Action Volunteers for Animals

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Action Volunteers for Animals June 2012 Your Donations at Work - Thank you 2011 Statistics We are proud to tell you that through the work of Action Volunteers for Animals in Toronto, neighbouring

Denise Harkins, AVA s President, trapped and transported over 250 cats and kittens for TNR.

1 Action Volunteers for Animals June 2012 Your Donations at Work - Thank you 2011 Statistics We are proud to tell you that through the work of Action Volunteers for Animals in Toronto, neighbouring regions and Hamilton: over 300 strays and ferals were TNR d (trapped, neutered, vaccinated and returned) by AVA volunteers. Denise Harkins, AVA s President, trapped and transported over 250 cats and kittens for TNR. over 100 stray and feral cats and kittens trapped by animal welfare supporters were TNR d at a subsidized fee almost 200 cats and kittens and seven dogs who had homes were fixed and vaccinated for individuals who needed financial assistance over 400 cats and kittens were adopted through the work of Toronto and Hamilton volunteers - over 90% of them came to AVA needing to be neutered 144 emergency and illness veterinary visits for cats and seven visits for dogs were subsidized by AVA 42 major dental surgeries were done for foster and general public cats. These are just some examples of the great work that AVA was able do in because of your generous support. Thank you. March Newsletter Didn t Happen Our apologies. We missed getting our March newsletter out - for a number of reaons. We ve reviewed how we handle the newsletter and expect that we won t have another such interruption again. Meet Blaze - a very unlucky then lucky kitten In late May, an AVA board member received a call about a 9-month old kitten who had been thrown from the 14th floor of an apartment building (this being investigated by Police). A quick trip to a vet clinic that works with AVA showed that the kitten had 11 broken (cont d on page 5) Action Volunteers for Animals ~ P.O. Box 64578, Unionville ON L3R 0M ~ Helping animals since 1972 ~ Reg. Charitable No RR0001

2 AVA Volunteers are the BEST!!! Action Volunteers for Animals would not be the well respected charity it is now without the dedication and heart of it s volunteers and we thank them from the bottom of our hearts and if the animals could, they would say the same. We want to thank the following volunteers (please forgive us if we have forgotten to list you below) for their tireless efforts. Markham/Richmond Hill Adoption Centres: These are our public face to the customers and potential adopters. They care very deeply and work diligently to ensure every adoption is the right one: Cheryl and George L, Christine C, Christie S, Sarah R, Mary and Mona S, Jenn, Nancy Y, Sue R, Grace J, Bernice R, Sheila C, Sylvia S, Pam D, Denise Foster Homes: Rocky R, Grace J, Jeanne D, Rick and Cindy R, Linda D, Mary S, Sue R. Storage Sorts: Sue R, Denielle D, Sheila C, Neelam O, Grace J, Sylvia S, Patty D, Caroline H, Karen C, Bernice R, Jeanne E, Rocky R, Janet A Canada Day and Unionville Farmers Market Community Table: Denielle D, Caroline L, Janet A, Grace J, Sylvia S, Bernice R, Karen C Newsletter, Mailings, Website: Rocky R, Rhiannon L, Caroline L, Grace J., Sylvia S, Yvonne W BINGO: Huge thanks to Laurie B and her volunteers, who continue to make our monthly BINGO sessions happen. Hamilton: Thanks to Beth M and Sherry P for coordinating AVA s cat adoption program, foster homes and fundraising in the Hamilton area. Their supportive volunteers are so much appreciated: Susan, Janice, Melissa, Kayla, Jamie, Amy, Julie, Dana, Barb, Rochelle, Jessica, Kathy, Roxanne, Sydney, Indra, Barb, Cheri, Dave & Fiona. Pet Photos with Santa at PetsMart: Janet A, Grace J, Bernice R, Pat and Jo-Anne, Millie Q, Catherine S, Denielle D, Chery F, Alex F, Nancy Y and her daughter, Mary S and her husband, and Heather J and Daley M. Board Members: Sue Ralph, Monika Little, Denise Harkins, and Denielle Duncan, who get involved with everything that needs to be done - cat rescue, administrative duties, public support and awareness... and 999 other things. Thank you to... Our corporate supporters: PetSmart Charities, Science Diet s Second Chance for Love Program, Storage Mart (1776 O Connor Drive, Toronto). The stores who support us and give our foster cats a place to meet the public: PetSmart (3155 Highway 7, Markham), PetSmart ( 225 High Tech Rd, Richmond Hill ), Ajax Pet Care Centre (363 Finley Ave, Ajax), Endless Tails Pet Nutrition Centre (1891 Rathburn Rd East, Mississauga), Precious Paws Grooming (282 Monarch Rd, Ajax), Global Pet Foods (Ancaster Town Plaza, Ancaster), Global Pet Foods (Upper Gage & Fennell Ave. E., Hamilton), Pet Valu (Appleby Mall, Burlington), Pet Valu (800 Queenston Road, Stoney Creek), Pet Valu (Walmart Plaza, Wilson St. W., Ancaster) The veterinarians who work with AVA, their clinics and staff for their amazing ongoing support. Science Diet s Second Chance for Love shelter program partners with AVA and donates pet food for all cats, kittens, dogs and puppies being cared for by AVA. Put the human back in humane - neuter your pets.

