Growing Da Nip Article requested by newsletter reader Nip Fluffbottom

Transcription

1 HPPR_March_2014_Newsletter.doc HPPR Newsletter, June 2017 Volume 5, Issue 6 Growing Da Nip... 1 Welcome Room Progress... 3 PAWSidential PAWdcast... 4 Dear Tabby... 5 Terri Lynn Cares... 6 Tupperware Fundraiser... 6 Yankee Candle... 6 Growing Da Nip Article requested by newsletter reader Nip Fluffbottom Chewy s... 6 Amazon... 6 Moon Doggie Coffee & Tea... 6 Find Us On Facebook... 6 Captured by the PAWparazzi!... 7 Mark Your Calendars... 8 Join Our Mailing List... 9 Our Wishlist... 9 Wooftrax... 9 Bissell Sweepstakes... 9 Bissell PowerLifter Raffle Bark Box Raffle Catnip and Catmint are the common names for Nepeta cataria, a hardy perennial herb of the Mint Family, with pungent fragrance which is highly attractive and exciting to cats. Catnip grows to a height of three or four feet, and features downy, light green foliage with small lavender flowers that grow on spikes up to five inches long. Catnip grows well in almost any soil, but does best in a moderately rich loam that is well-draining. Its aroma increases when grown in sandy soil or via the hydroponic method. It will grow acceptably in either sun or shade. Catnip is easily propagated by seed, stem cuttings, or rootball division. Seed should be sown in rows late in fall or early in the spring and lightly covered. When sown in the fall, a denser crop is usually achieved. When plants reach five inches tall, thin so that they stand 12 to 18 inches apart. Catnip can also be started early indoors and transplanted outside after the last chance of frost. In the Garden Plant catnip in a place where your cats can rub and roll in it without hurting adjacent plants. Some cats like catnip so much that they lie on it, roll on it, and chew it to the point of destruction. If you find that to be the case, place some 1- to 2-foot-long bamboo sticks or thin dowels every 2 to 3 inches wherever you re growing catnip to make it impossible for a cat to lie on top of the plant. Catnip grows as a loosely branching, low perennial. In a flowerbed, you can plant catnip in front of purple coneflower, which blooms about the same time. The plant bears tiny blooms that are not very showy. You can also grow it in containers. For indoor cats, grow several pots that you can rotate between outdoors and indoors. Growing catnip requires a lot of light, so you ll need to move indoor pots back out every couple of weeks and bring in new ones. Also consider growing catnip near the vegetable garden as a way to attract your cat and thereby keep down the rodent population. (Cont d on page 2) 1

2 Homegrown Catnip (Cont d from Page 1) Soil, Planting, and Care Set out plants in the spring after the last frost, spacing them 18 to 24 inches apart. Keep plants full by pinching the growing stems and flower buds when they appear. The small white flowers that appear in the summer will form seeds that sprout; the plant also spreads via underground runners. Some cats are very rough on plants. To keep plants from being loved to death, cover each with an arch of chicken wire. The stems can grow up through the holes, yet the plant s base and roots are protected. Or, try interspersing with bamboo stakes to prevent cats from rolling on top of the plant. Many cats can t resist the fragrance and flavor of catnip. You can move a pot inside for an indoor cat, but be sure to bring it back outside so that the plant will get enough sunlight. Harvest leaves by cutting the stems anytime during the growing season. The foliage keeps its scent best when air-dried. Plant Height Catnip usually grows to a height of 3 to 4 feet (90-120cm). Propagation From seed. Start seeds indoors prior to the last frost. Catnip seeds will germinate in soil in approximately 7 to 10 days, but can germinate in as few as 5 or 6 days. USDA Hardiness Perennial. Zones 3a through 9b. Yes, Marley, it grows in Wisconsin! Soil Requirements Catnip grows fine in well drained, average soils. Sun & Lighting Requirements Catnip grown outdoors prefers full sun, but will tolerate some shade. Catnip will grow indoors satisfactorily under standard fluorescent lamps, and exceptionally well under high output T5 fluorescent plant grow lights, compact fluorescent, or high intensity discharge plant growing lights. Keep standard fluorescent lamps between 2 and 4 inches from the tops of the plants, high output and compact fluorescents approximately one foot above the plants, and HID lights between 2 and 4 feet above the plants, depending on wattage. Have an oscillating fan gently stir seedlings for at least 2 hours per day to stimulate a more compact, and sturdier plant habit. Water Requirements Water regularly, being careful not to overwater. Allow soil to go almost dry between watering, then soak thoroughly. Special Notes Catnip is known to attract MARLEY, bees, butterflies or birds and has fragrant blossoms. Catnip self-sows freely; remove flowers (deadhead) if you do not want volunteer seedlings the following season. Editor s Note: Do you have a topic in mind that you would like to see covered in the newsletter? If so, please send your ideas to webmaster@ourhelpingpaws.com. 2

