Dr. Jeckyll and Mr (or Ms) Hyde Cats at the RAPS Cat Sanctuary

Cats, like humans, have unique personalities. Some cats at RAPS’ cat sanctuary are outgoing and affectionate, some are shy, and some are aloof. Also like humans, some are not always very nice and a few are downright bad-mannered and cantankerous. There are the indiscriminate pee’ers or the feral cats that hiss and spit, and then there are those with Doctor Jeckyll and Mr (or Ms) Hyde personalities.

July is definitely a cat with a split personality. She was surrendered to RAPS after she bit her owner’s grandchild. Perhaps the tot provoked the attack, but it was the last straw for July’s owner. July likes to sit on laps and pretend to be friendly, but after just a few pats, she begins to hiss and swat. She wears a collar so that visitors can recognize her and give her a wide berth. Volunteers who allow July on their laps know to watch for the twitching tail that signals that she’s had enough attention for now.

Phoebe is the only other cat at the sanctuary who wears a collar. She started out at RAPS’ City Shelter but when her quirky behaviour made adoption difficult, she was transferred to the sanctuary. Unlike July, Phoebe really does like people and loves to be cuddled, but when another cat comes too near, she erupts into a jealous frenzy – hissing and lashing out at the intruder. The innocent person holding her will be “caught in the crossfire”. Phoebe really wants to be an only cat with an owner who will lavish her with attention.

Baby’s owners not only abandoned him at a boarding kennel, but they’d left a collar on him that was way too tight. No wonder he’s a grouch sometimes! With his long, ginger fur and sweet face, Baby is a very handsome cat but don’t be fooled – he has been known to give a nasty scratch to the shins of innocent passers-by. However, now that he knows he can trust us, Baby is becoming more friendly and much less unpredictable. He loves ear rubs and gentle petting, at least for a while. No collar for him though – never again, we promise!

Jerry is usually a well-mannered, easy-going and playful cat, but don’t ever try to break up an argument between him and another cat! Several volunteers and a few well-meaning visitors who attempted to act as referees in one of Jerry’s “disagreements” have become victims themselves. Being at the receiving end of one of Jerry’s attacks can be quite a shock, especially for those who previously saw only his nice side. Fortunately, Jerry doesn’t get into too many altercations, but there has been talk among sanctuary volunteers of forming a “Jerry Victim Support Group”.

A tale of bad cats just has to include Combo # 5, even though he’s not like the others in this story. Combo was, and still is, very feral so of course he behaves like a wild animal. He was trapped near an A&W restaurant – hence his unusual name. Combo likes to lurk on a high shelf and scare the living daylights out of anyone who enters the room. Totally unsuspecting, I’ve often walked under his hiding place only to have my heart nearly stopped by an ear-splitting hiss and yowl from directly above my head. Recently, Combo had to be confined to a well-fortified cage for some medical treatment. While cleaning his cage and fending him off with a long-handled back-scratcher, we discovered that he actually liked having his head and ears rubbed with the back-scratcher!! Has Combo turned into a sweet kitty-cat? Certainly not, but it’s now possible to get within a few feet of him before the hissing starts and, on a good day, he’ll even tentatively sniff at a finger. Combo isn’t really bad; he’s just a normal feral cat, but an especially scary one.

Are they really bad cats, or just misunderstood? It doesn’t matter. Despite their nasty manners, we love ‘em all the same.

Brie, Bandit and Erika

Hello Shelter staff!

I just wanted to give you an update and send some pictures along of my special little girl! I've had her just over 6 months now and it's as though she's been in my life forever. I couldn't imagine life without her!!

She has come a long way from when I first adopted her from RAPS, first of all she is now a healthy 12.5 lbs and is warming up to people every day. She used to be so scared of loud noises but on our walks every day she is slowly getting used to it.

I kept the name you gave her as it suits her perfectly and not only is she a complete sweatheart, she is so pretty!! She and Bandit are the best of friends and she looks for him (in a bit of a mad panic) if he goes out of her sight. Too cute.

So thank you once again for all the good work you do and if you have any other cavaliers that come through your shelter I would love to add to my fur-family! : ) Thank you once again, I love her so so much. And a special thank you for giving me the blessing of adopting her while currently having another dog. I would think this is a good thing as they can keep each other company, but you'd be surprised of all the red tape I hear about at other shelters so thank you again. She couldn't be happier and is now living the life of luxury!!

Wags, ~Erika

Wedding Kisses for Cats!

One of RAPS long time supporters, Russ, got married recently and instead of having people clang forks on their glasses when they wanted the bride and groom to kiss, they had a donation box for RAPS on the head table. Whenever anyone put money in, the MC announced it over the speaker system, and Russ and Lesley would kiss!

Their kissing raised $227.17 for RAPS. Russ let us know how they thought of this unique wedding idea:

The idea was that we would kiss after every donation. We are both animal lovers and give to RAPS' cat shelter at least once a year usually around Christmas so picking an animal charity was automatic. ~Russ

Thanks so much to Russ and Lesley for sharing their special day with RAPS!