Feral or free-roaming is a term that has been used to describe a homeless cat that is undomesticated.

3 About Feral & Free-Roaming Cats Cat and kitten adoptions is a very visible part of what AVA does. A big part of the ongoing less visible work is with feral/free-roaming cats and the colonies they live in. What is a feral cat? Feral or free-roaming is a term that has been used to describe a homeless cat that is undomesticated. However, at first glance, it is often difficult to know whether a frightened cat was born without human contact, formerly had human contact and became unsocialized from living on its own or if it is simply frightened. What is a cat colony? A cat colony is a group of free-roaming cats that live in close proximity to each other. Colonies are often formed around shelter and a food source. What happens to feral cats in most animal control shelter? Cats who express feral behavior are consider poor prospects for adoption and are frequently euthanized. However, it is very hard to know if a cat is simply frightened in a shelter environment or if it has lived without humane interaction. Sadly many frightened tame cats are euthanized under the label of feral. What is TNR? Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) is a program that allows free roaming cats to live out their lives without adding to the homeless cat population. Cats are humanely trapped, vaccinated, spayed/ neutered, ear tipped to identify them as being altered and released back to their familiar environment. AVA puts kittens and tame cats into our foster program. Why do we ear tip cats? Ear tipping identifies free-roaming cats that have been sterilized. Ear tipping is completely safe and it is performed under general anesthetic. Ear tipping provides immediate visual identification, which alerts animal control that a cat is part of a colony. It helps colony caretakers track which cats have been neutered. What do colony caretakers do? Caretakers monitor the colony to insure new cats that appear in the colony are altered. They provide food and water for the cats, making their lives a little easier. Many of the cats in a colony come to know their feeding schedule and are waiting at for their caretaker to bring them food and water. Over time, some cats will bond with their caretakers and may even allow them to get within a few feet of them. Otherwise, they are fairly reclusive. Please don t litter. Neuter your pets.

What a fabulous bazaar we had, record numbers of people and many many favorable comments from the public about how much fun they had and the great deals they got.

To the many members and supporters who helped in some way during the year - give yourself a round of applause for collecting and donating the merchandise, doing pick ups, sorting and

Special thanks to our Bazaar Volunteers who helped make it such a success. Truck Drivers, Loaders and Un-loaders: Edel S, Herman, Sue R, Rocky and Barry R. 2011 Bazaar - WOW!

Heads of Tables: Sue R, Sylvia S, Mary H, Laurie B, Donna S, Patty D, Sheila C, Neelam O, Elizabeth and Les B, Chris G, Bernice R, Janet A, Kim H, Caroline H.

