BARKS AND MEOWS FROM THE SHELTER

June/July Issue #77

Good news---Dan and Ann our longest residents have found a home! The brother and sister duo of walker hounds still live together. Their new family includes a young boy, who asked if we knew why Ann was smiling; his reason was that because he was going to love her. It is these moments that continue to give chills each time the story is told. All of the hard work, donations, and love helped to create happiness for the animals, and the people that care for them.

For those of you who met Jack the cat right after his accident, come visit again, he looks wonderful now. Bobbi and Leshia Lee rescued him just after he had been hit by a car and left in the road. When Bobbi first brought him to the shelter after the surgery Jack had stitches over his eye, on his head, on his tongue, and his broken jaw was wired. He had major problems drooling and being able to eat. Shawna added water to his food to help him be able to eat. Jack was so loving thru all his hard times; he was happy that he had been saved. Although he lost one eye, he is a very handsome young man. All stitches and wires are out now, his coat is beautiful, and he has gained weight. Come visit Jack and he will tell you the story of how he came to the shelter while laying in your lap and purring.

Livey has been adopted. She has her own person, a sister and a new puppy named Lucky. She is really excited to have her own dog. Livey slept curled up next to the dogs on her feather mattress when she lived at the shelter office. She would howl in protest when put in the catroom and purr in contentment when brought back to the office to sleep with Sooty and Bruno.

We need help in placing two new residents. Tigger and Scotch (brother & sister) are 10 year old cats. Their person is now in a nursing home. They are loving, beautiful and the longest, tallest cats we've ever had. Tigger (orange tabby) and Scotch (black & white) are healthy and still have many years of companionship to offer. They were house cats that were allowed out during the day. They are adapting but seem bewildered at the loss of thier family.

We are thankful for the letter and picture of Mabel from her adoptive family in Atlanta. The Shepherds have given her a wonderful home, and she is beloved by all. Mabel lived at P.A.W.S for a year. She was adopted out once, and returned because she kept undecorating a near-by cemetary, and bringing the flowers home. Adopted out again and returned when the family divorced. Mabel allowed us to dress her up in sweaters and bows. She thought the shelter was hers and ran it with an iron paw. Her confidence and a sense of humor made all of us happy, but we are thrilled that she has her very own family.

Four of our out-of-town members came to visit last month. Elain Shoaf quickly learned that loving the animals at the shelter is addictive and came three days in a row to visit and help. Elaine started our tag ID program at the shelter several years ago. Many animals have been returned to their homes due to the tags. Anne and Steven Parker came up from Atlanta with a van load of goods for the thrift store and treats for the animals. Steven had fun handing out treats to all the animals. They were at the shelter when Dan and Ann, our coon-walker hounds, were adopted after being at P.A.W.S for thirteen months. Sharon Adams made her first visit to the shelter to meet and greet all the animals and see how the shelter was run. We want all the members and donors to come visit, to see where your donations go and know the animals that you support. All of the cats and dogs at P.A.W.S are cherished and so grateful for the help that they receive from all of you.

This past month there have been several calls from people with stray animals or pets that they can no longer keep. However, when told that we had a waiting list they became frustrated and angry. Although there are other options than P.A.W.S, these options are not convient for them. In this county, animal control is contracted out to Valley River Humane Society and they come over to Bryson City one day a week. Their shelter is in Marble, a 40 mile trip one way. We would like to help local government to come up with a solution to the growing problem of unwanted animals in Swain County. This will be a long project and one that will require combined efforts of those who care. Please contact Bobbi Crisp at the shelter if you have any ideas or would like to contribute your time to help.

THE THRIFT STORE

Lots of shoppers at our thrift store ask about Marie Strambaugh. Marie ran our old rented store. The store had no heat, no air, no bathroom, and the only water was when it rained hard through the roof and leaked on the cloths. Marie ran the store with much determination, lots of hard work, a true concern for all animals and always with a smile on her face. She is now taking care of herself after surgery and caring for her many rescued and gracefully aging cats. We all miss her.

As always we need more help at the thrift store. It is open 6 days a week from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. We appreciate all our volunteers who work so hard for their sense of community and love of the animals. The shelter could not make it without you. Please come by the thrift store if you would like to help out.

Thanks to everyone for your kindness, generous donation, and for sharing with P.A.W.S