Marie and BeBe, together at last!

Hi Everyone at RAPS,

An update on Bebe: This is one special cat! She is such a sweet lady of 13 years, a match for me as I'm 77!! I read a lot, and BeBe is not too happy about this as she likes to cuddle on my lap and bump her head on my face. She has quite a vocabulary! Her squeeks and chirps and purrs are very entertaining. She wakes me up in the mornings with a soft paw on my face (of course she sleeps on my bed!!! :) I suggest that seniors adopt a "senior" cat. I did and look how happy I am!

Regards,
Marie >^..^<

First came Finnigan, then came Rosie

Finnigan came into the Richmond City Shelter not long after RAPS took over. He was in terrible condition with huge mats all over his body (it was like shearing a sheep to get them off), terrible teeth, very long nails, and on top of all that he wasn't neutered. I fell in love immediately.

When I first got him he was scared of everything. He came out of his shell with time, patience and persistence. He learned how to play and that trusting someone was good. I enjoyed helping him and watching him come out of his shell. All of the small accomplishments that added up to big ones making him the wonderful companion he was.

I work at the RAPS Sanctuary where I do the evening medications as well as some of the daily care needed when the volunteers aren't able to come out for their shifts. We have about 800 cats in total. Finnigan used to come to work with me everyday and he'd alternate between being on the floor with the cats and being in his "bucket"- a pouch I would wear for him to ride in. The cats tended to ignore him (and he them) mostly, I think, because he was so quiet and nonchalant around them.


Finnigan was diagnosed with congestive heart failure in April of 2008 and my vet did not expect him to live long but was willing to put him on medication to try and help him have more time. Finny did amazingly well on the meds and had good quality of life until March of this year when we discovered that he had developed kidney failure secondary to the heart failure. He rallied for 4 days before letting me know it was time. He left a huge hole in my heart and my life. We had two wonderful years together where he taught me of the wonders of unconditional love.

After Finnigan died I knew I needed to get another dog very quickly- not to replace him as there will never be another dog like him but to help heal my heart and fill that huge hole in my life. I searched different shelters all over Metro Vancouver for more than a month before Rosie was surrendered into RAPS' care. The minute I saw her I knew she was the one and when I went into the room with her she must have known it too as she came and sat in my lap after playing shy for a few moments. She has been a true delight. At 10 months old, she still requires some house and obedience training but we are well on our way with both of those things. She is always smiling and bounding around. She loves her squeaky toys- so much that she will lay there and squeak and squeak and squeak. She doesn't care if it's two in the afternoon or two in the morning!

Rosie comes to work with me just like Finnigan did and is not fazed by the cats at all. The cats pretty much ignore her, though she has been swatted a few times when she gets too close but that doesn't bother her in the least. Everyone has fallen in love with her and when we arrive at work I hear choruses of "Hi Rosie!" everywhere we go. I am so grateful to have her in my life.

Honey the Semi-feral is Super-sweet

Honey is fostered by Steph, a long time RAPS Volunteer. Steph provides us with an update on beautiful Honey's playtime.

 When we play it is with a wand.  Ping Pong is her solo game.  I've tried to bat them back and forth with her however, she isn't interested.  Prefers to chase the wand.  I dangle it over the end of the bed and behind the bed leg.  She watches carefully and then roars after it.  I usually swing it up onto her scratching post and she lunges after it. Couple of times it has toppled over.

Honey, so named because of the colouring on part of her, is a rescued cat
from Bella Bella.  Two years ago, in May, she arrived very pregnant and very frightened.  About 4 days later she delivered 5 kittens.  All adopted by 3 indoor only families.  The runt of the litter is just gorgeous!  She is still very timed except with me, I have downsized and now share 'her bedroom'.  Honey is a permanent foster cat.  I think she is now about 4 years old.  If she hadn't come to RAPS I think she would be deceased by now.

The only way I can leave the room is by placing 3 treats in her carrier (Honey knows it as her 'box' that she had when she had the kittens).  I use the carrier in case I have to catch her.

Unfortunately I am unable to let her have the run of the house as my 20 + 19 year old cats are too fragile to take her on.  My 20 year old thinks she smells.  My little 19 year old is terrified of her.  ~Steph

Pandora finds her way to a new home.

Pandora is a German Shepherd dog that was found and rescued on Highway 91 running into traffic. RAPS is so delighted that Pandora is in a happy home. See Pandora's updates below.

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The day has gone so great , Pandora has mastered the front steps to the house (she is doing so well), and walked the kids back and forth to school today . She is happier with Max (other dog) and seems already so much more confident in her walking and in her personality !

I was glad to go to work today to give Paul and the kids some time to bond with Pandora. As you suspected she has been tracking me and tried to get out to me when I left for work . I have sent some pics of Pandora in her corner and one of Maxie as well . We will keep you up to date , have a great day! Thanks again for all your support ! ~ Deena

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Pandora has has continued to progress well but I think may have some separation anxiety issues developing (with me especially). I got tons of great info from the trainer there ( barkbusters over the phone) this weekend and we are doing as suggested, but I may have a trainer come next week to ensure we are not going in the wrong direction. Poor Pandy has had so many obstacles so far we really want to make sure we are doing everything we can to make her a confident well balanced dog. She has a new bed which she loves and slept upstairs for the first time last night. ~ Deena

Dexter goes home! and sleeps in the Shower!