3 Jean Tabor Welcome Room Progress Report We re Almost There! May 13th was a day of celebration! Helping PAWS volunteers gathered together to acknowledge and celebrate the hard work and substantial progress that has been made toward the completion of the new Jean Tabor Welcome Room. While the room is not yet finished, we are well on our way to making our dream into reality. Volunteers viewed the facility and learned about plans for completion and how the new room will be used. The celebration was also an opportunity to thank the volunteers and donors who have helped to make this happen. Three private donors: Lisa Potswald, Kevin Cheuvront (at left below) and Judy McCalla (at right below) were presented with plaques acknowledging their financial contributions. These plaques will remain on display in the welcome room along with art work, including the portrait of Marley, our first Helping PAWS PAWTUS. The celebration was also an opportunity to thank our corporate donor, The Petco Foundation, whose grant helped to get this project started. In addition to our larger donors, Helping PAWS also used this opportunity to thank the many smaller donors whose contributions to our project added up to big rewards, and to thank those individuals who donated their time and talents to designing and decorating the room, making it both functional and genuinely welcoming. The welcome room has been named for Judy McCalla's mother, Jean Tabor. Jean was devoted to all animals and shared her life with many spoiled and much-loved cats, dogs and birds. She passed away in 2005 and her daughter wanted to use her mother's estate to better the lives of animals. The welcome room seemed the perfect way to do that and to honor her mother. Jean would have been very proud. The Jean Tabor Welcome Room will be used for a variety of purposes. It contains a small isolation cubby where we can house new intakes until their health can be evaluated and we can be sure that they will not pose a risk to our other residents. The isolation cubby can also be used to keep animals with infectious conditions separate from other Helping PAWS pets. The main body of the room includes kennels and an open play area, and is the perfect place for those pets who need a quiet, stress-free environment. This would include new mothers and their kittens as well as shy, timid or frightened animals. It will also be an ideal place for prospective adopters to spend time with their potential new pets so they can interact with them in a more private environment. Helping PAWS volunteers and residents are thrilled with the progress that has been made and are excited to see the room complete and fully operational. We look forward to hanging out the Welcome sign to those pets in need of safety, love and a new home. Helping PAWS Pet Rescue, Inc. 939 W. Bayfield St ourhelpingpaws.com 3

