Christmas comes early, thanks to patrons at Pet Valu

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A Sheltered Life – stories as told to Maggie Haylock-Capon, by Liza, resident greeter at the Loyalist Humane Society. (Photographs by Alan R. Capon)

(If you are unable to adopt a cat or kitten, there are many other important ways to help the LHS. Donations of Javex and other household cleaning products, garbage bags, grocery bags, litter, cat food and kitten food are welcome. The Loyalist Humane Society is located on County Road 4, (Talbot Street), near the intersection of Tripp Road.)

Liza, official spokescat for the Loyalist Humane Society, takes a cat nap. To ensure peace and quiet she has posted a sign reading “Please do not start dryer”.

Hello, Everyone,

It’s Liza reporting live from The Laundry Room, where it all comes out in the wash. Imagine our excitement when three truckloads of food, litter, litter pans, bedding, and toys rolled up to the doors of our shelter this month! Picton’s Pet Valu store owned by Tricia and John Daley held a special benefit drive for us and their customers generously donated boxes and boxes of supplies to the LHS. Would you believe that we were given FIVE cat trees? We are very thankful for the amazing generosity of those who so kindly donated to make our lives happier.

There was another piece of good news this month. Squawky, the tiger and white kitten who had almost given up on finding a home has been adopted!! She was auditioning at Pet Valu and was the last kitten left. Just when she had almost given up hope, along came someone who realized her potential and invited her to become part of their family. We are delighted for this perky little miss. It will be quiet around here without her.

Mrs. Moffatt has asked me to remind everyone that two very special black kittens named Lollipop and Tootsie Pop are still waiting for homes. They would be purrfect if you would like to place adorable “lumps of coal” in someone’s stocking.

I’m sure you have heard of the recent staff cuts in the newspaper industry. We, too  have scaled back our staff. Following the loss of senior correspondent, Girlfriend and cub reporter Doren’s adoption, roving reporter Franco stepped into the breach. We have decided to appoint our legal advisor Crawford as senior reporter. We have long suspected that some of Franco’s scoops are potentially libelous.

Shrinking Violet
She may not be an extrovert, but Shrinking Violet will win your heart with her gentle ways. This female tiger cat is four years old and would very much like to celebrate Christmas in a quiet home, preferably one with a fireplace. She would bask in one-on-one attention.

Christmas Came Early!
Rip VanWinkle enjoys one of the new cat towers donated to our shelter this month by caring patrons of Picton’s Pet Valu.

Sparky
Sparky may appear to be a misnomer for this dignified senior cat whose “spark” seems to have disappeared. Although described as “very mature”, he still has lots of time to become a senior citizen’s beloved companion. “Come grow old along with me, the best is yet to be. The last of life for which the first was made”. – Browning

Jonquil
This beautiful dark Calico miss is the sister of Jonnykins, who was featured last week. She is young, playful, and available to celebrate Christmas in your home. Don’t wait too long to invite her to dinner – a girl this pretty is sure to be tops on everyone’s guest list.

Running Bear
A sociable black cat who wants very much to find a home of his own, Running Bear needs an understanding family who will love him drippy nose and all. He was adopted several weeks ago, but was later returned to the shelter when it became apparent that his running nose could be a chronic problem. He is a friendly cat in need of a patient and understanding owner who will continue to work towards clearing up his condition, while aware that it may never be fully cured. A young special needs cat, Running Bear’s personality makes him well worth the extra effort.

Hoover
A handsome cat, Hoover is hopeful of finding a family of his own in time for Christmas. He dreams of snuggling by the hearth, lapping egg nog, and opening presents on Christmas morning. He says he has asked Santa for a computer, because he understands it comes complete with a mouse.

Bond, James Bond (aka Brown Weiner)
It’s official – Brown Weiner has changed his name. This dashing tiger and white cat says he is tired of being called “Weiner” and “Hotdog”. He’s suave, sophisticated, and available. Just ask for Bond, 007. You’ll soon see why he is being hailed as the new Sean Connery.

Smokey Blue
An elegant puss in a gray flannel suit, Smokey would make the perfect bff for a senior citizen. Why spend the holidays alone when you could be making memories with a new best friend? Smokey admits to a weakness for turkey and has always wanted a Christmas tree.

Pretty Woman
Betty Boop, one of the prettiest cats at our shelter, recently found her forever home with one of our volunteers. This sweet-natured cat is one of Mrs.Moffatt’s favourites and will be greatly missed here. However, we are delighted that she has at last found her forever home.

Vanilla Ice
Dreaming of a White Christmas? Vanilla Ice would like to meet you. This handsome young cat in the white velour leisure suit would be the perfect decorative touch. Why not stop by and meet him? He’s certain to brighten your holidays.

Jungle Jim
Found abandoned on County Road 5, with littermate, Jaffa, Jungle Jim is a swinger. He’d love to liven up your holiday parties and share the festive season with you and your family. If you would like help with your Christmas decorating, he’ll happily lend a paw.

Jaffa
This handsome orange kitten was found on County Road 5, with a littermate. Like all of the other kittens at the shelter, he hopes to be home for Christmas. If your tree needs a touch of colour to make it pop, consider Jaffa who says he will happily climb to the top branch to hang a star.

Brussel Sprout (tiger) and Okra (black)
Live healthy – add some veggies to your diet. Three-month-old kittens Brussel Sprout and Okra are dreaming of forever homes for Christmas. Playful and affectionate they would make purrfect stocking stuffers.

Siesta Time – Here’s a shot captured by roving reporter, Franco, during nap time at the LHS.

Snack Time! After nap time comes snack time. Residents of our shelter enjoy munchies every afternoon and never worry about counting calories.

From Liza’s Desk:
I am busily preparing for what well may be my most important public appearance ever. It seems almost certain that I will be accompanying Mrs. M. to the Wellington Dukes benefit game for our shelter on Nov. 23rd. Duke, who was scheduled to attend, has come down with a frightful case of stage fright. He says he could never make a speech and with that crowd and all of the bright lights, he fears he would wet his knickers. Of course, I knew from the beginning that he was the wrong cat for the job. It requires someone seasoned, like me, to handle these assignments.

With Christmas only a few weeks away, if you are planning to adopt a cat or kitten in time for the holidays perhaps you should do it now. There is always a lot of excitement during the Christmas season. It’s advisable to give your new family member time to adjust before you start singing those carols and trimming the tree. Cats really are not big on surprises. We like to feel confident and in charge.

Must run. I have a fitting for the new outfit I plan to don for the hockey game.

-Until next week,

Liza

P.S. Don’t forget the Craft and Bake sale, in support of our shelter, at the Armoury Mall on Dec. 14 and Lorain Sine’s Christmas concert at Picton United Church on Dec. 22nd.

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Click here for previous Loyalist Humane Society blogs and other Margaret Haylock Capon features