TARPS Fundraising Tag Sale Memorial Day weekend

click the link to see our latest news!

http://tarpsanimalsheltervt.org/2011/05/22/tarps-fundraising-tag-sale—memorial-day-weekend/

New Posting

Click here for our most recent news!

http://tarpsanimalsheltervt.org/2011/05/20/tarps-annual-meeting/

Announcing OUR NEW SITE!

We are happy to reveal our new TARPS website. Click here to check it out: www.TARPSAnimalShelterVt.org

Now you can get up-to-the-minute info on all our events and happenings, find out what volunteer opportunities are available, donate or read some happy adventures of our adopted pets after they moved to their forever homes. Plus, learn more about who we are and visit some of our favorite sites.

The site is brand new and in the next few months we will keep tweaking it and maybe adding new features. So check back often so see what is up at TARPS.

Oh, I forgot, we have a new e-mail address too! You can now contact us at:

shelter@TARPSAnimalShelterVt.org

Kittens, Kittens, Kittens!

As sure as the forsythia and the daffodils bloom, the Spring also brings scores of kittens to our shelter.

At the moment, we have close to two dozen at the shelter and more on the way. The kittens are varied in ages but in the next few weeks the first batch will be ready for adoption. Call us soon to arrange a day to come down to the shelter and peek in our kitten room. We will take deposits and stay in touch with you until your kitten is able to be taken home.

Please keep in mind usually the young mother is abandoned too. At a safe time, after the kittens are weaned, we will have the mom spayed. Please consider checking out these cats too.

PLANT AND BAKE SALE - MAY 7 - SATURDAY

Here is your chance to treat yourself (or Mom) to some affordable yummy food and/or beautiful plants.

Stop by Lisais Market in Chester after 10:00 am and we will be there.

All funds raised will go towards TARPS funding. Thank you for all you can give.

While you're in Chester swing by the shelter on Route 103. You will see we are improving things little by little, but there is such a great need. If you would like to give but can not, please think about volunteering. Let us know what you excel at, we're sure there is something here that can benefit from your talents.

A Cat and a Fund in Need

A Brave Cat
Webster came to us at 3 weeks old from the Bellows Falls area. About a month later, he fell ill with diarrhea. Our veterinarian began a series of treatments, none which seemed to have much effect. When his blood tests returned he was diagnosed as having Feline Infectious Peritonitis FIP, which is deadly and has no cure. A decision was made to contact Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine which is researching the disease.

Meanwhile, Webster’s weight was falling, his fur became brittle and his small bones were protruding . One day he became listless, barely able to lift his head. His foster mom decided it might be best if she let him go. The phone was busy at the vet. She went to prepare herself some tea before trying the vet again. Miraculously Webster had crossed the room, climbed the drapes and, staring down at her, made it clear with a loud squawk that he wasn’t ready to give up so neither should she. Not soon after, Cornell called, prescribing what was an effective treatment. By his first birthday Webster was much stronger.

Because of his amazing recovery, a special fund was named The Webster Fund. For the last two years, the money has been helping other cats to get treatment which may have been unavailable to them.

Loss of Health and a Depleted Fund
This year Webster has fallen ill again. This time he is not responding to the medicines which helped him before. The next alternative is an even more expensive path.

Now Webster is in need of the fund. Unfortunately the account has been strained by recent needs.

We are looking for donations to help our Webster and the fund.

If you have an interest in contributing to The Webster Fund and helping Webster, please contact us by calling 802-875-7777. Or email tarps@vermontel.net. Or mail your check, made out to TARPS (memo: The Webster Fund) at 1758 Route 103S, P.O. Box 274, Chester , VT 05143

Super Cat Video

Hard Hit

We (unfortunately) have gotten used to hearing about the difficulties people are experiencing in regards to this economy. Many of us don't realize that when the tough decisions regarding expenses are inevitable, families are forced to choose whether or not to surrender their pets.

TARPS recently has taken in animals brought in because of loss of income. As animal owners ourselves, we understand the expense of feeding and vet costs and its effect on the budget. It's a difficult and emotional decision for these families.

We do have some good news for some of these families and TARPS donors. Food banks accept pet food and litter.

Pet food and litter can be dropped off at food banks, food drives, shelters and many pet shops. Petco has set up collection points at many of their stores.

Please call your shop/shelter/food bank or check the internet before dropping off your donation.

To pick up these items, contact a food bank or Humane Society in your area. To find one in the Vermont visit: http://www.vtfoodbank.org

For pet food assistance in the Windham county area, call: 802 254 2232

Note: 3SquaresVT food stamps can NOT be used for pet food.

Help Stop Littering: Spay or Neuter Your Pets

We love our animals. Sometimes doing what is best for them, is difficult. No one enjoys putting a healthy animal through an operation of any kind. But if you consider the facts, spaying and/or neutering a pet is a healthy choice for your animal.

