GOOD MEWS!Issue 5 Fall 2007 A Publication of the Ellen M. Gifford Sheltering Home Issue 5 Fall 2007

Christopher Petunia Georgia Frank Ava A Loving Touch * The pictured above are all available for adoption! Massage Therapy at Gifford Why would a cat need to be massaged? be bothered with us. She is busy What makes massage therapy different from being in charge and she has many patting a cat? What benefits could it possibly admirers. Midge likes a full body have? massage, beginning with circular When we began our internship with strokes on her head flowing to a the Gifford Shelter last year our intent was light on her shoulders and to develop some of the practical skills and neck, a smooth broad stroke down techniques we had learned in the certificate her back and some kneading on her Buddha is blissful during his massage program in Small Animal Massage Therapy hips. Sometimes Midge decides she’s at Bancroft School of Massage Therapy in had enough for the moment but will Worcester. Most of our practical experience then follow us when she is ready for had been working with dogs although we more. have both always shared our lives with cats. Bo used to always just walk by, Here are some of our experiences in allowing only a quick stroke down working with the cats at Gifford. his back. One day last fall his hips and Initially Midge was not sure she could lower spine seemed to be bothering him. When massaging between In This Issue: his vertebrae there was a palpable 1 Cat Massage Therapy crackling. After some light kneading of the muscles surrounding his hips 2 Dear Midge he has become a convert to massage Midge settles in for massage therapy 3 Introducing a New Cat to and seeks it out. Of late he has even Your Dog enjoyed some light circular fingertip Sometimes with , massage is a way 3 Adoption Corner massage on his belly. of acclimating them to human touch. The

4 Success Stories Willow is a gentle and fragile and wary Tellington T-touch™ technique of circular cat. She did not really care to be touched and strokes of 375% (just slightly more than a 5 Humane Education would tolerate only the very lightest touch complete circle) has been very effective with 5 Ode to Tilly for very short periods of time. Reiki, a form many of the cats. Often the lighter touch 7 In Honor and in Memory of energy healing, was much more effective of using the backs of the fingertips rather in calming her as was the use of acupressure than the full hand or fingertips on some of 7 Comings & Goings points for alleviating fear. the more (massage cont’d on pg. 5) 1

Good Mews Fall 07.indd 1 10/19/2007 11:15:22 AM GOOD MEWS Dear Midge Good Mews! Issue 5 – Fall 2007 Our Feline Advice Specialist

Dear Midge, door, gradually encouraging each to paw at a toy A publication of the My five-year-old Maine underneath it. Ellen M. Gifford coon, Portland, has been 6. Familiarize the cats with each other’s scent. Sheltering Home Corp. leaving the Gifford homepage up on my computer After several days, allow each cat to sniff an item A non-profit, no-kill screen where he knows I’ll see it. I’m pretty sure that contains the other’s scent. When both cats shelter for cats he’s trying to tell me something! How should I are responding positively, extend the experiment 30 Undine Road choose the best companion for Portland and then by moving the resident cat into the safe room for Brighton, MA 02135 introduce him to his new feline friend? several hours and allowing the new cat to explore 617-787-8872 phone the rest of the house. Repeat this switch daily until Sincerely, 617-787-8870 fax both cats appear comfortable. Double the Love 7. Allow the cats to see one another. After [email protected] Dear Double, approximately 5–7 days, allow the cats to see one www.giffordcatshelter.org another by installing a child gate, propping the Your letter is a most welcome one, not least of all Visit our website for door open just a crack using door stops, or taking because it gives this dilute tortoiseshell a chance adoption information. the new cat into the main house in a carrier. to mention one of her best qualities: patience. Visiting hours are by Supervise these interactions, returning to the steps Introducing new cats is a gradual process that appointment only, above if either cat displays fearful or aggressive available seven days requires lots of time and patience. We cats, behavior for an extended period. a week. though among the sweetest of all creatures, do 8. Allow a face-to-face meeting. When both form powerful and sometimes long-lasting first cats are reacting calmly to the interactions impressions. It is essential, then, that interactions described above, supervise a face-to-face meeting. Staff between new cats are gradual so as to minimize Ignore initial hissing or growling, but do separate Susie Aisner fearful or aggressive responses. Try these tips: the cats if one is especially aggressive or fearful. Claudia Bruno When interactions are positive, reward the cats Melissa Saporetti 1. Rely on the expertise of the shelter staff. They with praise, petting, playing, and treats. Brenda Weinstein know the cats’ histories and how they interact. 9. Gradually increase face-to-face time. They are pros at matching your cat’s characteristics Board of Directors Continue to supervise all interactions until you Lisa Sacchetti, president with potential shelter cat matches. are sure the cats are safe in each other’s company. Ann Gurka, vice president 2. Be open-minded. If, for example, you are 10. Ask for help from the shelter staff. Mary Elle Nelson, treasurer thinking “” but the shelter staff suggests a Remember, no question or concern is too small to slightly older animal once you are at the shelter, be ask about. You and your cats are not alone! willing to change your mind. Practicing patience isn’t as easy as I make it look, Newsletter Editorial Staff: 3. Consider gender. Spay or neuter your of course, but it is the secret to a long and happy Ann Gurka animals and be aware that some cats prefer one life together with all of your feline companions. Claudia Bruno gender over another. See you at the shelter! Lisa Wehrle 4. Once home, place the new cat in a safe room. Do you have a question for Midge? Keep the new cat in a separate closed-door room Photographer: Address letters to Dear Midge, Gifford Sheltering containing a litter box, food and water dishes, Carly Goteiner Home, 30 Undine Rd., Brighton, MA 02135, bedding, a scratching post, and toys. [email protected]. Layout & design 5. Engage both animals in pleasurable activities courtesy of near the closed door. Feed both animals near the Niki Crawford door (but not so close as to make either cat too Midge would like to thank Lisa Wehrle for anxious to eat). Also, play with each cat near the transcribing her response to this question. 2

