October 2022
Inside this issue:
- This Halloween treat a black kitty, like Picasso, with a sponsorship until she gets adopted
- Happie Cat Tales -- Meet Nacho, a kitten with cerebellar hypoplasia
- Vanilla Twist's luck twists 180 degrees thanks to the Ochiltree Foundation
- It's official -- Phoenix has two new hips
- The 2023 Calendars have arrived!
Happie Tales --
Fun fact: Did you know that the "H" in Patricia H. Ladew stands for her middle name, Happie?
Meet Nacho
Nacho and his family were relinquished to Animal Care Centers of Brooklyn by their family when Nacho was newborn. Shortly after arrival to ACC, the family was transferred to us.
A few weeks later when the kittens started to walk, we noticed that Nacho was having a lot of trouble as compared to his sister, Tamale. It seemed he couldn't hold his head up and when he did, his head had a significant tremor.
After consultation with a neurologist, it was determined that Nacho was mostly likely was afflicted with Cerebellar Hypoplasia -- a condition that can occur when the mother is infected with a vaccine-preventable disease known as panleukopenia. The virus causes malformation of the cerebellum in the kittens in utero. His sister, Tamale was unaffected but Nacho had a severe case.
As time went on, Nacho became stronger and was able to lift his head, but he could not walk like other cats. He had no trouble getting around though, scooting around on his belly and much to our surprise was able to get himself in and out of the litter box. But, we were worried about finding a home for him that would be able to cater to his special needs.
One of our biggest cheerleaders, Sarah Watson, knew of a family that had a cat named Novie, who was just like Nacho. Their home was already set up to cater to Novie's challenges and would be perfect for Nacho. Sarah reached out to Novie's moms, Brooke and Cassidy, and they came to meet him. It was love at first sight.
Novie hasn't met her new little brother yet, but we're pretty sure she'll be able to show him the ropes.
To round out this Happie Tale, not only did Nacho's sister Tamale, now Luna, find her forever home but so did their mama, Taco!
Luna and her new family
Taco and her new dad, PHLF volunteer, Chris - (photobomb by Shiloh)
VANILLA TWIST'S LUCK TURNS AROUND
Vanilla Twist was found wandering the streets of Brooklyn with his left eye looking like it does in the top picture. A plea was sent to the New Hope Partners of Animal Care Centers (municipal shelters located in the 5 boroughs of NYC). New Hope Partners are a coalition of over 300 rescue organizations, including the Patricia H. Ladew Foundation, Inc., that are registered and approved by Animal Care Centers to take animals from ACC that are in need of medical care and not yet ready for adoption. It certainly appeared to ACC (and to us) that Vanilla Twist needed surgery, so only a New Hope Partner could rescue him.
The same day, we received an incredibly generous donation to our Emergency Fund from the Ochiltree Foundation. The timing was perfect to help Vanilla Twist.
We scheduled surgery for him, but while we were waiting, we decided it wouldn't hurt to put him on antibiotics and eye ointment so that it didn't get worse. And it didn't get worse, it got much better. It got so much better that we were able to cancel the surgery.
This little sweetie will have quite a scar on that eye, but we were able to save it and he will be available for adoption soon!
Thanks to the Ochiltree Foundation, we can now help another kitty in need of emergency care.
Sponsor a black panther this Halloween
Black cats evoke terror in the minds of some misguided and misinformed individuals, especially around Halloween. The very sight of one of our beautiful ebony felines sends chills up the spines of these "cat phobics." Some believe black cats are the embodiment of evil spirits, come to do them in. At the very least, most cat phobics believe that black cats surely bring bad luck. On the contrary, those of us who have had the very good fortune to have known or lived with a black cat, know that these fears and superstitions could not be further from the truth.
The breed of black cat that best exemplifies these mysterious sleek felines is the Bombay, a breed developed in 1953 by Nikki Horner, who crossed a black American Shorthair with a sable Burmese. Bombays are identifiable by their copper or yellow eyes and patent leather-like coats, jet black to the root, which cover a sensuous muscular physique. Named for the black panthers of India, many refer to the Bombay as a "parlor panther." These black beauties are highly affectionate, heat-seeking lap cats, who greet visitors with a friendly meow and a thorough inspection of any package or purse.
2-year-old Picasso came to us from Animal Care Centers in Brooklyn. She was found as a stray and was very stressed in a cage at ACC. Since she has been with us, we have found her to be a lively, social, sweet, affectionate, playful and people-oriented kitty.
Picasso is looking for a home, but until that happens, you can help this beautiful black panther by sponsoring her. Gift sponsorship is also available.
Phoenix is now recovering from double hip surgery
Phoenix was rescued from Animal Care Centers. Shortly after we rescued her, we noticed that her gait was abnormal so we sent her for diagnostics which revealed a problem with her hips. She then went for a consult and ultimately hip surgery at Animal Surgical Center, one hip at a time.
Phoenix is back in the Rec Room and is recovering beautifully.
Phoenix is available for adoption -- she is shy with humans and would do best in a quiet household with an experienced cat owner.
Thank you to all who donated to help her!
Our 2023 Calendar has arrived!
Help support the work we do rescuing cats and kittens from overcrowded municipal shelters. Many of these sweet kitties are in need of medical care to get them ready for adoption. You can help by ordering one of our calendars.
