Thursday, March 31, 2011

Izzy (formerly Kesha)

My wife and I went out kitten hunting in March of last year, looking for a fairly young male multi-coloured kitten (to a maximum of about 2 years old). Well, that’s certainly not what we ended up with.

When we first saw Izzy (formerly “Kesha” in her old life, now “Isabella” as a full name) she was 9 years old, having spent the prior year at the RAPS shelter. Izzy, a beautiful female cat with a pure black sleek coat except for a small white crest on her chest, took one look at my wife when we entered the RAPS shelter, crawled into my wife’s lap, held on tightly and basically announced that we were hers.

When we first got Izzy home, you’d never seen a happier little furball. It’s as if she couldn’t believe her luck. She started purring happily and pretty much hasn’t stopped yet. She’s the nicest little cat, never scratches or bites, is incredibly loving, and basically spends a large part of her day going from my wife to me and back again for strokes and hugs. She loves to “talk” about whatever she’s doing; for example, she announces when she is about to use the litter box, then afterward she cleans it carefully and calls me over to inspect it and give it a further scooping under her careful supervision. When other people come to our home Izzy usually sits close by or follows and rubs up against our guest, purring and hoping for more strokes. She’s got almost 3,000 square feet to play in, and she explores every inch of it.

When she’s especially happy Izzy rolls over on her back, looking for tummy rubs (one of her favourite things). She loves to be combed or brushed.

At night, Izzy starts off by sleeping on my wife (who goes to bed earlier than I do), but when I come to bed she mews a couple times until I lift the covers, then she dives under the blanket, snuggles up to me and sleeps with my arm around her. Izzy eats surprisingly little (we free-feed), but is clearly happy and healthy. The vet has pronounced her very healthy, and a real “prize”.

I’ve attached a picture of our happy little Izzy in her new “forever home”. It’s almost impossible to take pictures of Izzy; when you point a camera at her she runs over to it, thinking it is something to play with.

Thank you, RAPS, for our new family member.

Philip

Monday, March 28, 2011

Tommy

Hi Sonya,

Just wanted to give you a little update on Tommy. He still isn't eating so I started syringe feeding Medi-cal Recovery Formula last night, I managed to give him about 22 cc's and tonight about 20 cc's. He isn't crazy about having a syringe in his mouth obviously and tries to get away, and it's not a lot of food but at least it's some nutrition and moisture in his system. Carol gave me her cell number and I'll call her with an update Sunday night. I've been home with him for four days and I'm back at work Sunday so unfortunately I'll be gone for 14 hours. I will keep him separate from my other two kitties so I can monitor if he eats at all during the day. He seems great otherwise but I'm second guessing myself a little, I hope I'm not missing something. I don't see any sores in his mouth and he's not sneezing.

I absolutely adore him, love him to pieces. All he wants is to be loved, such a special little boy and so trusting. He seems so happy just being a cat, he loves sitting at the open window (I have screens), he sleeps with me, follows me everywhere, loves a belly rub, purrs like crazy, comes when I call him, uses the litterbox, grooms himself, sleeps peacefully, everything is perfect except for not eating! I haven't seen him drink water either. My other two kitties are adjusting, there is still some hissing going on but I feel confident it will get better.

I've attached 3 pictures, as you will see he's made himself right at home, lol.

Concetta



Adopted Dog "Skyler"

Hi,

Just a quick note to update you on Sky. She has settled in very well and is good in her crate at night and rides well in the car. She seems to be completely housetrained. There was one accident the second day she was here, but that was my fault for not letting her out. We have since learned her signal for needing to go outside and no more accidents! Her and our 11.5 yr old Dobe, Gringo, get along like they were raised together! She has put on a couple pounds, but still needs a few more. I have found her to be really smart and biddable and she learns things incredibly fast. I find she is very food motivated and responds well to the clicker.

So, thank you for letting us have this wonderful dog, she is perfect for us. The pictures are from Sat. the 26th at Iona beach.

Betty



Update on Chi/Min Pin Adopted December 27th

Hi,

Just wanting to take a moment to give the shelter an update on how are adoptee dog is doing.

Her name was Harlow when she was at the shelter, when she came home she became ‘Holly’.

It took some time for her to settle in with our other dog (also from RAPS, adopted September 2007) Tigger. He is older and very calm and settled and Holly is very young and energetic. She was very snappy at first, my husband and I both had many bites, went through a lot of bandaids between us. She wouldn’t let us take her collar off, touch her neck or put a jacket on even if we were heading out in the torrential rain. Holly and I went to obedience school and despite her ‘issues’ she was a star pupil, always wanting to please. Her favourite activity is licking Tigger’s eyes and ears, and he does seem to tolerate it and the plus side is that his eyes are sparkling like never before.

I took her and Tigger out for an adventure in the snow on Mount Seymour and Holly happily skipped about in the snow. She loves racing around at the schoolyard near our house and if Tigger is hiding in the backyard we can tell her ‘Holly! Go get Tigger! Where is Tigger?’ and she will race down the stairs around the yard and bark loudly when she finds him hiding under the boat. She dominates the household and we’re working at reminding her that we’re still in charge.

She tolerates us changing her collars now and will usually let us put a coat on her if weather necessitates. We’re still getting used to having an almost ‘puppy’ in the house, she’s done a little bit of chewing (she showed me that she didn’t like being hooked in to the backseat when we go in the car), and she always wants to play.

We’re looking forward to the challenges ahead and are pleased that Tigger has a friend to keep him company when we are at work.

