mewsletter spring2013

7/29/2019 Mewsletter Spring2013

1/12

For the friends of the Independent Cat Society, a no-kill cat shelter Spring 2013 #137

And the winner is...I

t was a close call, as all of the teams worked very hard to earnthe most for their candidate, including spending a day inFebruary at the Open Your Hearts fundraiser selling wonderful

treats, crafts, and more to support their kitty. But Madisonemerged the victor by a small margin at the end of February -congratulations to Madison and her team! The Independent CatSociety wishes to thank all of our fabulous team leaders,volunteers, and donors for their efforts in getting out the voteand supporting our cats. We had a fabulous turnout this year, andwe owe it all to YOU!

The best part of this story, of course, is the ending: Madisonreceived the best prize a kitty could ask for, and was adopted toa wonderful forever home at the beginning of March.

Adoptable Cats, Upcoming Events, and more inside!

Did you ever wonder what it would be like to be a Fairy Godmother? Or maybe havethe power to grant favors and make wishes come true? Well, now you can be aKitten Godparent. Kitten Godparents won't have magic powers or the ability to

make problems disappear, but they do have some amazing abilities!

You can become a Kitten Godparent for only a $25 donation, which means that you havethe power to defray the costs of caring for this year's babies. And to us, that's definitelya superpower! That donation entitles the Godparent to choose the kitten's name, andyou will get a personal thank you card with their picture. If you share your e-mail we willgive you updates on your Godkitten and more pictures if possible. We are hoping theKitten Godparents might want to show off pictures of their special little one to everyone,and just maybe find out that they have the incredible power to help find them a home oftheir own!

Note that this program is not quite the same as Sponsor-A-Cat, our ongoing effort to

sponsor all of our shelter residents (see the end of this newsletter for more on this terrificprogram). Kitten Godparents is a special campaign just for our new Kitten Season babies.

Interested in wielding some power? Here's how:

As the kittens come in, pictures of them will be posted at the shelter, on our website,and on Facebook. You choose the baby you would like for your Godkitten, fill out a KittenGodparent form, and make your donation. If you want to name them at that time youmay, or if you'd like to give the matter more consideration, that's OK too.

So, dust off your magic wand or polish your pinky ring, because it won't be long till kittenseason!

Want to get even moreinvolved with the Kitten

Class of 2013?Become a Foster Parent! Foster Parents provide

the loving care that kittens need to develop into

healthy and socialized adults. They make a huge

difference! For more information, call, e-mail, or

contact us on our Facebook page.

Madison, our 2013 Sweetheart

Madison

Meet the upcomingICS Kitten Classof 2013!


2/12

AprilEarth Day Festival

April 20

At the Expo Center, Valparaiso, Indiana______________________

Be Kind to Animals FestivalApril 27

At the Expo Center, Valparaiso, Indiana______________________

Black Cat StrutApril 28, 9am

At Sunset Hill County Park in Valparaiso, Indiana5K Run/Fun Walk and 1 Mile Dog Walk

Learn more and register athttps://register.thtiming.com/Search/event.aspx?id=18192

MayWake Up the Garden

May 10, 9am - 4pmJoin ICS and the Porter County Master Gardners towake up the Rainbow Bridge Garden and learn all

about waking up your own garden for spring!______________________

Aunt Kittys Trash and Treasure SaleMay 18, 10am - 3pm

May 19, 10am - 3pmJoin us for food, fun, and bargains galore at our shelter!All proceeds go to support the cats and kittens of the

Independent Cat SocietyDrop off your items on Friday, May 17 from 12pm - 3pm

(No clothing or large furniture items please)

JuneNational Adopt a Shelter Cat Month

Visithttp://www.aspca.org/adoption/adopt-a-shelter-cat-month/

andhttp://www.americanhumane.org/animals/programs/special-

initiatives/adopt-a-cat-month/for more information and be sure to visit us

for a whole month of shelter cat celebrations!

Published for thefriends of the

Independent Cat Society, Inc.

PO Box 735,Westville, IN 46391

(219) 785-4936

Web: www.catsociety.orgEmail: [email protected]

Also on Facebook:

www.facebook.com/indcatsociety

The Independent Cat Society, Inc.,

founded in 1977, is a non-profit, no-kill cat shelter on US Rt 6 at the

Porter/LaPorte County Line Road inWestville, Indiana.

Our mission is to promote thewelfare of all animals, especially

cats, by reducing pet overpopulation,educating the public, preventing

cruelties to animals, promotingresponsible pet ownership, and

working for more humane legislation.

Adoption hours:

Saturday, 10:00 am - 4:00 pmSunday, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Others by appointment.Please call (219) 785-4936.

