King
King came to us as a stray with injuries, but he is now healed and ready for a new home. King does well with other cats, dogs, and children. He is being fostered in a home with three children, including a 1 year old child and an autistic child, so we are confident that he would be an excellent match for any family that has the time and desire to care for a sweet cat.
Antoine
Approx. birthdate: January 2009. Antoine's foster people found him running stray through their neighborhood in February and took him in. He's VERY good with children and very playful! He seems to do just fine with other dogs as well. Antoine loves attention.
Since 2003 we have found homes for more than 928 pets!!!
Precious Pets Adoption League expresses great appreciation for helping save all these precious cats and dogs throughout the years:
- PETCO and The PETCO Foundation
- Fosters, Volunteers, and Donors
- Dr. Cindy J Baunmhart at Rakestraw Animal Hospital
- Doctor John F. Wilson, his Associates and Staff from
Animal Clinic of Sterling Hts &
Wilson Veterinary Hospital
- Doctor Bonnie Burke and Staff at Little Friends of Ferndale
- Other Veterinarians
- Amish Direct Furniture, for conducting a dog food drive for us
- And the Wendy's Restaurant on 13 Mile & Harper, for donating 15% of their September 30th evening sales in a fundraiser.
- Chaplin's Comedy Club in Clinton Township for successful fund raiser in February 2010.
-PetMeds
Come Visit Us!
Our next adoption event will be at the following PETCO location
Roseville
32074 Gratiot Avenue
North of Masonic Road (13 1/2 Mile)
PETCO phone: (586) 294-0519
Saturday, Jul 31, 11 am - 3 pm
Saturday, Aug 07, 11 am - 3 pm
******* SPECIAL EVENT: PET-A-PALOOZA *******
We adopted out multiple dogs and cats at Pet-A-Palooza. To all of the people who adopted an animal, donated money to us, or volunteered their time at Pet-A-Palooza: THANK YOU!
Call or e-mail us if you see any pet that you would like to adopt and can't wait until our next show [see the "Contact Us" section below for this info]. If you are planning on attending an upcoming adoption show to see a particular dog or cat, please call or e-mail us to make sure that the pet in question will be at that adoption show.
Contact Us
Precious Pets Adoption League
P.O. Box 608
Roseville, MI 48066
ABC Channel 7 (WXYZ) aired a news story on February 15, 2010 about Tory, a poor abused dog that we are nursing back to health.
4/4/10 UPDATE: Tori has been adopted into a great home! As for recovering from her traumatic abuse, she is physically healed, and she has also recovered well emotionally--she is doing well with strangers, children, and even other dogs. Thanks to Rakestraw Animal Hospital and all those kind people who donated money to help pay for the veterinary care that was necessary to treat Tori's original injuries! We could still use donations to pay for veterinary care for animals like Tori that come to the rescue injured or sick--if you are interested, please contact us [see above section for contact information].
August 01, 2009
Precious Pets Adoption League saved life of pregnant Amazing Gracie and her 3 kittens by rushing her to an emergency for a c-section.
The bill was over $500.00 !!!
Three weeks later...Oooooooo...
February 2010 Update Amazing Gracie and her 3 kittens, Fudge Ripple,Lil Diva, and Cheddar [adopted in May 2010!] are now available for adoption.
***
Amy's Great Idea
When AMY was celebrating her 40th birthday she invited friends for party and asked for gifts that she could donate to an animal rescue organization. What a GREAT IDEA! If 10% of the people celebrating birthdays in the Detroit Metro Area donated money to rescue organizations in place of buying some gifts then there would be:
400,000 people * $200.00 = $80,000,000.00
This amount could pay for spay/neuter and vaccinations of 640,000 animals every year !!! WOW !!! Can we do it ??? Yes we can !!! Please help rescue organizations !!!
***
For US all lives are PRECIOUS!
If you feel the same here is what you can do to help, consider adopting an animal in distress and donate your time and/or money, big and small, to make difference in cases such as this. Please note that Precious Pets Adoption League exists solely from donations. We do not receive any State or Federal funding. Donations are tax deductible.
Please SPAY your CAT or DOG!!!
The cost of a spay/neuter procedure is affordable and will make your companion friend happy and safe for life!
