This is the year to celebrate all things cat. Get your New Year off to a Happy start by welcoming a furry new member to your family! We have some adorable little tiger kitties, eager to find homes and hearts. For example little Nemo, a beautiful 4 1/2 month old ginger, rescued from a TNR project area near the lakeside. He’s a friendly kitten who loves people, and is a joyful bundle of fun! Take a look at some of the other kitties waiting for new homes…
Another way to have a Happier New Year…Make a point to do something to help the wild cats that you see living on the streets in your area. Animal control reports the highest destruction numbers for the year in the months of March, April, and May. Most of those destroyed are unwanted kittens, but as more people start Trap Neuter Return projects in their communities, we can bring those numbers down. If you love animals and empathize with the poor cats living and reproducing in your area, now is the time to remedy the situation, before spring births start! TNR can turn an unmanageable community cat problem into a reasonable situation for all involved. Much like cleaning up a park, or planting beds of flowers, TNR improves the appearance and the quality of life in communities, not to mention the emotional well being of animal lovers who live there. Concerns about the cost and the work involved are often the main deterrents to getting a project started, but leaving things as they are means a regular parade of sick, homeless, and dying cats. Sad of course for the cats but also sad for anyone who cares. This kind of sight causes a constant assault on the happiness of the people living nearby, and in the end, the benefits of creating a better situation far outweigh the costs. With a little effort and investment, you can turn things around now, and prevent the suffering of hundreds of kittens and cats down the line. And, you’ll feel better, as you make your world a nicer place. Contact us for help planning your project now, as we approach February and Spay Day International!
It’s time to think about presents and maybe making the world a little bit better place. We’ll send your friend or loved one a small present and a big thank you, if you donate $20 or more in their name. We’ll also do this for birthdays, and other special occasions! Just send us the to and from names, as well at the sending address, and let us know how you sent the donation. It’s the gift that saves a life AND looks great on everyone!
A young fisherman called us last week, about some cats living near his favorite fishing area on Lake Biwa. He was very concerned for the safety and health of kittens that had been born there and about the growing number of cats. We went out to the area to check out the situation, and found the area to be reasonably hospitable, if the cats are spayed/neutered and if warmer shelter can be constructed. We felt the immediate need to rescue the 5 youngest kittens, even though we are already bursting at the seams here. Take a look at this sweet group of kitties, and let us know how you might be able to help. We are looking for foster and adoptive homes, as well as those willing to sponsor a spay or neuter operation. Come on…is this a face that you can really say “No” to?!
Warm your heart and home with a furry bundle of joy! Take a look at our October photo page to see some of our most recent rescues from local TNR projects, as well as the nursery page, to see those still waiting patiently for their forever homes. If you aren’t currently able to adopt or foster, do the next best thing and sponsor the care of a furry friend. With your help, we can bring another in out of the cold, and give them a warm future.
We want to let those animal lovers of a more rugged type, know that ARK is putting together a November work day/camping trip, to help clear the land at their new building site in Sasayama. This is a great opportunity to be part of animal welfare history in the making–a state of the art animal welfare facility in Japan! The location is in the beautiful Hyogo ken countryside, and is a great place to get your fill of fresh air and autumn leaves. Pick up is scheduled from the nearest train station, but if you’ll be coming out by car, dogs are welcome to come along (cats will want to wait until they install the sofas!). Check out the information page, in English or in Japanese, and contact ARK to reserve a place on the team.
And speaking of work….
…One of our adopters and volunteers is looking for an English teaching position in Tokyo, along with cat friendly accommodation for her kitties, her son, and herself. She has a two year college degree, and has been teaching in her current location for 2 years. She is ready and willing to work towards a TEFL certificate. If you have any information or advice on how she can get started in the Tokyo area, please contact us, and we’ll forward it along!
