Another boy, inside after several years

Panther has been dining outside a home in Minneapolis for about 3 years but has been resistant to coming inside and was reluctant to be pet.  During the last really cold snap, his fosters decided it was time for him to come inside.  

Food was moved into the garage and the door pulled shut when he went in.  The next day, Christmas day, they had to coax him out but finally they cornered him and began to pet him - after being delivered to a spot in the basement he began to warm up to his new digs AND to the people who had watched over him for so long.  Now he talks to them when he hears them coming to visit.  He loves petting, brushing and attention.  

He's been to the vet, been tested for feline leukemia and fiv and was negative for both and received his shots.  Soon he will be neutered and de worming has begun.  He's having very soft stools now but a change in food and some medication to calm his gut should get him on the right track soon.  It isn't unusual for a cat who has been outside eating this and that and drinking water outside to carry several parasites.  Soon that will be a thing of the past.  

Panther is about 4 or 5 yrs. old, he has some battle scars, probably from fighting other toms. He'll have a little dental work done when he is neutered because he has a broken tooth.  This fellow has the build of a 'late' neutered male cat - he's big (he comes by that naturally, thanks to mom or dad) but his muscles and chubby cheeks are a result of the testosterone he's had in his body since reaching maturity.  

It won't be long before he is ready to go to a new home - one that will care for him as he deserves and he'll pay you back with years and years of loving!

Thank you!

Despite slippery roads and cold air, folks came to the adoption on Sunday.  

The 'berry' kittens all found new homes and Sasha did also.  If they went to homes with a Christmas tree up and decorated they will have an abundance of new toys to play with!

Thank you to all the people who have made a space in their home for one or more companion animals this year.  Many families are forced to surrender their loved pets because of the economic downturn and home foreclosures.  For cats, the overpopulation crisis is a continued problem.  

If you have the ability, help someone you know get their pet altered or donate to a group that will put the money towards spay and neuter in the community so those cats or dogs won't have a litter of 6-8 in four or five months.   We can only solve this problem by spaying and neutering one more animal at a time.  

Adoption Sun. 12/21, 1-3 p.m.

One more official cat adoption for 2008.  Pet Haven is grateful for the adopters committed to life-long pet ownership who come to us to find their new pet.  We appreciate their guardianship of the health, safety and well-being of their new family members.  We work to find the cat who will fill out your family life so you find a cat who fits your needs and vice versa!

Bart is going to the spa on Saturday and plans to come looking more handsome than ever.  He's come a long way since he had to have his coat shaved off because he was matted to the skin.  His hair is about 1/2 as long now as it will be.  He's sociable and loves to be around you, an easy going fellow with a quite easy coat to maintain.  This picture was taken of him by SarahBethPhotography at our annual fall benefit. 

We will have a litter of 6 kittens at the adoption also - The 'Berry' kids.  3 boys, 3 girls, born Sept. 2008.  Submit an application at PetHavenMn.org, click on cat and dog available for adoption.  Pictured here are two of the girls - Gooseberry and Raspberry.  

Boysenberry is one of the boys. All 6 have 'berry' names. They are very busy and playful and like people attention and interaction.

There will be many other cats and older kittens at the adoption - waiting for loving homes.  

Adopted!

Nestle and Morsel, a favorite pair of black brothers, were adopted together!  They are settling into their new home and enjoying time with new family members including another dog in their life. Beautiful boys and a lucky family!

Twice the Gift!

The Holiday season is upon us.  This year, in uncertain economic times, many people are wondering what to give that special person on their gift list.  If you have an animal lover on your gift list or would rather help a companion animal looking for a new home than receive a material gift, visit Twice the Gift to purchase a gift card or ask your givers to consider doing this for you.  

This year Pet Haven has been invited to participate in Twice the Gift, a holiday storefront underwritten by the Pohlad Family Foundation.  Thanks to their generosity, 100% of the proceeds of sale of gift cards go directly to the charities they support.  In addition to Pet Haven, gift cards are available for more than 50 Twin cities nonprofits.  If you have someone who is not an animal lover, you can still honor them by choosing from other participating nonprofits.  

Pet Haven gift cards are available in $25 and $50 amounts.  We also have fleece beds and notecards available for sale at the store.  