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Introducing a New Cat to animals. Later that day repeat the process, and over the next several days increase the amount of time the door is open, as long as the a Home with a Dog reactions are positive. If your dog is responding to your commands and remaining calm, you can try the introduction without your dog What are some ways to successfully introduce a new cat into a on a leash, but you are the best judge. home with a dog? Most likely the cat will remain in the safe room as opposed to The selection process is paramount when adopting a cat to jumping over the gate towards your dog. Eventually, especially when join a dog in your home. The Gifford staff doesn’t always know the it’s quiet or at night, the cat will jump over the gate and start to explore. background of our cats and cannot predict with certainty which cat Being familiar with the room and having its food and litter still in the will co-exist peacefully with a dog. In addition, the reaction of your room, the cat will probably jump back into the room after exploring. dog and its background are not always known. Therefore careful If the cat is scared and hides somewhere in your home, put the dog consideration has to be taken and ultimately a “leap of faith” will outside or in another room away from the cat, and when you are con- finalize the selection process. fident the cat has relaxed enough to be picked up, return him to the Once home, separate the new cat in a “safe room” with its litter safe room. Another suggestion is to send your dog to doggie daycare box, food, a scratching post, some toys, and most importantly, lots or to a friend’s house while your cat explores its surroundings. of love and attention! Keep the cat secluded for several days or With time, patience and encouragement, your new cat and your longer, or until the cat seems well adjusted and relaxed in its new dog will co-exist peacefully. The cat will learn how to avoid the dog environment. Cats might growl and hiss, especially at the door jam, if necessary and the dog will come to see the cat as another fam- as the dog sniffs, barks, and cries on the other side. ily member. Should there be continued friction, separate the ani- Keep the door closed, but install a child gate across the door mals for an additional period of time, keep the dog on a leash in the frame. This gate will remain in place for as long as the introduction house for an extended period of time, or call the Gifford staff to see period lasts, or longer if you feel the cat needs a place to escape to if we can be of assistance. There is always the possibility that the two and feel safe. Now the temperament of your dog comes into play. If animals will not be able to live together harmoniously, but following you have a rambunctious, high energy dog, I recommend putting these steps or implementing your own positive ideas, will increase the dog on a leash, maintaining control of the dog near you, and the probability of a positive outcome. slowly opening the door just a bit. Talking calmly and gently to both animals, note their reaction. Close the door and reassure both By Brenda Weinstein ADOPTION CORNER

Maggie Mae was pregnant and living Her name fits her perfectly!J oy is a super on the streets in a dangerous neighbor- affectionate, super playful young adult hood—now she’s indoors and safe. She is with a zest for life. She loves to play and quiet and reserved when she meets new loves to watch the world outside from people but warms up quickly and enjoys the safety of her window ledge. Fill out attention. She is quite playful and loves an application to meet our sweet Joy! her toys. Maggie Mae needs to be the only cat in a home, ideally without young children and with a cat-experienced family. With a heavy heart, Lilly’s previous This exquisite, exotic girl was rescued with owner surrendered her cat to our shelter. her kittens several months ago. Melissa Lilly was very unhappy living with two co-existed well with a greyhound in her other cats and our hope is to find her a foster home. She is very playful and terrific home of her own. She thrives on friendly, but also enjoys her independence human companionship, is very sweet and or just spending time near you. Melissa super playful. She’ll retrieve toys tossed towards her and is quite a would prefer to be the only cat in your home, but could easily clever girl! Lilly gets along with children and would adore being in co-exist with a well-matched dog. a home with people in and out throughout the day. 3

