Cat Lovers and Happy Endings

I thought I didn't have time to volunteer until a stray cat named "Momma Cat" became sick and prompted me to call a No Kill Animal Shelter - "HAPPY ENDINGS". Momma Cat had been around for a couple of years for food and attention, but remained an outdoor cat. Unfortunately, after I made an appointment to take her in to HAPPY ENDINGS - Momma Cat never came back and I have never seen her since. I pray that someone else took her in as I know she roamed the neighborhood (had even been someone's indoor cat at one time) - I can't think about the alternative of what may have happened. I already had three of my own cats so I could not take her into my home. I had not wanted to take her to the Humane Society because I couldn't bear to think that she would be "put to sleep". I still went to HAPPY ENDINGS and told them Momma Cat had not shown up and dropped off some supplies for the shelter. I asked if they needed volunteers - of course they did!

So began my volunteering. There are many reasons to volunteer (pick something you are passionate about). I started out taking care of the cats, but really they were the ones giving back to me! We receive cats at HAPPY ENDINGS for different reasons: a stray who has no home, an owner who cannot physically or financially take care of their cat, the owner is moving and is not taking the cat with (note: make sure your apartment allows cats when you move), the animal was abused, the soon to be spouse is allergic or just doesn't like cats, or a new baby has arrived and the cat cannot adjust. These are just some of the reasons. We do not euthanize our cats for convenience sake - only when in a veterinarian's professional opinion the cat is in a state of terminal suffering.

HAPPY ENDINGS does not receive any community or government grants. We are run solely on donations and fund-raising events. This leads me to my next item - our annual auction! It will be held on Saturday, November 17th. We are looking for auctionable items and also for people to attend the auction. This can be a piece of furniture or artwork you are tired of - or little items that we can use in baskets, - OR - if you work somewhere that would like to donate a gift certificate. We would also appreciate any items simply placed in a brown paper bag by a group of co-workers - and we would be happy to make the basket up for you! Some types of items are: scrapbook theme basket or a chocolate lovers basket. Tickets to sporting events are popular. Pet themed items are also fun. We are a 501(c)(3) not for profit charitable organization so your donations are tax deductable. So while the boys are away deer hunting - the girls can play - buy Christmas gifts - or items for yourself at the auction! It will be held at the Knights of Columbus, 3200 South 103rd Street. Doors open at 2:30 for viewing and the auction begins at 3:30. Bring a friend, buy some stuff, and support a good cause! I am the auction coordinator - so if you are interested - or would like more information please e-mail me as I would love to hear from you.

The shelter is in Milwaukee at 5349 West Forest Home Avenue, but takes in cats and adopts them out to all communities within the Milwaukee Metro area - I happen to live in Waukesha. The cat of the week - is "Krissmiss". I am not sure how or where she got her name, but she is a beautiful Tortoiseshell. She was born 3/2003, is altered, and is up to date with shots. If you are interested in viewing Krissmiss or other cats, or just want more information on our shelter please see our web-site: www.happyendings.us. Click on the "View Pets" link on our web-site.

If you are interested in helping the shelter there are many things you can do: Volunteer if you have time. If you are short on time but can contribute financially, we will make sure your money goes to the aid of the animals (we are all volunteers - no one receives payment - not even our Director). Vet bills can be expensive! You can also drop off new or gently used bathroom rugs (size 21x40 works best - or if a little larger that's ok too - with a rubber backing works the best - but double sided rugs are good too!) - we use these in their cages. Also needed are non-clumping cat litter - clay type, heavy duty trash bags, paper towels. Please see our web-site for other items. For those who are gifted with the ability to sew we also need shelf pads for the little ledges that the cats have in their cages. Any kind of cute or colorful material is just fine! ( I will add the dimensions at another time - please e-mail me if you are interested!).

This is my introductory blog - I will soon share stories and other events relating to my feline friends. To some people a cat is just a cat, but to me a cat is one of God's creatures. If their bellies are full and they are purring with content - I am all the better for having helped another being. You too can make a difference!