The front of the gift card lists the dollar amount of the donation and what the money can provide for the charity (e.g. the $50.00 Pet Haven gift card provides a spay or neuter surgery for a rescued dog or cat).  The back of the card provides a brief, general description of the nonprofit.  The gift card comes with an envelope and look very similar to a gift card you would receive from any other store but you are supporting a nonprofit that the recipient would value.  

Twice the Gift is open now an dthrough Dec. 31, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.  The store is located in Gaviidae II, 2nd floor/Skyway Level, 55 Nicollet Mall, Suite 295, Minneapolis MN.  

Gift cards can only be purchased at the Twice the Gift location and not via the Pet Haven website but you can also make a donation to Pet Haven through PetHavenMn.org and a thank you note will be sent to the recipient and to you to acknowledge your donation.  Donations can also be mailed to:

Pet Haven, Inc. of Minnesota

PO Box 19105

Minneapolis MN 55419

Pet Haven cat and dog voicemail lines are receiving more calls this year from families who have lost their jobs or are living in a house facing foreclosure - they hope that Pet Haven will be able to help find a new home for their beloved pet.  As we try to assist our vet costs go up and we need help in finding adopters also.  

Consider helping a rescued pet this year!  

Can't adopt?  Donate!  

Can't adopt?  Spread the word about Pet Haven's wonderful foster homed animals.  

Thank you for helping others - our companion animals and the people who love them.  

Senior cats?

This summer Pet Haven had 6 cats returned to us who had been adopted in 1999, 2000 and 2007.  Financial problems were given as the reason.  We've successfully placed 5 of the 6!  It is difficult for us to place a cat that is over the age of 8 yrs. even though many cats live to be 14-18 years of age or older.  

One of the cats we still have is Sadie.  She was born in 1999.  She is in good health, her teeth are in good shape and she is an affectionate and loving lady.  She came back with a partner cat who has since been adopted and is  now living as an only cat in a foster home and likes that situation well too.  

Sadie is having her food measured.  Like too many of us, having more calories around than we need makes it hard to resist eating more.  She isn't begging for extra food or meals and likes lap time and to keep you company around the house.  

Why would you want a senior cat?  

We know their personalities!  

They are appreciative and calm, but playful, housemates!  

They have lots of love and living left to share with you.  

Maybe you aren't sure you could make a commitment to a cat for 14-18 years which is what you would have to plan on if you adopted a kitten.  

Perhaps having a loving companion for 4-8 years seems like something you would be able to commit to.  Perhaps an aunt or grandpa would like a loving, calmer companion.  

Bart is another handsome dude that the vet clinic guesses to be about 9 yrs. of age.  He was put in the fenced dog run of a clinic Pet Haven works with.  His hair was matted to the skin and he needed some dental work done - all that's been taken care of.  He's an easy-going fellow with a gravelly voice. He's  handsome, likes to be around you and ok with another cat if you have one.  He's another 'older' fellow we're hoping to find a forever home for too.  

Bart's foster mom says his coat isn't hard to keep up.  She combs her own two persians every day but feels his coat will not require that much maintenance.  His hair is probably 1/2 the length it will be when it is fully grown out.  This photo was taken by SaraBethPhotography at Pet Haven's fall benefit where Bart was one of the stars!

Adoptions - 12/6 and 12/7

The cat division will have two adoptions this weekend. 

Sat. 12/6 from 11-1 p.m. at the PetCo in Richfield at 66th and Lyndale Ave. S

Sun. 12/7 from 1-3 p.m. at the PetCo on S Roberts St. in St Paul

Many cats and kittens are waiting to come in out of the cold.  Adopt a great companion who has been fostered in a home so you will know about the cat's personality and needs and Pet Haven will be able to take in another cat to fill that opening!

There will be about 14 in Richfield and 8 in St. Paul.  

Who is coming?  Here's just a sampling - 

BUSTER!

HOLLY!

NICK!

NORMA!

AND many others!  

Fat cats, lazy cats, athletic cats, lap cats, mellow cats, busy cats - all colors, all sizes, all ages, ALL with love to give and a need for a forever home.  