The best time to spay or neuter is at a young age (six to nine months). But any healthy animal will have little problem with the procedure. Ask your veterinarian what is appropriate for your pet.

This link supplies the answers to many myths about the operation:

http://www2.aspca.org/site/DocServer/Why_SpayNeuter-English.pdf?docID=188

We at TARPS, would love it if you put us out of the business of finding homes for unwanted litters. Being a no-kill shelter, we are saddened to turn away animals because of our limited space. We know many of those turned away will be killed or euthanized.

Here are some opportunities to do a great thing for your pet.

Springfield Humane Society is offering spay/neuter clinics on

Tuesday, May 10 & June 7 in Springfield, VT

and Tuesday, July 19 in Charlestown, NH

If cost is a factor for you, these clinics are offered for low-cost, $30 for neutering and $35 for spaying.

Please call the Springfield Humane Society shelter (802-885-3997) to set up appointments and find the locations. They would also be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have regarding the procedure.

News News News

We have so much to tell you!

RESULTS

First, thank you to all who contributed, participated and enjoyed our first Spaghetti and Meatballs Fundraiser. It was a lot of fun and the food was delish. TARPS raised $700! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Keep an eye out for news of other events coming up in the near future.

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BAKING GOOD

Spring is here and we are excited to say we are returning to Lisai's Market at Chester Depot with our Bake Sale. There are sure to be lots of yummy cakes and home-baked goodies. Look for us Saturday, April 23rd. Come around 10 am and we'll be all set up and waiting for you.

If you'd like to bake for us, give us a call and let us know you are coming and what you'd like to bake. We are always excited to have new items for sale.

We'll also be on the porch Saturday, May 7 with baked goods and plants. A perfect opportunity to pick something out for your mom the day before Mothers' Day.

As always, a warm thank you to Lisai's Markets for supporting us. If you don't know it already, they have an awesome selection for a local shop. They are very well-known for their meats. Totally try their BBQ ribs or chicken, they are my personal favorite.

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VOTES COUNT

Because of you, we won $1,000 in the animalrescuesite.com's Shelter Challenge! Unfortunately, we can not win 2 months in a row. This month we are asking you to keep voting (stay in the groove), but please cast your vote for our friends at the Springfield Humane Society.

Here is the voting link:

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

1. Click the donate food link (just a click for FREE food to shelters, no $$ needed)

2. In the next screen, click on the VOTE NOW! button (usually in the upper right hand corner of the center column)

3. They will ask you to identify an animal or type a cryptic in a box. And Voila! you've voted.

Vote once a day, every day, and feel good that you've helped a great cause.

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WE'RE BACK UP!

Our pages at petfindersfoundation.com are back up and running. Now you can check out some of our animals and read a little about what makes them so special.

http://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?shelterid=VT15

Don't stop there though, give us a call (802-875-7777) or e-mail (tarps@vermontel.com) and plan a visit. Meet these wonderful cats in person. One may be your perfect match.

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Whew! We told you we had a lot to discuss... thanks for hanging in.

On Top of Spaghetti

Join us for a Spaghetti Dinner to benefit TARPS!

Sunday April 10th

Come on down to the Moose Lodge on Westminster Street in Bellows Falls for homemade sauce & meatballs, Caesar salad, garlic bread, dessert. Yummy!

Seating is from 1 to 3 pm.

Entertainment, raffles, and a silent auction from 2-5 p.m.

Come on down, its sure to be fun and delicious!

(we put the FUN in FUNdraisers!)

Catboys

More cat commercial silliness. =^..^=

Just our (good) luck!

As many a superstition that paint black cats as evil and bad luck, there are those that have black cats as good luck.

For instance, let's take Ship's Cats. Throughout history black cats have been chosen as ship cats to guard the cargo from rodents. The sailors who were superstitious, believed the cat would protect a ship from dangerous weather. But if a cat fell or was thrown overboard it could call up a fierce storm.

A sailor's wife would keep a black cat to ensure the safety of her husband at sea. (This I am sure, is great news for my daughter who is engaged to a sailor and loves cats)

In the north of England and in Japan, owning a black cat is considered lucky. Other superstitions mention that it is good fortune for a newly married couple to have a black cat cross their path as they leave the church. It is also reportedly good luck to have a black cat walk into your home. A strange black cat on your porch brings prosperity. A black cat in the audience of a play's opening night is a sign it will be a successful play.

Next time you are at a shelter looking for your pet, take a closer look at these magically, wonderful animals. Bring a little luck into your house.

Caption: TARPS lucky black cats: Esther & Lady Catherine

Bibliography:

Encyclopedia of Superstitions 1949

By Edwin Radford, Mona A. Radford

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ship's_cat

Thank you for your continued support!