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or left to roam and breed at will. Millions of unwanted cats and dogs are euthanized Success Stories each year in shelters across our nation. These numbers do not reflect those animals directly across from Daisey. Kahli, a rescued killed by automobiles and others that never he relationship between animals and stray, had apparently sought shelter from the make it to shelters to become part of the Daisey & Kahli people has become a topic of great interest to cold of winter by lying against a hot pipe. statistics. A Special Home for Our the medical profession in recent years. Their She had damage to the nerve endings in her The Gifford Cat Shelter is currently studies confirm the fact that improve our “Special Needs” Girls skin as a result. She scratched and picked at developing an effective humane education lives, both psychologically and physically. It her skin and required regular medication to program so that the public can be made has been shown that the human heart rate Daisey arrived at the shelter painfully thin soothe and heal it. She was also a little timid, aware of responsible ownership and decreases upon petting a companion animal. and malnourished. She spent her initial but soon began to enjoy attention from staff all that it encompasses. Too many people Mental health has been shown to improve in days hiding in a kitty condo, nervous and and volunteers. are unaware of the obligations incurred by many individuals who have pets: the fact that frightened. We offered her both wet and dry Time went by and, as always happens, Kahli snuggles in her bed at the shelter owning a pet, and the consequences of this pet-facilitated therapy programs have been food, hoping that Daisey’s hunger would the right person for Kahli came. We were lack of knowledge are tragic. successful in nursing homes, children’s homes prevail and she would venture out of hiding thrilled that she would have a loving Our job as humane educators is a for- and hospitals serves to prove this point. for her meals. We soon discovered that, permanent home…but the story did not midable one, for in as much as animals are However, in recognizing the positive although Daisey desperately needed the end there. Several days after Kahli went to the object of our concern, it is people that influence pet ownership brings to people, it food, she would not eat. Refusal to eat can her home, her adopter called. She could not we must reach and change. Since 1884, the is frequently overlooked that these animals occur as a response to stress, and often we stop thinking about Daisey and wondered Ellen M. Gifford Sheltering Home has should benefit from such a bond as well. We have the luxury of time to soothe and coax if she could adopt her as well. For both of touched people of all ages in the Boston must be attentive to the needs of animals. Pets newly arrived cats until they are relaxed these special girls to share this wonderful area. Through humane education, we hope require our care, and their lives depend on it. enough to accept their meals. Not so with home was a dream come true…we hoped to continue cultivating a sense of under- In as much as many pets are given a Daisey! they would agree and learn to live with each Daisey enjoys a window view standing, responsibility and involvement… special priority in our lives, there are those Daisey was diagnosed with a condition other happily. and welcome any opportunities to do so! that suffer due to considerable ignorance known as hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver The happy ending: In our initial follow- spots are gone, and her fur looks beautiful. with regard to their needs. Worse yet are syndrome. This condition is generally up phone call, we found out that these two Even her tail is fluffier! She’s very gentle with those animals that are abused, abandoned, by Susie Aisner caused by a period of lack of eating resulting beautiful calicos, who had been staring at Daisey, as if she knows that Daisey needs that. in breakdown of body fat and storage of one another for months at the shelter, had And she never, ever touches Daisey’s food. the fat in the cat’s liver. Unfortunately, this become best friends. After they had been When I watch TV at night, both Daisey syndrome, which is caused by lack of eating, together for a few weeks in their new home, and Kahli join me in the living room. Daisey results in a loss of appetite. The treatment we received the following update from their sits next to me on the arm of the sofa, and is to feed the cat enough to meet all of her adopter: Kahli sits next to me on the floor. After I go body’s caloric needs. In Daisey’s case, we to bed, they have their “elephant races”. They combined appetite stimulating medication “Both my girls are doing great! Daisey never catch each other, just run and run with syringe feeding. Gifford staff members is eating beautifully, and still hasn’t needed and run. They haven’t reached the point of fed Daisey small amounts of wet food with a pill. She loves her treats, and she is always cuddling together yet, but if one isn’t around, a feeding syringe multiple times per day. most curious about anything I’m eating. I had the other walks around until she finds her Eventually this dedicated effort paid off and been feeding her in my bedroom, but this past missing friend. Daisey began to eat on her own! She became week, she let me know she wants her food in I love my little family to pieces, and I thank more comfortable and began to spend less the kitchen like Kahli. She just kept sitting in you all so much for saving them for me. I’m so time hiding and more time enjoying the front of Kahli’s food, which by the way she glad they found their way to Gifford.” view from her window. She began to interact always has to sample! She loves playing with positively with all of us and her sweet, toys, and her wand with feathers. …and we at Gifford are so glad that they trusting nature really showed. Kahli has warmed up a LOT! She loves found their way to this wonderful life! Meanwhile, Kahli was admitted to the her little laser light toy, and just sits at my feet shelter and placed in the admission enclosure purring until I turn it on and play. All the itchy by Ann Gurka

