Happy Tail

well jupiter has been a experience for me ;-D
i thought i had everything lined up , new dog tag with a way to find home if lost, friend to drive and a cage in the back so no stress on me or the lil guy.

I was putting Jupiter the friendly corgie/terror in the cage and he managed to get out of his collar and took off running down the street ! he was very fast and traffic was faster, i tried but could not get close to him , But then his foster mom saw what was happening and called him and she brought him back !
have you ever tried "self induced CPR"

the Lil guy slept all the way back home, he checked out the yard and came inside and adopted the couch in the other living room. he was very quiet and shy all night long so let him be where he was with water and food if needed.
By the end of day 2 i decided to find a way to feed him ;-D so i "hot rodded" his crunchies with some salt free/no fat beef broth. yep one tablespoon and "poof" bowel empty and Jupiter back on his couch .

well i got his attention and tried a walk with the leash... WOW he is great! no puling, just nice well behaved and walks along my side. They said to watch out for cats, well we walked by a few, he looked and then ignored !

he still has this "6 ft comfort zone" but now he will follow me around the house and wonder where i am at. He learns quick and now will follow me to the bedroom and sleep in his bed.
perfect little gentleman on a walk. i live in a senior community and all the ladies are saying how cute he is and well behaved !

so now being a senior citizen i finally found a cute doggie can also be "date bait" hehehe

He is still a bit nervous so no fresh pictures, but the whole experience has been great !
i had a rescued doggie before but i will say that Hopalong was totally honest and no surprises with him ! Maybe we will go to my Vet next week if he feels comfortable with it? I want to start him on Heartworm pills ASAP !
NOTE to all.... back in the 70's i lost a basset hound to heart worm and not a nice thing ! now they have a pill that will prevent it, so get them on the pill !!!

with him being so fast and quiet i found it is safest to use the laundry room door as a "sally port".
when i enter and leave my house. and when i come back he is waiting at the door, sees me and then does his 6 ft comfort zone with his tail wagging.

I haven't been back to the bay area since 1986, but this trip was worth it !!

Ya Jupiter will fit right in here and i want to thank Hopalong for their good, no GREAT work !

Dennis

A new kitten

I had been thinking about adopting a kitten. Already having two cats I knew it might not be an easy task to find another cat to fit in with two established cats. I saw some kittens for adoption through Hopalong at a pet store one night. I asked to visit with the kittens not thinking I'd find one to take home. To my surprise the very first kitten I met was a friendly little guy. He had a perfect balance of friendly and playfulness and he was brave which I knew he would need coming into a home with two adult cats. After visiting with all the kittens I went back to the very first one and I knew he'd be perfect.

I filled out the paperwork and got a call the next day saying he was mine to adopt! I went after work and picked him up. I brought him home and he quickly settled in with the new cats. His foster name was Bee (which I still call him sometimes) but I changed his name to Bowie. It's been almost two weeks and Bowie is getting along great with by other two cats. He was indeed the perfect choice for my other two kitties.

I was surprised to hear that black cats aren't adopted as much as others. Bowie is a very friendly kitten, he's very playful but loves lots of lap and cuddle time with me and the other cats. He settled right in with me the other cats and I can't imagine not having taken him home and hope that other people can find that black cats can be just as wonderful as any other cat.

Thanks, Lauren

Black Cats and Kittens Need Homes Too

Studies show that black cats are about half as likely to be adopted as other cats. On average, they stay several months longer in shelters than any other cats. Black cats are frequently left waiting in shelters hoping to find a home only to be euthanized when their time is up.

Black cats are routinely overlooked by potential adopters for a variety of reasons – superstition, they don’t photograph well, they aren’t distinctive, and there are so many of them in the shelters that they just don’t stand out like the colorful calico or orange tabby.

Black cats have a common characteristic of being easy-going and good-natured. They have so much love to offer and ask for so little in return. Black cats do not all look alike and if you look closely you will see that they are truly gorgeous and regal creatures. The glossy satin sheen of a black cat is unlike any other. When their fur catches the light, it shimmers. There are many different kinds of black cats and all are beautiful – auburn shaded black, blue black, black with tiny white highlights, sleek black, fluffy black and colorful eyes – green, yellow, copper and gray. Some black cats even have tabby markings.