4 What a fabulous bazaar we had, record numbers of people and many many favorable comments from the public about how much fun they had and the great deals they got. We also had many customers tell us how organized and clean everything is at our event. We raised over $13,200, with expenses under $1,200. To the many members and supporters who helped in some way during the year - give yourself a round of applause for collecting and donating the merchandise, doing pick ups, sorting and pricing (this goes on year round at our storage sort days), setting up, unloading and loading, selling and spending your time and money at bazaar Special thanks to our Bazaar Volunteers who helped make it such a success. Truck Drivers, Loaders and Un-loaders: Edel S, Herman, Sue R, Rocky and Barry R Bazaar - WOW!!! Bazaar Organizers and Planners: Laurie B, Donna S, Sue R and Denielle D. Heads of Tables: Sue R, Sylvia S, Mary H, Laurie B, Donna S, Patty D, Sheila C, Neelam O, Elizabeth and Les B, Chris G, Bernice R, Janet A, Kim H, Caroline H. Bazaar Volunteers: Kasey D, Indie S, Eva L, Grace, Jason, Suzanne, Lindsay, Amy, Sandy, Florence Y, Alex F, Karen C, Diana D, Greg R. In January we held a small thankyou raffle for the volunteers and the following volunteers got a small token of our tremendous thanks: Patty D., Sylvia S., Laurie B., Millie Q., Caroline H., Sheila C., Jeannie E., Denielle D., Les B., Denise H., Laurie B., Sue R. Friends don t let friends have litters.

Happy Endings Helen was with AVA for a long time. She was rescued by AVA in December 2010 - and was about four years old.

5 Happy Endings Helen was with AVA for a long time. She was rescued by AVA in December and was about four years old. She settled in quickly When she was in an adoption centre, she loved sleeping in a wicker basket with a stuffed lamb - her favourite toy. Young kittens used to compete for a spot with her - because she would groom them. So many people said that she was a lovely cat, but another cat or kitten was always chosen. AVA volunteers worried about her - she was getting a little chubby (helped by treats and kitten kibble snacks) and we know that adult cats take longer to adopt. Late in February - her day came. We miss her, but we re so happy that she doesn t have to share the adults in her life with any other cats any more. Archie, a kitten living in Hamilton, is still looking for his new home with brother Sootie. However, he s able to look - and see. For a while, Beth and Sherry in Hamilton thought that an eye infection that had quickly become very nasty, might result in total blindness. An eye specialist listened to Archie s story, and after examination, said that the right eye would have to be removed. His clinic had an endowment for special cases, and Archie qualified. Treatment with expensive medications saved his left eye. He s back to playing tag and wrestling with Sootie while waiting for that special person or family. Blaze, the unlucky then lucky kitten (cont d) teeth, a broken jaw and a shattered knee. Blaze is young, and has responded exceptionally well to the surgical procedures which included the setting of his jaw, 11 extractions of broken teeth and the setting of his shattered leg with pins and plates. Blaze s vet bills have been very high and he needs more special care, x-rays and physiotherapy to complete his recovery. Any and all donations for this gentle little miracle boy would be greatly appreciated. Visit our website click on our Canada Helps button and select the fund designation for Blaze. Watch a video about Blaze. On our website s home page is a link to Blaze s page, which has a wonderful video about him. It s hip to snip. Spay and neuter your pets.

6 Important Bits and Pieces We Need Help from an Online Database Techie AVA wants to move its vet voucher system to an online database. Our webmaster is looking for someone who is familiar with online systems to help her build one for AVA. It s so much easier to learn a new program when you have someone knowledgable to start the process and provide support through the learning curve. We don t know what program we should use (easy to use, and free or inexpensive are important factors). We do know that we need a more efficient way to manage all our vet vouchers - and better reporting tools. Are you a database techie? Do you know a techie young person who might be interested? If so Grace, our webmaster would love to hear from you webmaster@actionvolunteersforanimals. com Join us Saturday, September 22 for our Annual General Meeting Wehn: Saturday September 22, 2012; 2:00-4:30 p.m. Where: 110 The Esplanade, (Jarvis and Front) just behind St. Lawrence Market, Toronto We will discuss various animal issues, what s been happening in AVA, present the financial statements and hold our elections. After the business portion of the meeting, everyone is invited to stay for conversation, delicious desserts, tea and coffee. Interested in joining the Board of Directors? You must be a member in good standing for at least two years, involved in AVA activities, and agree to serve for a minimum of two years. Nominations can be ed or mailed, and must be received by Friday September 7, There are no nominations from the floor at the AGM. Please call the AVA information line if you have any questions regarding nominations or the AGM. AVA is at Stiver Mill s Farmers Market, Unionville AVA will be at Stiver Mill Farmers Market in Unionville (Hwy 7 and Kennedy Avnue, Markham) with a public education table - talking about responsible pet ownership, stray cats, spaying and neutering and anwering questions. Volunteers are essential for the success of this table - so please consider giving a few hours to AVA on one of these Sundays: July 15, August 26, September 23 or October 7. The produce and baked goods are amazing. Last year there was live entertainment. Call AVA at and leave a message on line 4, or us at ava2009@actionvolunteersforanimals.com Friends don t let friends have litters.