Aster - happy and playful

Aster came to Pet Haven from another rescue group.  She had had a miserable infection in her eyes since a young kitten and they were unable to provide successful treatment.   A visit to an eye specialist helped with new treatments and drugs.  

It was determined that Aster has the herpes virus in her eyes.  It is contagious to other felines but has not passed to the other two cats in her foster home who are young adults and in good health.  She could be adopted by someone with another cat who has the herpes virus too and then there would be no reason for concern about passing it on.  

Aster takes an immune booster supplement, lysine, once a day, and  should be on that for the rest of her life.  She loves her canned food and the powder from the capsule is sprinkled on it.  And she eats dry kibble too.  This supplement will help her to keep the virus subdued so that it doesn't flare-up in her eyes.  

She's  no longer on any other oral or topical anti-viral drugs and is ready for adoption.  

Aster is an easy girl, she loves people and children, would get along easily with another cat and really loves the dog in her foster home.  He gives her kisses and she snuggles right into all that loving.  They also sleep together on the large dog bed he has.  Playful?  Oh, yes - she's playful too!

She's a beautiful brown tabby with lots of white with sparkling eyes that are full of delight and health. How old is she?  Not yet two years old - she's a keeper.   One of many cats waiting a forever home through Pet Haven.  

One more fellow, in from the cold

Franklin stopped by a former Pet Haven foster's home awhile ago and cried under the deck and at the door.  Even though they were reluctant to take on such a responsibility, they offered to foster this handsome fellow who goes by the name of Franklin.   

Franklin came with no microchip and his former owner is unknown.  

Put out the door?  

An escape artist who got lost?  

Life on the streets wasn't kind to him.  He has a very thin hair coat and had many scrapes and scabs.  He was unable to feed himself well, even if he was a hunter, because he had had some teeth removed.  

He has icy blue eyes and is an interesting mix of colors.  He is a brown tabby who has very honey colored tones to his fur.  

He's had a few trips to the vet; first for his initial check-up and shots (he had already been neutered and had dental extractions done) and the 2nd time to have an abcess drained.  When he came in he appeared to have some scratches here and there and did have but one turned out to be a bite which is what became infected.  He's healing well and will be ready for adoption in January

 He's loving life in the sun and a warm blanket to curl up on.  

Franklin gets along with the former Pet Haven cat in the home, Takishi-do.  

In Memoriam

We learned this evening that our beautiful Sasha, renamed Winkie when she was adopted, was hit by a car today and killed.  

Sasha was a beautiful cat.  

She was courageous.

She trusted people. 

She loved people.  

She had been abandoned with kittens by her first owner.  

Her kittens were adopted and Sasha languished at a shelter. 

She developed a severe eye infection and had one eye removed because of it.  

We had hoped she would live a long and safe life in her new home - 

inside, 

away from the dangers of the world when you only have one eye.  

It was not to be.  

All who knew her grieve her loss.  

Hazelnut plays a game

Hazy can be a little camera shy.  

That's hard to believe when you see these pictures but she allowed her foster mom to photograph early one morning while she was at play.  

Soft, foam 'golf' balls are a favorite toy.  

She carries it around in her mouth and when she finds just the right spot she catches it on her paw and then flicks it off and a-w-a-y it goes! 

The chase is on and it is time to start the game all over again!

She's a sweet girl who loves massages, gets along with another cat or on her own and who loves to play.  

Hazy came from Red Lake Rosie's rescue with 6 kittens.  She knows what it is like to live outside and wonder where her next meal is coming from.  She hopes to be adopted soon, to cheer a new home with her antics and love and to allow another cat to come in from the cold.  

Nothing to do? The solution is at hand.

Norma's plotting.  

Foster mom needs some help with her projects. Which one should I tackle first?   

Which color to choose?  

Yellow looks good!

Maybe it should be green?  

Let's see.  Is it all untangled?  I think so!

Off to find my foster mom!  She'll be so proud of me. 

November is a gloomy month in MN sometimes.  There's not much encouraging news on the radio, television and in the paper.  Recount?  Economic woes?  Too much gray sky have you down?  

Norma has the solution!  She would like you to adopt a great cat companion, someone like her to cheer you up, to share laughs and tears with, to comfort and be comforted.  Norma and many others would love to help!  

