catkins Animal Rescue works with public health departments, animal control officials, veterinarians, animal shelters and similar organizations in Price and six other northern Wisconsin counties. It is operated completely by volunteers, Rycroft stated, and the money from the adoption fees “goes right back to providing for the animals.”

“Last year, we found adoptive homes for 69 cats and 28 dogs, but we are always looking for more,” she said. “We would also like to find additional volunteers, foster homes and someone who could do some carpentry work at the shelter. I hope one day to have a large enough facility to take in and provide more services for cats, dogs and other domestic animals.”

For more information about Catkins Animal Rescue, call 715-681-0022, e-mail catkins_wi@yahoo.com

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Stonehouse Photography



Photo Courtesy of Stonehouse Photography

In mid January, Hannah Hudson of Stonehouse Photography was kind enough to donate her time to come down and photograph the adoptable animals at Catkins! Hannah spent over two hours helping our adoptable animals put their best face forward to meet the public, the wonderful photos that Hannah shot will be making their way onto our Petfinder.com page shortly! If that weren't enough Hannah is starting the Comments for Canines (and Cats) Campaign! She will donate $1 to Catkins for everyone who comments on her blog, up to $750 per year!! We are asking all of our great supporters who want to get involved in this program to please make sure you're comments are legitimate and relative the content of the blog post. To visit the blog for Stonehouse Photography, and see a sneak peak of some of the great photos Hannah took, visit: http://www.stonehousephoto.blogspot.com.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Happiness and Delight --The Miracles That Animals Bring to Their Adoptive Parents!

To doubt a miracle is very simple for us as human beings to do.  However when you hear of the following stories your heart may be touched with love and understanding for the immense love and care that animals provide to us. And through these stories you will find that the animals’ stories are miraculous and that what they have brought to this world and to the owners that love them can only be described as magnificent. If you are thinking of adoption you may want to read these wonderful stories of the courage and strength that these animals have brought to this world.

This is Wumpus who was brought to Catkins by Social Services.  Wumpus is a Shepperd/English bulldog mix.  He was found chained outside on ice.  The puppy was malnourished as he wasn’t given food or water.  Because he was malnourished Wumpus was full of parasites which bloated his stomach to the extent where his hind legs were pushed outwards.
Wumpus was also found with frostbite on his feet and knees.  It was hard to convince the family to surrender Wumpus but fortunately they did.  Our veterinarian gave the puppy a lot of medical attention and after some time in foster care, Wumpus is in a great home.



Cricket's Happy Ending

The connection was perfect for a kitten named Cricket and her new owner Bonnie. Her previous owner was going to get rid of her and her entire family. A woman at a store nearby graciously offered to take Cricket’s family and gave each one of them to us. After unexpectedly losing her beloved cat, Bonnie talked with the veterinarian who told her about a woman who had adopted a cat through Catkins. After visiting our website. Bonnie called Laura to arrange for a meeting. “I talked to Laura and I was so impressed with the fact that the animals aren’t caged,” said Bonnie. “As Laura told me about the animals I realized that she knew each one just like a person. She knew their personalities, their histories, all of their names, and what their medical needs were. I was so impressed.” Bonnie saw how devoted Laura is to each animal. “It’s like your adopting a child,” said Bonnie. “What a bunch of happy cats. She knows them all like she was related to them. She made sure that she gave me the veterinary records and the whole works.” Bonnie felt that she didn’t have to worry at all about the wellness of the animal that she was adopting upon visiting.

She told Laura about what she was looking for in her new feline companion. She primarily was looking for a cuddly and talkative kitten. Bonnie narrowed it down to about seven cats that she wanted to meet prior to coming to Laura. She brought her miniature Dachshund named Dutch with her to make sure that he would get along with the cat that she choose. Although Cricket wasn’t on her list the cat made quite an impression on Bonnie. “Cricket is the one who made the decision for us,” said Bonnie. “This little black and white one came up between my legs and lept up.” Bonnie said that Cricket made a cute little noise and she said, “Well you’re just a little Cricket.” “For me she’s a talker and I had wanted a talker because I live alone,” said Bonnie.

Bonnie was very impressed with Catkins and when asked about what she would say to other’s thinking of adopting from Catkins Bonnie stated, “That’s an easy question. I’m one of their best champions. I’d walk around with a sandwich board if I could I’ve never seen anything like it.” Bonnie was so impressed with Catkins that she even wrote a letter to the Lakeland Times entitled “Big hearts, great service.”

Upon arrival to her new home, Cricket has been exploring and having a wonderful time.  “Within a half an hour Cricket walked through the house with Dutch,” said Bonnie.  The cuddly cat soon found a bench on her porch overlooking birds outside and she just went to sleep. She knew she was home.

