CAWS News

Great People Needed for Great CAWSes

2010-03-29T16:02:00.001-06:00

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Rescued from the West Valley City shelter in May 2009, FeLV+ Raniya currently does not show any signs of illness. She is an excellent cat—wonderful with children and other cats (including Biscuit and Scotty). Raniya is a perfect combination of playful kitten and cuddly cat. She loves to sit on your lap and purr or chase feather toys.

A local veterinary school assists cats from the Salt Lake County Animal Shelter and uses them to teach veterinary procedures, including vaccinations and spays/neuters. If the cats are in good health, they are returned to the shelter for adoption. Biscuit was one of these cats. However, he tested positive for FeLV. Normally, he would have been euthanized, but Biscuit was much too sweet to be put down, and the veterinarian teaching the class came to his rescue and brought him to CAWS. Biscuit is great with kids and other cats, even when hissed at he doesn't hiss back, just walks on by. He loves feather toys and to be petted and scratched.

Rescued from a feral site in December 2009, Scotty had a tough life before he came to CAWS. When taken to the veterinarian for vaccinations, he tested positive for both FIV & FeLV. The veterinarian suggested euthanasia, but as Scotty is now in good health, CAWS decided to see what we could do to give him some time as a loved pet after all he'd been through.We initially thought Scotty was a Scottish Fold because of his ears. However, it was determined he had severe ear-mites at some time in his life, and they had caused him so much pain he scratched and shook his head until he had hematomas. Because the hematomas went untreated, he developed “cauliflower ears.” His ears are fine now, though they will never stand up. He also has three broken cani! nes and a few of his claws will no longer extend. He has asthma but is otherwise currently in good health. Scotty is a devoted companion and will never be more than a few feet away. He is excellent with other cats.

Calling all CAWS pet adopters!

We want to hear from you. Tell us your adoption story. How has your life changed since adopting your new pet? How is your pet unique? How old is your pet and how has he or she changed over the years? Why did you adopt from CAWS? When did you adopt? Share your experience with us. We love to hear from adopters, and your story could be featured in an upcoming CAWS newsletter or on our website!

Mark Your Calendar: CAWS Super Adoption Coming Soon!

Join CAWS the first weekend in May for the Super Adoption at

PetSmart: 389 W 1830 S, SLC.

Give a Special-Needs Kitty a Special Life

At Community Animal Welfare Society, we believe that any animal has the right to a long and fulfilling life—even those that many other organizations wouldn’t give a chance. Our true “no-kill” policy applies to animals who have had tough times, whether they’ve been let down by people, suffered serious injury, or contracted a disease. Despite their "hard-knock" life, these animals deserve the opportunity to survive and thrive, and lucky owners deserve the chance to experience the joy of sharing their home with a truly wonderful pet.

In May 2009, the CAWS cat program coordinator received a call from a foster parent, asking her to make a tough decision. After being rescued from a local shelter, a cute tabby, Raniya, was diagnosed with feline leukemia virus (FeLV). The veterinarian was suggesting that the cat be euthanized, although she still seemed to act perfectly healthy. The foster parent who had brought Raniya in couldn’t risk taking an FeLV positive cat back home and the veterinarian couldn’t board the cat; someone needed to take her right away or she would have to be put to sleep. Despite concerns that her cats at home (who had been vaccinated for FeLV) could be infected, our cat coordinator agreed to take Raniya home to foster her. Then she did some research.

Information about FeLV, which only affects a small percentage of cats in the United States, continues to evolve. Cornell University’s website gives a thorough explanation of what is currently known about FeLV. Here are a few key points:

The virus is shed in saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces, and the milk of nursing cats.
Cats at significant risk of infection are those who are exposed to infected cats by prolonged close contact or by bite wounds. Kittens are more susceptible to infection than adults.
The only sure way to protect cats, even if they’ve been vaccinated, is to keep them indoors, provide supervision to prevent contact with other cats, or provide a secure enclosure. Keep unifected cats separate from infected cats in the home, and don't allow them to share food and water bowls or litter boxes.
Under good conditions, FeLV-infected cats can remain in apparent good health for many months, or longer. Over time—from weeks to years—the cat's health may progressively deteriorate, or he or she may manifest illness at the end of the a healthy life. The cat may also have a treatable illness on occasion.

