For the friends of the Independent Cat Society, a no-kill cat shelter Winter 2015 #144

Here Come the 2015 Sweethearts!

AbbyAbby is our youngest candidate – she is

playful and affectionate, seen here confident that she will be crowned the ICS Sweetheart.

Can she count on your vote?

CissyCissy is a gorgeous calico lady who had a rough start, but has certainly become the Sweetheart of her room, Church. Won’t you vote to make

her the ICS Sweetheart this year?

DonutWho doesn’t love Donut(s)? This guy is a big bundle of love, who will sit in your lap all day.

Help Donut win this year with your vote!

GeorgieGeorgie is as sweet as he is large. He is usually

found supervising the activities in the main shelter and being adored by all. Will he get your

vote?

NemaNema is a beautiful, friendly female orange

tabby. She’s had a rough year, but has retained her sweet nature. Doesn’t she deserve your

vote this year?

PatchPatch is an active, delightful little guy, who has watched all but one of his 6 siblings

get adopted this year. Your vote will get him noticed!

PinkPink came to us on April 1st last year, but we’re not fooling when we say she is a real

Sweetheart! She’ll be “tickled Pink” with your vote!

SnowballSnowball has the most dazzling blue eyes and is simply adorable and loving. She’s deaf, so

let your vote SHOW her that she’s a Sweetheart!

ZellerZeller may come last by name, but this

attractive guy comes first in the hearts of those who meet him. Your vote can make him the #1

Sweetheart!

Published for thefriends of the

Independent Cat Society, Inc.PO Box 735,

Westville, IN 46391(219) 785-4936

Web: www.catsociety.orgEmail: shelter@catsociety.org

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 in

Westville, Indiana.

Our mission is to rescue, shelter, adopt, and promote the spaying and neutering of cats in our Northwest

Indiana and Chicagoland community.

Adoption hours:Saturday, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Sunday, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pmOthers by appointment.

Please call (219) 785-4936.

About our Adoption FeesInclude: Spay/neuter, vet exam,

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

Day No-Cost Pet Insurance; Hills Science Diet coupon; and free post-

adoption participating vet visit.

Please check our website or shelter for monthly adoption specials!

Board of Directors:President: Anastasia TreklesVice-President: Judy LindmarkRecording Secretary: Judy DeanCorresponding Secretary: Carol AlbrechtTreasurer: Natalie CebulskiBoard Members: Diana Foster Jason Petrovich Jennifer Stall Joan Hildebrand

Calendar of EventsFebruary

Sweetheart Contest!All month long

Watch our Mewsletter, the Web, Facebook, and your inbox for news on the candidates and events happening during our annual Sweetheart Month.

You can help get out the vote and support your favorite sweetheart!

The One - A Special Valentine’s Adoption EventFebruary 13: 4-6pm, February 14: 10am-4pm, February 15: 1-4pm

ICS Shelter, Westville, INJoin us for this special 3-day adoption event, in partnership with Best Friends

Animal Sanctuary. All cats ages 5 and older will be just $10. Could you be “The One” to give an older pet a forever home?

MarchSweetheart Day!

March 7, 10am - 4pm Moose Lodge, 108 Indiana Avenue, Valparaiso, IN

The final day for voting ends with a celebration! Join us for food, crafts, fun, and much more as we showcase our sweethearts and reveal the big winner of the 2015

Sweetheart Contest!

Spring into Action Volunteer FairMarch 7, 10am - 3pm

Crown Point High School, Crown Point, INJoin ICS and many other local non-profits to celebrate volunteerism and learn more

about how you can help your community!

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ICS Vouchers are available at the ICS shelter on Saturdays from 10 AM-4PM and Sundays from 1-4 PM. (Others hours may be available by appointment only).

After purchasing a voucher (cash/check/credit card), call one of the veterinary clinics listed below to schedule an appointment. ICS Spay/Neuter vouchers are only accepted at the following veterinary clinics:• McAfee Animal Hospital: 219-462-5901

651 Eastport Centre Dr. Valparaiso, IN 46383 Basic - $115; Comprehensive - $140

• Westchester Animal Clinic 219-926-1194 55E US Highway 20 Porter, IN 46304-1397 Basic - $65; Comprehensive - $90

Dr. Anderson’s Feline Reduction Center has a low-cost clinic on Saturdays in Beverly Shores. The scheduling number is 219-861-9006 – please call and leave a message.

