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MISTY EYES ANIMAL CENTER NEWS
Uniting Pets With People
April 2025
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Dear Misty Eyes Friends and Family,
We’re still wagging our tails with the joy that came with the opening of Kitty City—and it’s going even better than we ever could have imagined! The cats are thriving in their new home, and the smiles on the faces of our volunteers and visitors say it all. Our Kitty City ambassadors, Mia and Leo, continue to work the room like pros, greeting guests, soaking up attention, and making everyone feel welcome.
As we look ahead, we’ve got some big projects on the horizon—and we could use your help. Whether you have time, connections, or resources to share, every little bit makes a big difference. If you or someone you know might be able to assist, please reach out to sheryl@mistyeyes.org. Here’s what’s on our current wish list:
- A permanent, paved parking lot to better accommodate our wonderful visitors and volunteers.
- A major outdoor cleanup—we’ve collected quite a bit of construction debris and materials that need to be hauled away. (Know someone with access to a dumpster? We’d love the help!)
- Painting the Administration Building to match our beautiful Kitty City. It’s a big job, and we’ll need plenty of volunteers and supplies to bring it to life.
We’re so grateful for the continued support of this amazing community. Everything Misty Eyes accomplishes is thanks to people like you—and the animals in our care are the biggest beneficiaries.
As summer approaches, we’re also gearing up for two exciting fundraisers!
- June Garage Sale—be on the lookout for upcoming donation drop-off dates and times.
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Mark your calendars for the 15th Annual Bow Wow Bash, happening Sunday, Sept. 28 from 12–5 PM at Washington Township Park! It’s one of our favorite days of the year, filled with furry fun and community spirit. If you know of a business that might be interested in sponsoring this amazing event or becoming a vendor, please reach out to sheryl@mistyeyes.org.
Thank you, as always, for being part of the Misty Eyes family. We couldn’t do this without you.
With heartfelt thanks,
The Misty Eyes Board of Directors
Misty Eyes Animal Center
Cherie L. Fox, Jennifer McCarty, Sheryl Francik,
Angie Coggan, Angela Buhr, Scott Butrum, Renee Harlor (Emeritus)
| | Animal Operations Updates | |
Building Update
Work continues on various projects in Kitty City and the Administration Building. We have cat-proof screening on our catio, but will be adding bug-proof screening, as well. Meanwhile, work continues on the former Cat Room, which is being renovated to be a Training – General Purpose Room. This work has been performed solely by volunteers. Their dedication, skills and hard work are truly an asset to Misty Eyes.
The Dog Room project is almost complete. To the delight of our Dog Room volunteers, we have changed the layout of entry into that room to ensure that no dogs can escape as visitors enter and depart the area. When time and weather permit, one of the west-facing windows will be replaced with a door to allow easy access to the fenced dog play area.
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Foster Families Needed!
In March, we had to turn away 169 dogs and cats in need of rescue because we did not have open foster home space. The more foster homes we have, the more animals we can rescue. It really is that simple. Misty Eyes provides all supplies and medical care for fostered animals...you just provide the love. Although we now have Kitty City, we are still primarily a foster-based rescue. It's always better when the cats and dogs can live in a home with a family. Thankfully, though, Kitty City has made it possible for us to save more adult cats than we would normally be able to accommodate.
We are frequently asked how we do it – how do we let them go? It is a bit of an emotional roller-coaster. Yes, you will miss them, but knowing they're going to a wonderful family and a brand new life helps ease the pain of loss. Remember, too, that when one is adopted, you can save another.
If you, or someone you know, might be willing to join our Foster Team, please ask them to submit a Foster Application online. The form can be found on our website under the Help Us menu, or use the link below. For more information about our Foster Program, please email Ida@MistyEyes.org. There are so, so many dogs and cats who need us!
| | Junior Volunteers - Misty Eyes Kids Club | | |
The cats in Kitty City enjoyed it when the Junior Volunteers read to them, so we will be doing it again in May. If you will be signing up for the class on May 21, be sure to start looking for a book you can read to the cats. The subject isn't important; your presence and attention is what they love. We'll be meeting on Wednesday, May 21, 6:30 pm-7:30 pm.
If your child is interested in being a part of Misty Eyes Kids Club (Grades 3-6), or Misty Eyes Junior Volunteers (Grades 7-12), please complete an information sheet for each student using the link below. Once we've received your completed information sheet, you will receive emails with links to sign up for upcoming meetings. If you have questions or need assistance with the information sheet, please email JV@MistyEyes.org.