After learning more, Raniya's foster felt comfortable having Raniya in her home, as long as the cat was kept separate from the others in the household. Soon, Biscuit and Scotty, also FeLV positive, followed (see all three cats at left). Always concerned for their health, she keeps a close eye on her special-needs foster kitties. Instead of being sickly or fragile, however, she has found they are just as robust and healthy-acting as her other cats. And, they have truly lovable personalities.

These sweet souls now need to find permanent homes. Their foster explains how, for the right person, the positives for adopting these special kitties will far outweigh the negatives:

"The reward is simply being with them. It is also rewarding to know you are one of the few people who will give them a chance to live out their lives. It is really fun to spoil them, knowing you are making their time here the most enjoyable experience you can. The hard part is you don't know when their time will come. You have to prepare yourself from the start that they may only be with you for a few months. There is no way to avoid getting attached—the cats are simply too wonderful. But again, I approach it with the intention of making their lives as pampered as possible while they are here, so after a hard start in life, they’ve had the best experience they could have had when it is time for them to move on. These affectionate foster cats need you, and once they are in your home, you will quickly realize how much you needed them too."

Adopting a Cat with FeLV

If one of these special kitties tugs at your heart, there are a few things you should know about caring for a cat with FeLV (from Cornell):

Feed nutritionally complete and balanced diets.
Avoid uncooked food, such as raw meat and eggs, and unpasteurized dairy products due to the risk of food-borne bacterial and parasitic infections.
Schedule a complete wellness visit with your veterinarian at least once every six months. Your cat's weight should be accurately measured and recorded, as weight loss is often the first sign of deterioration.
Closely monitor the health and behavior of your FeLV-infected cat. Alert your veterinarian to any changes in your cat's health immediately.

Of course, FeLV cats may only live a short while. We know a number of adopters who have lost their FeLV cats over the years. Generally, they have noted that it is sometimes an easier process than losing a senior cat or a cat with a prolonged illness, as FeLV cats’ health seems to go downhill quickly—living normal lives and then within just a few days starting to decline. There is less stress and questioning over end-of-life issues because you will know that when a FeLV cat's health starts to deteriorate, it is their time to be allowed to humanely move on.

Help us give these pets all of the love and happiness they deserve. Send us an e-mail if you would like more information about adopting Raniya, Scotty, or Biscuit.

Make a Difference!

Volunteer Coordinator Needed

In past weeks, CAWS has received a number of volunteer applications. And we’ve discovered that we need a person dedicated to helping us keep it all straight! If you would like to volunteer to help respond to volunteer inquiries (phone & e-mail), figure out where people’s talents can help CAWS and support and encourage their continued involvement, as well take care of scheduling for PetSmart days and coordinating special volunteer projects as they arise, please send us an e-mail.

CAWS - Community Animal Welfare Society
P.O. BOX 17825 Salt Lake City, UT 84117 801.328.4731 www.CAWS.org email: cawsdotorg@aol.com

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Strategies for Keeping Pets in Challenging Situations

2010-02-07T13:18:00.000-07:00

Living Safari Adoption Events

Come see us the second Saturday of every month from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at our newest adoption-day partner, Living Safari.

6540 S State St.

SLC UT

(801) 266-0241

This is in addition to adoption days at PetSmart in Salt Lake City and Orem. Visit our calendar for more information. You can also visit all of our available animals through our recently spiffed-up CAWS website.

Annabelle was adopted from CAWS in 2003. The adopter’s girlfriend said she has IBD and was going to dump her at the Humane Society, so we acted fast and found a place for this sweet baby. She is struggling to understand why she has been abandoned and is a bit shy at first. But, once you start petting her she will come out and appreciate the offered affection. For now we are treating her as a special needs girl who is in need of a special adopter who is willing to commit to her for life.

Maya was adopted in 2008 but had to be returned due to changes in the adopters' lives. She has a beautiful brindle coat and is small for a boxer/lab, weighing in at 40 lbs. She is crate trained, great with kids, and great with other dogs, but she does try to be the alpha female with other dogs.

Candi is a very affectionate girl. She does well with children, dogs, and cats! Want to see her stand on her hind legs? Just hold your hand out like you might pet her. She is so very sweet and joins her foster mom for naps and sits on her lap to watch TV.

We rescued Patrone, a pit bull terrier mix, from the Humane Society so he would not be euthanized.The Humane Society employees loved his gentle personality, and he is very loving and affectionate. He gets along well with other dogs and is gentle with children.