About our Adoption Fees

Includes: Spay/neuter, vet exam,

feline leukemia and FIV test; age-appropriate vaccinations; parasitetreatment; tattoo ID/microchip; 30

Day No-Cost Pet Insurance; and freepost-adoption participating vet visit.

Please check our website or shelterfor monthly adoption specials!

Board of Directors:

President:

Anastasia TreklesVice-President:

Tina Sleppy

Recording Secretary:Judy Dean

Corresponding Secretary:

Mary RooneyTreasurer:

Natalie CebulskiBoard Members:

Gail FriedenJoan HildebrandPaulette Gonzalez

Judy Lindmark

Calendar of Events

2


3/12

Presidents Message

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of

adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome. Anne Bradstreet

Welcome to spring in Northwest Indiana! In this issue, we celebrate spring bycelebrating health and wellness for ourselves as well as our animals. On April28, we will work together with our many friends from a variety of rescue groups

in Northwest Indiana to put on the annual Black Cat Strut, a terrific event for all ages atSunset Hill County Park in Valparaiso. This year, in addition to the 5K walk/run, there willalso be a 1-mile dog walk, so you can bring your favorite canine companion out to join inthe fun! Come out and enjoy the day, meet new people, and support animal welfare withus we look forward to seeing you there! You can register online at http://thtiming.com,or visit our shelter, Smoochie Pooch Pet Salon and Boutique in Valparaiso, or many otherparticipating locations all over Northwest Indiana to pick up a paper flyer. Just give us acall or check our Facebook page for assistance and details.

Of course, shaking off the blanket of winter doesnt have to end at participating in a 5Kwalk or run. Spring is a time where everything becomes new again, when the sun keepsus a little warmer, and when the world begins to turn green. During the spring season, wewill be hard at work waking up the Rainbow Bridge Garden on our shelter grounds, withthe expert assistance of the Porter County Master Gardners. On May 10, MasterGardners will be on site to tend the garden and bring in new flowers and plants that willadorn the garden throughout the spring and summer, and we welcome you to come outand join them in their efforts and learn from their experience and knowledge. We alsohope you will join us and enjoy the garden during our May 18 and 19 semi-annual YardSale, where all kinds of new treasures will be waiting for you to find!

Finally, spring often brings us new things in the form of joyous new bundles of kitty fur!We often call this time of year kitten season, as many kittens tend to be born and joinour shelter through foster networks. The animal world, after all, is just as excited aboutspringtime as we are! This season, we encourage you to consider becoming a fostermom or dad for new cat families this season, and we also look forward to seeing you atthe shelter to welcome some of these beautiful new arrivals into your own home. Dontforget that you can always look up our current list of foster and shelter animals at ourwebsite, http://catsociety.org, and dont hesitate to ask an Adoptions Counselor duringour weekend hours about any kitten or cat you may be interested in. Whether yourelooking for a companion for a current pet or simply a new addition to your family, wepromise to adopt to you only the happiest, healthiest, and more well-socialized cats, nomatter what age they are. Contact us through Facebook athttp://facebook.com/indcatsociety or through email at [email protected] with

questions about adoptions or fostering at any time. We would love to hear from you, andwe hope you enjoy the beauty and excitement that this spring is sure to bring!

Sincerely,Staci Trekles, ICS Board President

3

Please note: We do not use litterpan liners, newspapers, or pinecleaners like Pine Sol. Thank you!

Office SuppliesStampsVarious Colored 2-pocket folders

with Business Card SlotsLetter-Size Manila File Folders

Medical SuppliesMicrowaveable Heating DiscsScience Diet AD, IDWellness Grain-Free Food

Building and Grounds20 x 25 x 5 Aire Bear Furnace

filtersWater Softener Pellets16 x 20 x 1 Fiberglass

Furnace FiltersReplacement Filters for Hunter

Air Purifier Model #30930Side Door and Help with Install

OtherDry Cat Food, kitten and adult,

Prefer Diamond Naturals but useother brands for donations to

those in needGround flavors of Fancy Feast and

grain-free foodsTall Cat Trees

Scoopable and Clay LittersGift Cards to Lowes, Menards,

Home Depot, etc.

Safeguard SG-36D Humane TrapsTurbo-Tracks Replacement ScratchersExtra Large Litter ScoopsSmall Blankets, Rugs, Towels

Special ServicesCarpenters, Plumbers

The cats thank you! Ask us for areceipt for tax-deductibledonations.