Please consider adopting an ADULT CAT or DOG.
We always have many friendly cats and dogs to chose from. They all are checked by a veterinarian, have all the appropriate shots, and are spayed/neutered.
We rely solely on public donations and adoption fees
to pay for our existence and rescues. In this ever worsening economy, MORE ANIMALS THAN EVER NEED OUR HELP!! Please be generous!!! YOU CAN SAVE A PRECIOUS LIFE! Your donation can be sent to the address listed in the Contact Us section or accepted in person at PETCO by Lakeside Mall during Precious Pets adoption show. Your donations are tax deductible. Thank you!
Check often for up to date pet food recall information on the
FDA website.
Who We Are?
Precious Pets Adoption League is a small 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to finding suitable homes for companion animals. We rescue and place animals of all ages. We are unpaid
volunteers. Love for animals and your tax-deductible donations keep us going.
We do not have a shelter and rely on a network of foster homes.
We would greatly appreciate the following donations:
Money for veterinary care, food, litter, etc.
Cat / kitten food (canned or dry)
Dog / puppy food (canned or dry)
Pet carriers (large and small)
Pet crates and beds
Cat litter (clay or clumping)
Office supplies
Post stamps
Gift certificates to PETCO, PetSmart, PetSupplies Plus, Office Max
These items do not have to be new--used items work great.
We are always in need of foster homes.
Please contact us if you are interested in fostering an animal or would like more information! We provide most of supplies needed to foster an animal. We pay for veterinary care.
Adopting a Friend
ADOPTION FEES
Kittens
$125* ($25 refunded after proof of spay/neuter)
Adult Cats
$100*
Puppies
$175 - $400* ($25 refunded after proof of spay/neuter)
Adult Dogs
$125 - $400*
* Some adoption fees may be higher depending on breed.
Animals are classified as adult when they are 1 year or older.
Our adoption fee for dogs includes up to date shots, heartworm test, deworming, and spay/neuter if age permits.
Our adoption fee for cats includes up to date shots, feluk and fiv test, deworming and spay/neuter if age permits.
Cautionary Tips
C A T S:
IMPORTANT: If you find a friendly stray cat, you may consider taking it home
and giving it a temporary shelter until a permanent home can be found. But it is important to schedule ASAP a veterinary visit for an examination and combo test for FIV and FeLV. It is a very small price to pay for the safety of
your own cats. Keep the new cat isolated from other cats until the veterinary visit. FIV is the feline form of HIV. FeLV is the feline leukemia virus. Cats can live with FIV but they need extra care and love to monitor their health and help relieve their symptoms of compromised immunity.
C A T S & D O G S:
Chocolate and sweets containing chocolate are poisonous to cats and dogs.
IMPORTANT:
Your pet is NOT SAFE behind WINDOW SCREENS or DOORWALL SCREENS. Screening material EASILY pops out of it's frame with a FIRM PUSH. Even a small animal can accomplish this
and wander out.
D O G S:
Toys and chews can become a hazard... if they are the wrong size they can be choked on or ingested--causing an obstruction or piercing the intestines/bowels. Pick appropriately sized toys and especially, chews (for a rawhide or chew, pick a large enough piece that the dog will not be able to choke or swallow it whole). Periodically examine toys and chews for their condition, and discard items that have jagged edges or that are a choking hazard. For dogs that like to destroy toys, we recommend extra durable toys, like "Kong". Diligence is especially required with dogs that are 'aggressive
chewers.'
Why Pit Bulls in rescue deserve a second chance at life.
In recent years, Pit Bulls have gotten a bad rap in the media. We choose to rescue and adopt out Pit Bulls, because most of them are wonderful dogs.
For example Martini is a great dog, who is house trained. He was adopted out at 6 months old, but was returned recently through no fault of his own (the adopters are having a baby and don't have time for a dog anymore). Martini is shy with strangers, but he is very friendly once he gets to know you. Martini is currently available for adoption.
Unfortunately, Pit Bulls are often victimized twice—first, at the hands of their original owners who neglect or abuse them, and then dump them, and second, they are passed up by potential adopters because of the bad [and undeserved] reputation of the breed.