Thomas (aka Bonkers) loves to play. He's great with cats, dogs, and new situations. Again, he LOVES to play and would do great in a home with other cats or on his own with lots of toys.

A Great Valentine’s Day Gift That Lasts!

You could buy a bouquet of red roses that will last for about a week and cost about $70, or you could give your loved one a lasting gift that costs about the same and will mean so much more! There are still a few spots left for our PAWS for CAWS pet-photo fundraiser. Call Monica at 801-566-0829 to make your reservation today, and give your loved one a beautiful gift he or she will cherish forever.

For Keeps…
Strategies for Keeping Your Pet in Tough Situations

Community Animal Welfare Society is off to an incredible start in 2010, and we hope to impact the lives of even more animals this year. In 2009, CAWS brought in a total of 505 animals and adopted out 473. The year was especially challenging, as the economic climate not only diminished the number of donations CAWS received, but also caused a significant increase in the number of animals in need of help. This 'perfect storm' produced a critical situation for animals with more need and less funding. Almost daily we receive cries for help from people who can no longer take care of their animals. CAWS would like to extend a special thank you to all who have supported the efforts of CAWS, even in these tough economic times, by taking in additional fosters, making generous donations, or finding other creative ways to help CAWS and the animals of Utah. If you would like to help, please consider a one-time or monthly donation to CAWS.

Aside from economic strain, many animals are brought in or returned for four main reasons: the owners move, have a baby, have allergies, or get frustrated with a pet’s improper urination.

The fact that CAWS requires an adopter to return an animal if it isn’t a good fit or if he or she is unable to keep it is an important policy that sets us apart from so many other groups. But if you find you are facing one of these common challenges for pet owners, there are options that can allow you to keep your furry family member.

Moving. We have seen many committed owners successfully move a pet to the next town, across the country, or to the other side of the world. The key is planning ahead. Visit the veterinarian to make sure your animal is healthy and to determine if any medications will help make the move easier. Ease stress by keeping you pet secluded in a secure place away from all the noise and activity on moving day—both at the old residence and at the new one. Keep your pet comfortable: Use a sturdy carrier for transport. Find pet-friendly hotels if you need to travel overnight and airlines if you need to fly. Finally, once you arrive at your new home, unpack your pet’s toys, food bowls, bed, etc., right away so your pet will have familiar items around them and begin to settle in. (Also, if you adopted from CAWS, make sure you send us your new address!)

New Baby. Your first “baby” may experience some sibling rivalry with the new arrival, but there are many things you can do before the baby comes to prepare your pet. First, talk to your vet and your pediatrician to get their advice. Spay or neuter your pet if you haven’t already, and address any pet training issues. Get your pet used to reduced attention, new smells, different noises, and additional rules gradually. The Humane Society of the United States has a number of creative suggestions to make it easier.

Allergies. Pet allergies don’t have to mean that you can’t have a furry friend. There are a number of actions you can take to reduce the dander and allergens in your home so you can all live together comfortably. Bathe your pet regularly with allergen-reducing shampoo to cut down on the allergy-causing protein residue from saliva. (It’s best to get your pets accustomed to bathing early in life. Bathing a full-grown cat without prior training is unquestionably “entertaining.”) Another option is to take your pet to the groomer to be bathed. Shut the bedroom door to keep the pet off the bed. Use HEPA air cleaners. Vacuum, dust, and sweep weekly, and wash fabrics regularly. Install hard floors in lieu of dander-trapping carpet. Wash your hands after handling the animal. As a last resort, medications can be used. Talk to your allergist to discuss your options.

Inappropriate Urination. This is one of the most common reasons cats are returned, and it is definitely unpleasant! If your cat is spayed or neutered and has been litter-trained but continues to urinate around the house, there are a number of things to do:

Visit the veterinarian first to ensure there is no medical reason behind the behavior. A urinary tract infection or inflammation is painful for the cat and can lead to avoidance of the box.
Identify and adjust any stress- or anxiety-inducing situations that may be triggering unwanted urination or box avoidance.
Make sure the litter box is cleaned daily and is in a quiet space where your cat feels safe.
Be sure you have a large enough litter box. Cats, like us, prefer a bigger bathroom. Indeed, some complaints have been resolved when we find out a big kitty has been given a small litter box—bigger box, better use!
Avoid scolding and punishment, which will likely compound the problem.

For more suggestions, About.com’s Outside the Box articles cover the issue thoroughly.