Cleaning SuppliesBleachLaundry Soap (prefer unscented)

Liquid Hand Soap

Paper PlatesPaper Towels30-gallon Trash Bags

Simple Green CleanerShaklee Basic G Concentrate

Dish Soap

Tall Kitchen Garbage Bags

Dryer Sheets


4/12

Hi. I am Parsley. I came to

the Independent Cat

Society shelter as a wee

kitten a little more than 15 years

ago. I am a quiet cat and pretty

much stayed to myself, except forcuddling with a few of my

buddies, especially on our cold

Indiana winter days.

For the most part, my life was

pretty settled, except when we

would get a new cat or when

people would come to visit the shelter. Things would get harder

for me, especially in the last couple years. When I was younger,

people would single me out and say, Ill consider her. But, for

whatever reason, they just never came back to me.

I got older, day-by-day, just like all of us, until one day, visitors

began saying about me things like, I dont want one that old.

Or, She is just too skittish.

Or, Whats wrong with that one?

So, I pretty much resigned myself to hanging with my cat friends

Cora, Al, Cassandra, Snooki, Cora, Carolina, Emery, and

Azurbajan. These last couple years, Al, Snooki, Cora, and

Cassandra passed over the Rainbow Bridge, so I thought my days

left at the shelter would be spent to help the new guys and to

just hang out.

Then, one day a year ago this spring, a woman came into our

shelter room and stayed longer than anyone else. She held out

her hand to me, and I tried not to look too interested, but

honestly she smelled better than anyone I had ever sniffed. I feltan old urge to rub my head on her arm. I did that and she didnt

leave; she just kept talking to me. I felt my old heart flip a little,

but she left, still saying kind words. I was disappointed but I was

okay, as I have always been; I jumped over and cuddled with

Cora, Carolina, Emery, and Azurbajan.

A couple days later, the same woman came back. I was glad to

see, hear, and sense her smell. Her voice had the same comfort;

her hand was still stretched out. Before I knew it, I was in a cat

carrier. The voice and the hand were there outside the carrier, and

when the carrier door opened again, I was in a whole new place.

All I knew to do was hide, but the voice and hand kept coming to

me again and again. I came out of my hiding place and found

food and water, and a bed. Some time went by and now everyday

I have my Angel, my own person,

the one with the voice and the

hand, who feeds, cares for, and

loves me. I care for her right

back. I purr, crawl; I climb into

her lap, and sleep at her feet.

She means the world to me. She

tells me we are family.

The only things I worry about

these days are the guys I left

behind. Any of the cats at ICSwould love real homes, but

unlike the kittens, they dont

quite know how to ask. Emery

and Azurbajan are such great spirits, but, like me, they hesitate,

not wanting to risk; remembering other moments of reaching out

that were just another heart tug.

I am happier than I could have ever dreamed, but I am asking all

of you to help my friends, the ones I left behind at ICS. The best

thing I could wish for is that they could find their own angels. If

we each could find room for even one of them in a home with

their own person: how the world would change for them. That

would be the best ever!

ICS will continue helping the helpless because the efforts are sodesperately ICS will continue helping the helpless because the

efforts are so and urgently needed. Helping makes everyone

more human; helping the helpless makes the world more

humane.

4

Parsleys Story

Health and Wellness for You and Your Pets

Even though Parley

is over 15 years

old, she has a

new outlook and leaseon life thanks to her

new adopter. And in

turn, she keeps her

person pretty active as

well!

How can you help your

cat (and your other

pets as well!) keep fit,

healthy, and active? Veterinarians and animal experts recommend

a number of things that pet owners can do to ensure that their

best friends stay happy and well for many long years. If you are

not sure how to get started with exercise and your pet, be sure to

consult your vet for the best and more personalized advice.

First of all, dont let your pets just chill out all day, like ICS alumni

Mr. Lemmywinks here doing his best version of savasana (relaxation

pose) on his moms yoga mat. Instead, consider incorporating some

regular playtime into yours and your pets day. Get a wand, CatDancer, or other toy that you can dangle for your cat and get him up

and moving around. Many cats love laser pointers of any kind,

whether it comes from a toy made for them or from the end of your

favorite pen or laser level tool. Its a good idea to follow up laser toy

play with a real toy so that kitty has something real to play with.

Cats can also amuse themselves throughout the day if they have a

cat tree to climb on, and no exercise is better than chasing another

furry friend around the house!

For dogs, play fetch or go for a short, brisk walk at least once a

day. Some people also like to take their dogs with them on runs

and hikes, although be sure to not overtire your pup and give him

or her plenty of time to rest along the way. Dogs are not built for

sustained running the way people are.

Through an adopted cats eyes...