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Thoughts on or left to roam and breed at will. Millions of unwanted cats and dogs are euthanized Ode to tilly Humane Education each year in shelters across our nation. These numbers do not reflect those animals killed by automobiles and others that never The relationship between animals and make it to shelters to become part of the people has become a topic of great interest to statistics. the medical profession in recent years. Their The Gifford Cat Shelter is currently studies confirm the fact that pets improve our developing an effective humane education lives, both psychologically and physically. It program so that the public can be made has been shown that the human heart rate aware of responsible pet ownership and decreases upon petting a companion animal. all that it encompasses. Too many people Early in May a new Mental health has been shown to improve in are unaware of the obligations incurred by journey began many individuals who have pets: the fact that owning a pet, and the consequences of this For an old striped soul who pet-facilitated therapy programs have been knew not the lay of the land. lack of knowledge are tragic. successful in nursing homes, children’s homes Our job as humane educators is a for- Unquestionably and hospitals serves to prove this point. midable one, for in as much as animals are above him there flew However, in recognizing the positive the object of our concern, it is people that Angels of Mercy, and some influence pet ownership brings to people, it we must reach and change. Since 1884, the on the ground, too. is frequently overlooked that these animals Ellen M. Gifford Sheltering Home has For this kitty survived should benefit from such a bond as well. We touched people of all ages in the Boston a Newtonville street must be attentive to the needs of animals. Pets area. Through humane education, we hope Without a safe haven require our care, and their lives depend on it. to continue cultivating a sense of under- to which to retreat. In as much as many pets are given a standing, responsibility and involvement… special priority in our lives, there are those Plucked from the road and welcome any opportunities to do so! that suffer due to considerable ignorance dazed and unstable with regard to their needs. Worse yet are By a lady named Toni, those animals that are abused, abandoned, by Susie Aisner who kindly enabled This cat who was maybe (massage cont’d from pg. 1) timid cats very fortunate to have Dorcas and Jane as abandoned, or lost has proven to be more calming. Roxie has regular volunteers. The experiences that To come to Gifford come to really enjoy her weekly massages they have noted above only begin to tell the where we spared no cost: instead of running in fear or hissing when story of how much the cats have benefited Seeking medical attention approached. from massage therapy. For a long time, Bo, to stabilize him The benefits of massage for cats are one of our resident cats, would only allow He’s nineteen, we were told, many: general relaxation, alleviation of us to stroke the side of his face and, maybe, much to our chagrin. stress, muscle toning, relaxation of muscle his back--and only at certain times. It has He epitomizes the term tension, enhanced sense of well-being and been a joy to watch Bo become much more “special needs” enhanced bonding with humans. Each cat is comfortable with touch to the point where But the affection he gives us, individual and has different preferences and he now lies down for stroking and petting by all means, supersedes different needs. As we get to know each of from all of us! I am sure that his massage Any need to place him; the cats better the massage can be tailored to therapy has helped him to gain trust. We we’ll keep him until the individual needs. Of course, some cats have seen massage therapy help to relax and The sad day comes only stay at the shelter for a brief time before comfort many other cats and kittens and when his heart is still. finding their homes. They can still benefit help them to feel more safe and secure while from massage as it helps them adjust to their at the shelter. by Susie Aisner shelter stay. Editor’s note: The Gifford Cat Shelter is By Dorcas Wilson and Jane McNamara 5

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an anniversary, birthday, or other special event; or as a gift to some- Become a Permanent Part one you love. If your donation is a gift, we will provide a special card announcing your brick or stone along with the engraving appearing of the Gifford Cat Shelter on it. Bricks ($75) will form a walkway honoring all those who appear As if all the plans to expand and update the Gifford Cat Shelter in the engravings. Stepping stones will appear most prominently weren’t exciting enough, there’s more! in the new courtyard ($300) or in other special places on the Gif- Become a permanent part of the Ellen Gifford Sheltering Home ford property ($150). All bricks and stepping stones will be installed by donating an engraved brick or stepping stone to the shelter’s new when construction is completed. outdoor space. Express your love, your gratitude, your amazement Order your brick or stepping stone today using the order form at the lasting bonds you’ve shared with beloved pets or people by shown. Your gift will become a lasting tribute that helps the Ellen creating a custom-engraved brick or stepping stone. You may dedi- Gifford Sheltering Home for Cats continue its mission to find per- cate your gift to the memory of a special pet or person; in honor of manent homes for the cats in its care, now and in the future.