Nevertheless, many black cats never get the opportunity to show people how perfectly they would fit into the family’s household. Shelters and rescue groups encourage potential adopters to give a black cat a chance – their playful, easygoing attitude will charm you into making them a permanent part of your family.

Katrina and Hurricane

After being handed these two right off the van that late night in Sept. 5 years ago, they have changes our lives. Not to mention how their's has changed. After becmoing "foster failures" we adopted them.

From being hairless and full of cuts and bruises to the beauties we see today, we are very lucky. They didn't know toys, weren't spayed or neutered, weren't house broken and today they are therapy dogs and members of the Paw to Read Program where kids read to them. They travel all the time and sleep on the leather couch. Yep the furniture, their choice.

They live a truly blessed life.

Hurricane Katrina

5 years ago, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Hopalong responded to the disaster by sending 2 teams of people to the disaster area to assist in rescue efforts. We worked in the makeshift shelters, waded through the flooded streets to pull animals out of houses, and came back with 50 dogs and cats and several goldfish. All the animals were treated for immediate medical conditions including heartworm, kidney failure, skin lesions, and anything else they needed to regain their health. Several were re-united with their families and the rest were all adopted to new homes in the Bay Area.

This is a photo of a mama kitty that one of our awesome volunteers helped recue:


And here she is now in her new home happy and playing with a new toy:

A big thanks to all the volunteers and fosters who opened their hearts and their homes durring this sad time.

Lucky us!!!

In April, 2010, our beloved lab mix, age 13, passed away, leaving her best buddy bereft and lonely for canine companionship. We waited about a month to let Rowdy - our dachsund/chihuahua - move through his grief (and ours) before vigorously searching for a second dog. We sent to local shelters, but became discouraged when each prospective adoptee had several holds, up to 9, and we knew the chances were small that so many ahead of us would fail to adopt. We found Hopalong online and decided to pursue one of the pups in the 9-week old litter of Border Collie/German Shepherd mixes. We brought Rowdy with us, and though it wasn't love at first sight between them, my husband, David, and I instantly warmed to the puppy who was frisky and calm in turns, cuddly and adorable.

After a week, we felt that the connection between the two dogs was not a good one and thought to bring the puppy back. Rowdy wanted nothing to do with her, rejected all her efforts to play and engage. Like a miracle, the night before we were to bring her back, the two began playing, wrestling, kissing, licking, chasing each other as though they knew it was their last chance to demonstrate the rightness of the new family member in our home.

Maggie, the pup, has become a loving and lovable member of our family, learning how to accommodate us as we learn to accommodate her. We take her to puppy training classes, do a lot at home, and find her so intelligent and wanting to please. With only one more shot needed, we are able to take her to our favorite beaches, trails and fields. We feel so lucky to have found her and she demonstrates her gratitude and happiness constantly. It's exciting to witness her growth and development. At 4 months, she is everything we had hoped for. Thank you, Hopalong, for bestowing this blessing in our lives.

Cher

I worked at Pets In Need animal shelter in Redwood City as an animal behaviorist and when I had to move to the East Bay I was really sad and knew I could no longer commute to Redwood City. When I moved here I wanted to be active in our local shelters. I decided to foster with Hopalong. I ended up fostering this terrier mix named Cher in 2005, and at the time she was six months old. My wife and I had her for about a month, and when it came time to showing her to the public and trying to adopt her out, my wife fell in love with her and we decided to keep her. It's been about five years now and she is the best dog. She's healthy, fun, and very loving!! Thanks Hopalong for giving us a gift!!

Always'

Christina & Leena Buerdier

Christopher

Note from a recent adopter: "We adopted Christopher, a 10 month old orange tabby two weeks ago. He is our second cat from Hopalong. We adopted Frankie (now Frank) 7 years ago. Both kittens were in the window @ Your Basic Bird. They also had the same foster Mom (thank you Liz D.) which warmed our hearts.

After a week of negotiation between the two cats, we settled into a routine of sorts. We changed Christoper's name to "Julius", gave him his new name tag and collar and let him have the run of the place. He now sleeps in our bed or on the window seat or on the chair or on the sofa (you see how this goes).

We are very thankful for such wonderfully well socialized cats and for Hopalong's great work.

Keep up the good work!"