Because of you and your votes at the animal rescue site, TARPS has received a grant worth $1000!

Check out the animal rescue site to see the other states' winners.

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/shelterchallenge.faces?siteId=3

Seriously we couldn't have done it without you!

Meet Our Cats

Mr. Collins

Mr. Collins is a handsome, 2 year old, white and black cat.

He is originally from a feral community (a clowder) in Bellows Falls. Though not too trusting of people, he LOVES his treats enough that he will eat from your hand.

If you have a lot of patience and love to give an animal, Mr. Collins, may be the cat for you.

What is a feral cat?

A feral cat is an animal that because of abandonment, lack of human contact, or birth has become frightened or mistrustful of humans and other animals. Having to fend for themselves they revert to, or are in, a wild state.

Feral animals have received a bad reputation. Some, out of fear will hiss or growl as a self-defense mechanism, but there are also many who are exceedingly shy, hide or back away from people and are open to learning to live with humans.

Ferals once given food, water and care, may come around to being tamed and adoptable. Our volunteers work with the ferals to judge whether they can be tamed, then patiently encouraging them to accept a human's touch.

Kittens born to feral mothers, if found, have an easier time of adjusting to a domesticated state. It's important to handle these young cats at an early age so they don't shy away.

Unfortunately, there are cats that will never be comfortable in a shelter or home enviroment. We will spay (or neuter) these animals and release them back in to a safe area. These cats are marked so if caught they can be identified and left alone to live in the open.

We have many cats that may be a perfect fit for you and your family. Let us know if you have the time and patience to take in one of our lovable and more trusting ferals. Please give us a call or visit soon.

Those funny Brits

Cravendale Milk has released a series cute/funny/hysterical videos of Cats with Thumbs.

Here is the commercial that is going viral as we speak. (I personally like the street gang a la West Side Story.)

If you are lucky enough to have a polydactyl cat (cats with extra digits) you can even enter the contest to win £1,000!

(The condition seems to be most commonly found in cats along the East Coast of the United States and in South West England.)

Here is the Cat's With Thumbs link for you to explore more.

http://www.milkmatters.co.uk/cats/

We have a few here at the shelter. Come in and maybe you can find the next star of your own milk commercial (OR add to the gang of "cats with thumbs" uprising in your neighborhood).

News Updates

Dateline: CHESTER, VT

The Animal Rescue and Protection Society (TARPS) has new hours!
Thursday, Saturday & Sunday 1-5 p.m.
Monday & Wednesday by appointment (call 802-875-7777 to make an appt.)
Closed Tuesday and Friday

Don't forget to check our Contact Us page for the most up-to-the-minute info.


PLEASE NOTE:
Our "Adoptable Pets" page at Petfinders (http://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?shelter_id=VT15) is currently down. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. You may always make an appointment to visit our cats in-person or call to ask about the cats and kittens we have available.

We will let you know once we are up and running again.

Thank you Ron and Joe for the cat image. Visit ronandjoe.com for all YOUR clip art.

Shop TARPS

Love TARPS? Well don't just say it, show it! We've opened a shop at cafepress.com/TARPSChesterVT

We have all types of merchandise available: tshirts, sweats, hoodies, hats, tote bags, beverage containers, pet bowls... you even can dress your favorite pet in a TARPS shirt. You and your pet will be the envy of the neighborhood.

All profits from purchases made at this store will go directly to TARPS.

TARPS items make great gifts. They are a gift with heart. You get a nice item and you have the knowledge you are donating to a great cause.

Keep checking back at the shop. New items will be added on occasion.

Thank you for shopping at http://www.cafepress.com/TARPSChesterVT

Meet Our Cats

Caroline

Caroline came to us from Bellows Falls as a 3-month old cat. She's been with us now for a little over 2 years. She is calm and very sweet.

With her unique orange eyes and her lovely coloring, she is quite a looker.

See our Contact page for our hours then come in and visit with Caroline. We know you will be won over by her.

Bad cats

I was speaking with a friend recently about cartoon cats we remembered from our youth. These two siamese were the worst. They were just nasty, leaving Lady to take the blame for their mischief.

What other cats do you remember? Kimba? Tom? Silvester? Top Cat? Courageous Cat? There were many more good cat cartoons than are bad ones.

Meet our Cats

Teddy (Theadora)

Here is our sweet Teddy. We think she is just beautiful. She was surrendered to the shelter from Brattleboro. When she came to us, she brought along her six 2-week old kittens. She was such a great mom, she even helped raise an orphan kitten along with her own. Most of her kittens have found loving homes now. We'd love it if she could find one too.

Do you think you can open your heart and home to a new pet? Call or come in to meet Teddy and our other wonderful cats.