4” x 8” Brick $75 All capital letters, black ink. Two lines of text, 18 characters per line (including punctuation and spaces)

8” x 8” Stepping Stone _____$300 (placed in courtyard; very limited amount available) _____$150 (placed elsewhere on shelter grounds)

All capital letters, black ink; image (optional) Six lines of text, 16 characters per line (including punctuation and spaces)

Images: you can choose from one of the following images if you would like it added to your stone; images are available only on the 8˝ x 8˝ stone, are at no extra cost, and replace one line of text.

Paw prints Dog image Cat image Heart image

Please use a separate order form for each brick or stone ordered. Name: ______Extra forms can be downloaded from www.giffordcatshelter.org or obtained through the shelter office. Make checks payable to Gifford Address: ______Cat Shelter. Mail check and order form to Gifford Brick Fundraiser, ______30 Undine Road, Brighton, MA 02135. For more information, con- Phone: ______tact the Gifford Shelter at 617-787-8872, [email protected], or Email: ______Lisa Wehrle at 781-393-0135, [email protected].

Is this a gift? Check here if you would like a card announcing your gift sent to you: Please make my gift card out to: ______6

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In Memory Gifford Cat Calendar 2008 A beautiful calendar featuring photos and success stories of Gifford and in Honor Shelter cats. All proceeds from the sale of this calendar will be used to The Gifford Cat Shelter would like to provide food and medical care for our current resident cats. thank all of our generous donors and to acknowledge the following special Help us to add more success stories for 2009! intentions. YOUR DONATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE! In Memory…

Order online at Of Mim from John and Sheila www.giffordcatshelter.org Magovern or send your check/money Of Kelly Ward Deininger and order for $15 plus $4.00 Dave Murphy from Carol Jamison shipping/handling to: Calendar and family Order, Gifford Cat Shelter, Of Swenson Koppel from Lowell 30 Undine Road, and Barbara Koppel Brighton MA 02135 Of Tanya DeGeorge from Joan Schirmer Of Mr. Blackwell aka Webster from Jim Puppo Of my beloved cat Fleur who died in March ‘07 from Elaine Foster In Honor …

Of Sunny, Gus and Teddy from Sharon and Michael Mullen Of the marriage of Bill Deininger and Judy Stone from Carol Jamison and family Order online at Of Jazzy and Toby, adopted in www.giffordcatshelter.org January ‘04, from Marilyn Jackson

Comings & Goings

Destiny O’Brien, shelter director, has recently left to pursue Susie Aisner has joined the Gifford staff as our live-in shelter her long-time dream of becoming a veterinarian. In her manager. Susie has many years of experience as a veterinary eight years at the shelter, Destiny implemented a number of technician, shelter manager and animal cruelty investigator. improvements to better the lives of our cats. She is starting She has a special interest in humane education and will be veterinary school this fall and we want to wish her all the best working to develop our programs in this area. Please join us in her new career! in welcoming Susie.

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has arrived in your mail! your in arrived has

mews ood g

Return Service Requested Service Return

Brighton, MA 02135 MA Brighton,

30 Undine Road Undine 30

ifford Sheltering Home Sheltering ifford G M. Ellen

Your Donation Makes a Difference! Enclosed is my tax-deductible donation to the Ellen M. Gifford Sheltering Home. I would like to be a:

$500 Gold $350 Silver $250 Bronze “Bo” Donor “Millie” Donor “Midge” Donor

For my medal-level donation, please send me a gift book about cats appropriate for a: young child older child adult (please circle your preference)

Friend of the Gifford Shelter $10 $25 $50 $100 Other $______

I would like my For the renovation fund Wherever it is most needed donation to be used: For the Hero Fund to help meet the veterinary expenses of special needs cats

I would like to order ______calendar(s). I am enclosing $15 for each calendar plus $4 shipping and handling.

Name If you prefer, you may make an Address online donation using your credit card City State Zip via PayPal’s secure server at: Daytime Phone Email www.giffordcatshelter.org

The Ellen M. Gifford Sheltering Home Corp. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and all donations are tax-deductible as permitted by law

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