Hopalong & Second Chance Spay/Neuter Voucher Program

What happens when dogs and cats do not get spayed or neutered?
I think we all know the answer to that question…..thousands of dogs and cats surrendered to our shelters.

Hopalong/Second Chance is pleased to announce a new spay/neuter voucher program for community pets. In cooperation with Aborn Pet Hospital in Fremont, we are now able to offer a low-cost alternative to pet owners for these procedures.

Dog vouchers for male or female dogs, regardless of size, are $100.
Cat vouchers are $50.

If you would like more information about this program, please call our voucher hotline at 510-384-0867.

Cloe

We Adopted Cloe a couple of weeks ago and she is doing great with our other dog and cats. Thanks Erika :-)

We brought Cloe a crate for her self and she refuses to stay in it, she sleeps with Reeko and is beside him all day and night.

Dogs can suffer from season allergies too

The weather is changing and if you’re like me, you suffer from seasonal allergies. But did you know that your best friend could be suffering from allergies too? Dogs can suffer from seasonal allergies just like we do. They can also have allergies to foods, medications, and can even go into anaphylactic shock.



Signs and symptoms that your dog may be suffering from seasonal allergies:

Nasal discharge
Ocular (eye) discharge
Difficulty breathing/wheezing
Itchy skin
Dry flaky skin
Red, swollen skin
Welts or hives
Biting or chewing at feet and paws
Swollen face

If you see any of these symptoms in your dog, call your vet right away. While true allergies can be difficult to accurately diagnose, it is important to talk to your vet at the first sign of these symptoms. He may recommend that you keep a daily log of your pet’s symptoms along with the corresponding weather for the day. He may also recommend a blood test to determine if there are other underlying conditions. If your dog is diagnosed with seasonal allergies, the treatment is usually simple. Your vet may prescribe an antihistamine, or, if the symptoms include secondary infections, he may also prescribe an antibiotic and a steroid.

Since we know how poorly we feel when we suffer from our seasonal allergies, we can imagine how our dogs must feel. It’s important to talk to your vet and get your dog on the appropriate treatment so that the two of you can enjoy the outdoors again.

Introducing Ms Farrah Fawcett

I didn't expect to fall in love with Farrah. I mean, I knew - as a new foster - that I would love whatever dog came into my home, but I was also looking forward to getting to have friendships with pups that would go out into the world. Also - I'm a senior, crotchety dachshund kind of person - this chihuahua/jack russell/fox terrier un-toilet trained 6mo old couldn't be the one to captivate my heart could she?

But Farrah didn't live up to her breed stereotype - she was quiet when I picked her up from Hopalong but quickly gave her trust to me and fell asleep in my lap on the long drive over the bay bridge. Me and my friend desperately scrambled to rename her - under the threat of my housemate suggesting the name 'Cordelia' - no, no - she was too young and sweet and flirty - Farrah Fawcett she was dubbed before we exited the highway.

I was warned that she would take a while to make friends - seperated from her two brothers - she'd been in the shelter by herself. However, Farrah it quickly became apparent - was a social butterfly! She was enthusiastic but courteous to everyone she met - even the downstairs cat! Everyone was captivated by her - and kept asking me if I was going to adopt. I admitted she was the cutest pup I'd ever met but was holding out in my heart. After all, if you adopt you can save one dog but fostering you can help many more!

However I dreamed of Farrah every night, tucked underneath my arm - together we adventured in a dream scape. Unconsciously I sorted through all the things in my life I could shift to make this work - to make her permanently mine. I tried to imagine not coming home to her, not sleeping next to her and the sadness I felt was not about not having a dog companion but about not having her. In a couple weeks I'd become so attached to her, all her funny noises and manic evening periods, the way she climbed up me in excitement when I got home, the feel of her head flopped over my arm to sleep.

When I took her in for her parvo shot I knew I wanted to adopt her - but I felt so nervous. I was a failure as a foster parent! A sucker on my first go! The Hopalong team made sure that I understood what a commitment this was, after all the difference between 2 weeks and 15ish years is a whole lot. But I knew I was in love and wanted Farrah to be mine forever.

A week later I signed the adoption papers and I'm so happy I did so. I'm so thankful to Hopalong for introducing me to Farrah - and I hope that other people will step in to become foster parents and maybe meet their own life companion!