New girl

Sasha was rescued outside an apartment building and taken home by her finder.  Isn't she lucky to have been brought inside before the onset of really cold weather?  She'll soon be attending Pet Haven adoption events.  Sasha is a medium haired brown tabby and does she have a premium coat!  

This girl is a snuggle bug.  She likes to play and talks to you a little too.  She isn't sure she likes the foster's male cat but is doing ok with the female cat - probably because she isn't as nosey about who this lovely new girl is!

She'll be attending adoptions in Dec. and until she finds a home.  

A hug for a kitten

This is what can happen to you if you are fostered or adopted by a family with a three year old!

Nico looks pretty happy with all that attention!  Recently the other two kittens in the foster home were adopted and this pretty gray girl may be there to stay.  Pretty lucky girls!

Upcoming November adoptions

Pet Haven cats will be in two locations on Sunday, Nov. 16 from 1-3 p.m.  

We will be: 

at the PetCo in Richfield at 66th and Lyndale Ave. S and 

at the PetCo in W St. Paul at 1970 S Roberts St.  

Check us out on line at PetHavenMn.org and you'll see pictures and bios of all of our available cats (and dogs).  Some are declawed, most are not.  Some would love to be an only cat, some would like to go in pairs, some need lots of people attention, some just want to be a good companion and have a little attention.  Some are goofy and crazy, some are laid back and lazy. Mostly short hair but a few medium hair, males and females, ages 4 months to 10 yrs. of age!  

Jasmine's photo (cat in a bag) was taken by Sarah Beth Photography at the Fall Benefit style show.  

Bart's photo was also taken by Sarah Beth Photography in the same location!  Isn't he a handsome, middle-aged dude?!

Adoption, Sat. Nov. 8, 11-1 p.m.

We'll be back at the PetCo in Richfield, participating in the Home for the Holidays project.  

Check out bios and pictures of our adoptable cats at PetHavenMn.org.  

Teddy is one of the new boys who will be attending the adoption.  He is a classic gray tabby with a lot of white and is front paw declawed.  He's a lap boy and likes to play with a fishing pole type toy.  

A new batch of kittens has come in off the farm.

They have had various names so far: the screaming mimies, pigpen and will soon have their own names!  Farm mom was not well and stopped feeding them, they had trouble with diarrhea and learning to eat canned food and were not a happy group.  

Now things are settling down and they are eating on their own with some still being syringed water since they don't always drink enough.  Babies are a lot of work.   Several will be ready for adoption by mid Dec., hopefully.  

Pazazz- cute cat ready for adoption

Pazazz loves to play darts, however not in conventional way you and I play darts, Pazazz loves to chase and attack those arrrant darts as if they were play toys. 

You can not tell from the pictures, but Pazazz is a bit shy and frightened during adoptions and finds the act of going to Petco to meet future owners to be a very stressful experience. Meanwhile, she is quite the charming young lady at home. 

Pazazz may not be the most social in scary situation, but these pictures are proof that she would make a great adoption for any family.   

Below, you can see Pazazz being very shy at one of the adoption events with Pet Haven. Often times you can find cats that have social anxiety, that are actually perfect housecats. I beleive 

Pazazz is one of those cats.

This little girl is loving and playful, and has beautiful golden eyes. She talks quietly to her toys and will accompany you as you go through your work-out routine. She especially likes it if you lie on your back and lift weights because she can have a warm cozy spot to curl up on your chest. See the picture below for proof.

If you enjoy relaxing on the couch at night, Pazazz would love to keep you company. 

Perhaps the best home for her would be a quiet adult home, or perhaps with a gentle child. If you are interested in adopting this sweetheart, you sould check out her listing on petfinder. Please tell other people who might be interested in adopting Pazazz to come check out the blog.

Please make sure to bookmark and visit this blog often, as we post listing of newly available cats as soon as they are available. We can help you and your friends find a great addition to your family.

Bart - star of the show!

Bartholomew, or Bart, has had many new experiences in his short time with Pet Haven.  He was found in a fenced run of a dog kennel at a vet clinic Pet Haven works with.  His coat was so badly matted that when it was shaved off, it stuck together in one piece.  What a relief to be able to receive pats and scratches, itch  yourself and get some air on your skin!