5/12

5

Forcats:Chicke

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ForPeople:HealthyLemon-PoppyseedBreadThisrecipeiswrittenforabreadmachine,althoughyoucaneasilymixthedough,allowittorise,and

bakeconventionallyina400-degreeovenforabout10minutes,thenreduceheatto350for45-50minutes.

1cupwarmwater1egg1tablespoonolive,grapeseed,orcoconutoilJuicefromaboutto1wholelemon(dependingonhowmuchlemontasteyouwant)

1tablespoongratedlemonpeel3cupswholewheatflour(substitute1cupofrolledoatsifyouwish)3tablespoonsvitalwheatgluten(optionalb

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2tablespoonshoneyoragavenectar1tablespoonsoymilkpowder(forproteinthisisoptional)1teaspoonsalt(canbereducedtoteaspoon)2tablespoons(ormoreifyouwish)poppyseedsorchiaseeds

1teaspoonactivedryyeastInthebreadmachine,runontheBasic/WhiteBreadsetting(yes,eventhoughyouputwheatflourinthere!),

ontheLightcrustsetting.Checkperiodicallytobesureyoudontneedmoreliquid.Notethatthiswillnotbe

averysweetbread,butitisexcellentwithpeanutbutterorjam,andtoastswell.

Want to bring some life into your diet and be healthier to boot? Considerthese recipes, which are highly customizable to suit your own tastes andneeds. The key is to use fresh, whole ingredients and avoid things like

processed foods and refined flours and sugars. For example, squeeze a lemonrather than buying packaged lemon juice, which can be full of preservatives.

Also, for cats, remember that their stomachs are sensitive and can be verysensitive to the things that people find to be pretty normal fare. Small amounts ofmeat, eggs, or fish are exciting to your cat and a good, healthy alternative topackaged treats found at the pet food store, but remember that moderation is verimportant! Catnip and pet grass can also be terrific treats, and low-calorie as wellJust make sure that any plant you provide kitty is safe. Checkhttp://pets.webmd.com/cats/guide/cat-treats-and-snacks-whats-healthyfor agreat resource on cats and healthy treats.

Healthy Recipes for You and Your Cat

Yes, hes one of ours: Pluto!

SHARE any cat food and

treat recipes you might

have with us and well

print them for all to enjoyin the next issue of the

Mewsletter.

Post them to our

Facebook page or send

an email to

[email protected].


6/12

6

Mochais a shy beauty who would really love the

chance to have a home of her own.

Mocha has even inspired artist Karen

Ebert to paint her picture.

Zipperis a gorgeous long haired orange and

white cat. He has a sweet and gentle

disposition and is like a great big teddy

bear who loves being petted. He would

make someone a great companion!

Corkywas a wild child who has matured into a

playful, entertaining companion. Corky got

a lot of notice as ICS Sweetheart 2011,

but sadly nobodyhas claimed him for

their veryown sweetheart.

Azurbajanis a mystery man. His amber eyes, soulfu

and deep, narrow onlywhen he is chasing

the laser. He is a cat in his prime and

has all the markings of the Bombay

breed. He used to be very shy; not so

much now. Pet, brush and admire him

now; he will repay every kindness.

MJis dignified and not pushy, but really

enjoys being petted or getting scratched

and he is quite playful. He's a superstar

just like his namesake!

Marsis an elegant black cat with out-of-this-

world appeal! Because black cats waitlonger to be adopted, Mars has spent his

entire three years at the shelter. Why not

bring him home and show him a new

world?

Gizzyis personality with a whole load of cute.

Grab a toy with a string and Gizzy isthere! On his down time he is gentle and

cuddly: Gizzy has it all going on.

Make a New Friend!These kitties have been waiting a long time for their forever homes.

Perhaps you are the one for them?

Reikois the pretty boy of Boppers. Long haired

and handsome, he is the original Puss-in-

Boots. His coat is silky and gorgeous and

he will headbutt for more grooming or

petting. He loves cuddling with other

Boppers and is reallyquite playful when

awake. His caramel eyes will melt you!

Toddlesis our official Spay and Neuter spokescat,

because there were so many kittens the

year he was born! Unfortunately, nine

years later, he is still waiting for his

forever home. Can you be the person to

change sweet Toddles luck?

Templeis a handsome older gentleman who lives

in our Kitty Korner room. He is a sweet,

loving boy and would make anyone a

wonderful forever friend.

Kikiis an adorable 5-year-old who has grown

up at the shelter and not been adopted

yet in spite of how doggone cute she is.

Now is her time and are you her future?

Emeryis buff! He is also a true gentle boy.

Emery came to ICS as a kitten and

probablybecause of his laid-back nature,

he has been passed over time and time

again. He is also a master at the laser

and loves his Chicken Fancy Feast, when

he can get it!