Other local options:• Neuter Scooter: www.neuterscooter.com • Pet Neutering and Adoption: www.

petneutering.com (DeMotte)• ABC Clinic: www.petrefugeabcclinic.com

(Granger) • The Estelle Marcus Animal Clinic: www.

hscalumet.org or (219) 924-7140 (Munster)• NAWS: www.nawsus.org or (708) 478-5102

(Mokena)• PAWS Chicago: The Lurie Spay/Neuter Clinic

or mobile unit, www.pawschicago.org or (773) 521-7729 (Chicago)

• Anti-Cruelty Society: www.anticruelty.org or (312) 644-8338 (Chicago)

For help with spaying neutering of free-roaming cats, please email us at: icstnr@comcast.net

Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Options

President’s MessageThe only mystery about the cat is why it ever decided to become a domestic animal.

– Compton MacKenzie

As you know, the Independent Cat Society in Westville is a small non-profit shelter where, for 38 years, while waiting for homes, kittens and cats have completely relied on the kindness of volunteers for every facet of their physical care and emotional well-being.

Temporarily fostering felines in off-site homes is an extremely significant facet of that volunteerism. While foster cats are waiting for permanent parents, they are being socialized with humans other animals, getting well fed, and receiving the veterinary care they need in order to be healthy. These experiences in family environments make fostered cats and kittens extraordinarily trusting and adoptable companions.

Such is the case with already spayed Callie and neutered Cathloua. This “Dynamite Duo” live with a kind-hearted, gentle man who faithfully volunteered to “foster-parent” them until they were adopted into a permanent home together. The Portage resident and these beautiful, affectionate, 6 year-old cats bonded so well that Independent Cat Society members called the loving situation a “foster failure,” since they all enjoyed life together for almost five years.

But sadly, it is now urgent that Callie and Cathloua find a new forever home together. Their caretaker, a long-time Independent Cat Society friend, former board member, and supporter has become very ill. He is no longer able to provide the love, attention and affection the cats have had in his company. This “Dynamite Duo” and our dear friend and volunteer are looking for your help. Please find it in your heart to adopt these two beauties into your home. Simply call Dorothy at the Independent Cat Society (219) 785-4936 or Sue at (219) 733-9512, or email us at shelter@catsociety.org, to make arrangements to meet these cats.

We hope to hear from you soon, and thank you for all of your help, in any and all forms that you give. As ICS supporters, we appreciate all that you do to help animals and our community.

Sincerely, Staci Trekles, ICS Board Presidentand Dee Dunheim, ICS Volunteer

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 A/D, I/D, K/DWellness 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 #30547Carpenters, plumbers, painters

OtherDry Cat Food, kitten and adult,

Prefer Hills Science Diet but useother brands for donations tothose in need

Ground flavors of Fancy Feast and grain-free foods

Kuranda Plastic Cleanable Cat TreesScoopable and Clay LittersGift Cards to Lowe’s, Menard’s,

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

Special ServicesArtists and craftspersons for eventsTransportation and hauling vehicles

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

Cleaning SuppliesBleachLaundry Soap (prefer HE type)

Liquid Hand Soap

Paper PlatesPaper Towels30-gallon Trash Bags

Dish Soap

Tall Kitchen Garbage Bags

Dryer Sheets

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You have options!

You may have noticed our newly adopted envelopes, which allow you to select how you would like to direct your gifts to ICS. But do you know how your directed gifts support our cats and our shelter operations? Here is a quick description of each of our funds. Be sure to send us a question if you are ever interested in knowing more about our fundraising efforts!

General Operating Expenses Supports medical expenses, food, litter, payroll for our medication and cleaning staff,and shelter upkeep

Trap Neuter Return / Assisted Spay & Neuter Fund Supports our ICS TNR Squad and their operations to help cats in our community

Building Fund Goes toward the planning and building of a new, improved ICS shelter

Sponsor-a-Cat Supports our Sponsor-a-Cat program - find out more and sign up on page 4!