Judy Bluesky

When I first saw her picture, she was called Skye. Her Piercing eyes were so often what drew people to her. I adopted her after losing my Betty, who was remarkable in her own ways as well. I felt that Betty was called out to me 'This little doggie needs you” and within a short amount of time, I would understand why this was true.

I changed Skye's name and she became Judy Bluesky. She actually picked the name herself. How? It was the one she chose to respond to. The 3rd time she acknowledged this name, it was a done deal.

Judy had had an awful start, the people before me kept her crated her entire first year and a half. They called her 'the dog' and she was viewed as 'too pretty to go outside'. And Judy was nearly completely damaged beyond repair. At three months in my care, she still cowered on walks, she still hid and ran at every little sound. Judy would cower and howl, often losing her bowels if anyone approached her too quickly. I accepted that I had taken on a responsibly beyond my control. I accepted that this little girl would spend her life in fear of it all, and that I would do my best to provide her with safety and comfort. I would protect her and care for her regardless of the fear.

And then the Miracle! Boo (a 75lbLabPitX) moved in next door. On our common deck, Judy saw Boo and she ran to him at full bolt. She got behind him and you could sense her complete surrender to him, 'You're a Dog, PLEASE, Protect me! The change in Judy was nearly overnight, in the next two weeks, she would learn what being pet was, she would learn not to fear the noises that Boo just didn't react to. She would learn from him to walk tall and to accept people. Her fears VANISHED, her Sweet Heart blossomed like a cactus flower that explodes as if it were a firecracker - only this flower NEVER wilted.Boo would eventually move away. But when his owner had two children close to each other, when the needs his family had dictated his need to work more than full time - Boo's 'all-days' with Tony turned into two 5 min walks a day. You cannot know Judy's Joy when he returned to live with us. He lives here still and was here for Judy's entire last year. Boo was Judy's Great Protector, her forever partner, her true love.

Judy had seizures and for the most part, we did very well controlling them with medication (Pheno). But once in a while she would still have one. This last Thanksgiving, Judy had a seizure that stopped her breathing - having watched net-vids about Canine resuscitation, I was prepared and was able to resuscitate her in under a minute. On Christmas Day 2009, Judy's last seizure had stopped her heart. Boo was as present as present can be, as he always was when Judy had a seizure. This time was a bit different. While I held her, he jumped up on the bed, he pushed his nose deep against her chest and he kept it there. He breathed deeply into her three times and without retracting. Then to my surprise, he threw back his head and howled in a tone I will never forget, the sound of it reverberated to my very core. This exclamation of Boo's unleashed the true depth of my grief.Dear Reader, you've been so patient. You’ve come along with me on this story that has so much Great Sadness in it. And now I tell you that I can not express to you in words how every moment of pain is countered by a Hundred Times the Absolute Joy I know from my experiences with Judy.Those first days with Boo around, when I saw her Heart Unfold are days I can never forget. They are Memories that flood my heart every time the thought of losing her returns. the way she Pranced, her little 'Girlie' steps. The way she cocked her head to the side, puzzled by the point I was trying to convey. The way she would sit on the sideline while Boo chased ball and that expression she would display, as if to say 'Sports are Stupid!' The way she would lay there on her side, offering me the gentle stroke of her paw and a tender little lick on the hand. The way I woke everyday with her laying there, looking into my face, waiting for just one eye to open and then, bursting into excitement, so happy that I was awake again. I miss these things, sometimes, every single moment. But I am Grateful that they ever happened at all. I am grateful for having known her, in ways I can never explain by language alone. The Great Challenge that Judy's circumstances had presented me with have become the Greatest Privilege I may ever know. This little Rescue, this little nearly discarded life opened a Chamber in my Heart that I didn't know was there.

Litter Box Basics

Urinating inappropriately can be one of the most frustrating things for cat owners to have to deal with. And since there are many reasons why cats eliminate inappropriately it is impossible to always know the exact cause. But setting your house and the litter box up properly is one step in the right direction. Here are some great tips to remember when you are bringing a new cat into your home.

Location, location, location – Cats like to eliminate in private. If the litter box is in a high traffic area of the house, the cat may not feel comfortable enough to go there.