He's adjusted well to his foster home and gets along with another cat fine but would do well as an only cat also.  He's had dental work done and his teeth are shiny and bright and he's had some extractions.  He enjoys canned and dry food.  

Bart is a gentle fellow with a gravelly voice.  His big round eyes make you wonder what he is thinking.  He is a silver shaded persian and his coat is growing in nicely.  His 'lion cut' made him look pretty cute too though!

Bart is feline leukemia and fiv negative, has been neutered, vaccinations are updated and he is front paw declawed.  

Recently Bart was in Pet Haven's fall benefit and he was a hit!  He's a fashionable fellow and a great addition to a home.  Photo below courtesy of  Sarah Beth Photography.  

Adopt a Senior Cat

November has been declared Adopt a Senior Cat month by Petfinder.  

Sadie and Jasmine were returned to Pet Haven after being adopted as a kitten and a young adult in 1999.  Their owner has been having financial problems and was unable to care for the girls any longer.  

Sadie is a 'fur-ball'.  She has medium length black hair and loves to be brushed or combed.  She seeks you out for attention and will keep you company.  Playing with you is also great fun.  She loves a good massage.  Sadie is front paw declawed and is 9 years old.  

Jasmine is a siamese x with short hair and loves to roll around on the floor.  She is 10 years old and will also keep you company and likes to be talked to and to receive attention from you. She is also front paw declawed. 

Why would anyone want a senior pet?  

They make great companions and are no longer full of extreme amounts of energy but would enjoy having some quiet times with their owner.  

They have love to share.  

They will bring you joy and delight as you enjoy each ones unique personality.  

If you have a sunny window to look out on the world or a sunny spot to curl up in, each would be happy to make use of it.  Both girls have been to the vet and had shots updated and an exam. They are healthy and do not need any dental work done.  Both girls have a 'middle-aged' spread and are working to trim a little weight off.  Suggestions about how much to feed them would come with them. 

Jasmine and Sadie have been together for a long time but each would do fine as an only cat we believe.    

Pet Haven Fall Benefit

Last night, Pet Haven held its second annual fall benefit to raise money. The goal of the program is to help save cats and dogs from the streets and put them into the loving hands of a new family. The cat blog and Pet Haven's website is designed to raise awareness about adoptable cats and dogs. If you are looking to adopt a cat, you have come to the right place. Featured on this blog in previous and upcoming posts, are cats that are available for adoption. You can view pictures and read details about each cat. If you prefer dogs you can check out Pet Haven's dog blog and I also encourage everyone to learn more about Pet Haven itself.

My girlfriend Kelsey and I volunteered last month at Pet Haven's Meow Off event, featuring a cat walk fashion show and a meowing competition. We fell in love with Pet Haven and all it does to help get stray animals off the streets and into loving homes. We agreed to volunteer at the Fall Benefit.

The Fall Benefit event held over 250 people in a sold out Double Tree ballroom. Celebrities walked down the cat walk with featured dogs and cats from the program. A silent auction filled with numerous goodies, artwork and gift packages was held and gift packages were given out to all attendees. Everyone that came enjoyed bags filled with puppy treats, kitty treats, chew toys, coupons and other great items. I have selected a few pictures to feature some of the cats that strutted their stuff during this event, but you can view all of my photos from the night at my Fall Benefit picture set and you can see more pictures and read more about the event at the Pet Haven Huge Success blog.

Marilou Chanrasmi, president of Pet haven, made some very heart felt speeches thanking the attendees and telling stories about some of the people and pets whose lives have been enriched through Pet Haven's services. The entire event reminded me how much pets can enrich our lives, and how it is our true duty to love and support all animals. Support Pet Haven by contributing money, volunteering your time or adopting a pet; and know that you are helping the quality of life for underprivileged animals in your community. Learn how to help at Pet Haven's website.

Browsing this blog periodically, checking the listing of available cats, looking and reading about the available animals and sending links to your cat loving friends and family will help raise awareness of Pet Haven's services. Together we can nurse sick and elderly animals back to health, and find loving homes for these amazing animals.

Enjoy the pictures below:

this cute little kitty stole the show

sporting plaid on the cat walk

arriving in galmorous style

the packed ball room before the event