Overall, Cricket the “talkative” kitty that Bonnie was looking for has brought great joy to her life. “She fills a great void and when I don’t feel good or I’m sad, she’s so perky and it’s hard to look at Cricket without smiling because she has this little expression permanently on her face of “So what’s up?”





This beautiful Dalmatian was taken to a veterinary clinic to be put to sleep by her prior owners.  Thankfully the veterinarian refused to put a perfectly healthy Dalmatian to sleep.  Shirley’s new adoptive mom Tam feels the same way.  “I’m very happy that she was saved.  Thankful that the vet gave her a second chance,” said Tam.

Tam is no stranger when it comes to adopting Dalmatians.  She found Catkins while looking through Dalmatian rescue websites. Shirley is now the sixth rescue Dalmatian that Tam has adopted through the years. “I have a soft spot in my heart for Dalmatians so that is why I was I was on Dalmatian rescue, said Tam.”  She saw  Shirley’s bio and was interested to see if she was still up for adoption.  Finding that Shirley was, Tam set up an  appointment with Laura to meet the dog. Laura had Tam bring her other two Dalmatians to introduce everyone to each other. Tam said, “It was love at first sight. I just wanted to give her a home. I was surprised someone would give her up.”

Unfortunately, two of Tam’s Dalmatians passed away last winter.  With the loss of her friends she felt she needed to fill a void in her heart.  “She’s on my lap right now. She wants love and that’s all she wants,” said Tam.  “She’s just a neat little girl.” Shirley is now 13 she was 12 when Tam adopted her into the family.  Shirley has adapted well with her new Dalmatian brother and sister as well.  Shirley loves to run and take walks. “Even at thirteen she loves to run, said Tam. She insists upon going.  When she wants something she tells you.  When she wants a treat she lets you know it,” Tam said with a chuckle.


Overall, Tam was impressed with Catkins and stated, “You guys are great to deal with.” She was happy that she was given Shirley‘s paperwork which was unique to her as she had not experienced that before.
When asked how Shirley has changed Tam’s life it was easy for her to answer.  “She has filled the void from my other two that had passed away last year and her love. That’s all she is. She brought an awful lot of joy and love to my family.” 





This brown tabby kitty’s name is Sasha.  She was abandoned in a house when her previous owners moved.  Sasha was around nine months old before she was matched with her new mom.  Forty-eight hours after adoption, Sasha’s mom fell.  The kitty stayed close by her senior mom for fifteen hours before someone found them. While in the hospital, Sasha’s mom had pictures of her brought in so that she could show all of the nurses her cat. Sasha is very loved by her family.


This is Luumpa who is a pug/beagle mix.  Luumpa was taken into a bar along with his mother and brother.  The man that took him into the bar had planned to drown them if he couldn’t find a home for them.  Luckily a gentlemen took the dogs and called us.  Now Luumpa is living in a wonderful home with his new dad who had adopted from us previously. 

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

One Minute

He had been picked up skinny, matted and dirty. Everytime he went to the bathroom, it got stuck in his fur and the staff cleaned him up. He been there a little while and wasn't getting any better.

I had to stop by the facility to drop something off, so I called ahead to make sure someone would be there. No problem, they were just collecting a cat for a euthanasia appointment, but someone would be there for a few more minutes.

"Which cat?"
He was already in a crate in the back of a running vehicle when I arrived. It took me one minute to decide that this cat was coming with me, sign the paperwork and have him in my car.

It took us 15 minutes to run his FIV/FeLV/FHW test and let him eat.

It took 3 minutes to bath him and clean off his back end. His skin was red and raw so we covered the wounds with ointment.

It took about 3 seconds to realize he was going to kill me for bathing him.

It took less than 3 seconds for him to forgive me and decide towels were good.

It took one vet visit to determine that his leg had been broken and gone untreated. It took a few minutes for our vet to fully examine him and it took me just a moment to hand her my notes. I mentioned how more than food, he liked his probiotics. She went and got him a tube so he could snack while we talked. She told me she thought that he had literally given up and stopped eating and grooming. He was horribly underweight and the previous build-up of feces in his coat had actually started to burn his skin. The baths and ointment had already started to help, his appetite had started to come back and he was purring while he ate his snack. The vet petted him and told him how wonderful he is. He had given up, past tense, now she expects to see him back in one month.

Now he eats a whole can of cat food everyday. He is great about his antibiotics and he loves his dietary supplements and probiotics. He is slowly putting on weight and exploring his new environment. He is patient and affectionate and will make a wonderful pet for a lucky family.

You'll all see him on our website when he is ready for adoption. His name is Minute.