Since Precious Pets Adoption League was formed, we have rescued and adopted out many Pit Bulls, including mature adult Pit Bulls that were found as strays. Pit Bulls as a breed are very loving of people, and are typically very tolerant (i.e., of a child stepping on them or pulling on their tails)—this is why most veterinarians and vet techs like handling Pit Bulls. The issues that have been associated with the breed have to do with them being popular with the wrong people, who neglect and/or abuse their dogs—the number of abused and neglected strays we have adopted out that were great dogs despite their background, is proof that Pit Bulls as a breed are good dogs.
Like any other breed, Pit Bulls have their advantages and drawbacks. We suggest that potential dog adopters take some time to get acquainted with puppies and dogs they are interested in adopting, and ask the rescue group volunteers what dog would be the best match for them. If you are interested in a particular dog, please call or email us [see Contact Us section], and if you are interested in learning more about Pit Bull Terriers, we suggest you go to the Pit Bull Rescue Central website and to the Hello Bully Pit Bull 101 educational page.
Special Rescues
Here are some special rescue stories that we are facing almost every day.
If you can not adopt a homeless animal then please sponsor
one with donation to help us with everyday rescue!
***
Gracie's (Lady's) Story
Melanie PPAL dedicated foster: "This is why I keep doing this! "
Lady was rescued from Gratiot County, she was going to be sold to an animal research facility. Before Lady was picked up in Gratiot County she was used a breeder in a puppy mill. Her belly sagged from years of over breeding, she was malnourished, and had so much hair loss from being kept in a small kennel that she was mostly bald! Her first week at my house she did everything she could to hide and not be noticed when you came close she would cringe and urinate on herself. As time went on she ended up being the best most loyal dog I have ever rescued. She was so perfect that one Saturday I put her in the kennel and went home, her eyes were sad and she looked at me like "what did I do?". My heart broke, I came home and told Jason "this is it if no one wants her she is our dog forever!!".
When I went to pick her up I was told someone was interested in her and they might want to see her later on at home. I ended up agreeing to meet them and found they were the perfect family! The next day we drove out to their home so she could meet their other dog and see the yard. The yard was perfect! She has an acre to run and play-which she did right in front of me! The other dog, Louie, and her got along great. As hard as it was to let her go I knew it was the best home, even better than my home, for her to be in. After six years of being mistreated and unloved she now has a family that
adores her and treats her like a daughter!
The new family changed her name to Gracie, and several nick names, Coco puff, big mama, are my personal favorites. She truly is my reason for staying in rescue!
September 10, 2009 email from Birgit, Gracie's new owner:
"Hi Melanie,
Just wanted to thank you and your family for all the love and care you put into getting Lady well again. Our daughter is doing wonderfully. There was a vote and her new forever name is Gracie (wanted it
to sound similar to Lady so as not to confuse her too much,she'd been through enough). Natually she still gets called Big Mamma too.
Her and Louie are buds, partners in crime to be more accurate. Louie,being a good little,big brother,taught Gracie the art of digging. At least she has a conscious when I catch her,Louie keeps right on
digging.She also loves to steal tomatoes from the garden. She loves chasing,and then eating,sticks.Hasn't quite figured out the whole retrieving/returning part yet,but she's a smart girl and will get it I'm sure.
My cat Scooter is warming up, very slowly,he's old and set in his ways,but he's coming around. I think her size freaks Scooter out.He won't get close enough to see how gentle she is.
Overall the whole adjustment went so well.Again, your work w/ her is what I attribute her success too. We do plan to stop in at one of the Petco events sometime soon so she can see her foster family
again.She has lots of very stylish bandanas she wears and likes to show off.I will be in touch.Please do the same.
Lots of slobbery kisses for you all from Big Mamma!"
UPDATE January 13, 2010:
"Hi Melanie, here are some pictures from Gracie's last outing. ...
Our gal is doing just fine. Doesn't mind the snow or cold at all,just loves to be outside. Have to make her come in sometimes. I recently got to see her maternal instincts in action. Louie had a particularly
bad day on Monday w/ re: to his breathing. Each time he had an attack she came right over to him. She so lovey! We are finding she is an early riser...very early...We have to put her out of the bedroom
sometimes (4,5:00 am)and shut the door or she'll pace all around the bed.She's very active in the morning and just wants to share the fun. Her and Scooter tag team, his meowing and her pacing,once one
is up the other gets up and joins in. Initially I thought she was getting up needing to go outside.NO... She just runs around, nudges you with her head and licks you hands... as you escort her out,with her
pillow,to the living room...