Cathloua

Callie

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Hi, I’m Corky, your ICS spokescat! I’ve got a question for you: How do you feel about declawing? I live in a posh, two-story condo in the hall near the door, so I always hear what’s going on. I often hear counselors ask this question after welcoming visitors to the shelter. Here are some of the common answers:

“Oh, for sure, we just got a new leather couch and we don’t want him to ruin it.”“Right away, before we take the kittens home. We have small children at home and can’t take a chance of having them scratched.”“I’ve always had my cats declawed. I don’t want to have to pay the vet to trim the cat’s nails every month.”

Then I hear the counselor ask, “Do you know that declawing isn’t like cutting your fingernails?”

Many people do not know that declawing is major surgery. It is the painful amputation of each toe, much like removing a person’s finger at the last knuckle – including the tendons and ligaments. As the cat recovers, it is very painful whenever the cat walks or scratches in the litter pan. You see, cats need their claws for balance, to protect them from predators if they should get outside, and to keep them healthy. Declawing causes a gradual weakening of the muscles of the legs, shoulders, and back. Also, surefootedness depends on the cat’s ability to grasp quickly with its claws. A cat without its claws can easily be injured in a fall or even by jumping from a shelf or furniture. In short, a declawed cat is a clubfooted animal, and they must spend the rest of their lives walking awkwardly on the backs of their feet.

That’s why we don’t allow ICS cats to be declawed, no matter what their age.

If you want to learn more about the surgery and the harmful physical and psychological effects it can have on cats, we have information sheets at our shelter and on our website at http://www.catsociety.org. Please stop by and ask us questions! Our adoption counselors as well as our cats, like my friends who need sponsorships below, would love to see you, spend time with you, and talk with you. And don’t forget, sponsorships make great gifts!

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 __________ $15 for the first month of Sponsor-A-Cat. I pledge to send $15 each month to Sponsor-A-Cat __________ I pledge to send the amount that fits my budget and feels “right” to Sponsor-A-Cat each month

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 sponsor’s birthday______________________________ email address_______________________________________

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

from your Spokescat, Corky

Corky, your Spokescat

ElectroElectro is a young guy with a ton of energy. He would love nothing more than to play with you, but when he’s done, he’ll curl right up in your lap. To meet him is to fall in love! Come see him in Disco, and bring a toy!

Callie Who doesn’t love a calico beauty named Callie? She may not be a kitten anymore, but our Callie will still play with the best of them, and she loves a good warm lap, too. Come see her in Nook and you’ll agree that this older gal deserves a home of her own. Maybe yours?

Molly may come off as aloof, but she really just wants to be your friend. This beautiful long-haired dilute tortie came to us when her owner passed away, and she’s gone through a lot. If you can show her some kindness, she will no doubt give you her heart!

Scooter is a lovely tabby girl who, at six, is nearing middle age. She has been with ICS for several years, but she would love to be able to live out her golden years in a home of her own. Won’t you help this sweet lady achieve her dreams?

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The Story of Cowboy,One Amazing ICS Kitty

On June 3, 2014, my life changed forever after Melissa Petrovich, a dear friend of many years and avid cat lover, posted photos on Facebook of Cowboy, a stunningly beautiful black and white psychedelically marked cat. He was a resident at the Independent Cat Society, awaiting the chance to be adopted.

As I am a neurologist and care for patients of all ages and with just about every known neurologic ailment, I had contemplated getting an office cat to help diffuse stress and provide comfort to some select patients – mainly anxious children with special needs, adults with mental handicaps, or elderly who live alone and have lost beloved pets or loved ones,

I therefore contacted Melissa to see if Cowboy would make a good office cat. I was looking for a very “Zen” cat with a calm demeanor. Aside from being captivated by his beautiful markings and clear crystalline blue-green eyes, I was thrilled to learn that Melissa thought that Cowboy had the “ideal personality” to function in an office. I took a chance, filled out an adoption application, and awaited the acquisition of Cowboy on 6-20-14, when Melissa delivered Cowboy to my office in the late afternoon. There was an immediate bond, as Cowboy remained calm and acted as though he had always resided at the office. He marched down the hall and went straight to the bathroom and found the litter box, and helped himself to it, and indulged in the food and water. He played with his new toys, tried out his bed, explored the surroundings, and responded to direct interactive play with me. He exuded confidence, calmness and warmth, which affirmed that this was “meant to be.”