4 PAWSidential PAWdcast By PAWTUS Marley the Magnificent Hi Everybody! It's me, Marley, here with your June PAWdcast! June is Adopt-a-Cat Month /Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month. HAS EVERYONE MET MY MOST RECENT SPONSOR KITTIES? Gatsby and Gabby are still waiting for their furever homes, and both are very playful and loving, and excited for their future homes! June is also National Pet Preparedness Month. This is timed for the first month of hurricane season, urges people with pets to make preparations in case they should be hit by a disaster and that includes making plans for what you would do with your dog in case of a hurricane, tornado, flood or other natural disaster. This comes just in time, as we have already had a small type of disaster in the area I live, in Rusk county. We had a tornado and strong winds with LARGE hail go through the area! One person died and many were injured in the county next to us, and many people lost their homes in both counties, it was very sad. But we had the chance to practice our disaster preparations - which did not go AT ALL according to my Mom's plans! My Mom discovered that I, Marley, am a "storm cat", and I would NOT leave the windowseat even when she tried to draaaaag me away! I simply sunk my claws in and stayed put to watch the storm because it was so fascinating! My sister Anna is also a storm cat. My partner-in-crime, er, um, I mean my brother Nicky thought the hail was great fun to try chasing, and he was pounding on the windows to catch it! Mom said Rummy was the only one with any sense, as he went down to the basement! June 4 is Hug your cat day - YAY, we get extra hugs! The first week of June, which is 4-10, is Pet Appreciation Week. Well, of course we should be appreciated! But shouldn't we be appreciated every week? YES! MORE TREATS MOM! Hmm, I'm seeing a problem with this next set of dates - I wonder if my readers can see it too? That's a bit of a trick question there: June 20-24: Take Your Dog to Work Week. June 21: National Dog Party Day. June 22, 2017: Take Your Cat to Work Day. June 23, 2017: Take Your Dog to Work Day. Do you see the problem? That's RIGHT! There is no CAT Party Day! Do you see the trick of my question? That's RIGHT! We cats would much prefer to remain comfortably at home and let the dogs do the work! ;) Well, I guess that is all for this month. Don't forget to check out my chosen sponsor pets at HPPR - they're waiting anxiously to meet you and show off their charms! Until next time, this is Marley, signing off! 4

5 Dear Tabby Dear Tabby: Someone described me as having a Napoleon Complex. Well, I AM short and stubby, but I don't tuck my foreleg into my vest (I don't even have a vest) and I don't wear silly, frilly, dress-up clothes, so what did she mean? I am not afraid of anyone or anything, no matter how big they are, but I think she meant it as an insult. If so, I AM insulted! Gorbie Dear Gorbie: I have just one word for you: Waterloo. Courage is a noble thing, but sometimes too much courage is just foolhardy. Short, stubby, little dogs should confine themselves to equally short, stubby, little opponents. Challenging German Shepherds or Pit Bulls will definitely bring you into close familiarity with the canine version of Waterloo. It will also acquaint you with places like the vet's office. Stop feeling insulted and learn from your experience by choosing more appropriate enemies. Have you considered launching an attack on a guinea pig or perhaps a gerbil? Tabby Dear Tabby: I am a handsome, glossy-coated, black cat who bears a striking resemblance to your PAWTUS, Marley. Personally, I believe if I had been entered into the PAWsidential campaign, I would now be PAWTUS and that Marley cat would just be an also-ran. My question is this, how do I get my mom to understand that I am meant for bigger things than just hanging around the house? I have ideas! I have ambition! I have plans to rule the world. Skittles Dear Skittles: Ambition is great, but you also need preparation and planning. Start small by launching a campaign for a more modest office. Does your neighborhood need a dog catcher? You will need some experience, since no one will vote for a PAWTUS who has never held elected office, will they? You will also need to subtly convince your mom that you were meant for bigger things. Order some hats bearing your campaign slogan and leave them lying around the house. Come up with something catchy like Make America Feline Again. Once you have prepared yourself and your mom for the big campaign, you will be ready to launch your new career. In the meantime, I would avoid hanging around with unsavory characters who could come back to bite you (both literally and figuratively) at election time, so no association with Russian Blues. Tabby Dear Tabby: It s snowing again! It s May 22! Isn t there a law against snow on this date? I m going to file an official complaint. Gorbie Dear Gorbie: We ve discussed this before. Repeatedly. Even Napoleon can t change the weather. Ask your mom to get you a little coat and booties or move to Florida and stay away from the swamps. Another alternative might be Arizona, but there you would have to deal with scorpions and rattlesnakes. Take your pick. Tabby 5