Kathy Taraschke
Youth Outreach Coordinator
| | Photos With The Easter Bunny! | | We have one final session of photos with the Easter Bunny this Saturday, April 19th, 10 am-1 pm. We still have Easter baskets available for sale, as well! We hope to see you on Saturday! We're located at 616 South CR 800E (Dan Jones Rd.) in Avon. | | |
Rhett Butler
Rhett Butler is a charming 9 year old Yorkie-Poo whose owner had to make the difficult decision to surrender him. He is a friendly, happy 10 lb. dog who gets along with other dogs, especially the bigger ones, cats and children of all ages. He loves to play and be a lap buddy. Because he hadn't been groomed for some time, Rhett had to be shaved down quite a bit, but his coat will soon grow back, and he'll be the handsome Rhett Butler once again. If you'd like to meet Rhett, please submit an adoption application online by clicking the button below.
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Kenny
Kenny was found as a stray and was never claimed by an owner. He is strikingly handsome! He is loving with people, but not appreciative of the other kitties in his foster home; Kenny needs to be the only cat in his home. He is a bigger boy at 11 lbs. Kenny loves getting affection from his people and is a cuddler. He has good litterbox manners, but can be a little boisterous at times with the litter. If you are seeking a cat to be your companion and lap buddy, please submit an adoption application online by clicking the button below.
| | THANK YOU TO OUR LOYAL SUPPORTERS! | | |
Training Tails
LuAnn Keyton
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Do you avoid taking your pet to the vet because of their behavior? Fear free veterinarian visits are the answer!
Veterinary visits are essential for maintaining the health and well-being of our dear pets, but for many animals (and their owners), these trips can be a source of stress, anxiety, and even fear. Fortunately, the concept of fear-free veterinary visits is gaining momentum as a compassionate, science-backed approach that prioritizes the emotional well-being of pets while delivering top-quality medical care.
What Is a Fear-Free Veterinary Visit?
The Fear-Free initiative was founded in 2016 by Dr. Marty Becker, a veterinarian who
recognized that the emotional state of pets during vet visits was often overlooked. Fear-Free veterinary practices aim to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) through gentle handling, positive reinforcement, calming environments, and open communication with pet owners. This method doesn’t just make the visit more pleasant – it also leads to better health outcomes. A calm, cooperative pet is easier to examine, less likely to need sedation, and more likely to return for regular preventative care.
Key Components of a Fear-Free Veterinary Visit
- Pre-Visit Preparation
- Pet owners play a vital role in creating a stress-free experience. They may be advised to bring familiar items like a blanket or toy, use pheromone sprays in the carrier or car, or practice car rides to reduce anxiety.
- Some vets offer pre-visit pharmaceuticals (PVPs) – gentle anti-anxiety medications to help pets relax. This may include Trazodone and Gabapentin given the night before and the morning of their exam.
- Many vets will have scared pets and their owners stay in their car until their appointment time. The owner can be texted when their exam room is ready.
- Stress-Reducing Clinic Design
- Newly built Fear-Free clinics often have separate waiting areas or entrances for dogs and cats to prevent confrontations and noise stress.
- Calming music, non-slip mats, and dimmed lighting all contribute to a more soothing environment.
- Gentle Handling Techniques
- Staff are trained in low-stress handling methods, such as avoiding force and allowing pets to stay in carriers or on owners’ laps when possible.
- Exams may be conducted in the exam room rather than taking pets “to the back,” which reduces anxiety.
- Positive Reinforcement
- Pets are rewarded with treats, praise, and play throughout the visit. This creates a positive association with the veterinary experience over time.
- Communication with Pet Parents
- Veterinarians and technicians educate owners on how to spot signs of stress and how to create a calm, supportive experience before, during, and after the visit.
- Follow-up care may include behavior advice and desensitization plans.
Why Fear-Free Matters
Fear-based responses in animals are not only distressing, but can also compromise care. A frightened cat may hiss or hide, while a panicked dog might snap or struggle. These reactions can lead to incomplete exams, injuries to staff or pets, and a reluctance to return to the vet in the future. By minimizing fear, pets are more relaxed, and visits become safer, more effective, and more humane.
Information About The Fear-Free Program
The Fear-Free program certifies veterinary professionals, practices, trainers and groomers that meet its high standards. Please visit FearFreePets.com for additional information about this program.
Final Thoughts
Veterinary visits don’t have to be a source of dread – for pets or their people. Through the Fear-Free approach, clinics can become places of trust, comfort, and healing. As more practices adopt these methods, the future of animal care looks not only healthier, but happier too.
If you have questions or problems with training, please email me at LuAnn@MistyEyes.org.
| | LuAnn Keyton has been a Certified Training Partner of the Karen Pryor Academy since January 2008. She has been heavily involved in animal rescue for more than 25 years and saw a need to prepare animals for their new homes. She is also a STAR Puppy, Trick Dog and Canine Good Citizen Evaluator for the AKC. Contact LuAnn at LuAnn@MistyEyes.org. | | | | |
