FAQ
Are you planning to build a shelter facility?
We do not currently have plans to build a shelter. Building a shelter facility requires a massive amount of funding and planning if the facility is to be functional as well as a place people will want to come. We do hope to build a shelter at some point in the future, just not right now.
Update: January 2007. We are currently investigating opening a small office/shelter to help with adoptions, fundraising and possibly sheltering some animals. This will be an ongoing process and probably a lengthy one. Even to construct a small building will require a large amount of money and with a building comes the monthly utility bills. It will require the help of the entire community for us to get this project off the ground. Contact us to find out how you can help!!!
Why can’t I have my adopted cat declawed?
Declawing a cat is a painful procedure that involves removing the last digit on each toe, not just the toenail. This would be like cutting off the tips of all of your fingers. The cats feet are bandaged and when they wake up the cats often become very agitated. They do not like the bandages and their feet are very sore. The older and heavier a cat the more painful and difficult the procedure is. A cat that is declawed also has a greater chance of being a biter, because they can no longer slap you with their foot when they want to tell you no.
What can I do to stop my cat from scratching on the furniture?
First make sure that you have plenty of appropriate areas were your cat can scratch. This means having several different pieces of cat furniture in various areas of your home. Try to get pieces made from different types of material, such as carpet, sisal rope, cardboard and natural wood. Cats have preferences just like people and what one cat may like another may not so this is especially important if you have more than one cat.
If you catch your cat scratching in an inappropriate area tell him “No” then use a squirt bottle with water in it to squirt him and again tell him “No”. This will startle most cats and get them to stop scratching. You can also catch the cat scratching and take him to his scratching post and encourage him to scratch. If he does praise him. This is especially effective when training a new cat where they can scratch. If the cat likes water and doesn’t seem to mind the squirt bottle then try using an empty small soda bottle with a few coins in it. Shake the bottle at the cat to startle him but do not throw the bottle at him.
Another useful thing to do while you are still training your cat/kitten is to confine him to a cat cage or a single room while you are gone or unable to keep an eye on him. This way he will not damage the furniture and when he tries to scratch on the furniture you will be there to correct him.
Remember that it may take a little time and patience but your cat will get the message.
NOTE: Never hit your cat or throw anything at them. This will not teach your cat anything except to be afraid of you.
Why does my adopted cat have to be kept inside?
Cats that live outside or that spend any amount of time outside do not live as long as cats that are kept strictly indoors. The average lifespan for an outdoor cat is 3-5 years. Most indoor cats can easily live into their teens. Outdoor cats encounter many dangers including cars (getting hit by them and getting injured in the motors), attacks from other animals, being poisoned and contracting fatal diseases such as Felv and FIV. Indoor cats are safe from these dangers and can live very content lives inside with a little help from you.
Provide your indoor cat with lots of stimulation. This can range from a variety of cat toys to cat furniture. Make sure you also spend some time each day with your cat, petting her or playing with her. Cat toys need not be expensive to provide hours of entertainment. A paper bag or a box can often be more appealing than a store bought toy. Use catnip and catnip spray to add new interest to toys and cat furniture. Cat furniture provides your cat a place where she can climb, scratch, sleep and play without you having to worry about her destroying your new sofa. Cat furniture does not have to be fancy or elaborate for your cat to enjoy. Many pieces can easily be made at home as a weekend project. Another great way to entertain your indoor cat is to place a bird feeder outside a window that is accessible to your cat. This keeps both your cat and the birds safe. It is like kitty television.
Another great way to keep your cat entertained is to bring home a friend for her or better yet if you are thinking about adopting a cat why not bring home two that are siblings or that already know each other. Just remember if you do decide to bring home a friend for your current cat to give them plenty of time to get acquainted with each other.
Why do I have to have a fenced yard in order to adopt a dog?
Dogs that are not properly confined often find themselves in dangerous situations. They are often hit by cars, attacked by other dogs, poisoned and even shot. Dogs that are left to roam can also be a nuisance to neighbors when they defecate on other people’s property, dig up plants, chase or attack other animals and get into the trash.
To insure that your dog cannot escape from your yard make sure that the fence is sturdy and tall enough so that your dog cannot jump over it. Check around the bottom of the fence regularly to make sure that your dog has not been trying to dig under the fence and make any necessary repairs. If your dog spends time alone in your yard provide him with something to do so that he does not become bored and resort to entertaining himself. Provide him with durable toys that he can play with such as Kong toys (you can even fill these with treats) or nylabones. You can also give water-loving dogs a small children’s pool to play in during warm weather. For dogs that like to dig, provide them with their own special area where digging is allowed and teach them not to dig in other areas.
Are you willing to ship dogs to adoptive homes?
We will ship animals, but only with approved shipping companies. In most instances we will not ship an animal by air though. We prefer to ship by ground so that the animal can be monitored during transport. We currently use a ground shipping company that specializes in transporting rescued dogs to Florida and up the east coast all the way to New Hampshire. We have shipped several dogs with this company and have had no problems. If you do not live in this area we will do our best to find transport for your new pet. We do ask that the adopting family pay for the transport because it would put a huge strain on the rescue to cover these costs. Please understand that if your new pet needs to be shipped it may be a week or two before the transport can be arranged. We will try to get your new pet to you as soon as possible though. All animals being transported must also receive a health certificate and wait at least 10 days after being spayed/neutered before they travel. Please don’t hesitate to ask us questions about shipping and transportation for your new pet.
