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.

*************

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.

*********

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.

***************

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.

*************

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