To cover or not to cover, that is the question – many cats prefer covered litter boxes, they are about as private as it gets. But if your cat refuses to use a covered litter box, try removing the lid.

Size is definitely important – cats need to be able to completely turn around in the litter box. It is also important that the box has high sides if it is not covered to prevent accidents over the side. Higher sides also help reduce litter spray.

There are many options out there – clay, pine, corn, clumping, non-clumping the options are endless when it comes to litter types. Since cats don’t like change, picking one type of litter and sticking with it is the easiest way to ensure proper habits.

Keep it clean- this is the most important thing when house training cats. Cats don’t like to get their feet dirty and many will not even go into the litter box if it is too dirty. What is too dirty? That is up to the individual cat! Scooping at least once a day is mandatory, twice a day is preferred by most cats (and it helps reduce the smell too!)

Sharing may not be an option here – The rule of thumb is to have one more litter box than you have cats. But in a multi cat household, that could mean a lot of litter boxes. However, sometimes there are cases when one cat will not allow another to use “their” box. And if there are not any other options, sometimes the poor cat has no choice. This is one of those cases where it is better to be safe than sorry – having too many litter boxes is better than having to clean up accidents.

Talk to your vet – if your cat begins to urinate inappropriately you should call you vet and talk to him about a possible infection. If an infection has been ruled out, and these tricks don’t work, ask for a referral to a behaviorist.

Why Is My Dog Fat And What can I Do About It?

It’s genetic.

Well, maybe not genetic, but definitely medical. And while it may seem that certain breeds (labs, beagles) put on weight faster than other (huskies, boxers) the truth is that all dogs are susceptible to weight gain. But there are certain medical conditions that contribute to rapid weight gain. The most common of these is hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism causes the dog’s thyroid to produce less hormone which, in turn causes a lower metabolic rate, which means that your dog needs less energy (ie: food). Another possible medical condition causing your dog’s girth could be Cushing’s disease. Cushing’s disease causes a rise in a certain hormone that increases your pet’s appetite and increases the deposition of fat. Talk to your vet before beginning a diet and exercise routine with your dog to rule out any medical condition. Dogs with certain medical conditions will not loose weight without proper medication.

Too much food

Before the 1950s, and the invention of commercialized dog food, dogs used to eat what we ate – a little bit of protein, a little bit of veggies, and a little bit of starch. Now that most of our pets eat kibble, we don’t know how much of what they are eating. Many people buy food based on ads they see on TV or what their friends recommend without thinking about the caloric needs of their pets. Some of the more popular brands are higher in starch and lower in protein – ok for some active breeds that could use the extra sugars, but maybe not so great for the couch potato sitting at your feet. Just as it is important for us to read our food labels, it is also important to read the labels on the food that we feed our pets. Not only will they tell us what is in the food we feed, but it will also tell us how much to feed based on the ideal weight of our pets.

Couch Potatoes

As we spend more time sitting in front of the TV so do our pets. Dogs and cats used to have to hunt and scavenge for their food, now they have us perfectly trained to bring them their food in nice big bowls. Since the necessity for activity has decreased, so has their desire to run around. It is up to us to exercise our dogs properly. If your dog is friendly and social you might want to try the dog park. If your dog doesn’t really like to play with other dogs, but is still tolerant and is well trained, you can try a local off leash beach or a hike in the woods. If your dog isn’t trustworthy around other dogs, and/or isn’t trustworthy off leash, a nice long walk around the neighborhood should do the trick. Remember to start off slowly and gradually increase the intensity of the exercise so that your furry friend doesn’t injure himself.

Sagging Bellies and Sagging Knees

This one is multifaceted because as our pets continue to age their lifestyle changes make it more likely that they will gain weight. Few people think to change the food they feed their senior pet. Many still feed the same food in the same amount that they fed their dog when he was a growing puppy. Also, senior pets are less active then they were when they were young. It is important to talk to your vet about the dietary needs of your senior pet. Many dogs need less food then they did when they were younger.