7/12

7

1/8 page ($50) = 3.6 x 2.25 or 7.5 x 2.25

1/4 page ($75) = 3.6 x 4.7

1/2 page ($100) = 7.5 x 4.7 or 3.6 x 9.7

full page ($200) = 7.5 x 9.7

Advertise in the Mewsletter!Your ad will get great exposure for your enterprise!

Your patronage helps us offset the costs of printing, allowing more funding for our cats!

Since 2007, weve altered over 2350 cats!

Its spring, and we know what thatmeans! KITTENS and feline familiesplaying house underneath our porches

and sheds!

When you first see those cute little kitteneyes peeping up at your from beneaththe floorboards, your first reaction is toDO something, thinking they areabandoned. We get that... but it isactually the case that the first thing youshould do is to OBSERVE to see if momis anywhere in the vicinity.

We need to know where the mom cat is

at, and if you move the little ones ormake too much fuss in their area, it willspook mom and she may move them toa new location out of our reach. So thefirst thing to do is to watch: mom isalmost always somewhere close,watching. The ultimate goal would be toget her fixed as soon as possible afterweaning the little ones.

If after observing you confirm that momis not coming back, then you can act.Call us if you find yourself fostering littleones that need bottle-feeding orextrarodinary care. We have a host of

knowleable volunteers who can give infoand support.

NOTE to Michigan City residents: we

have a Memorandum of Understanding inplace with the City of Michigan City topractice TNR as the preferred method offeral cat management within the citylimits. So as caretakers of outdoorcolonies you can feel confident that whatyou are doing by feeding and caring foryour FIXED feline friends is perfectlyacceptable and actually part of thesolution. We count on you as caretakersto defend your colonies, as long as theyare spayed and neutered and eartipped.If they are not yet fixed, please contactus at 219-785-4936 and leave amessage for Connie or Eileen, or emailus at [email protected] and we canhelp get them altered.

Numbers Update:


8/12

Black Cat StrutThe 3rd Annual Black Cat Strut will be held on April 28 at SunsetHill County Park in Valparaiso, located at the corner of MeridianRd. and US-6. Please join us to benefit the Independent Cat

Society, and stay to help and

learn more about a large numberof other animal welfareorganizations in NorthwestIndiana. We are banding togetherto bring you a day of fun,including not just the race, butalso food, crafts, fun for the kids,raffles and contests, and muchmore. Come for the race, andstay for the day!

The race will be held rain or shine, and t-shirts are guaranteed toall pre-registered participants. Register at the ICS shelter, at avariety of businesses around the area, or online athttp://thtiming.com.

5K Run/WalkSplit times at miles 1 & 2, one water station, and refreshmentsfollowing the race. Awards for first finisher (male/female) in eachage group.

1 Mile Dog WalkBandanas will be provided for all participating dogs. Dogs mustbe leashed at all times, vaccinated, and must be friendly.

Summer Book SaleOur annual Book Sale will be held July 19, 2013 from 10am to5pm and July 20, 2013 from 10am to 3pm at the Chesterton

American Legion Hall at 798 Wabash Avenue. You may drop offyour gently used books, magazines, DVDs, video games, and othermedia the day before, on July 18 from 12pm to 5pm.

If you want to get some wonderful dealson books, from fiction to textbooks tokids books, look no further than ourfabulous book sale, where all proceedsgo straight to helping ICS cats andkittens. Crafts, jewelry, artwork, andsnacks will also be available both days,so bring the entire family!

Spotlight on Upcoming EventsPurrfectly Pampered DayMake plans to join us for a brand new fundraiser, PurrfectlyPampered Day at Red Mill Park in LaPorte on August 3, 2013.Review products and services from a variety of wonderful vendorsinterested in your health, wellness, comfort, and beauty, and enjoy

a day of pampering yourself and your loved ones! Be sure to keepan eye out for more information on this exciting upcoming event!

Fall Gala and Calendar OrdersSaturday November 2 we will hold our annual fall gala at the OldTown Banquet Hall in Valparaiso. This excellent location providedus with a fabulous 35th Anniversary gala last year, and we arehappy to be able to work with this facility once again in 2013.

New this year will be an option toget your cats image into a beautiful2014 calendar, which you can orderduring the gala or anytime prior toNovember 2, 2013. Full-pageimages for each of the 12 monthsof the year will be $50 per image;

you may also pay $10 to have your cats image on any of theindividual day squares for the entire year. Keep an eye on ourwebsite and our Facebook page for more details regarding thisterrific event and concurrent calendar offer!