:) Birgit"
***
Smokey and Bandit
August 20, 2009
We are so happy to announce that two of our special foster cats,
SMOKEY AND BANDIT (three + years in residence),
have found a PURRFECT LOVING HOME!!!
Ann V. of Chesterfield Twp has embraced Smokey & Bandit with
special kindness, patience and LOVE.
Enjoy your spacious new home and family, Smokey and Bandit.
Best wishes from your family at PPAL.
September 15, 2009 update:
"Hi Sheila,
Just wanted to send you an update on the cats. They are slowly coming around more and more each day. Smokey is more adventuresome and is so curious about everything. He is hanging out more on the 1st floor these days and doesn't immediately run for cover when he sees me or my husband. He loves to play with the toy you gave me on the long stick and several times has gotten it in his mouth and snatched it away from me. He then goes running away as fast as he can and takes the toy with him. It is so comical I just laugh and laugh.
Bandit doesn't show much interest in playing yet but he spends most of his days under the chair in the living room. He doesn't hide as much as Smokey but mostly observes everything from a distance. He doesn't get so scared now either and lets me give him treats without backing away like he use to.
I'm amazed that they are not so afraid of noises, like the vacuum cleaner. I thought they'd run for cover when I brought out the vacuum, but they didn't. That is one good thing since vacuuming is a regular occurrence.
I have not picked either one of them up yet and am thinking that I may need to trim their nails soon. That is the only reason I'm wanting to rush them along. They are using that cardboard scratcher thing
you gave me and I will pick up more of them. I'm unsure if their using the tall scratching post I bought since I don't see them use it and don't know if there will be evidence of them using it right away.
I should be able to get some pictures of them soon since their coming out more now. I'm still staring at them when I get the chance since I've not had much time to see how beautiful their coats are. They
are both such pretty cats and I marvel at them every chance I get.
That's it for now. Take care.
Ann"
UPDATE Spring 2010:
Smokey and Banding are doing great in their new home.
***
Greta's Story
"Dear Gina,
I wanted to touch base with you during the holidays to thank you.
I'm not certain if you remember us, but we adopted Greta this past summer.
Greta was a tortoiseshell persian 9 1/2 years old. She had been kept in a
basement for eight months after her owners moved and was so matted she required
shaving. You told me at the time that you didn't think anyone would adopt a
9 1/2 year old
and you felt you may end up keeping her.
You also forewarned me of her 'persnickety' nature, which is true of tortoiseshells.
I am writing to tell you that Little Persnickety Greta has truly stolen our
hearts. Her silent 'meows' and wanting to be a part of everything you are
involved in has been a godsend. She is especially fond of my husband, who has a
special relationship with her. (My husband is sick and so is home 90% of the
time.) . She is an absolute bundle of joy and loves her life here. She even
has her own lazy boy chair. We have allowed her fur to grow back in (although
we do keep her trimmed on her hind region) and she looks like a little bear
walking around. She loves to be brushed as well as those "Temptations" treats!
For Christmas, Santa is bringing her own down throw for her chair.
I just wanted to write to tell you thank you. My husband said to me today "You
do know, Greta has been my Christmas present." Thank you and God Bless you for
the wonderful work you do with animals.
Lisa and Don M."
***
Duke's Story
Hi! My name is Duke, although that hasn't always been the case . . . .
When I was first brought to PPAL, the PPAL people were told that I was pregnant. Since I was pregnant, I was given to foster parents who have experience dealing with pregnant cats. The first thing my foster parents did was give me a name -- Daisy. The next thing they did was take me to the vet to get me examined. The vet did something called an ultrasound and confirmed that yes indeed, I was pregnant and due in 2-3 weeks. He told my foster parents that they should start feeding me kitten food so I would be getting enough nutrients to feed the kittens in my tummy.
This didn't make any sense to me, but I sure did like getting all of that yummy kitten food!