While Trap, Neuter and Return (TNR) is the best way to manage a cat colony, sometimes colony caretakers are not able to maintain their colony - and we have to find new homes for the colony cats. Why?

7 While Trap, Neuter and Return (TNR) is the best way to manage a cat colony, sometimes colony caretakers are not able to maintain their colony - and we have to find new homes for the colony cats. Why? Areas being developed take over the natural habitat. The purchasers of nearby or the immediate property may disapprove of the cat colony We also bring strays into our foster program, and then find that over time, they do not adjust well to living indoors, but they don t have a colony that they can return to. So we are always looking for barns whose owners who will: provide an enclosed area within the barn for a period time necessary for the cats to consider that location their home and for the resident wildlife to consider the newcomers as members of their community. provide natural daylight, food, water, shelter from cold and sanitation. monitor the health of the animals. We Need Barns for Some of our Cats All these cats are spayed or neutered, have their full vaccinations and are clear of any parasites. As they may never had the opportunity to be handled closely by people, they would prefer that humans keep at arms length, but they do come to trust us for food, shelther, safety and a friendly voice. They can be wonderful farm helpers, because they do like to hunt rodents! If you have country property that could benefit from a couple of our cats, please call us at and leave a message on line 4, or us at ava2009@actionvolunteersforanimals. com. If you have friends or family who could benefit from some barn cats, talk to them about the benefits of having barn cats. Membership Renewal AVA members - please check the mailing label to find out if your membership is current. Your membership year is in brackets after your name members - thank you for your continuing support members - your support is important. Please use the form on the back page of this newsletter to join AVA for 2012 or use the CanadaHelps.org link on the AVA website if you would like to pay your 2012 membership by credit card.

8 Please accept this donation in loving memory of Elinore Gordon. ~ M. Gordon ~ In loving memory of Mousestache. ~ S. Treloar ~ In loving memory of our dear friend Anne Wood. Some of our long time members will remember her and her sister s beautiful and delightful art for so many years in AVA s newsletters and literature. She is sadly missed by many. In loving memory of my sister Anne Wood ~ Love S. Wood ~ In memory of Toby, who passed away Nov 14, He was a love sponge who gave us everything he had-himself. ~ B. Bell ~ Our dear friend and member Joan Good passed away. ~Fondly remembered by her family and AVA friends ~ In memory of Joan Good, Throughout her life she had rescued many cats and dogs and many were given warmth and love in her and her families homes to live out their days. She is sadly missed. ~ J. Gilliver ~ For Toby who passed away March 1, Toby was a farm cat, who was hit by a car and shot with BB pellets, then left for more than 2 weeks with no medical treatment. The owner took him to Georgina Animal Control, who fell in love with him but didn t have money in their budget. They called round to rescue groups in hopes of saving him, and AVA said yes. Eleven pellets were removed from his body and his tail had to be amputated. He enjoyed many pampered years before succumbing to cancer. Thank you to AVA for giving this wonderful sweetheart another chance at a good life. ~ Caroline ~ Name: Address: Prov: Postal Code: 2012 AVA Membership - $25.00 Donation $ I would like to receive my newsletter by . I would like to volunteer: Phone: at the Bazaar at Storage sorts with fundraising with the newsletter Members are kept informed about activities and wider issues through a regular newsletter. other (tell us): Tax receipts are issued at the end of each year. Action Volunteers for Animals ~ P.O. Box 64578, Unionville ON L3R 0M9 ~

Action Volunteers for Animals

Action Volunteers for Animals Spring 2013 New Feral Cat Recovery Centre After 9 months of work, viewing units and doing paperwork, we are currently occupying the new Feral Cat Recovery Centre. and we could