Dexter is a Labrador cross who was found in Steveston almost starved to death. He’s had a particularly hard time recovering from his starvation; possibly because it was long term and he required significant medical care. However, Dexter is about the friendliest dog in the world who has now been adopted to the friendliest family in the world. They are a perfect match! Here are the updates from Dexter:

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A letter from Dexter’s new family
Guess who came home today? I called the Richmond Shelter after school and told the staff to get Dexter to start packing his things. He was coming home! The reply was "He has already got his stuff packed Kristi. He is SO ready to go home with you guys!"

So how did the introductions go? Katie is SO happy to have her new buddy. Dexter played and played and played with Katie. He loved all the things to sniff and piddle on in the backyard. Katie just ran circles about the poor lad, but he loved being able to play and play and play.

So Katie is happy, what about Peanut? Mr. Peanut approves of Dexter too. Yes, the wiener dog stamp of approval was given. Sylvester, the cat, just thinks another dopey mutt has shown up and needs to be taught the hierarchery of this place. Sylvester will soon show that new guy who is the boss!

We had a lovely dinner of BBQ hamburgers and corn on the patio, while all the dogs played and played. I think poor Dexter will pass out tonight. I sure hope so because we need to learn to NOT piddle in the house. I am mighty thankful for the good weather right now! We haven't heard him bark yet either. Our evening walk took extra long because all the neighbours had to welcome Dexter to the neighbour. That crazy tail was wagging NON stop! I think Katie is the happiest one of all of us: she has a new best friend.

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Hi to all the folks at RAPS! This is the letter that I sent out this morning to all our family and friends.

Talk about a smart dog, a very smart dog. Dexter made a key move last night, and won over Matt. Yes, Dexter hung out with Matt and watched TV outside in the Taj Mahal. True male bonding! It was wonderful to see such a happy, happy dog. His tail has not stopped wagging! It's a heck of a monstrous tail - so I'm glad the house is still "Charlie proof". Yes, I must admit that Charlie (bless that old dog --- the Port Hope Shelter's finest mutt!!) had a huge impact on the way this place is set up - so toddlers and any and all goofy hounds feel right at home!

Even Sylvester, the cat, is managing our newest resident. Now Dexter needs to improve his stair climbing abilities. Although it is so dear to see such concentration going into each step as the mile long tail wags and wags.

Oh yes, we have been discussing names. Matt likes the idea of the name "Cobi", which is short for Coboconk where I first worked. I think it's a girl's name. So we may compromise and give the name Cody. One problem - my other EA that I work with is, you guessed it, Cody! So I will ask the person Cody about using that name. Do people get upset if your name is used for a dog?

Bethy wants the name Oscar! I am happy with almost anything --- and even happier if I don't get whipped by that tail! Anyway, things are going very, very well. Yours truly wasn't thrilled about the 4:30 wake-up call by Katie and Dexter. They wanted to go outside and play. Of course, I couldn't get back to sleep afterwards. Stay tuned for more Dexter updates. We are just so happy with our new guy.

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Another wonderful Dexter story from Dexter’s new family written to RAPS…

I woke up last night around 2:11 and the wind had REALLY picked up. I had left all the windows open and my screen door to the balcony (off the master bedroom). I was certain that a storm was brewing, so I raced around closing the windows. Peanut, the wiener dog, never moved a muscle because he was comfy in his bed. I jumped up and instantly Katie (my Border Collie) was at my side 'helping' close the windows. A thought occurred to me. Where was Dexter? He's usually right there for an adventure and a pat.

That started a search for Dexter. I checked the kid's room. No Dexter. The basement? No Dexter.
Want to know where I did find him? Fast asleep in the shower. That big guy was snoring away on the cool floor of our shower. I just dissolved into giggles. Man, oh man, that boy sure fits in around here!!!

Brew's DNA is in but a little strange!

Brew is a dog for adoption at the Richmond Animal Shelter. Some volunteers and staff pooled their money to get Brew DNA tested. Here are the somewhat odd results:

Level 2 - German Shepherd Dog
Level 4 - Pembroke Corgi
Rottweiler
Level 5 - Norwegian Elkhound

Daisy and Amy (formerly Salt and Pepper puppies)

Many of you may remember these two puppies that were at the shelter a few months ago. Daisy and Amy (previously called Salt and Pepper at the shelter), have it made in the shade.

Hi, I adopted "Salt & Pepper" now "Daisy & Amy" at the end of February from you. They are doing wonderfully. I believe they are about 5.5mths now. Thanks, Shireen

Shireen also adopted a Cat from RAPS. Molly was adopted from RAPS in Feb.2007. RAPS is delighted to know how our animal alumni are doing!