After about 3 weeks of eating some of the most delicious food I've ever had, my foster parents got worried that I didn't have babies yet, even though my tummy was getting bigger by the day! They took me back to the doctor's office to make sure I was okay. After the doctor did another one of those ultrasound things, he told my foster parents that I wasn't pregnant! They were so surprised! They think my tummy was getting bigger because I was eating the kitten food. Personally, I don't think my tummy is really that big at all, but that's another story.
Since I wasn't pregnant, a week later my foster daddy took me back to the doctor's office to get me fixed. This surprised me, because I didn't even realize I was broken! But I went along with it anyway.
All I know is that I stayed overnight at the doctor's office and some doctors and nurses poked around on me a little bit, but they didn't do much else. The next thing I knew, my foster-daddy came back to pick me up. I don't know exactly why that happened, but I remember my foster-daddy calling my foster-mommy and saying something like, "You're not going to believe this, but Daisy is already
fixed."! (I knew I wasn't broken.) Then he said to her, "Oh, it gets better . . . Daisy is a BOY!" I don't know why everyone was so surprised to hear this. I knew all along that I was a boy. All they had to do was ask me. I was kind of thrown off by the pregnant thing, but figured that maybe it was okay for boys to have babies now, and if that meant eating all of the kitten food I wanted, that was fine by me.
When I got back to my foster-home, my name was immediately changed to Duke (something about Daisy-Duke that I don't really understand).
So that's my story and I'm sticking to it. I thought that maybe if you knew my story you'd think I was interesting and you would invite me to live with you in a forever home. My foster mommy and daddy always tell me that I'm a good boy and they call me a "lover kitty" whatever that means. My foster-mommy has long claws and she uses them to scratch my belly. I love when she does that. I also hear them talking about me being a cool cat. I do know what that means and it makes me proud.
So, if you have place in your heart and in your home for a good, cool, lover kitty, then I'm your man!
***
Injured Snickers
At the end of February 2008
We rescued this Snowshoe with a head injury needing urgent veterinary care. Chris and Julie are fostering Snickers, giving him all the care and needed attention.
March-18-2008 update:
"From the first second we had Snickers, it was easy to see that he was a total lover-kitty. He loved to be held and snuggled but even more than that, he loves treats! He can hear the treat bag being opened from two rooms away, and as soon as he hears it, he comes tearing into the room! When Snickers first came to us, he had a wound on the top of his head.Because of Snickers' loving nature the wound wouldn't heal since he kept rubbing his whole body and head up against us to show us love. As a result, we took Snickers' to the clinic where his wound was stitched. His eyelid still has a little bit of
healing, but his stitches were recently removed and Snickers is even more lovable than ever.
Snickers is definitely "people's cat"."
June-28-2008 update:
Snicker found forever home! We are very happy!
***
Harnas Wildlife Foundation in Namibia
I volunteered at Harnas Wildlife Foundation in Namibia which is located in southwestern Africa in February of 2008. The working guest program allows working guests to prepare food and feed the animals, walk some of the animals, clean enclosures and do other odd jobs required on the farm. The animals on the farm are leopards, cheetahs, lions, meerkats, caracals, African wild dogs, monkeys and baboons. Harnas is a charitable organization that takes in orphaned, injured or 'nuisance animals' in the area. The farm operates on the funds received from the working guest program and donations. The farm is on 24,710 acres of grassland and desert where the animals are placed in 'soft release' when possible in large enclosures.
My experiences at Harnas will never be forgotten. I was able to sleep in the leopard cubs enclosure many nights where Lost, the leopard, would sleep beside me or in my sleeping bag all night long. Lost came to Harnas in the Fall of 2007 at 1 month old. Her mother had been shot by a farmer. She was bottle fed and is now a very healthy and happy leopard cub.
Another experience was sleeping in the enclosure of two cheetahs, Cleo and Pride. Pride came to the farm as an orphan at about a month old as did Cleo.
The two are very affectionate and love night time companionship. They prefer to sleep on the sleeping bag either beside of you or on top of you. The only danger was having your skin licked off with their sandpaper like tongues.
There were daily and weekly walks of some of the animals including two young male lions, Zion and Trust. Zion is a very affectionate lion while Trust is a very mischievous lion. The two lions have since become too large to take on walks. Many wildlife conservationists disagree with putting the large cats in enclosures. They believe there should be no human involvement. Unfortunately the animals come to the farm because of human interference and the farm takes them in and gives them a wonderful home to live out the rest of their lives. I am very proud to have been a part of this wonderful place and look forward to the day that I can return.