If you would like more information about any of these topics, feel free to contact CAWS at cawsdotorg@aol.com

Remembering a Special Cat

In September of last year, we wrote about Magpie, the resident greeter at the Wild Bird Center. We are sad to note that the much beloved kitty passed away quietly on December 23. Sheri & Owen Hogle sent us a message in remembrance of this sweet soul:

Despite the frailty that came with her age, Magpie had breakfast and greeted people on Wednesday morning. She started failing that afternoon, and we took her to the vet, who informed us her kidneys had failed. We held her and said our goodbyes and closed her eyes. We are convinced that she now is the official greeter in heaven. Thank you for introducing us to this wonderful girl 14 years ago when we adopted her as a "senior." She touched thousands of lives at the Wild Bird Center and was deeply loved and cherished. Although we miss her terribly, we are grateful to have had the opportunity to share our lives with this incredible cat.

CAWS - Community Animal Welfare Society
P.O. BOX 17825 • Salt Lake City, UT 84117 • 801.328.4731 • www.CAWS.org • email: cawsdotorg@aol.com

Save On Photos of Your Pet and Help CAWS

2010-01-21T13:54:00.002-07:00

PAWS for CAWS: Support CAWS Get Cute Pics of Your Pet

Get adorable photos of your pet and support a great CAWS at the same time with an exclusive offer from PhotoUmbra Studios. For one day only Saturday, February 6, 2010, from 9 am to 5 pm you can get professional portraits of your pet and take advantage of special discount packages just in time for Valentine's Day! A portion of all proceeds will be donated to CAWS.

CAWS operates solely on donations, and we appreciate your help in making this fundraiser a success. There are a limited number of sessions available, so don't miss the opportunity to get gorgeous photos of the furry love of your life. Or make an appointment for a loved one to get a portrait of his or her pet as a special Valentine's Day gift. Call 801-566-0829 to book your appointment today!

Visit PhotoUmbra Studios blog for the story behind this fundraiser and see details below.

CAWS - Community Animal Welfare Society
P.O. BOX 17825 * Salt Lake City, UT 84117 * 801.328.4731 * www.CAWS.org * email: cawsdotorg@aol.com

CAWS News - Happy Holidays

2009-12-22T21:35:00.009-07:00

Mandy (top) & Felix can be shy at first but are very sweet and fun once they overcome their skittishness. The low-maintenance pair love to be petted and doted upon when you sit down to relax. They are frightened of dogs but do well with other cats.

Maddie is an affectionate and loyal chocolate lab who loves people and is a great foot warmer. She is already perfectly house- and crate-trained. She wants to be the center of your attention and needs to find a home with no other animals.

Clover is a very loving and playful long-haired calico who likes people and attention. She especially loves to have her beautiful fur brushed. She thinks she rules the world and doesn't tend to get along with other cats, so she would prefer a home where she is your one and only.

Misty, a black and grey terrier mix, adores people and is very loving and good natured. She isn't fond of children and does not tolerate other animals well, so she would do best as the only pet in a quiet home.

Shy in the Spotlight

Help These Pets Find Safe, Loving Homes for the Holidays

Rescued from a feral site as kittens, Mandy and Felix didn't receive much socialization with people when they were young. As with most CAWS foster pets, the pair is taken to adoption events at PetSmart in hopes of finding their perfect home. But you may never see them, because they are always hiding under something. One CAWS volunteer thought we had a huge, white cat in the program until she realized that both cats had worked themselves under the blanket in their tower! Usually, Mandy and Felix are so terrified that their lovable personalities just aren't able to show through. As a result, these perfectly healthy, adorable cats have been patiently waiting to be discovered and adopted into their forever home for many months.

CAWS has a number of wonderful animals in its care, like Mandy and Felix, that have a tough time showing their sweet sides at adoption events. Consequently, they have been patiently waiting to settle into homes of their own for quite some time now (some of those who have been waiting the longest are shown left). Of course, CAWS will continue to care for them for as long as it takes, but we would love to see these loving pets find permanent homes.

We see these cats and dogs at their best when they're in their foster homes. And we so hope adopters will give them a chance and enjoy their companionship. Over the years, we have received touching stories from adopters whose lives have been enriched after adopting these wonderful animals. Read some of their stories and discover the rewards of adopting the undercat.