After Melissa left, I spent my first evening with Cowboy alone . While I was typing some reports on patients, I suddenly heard Cowboy in the hallway, emphatically saying, “HELLO! HELLO! HI! “ I jumped

straight up and spied on him in the hallway. The words were so clear that I was truly startled. He stopped “talking” when he saw me. I surmised he was missing his shelter mates. Nonetheless, I captured his “talking” episodes on video and shared them with my staff and Melissa, as I thought that I would be labeled as a “psycho” without proof of this. Thereafter, he began learning about one new word

per week, until he developed a vocabulary consisting of several other words, like “HELP!,” “HELP ME!,” “ WOW,” “OW” (his word for ice, which he asks for when he puts his head against the freezer door), “REEEER” (when he comes to get me so I can clean his box at 10AM and 6PM and one more time in the later evening), and “OUT,” when he wants to exit a room as he stands on his hind legs and grabs the lever door knob. He does not cry at random or “speak” at random. Pretty much all of his

vocalizations are appropriately purposeful. He is otherwise a very quiet cat. He knows the meaning of “NO!” He comes when called by name and he only approaches others when called over. He is non-intrusive and has spot-on instinct for the personal “bubble space” of others. He has no bad habits and is pristinely clean – no spashing of water, food or litter. He allows me to cut his nails and he gets brushed every night. Not one person has ever had an allergic reaction to him. He is able to open the cabinet under the bathroom sink and close the door behind him when he wants to have some time alone, and he knows how to slide the closet door open which is on a track. He loves to lick ice on a plate; he never begs for food while we humans break for lunch.

During a workday at the office, he is available to see patients at their request. Many patients request him. When he sees special needs patients, he will lie beside them as they sit on the exam table and he will make himself completely limp so as to calm the patients and diffuse the anxiety while they are petting him. Many of these patients have never petted a cat before meeting Cowboy, and they now ask for him. He otherwise lies on the floor in a state of complete relaxation for many patients who find his mere presence calming. This has assisted in decreasing stress related elevated blood pressures. He recognizes all follow-up patients who have met him before. He has helped desensitize a feline phobic patient to the point where she now holds and cuddles Cowboy in her arms. He has also provided comfort to those who have lost their beloved cats and are still grieving. Overall, he functions in the capacity of a neurotherapy cat for the purposes of my office.

Cowboy loves all people. He has never scratched or bitten anybody, nor have I ever seen him hiss. I have never seen him get upset. He plays with his numerous toys in the hall while I work after hours, and he “checks” on me and gives me some affection before resuming his playtime. He is very much a cat with a routine and purpose. He loves the patients during the day and looks forward to his playtime after the last patient leaves. He also has been reunited for play dates with his “best friend, “ Bentley, who was a shelter mate of his at ICS and was adopted by a friend of mine. Cowboy is truly a brillliant, magical “Zen” cat, who is a soulmate with an incredible gift of being able to adapt to any situation easily. I am eternally grateful to have the privilege of having Cowboy as my pet and for having him as an important part of my professional life, as he brings so much joy to me and to so many people whose lives he touches. As well, he has also inspired others to adopt cats.

Many thanks to the staff and volunteers at ICS for their dedication and devotion to the beautiful cats who are awaiting adoption.

by Dr. Kylene Huler, ICS Adopter and Supporter

Cowboy and Bentley

Cowboy and his happy owner, Dr. Kylene Huler

Cowboy waits for ice

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ICS 2015 Board of Directors

The Rainbow Bridge

ICS would like to thank everyone who “got out the vote” in our November Board of Directors Election. This year, our board will continue their hard work to improve the shelter and find forever homes for the cats and kittens that find sanctuary with us.

This year, ICS welcomes both new friends and longtime volunteers to the board:

President Anastasia Trekles

Treasurer Natalie Cebulski

Recording Secretary Judy Dean

Members at large Joan Hildebrand Jason Petrovich

Please visit our website at http://www.catsociety.org to review a full report of our accomplishments for 2014, and our goals for 2015. We look forward to continuing to serve our cats, our membership, and our community!

2014 marked the unfortunate passing of some of our most beloved shelter residents, including many who had been previously featured in the Mewsletter over the years. As we look back on the year and think about cats like JJ (pictured here to the left), Chloe, Guillermo, Emery, Reiko, Toddles, Beauty, Chase, Blackjack, Miley, Temple, Daisy, Minnow, and many others, we remember fondly the things that made them special.