All -Year Online AuctionsDont forget to check out our website and Facebook pageperiodically, as we are hosting more and more unique and specialonline events, including online auctions for amazing items,including handmade crafts and jewelry, gift certificates for localservices and businesses, and much more.

Want to donate or assist in running anonline event? Contact us [email protected] or message usright on Facebook!

Aluminum Can DonationsAluminum cans help us spay and neuter! All proceeds from thecollection of recycling fees from aluminum directly support ourspay and neuter activities. For more info or details on our spayand neuter programs, email [email protected].

Building Fund UpdateAs ICS continues to plan for a bright and prosperous future for all of the cats that need our help andsupport, we encourage you to consider making a donation to our Building Fund. This special fund isspecifically for the purposes of designing and building a new building on our shelter grounds. Whilethis new building is still in the early stages of planning, it is our hope that within the years to come,we can move forward with creating a more spacious environment that can more adequately meet theneeds of all of its feline residents, as well as its human visitors, volunteers and staff.

But, in order to make this dream come true, we need your help! You may contribute by donating directly to the building fund, purchasea brick or other memorial for our Rainbow Bridge Garden, or perhaps consider donating your time by serving on the Building FundCommittee. Please see our website at http://catsociety.org or contact us at [email protected] if you have questions or wish tofind out how you can help with this ambitious initiative. We are also looking for corporate sponsors interested in donating funds,materials, or skilled labor, and would be happy to talk to you and your company further if you are interested in aiding in any way.

8


9/12

9

Low Cost Spay/Neuter Options are Growing!ICS Vouchers are available at the ICS shelter on Saturdays from 10 AM-4PM and Sundays from 1-4 PM. (Others hours may beavailable by appointment only). There are two different levels of Voucher. (Payment by cash or money order only (No credit/debitcards/no checks)

Basic Level: includes spay or neuter, first distemper vaccine, rabies vaccine,worming, ear mite treatment, and identification tattoo/microchip.

Comprehensive Level: includes everything in the Basic level plus flea treatment,FELV and FIV testing, and the first Feline leukemia vaccine.

After purchasing a voucher, call one of the veterinary clinics listed below to schedule anappointment. ICS Spay/Neuter vouchers are only accepted at the following veterinary clinics:

McAfee Animal Hospital: 219-462-5901 651 Eastport Centre Dr., ValparaisoBasic - $65Comprehensive - $90

Westchester Animal Clinic: 219-926-1194 55E US Highway 20, PorterBasic level only - $73

Dr. Andersons Feline Reduction Center holds a clinic every Saturday in Beverly Shores.The cost for the surgery is $50. The Rabies and distemper vaccines incur an extra charge, while ear cleaning, a pain shot, and a shotof penicillin is included. The scheduling number is 219-861-9006. Call and leave a message that you want to schedule your cat for aparticular Saturday, and clinic staff will call you back with drop-off/pick-up details.

Other local options: Neuter Scooter: www.neuterscooter.com

Pet Neutering and Adoption: www.petneutering.com (DeMotte, Indiana)

The Estelle Marcus Animal Clinic: www.hscalumet.org or (219) 924-7140 (Munster, Indiana)

The Estelle Marcus Animal Clinic offers low-cost spays, neuters, and vaccinations for the following groups:

Low-income pet owners on government assistance (such as Food Stamps, Medicaid, Unemployment or Disability) Owners of pit bulls and pit bull mixes Residents of Gary, Indiana Feral cat caretakers (call 219-924-7140 for information on humane trap rental) Animal shelters, animal controls, and rescue groups

They also have 2 special programs:1. Low-Income Senior Program: Seniors over the age of 65 and on government assistance (other than Social Security) can get

their pets spayed, neutered and vaccinated for free!2. Spay Your Momma Program: Low-income owners of a dogs or cats with litters can get moms and her litters spayed,

neutered, and vaccinated for rabies for free! Owners must be on government assistance or Social Security. Call Calumet

SNAP at 877-819-3300 for more information.

Chicago options:

NAWS: www.nawsus.org or (708) 478-5102 (Mokena, Illinois)

PAWS Chicago: The Lurie Spay/Neuter Clinic or mobile unit, www.pawschicago.org or (773) 521-7729 (Chicago, Illinois) Anti Cruelty Society: www.anticruelty.org or (312) 644-8338 (Chicago, Illinois)

For help with spaying and neutering of free-roaming cats, please email us at: [email protected]

Pippinis a handsome longhaired gray male witha warm and fuzzy personality to go alongwith his beautiful coat! His sweet

demeanor and soulful eyes will melt yourheart and if you take him home, hellremind you every day that you are loved.