Click here on a link to Harnas Wildlife Foundation and this is a
link to a videos done by Animal Planet about the lions at the farm and the farm owner's son who runs the farm. (Please return to Precious Pets Adoption League webpage we also have many rescue stories to tell!)
Thanks,
Lisa P.
Success Stories
This section is about our successful adoptions. Thanks to our continuing effort hundreds of precious cats and dogs found new homes. We have made many people happy and
thankful for the service that we provide. If you have adopted a pet from us and would like your story to appear in this section, please send us an email with your "success story" and a few pictures of your
happy pet to liz.ppal@gmail.com
You can also visit us in PETCO by Lakeside Mall and give us the story to 'publish' along with the photos; we are there almost every Saturday. As long as we have free space, we will add your story to this section for readers to enjoy.
In the end of February 2008, we rescued an older Himalayan cat, named Bunu by the foster parents Julie and Chris. The cat was sick, depressed, and in a great distress. His hair was matted to the point that the only way to help
him was to shave the hair off. We took the first available appointment to see Doctor Wilson at Animal Clinic of Sterling Heights. The Doctor ordered a battery of tests to help with the diagnoses. Bunu was well cared for by Julie
and Chris:
“ When we first got him he wouldn't leave his cage or clean himself. He got so bad that we took him to a groomer to be shaved. After he came home from the grooming (wearing nothing but a furry face and some boots!),
he was like a whole new kitty! Now, he has to be coaxed back into his cage when he's out. As far as Bunu is concerned, there are just not enough laps in the world to sit on, or hugs to give. When we hold Bunu, he actually puts
one front paw on each shoulder as if he's hugging us! After being shaved, we noticed a few small lumps under Bunu's skin. Thankfully they're nothing more than an infection, and the doctor say he will be fine.”
On March 19, 2008 Bunu went into a shock. We had been praying for a miracle while Chris was rushing Bunu to the Animal Clinic... Doctor Wilson carefully reviewed the blood test results. We were shocked to hear the
diagnoses. Bunu had Addison's disease, an extremely rare disease in cats.
“Hypoadrenocorticism, also called Addison's disease, is an endocrine disorder that results from a deficient production of adrenal gland hormones. ..”
The Doctor transported Bunu to his Veterinary Hospital to administer intravenous steroids treatment.
March-21-2008 Update:
Bunu's condition deteriorated within hours after being admitted to the hospital, everything possible was done...sadly we could not save him...
Please donate in the memory of Bunu to help us cover over $500 of veterinary bills!
A few of the rescues that we have undertaken in last few months (see Baby, Abby, Snickers stories) totally exhausted our finances and many of the veterinary bills remain unpaid. You can make a BIG difference!
All Our Pets List
August 01, 2009
We are always in need of foster homes.
Lady was rescued from Gratiot County, she was going to be sold to an animal research facility. Before Lady was picked up in Gratiot County she was used a breeder in a puppy mill. Her belly sagged from years of over breeding, she was malnourished, and had so much hair loss from being kept in a small kennel that she was mostly bald! Her first week at my house she did everything she could to hide and not be noticed when you came close she would cringe and urinate on herself. As time went on she ended up being the best most loyal dog I have ever rescued. She was so perfect that one Saturday I put her in the kennel and went home, her eyes were sad and she looked at me like "what did I do?". My heart broke, I came home and told Jason "this is it if no one wants her she is our dog forever!!".
When I went to pick her up I was told someone was interested in her and they might want to see her later on at home. I ended up agreeing to meet them and found they were the perfect family! The next day we drove out to their home so she could meet their other dog and see the yard. The yard was perfect! She has an acre to run and play-which she did right in front of me! The other dog, Louie, and her got along great. As hard as it was to let her go I knew it was the best home, even better than my home, for her to be in. After six years of being mistreated and unloved she now has a family that
adores her and treats her like a daughter!
The new family changed her name to Gracie, and several nick names, Coco puff, big mama, are my personal favorites. She truly is my reason for staying in rescue!