The following article came to us from a wonderful writer who volunteered her time to compose this brief insight into the grieving process for our dear friends who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

Ask Ollie is an advice column that has appeared in the Post-Tribune. The writer is “Ollie,” a snarky Shih Tzu, with help from Viktoria Voller, his woman-human. You can contact Ollie and Vikoria at any time by emailing us at shelter@catsociety.org.

Dear Ollie, My woman-human (mom) is typing this as I speak since I don’t have opposable thumbs. I’m a three year old grey domestic short haired cat named Monterey, or Monte for short. Right now, I’m in deep mourning. You see, my girlfriend used to live across the street from me, she was a 14 year old Siamese cat named Gink and I loved her a lot. But she passed away December 23, 2014. Now, mom has talked to me about what exactly this passing away means, It means that Gink crossed the rainbow bridge to the other side (my mom belongs to a rescue group and that’s what they call it). I’m so sad Ollie! I cry all the time and stand in my driveway just looking for her.

Next door, there’s a new white cat in residence. She’s really quite cute, but no girl can replace my Gink. How long will I mourn, Ollie? This hurts so much.

Monte

Dear Monte, Grief is what it is. There are no simple answers to questions about experiencing grief and no words that I can write for the “Ask Ollie” column that can take away the sting and hurt you feel right now. When you love something or someone more than yourself you can experience profound loss when they are gone. The color of grief is different for each living thing that grieves.

Humans know that if they are lucky and live long enough, they and all living things will get old and die because that is the design. Through loving and losing someone, humans learn to understand better the experience of death and in that process may even lose some of their own fear of death. It is what it is.

Helen Keller wrote, “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose,” and that goes for pets too. Gink is gone and can’t be replaced, but your love for her and the joy you shared is very much a part of you. Through those feelings, she lives again in you.

Death is necessary for new life to appear both for our humans and for us. The grieving process can’t be rushed nor put on a timetable. But season follows season and you’ll soon find joy again in sharing a bright and sunny life with those who are still here with you. One day, you will stand on your driveway in the warm sun and see the first robin of the season flitter by busy building a nest for her baby birds. Then there will be new things to explore amongst the blooming daffodils in the warm gardens. Perhaps that pretty white cat will walk by and see you standing there in the sun and you’ll spring back to life. All this will happen in your own time.

JJ, as captured by photographer Rachel Doll Hall

Jupiter looks forward to another great year – maybe

one where he will get adopted!

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Memorials & Tributes.. . October-December 2014

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

In memory of Brenda Lee and Teddy, from Leroy and Sylvia CharbonneauIn memory of Donna Miller Novak, from David and Carol ParryIn memory of Melvin Novak, from Melanie SzabbIn memory of Guinevere, Goliath, Muffet, and Shalom, from G. David StoneburnerIn memory of Deanna Schult, from Bob Schult and Andrean Gipson, & Rich and Sandy Van VoorhisIn memory of Gayle Polakowski, from Mark, Nicole, and Calleigh BoldeIn memory of Rosie and Co-Co, from Marilynn GlinskiIn memory of of my cat Muffy, who died on 9-23-14, from Jane FenskeIn memory of Nelson, from David and June TompskinsIn memory of Michael E. Masters, from William and Wendy MastersIn loving memory of our girls who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge - Krisan, Heather, Shana, Emily, and Chloe, from Kathleen HeathIn memory of Cynthia Lynn Harper, from Kathleen Heath and James and Lois SimonIn memory of Mrs. Lupner, from Laurie SenderaIn memory of Edward Krzyston, you will be missed, from Charlene KirschsieperIn memory of Eugene Kirschsieper - he loved his fur boys Lucky and Sammy, from Charlene KirschsieperIn memory of Edward Kingma, from Roger and Joyce PennyIn memory of Cleo, Booger, Ruppee, and Ellie, from Carol DuncanIn memory of Boo Boo, 19.6 years, little kitty named by ICS, from Cynthia MurrayIn memory of Frank Gucciardo, from Joan GucciardoIn memory of Gerold (Jerry) Schoof, from Florence SchoofIn memory of Noel Kindt, from Patricia KindtIn memory of Robert Adams, from Christine CraigIn memory of all my ICS cats, from Barbara CarusoIn memory of my Frankie from Debra JettIn memory of Samson and Delilah from Harold TrustyIn honor of Willia, from Elaine FurthIn memory of Belle, from Lynda FowlerIn memory of Nicky, our wonderful white male Persian, from Timothy and Sharon FizerIn memory of Mr. Ray Totten, from Judith DeanIn memory of Arthur Utroske, from Evelyn BechinskiIn memory of Delores Lesmeister, from Richard YoungIn memory of Abby, a.k.a. August, from Dimitri and Vickie KermelisIn memory of Alexa, Tar Baby, & Dusty, our ICS companions, and Piglet, our little woods panther, from Gary and Beverly OvermyerIn memory of Gene Kirschsieper, from Donald and Mary Jean ReidIn memory of my parents who have passed, Ted and Dee Russ, from Diane CarpenterIn memory of Richard Dykstra, from David MolineIn memory of Nicky, from Albert Vargas