If you or someone you know has the capacity to open your heart, give some time, and let the special side of a shy dog or cat bloom, please open your home and embrace one of these healthy, beautiful pets. Not only will you be rewarded with an affectionate new friend who will enrich your life, you'll be helping to make room for even more pets to be rescued by CAWS.

Shy Pet? Give Them Time and Tenderness

Shyness is often a sign of fear, which could be the result of a negative experience in the past or the animal could simply have a timid disposition. When bringing shy pets into your home, it's best to gradually expose your new friends to people in pleasant, non-threatening situations. Keep them in a "safe room" with a comfy cubby, so they can get to know you and feel safe in their cubby and not be "lost" in your home. Be patient, and wait for them to come out on their own, then reward them with a tasty treat or play with them with a toy. Do not force them out of their hiding place or do anything that will frighten them. If you adopt a shy dog, it's a good idea to start obedience classes once he or she is feeling more self-assured; this will help you and the dog learn how to stick with positive behaviors. With a little time and a lot of love, your new addition will be more confident and will comfortably settle in as part of the family.

Please contact us if you would like to adopt a new friend. Visit our website to see all of the pets currently available for adoption.

Give a Gift with Heart

As you celebrate the season with your loved ones and give thanks for all of the blessings in your life, please consider sharing the love with a financial gift to CAWS. Our organization operates solely on financial contributions from animal lovers like you. Your gift will help support our no-kill efforts by funding our spay/neuter programs and veterinary care for foster pets, animals in need, and feral cats that are part of our trap/neuter/return (TNR) program. Plus, you can deduct your charitable donation if you give by December 31. Share a gift with heart. Donate today. Also, remember to keep using Goodsearch!

Adopt a Dog & Get Fit!

Looking for a way to meet those New Year's resolutions to get fit? Adopt a dog! According to the New York Times, "New research from the University of Missouri has found that people who walk dogs are more consistent about regular exercise and show more improvement in fitness than people who walk with a human companion." By bringing a new canine friend into your life, not only will you enjoy devoted companionship, you also might just shed a few extra pounds.

Heroic Acts, Heart-Warming Ends

2009-12-21T19:28:00.003-07:00

Two CAWS kitties with some serious health challenges got a second chance at life thanks to the heroic acts of many caring individuals. Lucky adopter Holli Hillberg tells the story of her new family members, Ella and Buttercup.

After my beloved cat Hannah passed away, our house was too quiet, so I decided to adopt another cat. I adopted Ella from CAWS. It turned out that Ella had some serious intestinal issues. I never thought I was the type of person who would do well nursing a sick animal. But I had already fallen in love with Ella by the time I realized she was so sick, and there was never a choice of whether I would keep her or not. Fortunately, CAWS was able to help cover some of the costs, as Ella and I visited Dr. Jim Wilson a number of times as he worked to solve her difficulties. It took her months to get well.

Once Ella was healthy, I thought she needed some feline company. I told CAWS that I wanted to adopt a second kitty, but I needed a cat that could be on the same diet as Ella. I found out there was a cat at Dr. Wilson's hospital that might be a good fit for our family.

Freeway got her name because she had been found, severely injured, on the side of a freeway. It is suspected that she was thrown from a car. A caring and brave woman rescued the very banged up kitty whose chin and lip had been 'de-gloved' from a significant impact. She was rail thin and had also recently given birth; her kittens were never recovered. Freeway was taken to Dr. Wilson. Surgery repaired her poor face, but she had developed stomach issues similar to Ella’s. She had been staying at Dr. Wilson's office while they treated her, and CAWS was trying to find a foster home that could ensure her special diet.

My experience of helping Ella heal had been so gratifying that I didn't hesitate to take Freeway home with me. My daughter and I decided Freeway was too sad of a name after all she had been through, so we renamed her Buttercup. After a few days, we introduced Ella and Buttercup. There was some growling and hissing that first day, but once the territory was established, Buttercup and Ella became the best of friends. After a little time and a lot of love, Buttercup decided she could trust us as well, and it’s been true love ever since.

Both Ella and Buttercup are now healthy, happy, and free of medication. It is hard to imagine that both of them would have been euthanized under different circumstances due to their temporary health problems.

Now Buttercup and Ella can usually be found curled up together taking a nap or grooming each other on one of the sunny spots on the bed. They provide our family with so much love, affection, and entertainment that I really can't imagine our lives without them. There is nothing better after a hectic day than to spend some time with a purring cat...or two.