JJmay look like a tough customer, but hesgot a heart of gold. If you start pettinghim, he may not want you to ever leave!

Be sure to visit this gentleman in ourroom called Nook.

Reesiesure is a beauty. This young tabby ladyhas been waiting for her forever home forfar too long. Why dont you come visit andplay with her? Shell be sure to make youglad that you did!

Jupiteris a fun-loving white and tabby mix whohas been waiting for the right person totake him home since he was a kitten almost four years ago. Today he is ahandsome boy who is as impressive ashis name. Find him in Kikis Room andget to know him!


10/12

In Memory of

In Honor of

Memorials & Tributes... from 1/1/2013 to 3/1/2013

If we have omitted anyone, please write or call us so we can include them in the next newsletter.

Carol Deckerfrom Marcine Todd

Dorothy and LeRoy Wienkefrom Kenneth and Sharon Brooks

Rick and Cheri Arizonas cat Annie from Patrick FerrellTomfrom Nathalie Pennington

Gerber Deutsch, Mrs. & Mrs. Richard Deutschs beloved cat,fromLouise Vale

Gerhard Gaisserfrom Wendy A. Yellina and Jamie Walker

Eve Gardner from Martha Tilquist, Gary and Victoria McKinley, KathleenBerwick, James and Lillian Hauff, and Carol Tufekcioglu

Linda Cripliverfrom Michael and Melissa Burklow

ICS lost a devoted friend. Dr. Gene Hay of Michigan City, who passed away onMarch 5, 2013. Along with his wife, son, and grandchildren, he is survived by hisfeline family, Tori and Victor.

The quote from his obituary says it all for the rest of us: Adopt a shelter pet andreceive love in return.

Elizabeth Canrights 13th birthdayfrom her grandmother Jane Canright, Christopher and Megan Dilts, and Walter and Kim Wigley

Thank you, Elizabeth, for requesting the above donations in lieu of a birthday gift - ICS wishes you the best birthday ever!

Donatallafrom Abraham Wondergem

Jane Dudleyfrom NIPSCO-C

Karen Flahertys birthdayfrom Kenneth and Sharon Brooks

Heartfelt Thanks...

We thank Johnson Excavating, BP Fabric of America, and Allegius CreditUnion for their generous donations.

Thanks to AJs Tents for their generous support.

Special thanks to all Corporate Donors for the 35th Anniversary GalaSilent Auction, including Ace Hardware Valparaiso, Arbor View AnimalHospital, Aurelios, Being Creative 4 You, Betty White, Bissell

Foundation, Blue Chip Casino, Blue Moon Dance Studio, Brandt's

Supply, Clint Henry of Oak Partners, Dr. Korczak, DDS, Dr. Lovera WolfMiller, Dichroic Jewelry, Four Winds Casino, Great Hair Days, Green

Mountain Coffee, HotSpot Cafe, Jackson Galaxy, Kings Lane, Maple City

10

Animal Hospital, Menards, Michelle Jusko Hair Salon, New PrairieAnimal Hospital, Old Town Banquet Center, Paula Dean, Pfeiffer's Pies,

Pyrrha Jewelry, Stepping Out in Style, Terry Abner Salon, The SpiritWithin, and Vale Park Animal Hospital.

We thank the John W. Anderson Foundation for their generous grant. JohnW. Anderson has been a supporter for many years and we cant thank youenough.

Many thanks to another long-time supporter, the Unity Foundation, fortheir wonderful grant to help keep people and their pets together.

You know what time it is! Clean out those closets, because Aunt Kitty's famous Trash and Treasures Yard

Sale will be here before you know it. Drop off your items at the shelter the day before the sale.

If you havent been to one of our yard sales, you dont know what youre missing!

These are like no other yard sales around!

10-3 on Saturday May 18th and 10-3 on Sunday May 19th

Food, fun, and bargains galore!

All proceeds support the cats and kittens at the Independent Cat Society.


11/12

The other day, I saw Corky sitting by hiswindow in the Disco room andlistening to the birds outside, looking

very pleased.

Why so smug? I asked.

Someone just told me the greatest news,he replied. I found out that Sponsor-A-Catis one of the most important things to thisshelter. It is the most reliable source ofincome that we have, so I must make it mymission to get every cat here a sponsor,right away! But how do we convince peoplethat Sponsor-A-Cat is a great program forthem to invest in?

So we thought for a time together, trying tofigure out how to convince folks peoplelike you and your friends to take anothercat into their hearts, even if there's no

room in their homes.

Suddenly, Corky got up with glee and said,Ive got it! He ran off down the hall withhis next great idea.