One thing its not: Sterilization

Many people blame their pet’s weight on sterilization saying that their pet was never overweight before it was “fixed”. While that may be true, there are many reasons why your pet might not have been overweight before. The first, and most often over looked is that many people get their pets fixed right around the time that they stop growing. People continue to feed them like a puppy when they no longer need it. It is true, however, that intact pets have hormones that help them stay slimmer. Estrogen (female sex hormones) can decrease appetite and androgen (male sex hormone) can stimulate roaming behaviors (ie: more physical activity). Once a pet is sterilized, their metabolic rate will probably lower some and their desire to roam will also decrease, therefore their caloric need will drop. It is up to the owners to adjust their feeding to the proper amount needed for their dog after surgery. It is not the surgery itself, but a combination of factors and a lack of understanding by the owner that contribute to weight gain sometimes seen after a pet has been sterilized.

Obesity is quickly becoming one of the largest issues facing our pets today. And is it any surprise that as our waist lines grow, so do our pets. Most pets become obese the same way that people do – they eat too much and exercise too little. And the complications they face as they grow rounder are the same that we as humans face: diabetes, respiratory difficulty, higher risk during surgery, joint pain, and shorter life span. It is important that you get your pet’s weight under control so that you can live long happy lives together.

What Should You Do If You Find An Abandoned Kitten

You should never assume that kittens have been abandoned by their mother just because you can’t see her right then and there. Mother cats often leave the nest to hunt for food. They also move their nest frequently and might be in the process of moving from one place to another. Feral mothers are often afraid of humans and will not come around if people are present. If you come across a litter of kittens, you should keep an eye on the nest for a few hours to make sure that mom is not coming back. The same is true if you find one kitten – make sure that mom isn’t moving more kittens into that space.

If you find a kitten that has truly been abandoned, the first thing that you should do is to get him somewhere warm and safe. If you cannot care for him yourself, you can call a local animal rescue and see if they have room to take him in. Rescues get many calls every day asking for help and they may not have the resources to take in every orphaned kitten. If rescues cannot take him in, then your next option would be your local animal control. Do not assume that they will be automatically euthanized upon intake. Many animal control agencies work very closely with rescues that have resources for orphaned kitties. Some animal control agencies might have a lactating mother cat that might be willing to take on an additional kitten. Never leave an orphaned kitten to die outside hungry and cold.

If you can care for the kitten yourself you will need to create a warm, cozy place that is away from other pets. He will also need a litter box with non-clumping litter. The kitten will also need age appropriate food. If the kitten is very young, it will need to be bottle fed with KMR (kitten meal replacement) – sold at most pet stores, along with bottles. Never give kittens cow’s milk. If the kitten does need to be bottle fed, he will need to eat every 2-4 hours around the clock. If the kitten is a bit older and can lap from a dish, you can mix KMR and kitten wet food and make a very soupy mixture. Kittens at this age will still need to eat every 4 hours. Kittens between 6-8 weeks old can usually eat dry kitten food with wet food being weaned off gradually.

Once the kitten is around eight weeks old, he can be placed up for adoption. Before that happens, make sure that you get him neutered so that you aren’t faced with the same problem all over again next year! But, since different vets recommend surgery at different ages/weights, make sure that you follow their advice and have them fixed at the appropriate time. Many veterinarians will offer low cost neuters for rescue kitties. If you can’t find a vet who offers low cost surgery options, call your local animal control and see if have services for low cost spay/neuter.

Pets: The Gift that Keeps on Taking

Many of us know that pets make terrible gifts. But it never fails that someone, somewhere thinks that this is a splendid idea. Many of us who have had the opportunity to actually go to the shelter and choose a pet (as opposed to one choosing you one day on your walk home from work) know exactly how difficult it can be to choose a companion that is going to be with you for the next 10+ years. Long hair? Short hair? High energy? Low energy? Pure bred? Mutt? These decisions can be exhausting, and most of us have some sort of idea of what we want. But could you imagine making these decisions for someone else? Do you know your friends, family, spouse well enough to pick out their best friend for the next decade?

Five reasons why pets make bad gifts:

1) Pets are very expensive, and the recipient might not be able to afford proper veterinary care for the animal. The average yearly cost for owning a pet (between vet care, food, toys, boarding, training) can be upward of $1000.

2) Timing is everything. Just because someone wants a pet someday, does not mean that they are ready for that kind of commitment today.

3) It’s all about the chemistry. Just because you fall in love with a particular personality, does not mean that your friend will have the same feelings.