Thanks again,
Sarah



Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Maggie and Gracie at 6 months


Hi Sonya, Carol and team,

I had to send you this photo as I think Maggie ( brown) and Gracie (grey) must be 2 of the prettiest girls you will ever see. They are sniffing the spring air from inside - behind a screen just wishing they were outside. ( Don’t worry, they do know the rules! ) They had their operations at 5 months in January and their energy level has not dropped one bit! You gave these 2 sisters a wonderful life when you sent them on their way together... they just love each other SO much. They have an abundance of kitty toys and play by the hour together, wrestle each other, bathe each other and often sleep draped over each other. They are very much loved and we all are so grateful to you for rescuing them and giving them a start at your shelter. I spread the word about the wonderful work that you all do at every chance I get and I will definitely be out to volunteer with Spring clean up at your sanctuary.

Love to you all,

Doreen

Tyson

Hello Sonya,

I just wanted to give you a quick update on how Tyson is doing. He seems to adore my daughter Janine already, he is good in the car for travelling and is adjusting to being inside.

We have already met Grandma and Grandpa in Vancouver. At home here in Mission we my husband and I have already taken him for a walk this evening before dark. As well he met Shelby and Dixie next door and had a good running and playtime with Dixie. So now we are crossing our fingers that he will settle nicely for bedtime.

Did he come with the name Tyson? Since he doesn’t respond to it as though he knows it. We will be changing his name to either Oscar or Archie.

Thank you and sorry we missed after the walk.
Carrie


Tuesday, March 22, 2011

A Woman of Distinction

March 7th was a very proud day for the Richmond Animal Protection Society. Carol Reichert, Executive Director and Founder of RAPS won the Ethel Tibbits Women of Distinction Award in the category of business. Below is the submission that spoke of Carol's contributions to Richmond.

Nomination of Carol Reichert for the Ethel Tibbits Women of Distinction Awards.
By Sonya Kamp

Carol Reichert is an extraordinary woman who has dedicated her life to rescuing the homeless and suffering animals of Richmond, BC. She has devoted years towards assisting the geriatric, low income and needy citizens of Richmond who need help caring for their pets. She has spent 20 years spaying and neutering Richmond's feral feline colonies, which has been the leading factor in getting Richmond's cat population under control. Carol Reichert is the founder and Executive Director of the Richmond Animal Protection Society, which operates North America's largest cat sanctuary on No 6 Road in Richmond and she has run the municipal city shelter for the last four years. Carol Reichert deserves this award, because despite being heavily afflicted with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Carol wakes up every morning and dedicates her energy and time towards helping people and animals in need.

I first met Carol in January 2007 when I was applying for a job with the Richmond Animal Protection Society (RAPS) as a kennel attendant. RAPS had recently been awarded the contract for the city shelter, and Carol was hiring staff, organizing volunteers, and making arrangements to move into the facility at 12071 No 5 Rd by February 2007. Richmond could now proudly call itself a no-kill city.

While working for Carol, I began to learn about her life. Her career started in Richmond as a flight attendant for Pacific Western Airlines. It was here that she met her husband Chuck Reichert and then started a family in Richmond. Her passion for animals was evident right from the beginning as her husband often caught her filling her suitcases with cat food, which she would then distribute to the various feral cat colonies along her flight route. To Carol, feeding homeless animals was more important than having nice clothing.

Richmond Homeless Cats became a registered charity in 1989. This non-profit, no-kill society embodied Carol's mission: every life is a valuable life. Through the dedication and hard work of numerous volunteers, Richmond Homeless Cats trapped, fixed, and vetted thousands of Richmond's needy cats. No cat was overlooked based on age, medical condition, or temperament. The majority of cats trapped were returned to their environment to live out their lives, but the ones that needed extra care were provided a safe sanctuary. From this vision the RAPS Cat Sanctuary was born. Today it is North America's largest cat sanctuary, housing more than 800 homeless cats. As a result of Carol's long and tedious hours of trapping, feeding and transportation, a peaceful cat sanctuary was born - a sanctuary where cats are freed from want or need. Aiding Carol have been hundreds of dedicated volunteers that donate their time, money, and strong backs towards a cause that is truly inspirational.

In 2006, Carol and her team of volunteers applied for the City of Richmond Animal Control and Shelter contract. In 2007, their hard work and efforts paid off and the Richmond Animal Protection Society (formerly Richmond Homeless Cats) was awarded a two year contract to run the municipal shelter. For the first time in history, the City of Richmond became a no-kill animal sheltering municipality.

As successful and well known as RAPS was becoming, Carol never faltered in her energy and passion towards her cause to assist needy people and animals. Her days included helping elderly citizens with nail trims and vet appointments, delivering veterinary medicines to low income or homeless pet owners, trapping cats and finally developing a community cat spay/neuter program to continue to curb the growing cat population. She juggles these tasks while making lunches for her five grandchildren, caring for her personal pets (most of which have the most time consuming medical conditions), being a friend, being a manager and finally, being a wife. Every day Carol has a smile on her face and you'll never find her in a bad mood. She often says, "we are truly blessed to be able to do this work". There couldn't be a more truthful statement; Carol projects a lightness and positivity that shines from her wherever she goes.

If what Gandhi says is true, that the greatness of a community and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated, then Richmond is truly a great community and behind this greatness is Carol Reichert. Without a doubt she is a woman of distinction.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Jules

Hi Sonya,

Jules is very happy to report that she's doing well. Still on her meat with some dry food diet. I take her to parks, and off-leash areas with no problems whatsoever. She is turning into quite the family dog, and gets along with kids. Jules grabs toys and meets my friends at the door now, wagging her tail at light speed lol. Both her and I can not wait for summer for many more walks and dog meets.

Thanks once again,
Jules & Colin.