With the Sponsor-A-Cat program, donorsand kind souls like you can pick one of ourshelter cats or kittens to sponsor with amonthly donation of their choice.

The process for setting up a sponsorship is:

Simple

Painless

Worry-Free

Not only that, but you will receive ahandsome photo of your sponsored kitty,with a biography to go along with it. Its greatfor people who wish they could have anotheranimal companion around, but simply cannotfor any reason. You can feel like yoursponsored kitty is part of your very ownfamily! You can even come visit him or her atthe shelter, anytime during adoption hours.

And of course, the best thing aboutsponsoring:

No lugging big, heavy bags of litter (orchanging it either!).

No waking up with a crick in your back orneck from sleeping or sitting just the rightway so that the cat is comfortable.

No standing in the cold or rain while yourcat decides which side of the door she'dlike to be on.

No concern about what food might bethe cat's favorite on any particular day.

Corky is right -Sponsor-A-Catis a superbprogram andmakes

possible somany things forour shelter. Italso brings alittle bit of joyinto your life!

If you want tohelp us bysponsoring a cat, please fill out the slipbelow and send your first month'sdonation to the shelter. You will receive apicture of your sponsored cat and his orher unique life story.

Come to the shelter to pick a cat tosponsor, or let us know what kind of catyou'd like to sponsor--male or female,kitten or senior, long-haired, black, white,orange, tabby, calico or tortie we havethem all, and well help you choose.

Please help us find the perfect sponsor forevery cat in the shelter this spring youwont be sorry you did!

Sponsor-A-Cat!

I want to Sponsor-A-Cat from the Independent Cat Society

I have enclosed a check for:

__________ $180 for one year of Sponsor-A-Cat

__________ $10 or _________ for the first month of Sponsor-A-Cat. I pledge to send $10 each month to Sponsor-A-Cat

__________ $15 or _________ for the first month of Sponsor-A-Cat. I pledge to send $15 each month to Sponsor-A-Cat

Please mark SAC on your envelope and check memo . The sponsor will receive a photo and biography of his or her Sponsor-A-Cat.

Name of sponsor_____________________________________________ Address_________________________________________________

City______________________________________ State_______ ZIP__________ Telephone _______________________________________

Month of sponsors birthday____________________________________ email address______________________________________________

Clip and mail to: Independent Cat Society, Inc., PO Box 735, Westville, IN 46391

from your Spokescat, Corky

Corky, your Spokescat

11

AJ CANOPY Rental and Sales

219-531-2194

Parties Graduations Reunions Weddings

Craft Shows All Occasions

We do all the Labor! All sizes available!Some colors available! Accessories available!

20+ Years Serving Northwest Indiana

2330 N. Hwy 35LaPorte, IN

219-324-9950

SINCE 1959ICS Corporate Sponsor


12/12

Dont miss these events! Earth Day Festival

April 20 Expo Center, Valparaiso, Indiana Be Kind to Animals Festival

April 27 Expo Center, Valparaiso, Indiana

Black Cat StrutApril 28 Sunset Hill County Park, Valparaiso, Indiana

Wake Up the GardenMay 10 Independent Cat Society Shelter, Westville, Indiana

Aunt Kittys Trash and Treasure SaleMay 18 & 19 Independent Cat Society Shelter, Westville, Indiana

If youd like to receive the Mewsletter via email,

let us know [email protected].

Non-ProfitOrganizationUS Postage

PAIDValparaiso, IN

Permit No. 134

Independent Cat Society

PO Box 735

Westville, IN 46391

Become a Member!Annual Dues:

______ $1000 Corporation

______ $500 Life

______ $100 Gold Star

______ $50 Family

______ $25 Individual

______ $10 Student

______ $10 Senior

Donate or Volunteer!______ I am donating $______ for the care of the cats and kittens.

______ I am donating $______ to the building fund.

______ I am donating $______ to the TNR/Assisted Spay & Neuter Fund.

______ I will help groom cats at the shelter.

______ I will help give cats their medications.

______ I will help at fundraising events.

______ I will be a foster parent.

______ I will donate my cat-themed artwork or crafts for fundraising events.

______ I will bake for fundraising events.

______ I will make adoption follow-up telephone calls.

______ I will help cats get good homes by becoming an adoption counselor.

______ I will help take care of the grounds and maintain the shelter.

______ I will distribute flyers for fundraisers.

Name______________________________________ Address_____________________ City______________ State_______ ZIP__________

____This is a new address. ____ Do not send a thank you note. Phone____________________ email__________________________________

Clip and send to:

Independent Cat Society, Inc., PO Box 735, Westville, IN 46391

Can you help the Independent Cat Society cats?

mewsletter spring2013

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