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Saving lives since 1948

A Letter from the President

It's Kitten Season

It’s kitten season again, a good time to remind us why spaying and neutering cats is so important. Unspayed female stray, feral, and other cats that are allowed outside, can average three litters in one year, with an average litter size of four. Cats can go into heat as early as four to five months old, and pregnancy is about 60 days. They can get pregnant again several weeks after giving birth. In seven years, one unspayed cat and her offspring can produce almost 5,000 kittens.

Kitten season for animal shelters means a huge influx of kittens that are adorable and often easily adopted, but sometimes at the expense of the possible adoption of older cats. Kittens under four-weeks-old who come in with no mothers require 24- hour care with feeding every two hours or so, cleaning, nurturing, and socializing.

At The Animal Haven, we will not adopt out a kitten until he or she has been spayed or neutered, which can safely be done at about 10 or 11 weeks of age. The goal of our mandatory spay/neuter policy is to reduce the number of unwanted cats as much as possible. Our hope is that some day there will be no more stray and abandoned cats. Rather, each cat with be a beloved pet in a wonderful home.

Linda Marino

President

Pet Story of the Month: Remy

About a year ago, seven-year-old Remy, who was partially disabled from a deadweight front left leg, was slated to be euthanized at a municipal shelter. We took her in when we learned of her plight. And, our vet amputated her leg to make her more comfortable.

During the time that Remy was at the shelter, staff and volunteers fell in love with her boundless energy and love of cuddles. Ten months later, enter Gary, Meredith and Adelaide, who were drawn to Remy's online profile, “but unsure if our family could meet her needs,” Meredith said. Eventually, they decided to meet Remy and try a sleepover visit at their home. “She was very calm overnight, tentative … but cuddly and peaceful,” said Meredith. By the next morning they were smitten!

Remy has been with her new family for a month now. “She is the sweetest, most lovable dog we’ve ever had in our family,” Meredith said. “She loves cuddling, lying on us and even falling into our arms to get some hugs. All she wants to do is be loved, and spend time with us. Dare we say she’s perfect?”

We are thrilled that Remy has found her perfect home.

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Focus On: Josephine

Behind Josephine’s mesmerizing eyes is a cat with a tremendous will to live. Just under a year old, Josephine was found outdoors by a volunteer who brought her to the shelter. It was soon apparent that Josephine, barely out of kitten-hood herself, was pregnant. She gave birth to seven babies, but not one was strong enough to survive. Josephine was

suffering from mastitis, a bacterial infection of the mammary glands and FIP (feline infectious peritonitis), an often-fatal disease. With excellent medical care, and loving attention from us, Josephine was cured, and is completely healthy and ready for a permanent home. Having been through so much, sweet Josephine has cuddles galore to show someone special just how much love she has to give. An adoption application can be filled out at www.theanimalhavenct.org.

Volunteer of the Month: Birgit Andreoli

“Spending time in the cat room makes my heart happy. I love the cuddles and the kisses I get. I always go home with a smile on my face and love in my heart.” Birgit Andreoli: Have you ever considered writing greeting cards for cat lovers? The quote from Birgit, one of our dedicated volunteers, was in response to questions as to what reward and satisfaction she gets from spending time at the shelter.

Tidy Spaces and Tiny Kisses

For the past year, Birgit has dedicated her time to making sure the cat rooms are tidy and supplied with fresh blankets and litter boxes ... and sneaking in a lot of kitty loving. “After cleaning," she said. “I’ll sit in the middle of the floor and give pets and cuddles and try to make friends with the shyer cats."

Doing Good Feels Good

After retiring from almost 50 years in the retail business, Birgit wanted to do

something involving animals. She began by mulching and weeding the shelter’s flower beds and soon became an indoor volunteer. Now she is in training to be a dog walker. “The biggest reward for me is being able to spend time with and getting to know all the different animal personalities,” she said. “The cats appreciate the clean litter boxes and the refreshing of food and water. Spending time in the cat

rooms makes my heart happy.”

Celebrate the Successes

Birgit adopted her cat, Lily, from The Animal Haven 12 years ago. “She was a feral kitten who had been adopted and returned because she wouldn’t come out from hiding,” Birgit said. “She loved my husband from day one but would not let me near her. After coming home from The Animal Haven on my first day she jumped up on the couch next to me, wanting pets. She hasn’t left my side since! If I knew that was all it took I would have volunteered there years ago!”

Although Birgit has been saddened by seeing the abused and neglected animals that come to the shelter, she also has had a chance to see and celebrate their healing. We thank you, Birgit, for your love and concern for the animals and for all you do for The Animal Haven!

Donate to The Animal Haven

Hours of operation: Adoption by appointment only.

If you are interested in one of the animals at the shelter, please fill out and submit an application on our website. If your application is approved, we will be in touch to schedule an appointment. Thank you.