Visit our Contact page for information about our shelter, hours and location.

Lost cat finds new home

(Update: Congrats on your one month anniversary Moose!)

These are the happy endings we like!

This beautiful cat was found wandering and brought to us. He looked well cared for and was friendly. We could tell he had a good home at one time. After looking for his owners and publishing his photo in the local paper, no one came forward to claim him. During that time, one of our friends visited the shelter, she saw (then named) Hercules and fell in love.

We were so happy he found a forever home so quickly. He is now called Moose and is living comfortably, playing with his new siblings, Peanut (aka Luna) and Nathaniel.

If you'd like to see some of our other cats, waiting for new homes, give us a call or come on in.

Please don't forget to vote for our shelter at theanimalrescue site. You can vote every day. The more votes we get will put us in the running for thousands of dollars in grant money (all that for a few clicks on links):

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/shelterchallenge.faces?siteId=3

Photos: Top right, Hercules waiting to be taken home.

Bottom left, Newly named Moose at play with new pal, Nathaniel

Favorite Videos-Simon's Cat

For those of us cat lovers, Simon's Cat will always be a favorite. We have a lot of curious and silly cats like Simon's waiting for adoption. Give us a call and make an appointment to visit and meet them.

Meet our Cats (first installment in a series)

Hera and Mae West

Just as Hera poses beautifully, Mae pops her head up to see what is going on.

Come in to visit us and meet these beautiful cats. We are located on Route 103S in Chester, Vermont.

Our hours are Thursdays, Noon to 5 pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 1-5 pm; and Mondays and Tuesdays by appointment. Call 802-875-7777 to schedule an appt., for more information or directions.

Snowshoeing...

This is Xiabo (pronounced Zybo) one of our kittens adopted this fall. What a life he's gotten. Here he is out on a snowshoeing adventure with his Mom & Dad (he is harnessed!). When he gets too tired, he just jumps into the basket and gets carried around! He was adopted with his foster brother Radar and they are as happy as can be, well who wouldn't be? Send us your adoption story with a picture and share it with everyone! Send to tarps@vermontel.net.

Bubba?

This beautiful cat was found on Pleasant Valley Road in Chester, VT. He/she showed up at someone's house, cold and dirty, around the middle of January. Incredibly sweet and friendly kitty, but covered in mats from not being brushed. He has either been missing for a while or wasn't getting regular brushings. The family that found him named him Bubba...but we're not sure if he is a boy or girl yet, too much fur. Does he/she look familiar? If this lovely baby is yours, please call us.

Up a Tree?

This lovely lady was found stuck in a tree on Cavendish Road in Chester, VT. She's white and black with a thin face and a large voice (some Siamese in her lineage?). Very friendly, loves to be held and has a beautiful purr. We are quite convinced she is someone's missing pet. We've named her Melinda. If you think she may be yours please call us.

Seannie's Plan!!!

Oh no, Seannie's upset and thinking about joining the French Foreign Legion! Belle hurt his feelings. Maybe if we all vote and get way ahead of those pugs he will change his mind and stay. www.theanimalrescuesite.com

Nikki

This is Nikki. She was found in Bellows Falls on Canal Street. She is a sweet, very petite little white and black female. She's a bit shy, but learning to trust us here at the shelter. She's about 8 or 9 months old and will be at the shelter for at least a month because she may be pregnant.

Don't forget to vote! We're still ahead in the challenge but not by that much. The animal rescue site

Bunnies!!!

The very handsome fellow on top is Sweet Daddy D. He is a mini lop-earred rabbit. He loves to be petted and brushed and is almost completely litter box trained. Daddy D will make a great pet for some rabbit lover out there, come and visit us soon to meet him.

The other 2 are his children, Puff 'n Stuff, and are being handled daily to make them just as sweet as their daddy. They are only 8 weeks old and very cute!

Pulling Ahead

Seannie tells me we're ahead of those pugs! I knew we could do it! Keep on voting so we stay ahead. I'll be checking in with Seannie every day. xoxo

VOTE HERE: www.animalrescuesite.com

Breaking News! We have a shop at cafepress! Check it out for all kinds of things with the TARPS logo on it. ALL profits from the sales at this shop will go directly to us.

http://www.cafepress.com/TARPSChesterVT

Shelter Challenge

Seannie and friends are ready to email you every day to remind you to vote for TARPS in the shelter challenge. We have just gained ground on those pesky pugs...but need more votes. You can vote on your own by going to theanimalrescuesite.com or email TARPS with a request for a daily Seannie reminder. Who wouldn't want to see that cute face every morning? Our email address is tarps@vermontel.net - now GO VOTE! please?

Founded blog today - Kitty found

My name is "Mysterious".  I was found in Ludlow Vermont.  I am 5 to 6 years old.  Am I yours?  Come get me please!