6 Remember to Shop at Our Merchant Partners Terri Lynn Cares Fruit, Nuts, Chocolates These are the same wonderful treats you get at many school and church fundraisers. According to those who have already purchased items from our site, the quality is exceptional. They make excellent gifts for any occasion. Helping PAWS gets 20% of the proceeds. Please patronize our TerriLynnCares store at: Our Tupperware fundraiser end May 31 st! Helping PAWS gets 40% of the profits. When someone places an order the products will be shipped directly to them within 9 business days. Our Yankee Candle Spring Sale is Underway! Candles and decorative items from Yankee Candle make great Mothers Day gifts. Enter Group # Chewy s Helping PAWS gets $20 with your first order from Chewy s made through our link: Amazon.com where HPPR earns a percentage of all your purchases made through our link: Moon Doggie Coffee and Tea Enter HELPING PAWS in the comments section at checkout and we will earn 20-30% of the purchase price. Find Us on Facebook 6

7 Captured by the PAWparazzi! If the PAWparazzi visit your house, be sure to have them send us their photos for inclusion in the newsletter. Photos, articles, and suggestions can be sent to A couple of BEARY cute kitties were adopted recently! Meet Teddy Bear and Sugar Bear with their new family! YOWL! I m almost outta catnip! Marley has been busily guarding the house against spring! Here I am on guard duty - as you can see, my brother and sister are being LAZY, but I am actively working to protect the house! PAWTUS Marley s foster cat, Gatsby (or Catsby if you prefer) Sugar Bear is admiring her own portrait at Helping PAWS Pet Rescue Helping PAWS Pet Rescue, Inc. 939 W. Bayfield St ourhelpingpaws.com 7

8 Mark Your Calendars Adopt-a-Cat Month Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month National Pet Preparedness Month June 4: Hug Your Cat Day June 4-10, 2017: Pet Appreciation Week June 11, 2017: World Pet Memorial Day June 11: Just One Day Mid-June: Animal Rights Awareness Week June 20-24: Take Your Dog to Work Week June 21: National Dog Party Day June 22, 2017: Take Your Cat to Work Day June 23, 2017: Take Your Dog to Work Day 8

9 Are YOU On Our Mailing List Yet? Are YOU on our mailing list? If not, why not? To join our mailing list, please subscribe at We promise not to spam you, and you can unsubscribe at any time by following the unsubscribe link within any mailing list . Our Wishlist Have YOU Programmed Your Cell Phone Yet? Make Money for HPPR Every Time You Walk Your Dog or Just Go For A Walk! Go to to get the app. The Wooftrax app can be installed on both Android and iphone devices, and as long as your phone is on while you walk with it, it will track your mileage and support our rescue with periodic payments. Be sure to select Helping Paws Pet Rescue, Inc in Washburn, WI as your supported rescue. After you download the app onto your smartphone, take the phone with you when you walk your pet(s) or simply when you go for a walk. Simply press the Start Walking for button and the app will keep track of your walk. When your walk is stopped it is credited to your selected shelter or rescue. The more people walking for that organization, the more we earn, so please spread the word. Bissell Partners for Pets Sweepstakes! Enter through August 1, 2017, at 5 pm EST. One vote per valid address. The shelter receiving the most nominations during Sweepstakes Period will win a $30,000 designated cash prize. Additional prize winners will be selected after the Sweepstakes Period in a random drawing from among all eligible entries with chances to win $5,000 (2), $2,500 (2) or $1,000 (5) for the selected shelter and a BISSELL product for the entrant. Go to and answer the 3 questions. Select WI from the dropdown menu, and Helping PAWS Pet Rescue, Inc. from the second dropdown menu. Enter your information, and hit submit. If you have multiple addresses, please enter using each one. This might just give us a chance to win a muchneeded prize! Please send to all your friends asking them to vote for us! 9

10 Bissell PowerLifter Vacuum Raffle Helping PAWS Pet Rescue, Inc. 939 W. Bayfield St ourhelpingpaws.com 10

11 Bark Box Raffle 11