4) Pets require a lot of time and energy. Most people with dogs spend a minim of an hour a day exercising and training their dog; the recipient may not have a schedule that allows the time necessary to properly train, exercise, and socialize a new dog.

5) Housing always needs to be considered. If the recipient rents a house or apartment, pets may not be allowed. And if they are allowed at that particular place, is your friend ready and able to pay the $500 pet deposit? Also, when they move, are they prepared to spend the extra time and energy (and money) it takes to find a new place that allows pets?

If you are sure that your friend is ready for the commitment and you still want to give them the gift of a furry companion, here are a few ways to make sure that it is works out for everyone involved:

1) Make a donation to a local shelter or animal rescue in the person’s name.

2) If they offer it, buy a “gift certificate” to a local humane society. Then the recipient can either adopt an animal or the gift certificate can be used as a donation.

3) Give a gift basket full of pet goodies with a note offering to go with the recipient as they go to the shelter to pick out a pet, and pay the adoption fee

4) Offer to pay for the first vet visit (or a pay for a training class, or for the first grooming) for their chosen pet.

Tales From A Kitten Foster

On Dec. 8th I got an email from Hopalong asking if I would be willing to foster another litter. My last litter had left for adoption just the day before and it seemed a little too quiet at home so, why not? Everyone at Hopalong knows that I always say yes. I can't resist kittens.

The next day I got 3 beautiful females and, within a few days, I also got their 3 brothers. The reason I call them my "literary litter" is because they are all named for famous writers: Shakespeare, Chaucer, Steinbeck, Lee, Dickens, and Irving. Very fitting names for such smart little kittens.

I was able to keep them for a month and I enjoyed (almost) every moment with them. They were all so sweet, affectionate, and comical and they always made me smile. My adult cats also enjoy having the kittens. My 2 year old cat loves to play with them. Two of his favorite games are "Whack a Mole" and "Chase me, chase you". My female cat mothers them by cleaning and cuddling them. She instantly accepts every litter I foster and she really seems to enjoy her job.

I am happy to say that all of the "Literary Kittens" have been adopted into loving homes. Now, I wonder when Hopalong will call about my next babies......

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, please fill out an application

Why You Should Adopt an Adult Cat

Adult cats are often diffiult for rescue orgainzations to adopt out because most people want kittens. I'll admit that kittens are cute and cuddly, and that they are always good for a laugh; but there are many wonderful and loving adult cats that need great homes too. Here are a few reasons why you should consider adopting an adult cat.

1) Adult cats are less destructive Adult cats are often more relaxed and easy going than kittens. They don't have as much energy as kittens either. While it is common to find kittens on top of your lamps and climbing your curtains, adult cats are more content sleeping in the window and watching the birds fly by.

2) Adult cats are litter boxed trained Many kittens will go through phases where they will need to confined to teach them how to properly use the litter box. Adult cats have been using the litter box properly for years. They are more likely to use covered litter box containers which cuts down on the mess and the smell. THey are also less likely to use the litter box as a play pen or a sleeping spot.

3) Adult cats have better sleeping patterns Ask any kitten foster what they miss out on most when fostering a litter, and the answer is almost always SLEEP. Kittens are awake all hours of the night and often crash hard just when you are ready to play, but adult cats are more likely to sleep through the night. They are also more likely to cuddle up next to you on the couch for the mid-afternoon nap!

4) What you see is what you get when it comes to adult cats Many people think that by adopting a kitten that they can shape and mold the kitten's personality to match the needs of the family. But this is seldom the case. Just like parents can't force their teeneagers to have a specific personality, neither can adopters force their kittens to have one either. If you adopt an easy going, sweet adult cat, you will have an easy going sweet adult cat for years and years to come.

5) Adult cats are often cheaper in the long run When you adopt an adult cat, you are most likely getting an animal that is already spayed/neutered, fully vaccinated, tested for FeLV/FIV and microchipped. After you pay the intial adoption fee, there is very little medical costs for the next full year. However, when you adopt a kitten, most often it will be necessary to have more vaccines as they require a series of shots over a period of a few months. On top of the shots, you might have make vet appointments for sterilization, and you may have to pay for a combo test yourself.

Like I said earlier, kittens are fun, but all kittens turn into adult cats after a few months anyway. Why not adopt an adult cat to start with - it will save you much frustration, and could possibly save your couch and curtains!