In memory of Raymond Napiwocki, from Deanna KronlandIn memory of Taz and Sammy from Alan and Linda MillerIn memory of Bailey and Suki, from Judith BlanchetteIn memory of my mother, Bernice Hazi, from Denise MunschIn memory of Jake (my sunshine), gone but not forgotten, from Brenda PallaIn memory of Olivia, from Roxanne MyersIn memory of Temple, from Dr. and Mrs. Howard PetersIn memory of Buster Brown, Princess, Angel, and Misty, from Donald and Rosemary FanningIn memory of Nicole, Natasha, Ming Lee, and Mistilee, from Wayne and Carol AlbrechtIn memory of Thomas Kennedy, from Val Borchert, Faith Kennedy, and Roger & Constance MaysIn memory of all my fur balls, from Maxine HamannIn memory of Maddie and Cody, from Sharon JokantasIn memory of the Stuber family, from Loretta J. StuberIn memory of JoBeth Madsen Cruz, from Kirsten Collins

In honor of Jocelyn and Larry Vereb, from Linda RomanoIn honor of Blaze, from D.G. and A.M. HillIn honor of all of the black cats of ICS, from Richard and Karen DePirroIn honor of Lori Young, from Charles and Joann MorrisonIn honor of Sterling, from David and Karen Kovalow-St. JohnIn honor of Mrs. Yvette Note, from Holly McCainIn honor of Holly McCain, from Yvette NoeIn honor of Bailey, from Tina PerezIn honor of Pam Vasquez on her birthday, from Dennis and Marie CallahanIn honor of Molly, from Evelyn HuttonIn honor of Paul Hecht and Heather Fielding, from Alcee HechtIn honor of Pay Massette on her 89th birthday 11-18, from Nicholas and Sharon PriesterIn honor of Kathy Heath, from Marian HeathIn honor of all the kitties in our lives, from Laura MenacherIn honor of Mary Marszalek

In honor of Kipper Cat, now 19, from ICS, from Jean MarthalerIn honor of our new cat Felix, from Gene and Elaine BruszewskiIn honor of Jody Nelson’s birthday, from Peggy AndersonIn honor of Kira, adopted from ICS 12/22/2009, from Sivana HellerIn honor of Mickey, an extraordinary cat, from Deb NugentIn honor of Elaine Chilton’s December birthday, from Ted PerzanowskiIn honor of Jim Granzow, who inspires me to always hold all animals in the highest regard and volunteer whenever possible, from Lisa Gutierrez

Upcoming Events• Sweetheart Contest! All month long in February

• The One Adoption Event February 13-15, ICS Shelter

• SweetheartDay and Final Day for Voting March 7, Moose Lodge, Valparaiso

• Spring into Action Volunteer Fair March 7, Crown Point High School, Crown Point

If you’d like to receive the Mewsletter via email, let us know at shelter@catsociety.org.

Non-ProfitOrganizationUS Postage

PAIDValparaiso, IN

Permit No. 134

Independent Cat SocietyPO Box 735Westville, IN 46391

Become a Member!Annual Dues:

______ $1000 Corporation

______ $500 Platinum

______ $100 Gold Star

______ $50 Family

______ $25 Individual

______ $1 0 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?

@IndCatSociety

facebook.com/indcatsociety

http://catsociety.org