"Hi Melanie, here are some pictures from Gracie's last outing. ...
Our gal is doing just fine. Doesn't mind the snow or cold at all,just loves to be outside. Have to make her come in sometimes. I recently got to see her maternal instincts in action. Louie had a particularly
bad day on Monday w/ re: to his breathing. Each time he had an attack she came right over to him. She so lovey! We are finding she is an early riser...very early...We have to put her out of the bedroom
sometimes (4,5:00 am)and shut the door or she'll pace all around the bed.She's very active in the morning and just wants to share the fun. Her and Scooter tag team, his meowing and her pacing,once one
is up the other gets up and joins in. Initially I thought she was getting up needing to go outside.NO... She just runs around, nudges you with her head and licks you hands... as you escort her out,with her
pillow,to the living room...
August 20, 2009
UPDATE Spring 2010: 
"Dear Gina,
Hi! My name is Duke, although that hasn't always been the case . . . .
After about 3 weeks of eating some of the most delicious food I've ever had, my foster parents got worried that I didn't have babies yet, even though my tummy was getting bigger by the day! They took me back to the doctor's office to make sure I was okay. After the doctor did another one of those ultrasound things, he told my foster parents that I wasn't pregnant! They were so surprised! They think my tummy was getting bigger because I was eating the kitten food. Personally, I don't think my tummy is really that big at all, but that's another story.
"From the first second we had Snickers, it was easy to see that he was a total lover-kitty. He loved to be held and snuggled but even more than that, he loves treats! He can hear the treat bag being opened from two rooms away, and as soon as he hears it, he comes tearing into the room! When Snickers first came to us, he had a wound on the top of his head.Because of Snickers' loving nature the wound wouldn't heal since he kept rubbing his whole body and head up against us to show us love. As a result, we took Snickers' to the clinic where his wound was stitched. His eyelid still has a little bit of
healing, but his stitches were recently removed and Snickers is even more lovable than ever.
I volunteered at Harnas Wildlife Foundation in Namibia which is located in southwestern Africa in February of 2008. The working guest program allows working guests to prepare food and feed the animals, walk some of the animals, clean enclosures and do other odd jobs required on the farm. The animals on the farm are leopards, cheetahs, lions, meerkats, caracals, African wild dogs, monkeys and baboons. Harnas is a charitable organization that takes in orphaned, injured or 'nuisance animals' in the area. The farm operates on the funds received from the working guest program and donations. The farm is on 24,710 acres of grassland and desert where the animals are placed in 'soft release' when possible in large enclosures.
My experiences at Harnas will never be forgotten. I was able to sleep in the leopard cubs enclosure many nights where Lost, the leopard, would sleep beside me or in my sleeping bag all night long. Lost came to Harnas in the Fall of 2007 at 1 month old. Her mother had been shot by a farmer. She was bottle fed and is now a very healthy and happy leopard cub.
Another experience was sleeping in the enclosure of two cheetahs, Cleo and Pride. Pride came to the farm as an orphan at about a month old as did Cleo.
The two are very affectionate and love night time companionship. They prefer to sleep on the sleeping bag either beside of you or on top of you. The only danger was having your skin licked off with their sandpaper like tongues.
There were daily and weekly walks of some of the animals including two young male lions, Zion and Trust. Zion is a very affectionate lion while Trust is a very mischievous lion. The two lions have since become too large to take on walks. Many wildlife conservationists disagree with putting the large cats in enclosures. They believe there should be no human involvement. Unfortunately the animals come to the farm because of human interference and the farm takes them in and gives them a wonderful home to live out the rest of their lives. I am very proud to have been a part of this wonderful place and look forward to the day that I can return.
“ When we first got him he wouldn't leave his cage or clean himself. He got so bad that we took him to a groomer to be shaved. After he came home from the grooming (wearing nothing but a furry face and some boots!),
he was like a whole new kitty! Now, he has to be coaxed back into his cage when he's out. As far as Bunu is concerned, there are just not enough laps in the world to sit on, or hugs to give. When we hold Bunu, he actually puts
one front paw on each shoulder as if he's hugging us! After being shaved, we noticed a few small lumps under Bunu's skin. Thankfully they're nothing more than an infection, and the doctor say he will be fine.”
